Why is honey Kosher? What does the Koran say about
the honeybee? Where in Israel did the ancient Silk Road
pass? Answers to these and many other interesting
questions will all be part of your visit to Dvorat
Hatavor, a unique rural tourist attraction, just minutes
away from Mt. Tabor and the Sea of
Galilee.
The Ben Zeev family created this
attraction, which focuses on the production of honey and
silk, from, biblical to modern times. To put it in his
own words, Jigal Ben Zeev is, “an educated farmer”. In
fact – he is an agronomist with a specialty in sheep
herding. In 1967- 1968 he worked in Iran. He says that
while he taught the locals how to grow sheep – they
taught him how to grow silkworms. Ten years ago, he and
his wife Malka, established Dvorat Hatavor in Moshav
Shadmot Devora.
A visit to Dvorat Hatavor
entails a guided tour that lasts roughly an hour and a
half. Visitors advance from one ‘station’ to the next –
receiving detailed explanations at each stop. Your tour
will include a demonstration of honey bread removal, an
up close and personal look at bee hives (behind a well
fenced-in area - to ensure that you won’t be stung by
the bees) as well as a detailed explanation about silk
making and the related
mulberry
trees.
In the silkworm
building, you’ll see how silkworms are grown and find
out all about making silk and other products (such as
paper). Children will have the opportunity to make their
own beeswax candle and prepare a small magnet in a
special area that is set aside for these creative
activities.
Dvorat Hatavor is located very
close to Mt. Tabor, which was on the Israeli part of the
ancient Silk Road. Mt. Tabor is believed to be the site
Transfiguration of Jesus (although some scholars dispute
this). Silk production was a closely guarded secret –
which the Chinese kept to themselves for a very long
time. Even before the official establishment of the Silk
Road in the second century BC, silk was already a prized
commodity. In Israel, Baron Edmond de Rothschild tried
unsuccessfully to introduce silk making in Rosh Pina as
well as other places.
Dvorat Hatavor offers
a picnic area (see photo) that can accommodate 150
people. There is also a shop where you can purchase
honey and a variety of honey-related products and even
ornamental flowers made from silkworm cocoons. Like many
other places – there is also a small petting area, with
a variety of animals – which the children are sure to
enjoy.
A visit to Dvorat Hatavor should
prove to be both fun and educational. Ben Zeev
recommends making a reservation in advance, to ensure a
“personal touch”.
Download the Gems Partner
Discount Coupon Directions: Dvorat Hatavor
is located in Moshav Shadmot Devora, which is located
off Route #767, near Route # 65.
04/676-9598 TEL
050/326-160
Mobile
04/676-7459 FAX
Email:
Dvorat Hatavor Web
site:
Dvorat
Hatavor Visiting
Hours: Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Saturday, 9:00 AM –
3:00 PM, weekdays by prior arrangement only.
Entry fees: 24 NIS/pp, (age three and up).
Tip: For a beautiful view of the
Sea of Galilee, once you finish your visit to Dvorat
Hatavor, drive down Route #767 toward Lake
Kinneret.
