The community began as a Nachal outpost, settled on 8 Cheshvan, 5740 (Oct. 2, 1979), across from Wadi Yabok in Jordan (from which it got its name at that time - Nachal Yabok). It continued as a Nachal outpost for 8 years, during which time it was renamed Hemdat, after one of the famous personalities in the stories of Shai Agnon.

In Sept. 1987 there was an unsuccessful attempt to set up a kibbutz at Hemdat, but after 2 years it reverted back to being a Nachal outpost.

Five years ago, in Sivan 5757 (1997), Arik Shitrit, a charsimatic, energetic Jerusalemite, and his wife settled in Hemdat - by themselves. A week later they were joined by Meir and Sharon Arbiv. Arbiv was active in setting up the local pre-army perparatory school.

Arik served as the first director of the Hemdat. But two years later, Arik was tragically killed in a traffic accident.

Hemdat grew slowly. Currently 15 families live in the community. Until last year, all the families lived in caravans. The Housing Ministry built 15 houses - nice, large buildings with red roofs - which the families of Hemdat moved into last year. Some families are still living in temporary housing. There are currently 10 caravans available for absoption, and soon an additional 10 permament houses will be built.

Hemdat is 30 minutes from Beit Shean, an hour from Jerusalem, 45 minutes from Afula, and hour and a half from Tel Aviv, and a hour and a quarter from Haifa. The security situation is relaxed, far away from the violence; the roads are quiet.

The social activities include Torah classes and communal Rosh Chodesh parties. The atmosphere is friendly and congenial.

Says local resident, Yael Briner:

"I've found here a young, growing community, with amazing views. Here it is still possible to change things and make a difference."