Taste Israel: Ayala of Rish Lakish Olive Oil Farm
heart of the Lower Galilee
In the heart of the Lower Galilee, nestled in the historic village of Zippori, lies Rish Lakish, a unique family-run olive farm and press that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern sustainability practices. The farm, run by Ayala and her family, is not just about producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it's a testament to the harmonious relationship between humans and the land of Israel. From hand picking olives that surround the ancient site of Zippori to employing environmentally friendly farming techniques, Rish Lakish is a beacon of sustainable agriculture. The farm also serves as an educational hub, offering visitors the chance to learn about olive production, green building, and the profound connection between the land and its people.
Like many of you, I long to feel connected to Israel right now. My trip to Israel in April 2024 helped, but now, as September unfolds, I feel overwhelmed by the distance and my inability to do more. Connecting with Ayala and purchasing her olive oil has been a simple yet meaningful way to bridge that gap. With her olive oil in my home and on my table, I feel like I can taste Israel and contribute something small but significant from my place in Paris.
I had the privilege of connecting with Ayala through a mutual friend. Her passion for the land of Israel and her dedication to sustainable agriculture are truly inspiring. In this interview, Ayala will share her journey into sustainable farming, the story behind Rish Lakish, and the many ways her farm contributes to the community and beyond.
Could you please introduce yourself to our readers and share a bit about your background?
My name is Ayala, and I have lived in Zippori for the last 50 years. After serving in the IDF, I studied agriculture at Hebrew University, focusing on preserving small farms and natural habitats. My goal was to combat rampant urbanization by advocating for sustainable practices and holding government policies accountable. I come from a family of seven siblings and am a mother to two girls. My family’s history is rich and diverse; my mother emigrated from Wales to Israel when she was 25, and my father, originally from Germany, escaped to Argentina during World War II before coming to Israel in the 1950s.
In my spare time, I love traveling around northern Israel and meeting innovative farmers. I enjoy participating in wine and cheese tasting events and taking courses in sustainability, nutrition, and cooking. I’m passionate about zero waste and making agricultural produce accessible to all. I believe that by supporting responsible farming practices and focusing on nutritional value rather than appearance, we can make a significant difference in food access and affordability.
Journey into Sustainable Agriculture:
What inspired you to get involved in sustainable agriculture, and specifically in the production of olive oil?
At 30, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease linked to prolonged pesticide exposure. This condition led to multiple surgeries and disrupted my academic research. Living with chronic pain forced me to reevaluate my career and turn my focus to regenerative farming. I realized that adopting sustainable practices could help prevent others from suffering as I had. After making significant changes to my diet and lifestyle—such as eliminating sugar and gluten and becoming more active—I returned to university to specialize in olive oil production. I pursued further training in Spain and Italy, becoming an expert in the field and representing Israel in international olive oil competitions. My passion for sustainability and health drives me to continuously innovate and advocate for better agricultural practices.
I believe that while we may not control everything in the world, we can influence our immediate environment. With access to good agricultural land, I saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Agriculture is my chosen path to help heal and address the challenges we face. Cherishing the land, fostering growth, and spreading nourishment are ways I contribute to a better world.
The Story Behind Rish Lakish:
The name of your farm, Rish Lakish, is rooted in the history of a fascinating figure, Shimon ben Lakish, known as Rish Lakish. He was a renowned scholar in the 3rd century who, according to tradition, transformed from a gladiator and bandit into one of the most respected sages in Jewish history. (He also had a sister who is mentioned in the Talmud; you can read her story in this book.) Could you share with us why you chose this name for your farm and how Rish Lakish’s legacy reflects the mission and values of your work?
We chose the name Rish Lakish when we established the olive oil component of the farm 20 years ago. There is an ancient olive tree, between 800 and 1,000 years old, growing on the hillside known as Rish Lakish. This name was inspired by Rish Lakish’s own transformation and his famous remark that the land around Zippori was the land of milk, honey, and olive oil. Our farm’s journey mirrors this transformation. Historically, the farm was run unsustainably, but after my siblings and I educated ourselves on more sustainable practices, we convinced my father to implement significant changes. Our commitment to slow, thoughtful progress reflects the essence of Rish Lakish’s legacy—healing through careful and respectful methods.
About the Land and Olive Trees:
Can you tell us about the land your farm is on, the olive trees you cultivate, and what makes this land special in the context of Israel’s agricultural heritage?
We cultivate 6,000 olive trees from eight different varieties. Among these, 2,500 trees are between 200 and 1,400 years old and are situated in a national park. Before 2005, these ancient trees were neglected due to a lack of knowledge among many of the workers about olive cultivation. Since starting our project, we have rejuvenated the trees using organic and biodynamic practices. This effort is part of our broader commitment to preserving and enhancing Israel’s agricultural heritage.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
What are some of the agricultural practices you employ to preserve and improve the health of the land and soil? Why is the renewal and health of Israel’s land so important to you and your family?
The key to good farming is nurturing the soil. At Rish Lakish, we plant eight different varieties of cover crops in the olive groves to enrich the topsoil with essential minerals, enhancing the nutrition available to the olive roots. To combat soil erosion exacerbated by changing weather patterns, we lay a biological cover over the soil, which is grazed by livestock to aid the nitrogen cycle. This approach not only helps protect the topsoil but also serves as a model for other farmers. We host meetings and courses to share our methods and support others in adopting sustainable practices. The health of the land is a core value for us, as it represents our commitment to long-term environmental stewardship and the well-being of future generations.
Technology and Machinery:
How do you combine ancient methods with modern technology in your olive oil production? Could you describe some of the technology and machinery you use?
To address global warming and increased temperatures, we invested in technology that allows us to cold press olives at 24 degrees Celsius. This ensures the preservation of flavor and quality. We use state-of-the-art machinery at every stage of production to control factors such as flavor, texture, bitterness, and pungency. Depending on the specific characteristics of each crop, we apply tailored production techniques to achieve the highest quality outcome. This blend of traditional methods with modern technology allows us to produce exceptional olive oil while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil:
Olive oil is known for its health benefits. Could you elaborate on the specific health benefits of the olive oil produced at Rish Lakish?
Olive oil is renowned for its health benefits, including reducing the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and triglycerides. It aids digestion and helps absorb vitamins. Our olive oil stands out due to its high levels of antioxidants—four to ten times higher than average—thanks to our sophisticated production process. It’s 100% pesticide-free, which contributes to its purity and extended shelf life.
Volunteer Project Since October 7th:
Since October 7th, you've started a volunteer project involving the collection of fruits and vegetables from farms to prevent waste and help those in need. Could you tell us more about this initiative and how it’s impacting the community?
Due to the war, Israel’s labor pool has been drastically reduced, leading to significant food waste as fruits and vegetables rot on the vine or are discarded for not meeting industry standards. Our initiative, Mahadama Leadam (from soil to people), aims to reduce this waste by supplying struggling restaurants with discounted produce. This produce is used in non-profit kitchens in the north to prepare meals for soldiers and disadvantaged families. Leftover produce is transformed into jams, ciders, and other products. The initiative helps ensure that food reaches those in need while supporting local farmers and volunteers who are directly impacted by the ongoing crisis.
My motivation comes from meeting people who have lost everything—soldiers, refugees, and those facing hardship. Providing healthy, home-cooked food to those in need offers a sense of connection and support. Additionally, supporting farmers who have suffered losses and ensuring they have access to resources is crucial. I want volunteers to understand the true situation in Israel by engaging in meaningful work, helping to make a difference in our community.
Supporting Israel Through Olive Oil:
For those who want to support Israel and sustainable agricultural practices, how can they purchase your olive oil and other products? How does buying olive oil help your farm concretely during these times?
People can purchase our olive oil and other products through our website here. Each purchase supports our farm and helps us continue our sustainable practices and community initiatives. Buying our olive oil not only contributes to the farm’s financial stability but also raises awareness about the challenges faced by Israeli civil society. By supporting our farm, individuals show solidarity with our efforts to maintain sustainability and provide for those in need. We encourage people to not only purchase but also share our story and consider volunteering in Israel to see firsthand the impact of their support.
Every purchase helps secure the future of our farm and raises awareness about the dire situation within Israeli civil society. The support from customers shows solidarity and helps us maintain our operations. We also hope that people will share our story and consider coming to Israel to volunteer. Our aim is to remind everyone that we are a global community, and together, we can overcome challenges.
If you would like to connect with Ayala about volunteering or her olive oil,
write to her —> rishlakisholiveoil@gmail.com
🌿I hope you enjoyed meeting Ayala and learning about her and her work in sustainable agriculture. 🌳
May we all go to Israel in Jewish year 5785. Amen!
Am Chai Yisrael🕊️✡️
Kenden