Hashmonaim
Region: Judea and Samaria District
City Type: Settlement (Yishuv)
Population: 2,800
Demographics: Young Families, Families, Retirees
Religious Makeup: Chabad, Chardal, Dati Leumi
Affordability: $$$$ (range 1 to 5)
Climate
Average Temperatures
| Day | Night | |
| January | 16C/61F | 6C/43F |
| August | 31C/88F | 21C/31F |
The average annual percentage of humidity is: 71.0%.
Hashmonaiim
Overview
Hashmonaim is a Yishuv (settlement) conveniently located a 10-minute drive from Modi’in, almost midway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The population is mostly Dati Leumi, with a high percentage of English speakers. Hashmonaim has a close-knit community with a lot of support for new Olim, and offers a lower-priced alternative with access to major cities of the region. The Yishuv requires that potential residents agree to public observance of Shabbat, but does not impose further restrictions on residency or property purchase, as may be the case in other settlements. Municipal services are managed by the Binyamin region local authority.
Housing
Most housing in the Yishuv is single-family or two-family separate housing. Newer homes are built with generous amounts of space.
Housing prices vary widely, based on location, features, and condition, but recent searches yielded these prices for apartment rentals and purchases:
| Type | Size (Sq. Meters) | Rent | Purchase |
| 2 Bedroom | 70m2-110m2 | ₪2,500-₪3,500 | ₪2,800,000-₪3,200,000 |
| 4 Bedroom | 90m2-140m2 | ₪4,000-₪5,000 | ₪3,500,000-₪4,500,000 |
Transportation
No local public transport operates on the Yishuv, although some intercity buses enter and have stops there. Intercity buses serve Hashmonaim mainly from the single entrance, which is on Highway 446. Taxi service is available, and all shops are within walking distance in this small settlement. Car ownership is high, but not required. The train station in Modiin offers rapid transit to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Employment
There is very little local employment in Hashmonaim, which is a bedroom community for workers commuting to jobs in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Petach Tikva, Rechovot, and other areas within convenient travel times.
Education
Several Gan programs operate in Hashmonaim and the adjacent Ganei Modii’n area. Hashmonaim has a government-run religious elementary school where boys and girls attend separate classes. A local Yeshiva attracts many boys at the high-school level. Girls mostly attend high schools in Modi’in, Beit Shemesh, Jerusalem, and other nearby communities.
Services for Olim
Government offices are located in Ramle and Jerusalem, and a Ministry of the Interior representative visits the Yishuv to provide services. Ulpan programs operate in the community named Macabiim, which is located directly across from Hashmonaiim on Highway 446, and nearby Modi’in. The community provides very strong support for new Olim, pairing newcomers with ‘adoptive’ families and several weeks of Shabbat invitations.
Community/Religious Life
Community life is centered on the local Ashkenazi, Sefaradi, and Chabad congregations. Torah classes in Hebrew and English abound, including Daf Yomi Shiurim and guest lecturers on a range of topics and occasions.
Entertainment presentations are hosted by the Yishuv, which features areas for a number of sporting activities, including soccer, basketball, and even baseball. Playgrounds and open spaces are common.
Amenities & Attractions
The local library has books in both Hebrew and English, and the recently-opened sports center offers a wide range of sporting and recreational activities for children and adults, ranging from ballet to Zumba. A supermarket, bakery and other shops are available and several take-out and other food venues operate within the Yishuv. Much of the day-to-day shopping needs of residents can be met on the Yishuv, but many travel to nearby Shilat Junction, Modi’in Illit (Kiryat Sefer), or Modi’in for access to larger stores and mall shopping.
Some medical practitioners associated with the major healthcare plans operate on the Yishuv. Larger clinics with a wide range of services are located in nearby Kiryat Sefer and Modi’in.
More Information
Information on this page includes many sources, including Nefesh B’Nefesh and Wikipedia. More information can be found at:
Binyamin Regional Website – binyaminregion.org.il/hashmonaim
Hashmonaiim Sports Center – sportscenter-modiin.co.il
Hashmonaiim Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/8605178175