Two lambs have been born at Beit El’s Pinat Hai (Children’s Zoo), and are a part of Havat Ephraim (Ephraim’s Flock). This followed the addition, in 2022, of two beautiful ewes and two rams of the heirloom Jacob Sheep breed. This location is the only place in Israel where the public can see this rare species.
The two rams and two ewes arrived at Bet El in November 2022 in an effort to maintain the rare breed.
“Havat Ephraim Bet El’s Pinat Hai is thrilled to grow a family of six beautiful Jacob Sheep in our welcoming memorial zoo,” said Tuvia Victor of Havat Ephraim. “We are happy to provide an opportunity for fans of the heritage livestock to visit the Jacob Sheep. They are a source of great inspiration.”
There are only about 20,000 purebred Jacob’s Sheep in the world. Jacob Sheep breeders internationally advocate for the preservation of the genetic biodiversity of livestock, contributing to the cause of global food security. Livestock conservancies provide infrastructure for weaving and textile enthusiasts who purchase rare wool through “shave-em to save-em” campaigns.
The Jacob Sheep in Israel draws visitors from around the world, with notable followings from Korean, Japanese, Evangelical Christian, and conservationist communities.
“The Beit El Zoo is a magical location not far from Jerusalem which is the perfect setting for this growing family of six Jacob Sheep. We hope soon there will be more sites in Israel where the public can visit these enchanted creatures,” says Naama Rue, a manager of the herd. “The National Flock is being rehabilitated and we expect to be able to rent out rams to tourist and visitor sites in the coming months.”
According to breed aficionados, the sheep originated in the north of Biblical Israel and were sold to Egypt. By way of North Africa and Morocco, the sheep made their way to Spain, and finally to Britain, where they were favored by the landed gentry for their distinctive spotted appearance and four horns.
Though they are indigenous to the Middle East, none of the breed remain in the region. The sheep most commonly seen in Israel are from the Awassi breed and originated in Syria.
It is speculated that their unique appearance links them to Biblical Jacob who made a deal with his deceitful uncle Laban (Genesis 30:39). In the story, Jacob demands his wages for working for 14 years, claiming the speckled and black sheep that would be born. He removed all the speckled and black sheep and placed poplar, plane, and almond branches in the troughs of the stronger sheep, with the bark stripped off in stripes. He separated out the striped and speckled sheep as his own.
Called Ovis Aries, the continuation of diverse breeds is necessary for the preservation of the genetic biodiversity of livestock, contributing to global food security. This is, in fact, the only breed in the world to produce spots and speckles in offspring,
The flock first arrived in Israel in 2017 from western Canada. Despite the extraordinary efforts of the previous owners, Jenna and Gil Lewinsky, the flock dwindled from 119 to about 50 head. After arriving in the Holy Land, the flock was unable to find a permanent home.
Beit El is situated along the Path of The Patriarchs, the road by which Jacob returned to the land of his heritage, with his new flock and family.
The Bible relates how the patriarchs Abraham and Jacob built altars in Bet El to honor God.
When Jacob fled from his brother, Esau, he slept in Bet El, dreaming of angels ascending and descending Heaven on a ladder. Beit El is situated along the Path of The Patriarchs, the road by which Jacob returned to the land of his heritage, with his new flock and family.
The Prophet Ezekiel compares the Jews to Sheep when he described them returning to the Land of Israel.
For thus said Hashem: Here am I! I am going to take thought for My flock and I will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when some [animals] in his flock have gotten separated, so I will seek out My flock, I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of cloud and gloom. Ezekiel 34:11-12
Havat Ephraim Bet El’s Pinat Hai (Children’s Zoo) is a place where children can experience nature with animals, where animals of all kinds are raised. The zoo is an informal learning environment that is open to the public. In the area of Beit El are widely recognized historic sites, holy sites from the Jewish heritage, such as Jacob’s Rock, and the altars that the patriarchs Abraham and Jacob built to honor God.
“In the place where Jacob slept and dreamed of angels ascending and descending Heaven on a ladder, we are happy to be the home to Jacob Sheep!” said Mr. Victor.
More information can be found on the zoo’s website.
Beit El Children’s Zoo | Havat Ephraim Bet El’s Pinat Hai: Bringing nature back to the children but not only for children. ###
