“So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, ‘You shall separate everyone who laps the water with his tongue as a dog laps, as well as everyone who kneels to drink.’” Judges 7:5

On the edge of the Mount Gilboa in the rift valley lies a little spring that is known around the monotheistic world as determining a mighty battle. It was at this spring gushing forth from a small cave that the Bible states that God had Gideon test his men (Judges 7:4-7). Those who would lap up the water with their tongues, as a dog would not be chosen, and those who kneeled to drink would be chosen. It is easy to envision the biblical account while absorbing the atmosphere at this impressive nature reserve with the second largest pool in Israel, picnic areas, and towering eucalyptus trees.

In modern history Christian British intelligence officer, Orde Charles Wingate used Ein Harod as a military training base for the Palmach, a special force within the Haganah which eventually led to the establishment of the IDF or the Israel Defense Forces. Wingate operated his headquarters from Kibbutz Ein Harod .

Kibbutz Ein Harod has a pastoral atmosphere welcoming visitors to their guesthouse and cabins for weekend retreats and vacationing. The kibbutz is also known for their aggressive approach to “go green” by implementing the latest technology in alternative energy, environmentally friendly detergents and recycling.