Judean Desert

Let us tell you the inspiring story of Boaz Ido, the founder of Carma, who connects people to Israel’s biblical heritage through his high-quality olive oil. From Ancient Stumps to Flourishing Orchards Boaz Ido: A Mission Begins Boaz Ido didn’t just start a business; he embarked on a mission. Living in Alon, he founded Eretz Bereshit, or the “Land of Genesis,” an educational farm that brings the ancient world to life. Visitors are greeted in the style of Abraham, sitting on the floor in oriental tents, sipping herbal tea, and snacking on dates and almonds. Boaz’s connection to the Bible...

Boaz Ido, one of the producers in our Lev Haolam family, is just such a man. When Boaz faced the problem of how to grow a flourishing olive grove while all he had were a few weak and withered trees, he knew he had to put the Torah first in his business, and G-d would bring the increase. To understand the situation that Boaz found himself in, we need to look back to 1979 when 10 Jewish families first started the settlement of Kfar Adumim in the Judean Desert. These early pioneers planted 47 acres of olive trees to support...

It’s only been in recent decades, since the site came under Israeli governance, that Israeli excavations have uncovered the canyon’s incredible history and made it accessible to the public. Nahal Prat is mentioned several times in the Bible. It marked the border between the Tribe of Judah to the south and the Tribe of Benjamin to the north.In 1 Kings 17, the Prophet Elijah flees Mount Carmel after his showdown with King Ahab and seeks refuge by the Cherith Brook, which is widely believed to be Nahal Prat. In Jeremiah 13, the Lord tells Jeremiah to take the sash from...

This hilltop is the home to 50 idealistic families who built their houses, planted their trees and paved the roads of their village with their own hands. We meet Tamar Rund in front of her house, as she greets us with a smile and a hot beverage. Even on a warm spring day, the winds of Pnei Kedem are cooling. She invites us inside to a beautiful living room that is covered with oil paintings of Judean landscapes. “My daughters picked those paintings from my collection” she smiles, “they like having a changing exhibition in the house”. Tamar, 33, was...