The story of Efrat: Efrat was established on Passover Eve, May 10, 1983 and was declared a
separate local council.
Its name was taken from the passage in Genesis, 38, 19: "And Rachel died and was buried on the way to Efrata". Efrat is located in Gush Etzion between Bethlehem and Hebron, 15
kilometres south of Jerusalem, about a 12-minute drive from Jerusalem
and a 30- minute drive from Beit Shemesh.
When one stands on the Zayit Hilltop or the Dagan Hilltop, two of most
northern neighborhoods, one can see the bible come to life – the
nearby lights of Bethlehem intermingling with the flickering lights
of Jerusalem on the horizon, a most breathtaking sight.
Efrat was established near the ruins of Gush Etzion, by Moshe
Moshkowitz (Moshko) a resident of the settlement of "Masuot
Yitzchak"(which was destroyed in the Israeli War of Independence) and
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin. Together they established a supportive and caring
community, both tolerant and religious.
Today, the population of Efrat stands at 8,500 residents comprised of
native-born Israelis, and immigrants from America, South Africa,
England and France. Efrat, the city of 8 hilltops, is in a state of rapid development and building. Efrat has a dynamic community and is comprised of 1,650 families,
8,500 residents from a variety of cultures who lead an exemplary
community way of life. Efrat has a progressive school system – national religious educational
institutions from kindergarten through high school, higher educational
institutions such as advanced yeshivot and a preparatory army yeshiva. Efrat enjoys a quality of life that is felt in every corner starting
from the lovely gardens, sitting areas, and playgrounds and extending
to the cultural social activities provided for its residents.
