THE EITAM

The Eitam is a biblical city, part of the estate belonging to the tribe of Yehuda, in the area of Solomon's Pools, southwest of Bethlehem. The city is mentioned in the Book of Chronicles as having been built in Judah by King Rechavam in order to strengthen the land: “And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem and built cities for defense in Judah. He built even Bethlehem, and Eitam, and Tekoa " (Divrei HaYamim II 11:5-6).

In the days of the Second Temple, we learn from the Mishna that, "Rabbi Hurcanus had read under the terebinth in the village of Eitam." (Yevamot 12:6). Even Josephus Flavius, the famed Jewish historian of the Roman times, mentions the Eitam in his book, Antiquities of the Jews: "There was a certain place about fifty furlongs distant from Jerusalem, which is called Etham: very pleasant it is in fine gardens and abounding in rivulets of water. Thither did he use to go out in the morning, sitting on high, [in his chariot].” 

Today, The Eitam is the eighth hill of Efrat, which covers an area of about 1,500 dunams (370 acres) and will be the largest neighborhood of our burgeoning city. In 2018, the Ministry of Housing, in cooperation with the local Council, Civil Administration and the Israel Defense Forces, began initial planning process and in November of that year, began to build the necessary roads and mark the boundaries where our future community will stand. 

Since then we have been able to build a secure road to the area to facilitate further construction. And we have successfully established two farms which support the hill’s first residents, including a group of families, a herd of Jacob Sheep, their Shepherdess, and a pack of brave guard dogs who work tirelessly to protect humans and animals alike. But there continues to be a pressing need to develop fundamental infrastructure and meet the critical daily needs of these Zionist pioneers. 

Together, with your support, we can build the future of Efrat - and Israel - on the Eitam! 

If you are interested in becoming a private, foundational, or corporate sponsor of the Eitam project by making a significant financial gift, or providing an in-kind donation for our current infrastructure needs, please reach out to us at kefrat@efrat.muni.il. 

If you are interested in learning more about our future development phases (which include building long-term partnerships with our supporters in housing, urban planning, agriculture, sanitation, education, community wellness, security, economic development and more), please reach out to us at  kefrat@efrat.muni.il to schedule a call, or meeting in Efrat, with our Development Foundation today.