Bar Yohai

Bar Yohai is a religious community settlement in the Merom HaGalil Regional Council near Mount Meron in northern Israel. The settlement sits on elevated terrain that ranges between 692 and 720 meters in altitude.

The settlement was founded in 1977 by Igud ha-moshavim shel ha-Poʻel ha-Mizraḥi and initially welcomed Soviet immigrants. Over time it became primarily home to Religious Zionist families.

The settlement takes its name from Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai, a prominent Jewish scholar whose tomb lies on nearby Mount Meron. This connection shapes the religious identity of the community today.

The settlement sits on a hillside, so good walking shoes are helpful for exploring the area. The terrain can become slippery after rain, so visitors should exercise caution during wet weather.

Many early residents left the settlement because the remote location proved too challenging to live in. This led to a complete transformation of the community by incoming religious families.

Location: Merom HaGalil Regional Council

Inception: 1977

Founders: Igud ha-moshavim shel ha-Poʻel ha-Mizraḥi

Elevation above the sea: 692 m

Website: http://bar-yochai.com

GPS coordinates: 32.99789,35.44894

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03