The newly renovated cottage is open every Sunday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.  Docents are present to welcome visitors, answer questions and discuss current events and just schmooze “socializing”. The history and present day Israel is displayed and includes multimedia presentations.  Refreshments are served.

During the school year the house participates in the 2nd Friday of the month open house for school children from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. They also participate in the 4th Tuesday of the month open house from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm.

Visitors to the park have a chance to view the cottages during these hours.

Lawn Program:
The annual Lawn Program of the House of Israel is held every year on a Sunday, typically in April or May. (See schedule for specifics)

The entertainment is a colorful display of singers and dancers, who will share their ethnic and cultural history by performing dances and songs in beautiful costumes showing Israel’s tradition in a most charming way. Additional entertainment has included a men’s choir singing traditional songs from Israel.

Food:
Foods served for the Lawn Program event may include a dish called “Schwarma” it is grilled chicken, lamb or beef that is sliced and filled into pita bread with a salad, falafel or other foods popular in Israel.  You will also find potato pancakes (latkes) with applesauce and a variety of pastries.  Coffee and lemonade are also available.

For the Ethnic Food Fair you may find falafel – this is a filling of chickpeas put into pita bread with a salad.  A choice of deserts can be enjoyed along with coffee and refreshing drinks.

For the December Nights the members of the House of Israel will prepare delicious food, similar to that prepared for the ethnic food fair.

The members of the House of Israel are planning to add classes for children and adults to teach dancing, singing and learn about current events.

The people of Israel trace their origin to Abraham, who established the belief that there is only one God, the creator of the universe (see Old Testament). Abraham, his son Yitshak (Isaac), and grandson Jacob (Israel), are referred to as the patriarchs of the Israelites.

The descendants of Abraham crystallized into a nation at about 1300 BCE after their Exodus from Egypt under the leadership of Moses

The rule of Israelites in the land of Israel starts with the conquests of Joshua (ca. 1250 BCE). The period from 1000-587 BCE is known as the "Period of the Kings". The most noteworthy kings were King David (1010-970 BCE), who made Jerusalem the Capital of Israel, and his son Solomon (970-931 BCE), who built the first Temple in Jerusalem.

The year 587 BCE marks a turning point in the history of the region. From this year onwards, the region was ruled or controlled by a succession of superpower empires of the time in the following order: Babylonian, Persian, Greek Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine Empires, Islamic and Christian crusaders, Ottoman Empire, and the British Empire.

In 1948, Jewish Community in Israel under the leadership of David Ben-Gurion reestablished sovereignty over their ancient homeland, declaring of the modern State of Israel.

After having its first renovation in its 63 years, the House of Israel celebrated its reopening in June 2011. The new design encourages visitors to learn about Israel, during its more than 2500 years of history through innovative displays of the Dead Sea scroll, Jerusalem stone, and a unique time line design, as well as through interactive displays showcasing Israel’s culture, innovation, technology and humanitarian achievements.

Land Area: 20,770 sq km                                
Population:  6,426,679 (July 2007 est.)
Capital City: Jerusalem                                        
Language:  Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language
Religion:  Jewish 76.4%, Muslim 16%, Arab Christians 1.7%, other Christian 0.4%, Druze 1.6%, unspecified 3.9% (2004)
Form of Government: parliamentary democracy
Economy: Israel has a technologically advanced market economy with substantial, though diminishing, government participation. It depends on imports of crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Despite limited natural resources, Israel has intensively developed its agricultural and industrial sectors over the past 20 years.
Export: machinery and equipment, software, cut diamonds, agricultural products, chemicals, textiles and apparel

Source: The World Factbook - Israel