Israel’s Tribes Meet Again in Rotem with Rachel Ben Sira

Can religious, secular, and traditional Jews build one community without anyone being asked to compromise who they are?Host Franny Waisman speaks with Rachel Ben Sira about life in Rotem, a tiny Jordan Valley community overlooking the biblical route through which the Israelites entered the Land of Israel. Founded by one determined woman on an abandoned army outpost, Rotem has developed into a rare meeting place for Israelis with profoundly different religious and political identities.Rachel discusses the beauty and difficulty of raising religious children in a genuinely mixed community, the disagreements that continued after October 7, and what allows neighbors to remain connected despite their differences. She also reveals the Jordan Valley’s hidden attractions—from enormous natural springs and spectacular winter landscapes to biblical sites, agriculture and a café so popular that visitors have arrived by helicopter.Rachel traces Rotem’s story to Shira Amosi, who returned from Ethiopia inspired to create a simple, authentic life connected to the land. Searching for a community open to every kind of Israeli, Shira eventually settled alone on the remains of a former army outpost. Without regular electricity or running water, she posted notices inviting others to join her. Slowly, a community began to grow.Today, Rotem intentionally includes religious, traditional and secular residents without forcing anyone into a shared middle ground. Rachel explains that this openness is inspiring but also complicated. Questions involving Shabbat, synagogue life, youth activities, music and standards of dress continually require families to decide how to participate while remaining true to themselves.The conversation also explores Rotem’s dramatic surroundings. Its hills become intensely green during winter and stark desert during summer, yet beneath the heat are enormous natural springs such as Ein Sukkot. From Rotem, visitors can see landscapes connected to Israel’s entrance into the land, Jacob’s journeys, and the story of Balak and Bilaam.Despite the Jordan Valley’s remoteness and difficult climate, its communities, farms and schools continue to expand. Rotem alone has a waiting list of more than 100 families seeking a quieter, more connected way of life.Ready to experience the Jordan Valley beyond the highway?Tune in to discover Rotem’s remarkable story, explore the region’s hidden springs and biblical landscapes, and hear what this unusual community can teach Israel about unity without uniformity.---------------- Ready to experience it for yourself? Visit https://judeasamariaexperience.com/ to plan your journey to Judea and Samaria.