(Courtesy of Eretz Chemda) Ever wonder what life was like in Eretz Yisrael one, two or even three millennia ago? Ever wish your children had a better understanding and connection to the Land we know is Holy? Ever wanted to experience a deeper understanding of the Mitzvos Ha’Teluyos Ba’Aretz—the Torah laws that only apply to produce grown in Eretz Yisrael?
Who We Are
Upon direction from Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, zt”l to one of his prized talmidim—Rabbi Yosef Efrati Shlit”a—the concept of Eretz Chemda was born. It began in the 1980s as a kollel and beis medrash which were dedicated solely to studying the commandments connected to the Holy Land. Later, a premier educational center and school-based curriculum were added with the intent of spreading the love of the Land to children worldwide and serving as a place families could visit to learn, love and live the laws firsthand.
Visiting Israel?
Now, This You Have to See
If you’re one of the 60 schools and over 5,000 fifth- and sixth-grade students a year lucky enough to have the Eretz Chemda curriculum brought to your school, you already know our engaging and interactive style. But what most people don’t know about is our one-of-a-kind educational center. Located in the beautiful and centrally located neighborhood of Har Nof, Yerushalayim, this immersive multimedia adventure is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. In fact, in just one visit, you’ll understand why we can pretty much guarantee that families everywhere will add it to their itineraries and share it with everyone they know!
What Makes the Educational Center Unique?
Via privately booked groups with a minimum of five participants, you’ll spend quality time with your family on a lifelike trek through Eretz Chemda’s five-station Educational Center while deepening your connection with the Laws of the Land. Virtual Reality (VR) headsets transform visitors into farmers in Israel during the Mishnaic era and transport them to the period between Yetzias Mitzrayim and the Olei Bavel. Following the path through the different stations, the adventure will take you through a 25-minute video about the daily sacrifices these farmers made, interactive Q&A game tables and—perhaps the highlight of the experience—a large outdoor garden in the shape of the map of Israel. Even better, this garden is replete with actual growing produce, thus helping internalize the lessons of the land-bound mitzvos. The younger children of your group will enjoy using our scooters to navigate around this incredible, hands-on “classroom.”
The Eretz Chemda Educational Center will quickly become an unforgettable “must-visit” not only for the recommended ages 8 and up but for teens, adults and really everyone in your traveling party. This intimate setting will be among the top highlights of your visit to Israel. Its affordable per-person rates ensure that you and your children come away with a wealth of knowledge, cultivating a burning desire for and love of the Land.
Discover what 100,000 locals experienced last year alone!
During last year’s Shmita year cycle, the Mitzvos HaTeluyos Ba’Aretz were high on everyone’s radar. The Eretz Chemda Educational Center, under the leadership of Rabbi Yosef Efrati, was a popular spot for local Israeli families and school groups, with over 100,000 visitors. We eagerly await the opportunity to extend that experience to families visiting from all over the world. Along with your private entourage, you’ll walk away amazed, inspired and connected to the widespread beauty of Eretz Yisrael, making it truly Eretz Chemda-Tova. U’Rechava.
We can’t wait to greet you!
To visit us please check out our website www.eretzchemda.org
