The village of Even-Sappir
The Essene Farm is an ecological health resort which serves as a retreat for supervised fasting and offers workshops of natural healing, Parma-culture and organic gardening, offering the opportunity to follow the life-style of the Essenes.
The Essenes, who were highly spiritual famers and healers, living in Israel 2000 years ago, were familiar with the secrets of good health and longevity. They ate vegetarian food, conducted fasts for spiritual and health reasons, and were the first people to grow sprouts. Following the spiritual way of life practiced by the Essenes, we also run the "Essene Ashram" on the farm, utilizing a spacious, renovated poultry house. The Ashram building functions as inexpensive accommodation for students studying and working on the farm.
The Essene farm is located in Even-Sappir, a small village in the midst of the green recreation area of the Jerusalem Mountains, only twenty minutes drive from Jerusalem. The village is built on the lush slope of a magnificent mountain range, surrounded by Mediterranean forests and an abundance of springs within short walking distance. The "Israel Trail" which is the most popular hiking trail in Israel, passes nearby, and Sataf – the Keren Kayamet le'Yisrael recreational and traditional agricultural center can be seen from the lodge porches. (We cultivate a vineyard in Sataf). "The St. John of the Desert" Franciscan monastery is a five minute walk from the farm (the Franciscans see their origins as stemming from the Essenes) and the Ein-Karem village, with its many picturesque churches, is only a ten minute drive from us. The Essene Farm can also serve as a base for travelers who wish to tour Jerusalem yet stay in the countryside.
The farm is open to volunteers who wish to experience the Essenes' way of life. It is our wish to see people developing spiritually through love and work, close to Mother Nature.
- The sign at the entrance
Please call +972 2 6449588 and ask for Dr. Zohar Katsir or contact us at: info@essenefarm.com and we shall be happy to assist you.
- Direction: Continue from Hadasa Hospital 100 m. down the road and turn left at the sign to Even-Sappir. Pass the gate of the Moshav and turn right. Keep to the right until you see the sign: Essene Farm – Ecological Health Farm. Parking on the left.
Bus 27 א from central bus station.
