Shekhanya (Hebrew: שְׁכַנְיָה) is a community settlement in northern Israel. It is named after a priest family from the Bible (2 Chronicles 24:11). Located in the Galilee between Karmiel and Shefar'am, it falls under the jurisdiction of Misgav Regional Council. In 2022 it had a population of 772.

Etymology

Shekhanya derives its name from the ancient Jewish priestly clan of the same name. This clan was one of the twenty-four priestly divisions and had its residence in the nearby settlement of Kabul.

History

Shekhanya was established in 1980 as part of the Lookouts in the Galilee plan to increase Jewish settlement. The founders were a group of twelve Americans who had immigranted from Chicago, New York City and Baltimore in 1975 and aimed to create an industrial village.