Meet Leshem – The New Hot Spot for Religious Anglos
By ALAN ROSENBAUM(photo credit: HAREI ZAHAV)
Leshem, a settlement of 450 families, joins the list of attractive options for English speakers who want to live in a Sabbath-observant and religious environment, with religious educational institutions, synagogues and an active community.According to various estimates, more than 200,000 Americans live in Israel. Many of them have chosen to settle in Israel’s center, especially in large cities such as Modi'in, Beit Shemesh, Raanana and Maale Adumim. But those who seek the tranquility of the countryside, without compromising on an English-speaking religious community, have focused primarily on the town of Efrat, located south of Jerusalem.Now, there is a newer and younger alternative, for those seeking proximity to the central region.Leshem was established seven years ago, is just 25 minutes from Tel Aviv, 20 minutes from Ben Gurion Airport and 10 minutes from Highway 6, Israel's main traffic artery. Today, 450 families live in the town, including several dozen who hail from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.The settlement is planning on welcoming 120 additional families in the coming year to the new residential project developed by the Harei Zahav real estate development firm. The project offers 5-room apartments in various sizes and configurations, including balconies and spacious gardens for large families.The settlement itself spans two hills surrounded by olive trees and natural woods, and is situated 360 meters above sea level, providing views of the Mediterranean and Israel’s central cities, from Hadera in the north to Ashdod in the south. The community has several kindergartens, an elementary school, synagogues, and provides community services for the entire family.
