A Sweet Start to the New Year: Palace Modi’in Residents Visit Kibbutz Beekeeping Farm

Residents of Palace Modi’in, part of the Azrieli Group’s network of assisted living communities, marked the approach of the Jewish New Year with a special and particularly sweet outing to the beekeeping farm at Kibbutz Ma’ale HaHamisha.

The visit offered residents an opportunity to enjoy an educational and hands-on experience while learning about one of nature’s most fascinating creatures — the honeybee.

From the hive to the honey jar

During the visit, the residents toured the apiary and were introduced to the daily work involved in beekeeping and honey production.

They also had the opportunity to experience honey extraction, gaining a first-hand look at how honey is collected from the hives and prepared for consumption.

The visit included an introduction to the world of bees, their social structure and the important role played by the queen bee in maintaining the hive.

The residents learned about the complex organization of the colony and the essential contribution bees make to nature and agriculture through pollination.

A taste of fresh honey

The tour concluded with one of the most enjoyable parts of the day: tasting fresh honey straight from the hives.

For many of the participants, the experience combined education, nature and a festive atmosphere — making it a fitting way to welcome the approaching Rosh Hashanah holiday.

"A wonderful way to open the New Year"

Riki Sofer, Cultural Director at Palace Modi’in, said the residents were deeply moved by the experience.

“The residents were very excited, and the visit to the apiary was a wonderful way to open the New Year.”

The outing was part of Palace Modi’in’s cultural and enrichment activities, which provide residents with opportunities to travel, explore new places, participate in hands-on experiences and enjoy social activities outside the community.

Celebrating the spirit of Rosh Hashanah

The visit to the Ma’ale HaHamisha apiary carried an additional symbolic meaning ahead of Rosh Hashanah, a holiday traditionally associated with wishes for a sweet New Year.

For the Palace Modi’in residents, the combination of nature, learning, friendship and freshly harvested honey provided a memorable beginning to the holiday season.

And, quite literally, the year began on a sweet note.