Binyan Chadash

Originaly settled in 1984 by a group of immigrants from Yemen led by a teacher, Zecharya Dori,  Kiryat Netafim was planned as one of a group of new settlements and communities forming a line between Ariel and the Israeli city of Rosh Ha’ayin. Its name represents the many natural wells which in ancient times provided the water sources for the area. Today, there are 150 families who make up the expanding number of residents who have chosen to live there due to its image as a pleasant and young community offering new housing opportunities.
 

The young couples who have purchased homes in the expanding community now make up the backbone of Kiryat Netafim’s population. Together with the original residents they share in the management and planning of the community. A sports park and club house host the activities of its youth organizations providing a friendly environment for the youth who are studying in high schools or preparing for their military service. Three playgrounds provide a safe environment for the children of the community, and kindergarten and child care facilities have been opened and quickly expanded to accommodate the fast growing population of young children.
 

As a religious community, Kiryat Netafim supports three synagogues: Ashkenazi, Sefardi, and Yemenite reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the members of this successful and closely knit community.  Only the Yemenite Synagogue is situated in a beautiful and permanent structure. The other two synagogues make due in their temporary sanctuaries, which are converted and remodeled caravans.
 

The current Ashkenazi synagogue, constructed from converted caravans, opened in 2000 at the start of the Intifada. The caravans at that time were an improvement as religious services were previously held in a private home.  The situation of the Ashkenazi congregation today has grown uncomfortable since the original caravan structure can no longer accommodate the growing population.  The number of congregants including women and youth for the past High Holidays was so great that a number of congregants were forced to sit in seats outside the door.