Stone builders • A spectacular and surprising phenomenon on the shores of Haifa

(haipo) – Vacationers who arrived at Nirvana Beach in Haifa last Saturday (1/2/25) were surprised to discover an unusual phenomenon: a group of people worked on balancing stones, creating impressive sculptures using only the laws of physics – without the use of glue or any other bonding material.

"At first I didn't understand what they were doing," said one of the hikers. "I thought it was part of some kind of show or planned art project, but then I saw people standing patiently, concentrating, and carefully placing stone upon stone. It was fascinating."

Another passerby added: "It's crazy, it looks like magic. It's hard to believe that the stones are standing like that without falling. We stood there for a good few minutes and just stared at the process. We've never seen anything like it."

Asaf Alkabatz

The phenomenon piqued our curiosity, and we decided to check out who was behind these unique creations. After a short search, we discovered the Asaf Alkabatz, an artist and innovator, who began balancing stones about five years ago. He was joined by other people who fell in love with the field and began experimenting with it themselves.

"I don't really know what happened"

Alkabetz: "I started the Rojooms five years ago out of an interest in meditation. This tool gives so much – balance, patience, emotion, listening, connection to nature, play and art. When I start, I don't really know what will come out, and beyond that I don't really care what will come out, because the final product is not the goal – the process is the goal. Most of the time in life we ​​focus on the final goal, but we all know what the goal is: achieved – not achieved, succeeded – failed. But what about the path? The path is magical, and sometimes we race towards the goal blindfolded and forget to look left and right. So this tool teaches you to be present in the process of construction, because the final product falls apart that very day.

The joints

"I usually let the children of passersby dismantle the structures, because they really enjoy dismantling. By day, I'm VP of Innovation and Business Development, and for the soul, I conduct Rojoom workshops for groups. I think everyone can use this tool, so I try to instill a love for it in everyone."

Temporary art, a connecting experience

Stone balancing, also called "Balance," is a technique for creating balanced structures while relying solely on the laws of physics. Those who practice it describe it as a relaxing process that requires precision and calm.

Connecting

The event on the beach in Haifa attracted many participants who experimented with the technique, some even managing to create impressive structures. Assaf tells of an emotional moment he experienced during one of the activities he held on previous Saturdays, which was on Meridian Beach: "While I was working, two people approached me – one Arab and one Haredi – and started creating alongside each other. It was an extraordinary experience that shows how art can bridge gaps and connect people."

A momentary process, an eternal experience

The temporary structures that participants create remain stable for only a short time, and as Assaf said, the children who pass through the place are, for the most part, the main beneficiaries of the dismantling.

everyone can

If you stroll along the Haifa coast and come across impressive sculptures made of stone, you may meet Assaf Elkabetz or other people engaged in this unique creative process. Or as Assaf says: anyone can try – all it takes is patience, concentration, and a willingness to connect with the moment and the flow of nature.