Who are we?
Source of Inspiration
The main inspiration source of our approach is the work of German-Austrian philosopher, Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). Curative Education (anthroposophical special education) followed by social therapy (forming communities with and for adults with special needs) developed last century first in central Europe and later on in th UK, USA and world wide. There are over 300 communities around the world, inspired from the same source, where people of all ages, suffering from developmental disabilities, are cared for.
The initiative for establishing Kfar Rafael (“Village of the archangel Rafael”) came about when a group of parents of children with special needs, who sheltered in Beit Eliahu (“house of Elijah”), an anthroposhophical institution in Be’er sheva, began to consider future placement for their children. They were encouraged by the founder and manager of Beit Eliahu, Ruth Mosimann, who had trained as a curative educator in Ravenswood, England, under the guidance of Fried Geuter. The first step took place when 3 families, who were connected to Beit Eliyahu and had an alliance to anthroposophy decided to prepare by training themselves towards the establishment of Kfar Rafael.. Read more…
Financing
Kfar Rafael is a nonprofit organization run by a voluntary association. The village is funded and supervised by the Israeli Welfare Ministry. All of the villagers are admitted through the Service for the Retarded at the Welfare Ministry. Among the institutions that have made contributions so far include the United Israel Appeal (Keren Hayesod), the National Insurance Fund (Bituach Leumi), the Rothschild Foundation and the Joint Distribution Committee. In addition, there have been many private donations from Israel and abroad. The association is recognized by the Income Tax Service (Mas Hachnasa) as a non-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible, also in the USA. For donations…
Kfar Rafael in Numbers
The population of Kfar Rafael is comprised of 51 villagers aging from 18 to 75, 12 families with 27 children, and 30 young volunteers from Israel and abroad, about 130 people in total.
Kfar Rafael extends over an area of about 28 acres, 10 of which are designated for residences and 18 for agriculture.
In the Residential Area, 9 extended family units were constructed in 5 buildings. In addition, a central heating unit for the entire village was built, along with 5 buildings for workshops, housing the laundry, bakery, garage, carpentry, weavery, food warehouse and a cooling room. Later on a central building including a small hall, an office, a clinic and living quarters for volunteers were added. Later on 6 staff flats were built. Altogether 5,200 square meters have been built, 4,200 for residences and 1,000 for workshops and service facilities.
In the Agricultural Area of 18 acres, 10 are being intensively cultivated. The main crops are apricots, olives, avocado, figs, citrus, a vineyard and a bio-dynamic vegetable garden.
We hope to enlarge our comunity by addmiting a new family and new villagers.
Contact us
Phone No.: +972 8-6462300
Fax: +972 8-6418102
Email: office@krafael.org.il
Address: Kfar Rafael, P.O.B. 425, Be’er Sheva, 8410301
You are welcome to contact us…