“Ever wonder where this stream gets its name?” I ask gesturing towards Nahal Rishpon. This is Nahal Rishpon. It’s a moshav in the Central District of Israel.
Let’s delve into the story behind Nahal Rishpon. It lies in the Sharon plain close to Herzliya. Nahal Rishpon falls under the jurisdiction of Hof HaSharon Regional Council. In 2022, the population was 1471.
Nahal Rishpon was established in 1936. The original proposed name was Rishpona. This was an artificial reconstruction. It was based on a misreading of an Assyrian inscription. The residents chose the current name. It shares similar elements with the original proposal.
The name Rishpona was meant to evoke the supposed ancient name of Arsuf. This was based on a misreading. The misreading was *rašpūna for kašpūna. This was found in an inscription of Tiglath-Pileser III. This error was recognized in 1951.
Meir Har-Zion a military commando was a notable resident of Nahal Rishpon.
So, as you stand by Nahal Rishpon remember its origins. From a misreading to a thriving community. Nahal Rishpon is more than just a name. It’s a story etched in the land.