Just past Golani Junction the trail continues to Kibbutz Lavi, one of the few orthodox religious kibbutzim. Founded in 1949 by British immigrants, Kibbutz Lavi is the biggest manufacturer of synagogue furniture in the world and is the perfect place to buy a Torah table or new pews (though you may have trouble fitting them in your backpack.) The kibbutz also has a large hotel, which mostly serves the Jewish orthodox crowd, but also welcomes regular guests, and some small-scale agriculture. Just outside the kibbutz you will pass by a Jewish graveyard and a Holocaust memorial set up by Lavi residents to remember family members who died in the Holocaust.
Lavi identifies itself as Pundak Lavi (Lion’s Inn), an ancient inn mentioned in the Talmud. The area was also known as Lubya since the Crusader era, and the Arab town of Lubya was located in the same vicinity until it was depopulated and destroyed in 1948. The grounds have a functioning synagogue built over the ruins of a synagogue from the Mishna period. You can call ahead to book a tour of the grounds or check on the availability of lectures on a variety of topics including the kibbutz movement and Jewish mysticism, or to book a room.
As a religious community, Lavi observes Shabbat including Rabbi-approved automated milking machines, a shabbat elevator (which stops on every floor automatically), and a complete ban on driving, lighting fire and using electricity from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. It’s not possible to make a check-in or check-out at the kibbutz hotel during Shabbat, the dining room is completely kosher, and there are separate hours for men and women at the swimming pool and sauna.
