Neot Kedumim Park: 7 Tips For Visitors

Neot Kedumim is a nonprofit organization and nature reserve that preserves 620 acres of land between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem so visitors can view the land as it was in the time of the Bible. Neot Kedumim was awarded the Israel Prize in 1994 by the State of Israel for its contribution to society and the state of Israel.

Every year visitors set out to Neot Kedumim to experience its ecological and cultural preserves. Visitors can participate in the parks various programs, self-guided or guided tours, or even host Bar and Bat-Mitzvahs.

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Below are seven helpful tips to consider when planning a visit:

1. Take Advantage of the Park’s Programs
The park offers several educational faith-centered programs. For Jewish groups the park offers three seasonal programs — a spring and summer “Seven Species” program, a fall “Ingathering Festival and Four Species Tour,” and a winter “Olive, oil, and Menorah” program. For Christian and interfaith groups the park offers bible programs and tours. Neot Kedumim also offers historical leadership and environmental programs.

2. Choose the Right Trail
The park has four self-guided trails marked with signs so that guests can learn and experience the park at their leisure. While trails A, B, and C are easier and are paved as to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, trail D contains tougher terrain and is unpaved. Be sure to pay attention to signs for directions and information.

3. Know your Plants
The biblical “four species” — the citron tree, the date palm, the myrtle, and the willow — are all plentiful within the park. The park has over 80 different plant species that can be seen together in few other places.

4. Eat
The park offers a biblical cooking class where visitors can eat and cook like their ancestors. During the class, guests make pita bread, olive oil with hyssop spice (picked from the park), roasted wheat kernels, and salad (with plants gathered from park grounds).

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5. Plant a Tree
Neot Kedumim is home to the Hertz Tree Planting Center, Israel’s first ceremonial tree planting center. Planting a tree in Neot Kedumim is a way for visitors to leave their individual mark on the park’s environmental preservation efforts.

6. Be Aware of Park Hours
This may seem simple but it is important to keep in mind that the park observes the Jewish Sabbath. Sunday — Thursday the park is open from 8:30AM – 4:00PM but closes at 1:00PM on Fridays. The park is closed on Saturdays.

7. Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is large and mostly outside so visitors should be prepared to be standing or walking almost the entire time. Fodor’s Travel review suggests leaving at least two hours to explore the park. Closed-toed shoes are best as the park is home to a variety of plants, insects, and animals.

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