Reẖovot, Israel
Region: Reẖovot, Israel
Geographic Coordinates: 31.898100, 34.808100
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Population: 132671
Language: Hebrew
Rehovot is a city in the central district of Israel, Located about 20 kilometers south of Tel Aviv. It has a rich history and cultural heritage, As well as a thriving scientific community. The city was founded in 1890 by Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe who aimed to establish an agricultural settlement. Today, Rehovot is home to several world-renowned research institutions such as the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Agricultural Research Organization. The Weizmann Institute is one of Israel’s leading scientific research centers that has made significant contributions to fields like chemistry, Physics, Biology, And mathematics.
Apart from its scientific institutions, Rehovot also offers several museums and cultural attractions. The Museum of Natural History at the Weizmann Institute showcases exhibits on evolution and biodiversity while the Ayalon Institute Museum narrates the story of an underground ammunition factory that operated during Israel’s war for independence. Rehovot boasts a vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries and theaters. The Mishkan Art Center hosts exhibitions by local artists throughout the year while Habima National Theater presents plays, Musicals, And dance shows.
For those looking for outdoor activities or relaxation opportunities in Rehovot there are plenty options available too – from hiking trails around nearby forests such as Ben Shemen Forest or Yatir Forest Park; or taking a dip at one of several public swimming pools like Gan HaYeled Pool Complex. Foodies will delight with local cuisine which includes traditional Israeli dishes like falafel with hummus or shakshuka (a dish made with eggs poached in tomato sauce). There are also plenty restaurants serving international cuisine including Italian pizza places or sushi bars which cater to all tastes.
Overall Rehovot provides visitors with an exciting mix between history & culture along with modern amenities making it a great destination for anyone visiting Israel.
Important Landmarks
- Weizmann Institute of Science
- Ayalon Institute Museum
- Bilu Center
- The Fountain of Elijah
- The Rabin Science Park
- Mishkan Le’Omanut Museum
- Rehovot Train Station Complex
- Kaplan Medical Center
- Yad LaBanim Memorial Site and Museum
Primary Industries
- Biotechnology: Weizmann Institute of Science, one of the world’s leading research institutes in biotechnology, genetics, and molecular biology, is located in Rehovot. Additionally, many biotech firms have established their headquarters or R&D centers here.
- Agriculture: Volcani Center is among Israel’s top agricultural research institutes with a long history of agricultural research.
- High-tech: Intel, Applied Materials, and HP Indigo are among the numerous high-tech firms that have set up shop in Rehovot over the years.
- Pharmaceuticals: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., among other pharmaceutical companies, are headquartered in this city.
- Chemicals: Several chemical plants can be found here since chemicals manufacturing is also an essential industry in Rehovot.
- Food processing: There are multiple food processing facilities located here that cater to both local and international markets.
- Education & Research Institutes – Besides Weizmann Institute, other educational institutions such as Academic College Tel-Aviv-Yaffo (Rehovot Campus), ORT Braude College contribute towards education & Research activities
Noteable History
- The Weizmann Institute of Science was established in 1934 by Chaim Weizmann, a chemist and Zionist leader.
- Reẖovot, a city founded in 1890 by Polish Jewish immigrants, was named after a biblical town.
- During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the Battle of Reẖovot saw Israeli forces successfully defend the city against an Egyptian attack.
- Agricultural technology in Reẖovot has seen significant development, including the creation of new strains of citrus fruits and other crops.
- Notable figures associated with Reẖovot include Israel’s first president Chaim Weizmann; Nobel Prize-winning chemist Aaron Ciechanover; and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert who was born in the city.
Museums and Things To See
- Weizmann Institute of Science
- Ayalon Institute Museum
- The Clore Garden of Science
- The Museum of Islamic Art, Rehovot
- Yad La-Shiryon Memorial and Museum
- The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
- The Rishon Lezion Museum
- Gan HaShlosha National Park (Sakhne)
- Beit Yad Labanim Memorial and Museum
- The Israel Children’s Museum
Sports Teams
- Hapoel Rehovot FC – a football club established in 1950 that plays in the fourth tier of Israeli football.
- Maccabi Rehovot BC – a basketball club founded in 1953 that plays in the third tier of Israeli basketball.
- Ironi Rehovot FC – a football club established in 2012 that plays in the fifth tier of Israeli football.
- Hapoel Rehovot Handball Club – a handball club founded in 1976 that competes at different levels within Israeli handball leagues.
- Maccabi Rehovot Volleyball Club – a volleyball club founded in 1977 that competes at varying levels within Israeli volleyball leagues.
In summary, despite lacking any significant professional sports teams, there is still an active local sports scene offering opportunities for residents to participate and compete across multiple disciplines at different levels throughout Rehovot, Israel.
Cultural Events
- Rehovot Wine Festival is an annual celebration of local wineries and vineyards, featuring tastings, live music, and food.
- The Rehovot International Women’s Film Festival showcases films directed by women from around the world each year.
- Purim in Rehovot is a festive holiday celebrated with costumes, parades, and traditional foods.
- Independence Day Celebrations take place throughout the city of Rehovot to mark Israel’s national holiday with fireworks displays and street parties.
- The Sukkot Festival is a week-long celebration of the Jewish harvest festival that includes outdoor markets, live music performances, and traditional food stalls.
- Hanukkah Celebrations are marked by lighting candles on a menorah each night for eight days and eating fried foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts).
- The Israeli Folk Dance Festival is an annual event featuring performances by Israeli folk dance troupes from across the country.
- Shavuot Celebrations commemorate the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai with all-night study sessions, dairy-based meals, and flower decorations in synagogues.
- Mimouna Celebration is a North African Jewish tradition marking the end of Passover with sweet pastries known as moufletas along with other Moroccan delicacies such as couscous or marzipan fruits.
- Yom Haatzmaut or Israel’s Independence Day celebrates Israel’s declaration of independence on May 14th 1948 through various events including air shows or barbecues in parks throughout Rehovot city.
Cuisine
- Falafel HaKosem is a popular street food joint that’s well-known for its mouth-watering falafel and shawarma.
- Abu Hassan is a family-owned restaurant that serves traditional Israeli dishes such as hummus, falafel, and shakshuka.
- Shemesh Shawarma is a casual eatery that specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly shawarma and kebabs.
- La Casa Del Gelato is an Italian-style gelateria offering a wide range of flavors made with fresh ingredients.
- Cafe Greg is a beloved coffee chain in Israel that serves breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
- Zanzara Bistro Bar is a trendy restaurant with a modern menu featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes like grilled octopus and lamb chops.
- Pundak Deluxe is an upscale steakhouse serving high-quality meats cooked to perfection on an open flame grill.
- Ouzeria Restaurant & Bar offers Greek-inspired cuisine such as meze plates, seafood dishes, and cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
- Tandoori Restaurant Rehovot specializes in Indian cuisine with tandoori chicken being their signature dish along with classic Indian favorites like biryani and curry.
- Sushiya Rehovot Center offers fresh sushi rolls made to order as well as other Japanese specialties such as tempura and miso soup on their menu!
- Weizmann Institute of Science: a public park with walking paths, gardens, and picnic areas.
- Ad Halom Park: a large park with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.
- Bilu Park: a small park with a playground and basketball court.
- Reẖovot Forest: a large forested area with hiking trails and picnic areas.
- The Rishon Lezion Beach: located just outside of Reẖovot, this beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and water sports activities.
- The Rishon Lezion Zoo Safari: also located just outside of Reẖovot, this zoo features exotic animals from around the world.
- The Israel Children’s Museum: an interactive museum for children that features exhibits on science and technology.
- The Wine Route Museum in Zichron Ya’akov – located about 30 minutes from Rehovot by car or bus (or train to Binyamina), this museum tells the story of wine-making in Israel through the ages from ancient times to modern day wineries in the region today.