Hafetz Haim
Hafetz Haim | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country | Israel |
| Council | Nahal Sorek |
| Region | Shephelah |
| Affiliation | Poalei Agudat Yisrael |
| Founded |
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| Website | Kibbutz Hafetz Hayim |
Hafetz Haim (Template:Lang-he-n, lit. desirous of life) is a religious kibbutz in central Israel. Located in the Shephelah, it falls under the jurisdiction of Nahal Sorek Regional Council. In 2006, it had a population of 450.
History
The land on which Hafetz Haim was established was purchased by the Jewish National Fund, and first settled on 15 August 1937 as a tower and stockade settlement. It was named Sha'ar HaNegev, and then Kfar Szold (after Henrietta Szold). However, on 13 November 1942 the community moved to the Finger of the Galilee, where they established a new kibbutz, also called Kfar Szold.
On 25 April 1944 a new kibbutz was established. The founders were religious pioneers from Germany and members of the Ezra youth movement and Agudat Yisrael who had been preparing near Kfar Saba. It was the first village founded by Agudat Yisrael and was named after Yisrael Meir Kagan, who was also known as the Hafetz Haim after one of his famous works with the title “Chofetz Chaim”, trans. Desirer of Life.[1]
Archaeology
In 2010, a Byzantine-era octagonal wine press measuring 6.5 meters by 16.5 meters was discovered in excavations near Kibbutz Hafetz Haim.[2]