In August 2026, IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth signed 18 new jurisdictional orders covering new communities, developing communities and major expansions of existing towns. he move was carried out following work by the Settlement Administration and Civil Administration, and forms part of what Finance Minister and Minister in the Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich has described as Israel’s “settlement revolution.”

In Efrat, the jurisdictional boundary surrounding Givat HaEitam will be expanded, opening the way for future planning that could ultimately allow thousands of new housing units. Givat HaEitam, located north of Efrat’s existing neighborhoods, has long been viewed as the community’s principal reserve for large-scale future growth.

The jurisdictional change does not itself constitute approval to build thousands of homes. Individual construction plans will still have to pass through the relevant planning processes. But bringing the area into Efrat’s jurisdiction is an important administrative step toward advancing those plans. Tuesday’s announcement specifically states that the expansion is expected to enable thousands of future housing units.

The post Efrat’s Future Expansion Approved first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.

In this Jewish Road podcast, Ryan Levin introduces listeners to Efrat and Solomon’s Pools, a remarkable Second Temple-era water system that supplied Jerusalem with fresh water for centuries. 

Located in the biblical heartland of Judea, these pools tell a story that connects archaeology, Scripture, and modern Israel.

Ryan explains the historical significance of the site, the challenges of preserving it, and why restoring access to Solomon’s Pools could create an entirely new pilgrimage experience for visitors seeking to walk in the footsteps of the Bible.

This conversation is a fascinating exploration of heritage, identity, and the importance of preserving biblical history for future generations.

Visit The Jewish Road website: https://thejewishroad.com/podcasts-folder/episode-173-the-water-that-sustained-jerusalem-ryan-levin

Listen on Apple Podcasts at:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-water-that-sustained-jerusalem-featuring-ryan-levin/id1582751084?i=1000773388294

Listen on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ERffwbcqNdKCcvwp2Kleq?si=2f06cf2d53104f26

The post Efrat & Solomon’s Pools – Within the Borders first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.

The post Ryan Levin Reveals Efrat’s Biblical Secret first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.

Baseball Efrat has emerged as one of the most dynamic and unifying initiatives within our community. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a structured and expanding program, bringing together children and teens from across Efrat who share a passion for the game and a commitment to personal growth.

As Efrat continues to develop, Baseball Efrat reflects the spirit of the community—forward-looking, values-driven, and committed to excellence.

More Than a Game

Baseball Efrat is about far more than athletic achievement. It serves as a platform for:

• Character Development – Instilling responsibility, resilience, and teamwork
• Community Building – Creating shared experiences for families across Efrat
• Youth Empowerment – Offering a positive, structured environment for growth
• Excellence – Encouraging high standards both on and off the field

Through professional coaching, organized leagues, and community engagement, participants gain skills that extend well beyond the המשחק.

Unlocking Full Potential

With growing demand and participation, Baseball Efrat is poised for its next stage of development. Strategic investment will enable:

• Expansion and enhancement of playing fields and facilities
• Access to higher-level coaching and training programs
• Growth in league participation across all age groups
• Hosting of regional and national tournaments
• Establishing Efrat as a leading hub for baseball in Israel

This is a unique opportunity to transform a successful program into a flagship initiative with national reach.

Your Impact

Supporting Baseball Efrat is an investment in both people and place.

Your partnership will:

• Empower youth with confidence, leadership, and life skills
• Strengthen the fabric of the Efrat community
• Promote healthy and active lifestyles
• Elevate Efrat’s standing as a center of excellence and growth

The post Baseball Efrat first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.

Through a network of event professionals, volunteers, and caring community partners, Holy Simchas helps provide the essential elements of a dignified celebration — including venue, food, music, photography, and simcha atmosphere — ensuring that no child’s milestone is left unmarked because of financial hardship. Their stated model aims to raise approximately $3,000 per celebration to cover core event costs.

For many families, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is one of the most joyful and defining moments in a child’s life. But for children who have lost a parent, experienced trauma, or come from families facing serious hardship, the ability to celebrate with dignity is often out of reach.

The Holy Simchas Chesed Project was created to bridge that gap. Its mission is to provide unforgettable, meaningful Jewish celebrations that give children a sense of belonging, confidence, hope, and connection to their heritage. The project works with event professionals, volunteers, and local communities to create personalized celebrations that reflect the uniqueness of each child and help mark their journey into adulthood with love and dignity.

Following the trauma of October 7 and the ongoing impact of war on Israeli families, the need has only grown. Many more children are facing bereavement, instability, and emotional pain. A joyful simcha cannot remove that pain — but it can give a child one unforgettable evening of warmth, community, music, celebration, and hope.

What Your Gift Supports

Donations help cover the practical elements needed to create a dignified Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration, including:

Venue and setup
Food and refreshments
Music and entertainment
Photography
Magnet photography
Planning and coordination
Vendor discounts and subsidized professional services

The post Holy Simchas Chesed Project first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.

These brave men and women are standing on the front lines to protect our people, our families, and our country. Please consider making a donation to help provide them with the equipment they need to stay safe as they defend Israel.

Every contribution makes a difference.

The post Tactical Gear For Our Soldiers first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.

The IDF Birthday Project is a grassroots, volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to supporting families of IDF reservists—particularly during extended periods of service. What began as a small act of kindness in Efrat has grown into a powerful community network, ensuring that no child, spouse, or soldier feels forgotten on meaningful life occasions.

At its core, the project delivers joy, dignity, and emotional support during times of absence and uncertainty.

The Need

Reserve duty places immense strain on families. Parents—often mothers—are left to manage households alone, while children cope with the absence of a parent during formative moments like birthdays and milestones.

These moments, though seemingly small, carry deep emotional weight. Without support, they can become sources of stress, loneliness, and disconnection.

The Response

The IDF Birthday Project provides thoughtfully prepared packages and personalized gestures that transform these moments into experiences of connection, celebration, and care.

Key Program Components Include:

• 🎂 Children’s Birthday Packages – Complete party kits including presents, decorations, cake, balloons, and a personalized message from the parent in service
• 💐 Mothers’ Birthday Recognition – Gifts and messages honoring the strength of mothers holding the home front
• 🎁 Soldier Support Packages – Care packages and birthday gifts delivered directly to soldiers
• 👶 Newborn Welcome Kits – Celebrating new life during periods of absence
• 🕯️ Holiday Packages – Bringing warmth and tradition into homes during Jewish festivals
• 🍲 Meal Support – Providing relief to families during especially challenging times

These efforts ensure that families feel supported, seen, and embraced by their broader community.ship initiative with national reach.

Your Impact

Your partnership will help us scale our support to thousands of children and families across Efrat and Gush Etzion. We have already delivered thousands of celebration and care packages.

Powered by a growing network of dedicated local volunteers, your support strengthens not only individual households—but overall community resilience.

The post IDF Birthday Project first appeared on Efrat Development Foundation.