Nataf

Nataf
Founded	1982
Council	Mateh Yehuda
Region	Jerusalem corridor
Coordinates	31°49′56.28″N 35°4′4.44″E / 31.8323°N 35.0679°E / 31.8323; 35.0679Coordinates: 31°49′56.28″N 35°4′4.44″E / 31.8323°N 35.0679°E / 31.8323; 35.0679
Nataf
Website	natafnik.com

Nataf (Hebrew: נָטָף‎‎) is a communal settlement in the Judean Mountains, 12 miles west of Jerusalem, Israel. It is under the jurisdiction of Mateh Yehuda Regional Council. In 2006, Nataf had a population of 387.^[1]

Geography

Nataf is situated on a ridge bounded by Kefira Valley to the north and Hamisha Valley to the south; the elevation is around 500m above MSL. It lies at the end of a 3-mile road that passes through Abu Ghosh.

History

Nataf synagogue

Nataf was founded in 1982 on private land purchased from residents of Abu Ghosh. ^[2]It overlooks Nataf Valley, a popular hiking destination. Nataf spring is watered all year round and has a number of small freshwater pools. The name Nataf is of biblical origins and referred to the incense Stacte. Many of the residents are Modern Orthodox. The village has a unique unaffiliated synagogue with three sections for prayer: a men's section, a women's section and a mixed section.^{[citation needed]}

Notable residents

• Avram Burg

References

1. ^ Terra Incognita: From Nataf to J'lem
2. ^ Terra Incognita: From Nataf to J'lem