Definition
Kerem Ben Zimra is a moshav—a type of cooperative agricultural settlement—in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel.
Overview
Located near the city of Safed and the Lebanese border, Kerem Ben Zimra was founded in 1949 as part of the post‑World War II effort to establish new Jewish communities in the newly independent State of Israel. The settlement is administered by the Mevo'ot HaHermon Regional Council. Over the decades, the moshav has developed a mixed agricultural and residential character, with many of its residents working in farming, nearby industry, or commuting to larger urban centers.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Kerem Ben Zimra” (Hebrew: כְּרֵם בֶּן זִמְרָא) translates as “Vineyard of the Son of Zimra.” It commemorates Rabbi Shimon ben Zimra, a medieval Jewish scholar and mystic whose burial site is located in the vicinity of the moshav. The term “kerem” (vineyard) reflects the area's historical association with viticulture.
Characteristics
- Agriculture: Traditional crops include grapes, olives, and various field vegetables; some residents also engage in orchard farming and dairy production.
- Demographics: The population consists primarily of Israeli citizens of diverse Jewish backgrounds. Current population figures are recorded in the range of several hundred residents, reflecting modest growth since the settlement’s establishment.
- Infrastructure: The moshav features a communal center, educational facilities for children, and a synagogue. Transportation links connect Kerem Ben Zimra to nearby towns such as Safed and Kiryat Shmona.
- Cultural Significance: Proximity to the grave of Rabbi Shimon ben Zimra makes the moshav a modest site of pilgrimage for those interested in Jewish mysticism and the study of Kabbalah.
Related Topics
- Moshav (type of cooperative agricultural community)
- Mevo'ot HaHermon Regional Council
- Upper Galilee
- Israeli settlement history (1948–1950)
- Rabbi Shimon ben Zimra
- Agriculture in Israel
- Safed (Tzfat) – nearby historic city.