Merkaz Shapira

Since Corona, we were unable to visit new communities and see friends. Today we went to see Merkaz Shapira, which is approximately a 40 minute drive from Beit Shemesh towards Ashkelon. Pre pandemic we had heard of an expansion project, what they call in Israel a "harchava."

Our friends in Merkaz Shapira have been living there for 20+ years. Upon entering the community of 500 or so families, a clear yellow fence closes the area off on Shabbat. To the left is Yeshivat Ohr Etzion, a school for boys. We located a pizza shop, another eatery, electric store, a small grocery store (running joke is that it is called Super Hashlamlot instead of its real name). The streets have many round abouts, known as kikars, a large Sephardic shul, one large playground and area for ganim (school aged children). We could not locate the Ashkenazi shul or library, though we were told they have it. 

Public transport within the town was sparce. There were two bus stops we spotted that bring to what we saw, the Big Mall in neighboring Kiryat Melachi. It is there that an Osher Ad can be found, Rami Levy, Shufersal and doctors offices. The parallel grid streets made it a very manageable place to visit and not get lost.

The community was larger than we had expected, with some areas featuring private homes (that reminded us so much of the USA), but mostly ground level side by sides (what is known as a du mishpachti). It was also humid, like Rechovot weather. Roughly 10% or less in the community are Anglo. It was unclear to us where olim would be given services - - a question for a Nefesh be Nefesh advisor for sure. 

We learned this weekend about mamad school, madmat, and mamach. Merkaz Shapira has a madat school where the boys and girls are split after a certain age for learning. 

It was really nice to see a community that's growing, and real grass. There are currently plots of land being sold for 1.6 million to build, such that if a group of 5 to 10 olim buy together, it could really be a lot of fun. The schools also have a fantastic reputation. Another perk is that the area is equidistant from Be'er Sheva and Tel Aviv. Getting to Jerusalem is about a little over an hour (without traffic). We did not see if there was a direct bus line outside by the highway or train station. 

It is beautiful to once again visit new areas, compare different architecture and structure of communities. Slowly slowly, we hope to see more places and experience this beautiful country. 

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