Rosh Pina - the cornerstone

Rosh Pina is a small community just east of Tsfat. Jewish settlers moved here from Tsfat in about 1878. It was not easy, but fortunately, Baron Rothschild helped at a time when they were having particular difficulties. He helped with the costs of building homes and of building a synagogue - the one I am standing in front of in the top photo.

Two notable past residents of Rosh Pina were Dr. Gideon Mer and his wife, Zina. They spent many years doing research on malaria. This disease was once quite prevalent in the area because the marshes in the Hula valley were a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Their contributions helped improve the treatment of malaria. In the bottom photo, our guide Nadav Keller is shown standing in front of a display honouring the achievements of Gideon and Zina Mer.

At Rosh Pina, there is a beautiful garden, in the shape of a minora. JNF-Canada has played an important role in helping to fund the improvements in the garden.