Arutz 7
A Community That Feels Like Family in the Heart of a Nature Reserve
In northern Samaria lies the Torah-oriented town of Tal Menashe, surrounded by mountains, valleys, and a refreshing breeze even in summer. We met with some residents to discuss their experiences
Nestled in a prime location, with breathtaking views and a warm, Torah-oriented community, Tal Menashe offers a unique living experience. We visited the town to meet couples who shared their stories of choosing to live in what feels like a nature reserve.
“We were looking for a religious town with a community that matched our lifestyle, in a reasonably central geographic area—not in the middle of nowhere,” says Racheli Weiss, who came to the town after being invited for a Shabbat welcome weekend. “We fell in love with the place. We didn’t have any more questions. It was clear to us that we were moving here.”
Tzofia and Gilad Tzoran recount their search for a town that fit their needs. After exploring several options, they found what they were looking for in Tal Menashe. “We saw an ad for a small, friendly town in a convenient location,” Tzofia shares.
Nataniel Weiss explains that the special sense of family within the community convinced him and his family that this was their home. “We came here and immediately felt this was the place. The people are warm, kind, attentive, and caring. It’s great here—it’s fun for the kids, and it’s fun for us.”
Racheli adds, “It feels like living within one big family. On one hand, it’s a large town where people don’t get too involved in each other’s personal lives, but it’s not so big that you feel like strangers on the street. Everyone knows everyone. There’s a pleasant atmosphere in the streets, a sense of mutual assistance. It’s very enjoyable. The kids roam freely, visiting one another—it’s a very loving environment.”
Gilad highlights the wide variety of Torah classes available in the town, noting that “everyone participates as much as they want without community pressure.” Nataniel Weiss emphasizes the community’s spiritual aspirations. “The community seeks greatness and sanctity. The atmosphere is excellent. There’s a strong spiritual connection here,” he says. Racheli shares that there are plenty of Torah classes for women as well: “New classes keep being added. There’s even an afternoon Torah program for children. The town places a high priority on Torah study. It’s reassuring to know you’re in a place where people care deeply about Torah.”
Tal Menashe isn’t just about Torah and family-oriented community life—it also offers an exceptional connection to nature and the environment. Tzofia describes living in the heart of a nature reserve, surrounded by fascinating landscapes, wildlife, and trees. Nataniel Weiss speaks of the feeling he gets when stepping outside into the open spaces, the valleys, and mountains. “Breathing the air here opens your heart,” he says. Racheli adds a note about the pleasant climate: “It’s never too hot and never too cold—just perfect. There’s even a breeze in the summer. Life is great here.”
And the location? Tzofia praises it as outstanding, noting the proximity to Hadera Beach, Zichron Ya’akov, Caesarea, and many nearby hiking spots. “The location here is very convenient. Just 12 minutes from Highway 6 and Harish—it’s super accessible. It’s not a dangerous area, and there are no checkpoints on the way. It’s one of the nicest places to live,” Weiss concludes.