This article is about the moshav. For the wilderness, see Desert of Paran.

Paran (פארן) is a small moshav in the Arabah valley in southern Israel. Located around 100 km north of Eilat, it falls under the jurisdiction of Central Arava Regional Council. In 2005 it had a population of around 85 families.

History

Paran was originally founded as a kibbutz in 1971, by a group of young Nahal, and was named for the adjacent wadi, Nahal Paran. In 1976 it was converted into a moshav.

Economy

Each of the family farm units covers 50 dunams (50,000 m²). The main crops are high quality peppers and flowers for export. In addition, 14 of the families run a cowshed of 40-45 dairy cows each. Among the smaller farm branches are a date palm orchard and turkey production.

Some families supplement their income with other activities such as a horseback riding school, a nursery for vegetable and flower seedlings, cottage industries producing arts and crafts articles, and jeep tours.

Culture

The moshav offers its members a variety of community services including a kindergarten, nursery, members' club, youth club, swimming pool, garage, exercise room, lush public gardens and a well-stocked library.