Beit Yelin in Motza

All the information about Beit Yelin in Motza, more than 120 years ago: a Jewish family left Jerusalem and moved to the Motza valley, toward Nahal Shoreq, where they built the first, solitary Jewish home there. This family was that of Yehoshua Yelin and his wife, Sarah (Sorach), who decided that the time had come to fulfill their hearts' wish, long held. Their attachment to the land and the agricultural farm they worked enabled them to endure only a few short years after their arrival, until the establishment of the Motza moshav. The house that was built in 1890 stood in ruins and desolation in the Motza area until just five years ago. Then, the Council for the Preservation of Sites restored it, and it is used today as a visitors' center where you can hear the fascinating and unusual story of the founders of the Motza moshav and of the Yelin family members—who are an example and a model of pioneers, perseverance, and love of the land. On the site there are two picnic tables, arranged restrooms, an orchard, a vineyard, and a plot of ancient olive trees. The house is open to the public on Sun–Thu (days א–ה׳), between 09:00–13:00. Visits are by prior arrangement. A place for picnics and tours with activities in the courtyard of the house. Guidance can be provided on-site or an independent tour can be arranged. Entry to the ancient synagogue is accompanied by local people. Recommended reading books: "Lekhú venelkhá" ("Go and let us walk")—only the synagogue is mentioned there, because Beit Yelin had not yet been established; published by Yad Ben-Zvi; written by Ran Aharonson. Reading literature: "The Settlers on Har" ("המתנחלים בהר") by Rivka Alper; Ariel Publishing. "Memories between Jerusalem" ("זיכרונות לבין ירושלים") by Yehoshua Yelin; Ariel Publishing. "Motza—A Story of the Land of Israel" ("מוצא- ספור ארץ ישראלי") by Meir Broza; Kannot (כנוטת) Publishing. A short film about the site is shown during every visit inside Beit Yelin as part of the tour. Another interesting place in the area: Einot Talm in the Etz Ha'Arez (Valley of the Cedars), the Twins monument in the Valley of the Cedars. A hiking route that also includes a visit to Beit Yelin—an excursion to Har Hareth and Motza.