Type of Community: Yishuv

Region: Center

Religious Percent: 15

Tzur Hadassah, named after the Hadassah Women’s Zionist Organization of America, was founded in 1965. It is nestled in the hills of the Jerusalem corridor and is surrounded by several national parks and other small towns. The lifestyle is similar to that of a yishuv; there is a strong community atmosphere. It has a heterogenous population of traditional, Orthodox and secular young and older families.

Local Employment
Most people commute to work outside of Tzur Hadassah.

Accessibility to Employment
Located between Jerusalem and Bet Shemesh. Most people are employed in the Jerusalem area but there are those who work in the Tel Aviv area as well. They usually drive to Bet Shemesh and take the train to the Tel Aviv area.

Education / Youth
There is one Mamlachti elementary school called Hadassim. The Mamlachti-Dati elementary school is adding one grade each year and currently has a 1st and 2nd grade. Older children commute to schools in Jerusalem. There are over 10 preschools in the town.
There are local chapters of Bnei Akiva and Telem (associated with the Reform movement).

Transportation
There are frequent buses to Jerusalem and Bet Shemesh.

Olim Services
Although there are many English speakers, most of them are married to native Israelis or made Aliyah when they were young adults. It is suitable for those Olim who would like to join a fully integrated community.

Amenities / Services
There is a local library, sports facilities, many playgrounds and a horse ranch.

Community and Religious Life
There are several Sephardi synagogues, one Ashkenazi synagogue, and a Reform congregation.
Most of the English speaking religious families are members of the Hatzur V’Hatzohar Ashkenazi synagogue. It is comprised of approximately 50 native Israeli and English speaking families. Rabbi Lev and Sara Cooper, who are both English speakers, are very active in the community. Lev is the Rabbi of the synagogue and Sara is the principal of the new Mamlachti-Dati school. The congregation is very active with special Tefilla for children on Shabbat as well as family holiday activities and lectures. They also organize community wide events to encourage community spirit and camraderie.
Rabbi Ofer Bet Sabbath is the leader of the Reform congregation. It is an active community with a wide variety of Jewish cultural and social activities.

Real Estate
A full range of housing possibilities are available ranging from 4-room apartments to houses.
Rental: 4-room apartment = 3500 NIS per month
Purchase: 4-room apt. = 950,000 NIS

Tzur Hadassah forum for real estate: http://tzur-hadassa.org.il/aforums/f403.php

Neighborhoods
There are three neighborhoods: Old Tzur Hadassah, New Tzur Hadassah (or Emek) and Har Kitron. Most of the younger Orthodox Ashkenazi families, including the English speaking ones, live in the first two neighborhoods.

Source: Nefesh B’Nefesh

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