The Bedouin art of textile making is passed down from generation to generation, with each family weaving in their own history and tradition. Coming into this space isn’t just about learning the craft, but an act of cultural preservation.

 

Textile workshop

You are welcome to join the textile workshop, housed in one of our community tents, to learn how to create beautiful designs out of sheeps’ wool. Participants can choose which design they would like to create–small objects from little bags and purses to decorations which can be hung from the wall–and will receive hands-on instruction in how to create the design they choose.

You can take a physical reminder of your time at the Desert Shepherd House by participating in one of our textile workshops. These workshops are led by three women in the community who wish to share their knowledge of knitting and textile making with those who wish to learn. During the workshop, the instructors will also share the history of the art of textile making, as well as share their own textile creations. Participants are welcome to take their textile work home with them as part of the workshop.

More Information

  • As part of the camping experience, we also offer a traditional Jordanian and Palestinian Bedouin style of barbeque, zarb, which refers to the traditional practice of cooking food under the ground in earth ovens. 
  • Relax, drink tea, hear the history of the land and your tour guides’ perspectives on justice building as you sit by the fire. Then, wake up to enjoy the sunrise from your cliffside campsite overlooking the Dead Sea as you sip a cup of coffee.
  • The cost per person for camping in the desert ranges depending on the length of the hike you choose, meal accommodations, and other amenities you can select. Generally, the price ranges from 150 to 340 shekels per person.
Making bread in Um al-Khair, Palestine
This photo was taken over the foothills overlooking Yatta. These hillsides are the ancient paths of Biblical times, once a major trade route into Hebron and Jerusalem.


Sitting and learning from the indigenous communities is a powerful way to connect, grow, and come to a better understanding of the land. These are the spaces special relationships are made.

Good Shepherd Collective

What people are saying

Zelda Rose
These few days were fabulous. I’ll never forget my time in the beautiful place of Um al-Khair and it is the best memory of this trip. What I learned about this community will last a life-time. I promise to come back.
Zelda Rose
France
Maureen Jack
Thank you so much for welcoming our Church of Scotland Behind the Wall Group to Um al-Khair. Everyone spoke warmly of our visit and of how impressed they were by your commitment to nonviolent resistance.
Maureen Jack
Scotland
Shirah Karus
The joyful children, the entrepreneurial young people, the steadfast grandparents are inspiring and humbling. It is a privilege to breathe the rural air, listen to the wind’s whistle, and gaze across the olive tree and goat-speckled hills.
Shirah Kraus
United States
Vallie Rourke
Visiting Um Al-Khair is being welcomed into a community. It’s an experience you don’t find everywhere. You are comfortable and cared for, while also given a genuine glimpse into the lives of those who live there.
Vallie Rourke
United States
Aaron Bhatoya
The ways in which Um al-Khair brought me in as if I had always been there not only showcases its desire to connect with the world, but also highlights its steadfastness in the face of adversity.
Aaron Bhatoya
United States

Register Today!

For individuals the cost is $35. Bring more people and get a discount on each subsequent person. Bringing a party of more than four? – check out our special group rates.

Group & Special Pricing

Step 1 of 3

Build relationships with the ancient tribes that have shaped the Holy Land.

Stunning landscapes, historical accounts of resistance and deep cultural experiences.

Making bread in Um al-Khair, Palestine
$35 per person for the breadmaking class. If you’re here in Palestine, learning the traditional Bedouin way of making bread is a must!

BREAD MAKING
Learn how to make traditional Bedouin bread and how the process fits into the ecosystem of sustainability from the women of the village.

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Making bread in Um al-Khair, Palestine
$50 per person to join the local shepherds in a day of practicing their daily traditions. Reduced rates for couples and groups.

SHEPHERDING
Join the village’s shepherds to learn about the role they, along with their sheep and goats, play in supporting the community’s economy and traditions.

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Making bread in Um al-Khair, Palestine
$100 per person to join us in our ancestors’ lands in the desert. Reduced rates for couples and groups.

CAMPING IN THE DESERT
See first-hand the beauty and history our deserts have to offer–watch the sun rise and set, listen to local stories, all while you sip traditional Bedouin tea.

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Making bread in Um al-Khair, Palestine
$35 per person to learn hands-on about the pragmatic and cultural value of our goats and sheep. Reduced rates for couples and groups.

MILKING WORKSHOP
Sit side by side with shepherds who will explaom the importance of carrying on their traditions while teaching you how to milk goats.

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Making bread in Um al-Khair, Palestine
$40, $60, or $80 per person to join this tour and gain insight about the local history of the lands. Reduced rates for couples and groups.

DESERT TOUR
Historical sites, a striking landscape, wild camels, and more! Join our tour of the desert to learn about the land’s past and our hopes for the future.

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Making bread in Um al-Khair, Palestine
$60 per person, reduced rates for couples and groups. Visiting our local judge can give offer a rich experience for those interested in traditional peace building and restorative justice practices.

BEDOUIN JUDGE
Bedouin communities have a special history of conflict resolution. Meet a local judge to learn more about the practices useful in reconciliation.

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Making bread in Um al-Khair, Palestine
$35 per person to learn about traditional textile creation side by side with a few of the women of the village. Reduced rates for couples and groups.

TEXTILE WORKSHOP
Learn about this treasured tradition of textile creation from a few experienced women of the village, and take yours home with you when you leave.

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Making bread in Um al-Khair, Palestine
$50 per person to stay in the comfiest guest house the south has to offer, with the best tea around. Reduced rates for couples and groups.

GUEST HOUSE
We really hate to brag, but we know we have one of the most comfortable guest houses in the whole region–and best of all, it’s on our very own land!

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