Ma'aleh Amos

Ma'ale Amos (Hebrew: מַעֲלֵה עָמוֹס, lit Ascent of Amos) is a Chareidi community yishuv located on the eastern slopes of the Yehuda Desert.

Located 20 km southeast of Yerushalayim, at an elevation of 725 meters above sea level, it offers a magnificent view overlooking the Judean desert all the way to the Dead Sea.

It falls under the jurisdiction of Gush Etzion Regional Council. In 2018 it had a population of 535.

History

The yishuv was established in 1981, and was named after the navi Amos, who lived in the village of Tekoa nearby.

Although the town has undergone expansion throughout the years it still managed to maintain its suburban look and sense of community.

Population

All residents identify themselves exclusively as Chareidi, though including very diverse types: baalebatim, avreichim, yeshivish, chassidish, frum-from-birth, ba'alei teshuvah, geirim, etc.

There are about 50 veteran families who have been recently joined by another about 50 who moved into newly constructed apartments. From the core group, about a third are English speakers.

Up until recently, most of the residents were immigrants from the United States and Russia. Most of the original core group of the residents identify as Litvish, though there are Chassidim and Sephardim as well. The Chassidim include Amshinov, Breslov, and Boyan, and lately, an large contingent of Biala Chassidim.

There are about 20 families of Biala Chassidim, and the Biala Rebbe has bought an apartment with the intention of settling here.

Rabbonim

Rav Ze’ev Charlop shlita is the rav of the community. A native of New York, Rav Charlap speaks fluent English, though the he delivers his shiurim in Hebrew.

Rav Dovid Steinhaus, a native of England, is the rosh kollel. He has authored numerous seforim in Hebrew and English.

Shuls and other

The yishuv boasts two shuls, one Litvish (nusach Ashkenaz) and one Chassidish (Biala).

The Yishuv also has its own mikveh taharah,

Chinuch

There is a local Cheider, elementary Bais Yaakov, pre-schools, a library, shiurim, learning programs for boys, workshops for boys, girls, and women.

There are many organized shiurim for both men and women- in English and in Hebrew. The Rav gives a shiur on the parsha every Thursday, Additional learning opportunity’s are; Halacha Kollel, Daf Yomi, and Gemara Shiurim.

The local youth are very active and the Yishuv organizes many events and functions for them, fostering a warm community atmosphere.

The Yishuv also has an active Nishey for women (Noam), with special events every Rosh Chodesh.

Elementary aged girls participate in the activity of “Bnos ” on weekdays and shabbos and children bring out their talents in the many Chugim (extra curricular classes) available.

About every month a Oneg Shabbos is prepared for the yeshiva bochurim, and the men have a shiur every day. There is also a “gym” for the kindergarten age group.

Ma’aleh Amos is also home to a large library including Hebrew and English books. The library is open to men and women separately on different days of the week.

Climate

Ma’aleh Amos has a dry desert climate. Being a mountainous region, there is a steady breeze.

Housing

Over the years the town was built with three different housing projects.

The original houses were built completely detached, each with a unique plan, layout and size. The second project was semi detached houses with a small yard, that

started off with a grand “two for the price of one” deal. The third project was concrete units brought over and built from within. That was finished in 2001-2002. Additionally, there is great potential to build your own unique house.

In 2015 construction started on the “Kiryat Nof” section which is set to house 180 housing units in total.

As construction progresses many new housing units are put on the market. Fifty six housing units have already been completed and are inhabited; the remainder of the project is still under construction.

Prices of apartments which are in the new expanded area start at 790,000 NIS for three rooms.

A four room apartment with a garden will cost about NIS 94,000.

villas and private homes will cost more.

Please note: three rooms in Israel means two bedrooms in America because the living room is considered a room.

Transportation

The Yishuv is about half an hour drive from southern Yerushalayim (45 minutes to Ramat Eshkol) and 25 minutes from Beitar.

Residents who do not own a car, travel either by bus or organized van service. Buses travel around 5 times a day to Yerushalayim and, and the 20 seater van drives 5 times a day to Beitar.

Local residents recommend having a car/vehicle to manage easily getting around.

Shopping

There is a small grocery store on premises with basic necessities and some frozen goods. It is open one hour in the mornings and two hours in the afternoons. Many families order their groceries by delivery from two online places; Yeshir l’mihadrin and Hamichirah hakihilatit.

Many of the residents do their shopping at the Gush Etzion shopping center located a mere 14 minutes away.

Community Codes and Standards

In order to maintain the standard of their community the residents have set up an acceptance committee.

Families interested in moving to the Yishuv have to fill out a form and apply, then there is a meeting (pre screening) with the town committee, after that the family is invited to spend a Shabbos in the community, then it is decided if they are to be accepted.

The general criteria for acceptance: Real Bnei Torah who think behave and dress accordingly, with a שאיפה to grow, and be part of a community of ‘ עובדי ד. Modest dress according to chareidi standards, financial stability and a desire to participate and be involved with the community.

Absorption

Since there aren't any “off the boat” families, the Yishuv does not have an Ulpan, or Matnas(Community center)- offering extra resources for Olim.

Residents are extremely friendly and helpful yet they recommend new Olim start out in a more Americanized setting for a softer landing due to the culture shock of language and expectations they might experience.

Contact

Mrs. Steinhouse 053-319-3138

Mrs. Weinberg 02-9933308

Email: shoshanaweinbergtranslator@gmail.com

Housing Shmuel: 052-763-0544

Email: 7630544@gmail.com