Chanukah Family Festival in Nitzan, 5786
Two-day Chanukah family festival (Wednesday–Thursday, 27–28 Kislev / December 17–18), at the Torah VeHa'aretz Institute campus in Nitzan. NIS 10 only! Visitors' Center | Chanukah-themed treasure hunt in the Garden of Mitzvot | self-guided tours of the Garden of Mitzvot | fishing game | Chanukah Kahoot! | sign game | arts & crafts | VR binoculars (additional fee) | family photos opp. *Activities are in Hebrew
What's on the program?
Visitors' Center, a Chanukah-themed treasure hunt in the Garden of Mitzvot, self-guided tours of the Garden of Mitzvot (ask for the English guidebook), a fishing game, Chanukah Kahoot! (Hebrew), signs game, arts and crafts, VR binoculars (Hebrew, additional fee), and family photos opp. in ancient-style clothing and with the Seven Species.
Food stalls onsite. Our books will be available for purchase.
The event will be held in all weather conditions.
Ticket price, subsidized by Eshkolot: NIS 10 only!
Register here
For details and inquiries:
Contact us: 073-328-0027, 08-684-7088, nofar@toraland.org.il
or through the website at the link here.
To visit on other days, click here.
Chanukah Family Festival FAQ
Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Through the Eshkolot website (Israel’s Touring and Heritage Centers), here.
Q: Can we arrive without registering in advance?
A: We recommend registering ahead of time, but you may also arrive without prior registration. You can add participants on site, but you cannot remove participants who were already registered.
Q: What if I paid in advance and didn’t come?
A: Tickets are sold via Eshkolot (not directly through us). Please contact them on their website or by phone: 053-303-5067, 08-663-0030.
In any case, if an event is cancelled due to Home Front Command instructions, you will receive a full refund.
Q: The Eshkolot website only allows up to 10 tickets per purchase, and we are a group of 30. What should we do?
A: Make three separate purchases, each for 10 participants.
Q: From which age do children require a ticket?
A: Tickets are required from age 3.
Q: How do we get there?
A:
Waze: “מרכז התורה והארץ”
Google Maps: 4 Hashahulit Path, Nitzan
There is clear signage from the entrance to Nitzan. Do not confuse us with the Katif Heritage Center.
Q: What are the festival hours and how long can a family stay?
A: The event runs from 10 AM to 2:30 PM. Latest entry at 1 PM.
A full visit usually takes about 4.5 hours, so we recommend arriving as early as possible. Those arriving later (until 1 PM) can still enjoy the event and choose which stations to go to.
We recommend staying for at least 2.5 hours (not including meals or breaks).
The site closes at 3 PM (our staff goes home for candle lighting).
Q: Can we buy books on site?
A: Yes. Our books in Hebrew and English are available for purchase. English books include: Mitzvot of the Land in a Nutshell, The Laws of Orlah for the Bachyard, The Consumer's Guide to Shemitah, and The Grapevine (a children's book). Hebrew books include halachic guides, research books, children’s books, books by Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, and more.
Q: We already visited with a school group or on a previous tour. Should we come again?
A: Absolutely. The Garden of Mitzvot is rich with content and can be enjoyed many times, and the Vsitors' Center also offers a meaningful repeat experience. In addition, the festival features activities not offered in a regular tour.
However, if you attended the Chanukah festival last year, we suggest waiting another year before returning.
Q: Which ages is the event suitable for?
A: For all ages.
– Some stations are designed for preschool-aged children (arts and crafts, fishing game).
– Others are suitable for elementary-age and up (sign quiz game, Kahoot!, VR binoculars, treasure hunt).
– Many activities suit the whole family (family photo-opp., garden tour, Visitors' Center).
Adults will also enjoy the additioanl educational content.
Q: Is the site accessible?
A: Yes! The entire complex is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers and includes an elevator. We have an accessibility certification.
Q: Are there bomb shelters or protected areas onsite?
A: Yes, there are several protected areas.
Q: Can we buy food onsite?
A: Yes. Food stalls (for purchase) include: hot dogs, fries, popcorn, cotton candy, Tropit drinks, and canned beverages.
Q: Can we come on other days of Chanukah?
A: By prior registration only.
Q: Are the activities Chanukah-themed or general?
A: Some are Chanukah-focused (treasure hunt, quiz, crafts, fishing game). Others are general.
Q: Is there public transportation to the center?
A: Yes. Bus line 152 from Ashkelon or Ashdod to the “Sderot Hakotzer / Morad Hanachal” stop in Nitzan. From there, it is a 12-minute walk to the Torah VeHa'aretz Institute.
The bus runs once an hour. Travel time: ~40 minutes from Ashdod, ~35 minutes from Ashkelon.
Q: Are there other things to do in the area?
A: Definitely! You can integrate other heritage and family sites in your visit. For a full list of recommended trips, click here.
Based on past experience, we recommend dedicating you’re a full 4.5 hours to the event rather than trying to squeeze in additional attractions—especially during Chanukah when families head home early for candle lighting.
To view the Eshkolot Chanukah tours flyer, click here.
Q: Is the event suitable for English speakers?
A: Yes! Films are available in English, the main multimedia room includes English subtitles, and an English booklet and treasure hunt is available for the Garden of Mitzvot.
Rabbi Moshe Bloom, head of the English Department, offers English guidance for individuals and groups by prior arrangement.
Q: Will there be Minchah minyan?
A: We try to arrange a Minchah minyan for those interested around 12:00–13:00.
Q: How can we contact you?
A:
Email: nofar@toraland.org.il
Phone/WhatsApp (9:00–15:00): 073-328-0027 or 08-684-7088 ext. 3
Or via the website at the link here.