Latrun Tank Museum - Yad LaShiryon

This past summer my nephew completed his training in the IDF tank division. The ceremony, took place of course, at the Latrun Tank Museum or Yad LaShiryon.

kids playing on old tank at Latrun Tank Museum

After the ceremony, our kids ran off to climb and play with the endless array of tanks dating back to earlier wars (possibly War of Independence) as well as today's high-tech models.

Although I hope all tanks will be turned into tractors speedily in our days, my kids definitely had a blast (no pun intended) playing with these (non-functional) machines of war. On a more serious note, the museum also provides an appropriate backdrop to discuss why we still need an army and as a remembrance of the brave soldiers who died protecting our country.

Just a 20 minute drive from Ramat Beit Shemesh, the tank museum is educational and fun for the whole family. My only suggestion is to go when the weather is a bit cooler as the whole place is outdoors....unless of course you plan on cooling off at the gorgeous Yishi pool.

For more information about hours and entrance fees, call 08-978-4352.

Camp Landau Color War 2010

One of the summer highlights for boys in Ramat Beit Shemesh, is the famous Camp Landau. Headed by Rabbi Yehoshua Landau, the camp celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

With amazing, energetic and talented staff, the boys enjoy great sports, swimming, and awesome day trips (the beach, water parks and more).

The camp usually runs from after Tisha b'Av for 2 weeks, providing kids a great, wholesome and fun environment.
For girls, Mrs. Landau runs Bnos (girls 1st grade and up) and Camp Kinderlach (younger ages for boys and girls).

As parents we have so much Hakoros HaTov to Rabbi and Mrs. Landau for the wonderful camps they run each summer.

One of the most exciting parts of camp is color war. Above is a video of the first day of color war. Team White got some Breslov guys to come with their white van and dance with all the campers. Check it out...

Eilat - Dolphins, Ibex, Coral Reef and More

After blogging about Ein Gedi, I found some fantastic videos and pics of a trip we did to Eilat. I know it's a long way from Ramat Beit Shemesh, but it's well worth the travel. The amazing color contrast between the blue of the Red Sea and the reddish brown of the ancient mountains of Edom is awesome.

(As an aside, I would suggest that Frum folks visit Eilat only between December-February. The weather is pleasant, but cool....so things are relatively Tzanuah, and just about all activities can be done in an appropriate environment.)

My favorite place to visit in Eilat is the Dolphin Reef. You can hang out on their huge deck getting up close with the dolphins, scuba dive or snorkel with them, or just collect shells and beautiful rocks at their private beach. You can spend hours there with the whole family. Check out the amazing "conversation" this staff member has with one of the dolphins on the video above.

8 year old kid scuba diving at the Dolphin Reef in Eilat

Next up is the Underwater Observatory. Here you can view the incredible, natural beauty that exists a few feet under the surface of the Red Sea. With gorgeous coral and exotic fish, you will be blown away by the Niflaot HaBoreh! This too is a great family trip and one can easily spend several hours going thru all their water exhibits with sea turtles, sharks being fed, colorful and fascinating fish and much more.

Other water activities include snorkeling and scuba diving in a coral reef area, wind-surfing, and para-sailing.

Moving inland, you can do some amazing hikes (like the Red Canyon), go rappelling, go camel riding, or visit Kings City. Even sightseeing in hotels like Herod's Palace is a tourist attraction, with their super-luxurious lobbies and historical interior design.

There is so much to do in Eilat, that you will definitely find something fun for everyone!

Little Violinists in Ramat Beit Shemesh

Regina Eliaz, a resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh A, is really passionate about her work. Every day from 9AM until 9PM she is teaching children (and teens) to become great violinists. Trained professionally in Russia, she combines expert instruction with affectionate care, treating her students like her own children.

Some of the students rehearsing for a recent concert

Recently the students performed in the Matnas (on Nachal Dolev) and really impressed the audience with their solos and groups performances.

Although violin lessons are a bit pricey (around 500 NIS/month for 8 or so lessons), it provides a wonderful outlet (kinda like the baseball Chug) for musical children while potentially creating rewarding careers for those who excel.

So next time you hear some violin in Ramat Beit Shemesh, it might just be Regina or one of her many students playing.

Tzora Dairy Farm

My sister-in-law, her son and a weird cow in the background

My sister-in-law is visiting us from Toronto and I thought that she and her 2 boys would enjoy a visit to a local dairy on Kibbutz Tzora. Well....it seems that neither she or her sister (my wife) exactly share my enthusiasm for the refreshing fragrance of cow. Lots of cow.

Despite that minor issue, I and the kids (except for my daughter who help her nose the whole time) had a bovine blast.

We got to watch as the cows filed into the milking station, were milked and then returned to their lovely, "sparkling clean" pens (or whatever you call the place they stand/lie/eat/etc. in).

Room with a view

We also got to see the Tnuva truck come and fill up with fresh milk for delivery to their processing plants. The driver took samples to check for various properties to ensure that the milk met Tnuva standards.

The best part in my mind is that this little trip is only 5 minutes from Ramat Beit Shemesh (Kibbutz Tzora is off of Highway 38-right next to BIG), it's totally free and highly educational (now my kids know where the milk comes from-YUM).

Milk cow on Kibbutz Tzora near Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel

Next time you are looking for something to do with your really bored kids, hop over to Tzora to check out the Dairy. (Milking is daily at 12PM.)

Baseball in Ramat Beit Shemesh

Friday afternoon in Ramat Beit Shemesh. It might be 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit), or cold and rainy, but no matter what, Rabbi Lavey Freedman is in Ayalon Park playing baseball with the neighborhood boys.

Rabbi Freedman made Aliyah 11 years ago and brought his passion for baseball to Israel. Recognizing a need for wholesome, healthy outlets for the local kids, he started the popular, weekly baseball chug.

Kinda like little league baseball, the games help the boys learn the rules and fundamentals of the sport, along with teamwork and sportsmanship. With expert and relaxed instruction (and pitching), Rabbi Freedman keeps the games going smoothly, ensuring that no matter what, the boys have a good time, improve their skills, and develop good Middos (character traits). Check out the short clip below!!




The 9 inning game is open to boys aged 7-12, just about every Friday and Erev Chag, throughout the year. For more information, contact laveyfreedman@gmail.com .

Best Market in Ramat Beit Shemesh Aleph

Everyone I know likes good food. However, for many people, shopping can be less than fun. We won’t go into too much detail here, but some shops can be hygienically challenged, crowded, unorganized, and sorely lacking some of our favorite foods.

That’s why there was dancing in the streets when Dil V’Zol Makolet (grocery store), opened Best Market — a full-service supermarket in the new Park Center on Dolev street. OK....maybe not dancing, but it sure was a party in the aisles for me. I made my rounds throughout the whole store, taking in the cleanliness, the beautifully displayed fresh produce, baked goods, and just about anything I might need in terms of food (or other household goods).

Everything was organized and relatively easy to find. There were also plenty of familiar products from the US alongside top-quality Israeli ones. The variety and selection sure helps me get whatever I need — all under one roof.

They even have mini-shopping carts for kids...keeping them happy while we shop (although it can be a bit tough at checkout when we need to return all the candy the children loaded up on).

One of my favorite parts of the store is the meat section. With the famous butcher Alon Frank providing friendly and expert service, it’s a pleasure shopping for my carnivorous tendencies. (Just as a note, the fresh chicken is under Rav Auerbach supervision and the fresh meat is from Rav Machpud.)

Alon Frank behind the meat section display

For years, the only time I could get real filet mignon with a Mehadrin hechsher was at El Gaucho in Ramat Gan or some other similar restaurant. Now with Alon at the helm of the meat department, Rav Machpud’s filet mignon or sirloin steaks are readily available...folks...if you don’t have a grill...now is the time to get one. With these great cuts of meat at our local butcher, you don’t need to go out to a restaurant anymore.

Anyway, I can go on and on about meat…but I realize some of you might be vegetarian….so let me just say, shopping at Best Market is a very pleasant experience in all regards. They even have “baggers” who help put all the groceries in bags and then into your cart. It’s really great.

In terms of parking, they have some spots right outside the entrance, but there is also an above-ground parking garage with easy access to a giant, clean elevator where you can easily wheel your cart, into and out of the store.

Next time your pantry is bare….check out the Best Market in Ramat Bet Shemesh.

Update: It's 2025 and a whole lot has changes, but Best Market is still going strong. Although with so many other major super markets in the expanded neighborhoods, clientele is no doubt stretched thin. 

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