Yesterday I had the opportunity to take part in one of the activities organized by KKL-JNF in honor of the Pesach holiday. The activities took places at three spots in and around the Adullam-France Park – a gorgeous expanse of gentle rolling hills and natural Mediterranean scrub located south of Beit Shemesh. The site features four archaeological sites from the Second-Temple period and a network of cycling and hiking trails, many of them developed with the support of Friends of KKL-JNF in France (hence the park’s name).
KKL-JNF Archaeology Garden in Givat Yeshayahu. Photo: Yoni Sheffer
The first activity was at the KKL-JNF compound at the park’s main entrance, located near Moshav Givat Yishayahu. Three different activities, all in the spirit of the holiday, took place here. The first was a guided tour of the archaeological garden, which displays an interesting range of archeological findings from different historical periods. The tour was led by guides from the Israel Antiquities Authority in cooperation with KKL-JNF. Those participating enjoyed a journey through time as they learned about the customs and way of life of the people who lived in this region hundreds and thousands of years ago.
Bird’s eye view of Adullam-France Park. Photo: Yoni Sheffer, KKL-JNF
Another activity that took place at the KKL-JNF compound was building bricks out of mud. Children (and their parents) learned how houses were built in the distant past. Building with mud produces structures that unique and beautiful, and there are places where houses are still built in this way.
The third activity at the compound involved creating mosaics. Participants chose a template on which they pasted colored mosaic stones, creating mosaic pictures in the holiday spirit.
Sitting beneath an ancient olive tree. Photo: Yoni Sheffer, KKL-JNF
The second site where activities took place was the Srigim Recreation Site at British Park. There, a KKL-JNF guide led visitors on a short walk along the Terebinth Trail, which encircles the recreation area. On their return, they were greeted by two costumed artists who led the children in song and dance. The children and parents enjoyed light refreshments that were provided by KKL-JNF, in addition to popsicles that were handed out to the children (and to anyone else who wanted them). Next to the tables with the refreshments were mats that the guests sat on after they came back from the walk around the recreation site.
Exploring the Burgin Ruins. Photo: Yoni Sheffer, KKL-JNF
In addition, there was a ‘snakes and ladders’ activity station, involving a giant gameboard spread out on the ground. The game included cards with various questions and riddles about the land and forests of Israel.
Children creating mosaics. Photo: Yoni Sheffer, KKL-JNF
The third site where activities took place was Khirbet Burgin (Burgin Ruins). This is an enchanting site that can be reached by a 15-minute drive through the incredibly beautiful Adullam-France Park (some people call it the Israeli Toscana). On offer was a walking tour for the public, led by KKL-JNF guides in two shifts. The walk began aboveground, where various archaeological findings could be seen, such as oil presses and the remains of various structures.
The second part of the tour took place underground, through refuge tunnels and caves located in the vicinity of Khirbet Burgin. Parts of the walk necessitated crawling through the tunnels and flashlights to show the way. The walk took about an hour and a half, in order to give the participants time to also enjoy the other activities that took place in the area.
This was a very interesting day, full of adventures that connected us to nature and to the culture and history of the various sites that we visited. I personally really enjoyed myself and learned quite a bit, despite the limited time and the heat wave.