| State: | Israel |
| Region: | Upper Galilee |
Nahal Meron (Hebrew: '''נחל מירון''') is one of the tributaries of Nahal Amud, located in the Upper Galilee. The stream flows from the slopes of Mount Meron eastward, passing through agricultural lands and numerous natural areas, and it empties into Nahal Amud. The length of the stream is about 5 kilometers, and it is considered a relatively short stream but of great historical and geographical importance. The stream's course passes near the settlement of Meron and north of Mount Merarvim. Along its length are several springs, including Ein Meron ("Mei Megiddo") and Ein Bar-Yochai. On the upper northern bank, near the settlement of Meron, are the ancient synagogue in Meron and the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. On the southern bank are the remains of the synagogue at Horvat Shema.
The hiking trail of Nahal Meron begins at the entrance to the Nahal Amud Nature Reserve, located on the eastern side of Road 886, south of Moshav Meron. The trail itself is approximately 3 kilometers long. During the trail, hikers pass by landmarks such as the A-Tina Police Station parking lot, where there is a concrete building that was previously used as a British police station during the Mandate period. From there, the trail continues towards an ancient flour mill that was operated by the flowing stream waters, and next to it is the Ein Yakim spring, whose waters flow all year round and was previously used as a water source for the residents of Safed.[1]
Ein Zeved is a layer spring located at the beginning of Nahal Meron, the name Zeved is shared by the spring, the ruin located further along the way, and Mount Zeved – all of these originate from the Arabic name Zabud, which some identify with Zeved of Galilee, mentioned in the Midrash Bereshit Rabbah The oak tree at Ein Zeved.[2] [3]
Ein Meron is a spring located south of the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. In the past, its waters were pumped by the Mekorot company.[4] [5]
Ein Bar Yochai is a small perennial spring located at the junction of Nahal Meron and Nahal Bar Yochai.
Ein Oray is a small perennial spring located east of Ein Bar Yochai.[6]
Ein Yakim is a perennial spring located west of the junction between Nahal Meron and Nahal Amud and included in the Nahal Amud nature reserve. The spring has a British pump structure and next to it water channels and trees, and there is an old flour mill at the site.