Exploring Israel

Gilgal Refa’im: Israeli Stonehenge in the Golan Heights

Gilor Meshulam in the Golan Heights.Hidden in the Golan, an amazing, mythical monument stands. Our own Stonehenge – amid the Valley of Refa’im – Gilgal Refa’im (or Rjum el-Hiri – Arabic for “The Cat’s Monument”).

How to get there?

We will make our way on Route 808 to Moshav Yonathan. Park your car at the very end of the moshav (Follow the instructions for Gilgal Refai’m) – and then walk through the valley until you reach a fountain. If you look around, you won’t be able to miss the pile of stones, which is about 0.5 miles from your position. (In the right season you can pick some apples on your way to Gilgal Refai’m from the moshav’s apple orchard.)

Who were the Refa’im and what do they have to do with this monument?

The Refa’im are mentioned in the Torah more than a few times, described as powerful race of giants. The Refa’im are considered to be one of our greatest enemies. One of the most noticeable Refa’im was Og, the king of Bashan, the evil Amorite king – whom we waged war against, and prevailed. Some people believe that this megalithic monument, once reaching the height of 16 feet, served as a sanctuary to the Refa’im, and probably to Og himself (who was 11 feet 10 inches tall – 8 cubits).

Another reason that might be relevant for the monument’s name – is the fact that no one knows exactly who built it – and the literal meaning is “the wheel of spirits.”

When you walk in the area, try to imagine the huge basaltic boulders surrounding you, thinking about what this monument might have been used for. In archeological diggings, they found a family tomb inside the Gilgal, dated hundreds of years after the original monument was built.

What else is there to do in the area?

Keshet – natural juice making: After you’re done exploring the mythical mysteries of the Refa’im, 10 miles northeast of Moshav Yonatan (going north on Route 808, and making a right in Route 87 to Moshav Keshet), is Keshet natural juices. The organic, all-natural process begins with the picking of the fruit directly from the orchards and ultimately ends up in your glass – all for you to try.

Where? – Moshav Keshet, Mitzim Tivi’im

Requires reservations – Ronen 052-4251625 

Naomi’s Dairy:  5 miles south of Gilgal Refa’im – in Moshav Natur, you can visit Naomi’s Dairy. You can enjoy a dairy lunch or dinner – mainly of goat cheese and some wine – with the beautiful scenery of the Golan Heights as a background.

Where? – Moshav Natur, Meshek Naomi

Requires reservations – 052-4833166

More History – If you’re in the mood for some more exploring,  you can go 10 miles north-west of Yonathan (taking a left instead of a right turn in Route 87) and visit Gamla, the “Masada of the North” – with a lot of scenery, an ancient synagogue and a lot of our history from the great revolt against the Roman empire.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit in Ramat Ha’Golan, the “Tuscany of Israel” – packed with beautiful scenery, natural food and an inseparable connection to our history and legacy.  Have fun!

GILOR MESHULAM is the Israeli Shaliach (Emissary) for the Jewish Alliance.