Ronit and Yoel Blumenberg, whose family name means “Mountain of Flowers” in German (Har Prachim in Hebrew), settled in Moshav Ofer in the early 2000s. They built their home amidst the grove and forest on the southwestern slopes of Mount Carmel, fulfilling a long-held dream. They started with four or five goats, grew vegetables on a small plot, and set up a farm store in their driveway, which eventually evolved into a local cooperative.

Over the years, their family farm expanded: their two sons, Roy and Amit, joined the business, they established a dairy, and the organic agricultural area grew to about 100 dunams (25 acres). Their herd also expanded to 150 Alpine and Spanish dairy goats, which graze and are fed only organic food. For 10 months of the year, the Blumenbergs produce a variety of cheeses from their milk, including labneh, cheeses aged 4-14 months, mold-ripened cheeses, yogurts, and more.

Photo: Noam Prisman

Har Prachim’s organic produce is available through an online store and local delivery is available. You can also find their produce and cheese in delicatessens across the country and in farm stores in Ma’ayan Tzvi and Karkur.

Chef Yahaloma Levi notes: “The farm’s organic goat cheeses are exceptional — thanks to the dedicated care Yoel and Roy give their goats. Their bryndza, a Tzafed-style cheese, is among the best in Israel.”