Alon Shvut, literally "oak of return," is a reference to the return of the Jews expelled from Gush Etzion by the Jordanian Arab Legion in 1948 following the Kfar Etzion massacre. The 700-year old Kermes Oak is a central feature of Gush Etzion and became known as "lone oak". The town was constructed adjacent to the oak, which is considered a symbol of renewal and continuity.

In celebration of our special tree - Pictured here at the forefront of this photo.

A Sample of Tree-Related Shiurim - Tu Bishavat Sameach!