Nataf

Nataf (Hebrew: נָטָף, eng. Stacte (a spice)) is a communal settlement in the Judean Mountains, 12 miles west of Jerusalem, Israel. Its biblical name is derived from "one of the spices used in the Temple".(Exodus 30:34) It is under the jurisdiction of Mateh Yehuda Regional Council. In 2006, Nataf had a population of 387.

Geography

Nataf is situated on a ridge bounded by Kefira Valley to the north and Hamisha Valley to the south; the elevation is around 500m above MSL. It lies at the end of a 3-mile road that passes through Abu Ghosh.

History

Nataf was founded in 1982 on land belonging to the depopulated Palestinian village of Bayt Thul, less than 1 km south of the village site of Nitaf. It overlooks Nataf Valley, a popular hiking destination. Nataf spring is watered all year round and has a number of small freshwater pools. The name Nataf is of biblical origins and referred to the incense Stacte. Only 20% of the residents are Modern Orthodox; 80% of the residents are secular. The village has a unique unaffiliated synagogue with three sections for prayer: a men's section, a women's section and a mixed section.

Nataf (surname)

Nataf is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: