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Ein Evrona is one of Israel’s hidden gems. Here you can see the untouched salt march south of the Dead Sea and north of Eilat. If you’re lucky, you can also see flamingos wading in the marshy waters. As you drive south along route 90 (Arava Highway) towards Eilat, you’ll pass Ein Evrona (Beer Evrona) on your left. The site lies southeast of Timna Park and the Ramon International Airport. Ein Evrona is an ancient well on the edge of the Evrona salt marsh. At one time, water would rise and overflow, irrigating the surrounding agricultural fields. Today, the level of groundwater has dropped, and the well is dry. In the Bible, Evrona is mentioned as one of the stops made by the Israelites on their journey in the wilderness.Highlights of Ein EvronaObservation Point: A hiking trail leads to the Evrona Observation Point created by the Israel National Parks Authority. There are information boards indicating the direction of the Evrona saltwater ponds, Jordan, and Mount Amram in the distance. Beer Evrona: At first glance, southern Israel may appear dry and uninhabitable. But archaeological excavations have revealed that the Eilat region has been the site of numerous human settlements, agricultural farms, and religious cult centers over thousands of years. At Ein Evrona, remains have been found of a 7th-9th-century farmstead. Ein Evrona was part of an ancient “chain wells” system for gathering water. Wells were dug deep into the ground at the foot of mountains to collect rainwater. From the wells, shafts connected subterranean tunnels that transported water by gravitation to irrigate the fields. The water system at Ein Evrona stretched for over a kilometer and included a 600-meter underground tunnel wide and deep enough for a man to walk through. To aid irrigation, the fields were walled, and dams were created. This water system, called Fogaras, dates back to the ancient Muslim period. Visitors can explore the remains of the water system and even walk through the tunnels.Doum Palms: This is the northernmost grove of Egyptian Doum Palms which have a unique edible fruit. Evaporation Ponds and Flamingos: The Red Sea evaporation ponds are used to produce salt. The ponds attract thousands of migrating birds each year. About 20 years ago, a flock of migrating flamingos decided to make Eilat their home. They built their nests around the ponds which provide ample food.The flamingos feast on nutritious Eilat Artemia, which is rich in beta-carotene, and cause the flamingos’ pink color. The evaporation ponds are on the edge of the Jordan-Israel border and are visited by birdwatches on both sides of the border.Visiting Ein EvronaTo visit Evrona you’ll need your own vehicle or a private tour guide. Head towards Beer Ora on the Arava Highway and turn west, then south along a sign-posted dirt road to Evrona Observation Point. Return to the highway and travel south to the Shechoret Industrial Zone. Make a u-turn and drive about 26km before turning east towards Be’erot Sharsheret. A dirt track will take you east, then south to Beer Evrona. Further south you’ll reach the grove of rare Doum Palms. Drive along the red marked trail to the Red Sea evaporation ponds. To explore Ein Evrona independently, enter “Evrona Observation Point and Flamingos” in Waze, or join one of our experienced tour guides for a private tour.

The seasonal Darga Stream flows through Murba’at ravine (Wadi Murabba'at) in the Judean Desert ending at the Dead Sea. Darga Stream gushes through the wadi in winter, and it is prone to flooding, but in summer the stream is dry. The ravine ends, about 18km south of Qumran, on the edge of the Dead Sea. Here, shepherds discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls, and in the 1950s and 60s excavations of the Murba’at Caves uncovered evidence of human inhabitation over 5,000 years ago. Artifacts were found from several eras, including pottery, coins, and weapons from the Roman period. There are two hike trails at the site, one is challenging and only suited to experienced hikers. This trail covers rough terrain and is supervised by Nature and Parks Authority. There is an easier trail suitable for families. On both trails, you’ll get stunning views across the Dead Sea, and see natural pools and waterfalls in winter. The trails include a visit to the Murba’at Cave where scrolls and letters were found written by Bar Kochba, leader of Jewish fighters during the Bar Kochba Revolt (132-136AD) against the Romans. Visitors who want a desert adventure, mixed with a fascinating archaeological site at Qumran, can visit Nahal Darga and the Murabba'at Caves.Want to visit the area? Book one of our Dead Sea private tours.

Wadi Qelt is a canyon or gorge in the Judean Desert located in the West Bank southeast of Jerusalem. The Prat Stream gushes through the fertile gorge forming natural rock pools along the way before flowing eastward to the Jordan River, north of the Dead Sea. The stream is fed by the Ein Prat spring at the upper part of the gorge, the Mabo’a spring, and the Qelt spring. This perennial stream has been an important water source since Biblical times. The Hasmoneans and Romans used aqueducts to channel the precious freshwater through the harsh desert to Jericho and between 1927 and 1970 British-built pumping stations supplied Ein Prat water to East Jerusalem. Remains of the ancient aqueducts and British pumping station can still be seen in the Ein Prat Nature Reserve.Biblical Wadi QeltSome believe that Wadi Qelt could have been the “valley of the shadow of death” as mentioned in Psalm 23. It also would have been on the route that featured in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29). According to Christian tradition, Wadi Qelt is where the prophet Elijah hid from Queen Jezebel (Kings I 19).Ein Prat Nature ReserveThe constant flow of Ein Prat creates a cool oasis of lush vegetation along the edges of the babbling stream that can be enjoyed by hiking through the Ein Prat Reserve. There are several marked hike trails through the canyon that pass the remains of ancient aqueducts, magnificent monasteries, waterfalls, and overflowing rock pools where you can swim. Visitors to the reserve can abseil (rappelling) on the cliff of the northern bank of Ein Prat stream.Ein Maboa and Ein QeltThe Ein Maboa pool is a unique natural phenomenon. Every few hours the spring’s stone pool empties and refills as the flow of the spring changes. At the lower section of Wadi Qelt canyon is the Ein Qelt spring which flows into a waterfall and natural pool. A trail from the village of Mizpe Yericho leads down to the spring.Faran MonasteryFaran or Chariton Monastery was the first of the Byzantine monasteries to be built in the Judean Desert, the Biblical wilderness. It was founded in 330 AD by Turkish monk Hariton who was captured by robbers and held in a cave in Wadi Qelt. When he was miraculously released, he stayed on in the cave, and eventually, the monastery was built on the southern cliff of the canyon. Monks secluded themselves here, each in solitary cave-like dwellings meeting weekly to pray in the monastery church. The Faran Monastery was destroyed by the Persians in 614 AD and rebuilt towards the end of the 19th century by the Russian Orthodox Church. Eventually, the monastery was abandoned until the 21st century when a chapel and Hariton’s tomb were restored.St. George MonasteryOne of the highlights of Wadi Qelt is the breathtakingly beautiful Monastery of St George of Choziba (or Koziba) built clinging to the side of Wadi Qelt’s cliffs about 69m above the valley floor. The cliff-hanging Byzantine monastery was established in c.480 AD by John of Thebes. In 614 AD it was destroyed by Persians and 40 of the monks were murdered. George was a Cypriot monk who survived and continued living in the monastery ruins. After his death, the monastery was named in his honor. Then in the 12th century, the Crusaders rebuilt the monastery which was later abandoned. In the last 19th century Greek Orthodox monks reclaimed the monastery and have continued to maintain it as a place of solitary prayer and reflection. The monks welcome visitors on guided tours of the monastery.Want to visit Ein Prat and Wadi Qelt? Book our Bethlehem & Jericho Private tour.

The Gilboa Nature Reserve encompasses the area around Mount Gilboa, south of the Sea of Galilee in Lower Galilee. The reserve covers a lush landscape with hike trails, mesmerizing views, and breathtaking wildflowers. The main attraction is Mount Gilboa, which is part of a boomerang-shaped ridge stretching for 18kms and separating the southeast part of Jezreel Valley from the west. The ridge is Israel’s watershed where tributaries of the Kishon River flow down towards the Mediterranean. At the foot of the ridge, is a geological fault that separates it from the Harod Valley. Several springs originate in the fault line, the largest being Harod Stream.Ancient History of Gilboa Nature ReserveMount Gilboa is mentioned in the Old Testament as the place where the Israelite King Saul fought the Philistines (Samuel I 28-31) in the 11th century BC. The battle ended with Saul and three of his sons being killed, leaving his son David to be the next King of Israel. The peaks of the Gilboa Range bear the names of Saul and his sons, Johnathan, Avinadav, and Melchishua, as well as biblical events.Archaeological remains and ancient Roman burial caves found nearby show that the area was inhabited 2,000 years ago. The ancient agricultural communities were wine producers who left behind many ancient wine presses. In 636 AD, an Arab conquest drove the settlers away, and it was 250 years later when several small Arab villages were established in the area. In 1183, the Crusaders fought Saladin, Sultan of Egypt and Syria at the foot of Mount Gilboa. The Battle of Ain Jalut was fought here in 1260 when the Egyptian Mamluks, led by Beybars, successfully repelled the Mongols in their westward advance. If the outcome had been different, Europe would be unrecognizable today!Modern History of GilboaIn the 1920s the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) began acquiring land in the area, and four communities were established – Ein Harod, Tel Yosef, Heftziba, and Beit Alpha. During the 1948 Israeli War of Independence, the Gilboa Arab villages were used as a base for the Iraqi army to launch attacks on Jewish communities. The Arab villages were abandoned and at one point the Iraqi forces occupied the ridge. In the last few days before the end of the war, Israeli’s climbed to the top of Mount Barkan and reclaimed the peak. The security situation remained tenuous, and in 1958 the KKL-JNF created a patrol road along the Green Line from Sandala to Har Barkan, Faqqua, and Jilabun to Mt. Melchishua, and along the descent to Beit Shean Valley.Next, the KKL-JNF took it upon themselves to plant trees on Mt. Gilboa. Today the forest covers about 5,000 acres. Roads were built through the forests, hike trails were established, and Kibbutz Maale Gilboa was founded in 1962. In 1970 the Gilboa Iris Nature Reserve was declared to protect the rare Gilboa irises, and in 2005, the eastern Gilboa Nature Reserve was established covering 1829 hectares.Points of Interest in Gilboa Nature ReserveMount Saul: Here you’ll find the main recreational area as well as incredible views of the valley below. The peak stands out from the chain of peaks along the ridge. Archaeological findings on Mt. Saul show evidence of human inhabitation as far back as the Paleolithic period, Bronze Age, Israelite period, Roman era, and the Byzantine period.Saul’s Shoulder: This site is home to Mt. Gilboa’s main recreational area and is a good point to start hiking towards Mt. Saul or to Mt. Giborim. Fierce battles took place here during the 1948 War of Independence.Tel Jezreel: It was here that biblical King Ahab built his palace, and lived with his wife Jezebel. On the advice of his wife, Ahab killed Naboth to get his vineyards.Hidden Valley: This hiking trail leads from Mt. Barkan to the Harod Valley near the Old Tel Yosef site. It is a challenging trail suited to experienced hikers and can be too slippery to follow in the rainy season.Yitzpor Stream: You can follow a hiking trail from north of Kibbutz Maale Gilboa, to the road that leads to Beit Alpha.Gilboa Scenic Road: If you’re not into hiking you can take the scenic road on the eastern ridge of Mount Gilboa. The route stretches east from Highway 666. Along the route, there are picnic areas, observation points, and places where you can join hike trails.Fauna and Flora: From late February to late March, the Gilboa is covered with a carpet of Hayne’s Iris (Gilboa Iris). This violet flower has six petals of two kinds that are arranged alternately, three up and three turned down. The northwestern slopes are covered with Mediterranean flowers, while those on the southeastern slopes are characteristic of flowers found in the steppe regions. Among the flowers of Mount Gilboa are cyclamen, crocuses, anemones, lilies, Sharon tulips, Persian buttercups, poppies, orchids, Aleppo Adonis, and thistles. The nature reserve is also home to approximately 170 plant species. This is the habitat of several animal species including reptiles, rodents, and birds. You can see gazelles, rock hyrax, foxes, rabbits, badgers, and other small creatures in the nature reserve. Alongside the Gilboa Nature Reserve is the Gilboa Iris Nature Reserve where these rare flowers are protected on 728 hectares of mountain slopes.Gilboa Nature Reserve Recreational AreasNurit Area: Here you’ll find picnic tables and a recreational area. Iris Area: This recreational area is great for seeing the brilliant Gilboa irises. You can follow a footpath through the beautiful flowers.Ishta Area: This is a small recreational area not far from Saul’s Shoulder.Vinya Reuven Cohen Area: This small area is named after an early member of Kibbutz Ein Harod. From here there are views of the kibbutz.Golden Gate Area: This is a great choice in spring when the area is blooming with wildflowers. From here paths lead to the Hidden Valley and onto Har Lipidim Nature Reserve.Maale Gilboa Area: This recreational area beside Kibbutz Maale Gilboa, offers views across the southern section of the Gilboa Ridge from several observation points connected by a footpath.Mount Avinadav Area: Here you have views of the Jordan Fault and across the Gilead Region and Beit Shean Valley. A 7km trail leads from here to Avinadav Cave, and on to Ein Moda. There are picnic tables, ancient olive trees, and a fascinating installation that allows the wind to make music as it blows through metal pipes.Barkan Area: This area is used for large gatherings, and offers views south across the Green Line. There is a hiking trail to the Hidden Valley through fields of wildflowers.Old Tel Yosef Area: This area is at the foot of Mt. Gilboa, and marks the endpoint of a trail that leads down from Mt. Barkan through the Hidden Valley. How to Reach Gilboa Nature ReserveVisitors can enjoy the reserve’s picnic areas, barbeque areas, recreational areas, marked hike trails, and the area’s natural beauty. If you’re coming from Tel Aviv, follow the coastal road (Route 2) until just before Caesarea, and turn inland to route 65. Follow Route 65 (Kvish HaSargal, named for being as straight as a ruler) to just outside Afula. Turn south (right) at Sargel Junction onto route 675. The road turns slightly right and becomes 675 then merges onto route 71. From there turn right after 3km, and right again a few meters later. Then left, and right to find the park’s parking lot. If you’re using Waze, enter “Gilboa Lookout Parking”.Interested in visiting Gilboa Nature Reserve? Book one of our private tours in the area.

Background on the Four MemorialThe Four Memorial (Sderot Lookout) is located on Kobi Hill, a new commemorative site established in honor of Lt. Col. Dolev Keidar, Master Sgt. Maj. Dani Kassahun Bainsain, Staff Sgt. (Res.) Nadav Goldmacher, and 2nd Lt. Yuval Heiman. They fell on July 21, 2014, during Operation "Protective Edge," in a battle against terrorists who emerged from a tunnel approximately 700 meters from this location. The attack aimed to execute mass-casualty terror strikes in Sderot and Kibbutz Nir Am. The memorial was inaugurated in early February 2022.You can visit Givat Kobi on your own or as part of one of our tours exploring the Gaza Envelope.How Was the Memorial Built?The construction of the Four Memorial took five years, during which the lookout and the memorial were developed. The design represents the bravery of the fallen soldiers and the resilience of Sderot residents who have withstood terrorism for many years.The memorial combines concrete and steel, two strong materials that complement each other in their chemical properties—symbolizing the courage of the soldiers and the steadfastness of the residents.The structure is built on a wavy surface, resembling the sands where the battle took place and reflecting the uncertainty that prevailed before the attack regarding the identification of the assailants.The memorial features tire tracks from the jeep used by the four soldiers etched into the surface and leading to doors that symbolize the jeep’s doors. Inscribed on the doors are the names of the fallen soldiers.The doors, designed to mirror the jeep’s, remain open to signify the moment the four soldiers leapt into battle—a battle from which they did not return.Behind the doors is a concrete platform suspended over a precipice, symbolizing the journey of the soldiers—a path of no return on one hand, yet one that continues eternally through their commemoration.Looking through the gap between the open doors or the window, visitors can see the actual battle site, creating a geographical connection between Kobi Hill and the events that occurred nearby.Kobi Hill: A Unique ViewpointKobi Hill is named after Kobi Harush, a local Security Coordinator (Ravshatz) and resident of Sderot. Harush frequently leads groups of visitors, soldiers, and diplomats to the hill, offering them a close view of the border area.This hill is one of the highest points in the region. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the city of Ashkelon to the northwest, Ashdod to the north, and Sderot and Kiryat Gat to the east. To the southwest, one can see Gaza City and "Golani Hill," also known as "Hill of Love" or "Yanchik Hill," with its prominent horse sculpture.Until recently, the path to the hill was accessible only via a dirt road for hikers or off-road vehicles. The hill has always been a popular destination for those seeking a scenic vantage point with fresh air. During times of conflict, it became a gathering place for visitors from across Israel to witness rocket launches into Israeli territory and the IDF’s retaliatory strikes.Preserving MemoryBeyond the basic fact that these soldiers died defending the residents of Sderot and Nir Am, the memorial’s concrete edges feature a detailed account of the battle. The descriptions were reconstructed step-by-step based on IDF investigations, a painstaking and emotional process.The memorial and its surroundings are meticulously maintained by the Municipality of Sderot, ensuring its cleanliness and preservation. Architects Yaakov Cohen and Sigal Ben-Shmuel designed the memorial, while sculptor Ophir Geller and his wife Danit, owners of "Hofim," completed the finishing touches. Their work brought the memorial to life, with transportation and assembly completed by August 2021.Landscape architect Naama Eshel Tsuberi also contributed to the project, ensuring the design harmonizes with the natural surroundings.The Four Memorial was funded through donations from the families of the fallen and other generous individuals. The largest donation came from an anonymous Jewish philanthropist from abroad who wished to remain unnamed.Directions to the MemorialTo visit, enter "Sderot Lookout – Four Memorial" in Waze.The memorial is located near Route 34 in the city of Sderot. Follow these directions:Take the first two roundabouts straight.At the third roundabout, turn right at the first exit to Rabbi Yoram Abergel Street.At the next roundabout, turn left onto Derech HaAliya Street.Continue straight through several roundabouts.At the final roundabout, turn right.The memorial is a few dozen meters ahead on the left-hand side.

Everyone in Israel has their favourite time of the year. It might be spring, when the flowers bloom, summer where you can spend all day (and night) at the beach, fall (when the weather is perfect) or winter (when the rains - and even some snow - finally arrive).And it’s the same with the Jewish holidays - some people love the atmosphere of Passover, and the traditional seder meal. Others love Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), with moving prayers and apples dipped in honey. There are those who enjoy Shavuot, when it’s traditional to eat dairy products and take your kids to visit a kibbutz. And then there’s Hanukkah.Yes, Hanukkah, the festival that falls every December (the month of ‘Kislev’ in the Jewish calendar) which, although a minor festival in the year, is loved by all - the lighting of candles every night for eight nights, children spinning the dreidel and collecting chocolate coins and then the sugary treats no-one wants to miss out on - sufganiyot.Sufganiyot (a cross between a beignet and a jelly donut) are something you’ll see everywhere at this time of the year - not just in bakeries but in supermarkets across the country. Traditionally, sufganiyot were a humble affair - deep-fried in oil, filled with a tiny dollop of strawberry jam, and dusted with powdered sugar.But, today, with the blooming of so many bakeries in Israel there’s an extraordinary range of them - from simple to gourmet. And what better way to celebrate Hanukkah than by indulging? Here are our trips for the best places to eat sufganiyot in Tel Aviv this month…1. RoladinRoladin really sets the tone for sufganiyot in Israel each year, and although they're pretty pricey, they’re definitely worth it. With a seemingly never-ending supply of flavours (think tiramisu, salted caramel, cheesecake and creme brulee) these are truly bites of heaven.The presentation of the donuts is also very ‘wow’. With flakes and sprinkles and little ‘syringes’ where you can ‘inject’ some of the flavour into your donut before biting in, if you have to choose one bakery to hit at Hanukkah, it should be Roladin.Roladin Sufganiyot. Photo credit: roladin.co.il2. LehamimLehamim (which is another good chain in Israel) can always be relied upon to come up with the goods - and whilst they serve very ‘classic’ donuts, they don’t skimp on the quality (like all of their baked goods, they only use the most top-end ingredients).Lehamim’s sufganiyot usually come in three flavours - quality strawberry jam. Belgian chocolate ganache and dulce de leche. And the fact is that when you bite into one you’ll realise that you don’t need bells and whistles to make something like this tasty.Lehamim BakerySufganiyot. Photo credit:Lehamim Bakery Facebook Page3. Cafe XohoFor vegans, finding great sufganiyot in Tel Aviv can sometimes be a challenge but Cafe Xoho won’t let you down. This hipster cafe in the heart of Tel Aviv, and a stone’s throw from Gordon Beach, pushes the envelopeEgg and dairy-free creations, using almond-nut butter, are delicious - in the past, they’ve come up with beetroot-flavoured icing and fruity toppings - their menus in general are creative and few leave this cafe disappointed. Grab one and head down to one of Tel Aviv’s best beaches…4. ShemoShemo was established by the fabulous pastry chef, Miki Shemo, and is renowned for its patisserie and, in true Hanukkah style, always lives up to the challenge.In previous years, their donuts (which are famously light) have grown more ‘ambitious’ in flavour varieties, sprinkles and toppings. White chocolate ganache, pecan and lemon, plus lots of glitter atop their creations, will greet you as you walk through the door and you will be hard-pressed not to buy just one. Yum.Miki Shemo Special Sufganiyot. Photo credit: SHEMO Bakery Facebook Page5. Boutique CentralIf you’re looking for something decadent, then head to Boutique Central (with locations all over Israel). Along with all the classic fillings, they also sell sufganiyot which are styled like brioche and baked (rather than fried) which comes in the shape of a cake!Fillings of the donuts include Nutella, pistachio, lemon, creme patisserie and caramel - and with stores all across the country, they can be counted on to keep you happy. Additionally, they don’t forget the one million Russians who live in the country and last year produced a creation for ‘NovyGod’ (their version of ‘Sylvester’) which is celebrated at this time.Boutique Central Sufganiyot. Photo credit: Boutique Central Facebook Page6. DallalLocated in the beautiful old neighbourhood of Neve Tzedek, the Dallal Bakery is famous for its delicious pastries (particularly their Danishes, which are reputed to be the best in the city).They won’t let you down over the Hannukah season either - in the last few years, they’ve served visitors with creations made of raspberry ganache, coconut and ‘milk jam’. Dallal has an outdoor seating area, perfect for taking a break, and the vibe is always chilled. And if you want to take yours away, the beach is just a couple of minutes walk…

Tucked away up in Galilee, less than an hour’s drive from the Mediterranean city of Haifa, lies Nazareth. Charming, beautiful, and fascinating, it’s a wonderful place to visit, whether you’re a Christian pilgrim, someone fascinated with ancient places, or just a curious tourist.The sky over Nazareth, Israel. Photo byYousef EspaniolyonUnsplashAnd the best time to go? Well, spring and fall have the optimum climate, summer in Israel is glorious but hot and then there’s the winter and, of course, the Christmas period. Yes, Christmas in Israel is really something worth experiencing, especially in Nazareth, since this is the city where Jesus spent some of his early years, and where his parents were also raised. Indeed, on any day tour of Nazareth and Galilee, visitors will explore the Church of the Annunciation (where the Angel Gabriel appeared before the Virgin Mary, announcing that she was with child) and the Church of St. Joseph, built over what was once the carpentry workshop of Mary’s husband, Joseph. Let’s take a closer look at Nazareth and what you can expect to see if you’re traveling to Israel this December and hoping to experience some of the Christmas festivities there.Christmas Festivities in IsraelIsrael’s largest Arab city, with a sizable Christian population, Nazareth really comes to life at this time of the year. Here are some of the dates you might want to put in your diary if you’re planning a trip. December 6th, 2022 - This is the day that the city’s famous Christmas tree will be lit. Located by the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, it really doesn’t matter whether you’re a Christian or not when watching the lights being switched on - trust us, the crowd is going to be packed with a mixture of locals, tourists and Israelis from all over the country who’ve come to enjoy the experience. Here’s a really nice video by ‘@Relaxing Walker’ of the Night Illuminations in Nazareth in 2021 to give you an idea of how fun it is.Annunciation Church, Nazareth, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockDecember 11th, 2022 - in the heart of the city, at Mary’s Well Square, there will be the annual Nazareth Christmas market. As always, it’s going to be a jolly affair, with arts and crafts, food stalls, entertainment, and market stalls selling all kinds of local produce, including hot chestnuts. sweet treats and artisan foods from farms in the area, including spices, coffee, cheeses, and olive oils. And if you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs from Israel to take home, the stalls will also be selling traditional Arab jewelry, fabrics, and clothing, all of which make a perfect gift for someone close to you. There will also be singers, bands (on a stage specially erected) and - of course! - Santa Claus will be making an appearance. With lights twinkling and carols being sung, it really will be a lovely day.December 24th, 2022 - The festivities kick off at 3 pm, when the Christmas Parade takes off, beginning at Mary’s Well and proceeding down Paulo VI street. There will be scouts, musicians, and dancers, all in brightly-colored costumes. At 5.30 pm (at which time it will already be pitch black) there’ll be a fantastic firework display, free of charge, which will thrill both kids and adults. Dress up warmly and don’t forget your gloves and hat either! At 7 pm Midnight Mass will take place in the Basilica of the Annunciation. This is an ancient tradition that sees Christians across the globe (including in Nazareth) come together for a jubilant celebration of the Nativity of Jesus who, as told by the Bible, was born in a manger, in a stable in Bethlehem. It is held at midnight since the tradition has it that this was the exact moment Jesus arrived in the world. St. Joseph's Church, Nazareth, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockDecember 25th, 2022 - On Christmas Day itself, all over the city festive services and masses will be held. They will be incredibly joyful, with candles lit and carols and hymns sung. For Christian pilgrims, this really is one of the most special days of the year and, along with Jerusalem and Bethlehem, one of the most popular places in Israel to celebrate the birth of Jesus.Nazareth is also just a short drive away from the Sea of Galilee (in Hebrew ‘the Kinneret’) which makes for a fine day out, whether you want to explore the many churches of Jesus' Ministry in Galilee, including the Church of the Apostles at Capernaum, the church on theMount of Beatitudes (where Jesus gave his famous ‘Sermon on the Mount’) or the Church of the Multiplication (where Jesus performed the miracle of transforming two fishes and five loaves of bread into sufficient food to feed a crowd of five thousand). And for anyone wanting to undergo the experience of baptism, close to the city of Tiberias lies Yardenit, where Christian pilgrims can immerse themselves in the Jordan River, much the way John the Baptist immersed Jesus, thousands of years ago, we offer both organized tours and day trips all across Israel.And because we’ve been in business for over 25 years, we have a wealth of experience. Our guides are top-notch, friendly, informative, and professional, and speak many languages. Finally, we use comfortable transport, with air-conditioning for hot summer days. Contact us by email or phone to find out more about our tours or have a read of our blog to find out more about the amazing country of Israel. You can also join ourChristmas Eve in Bethlehem Tourwith pickups from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv!Rooftop view of Nazareth, Israel. Photo byJonny GiosonUnsplash

December might be one of Israel’s more ‘chilly’ months but it’s still a popular time to travel - whether you’re a Christian pilgrim, who wants to spendChristmas Eve in Bethlehem, looking for a city break in non-stop Tel Aviv, or craving a bit of sunshine down on the Red Sea, in Eilat.Nativity scene on dark background.Photo byMyriam ZillesonUnsplashThere are plenty of things going on all across the country in the last month of 2022, and here are a few ideas for you, if you’re travelling to Israel and looking for activities, for yourself or with your family. Even better, quite a few of them are free, so you won’t have to break the bank whilst you enjoy yourself.Christmas Markets in Jaffa, Nazareth and JerusalemNo doubt, Christmas in Israel is something extraordinary. Christmas markets are a big thing in Europe, but the good news is that you don’t have to fly to Berlin, Paris or London this December to get a taste of them. Just hop on a plane to Israel and soak up some of the Christmas atmospheres here…In Jaffa, one of Israel’s oldest and most beautiful cities, the Christmas tree (next to the Ottoman Clock Tower) will be lit up on 5th December at 17.30 and then on the weekends of 10th-11th and 17th-18th December, there will be holiday performances, artisan booths and family-friendly activities.In Nazareth, the action takes place on 9th December, at Mary’s Well Square, a stone's throw from the Basilica of the Annunciation. After some children's activities in the afternoon, the evening will get busy with stalls selling arts and crafts as well as local produce, as well as local singers, bands and even an appearance from Santa! Christmas tree in Bethlehem. Photo credit: © ShutterstockIn Jerusalem, head to the YMCA (opposite the famous King David Hotel) between the 6th and 8th of December which gives both locals and tourists the chance to pick up all kinds of Christmas products, including pastries, sweets, handmade crafts and spicy wine…with a huge Christmas tree to admire for good measure.Christmas Eve in Bethlehem and Christmas Day in Jerusalem - 24th and 25th December 2022There are always many Christian pilgrims travelling to Israel at this time of the year, to celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (where on Christmas Eve there is a midnight mass) and services in Jerusalem the following day, at churches across the Old City, including the ancient and beloved Church of the Holy Sepulchre.Whatever your faith or belief, it is quite fascinating to attend any of these services or even just to stand on the Via Dolorosa, in Jerusalem’s Old City, and watch pilgrims walking this sacred path. And if you just want an old-fashioned carol concert, you can head down to the YMCA, in downtown Jerusalem, and join in with all kinds of performers, to ring in this holiday.Nativity set inspired by the Gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus. Photo byGareth HarperonUnsplashHanukkah celebrations across Israel - 18th to 26th December 2022This eight-day ‘Jewish Festival of Lights is always popular in Israel and is celebrated widely by both children and adults. This year, Hanukkah falls between the 18th to 26th of December and across Israel, there will be commemorative lightings in City Squares, ‘sufganiyot’ (doughnuts) for sale in every bakery and a few parties beside!Something else incredibly nice about being in Israel at the time of this festival is that when you’re walking in the streets, you’ll see many ‘Hannukiot’ (eight-branched candelabra) lit up in windows everywhere. This is because it’s considered to be a commandment in Jewish sacred texts to “publicise the miracle” - the miracle being that after the Jews’ victory over a tyrant, they went to the Temple to light lamps and the oil miraculously burned for eight days instead of one…Holiday of Holidays in Haifa - 8th to 26th December 2022This annual festival takes place every weekend in December in Haifa and this year is no exception. From the 8th to the 26th of the month, over each Thursday to Saturday, the largest city on the northern coast plays host to all kinds of events in Israel in December 2022 that are held to celebrate tolerance and unity between three major world religions - Christianity, Islam and Judaism.There will be cultural activities, markets, performances and events both for children and adults, all designed for everyone to put aside their differences, so they can get together to enjoy themselves. Sounds good, doesn’t it?Aerial view of Haifa Bahai Gardens, Israel. Photo byShai PalonUnsplashInternational Exposure at the Suzanne Dellal CentreThe Suzanne Dellal Center, which is home to all kinds of performance art and modern dance, will be hosting its annual ‘International Exposure’ event from 30th November to 4th December 2022. Artistic directors, presenters and curators of contemporary dance and performance will be coming from across the globe to experience Israel’s dance culture first-hand. The programme, as ever, will be diverse, with large established companies rubbing shoulders with small, independent performers. Moreover, the Suzanne Dellal Center is located in the heart of Neve Tzedek, one of Tel Aviv’s oldest and most beautiful neighbourhoods, full of narrow streets and charming houses. So as well as enjoying a dance performance, you can grab a drink in one of the best Tel Aviv bars, explore some boutiques stores on the famous Shabazi Street or go for dinner in the neighbourhood, in of Tel Aviv’s top restaurants.And as well as all of the above, Israel’s ‘regular’ activities - museums, art galleries, national parks, nature reserves, food markets and second-hand markets are all open, which means you’re not going to get bored or go hungry. So whether you’re looking to hike in the Negev, ski on Mount Hermon (providing snowfalls!), jetski down on the Red Sea or take a day trip to Petra from Eilat, Israel is waiting for you. If you are interested in day tours or private excursions in Israel, contact us!The Negev Desert, Israel. Photo byJulia GavrilenkoonUnsplash

As October draws to an end, Israel enters its more ‘wintery’ season, though anyone coming on holiday from North America or northern Europe will most likely find the weather to be quite clement. Whilst it’s not quite warm enough to swim in the Mediterranean, there are still going to be lots of sunny days - particularly in Eilat, on the Red Sea.A tourist on the observation deck in Jerusalem looks at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.Photo byDawid MatyszczykonUnsplashWhat are the events in Israel in November?Actually, November can be a fine time to visit Israel - it’s less crowded and accommodation is more readily available and a little less costly. When it’s not raining (which is much of the time) you can walk on the beaches in Tel Aviv, spend time walking the ancient streets of Jerusalem's Old City, attend cultural events in Israel, or rent a car and head north to Galilee and the Golan.For desert lovers, it’s also a good time of the year to hike - you won’t be wiped out by the scorching temperatures (just remember that it gets very chilly down in the Negev at night). So if you’ve got a penchant for rappelling down the side of the crater at Mitzpe Ramon, hiking in wadis such as Ein Avdat, or exploring Timna National Park and its ancient copper mines, November is the right time for it. In the meantime, if you’re looking for special events in Israel this November 2022, here are a few ideas from us. Enjoy!1. Tel Aviv Run Night - 2nd NovemberThis ten-kilometre race around the White City is a good chance for any runner to dust off their Nikes and hit the ground running. Open to men, women and children over the age of 14, the organisers style it as an ‘adrenaline-filled urban run in Tel Aviv’ and this isn’t far off the mark.Once you’ve registered (which is essential) you’ll get a kit (including a special t-shirt) and you can cover your 10k in your own time, whilst thousands of spectators will cheer you on. And afterwards, if you’re not too tired, you can go out to celebrate - there are many excellent restaurants in Tel Aviv.People running in the city. Photo byFitsum AdmasuonUnsplash2. Red Sea Jazz Festival - 10th to 12th NovemberFor any jazz lover, the Red Sea Jazz Festival - held in Eilat (close to the Israel-Jordanian border, and from there just a two-hour drive to the ancient city of Petra) can’t be missed. For three days, the city will host musicians from both Israel and around the world - this year, it’s featuring the Anat Cohen Quartetinho, Jacob Collier, the Ariel Bart Quintet, Third World Love and quite a few more. Eilat’s a great place to escape to, not just for jazz but also for sunbathing (temperatures are a toasty 25 degrees or so on November days), diving, jet skiing, or just hanging out with happy mammals at the city’s famous Dolphin Reef.3. Achinoam Nini (‘Noa) at the Jerusalem TheatreThe amazing Israeli singer Achinoam Nini - known professionally as Noa - is back and if you manage to pick up a ticket to her concert at the Jerusalem Theatre, consider yourself lucky. Noa has been singing since the 1990s but really put herself on the map with her Eurovision Song Contest entry in 2009, entitled ‘There Must Be Another Way’. She’s performed across the world at venues as spectacular as Rome’s Colosseum, Carnegie Hall and at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Mixing and matching languages and musical styles, to hear her mellifluous tones is a real treat. And if you’re going to be in Jerusalem for the concert, then why not do some exploring beforehand, at the Israel Museum, in the Old City or wandering in the Ein Kerem neighbourhood?Dome of the Rock, over the skyline of the Old City of Jerusalem. Photo byLevi Meir ClancyonUnsplash4. Take a trip to the Golan HeightsThere’s nothing ‘in particular’ going on in the Golan this November but do you really need a reason to travel there? Stunning scenery, beautiful national parks and nature reserves and chestnuts on the ground (it’s the season) make it a great getaway, whether you want to stay a couple of days or hunker down.Nestled in Merom Golan is a fantastic hotel, named after the area, where you’ll get all of your creature comforts as well as extraordinary views of Mount Hermon, and the chance to wander in ancient forests and explore vineyards, orchards and boutique artisan stores in the area. They even have an authentic ‘cowboy restaurant’ named ‘Ha Bokrim’ where you can eat meat that really is farm to table - their farm! All of the animals are reared there and the restaurant also showcases wines local to the region. View from above on the border between Israel and Syria, Mount Bental.Photo credit: © Shutterstock5. Visit Oded Hirsch’s ‘Inventing the Wheel’ exhibition at the Haifa Museum of ArtRunning until the end of 2022, at the Haifa Museum of Art, Oded Hirsch is a man who likes to invent problems and challenges - and then solve them. His solutions (and scenarios) are sometimes absurd and often hilarious - and give the viewer food for thought. For instance, why is it necessary to pull a tractor out from the ground in which it is buried and then bring it to the museum? Hirsch might argue that it is the action itself. This exhibition boasts video, sculptural and photographic work and is primarily based on people working - digging, carrying, and sweating by their brows. In an age where everything is high-tech, Hirsch argues that the actions of these labourers are real. Haifa is also a fine city to wander around, view the Bahai Gardens, wander around the old neighbourhood of Wadi NisNas or visit the Mount Carmel National Park. 6. Enjoy the ‘Photo Is:Rael International Photography Exhibition’ - 23rd November to 3rd DecemberBack for its 10th year. This fine exhibition - which is being held in Tel Aviv - will be showcasing some of the finest photographers, both in Israel and around the world. Taking place over 10 days, it’s not just exhibitions you can see - there will also be dance, video, art and musical performances. This year’s theme is ‘Action’ - who knows what this will entail? The exhibition is being held at the Einav Centre and City Garden, and there are activities for the entire family as well as guided tours, led by Shichi Aman.Interested in day tours around Israel? Then don't hesitate to book a tour with Bein Harim!Bahai Gardens, Haifa.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Yom Kippur is a festival that comes around, annually in Israel every September/October, depending on the Jewish calendar. And it is a festival like no other. Why? Well, because most biblical festivals for Jews are connected either to historical events or agriculture/nature.Children riding bicycles in Tel Aviv on Yom Kippur.Photo byYoav AzizonUnsplashPassover commemorates the Israelites fleeing slavery in Egypt. Shavuot is a harvest festival and Sukkot reminds us of all the years Jews wandered in the desert, before making it to the Promised Land. But Yom Kippur is about neither of these. Nor does a festive meal take place during this time. On the contrary, it is a time to engage in abstinence, denying themselves small pleasures and looking inside their souls. This day represents the antithesis of excess.Without a doubt, if you ask any Israeli what the holiest day in the year is they will answer ‘Yom Kippur.’ And even if you are not religious, this is a day of calm and quiet in Israel that really is appreciated by many! Curious about what it’s all about? Well, learn a little more here…What does the name Yom Kippur mean in Hebrew? What kind of day is it?The Hebrew phrase stands for ‘Day of Atonement’. Put simply, Yom Kippur is the most solemn day of the Jewish Year. It is a day of reflection, self-examination, and atonement for sins. It is a time for every Jew to stop and think about things that usually pass them by in daily life. What is the meaning behind this day? Yom Kippur falls ten days after Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year - and these ten days are often referred to as the ‘Days of Awe’. According to Jewish tradition, it is on these days that God decides the fate of each person - on Rosh Hashanah, Jews are inscribed into the ‘Book of Life’ and on Yom Kippur, our destinies are sealed.White yarmulke/kippah for Yom Kippur/Rosh Hashanah. Photo byJoey DeanonUnsplashWhy do Jews fast on Yom Kippur?Not eating or drinking is one of the five major prohibitions of Kippur - the other four being anointing the body with oil, bathing, sexual relations, and the wearing of leather shoes. This is all to do with the idea of denying oneself comforts - and aiming to be like an angel (because angels do not have worldly needs). When does Yom Kippur fall in 2022?Yom Kippur this year takes place from nightfall to nightfall on Tuesday 4th October until Wednesday 5th October. The approximate times for the beginning and end of this holy day are 18.17 to 19.16 in Israel. What should you say to someone on Yom Kippur?There are two appropriate greetings over Kippur - one is ‘gmar chatimah tovah’ (which literally means ‘good final sealing’ in Hebrew and refers to the God sealing our fate, as explained above. The other is quite simple and is ‘tzom kal’ which means ‘easy fast’ although some orthodox Jews prefer to use the expression ‘meaningful fast’.Yom Kippur shofar final blast. Photo Ri_Ya by via PixabayWhat happens in Israel on Yom Kippur?If you are visiting Israel over this period, you will be struck by what an extraordinary time it is. In fact, nothing we can write here can really describe just how special it is. This is the ONLY day of the year in which everything comes to an entire standstill. All shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars are closed. Ben Gurion airport suspends flights for the duration. Most striking of all, there are no cars on the road (it is a tradition, and respected by all Israelis, not to drive on this day). If you’re in Jerusalem, the atmosphere will be incredibly holy. You will hear no laughter or chatter and all you will see in the streets is people walking to and from the synagogue. However, if you’re in Tel Aviv (which is a more liberal and secular city) you’ll be struck at how many children (and adults) are riding their bikes up and down the main roads and even the highways! Will I be able to buy food anywhere on Yom Kippur or travel?No. It’s very important for anyone on vacation in Israel on this day to know that you will not be able to buy food in supermarkets or restaurants, order delivery, or travel in the country using public transport. You MUST make preparations beforehand so that you aren’t caught off guard.Go to a store well in advance and buy provisions to tide you through the period. It really is imperative that you do this, otherwise, you might end up - inadvertently - not eating yourself for 25 hours! Even if you’re in a hotel, the restaurant will be closed, both for breakfast and lunch.Jewish father and son praying together at the Western Wall, Jerusalem. Photo byAnton MislawskyonUnsplashWhat happens in the synagogue on Yom Kippur?There are a number of different services that are held throughout Yom Kippur - beginning at dusk and continuing into the next day. Prayer is intensive and soulful - many people spend the majority of this festival at the synagogue. Kol Nidrei is the first and one of the most moving prayers recited - the liturgy is moving and the melodies are haunting. The prayer - or some would argue ‘statement’ - declares that all vows are ‘absolved, remitted, canceled, and declared null and void. This is less to do with the idea that Jews cannot be trusted (!) and more so with the idea of asking God to forgive us for all public statements made in the previous year that were contrary to Jewish ideals! Kol Nidrei is a prayer recited in Aramaic (an ancient Semitic language) and with great devotion, as are all of the other prayers throughout the 25 hours. There are memorial prayers named ‘Yizkor’ (‘Remember’ in Hebrew), the ‘Viddui’ (Hebrew for ‘confession’) as well as a reading from the Book of Jonah (the biblical figure who, famously, in trying to escape God, fled Jaffa by boat and was swallowed by a whale). Kippur ends with a service called ‘Neilah’ which means ‘Closing of the Gate’.Hayarkon Street in Tel Aviv on Yom Kippur.Photo byYoav AzizonUnsplashWhy do people in the synagogue wear white on Yom Kippur?White symbolizes purity and on Kippur Jews strive to be as good and pure as angels. Also, white is the color in which Jews are traditionally buried, and therefore, if you follow the analogy, we must take the view on Yom Kippur that every moment matters because we live life meaningfully, knowing that death could come to us at any moment.What traditionally happens after the day ends?Once Neilah is over, people will head home, or to the houses of friends, and break their fast. This can involve anything from a cup of tea/coffee and a bowl of soup or a huge meal where people eat until they are sated! After the intensive prayers and not having eaten or drunk for 25 hours, rest assured everyone is grateful for the chance to relax and indulge a little! We hope you’ve found the above interesting and if you’re interested in learning more about Israel or booking a trip, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer organized tours and day trips all over Israel - from the Dead Sea and Masada to the hills of Galilee and from holy sites in Jerusalem to food tours in Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market, we promise you a holiday you won’t ever forget.The interior of a synagogue. Photo byLainie BergeronUnsplash

Welcome to our series of blogs on the Jewish ‘High Holidays’ which, arguably, are the most attended holidays in the Jewish calendar. They last for a period of almost three weeks, and although they do not run consecutively the run-up to them is a very busy time in Israel.A man chooses an etrog in Sukkot, the four species.Photo byEsther WechsleronUnsplashFirst, as we wrote previously, there’s Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year - and in Israel this is celebrated for two days, beginning and ending at nightfall. Ten days later, is the most solemn day of the year, Yom Kippur. Also known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is a chance for Jews to reflect, pause, and atone for their sins - Orthodox Jews fast for 25 hours and all public life in Israel (including flights, public transport, and even drivers on the road) ceases, even in the usually vibrant city of Tel Aviv.The next, and one that is much-loved, is the one we are looking at today - Sukkot. Unlike Yom Kippur, this is a cheerful holiday, lasting for a week, and is really a chance for Jews to ‘give thanks’ for things often taken for granted, such as shelter and food. Let’s take a closer look at this holiday and what it entails…When does Sukkot begin?What does Sukkot mean?Sukkot begins five days after Yom Kippur, on the fifteenth day of Tishrei. In the Gregorian calendar, this means it falls sometime between September and October. What does Sukkot mean? ‘Sukkot’ in Hebrew means ‘booths’ and remembers the booths (temporary shelters) that the Israelites built to protect themselves when they were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, after their exodus from Egypt and freedom from slavery under the Pharaoh.What is the main theme of Sukkot?Sukkot is one of Judaism’s three ‘pilgrimage festivals’ (the other two being Passover and Shavuot). Historically, this was a time when Jews were able made a ‘pilgrimage’ to the Temple in Jerusalem. The main ‘theme’ of this holiday is thankfulness and ‘togetherness’, thanking God for the harvest and also for deliverance from Egypt, and spending time with loved ones. The other biblical theme is that Sukkot marks the completion (and new beginning) of the annual Torah reading, of which a portion is read every week in the synagogue.Hasidic Jew at the Western Wall, Jerusalem.Photo byJoshua SukoffonUnsplashWhy do Jews build booths in their home at this time of the year?Yes! It really is. It’s an amazing sight, especially in Israel, where not only do people put up booths (sukkot) in their homes - on balconies usually - but also in the streets, and in restaurants! It’s a great activity for children too - building a ‘sukkah’ (sukkot is plural) is something every youngster looks forward to, because it’s a chance to get creative, not to mention live a bit differently for a week. It is customary to build your sukkah soon after Yom Kippur, even though there are few days remaining before Sukkot begins.What do the booths look like?No sukkah ever looks the same in Israel (which is why this holiday is so special) and no space is too small to build a sukkah in! Even if you don’t have a patio, a balcony will do. The important ‘rule’ when building is that your structure needs to be temporal i.e impermanent. It needs to have at least three walls but - usually - the roof is made out of branches of trees, or reeds. What is Important: all (or at least part) of its roof should be open to the sky - after all, it is a dwelling not meant to last! Many people hang seasonal fruits from the roofs of their sukkah (think apples, grapes, pomegranates) to thank God for nature's gifts. Some children love fairy lights and draw cards and paintings. (Warning: be careful with the fairy lights - you don’t want to inadvertently start a fire!) What do you do in a Sukkah?It’s traditional to eat your meals in the sukkah and some very Orthodox Jews may even sleep in it (although in colder countries this is not advisable, since you could end up with pneumonia!) You can also rest in one, read a book, hang out with friends, and have nightly celebrations with live music.The citrons at the Festival of the Booths, known also as Tabernacle. Photo by al-ex via FreeImagesWhat are the ‘four species’ of Sukkot?Excellent question! If you’re visiting Israel at this time of the year, you’ll see these four species being sold in markets and stores, in the run-up to the holiday. The four species (‘arba’at ha-minim’ in Hebrew) are the lulav, the etrog, the myrtle, and the willow. These are all mentioned in the Torah (the Hebrew Bible) as being associated with Sukkot and the waving of the four of them is considered to be a commandment, by observant Jews. Tell me more about the lulav, etrog, myrtle, and palm… Historically, these four species were all waved in the Temple at Jerusalem for all seven days of the festival. The lulav is a cluster of plants - one palm, two bouts of willow, and three of myrtle. The etrog is a citron (not quite like a lemon, but with some similarities). Together, they make up the four species, and, for ritual purposes, the etrog is held in the left branch and the palm branch (intertwined with the willow and myrtle) in the right.What happens in the synagogue at Sukkot?Sukkot is an incredibly joyous occasion. In stark contrast to the solemnity of Kippur, this is a time of celebration. In synagogues across Israel (and all over the world) the Torah scrolls are taken out of the Ark and congregants parade around the sanctuary - men, women, and children alike.There’s great merriment, with singing and dancing and all of this is a reminder that, in life, we should always take a little time each day to be happy and thankful for our wonderful world. After all, every day is precious but life is also fragile and - like the booths in which meals are eaten - temporal. On the seventh day of Sukkot, the four species (talked about above) are carried around the synagogue seven times. During certain Psalms (Hallel), Jews wave them up and down and forward the four points of the compass. This is an indication that God is everywhere - and also omnipotent.Lulav, one of the 4 species of plants for Sukkot. Photo byal-exviaFreeImagesWhat foods are commonly eaten at Sukkot?There’s no one particular food that Jews are commanded to eat (at Passover, there’s a seder plate, and at Shavuot one always eats dairy products) but since Sukkot is a harvest festival, many fruits and vegetables will appear on the table! Expect to see carrots, squash, zucchini, and the like, as well as fruits like apples.Some people, in a symbol associated with the ‘abundance’ of harvest, may serve vegetables that are stuffed - peppers, cabbage, and grape leaves, for instance. Moreover, there will always be ‘traditional’ Jewish foods on the table, such as matzah ball soup, roast chicken, and - of course - the lovely slightly-sweet challah bread that is eaten every Friday night, on the Jewish Shabbat.Is visiting Israel over Sukkot popular?It’s an incredibly popular time of the year for visitors - not just Jews, who want to eat in kosher restaurants with sukkahs, but anyone who wants a beach holiday, because the weather is still so good in Israel. The only thing to note is that it can be very crowded because Israeli children are on holiday this week - this means that families will be traveling around Israel, so national parks, nature reserves, and museums will all be very busy.A religious Jew chooses an etrog for Sukkot.Photo byal-exviaFreeImagesOn the other hand, it’s a great chance to see Israelis out and about and having fun, and - as noted before - weather-wise it is perfect. You can enjoy lots of sun without having to escape the heat of the Israeli summer, and the chances are you will see no rain either - that does not usually arrive until November.Can I take an organized tour around Israel over Sukkot?Absolutely. In fact, because public transport is so crowded, it can be an excellent idea to take an organized tour or day trip around Israel - this means you’ll travel around in a comfortable (and air-conditioned bus) and have the services of a professional guide, as well as entrance fees and tickets for attractions being bought beforehand for you, so you don’t have to waste time standing in line.So if you want to explore the holy sites in Jerusalem or churches of Galilee, float at the lowest point on earth at the Dead Sea or take a food tour at Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market, get in touch with us - by phone or email. We’ve been in business for over 35 years and guarantee you an experience you’ll never forget. Also, feel free to take a look at our blog, if you want more ideas about where to visit or just to get an overview of life in the Holy Land. Happy holidays to you all!The Judean Desert from the Masada Cable Car, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Whether you’re sunning yourself on a pristine beach all day, exploring ancient Roman ruins, visiting one of Israel’s wonderful museums or hiking in national parks, you’re going to have an appetite at the end of it all, which is why we’re often asked by our clients for dinner recommendations.Shakshuka - an integral part of Israeli breakfast. Photo bySara DubleronUnsplashFair enough. But what about breakfast recommendations? One thing you’ve got to know when you’re visiting Israel is that the locals take their first meal of the day very seriously, particularly over the weekend (Friday and Saturday are the country’s ‘Shabbat’). And the ‘great Israeli breakfast’ as it’s often talked about, is really as good as they say, trust us.Israeli Breakfasts and what they’re all aboutAn Israeli breakfast is very different from what you’d get in the USA (sausages, waffles, pancakes), England (bacon, egg, beans and fried toast) or France (a simple croissant or pain au chocolat if you’re feeling decadent). If you go to a cafe in Israel and order a breakfast special, you’re looking at a meal that will probably keep you going for several hours, if not until the evening.As well as eggs, which are served any way you like, there will be plenty of fruits, juices, cheeses (both white and yellow), vegetables, olives, savoury dips and spreads and - of course - an enormous bread basket to dig into. And that’s the ‘regular’ typical Israeli breakfast. Many spots in Israel offer plenty of ‘add-ons’.These might include muesli and granola, cold fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna, herring), homemade jams, baked goods such as croissants and pain viennois and hot dishes such as shakshuka (eggs served in a spicy tomato sauce, served with bread for dipping) and malawach (a flaky fried flatbread hailing from Yemen). Ready to tuck in? Then take a look below at our top picks for a great Israeli breakfast. Hummus plate with eggplant and pita on the table. Photo byKao RodriguezonUnsplashWhere to sample an Israeli breakfast in Tel Aviv?Benedict - Everyone in Israel knows Benedict. Their amazing breakfasts speak for themselves and the great food, combined with friendly and efficient service, means there’s always a line! They’re all over the country but in Tel Aviv there are several - the most popular ones are near the Tel Aviv Port (Namal) and on Rothschild Boulevard.They serve eggs in a variety of ways, their bread baskets are delectable and they also offer waffles, American pancakes, French toast as well as iced coffee and fresh juices. Not inexpensive but definitely worth it. Be warned - the queues are long at the weekend and you could wait at least 30 minutes - bring a book! More details here www.benedict.co.ilCafe Xoho - This hipster hangout isn’t just for hipsters - it’s for foodies - especially those who love baked goods and bagels to boot! Close to one of Tel Aviv’s most popular beaches As well as typical Israeli breakfast staples, they have pancakes, a pink granola bowl (with chia) and a delicious breakfast burrito. On the drinks front, try a Vietnamese coffee (with condensed milk), a masala chai or their famous matcha smoothie (matcha, banana, coconut milk, tahini, honey and halva on top). Xoho is also gluten-free and vegan-friendly. With the fab ambience and tasty food, this is a gem of a place to eat. Address: Ben Yehuda 73 (near Frishman Beach). Tel. 03 561-6745.Delicious food atCafe Xoho. Photo by Dror Einav PhotographyHotel Montefiore - If you want to splash out on an upscale Israeli breakfast, you can’t do better than book a table here. Like the hotel in which it is situated (sophisticated and luxurious), enjoy gorgeous bread baskets, strong French coffee and an eggs benedict that’s to die for. The service is impeccable (everything comes to you on white china),If you feel particularly decadent, order the chocolate mousse. A word of warning: you might need to book weeks ahead for breakfast at the weekend here. Take a walk to the Carmel Market afterwards, if you want to burn off some calories. Address: Montefiore 36 (not far from Rothschild Boulevard). Tel: 03 564-6100.Dallal Restaurant- Tucked away in Neve Tzedek, one of Tel Aviv’s most charming neighbourhoods, this is a beautiful, upscale place to have breakfast (or brunch). Visitors love the Bloody Marys and scrambled eggs served with smoked salmon and cream cheese and the French toast with ricotta cheese, berries and sweet cream is fabulous. Oh, and if you have a sweet tooth, try the pistachio and strawberry dessert. All around the neighbourhood are lovely boutiques and coffee shops, as well as the beach just a few minutes' walk away, so it’s a great place to go for a stroll after you’ve eaten (to walk off the calories, as well as enjoy the area!) Address: Shabazi 10, Neve Tzedek. Tel: 03 510-9292.Morning in Tel Aviv, Israel.Photo byDaniel KleinonUnsplashWhere to eat an Israeli breakfast in Jerusalem?Kadosh - Kadosh has been in business a long, long time - since 1967, to be precise! After Meir, its founder, passed away, his son Itzik took it over and he must have been doing something right because it was rated ‘Best Breakfast in Jerusalem’ by the Hebrew press a while back.Cafe Yehoshua- This local cafe - based in Rehavia, just outside the city centre - is loved by its neighbours and has the added bonus of sidewalk seating, for warmer days. The food is rich and tasty and they have a reputation for serving excellent shakshuka and a wide variety of salads in their regular Israeli breakfast!This is one of the few restaurants in Jerusalem that is not kosher, so you will be able to order dishes that mix milk and meat. Good coffee, music not too loud (but enough to be pleasing) and fresh juices to boot. Not cheap, but worth it.Israeli breakfast atCafe Yehoshua, Jerusalem. Photo via Cafe YehoshuaNocturno - The locals in Jerusalem love this palace because of the quality of the food, good service and wonderful atmosphere. Fresh eggs, smoked salmon and fabulous mushrooms and fried potatoes is a dish that’s raved about and they also do a mean toasted croissant with cream cheese and onion.Vegans are well-represented too - and their non-dairy muesli goes down a storm…almond yoghurt and fresh fruit, served with silwan (a delicious date syrup). And for those with a sweet tooth, there’s also a vegan halva parfait or a hot chocolate fudge cake! Yum. Address: Nocturno, 7 Betzalel Street. Tel: 077 700-8510.As well as the regular Israeli breakfast they serve, customers love their baked goods - particularly the croissants - and wonderful French pastries on offer. We’d highly recommend the salmon and the pain au chocolat! Just be prepared to wait in line for them…Address: Kadosh, Queen Shlomotzion 6. Tel: 02 625-4210.Vegan shakshuka at Nocturno Cafe, Jerusalem. Photo viaCafe NocturnoWhere to enjoy an Israeli breakfast in Haifa?Millhouse Cafe - Close to the sea, in downtown Haifa, this is a lovely little place, popular with students and surfers alike, and serving less than -run-of-the-mill fare. Their sandwiches are imaginative (unusual ingredients, fantastic cheeses) and their spreads for the bread, if you order eggs, are all homemade! If you want to take a chance on something new. try one of their juices, quinoa and bulgar wheat salad or one of their mango tarts. Yum! And, as they say, “We serve damn fine coffee.” Recommended. Address: Millhouse, Bat Galim 14. Tel: 04 887-1181.Best Israeli breakfast in Mitzpe RamonLasha Bakery - If you’re in the Negev, stargazing at the Ramon Crater or rappelling down its edges, head to Lasha Bakery, which doesn’t do traditional Israeli breakfasts but makes up for it with delicious baked goods, pastries and quiches. They also sell products to take away - such as date syrup - which can make a wonderful souvenir from Israel.Enjoy quiches, focaccia, slices of maple and almond cake and empanada-style delicacies stuffed with vegetables. Lasha also offers sambusaks (savoury pastries), pretzel rolls and sesame sticks. Their coffee is great too and since they’re located in the trendy Spice Quarter, you can walk around the other stores afterwards. Address: Lasha Bakery, Har Boker 6. Tel: 050 361-1488. Green shakshuka in one of the Israeli cafes. Photo credit: © Oksana MatzBest Israeli breakfast in EilatOptimi - If you’re down in Eilat, on the Red Sea, you’ll find great service at this unpretentious little place, which serves good coffee, typical Israeli breakfasts and plenty of fresh bread too. Reasonable prices and they go out of their way for vegans too (think beyond meat burgers or vegan shawarma). Our recommendation? Try the spicy shakshuka or a ‘vegan morning’ which comes with vegan cheese, succulent olives, homemade tahini and a tomato spread. They also have some mighty delicious desserts, including the very tasty ‘crumble cheesecake’. Afterwards, work off your appetite with a visit to one of Eilat’s many attractions, such as the Dolphin Reef, and Underwater Observatory or even head off on a trip to Petra, which is just across the border. Address: Durban 2 (near the Mall HaYam). Tel: 08 637-6510.Interested in Israeli street food or Israeli cuisine? Book our Carmel Market Food Tour and try it for yourself!Israeli breakfast at Optimi Cafe in Eilat, Israel. Photo via cafe optimi eilat

If you’re visiting Israel after the long hot summer months (which, by the way, is a wonderful time of year to be in the country, climate-wise) you may be around for a very special event - the Jewish New Year. Israel is home to three major world religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. All of them have their own festivals and celebrations but for Jews, this is one of the biggest. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, is the first of a number of holidays that are often called ‘the High Holy Days’ (‘Yamim Noraim’ in Hebrew).Rosh Hashanah honey bowl with a wooden honey dipper and apples.Photo byIgal NessonUnsplashThis year, the Islamic New Year (which runs according to a Muslim lunar calendar) took place at the end of July. The Christian New Year is always on 1st January. But this Jewish festival always comes about in the Fall. Why that is (and many other questions) we’ll be answering below in a brief guide to the whats, wheres, and hows of this special holiday! The fact is that whatever your background, and whether you believe in God or not, Israel is a fascinating place to be at these times of the year. Christians flock to Israel at Easter, Muslims regard Ramadan as sacred and for Jews, Rosh Hashanah is a chance to catch up with those close to them, as well as enjoy good food, wear some new clothes, and generally look forward instead of back.In case you’re invited to someone’s home, or get chatting with a local, here are a few pointers for you. Enjoy! What is the name of the Jewish New Year in Hebrew? Its name is Rosh Hashanah which, in the Hebrew language, means ‘Head of the Year’ or ‘First of the Year’. Why do Jews celebrate their New Year in September or October?This is a good question and one that is often asked! Well, all Jewish festivals and holidays are set according to the Hebrew calendar. The first day of this calendar is the 1st Tishrei - it begins on the day of the new moon which can be seen around 354 years after the 1st Tishrei of the previous year.This is why the Gregorian date for this Jewish holiday is different every year.Fresh pomegranate isolated on black background. Photo byTamanna RumeeonUnsplashHow old is the world, according to the Jewish faith?If you estimate things according to the Jewish faith, the world is currently in the sixth millennium. Jews and Israelis start counting the beginning of time in the year 3761 BCE. Why? Because of an incredibly important Jewish philosopher named Maimonides, who lived in Egypt hundreds of years ago. Amongst his many writings, he established this as the biblical date of creation.When is the Jewish New Year in 2022? And how long do the celebrations last?This year the Jewish New Year begins on the evening of Sunday 25th September and lasts for two days. In Israel, almost all stores will be closed, as well as street markets. It’s also important to know that public transport will also come to a halt, so if you don’t want to stay in one place for these 48 hours you could look into car rental, which is surprisingly affordable. If you are in Tel Aviv, however, you are in luck because it’s a more liberal and secular city. You’re likely to find coffee shops open during the day and even a few Tel Aviv restaurants open at night.How do I say ‘Happy New Year’ in Hebrew?Traditionally, there are two ways of addressing someone with this greeting. The first is ‘Shanah tovah’ (‘Good year’) but, if you want to be more formal, then you can say ‘L’Shanah tovah tikatevu’ (‘May you be inscribed for a good year’). It’s also popular to say to people in Israel ‘Shanah tova u’metuka’ (‘a good and sweet new year’). In Yiddish, which is a language spoken by some religious Jews, you might hear ‘Gut yontif’ (‘happy holiday’). A headshot of a man blowing a shofar during Rosh Hashanah. Photo via www.freeimages.comWhat foods are customarily eaten at the Jewish New Year?Jews love their food and Rosh Hashanah is no exception - you might want to skip lunch (and breakfast too!) As well as old favorites, such as matzah ball soup, roast chicken and potato kugel, you’ll see certain things on the table that indicate it’s the start of a new year. These include: Apples dipped in honey - this is a tradition (rather than a religious commandment) and involves dipping slices into honey, whilst praying for a sweet and fruitful new year.Challah bread - this yeasty bread is eaten every Shabbat in Israel and the New Year is no exception - just that this time it’s round instead of long - to symbolize the circle of life. Pomegranate seeds - these are symbolic of righteousness in Judaism since it’s said to have 613 seeds (each representing one of the Jewish commandments of the Torah). Tzimmes - made with carrots, or other sweet root vegetables, again it’s eaten because it’s sweet.A group of men/boys praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Photo byshraga kopsteinonUnsplashWhat is the atmosphere like in Israel around the time of the Jewish New Year?It’s very festive. In the days leading up to it, friends, neighbors, family, shopkeepers (and sometimes even strangers in the street!) will all want to wish you ‘shanah tovah’. If you’re in Jerusalem, the atmosphere will be even more noticeable, since this really is a holy city.The shops and markets will be very busy, because people are stocking up on food for lunches and dinners, and gifts for close family and friends. There’s also a lot of traffic on the roads in the lead-up to the festival, because Israelis will be traveling around the country to meet up with family and friends.Over the two days of this particular Jewish festival, secular Jews might go to the beach, hike in national parks in Northern Israel, meet up with friends, and generally enjoy their time off. Traditional religious Jews will attend services at the synagogue and Orthodox Jews will refrain from work, writing, driving, and using any objects that require electricity.Ceramic pomegranates, symbols of Rosh Hashana, Jerusalem.Photo byNixx StudioonUnsplashWhat happens at the synagogue during the Jewish New Year?For two days, there are services in the synagogue and the liturgy (the form of worship) is incredibly beautiful. Rosh Hashanah remembers the creation of the world and is the start of a ten-day period that culminates in Yom Kippur. These ten days, for religious Jews, are about introspection and eventual atonement - there is a focus on humility as well as rejoicing.The prayer ‘Avinu Malkeinu’ (‘Our Father, Our King’) is sung throughout the morning and at the culmination of the service, a shofar is blown. The shofar is a ram’s horn and is blasted out at different intervals. The shofar is a symbol of the Jewish prophets who called on people to improve themselves spiritually - many Jews regard it as a ‘wake-up call’ from God. What is the ritual of tashlich, which is performed at the Jewish New Year?Carried out on the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah (usually after the lunchtime meal), the ritual of tashlich involves the symbolic ‘casting off’ of sins. Jews walk to a body of flowing water (a stream, river, lake, or sea) and throw crumbs (or sometimes pebbles) into it - as they do this, they recite a prayer asking God to lift their troubles from their shoulders because last year is ‘washed away like crumbs in the current.’If you’re visiting the Holy Land over this period, or at any time for that matter, and are interested in taking a guided tour or day trip around Israel, don’t hesitate to contact us by email or phone or take a look at our blog for more ideas about places to see and things to do. We’ve been in business for over 35 years and with our knowledgeable guides and experienced and friendly staff, we guarantee you a holiday to remember. Shanah tovah!Pomegranates on a tree.Photo byLavi PerchikonUnsplash

It's high season now in Israel and the country is expecting tens of thousands of guests in the next few months, all looking for fun days out, comfortable budget accommodation and great food. And Israel’s really come a long way in the last 20 years - the food scene here is booming, whether you’re a meat eater, a fish-lover, a committed vegetarian or an aspiring vegan.Kosher pizzeria. Photo byNick ClementonUnsplashWhether you’re in the mood for street food (falafel, sabich, shawarma), the great Israeli breakfast - in the form of eggs, jachnun or shakshuka - freshly caught St. Peter’s fish from the Jaffa port or a juicy steak in the Golan Heights, rest assured you’re going to find it in Israel. Jewish dietary laws in the land of IsraelHowever, one thing you should note, if you’re not familiar with Jewish law, is that many hotels and restaurants in Israel operate standards of kashrut - that is, laws that pertain to food. If these hotels and restaurants abide by rules, they will be given a ‘kosher’ classification by the Israeli rabbinate. Not all of these restaurants have this certification but the fact is that Orthodox Jews will always adhere to the Jewish dietary laws which, at their most basic, prohibit the mixing of milk and meat foodstuffs, as well as the prohibition of pork, shellfish and any other animal that does not chew the cud. This means that when looking for somewhere to eat out, they want to be sure the kitchen and foodstuffs are in line with Jewish law, hence this certification.White kippah for Yom Kippur / Rosh Hashanah. Photo byJoey DeanonUnsplashGlatt kosher - what does it actually mean?Just as there are different kinds of Christians, Muslims and Hindus, there are different kinds of Jews. Some Jews in Israel (and in the diaspora) are secular, some are Masorti (traditional) and others are ‘Orthodox,’ ‘modern Orthodox or ‘Haredi.’ Depending on how observant (religious) they are, they may want an even stricter certification than normal, which is where ‘glatt’ comes in.Glatt - more widely referred to as ‘Mehadrin’ in Hebrew and Yiddish - means ‘smooth’. However, when you’re talking about kosher meat, it is an indication that the lungs of the animal are completely unblemished and free of defects - thus adhering to a more stringent level of observance. Do you have to be Jewish to eat at a glatt kosher restaurant?Today we’re looking at glatt hotels in Israel that conform to rigorous standards and display a ‘Mehadrin’ certificate on their premises. If you visit one for lunch or dinner (or to stay) you will probably see a fair number of observant Jews (who live their lives according to the regulations contained in Jewish sacred texts) - from the head covering, to black frock coats and fur hats) there.The good news is that you definitely have to be Jewish (or even a believer in God!) to eat at these restaurants. They are open to the general public - all you need to do is decide, beforehand, if you’re in the mood for meat or dairy, because you will never have both in the same place. Here are a few of our recommendations for glatt kosher hotels and restaurants in Israel…Freshly baked challah bread.Photo byShraga KopsteinonUnsplashGlatt kosher hotels and restaurants in JerusalemOf all the cities in Israel, it’s Jerusalem where you’ll find the kosher hotels in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat and Northern Israel and thebest restaurants which adhere to the strictest standards. These include (but aren’t limited to):Prima Kings, 60 King George - Close to both the Great Synagogue and the Old City, this 213- room hotel is a comfortable and budget-friendly experience, with chef-prepared kosher meals.Jerusalem Gardens Hotel and Spa, 4 Vilna Street -Located on their 12th floor, this small, intimate restaurant offers both panoramic views of the city and terrific kosher food. Not cheap, but a true ‘Manhattan-style’ meat restaurant, with artful presentation and excellent service.Caesar Premier, 208 Jaffa Street - In the heart of the city, this European-style hotel offers comfortable accommodation and a restaurant that can also cater for large events. They pride themselves on their welcoming family atmosphere and their rooftop swimming pool offers separate hours for men and women. Kosher sandwich. Image byBINYOUSSOFfromPixabayThe Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 26-28 Agron Street - This unabashedly luxurious hotel is just 500 metres from the Jaffa Gate, in Jerusalem's Old City, and offers light bites, afternoon tea and gourmet cuisine, all under the supervision of the Jerusalem Rabbinate. They also offer a lavish Shabbat buffet lunch (pre-payment necessary).Rimonim Shalom Hotel, 24 Shakhrai Street - Formerly the Rimonim, the Shalom hotel is close to Ein Kerem and the Malka Mall and offers budget-friendly accommodation. Not only does it have a good restaurant, serving buffet meals, but it also boasts a semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool and a convention centre.The Inbal, 2 Jabotinsky Street - This five-star hotel, located in the very heart of Jerusalem, boasts the ‘O2’ - a meat restaurant which specialises in defining and reinventing Israeli cuisine, courtesy of Chef Nimrod Norman.Leonardo Plaza, 1 Rabbi Akiva Street - For gourmet food lovers, visit here and enjoy fabulous cuisine in one of their three restaurants, each inspired by different traditions. ‘Primavera’ is essentially Italian, ‘Cow in the Roof’ gives you a taste of French classics and ‘Cardo’ is where they serve their breakfast treats. They also host Friday night dinners and an enormous Shabbat buffet, along with fine wines. All supervised by the Jerusalem rabbinate.People praying at the Western Wall. Photo byOndrej BocekonUnsplashLittle House in Rechavia, 20 Ibn Ezra - This newly-renovated stone house in a green peaceful neighbourhood offers a Mehadrin Israeli breakfast and also offers a full Friday night kosher dinner and Shabbat lunch (these have to be pre-ordered).Red Heifer Steakhouse, 26 King David Street- Close to the King David hotel, this upscale meat restaurant offers everything from burgers and meat pizzas to high-end cuts and steaks such as filet mignon. All of their beef is hormone-free and steaks are aged for a minimum of 28 days, on-site.Tzuba Hotel, Kibbutz Tzuba, Jerusalem Hills- Nestled in the Judean hills, just 20 minutes from Jerusalem, this kosher kibbutz hotel in central Israel offers guests both rich buffet lunch (quiches, local farm cheeses, pastries and desserts) and also caters to larger events, such as bar mitzvahs. Fun fact: they actually run chocolate workshops!The Four Sephardic Synagogues, the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.Photo credit: ©ShutterstockGlatt kosher hotels and restaurants in EilatEilat welcomes tourists from around the globe but particularly at Passover and Sukkot, many religious Jews vacation here, and are looking for ‘glatt’ options within their hotel accommodation and when dining out. These include:Dan Panorama,the Northern Beach, Eilat- At this luxury hotel, world-class chefs will prepare you all kinds of culinary delights, including rich breakfasts, varied salads and tasty barbecue meats. Choose from the Dolphin dining room, Marina lobby or Bambou bar. Herods Palace, theNorthern Beach - Meals are a delight at Herods, with not just wow-factor breakfasts (four omelette stations and a dedicated juice bar) but the ‘Four Winds’ dairy lobby restaurant. For dinner, try their gourmet restaurants Tamarind and Tzaparim, which serve delicious, international fusion food. Hilton Queen of Sheba,8 Antibes Street - You have a choice of three restaurants here - all good. The Ebony is a pool restaurant and bar that serves grilled meats and cocktails. Makeda serves rich and yummy breakfasts. And their fabulous Japanese restaurant Yakimon, on the 12th floor, offers not just top-quality Asian fare but stunning views of the Red Sea.Mosh Beach, Derekh Mitsrayim, Eilat, Israel.Photo byYoad ShejtmanonUnsplashIsrotel King Solomon, the Northern Beach - Choose from three restaurants here - the ‘I Cafe’ which offers salads, pastas and deserts, the ‘King’s Table’ which offers tasty buffets and active preparation stands and Angelina, a wonderful Italian restaurant, serving fabulous focaccia, antipasti and pizza.Toy Bar restaurant, 1 Kamen Street - Dairy fare here includes arancini (Italian fried rice balls), delicious focaccia, a range of pasta dishes and cheesecake for dessert. Friendly, personalised service and diners recommend their themed cocktails.Cafe Cafe at the Ice Mall - This kosher dairy restaurant is great both for snacks and main meals, and diners love their Thai noodles and choice of cakes. This particular branch is right next to an ice rink, so you can stop for a milkshake or pizza after you’ve worked up an appetite, zipping around the rink.Antrikot Steak Houser at the Ice Mall - Well-priced burgers and steaks go down a treat here, and the side dishes (particularly the cauliflower) and tahini are raved about. Tasty food and helpful, friendly owners.Eilat's Dolphin Reef, Israel.Photo byMor ShanionUnsplashGlatt kosher hotels and restaurants in Tel Aviv and Central IsraelRegina, HaTachana The Station - Nestled in a 19th-century building, full of original features and beautifully preserved, sits Regina. This kosher meat restaurant, in the heart of HaTachana (the old Train Station), serves tasty and appealing food in a charming setting. Starters include beetroot carpaccio, meat hummus and smoked salmon bruschetta. If you’re in the mood for fish, there is salmon or tilapia (with roasted beans on the side) and carnivores will love the house burger and veal kebab. And fear, not vegans, they have meat-free shawarma and burger made from seitan too. To make the evening go with a swing, order one of their famous cocktails - maybe a ‘Jaffa Special’ or a ‘Regina in the Forest’. Not cheap, but tasty.Lehem Basar, Hanger 14, Tel Aviv Port - This steakhouse is located at the Tel Aviv Port (Namal in north Tel Aviv) close to the sea. Dishes include roasted eggplant, lamb stew, salmon fillet and a range of steaks. Enjoy a delicious sorbet for dessert whilst overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Alter Nativ - 10 Dubnov Street - Under the supervision of the Hatam Sofer, in Petach Tikva, this kosher dairy restaurant is a great place to grab breakfast, tuck into some fresh fish or enjoy a sizzling hot pizza. Even better, they offer free parking to their guests in the evening.HaTachana (the old Train Station) in Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinPankina, 39 Gordon Street (corner Dizengoff) - In the heart of Tel Aviv, the dairy restaurant Pankina is so good that eaters there say it’s on par with places in Rome. Dishes include tuna tartar, eggplant con mozzarella, Caprese salad and Fettuccia al Porcino e tartufo. The desserts are magnificent - you can’t go wrong with the tiramisu, semifreddo or millefoglie. What’s their secret? Well, apparently, not only do they import many of their ingredients from Italy, but nearly all their staff are Italian too! Don’t miss it.Papagaio - 2 Ha Shunit, Herzilya Pituach - This Brazilian-style table restaurant has an unlimited meat=tasting menu, as well as a regular a-la-carte menu. Located in Herzliya Pituach, inside the Arena mall and close to the boat marina, it’s a good option for those who are staying just outside the White City.Fresh Kitchen - 2 Ha Shunit, Herzliya Pituach - This kosher dairy restaurant is also in the Arena mall. Recommended dishes include salmon, red shakshuka and chocolate cake.People eating at a restaurant in the street in Tel Aviv. Photo byYaroslav LutskyonUnsplashGlatt kosher hotels and restaurants in Northern IsraelAresto, Caesarea Harbour - This upscale dairy restaurant lies next to the Mediterranean and offers spectacular food in beautiful surroundings, overlooking the ruins of Caesaria. Their focaccia - topped with mozzarella and garlic - is delicious, their salads are bountiful and their eggplant roll is to die for. Pasta lovers will adore the lasagna and gnocchi and the red tuna and Denis filet will satisfy any pescatarian. A little costly but worth ditching the diet for.Shaltieli, 6 YohaiBenNun Street, Haifa - The only kosher restaurant on the beach in Haifa, there are plenty of meat dishes on the menu, with a few vegetarian and vegan options besides. The hamburger and chicken come recommended and Shaltiel also screens sports matches and offers hookahs. Despite its casual vibe, you will, however, need a shirt and shoes to gain entry!Nir Etzion Kibbutz Resort, Carmel Mountains - This kosher kibbutz hotel near Mount Carmel has a lobby bar Shirat Hayam, which serves a dairy menu (sandwiches, salads and cakes) and hot, cold and alcoholic beverages. The meat restaurant itself is under the supervision of Rabbi Nachsoni and also boasts a private dining space.A cow in the Mount Carmel National Park, Israel. Photo byYoav NironUnsplashSin Chan, 10 Shimon Dahan, Tiberias - If you’re in the Sea of Galilee area and in the mood for Chinese, then head to Sin Сhan. This excellent Asian restaurant serves great food at prices that are half of what you’d pay in Tel Aviv. The Chicken Szechuan and Pad Thai dishes come highly recommended! Oh, and come with an appetite because the portions are enormous!Kinar Galilee, Moshav Ramot - Boasting plenty of food, breakfast and dinner are buffet style. All meat dishes have the Mehadrin supervision label on them. There are also fish and vegetable options and plenty of healthy food. Lunch is not served here but there is a bar selling light meals and after an enormous breakfast, that may be all you need.Yosko Hummus 23 Ha-Nadiv Street, Zikhron Yaakov - Enormous portions are de rigueur with this family business - order one plate for two people. Try the mushrooms and eggplant varieties!ltos Steakhouse, Golan Heights - With four different meat dishes on offer, as well as plates with grains and vegetables for the non-carnivore, this family-style eatery is close to the Golan’s capital, Katzrin, and a fine place to eat steak. It’s even better if you pair it with one of the local wines on offer.Sea of Galilee, Israel.Photo credit: © Oksana Mats

Tel Aviv’s not known as the Non-Stop City for nothing! Achingly hip and endlessly cool, there’s no shortage of bars to visit, whether you’re looking for something sophisticated and sedate or boisterous and bizarre. Without a doubt, this is clearly the best city in Israel to go out for the night inFruit Mojitos. Photo by Kobby Mendez on UnsplashAnd who doesn’t like a cocktail once in a while? Whether you’re supping at creation before heading off to dinner at one of many fine Tel Aviv restaurants, on a hot date night or with friends and ready to lose track of time, there’s nothing better than a cocktail bar to enjoy yourself. With literally hundreds of bars scattered across the city, we’ve saved you the trouble of asking around, scouring websites or taking your chances. These, in our opinion, are the seven best cocktail bars in Tel Aviv - ranging from classic to whimsical. Get your glad rags on, wait for the sun to go down and head to one of them…fast!1. Spicehaus Bar, Tel AvivThere’s some serious mixology going on at this ‘Cocktail Lab’ of a bar, where you’ll sometimes see staff in the white coats of chemists and drinks are often served in measuring flasks and beakers. Whether it’s a pina colada creation or something hip and funky, like an ‘Istanbul’, you won’t be disappointed.Spicehaus also takes a ‘sharing is caring’ approach with creations meant for more than one, in a unique environment (go to the bathroom and listen to Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘The Raven’ poem being read to you). They’ll fix you classics as well as modern creations. Happy hour is 18.00-20.30 and they also have a large outside area which is perfect for people-watching on Dizengoff…as well as getting into the ‘apothecary’ mood. Our tip: Drink: Anything served in a test tube! Eat: Ricotta toasted cheese sandwich with truffle oil and maple syrup. Address: Spicehaus, Dizengoff Street 117, 03 518-5904.Spicehouse, the first Sharing Cocktail Bar, Tel Aviv. Photo via SSpicehaus.tv2. Bellboy Bar, Tel AvivThe entire philosophy behind Bellboy is that everyone deserves a little fun in life. And fun you will have if you come here because everything is (as they say” rather ‘out of the ordinary).Whether it’s the ‘Tooth Fairy’ (mate-infused pisco, syrup, mint and soda), ‘Breakwater’ (dried-fruit rum, rooibos fruit blend, mandarine Napoleon, tamarind and foam) or ‘Monkey Business (dark rum, sour rum, Vermouth and Benedictine), you’ll be swept off your feet…off to a place that’s beautiful, as the owners boast. Our tip: Drink:Try the ‘Holy Water - Mastiha, Eucalyptus, lime, Sauvignon Blanc and myrrh! Eat:The duck pate, which is actually moulded into the shape of a rubber duck! Adress: Bellboy, Berdyczewski St 14, 03 728-9213.Bartender at theBellboy Bar, Tel Aviv.Photo viabellboy.bar3. The Imperial Bar, Tel AvivRun by veteran cocktail bar staff, the Imperial’s aim (as it boasts) is to create a ‘temple to the lost art of the cocktail.’ And this they do - which is why they won award after award for their creations. Choose carefully in this upscale bar, whilst you listen to swing jazz and luxuriate in the old-world ambience.Customers adore the ‘East of Eden’ (Bombay Sapphire gin, Fino sherry, fresh apple juice and bay leaf-white pepper cordial), the ‘Silver Buddha Punch’ (Banana and pineapple-infused Agricole rums, Amaro Montenegro and silver needles tea cordial) and their famous ‘Prelude to a Kiss’ (Pere Magloire apple brandy, pisco Capel, fresh lime and peach jam). Our tip: Drink: The Dollar Shake (a show-stopping strawberry milkshake creation). Eat:Portobello mushrooms in creme fraiche for the veggies or fish tacos for the pescatarians!Address: The Imperial Craft Bar, Hayarkon Street 66, 073 264-9464.Food and drink at Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar, Tel Aviv. Photo via CraftCocktailBar4. The Library Bar at the Norman Hotel, Tel AvivThe decor and ambience at the Norman hotel simply ooze style and no less should be expected at their famed Library Bar. With its Art Deco design and intimate sofa seatings, it attracts a very high-end clientele and is often quite busy. With quiet music playing in the background, and attentive professional staff, this is the perfect place to try one of their creations - and if it’s not on the menu, their bar staff will certainly make it for you. Customers love their Whisky Sour and gin-infused creations and although the prices aren't cheap, you do get complimentary snacks with your drink. Perfect for a romantic date night or a serious conversation! Our tip: Drink:It’s got to be the espresso martini. Eat:Courgette fritters for the veggies and any of their seafood dishes otherwise.Address: The Library Bar, Norman Hotel, 23-25 Nachmani Street, 03 543-5555.The Library Bar, Norman Hotel, Tel Aviv, Israel.Photo via The Library Bar5. Double Standard Bar, Tel AvivSituated in the Old North neighbourhood (a stone’s throw from the Tel Aviv Port (Namal), this laid-back bar has both indoor and outdoor seating, and the patio area is perfect for breezy spring and summer evenings. They have both classic cocktails (such as the Old-Fashioned and a mean Negroni) and more amusing creations served very creatively (in themed glasses). Gin-infused and creamy coffee creations are popular. What’s even better (and a clever idea they dreamed up during the Covid pandemic) is that they sell bottled cocktail mixes, which you can take home and drink at your leisure (great for impressing dates or spoiling yourself on a night in). Happy hour is 18.00 - 20.00 and works on a 1+1 basis.Double Standard has a lively vibe and friendly service (which often includes a free shot!) Enjoy! Our tip: Drink: Their Bloody Mary is served in a hospital-like IV bag, which is always good for a laugh…Eat Bruschetta pizza for the veggies and a mini-burger for the carnivores.Address: Double Standard, Dizengoff Street 247, 03 966-8948.Double Standard Bar, Tel Aviv.Photo via Double Standard6. Concierge Bar, Tel AvivWalking into Concierge, as some worldly Israelis will tell you, is a bit like walking into a bar in Paris. With smooth jazz music in the background and a stylish design, you can pretend you’re in Europe for the night (save for the more dressed-down approach). The cocktails all have crazy, funky names like ‘Smelly Cat’ (think Phoebe in ‘Friends’), ‘Back to Black’ (paying homage to Amy) and ‘Brain Freeze’ and the flavours really are innovative.Their service is also efficient and professional. Happy hour is Sunday - Thursday from 17.00 - 20.00, when bar prices drop 50% and kitchen fare is 25% less. Our tip: Drink:Try the ‘Pink Floyd’ - made of Espolon Tequila Reposado, Aperol, pink guava, banana and grapefruit, and banana, it’s bound to leave you grinning from ear to ear. Eat:Polenta fries for the veggies and beef gnocchi served with beets and cashew nuts for the carnivores.Address: Concierge, Dizengoff Street 95, 03 522-3340.Bartenders in Concierge Bar, Tel Aviv. Photo viaConcierge_tlv7. Potion Bar, Tel Aviv If you’re a whisky aficionado, then this has to be the place for you. Not only has this joint got a magical atmosphere (it’s spread over three floors), but as well as the drinks there’s a pool table (free to use) on the upper floor and a table tennis table in the basement! Potion, as well as the 170 whiskies on its menu, serves all kinds of original cocktails, as well as homemade mead. For those of you that aren’t in the loop, mead is a kind of honey wine, and Potion’s creation is mighty fine. All drinks are served creatively, as ‘potions’ (customers rave about the purple one) and there’s plenty of old-style music - 80’s rock included. Our tip: Drink:Either one of their whisky creations or a Moscow Mule. Eat:Anything - it’s all delicious ‘pub grub’.Address: Potion, Allenby Street 16, 050-770-0590.If you are interested in Tel Aviv Tours, don't hesitate to contact us.Whiskey in a snifter glass.Photo via Potion Bar

There are many things to love about Israel - months of endless sunshine, a beautiful Mediterranean coastline that boasts pristine beaches and clear waters, endless nature reserves and national parks, art galleries and museums, Crusader fortresses, boutique vineyards, and plenty of opportunities for adrenalin lovers, in the form of kayaking, jet-skiing, surfing, and rappelling.The farm of Netiv HaAsara, Israel. Photo byLevi Meir ClancyonUnsplashOf course, Israel is also one of the world’s top destinations for pilgrims. Home to a diverse population that includes Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze, there’s no shortage of places of worship to visit. Jerusalem’s Old City is, in itself, a place you could spend days, if not weeks, exploring.Packed full of historical sites including the Western Wall (the last remaining wall of the Second Temple, which was destroyed in 70 AD), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (built where Christ was crucified, buried, and resurrected), and the Dome of the Rock (which Muslims believe Mohammed flew over, en route to Mecca) each step you take is a journey back in time.A Land of HistoryAnd for history lovers, Israel is an incredible holiday destination. Whether you’re curious about the Israelites, Roman, Crusader, Mamluk, or Ottoman period in this country’s history, you won’t run out of things to see. What we’re looking at today is just a tiny part of this history, but something extraordinary in its own right - the story of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, which is told in the Bible in the form of the extraordinary story of Jacob (son of Isaac, and grandson of the patriarch Abraham).Whilst the time period of this story is ancient - circa 1200 BCE - the impact of it cannot be underestimated because, today, Orthodox Jews still consider themselves to be descendants of these tribes. There are also many other communities across the world, including Christian Assyrians, Afghans, Mormons, Ethiopians, and American Indians who also claim to be descendants of ‘lost tribes’ too. Yes, it’s really quite a story!Mount Arbel, Israel. Photo byDave HerringonUnsplash.The Hebrew Bible and the 12 Tribes of IsraelAccording to the Old Testament (or Hebrew Bible, as some Jews call it), the twelve tribes of Israel were the descendants of Jacob, one of the three great patriarchs of the Jewish religion. Jacob who (as we said above) was the grandson of Abraham (‘the father of the faith’ ) bore twelve sons, through his two wives, Leah and Rachel, and his concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah. It would be these sons who - collectively - formed the tribes.What were the names of the 12 tribes of Israel?The names of the men who formed the twelve tribes of Israel were (in order of age): Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. Unfortunately, Jacob was known to show favoritism - the most beloved of his sons was - without a doubt - Joseph, and this favoritism would set the scene for the extraordinary family saga that is told in the first book of the Bible, Genesis.The Jordan Valley, seen from the top of Mount Sartaba. Photo by Eddie & Carolina Stigson on UnsplashThe 12 Tribes of Israel in the BibleJealous and consumed with rage at the favorable treatment meted out by their father to his second youngest son, things came to a head when Jacob gave Joseph a resplendent coat of many colors. His ten elder brothers could bear it no longer so sold Joseph into slavery, returning home to tell their father that he had been killed by a wild animal. In the meantime, Joseph was taken to Egypt and, after a cruel twist of fate, imprisoned, where there he languished until he became known for his ability to interpret dreams. Summoned by the Pharaoh and able to explain Egypt’s current prosperity (and, furthermore, predict seven upcoming years of famine) he was appointed to a high place in court. From beloved son to slave to prisoner to viceroy, Joseph had survived. Even more astonishing, when his brothers appeared in Egypt, years later, searching (like all of those around them) for grain in the midst of a famine, Joseph chose not to take revenge but to forgive them. Joseph stayed at court (at this time, the Israelites were not in slavery).In Genesis, it is said that when he was about to die he asked those around him to promise him that after God took them out of Egypt, they would take his bones with them and bury them in the Promised Land. Many centuries later, his wish came true when his remains were buried in Shechem (also known as Nablus). It really is one of the most unforgettable stories in the Hebrew Bible. No wonder Andrew Lloyd Webber made a musical out of the story!Mini model of ancient Jerusalem. Photo byLevi Meir ClancyonUnsplashAn Israeli family tree - partitioning out the landAfter the Israelites fled Egypt, were saved by God, who parted the Red Sea, then wandered in the wilderness for decades, they finally arrived in the Promised Land. Each of the twelve tribes (descendants of Joseph) was assigned a section of land by Joshua, who had assumed a leadership role after the death of Moses. The tribe of Judah settled in the area south of Jerusalem and, with time, became the most important and powerful of all the tribes. From Judah would come the great King Solomon and then King David. Moreover, it was also prophesied that the Messiah would come from this tribe. The tribe of Levi also produced some notable descendants, including Moses, his brother Aaron, Miriam, Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Ezra, and Malachi. As well as the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, some modern Jews are classed as Levites, to indicate their connection with the religious functionaries who, at one time, were High Priests in ancient Israel. Here’s a map of the twelve tribes of Israel to give you an idea of which parts of the land they all inhabited.The Dead Sea aerial view, Israel. Photo bySergey MazhugaonUnsplashThe 12 Tribes of Israel in Jewish and Christian TheologyAs stated above, according to Jewish theology, the Messiah - when he comes - will be descended from the Davidic line and David came from the Tribe of Judah. For Christians, there is no less importance attached to this particular tribe - Jesus was descended from the tribe of Judah and, indeed, is often referred to as ‘the Lion of Judah’.According to the Christian Bible, where the twelve tribes of Israel are referred to in both the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus anticipated that when the Kingdom of God was established, his disciples would “sit on thrones, judging the twelves tribes of Israel.” The imagery of the 12 Tribes - The Chagall Windows of JerusalemIf you are in Ein Kerem, a green and leafy part of Jerusalem (which was home to John the Baptist), and curious about art, then it’s worth making a detour to the hospital there, named Hadassah. In the facility’s Abbell synagogue there’s something quite astonishing - and that is twelve stained-glass windows.View of the Western Wall, Jerusalem. Photo byIlanit OhanaonUnsplashDesigned by the acclaimed artist Marc Chagall these windows depict what some consider to be ‘heraldic symbols’ for each of the twelve tribes. According to Jewish Kabbalists (Kabbalah is an esoteric school of Jewish thought, which evolved in Safed in northern Israel, in the 16th century), the prayers of the Israelites will reach the gates of heaven (also 12 in number) according to the original tribe of each worshipper. So, if you hold fast to this mystical theory, Chagall’s stained-glass windows represent these twelve gates and when individuals pray in this synagogue in Jerusalem, this will give them direct access to heaven.After you’ve seen the windows, you can stroll around Ein Kerem itself. Meaning ‘Spring of Vineyard’ in Hebrew, it’s a tranquil oasis, nestled in a valley, which is incredibly beautiful. Visit the Franciscan church of John the Baptist (built on the site where it is thought he was born) and Mary’s Spring, and if you’ve got the energy continue onto Bethlehem, which is just 12 km away (about a 25 minutes drive).Family of religious Jews dressed in black walks through the Old City of Jerusalem. Photo byMaayan NemanovonUnsplashANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel AvivTelling the original and ongoing story of the Jewish People, this fantastic museum in Tel Aviv gives visitors access to interactive exhibits, displays of rare artifacts, and cutting-edge history-telling. Established to connect Jewish people with their roots and reinforce not just personal but also collective memory, ANU Museum of the Jewish People presents a 4,000 old story - the story of the Jewish people, told through their faith, culture, deeds, theology, and humanity.Recounting the incredible story of the Jewish people back to ancient times, here you can find out much about the Tribes of Israel. ANU is also an excellent museum to learn more about Jewish migration, centers of Jewish life that sprung up around the world (London, Paris, New York, Buenos Aires), the history of Jewish literature, art, and culture, the rebirth of the Jewish people after the Shoah (Holocaust) and the establishment of the State of Israel.A camel in the Negev Desert. Photo byCole KeisteronUnsplashDid the 12 Tribes actually exist? From where did they even originate?The modern scholarship really has no one opinion about the origin - or even the existence of the Twelve Tribes. Many different schools of thought exist, all purporting different theories. That they were a group of independent, nomadic desert tribes, united for political or military reasons? Were they a confederation of Israelites that existed between the period of the Judges and Monarchy? Or were they simply groups of people named after different locations in the Land of Israel? As to their origins, many historians even argue that there is no conclusive proof that any of these tribes, were actually the sons of Jacob and Leah.For sure, It is hard to answer the above questions and no doubt controversy will continue as to how they came to be. And yet, as a concept the ‘twelve tribes of Israel’ is very much alive in Jewish and Israeli identity. Religious Jews feel connected to them through the Hebrew Bible. And although secular Jews may not believe in God, many still feel connected to the tribal idea, since it is heavily bound up in Jewish history, folklore, art, literature, politics, and geography.A Jewish boy visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel.Photo byLevi Meir ClancyonUnsplash

If you ask people around the globe which city they best associate with Israel, chances are they’re going to answer ‘Jerusalem’. And for good reason. Jerusalem is an extraordinary and quite unique city, not just in Israeli terms, or even Middle Eastern terms, but for millions of people across the globe.Picture of the Jerusalem Light Rail on Jaffa Street, Israel.Photo byLaura SiegalonUnsplashJerusalem - A Unique CityHome to three of the world’s most holy religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam - it’s a place just oozing history. All around there are reminders of the past - from the Crusaders, Persians, and Byzantines to the Muslims, Ottomans, and British Mandate. Thousands of years of history - just waiting to be discovered.And the other good news is that because Israel is so small, covering ground between cities is incredibly easy and makes day trips a piece of cake. If you’re coming from Tel Aviv, for instance, it’s 38 minutes by train and 40-60 by car. Even journeying from further north - say, Haifa - is relatively stress-free when you look at the number of trains Israeli Railways puts on each day.Cathedral bells, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem. Photo byChristian BurrionUnsplashThe Must-Visit CityAlthough Tel Aviv is definitely the nightlife, foodie, and beach capital of Israel, Jerusalem can hold it on in many other ways. It has world-class museums, art galleries, music venues, and places of worship. And, of course, the Old City, which is a must-visit attraction in Jerusalem. There is, however, one small practical matter, to be addressed - what’s the best way to get around? Good question. Well, the answer is simple - the Light Railway. The fact is that bringing your car into Jerusalem is a huge headache - parking is scarce and costly, and you’re likely to get stuck in traffic jams too. Buses are frequent and definitely an option, but they are also subject to the terrible traffic that builds up at certain times of the day (particularly in the city center). Nor is Jerusalem a city for biking in the way Tel Aviv is - it’s way too hilly! Electric scooters have caught on either (we’ve no idea why) and because the city is quite spread out, walking from, say, the Damascus Gate to Ein Kerem is a very long journey!Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo byStacey FrancoonUnsplashUrban Transport for a 21st century JerusalemSo - yes - that leaves just one option…the light railway. And to tell you the truth, there are few people (either Israelis or visitors) that don’t love it. It’s convenient, fast, reasonably priced, runs long hours, and comes every few minutes. A combination of train and metro features, it’s taken the capital by storm - so much so that a similar system is now being built in Tel Aviv.It wasn’t long back that Yerushalmis (the name for the locals) would complain bitterly at having to make car journeys within the city - it could be very miserable, and however long you thought it would take, it always took longer. Not that building it was a piece of cake either - the disruption, noise, and pollution caused many headaches. But all good things come to pass - and the Light Railway was one of them. Today it’s ‘the’ way to travel in Jerusalem - cheap, efficient, and clean, all you need to do is hop on with your ticket and be whizzed away to whatever place you’re visiting - the Old City, Mahane Yehuda Market, Yad Vashem or the downtown shopping area.Today, we’re going to delve a bit deeper into the history of the light railway and its practicalities today - where it runs, what it costs, when it operates…so that by the time you arrive in the capital, you’ll be in the know and ready to start exploring. Let’s begin.Shop in the Old City of Jerusalem.Photo byChristian BurrionUnsplashHistory of the Railway in JerusalemDiscussion about building a light railway in Jerusalem went on for decades before a plan was actually enacted! Indeed, Theodor Herzl, who was the first real visionary of the establishment of a state for Jews, even imagined the project. The Ottomans looked into the idea, as did the British, but it took more than fifty years after Israel was created for work to begin on the project.Construction began in 2002 and lasted for eight years, in which time there was notable disruption to the roads, particularly Jaffa Street, which runs through the city center. Establishing a light railway also entailed the building of a bridge (see below) as well as quite a few other renovation projects. Not only was it hoped that the project would ease conjunction, as trams glided smoothly around the city, but it also envisaged the Jerusalem Central Bus Station and railway station next door being easily accessible to the line. View of the Western Wall and of Temple Mount. Photo credit:©Dmitry MishinThe Chords Bridge, JerusalemThe Chords Bridge (which also goes by the name of the Bridge of Strings) was built in order to accommodate the Light Railway’s red line; today, it is one of Jerusalem’s most notable landmarks. Easily observed from many parts of the city, it’s the first thing you see when approaching the capital by road since it is located at the entrance to the city.Designed by renowned Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, the Bridge of Chords is a cantilever bridge, consisting of 66 steel cables. Designed not just for transport purposes (easing the enormous road congestion the city was grappling with) it was also envisaged, by Calatrava, as a way to enhance the ‘skyline’ and to encourage discussion about modern design.Indeed it has. Today, it’s a structure you either love or hate. Calatrava designed it to resemble the Biblical King David’s harp, with the cables as the instrument's strings, although if you look at it from afar, it could also be regarded as a ship’s sail or a tent in the desert! Its striking design, for sure, has made it a major tourist attraction. And on a practical note, the Spaniard kept pedestrians in mind every step of the way - next to the bridge, across which the Light Railway runs, is a glass-sided pedestrian walkway, allowing you to cross easily from one side to the other, particularly convenient if you’re heading towards the Central Bus Station.Light rail captured in the Chords Bridge, Jerusalem. Photo byShraga KopsteinonUnsplashRoute and lines of Jerusalem Light RailAt the moment, there is only one route currently running through the city - the red line. Nevertheless, other lines are envisaged (blue and green) and construction plans are in the works, in an attempt to connect the entire city to the network. Furthermore, a project to extend the red line out to Haaddash hospital has already begun.The current line is almost 14 km long and has 23 stops along the route. It begins at Mount Herzl (where the famous Israel Defense Forces Cemeteryis located) and runs to Pisgat Zeev, running all of the way through the city center (on the Jaffa Road).From one end to another, it stops close by many places of interest for tourists, including Yad Vashem (Israel’s Memorial to the Holocaust), the Central Bus Station (where buses and trains to all parts of the country leave from), the Mahane Yehuda Market, downtown Jerusalem, the Old City (both at the Jaffa Gate and Damascus Gate) and close to the Hebrew University.Byzantine Cardo in the Old City of Jerusalem.Photo credit:©Dmitry MishinHow Much Does it Cost and How Do I Buy a Ticket?The cost of a ride on the light railway is 5.90 NIS, whether you travel just a couple of stops or the entire route. Your ticket is valid for 90 minutes from the time you but, unlike the buses in Jerusalem, it is not transferable. There are three ways you can buy a ticket - through the machines, next to the tracks, via a green Rav Kav card, or through an app on your smartphone.Machines - at every tram stop you will see machines and this is where you can buy a paper ticket. Instructions are in Hebrew, Arabic, and English and you can pay either with cash or a credit card. Please note that the screens are not a touchscreen - this means that to operate them you have to press the buttons at the side! Machines accept both coins and notes (usually!) Rav Kav Card - purchasing one of these little green cards when arriving in Israel is really a smart idea. The Rav Kav card is both magnetic and electronic and can be purchased at many places, including all bus and train stations around Israel. Once you have one (either with your name on it, if you're staying in Israel for a while and can provide the appropriate documentation) or an anonymous card, you can load it up with money whenever you choose. Aerial view of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem. Photo byRobert ByeonUnsplashYou can buy in denominations of 30 NIS, 50 NIS, or higher amounts and it’s also possible to buy a monthly ticket, whereby you can make unlimited rides. Just ensure that your card is loaded up before you board the light railway because, once you are on the tram, you cannot purchase credit.Smartphone - since 2021, it’s been possible to pay for a ticket using your phone and this has become an incredibly popular option (especially for younger people, who live and die by this instrument!). The advantage of the Moovit app is that you don’t have to commit in advance to what kind of ticket you’d like (single, day pass, week pass, or month pass).You simply put in your credit card details beforehand and the app will calculate what you are due (so, for instance, if you take 5 rides in a day, the app will place a ‘cap’ on how much you pay).Simply upload the app to your smartphone then sign up, and put in your card details. This will let you launch the app when you board the tram.Your phone’s camera will be notified and you can hold it up to the QR sticker close to the door or the tram (or bus, if you are using a bus). Once you have scanned it, you will receive validation (and often hear a beep and see a green light). It is your responsibility to scan your phone and, by law, the driver or ticket inspector can ask to see proof that you have paid.Сloseup of ceramic pomegranates in the Jerusalem market. Photo byNixx StudioonUnsplashLight Railway PracticalitiesThe Jerusalem Light Railway runs every few minutes, which means that you won’t have to boil or freeze, whilst waiting on a platform for the next tram to show up. As stated above, you must buy a ticket before boarding and validate it once you board. Ticket inspectors patrol the line’s route on a regular basis and if you are stopped and do not have a valid ticket you will be fined on the spot.Don’t risk jumping on if you’re in a hurry - just buy your ticket and wait a few minutes - it could save you a hefty fine! Many Israelis are not skilled at waiting patiently, so don’t be surprised, when you are trying to alight, that crowds will attempt to board whilst you’re still trying to step down. Stand your ground!What Hours Does the Light Railway Operate?The Light Railway operates from early in the morning until late at night, in Jerusalem. The first trains set off at 5.45 am and the last at midnight. These times are valid for Sunday to Thursday. Between Friday afternoon (1-2 hours before sundown) and Saturday evening (an hour after sundown), the light railway does not operate.This is because it is Shabbat and no public transport operates in Israel on the Jewish Sabbath(that is the light railway, Egged public buses, and the rail service). The same is true for religious holidays (which, like Shabbat, begin at dusk and run until the following day at dusk). Make sure you check the timetable online, beforehand, if you are unsure, otherwise you will end up having to hail a cab (which could end up rather costly). Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo byStacey FrancoonUnsplashPicking Up the Light Railway on Arrival in JerusalemIf you're coming by bus or rail from another part of the country then you’re in luck - the tracks are a stone’s throw from both the central bus station and the Yitzchak Navon Train Station (which are next door to each other). When you alight, you will see escalators that will either take you up or down to the ground floor. The complex also has stores, a pharmacy and coffee shops, a bakery, and fast food stands), as well as a number of spots at which you can pick up a Rav Kav card. Simply walk outside the main entrance and head to Jaffa Road - which is adjacent to and actually in sight of the station. It’s really just a 1-2 minute walk. The result is a seamless transport experience.In conclusion, the Jerusalem Light Railway has revolutionized travel in the capital, not to mention making it easier for visitors arriving in the city to connect quickly and without fuss to trams that can whisk them around the city in no time at all. Our view? Leave your car at home and take advantage of 21st-century public transport. And enjoy Jerusalem! Of course, if you wish to travel hassle-free, it's better to join one of the organized Jerusalem day tours or book Jerusalem tour packages.Views of the light rail at Yekutiel Adam station in Jerusalem, Israel.Photo byLevi Meir ClancyonUnsplash

Taking a vacation in Israel never disappoints, but there’s a big difference between touring Israel alone or with a partner/friend and bringing the kids. When you’ve got little ones in tow, not only are you going to be constantly looking for activities to keep them busy, but you’re also going to want to find accommodation that’s family-friendly.A little boy swimming in the hotel pool.Photo byAlexandr PodvalnyonUnsplashIsrael - the ultimate family-friendly vacation spotLuckily, Israel is a country that’s not just set up for kids' activities but it has a culture that actively embraces families. Israelis love children and the family is at the heart of everything in this country, so chances are it’s not going to be too difficult for you to find accommodation and family attractions in Israel that are geared towards the little ones.Accommodations for all budgets in IsraelWe won’t deny it - Israel’s not a cheap country to visit, and the fact is that finding somewhere to sleep each night is a huge chunk of your holiday cash. The good news is that, in recent years, hotels have become more aware of the budget-conscious family, and many of them are really making an effort to keep their prices reasonable, as well as offering plenty of activities to keep kids entertained.Of course, if you do want to splash the cash, there’s no shortage of classy joints to book, that will - along with the ‘regular’ features of a pool, cable TV, and free wifi - offer other special services, particularly babysitting and kids clubs, so that you can have a holiday too! Doing a bit of research to find out the best family hotels in Israel can take time, so we thought we’d make it easier for you and give you a few suggestions.Below, we’re setting out plenty of options in all of the major Israeli cities - from budget to mid-level to luxury - because we know one size doesn’t fit all and that price is often important. And before you take the plunge, don’t be afraid to shop around, online or by giving them a call. You never know when you’ll be able to pick up a special deal, which will make your vacation even more pleasant…A boat with three people at Jaffa Port, Israel. Photo byFaruk KaymakonUnsplashFamily-friendly hotels in Jerusalem1.YMCA Three Arches Hotel - This Jerusalem landmark, famous the world over for its bell tower, is a tried and tested favorite when it comes to accommodating families. It’s a fusion of old-world charm and modern conveniences, with lots of friendly staff and a wonderful garden, complete with stone pathways, around which you can stroll.This hotel is considered ‘three-star superior’ with rooms featuring views of the garden and King David Street (named after the biblical king). There is free wifi and cable TV and a fitness center complete with a pool and jacuzzi. Breakfast can be eaten on the outside patio and guests are also welcome to climb the bell tower, for extraordinary views over Eternal City.Address: YMCA, 26 King David Street, Jerusalem. Tel: 02 569-2692.2.Hillel 11 Hotel, Jerusalem -A stone’s throw from King George Street, in the heart of West Jerusalem, this is a good value-for-money option, particularly if you’ve got two more kids, since Hillel 11 offers larger rooms which contain one or two sofa beds, along with a double bed. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, and both Mahane Yehuda Market and the Old City are within easy walking distance. Some of the rooms have fridges in them (which is a nice touch, since breakfast is not available in the hotel). Convenient and budget-friendly.Address: Hillel 11, 11 Hillel Street, Jerusalem. Tel: 02 540-2225.3.Leonardo Plaza Hotel, Jerusalem- Located on King George Street, close to the Great Synagogue, this is the place to come for some luxury. Leonardo Plaza is a five-star hotel with 270 rooms, all tastefully designed. Facilities include a large pool, a fitness center, a dining room (serving a fabulous Israeli breakfast), and the kosher chef restaurant Primavera for lunch and dinner options. There’s even a library, where you can sit and read to your heart’s content, whilst your offspring are in kids' clubs (board games for the youngsters and games consoles for the teenagers!)Address: King George St. 47, Jerusalem. Tel: 02 629-8666.View of the Western Wall, Jerusalem. Photo byIvan LouisonUnsplash4.Ramat Rachel Resort, Jerusalem- Located near Talpiot and just a fifteen-minute drive from the center of Jerusalem (as well as public buses outside, that run every 20 minutes), the Ramat Rachel resort offers comfortable accommodation in pastoral kibbutz surroundings which are guaranteed to put you in a relaxed holiday mood.The landscaped gardens have shady pine trees, and the kids can enjoy tennis courts, a playground, and a pool (complete with snack bar), whilst adults can sneak off to the spa, for some relaxing treatments. Rooms are spacious with lovely views and the kibbutz restaurant serves an excellent breakfast (full of fresh ingredients) as well as child-friendly buffet lunches and dinner. They also offer a packed lunch service, if you’re going out for the day.Address:Ramat Rachel, Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, Jerusalem. Tel: 02 670-2555.5.St. George Hotel, Jerusalem- This upscale hotel is just a four-minute walk from the Shivtei Israel light railway station and a ten-minute walk from the Old City, which makes it perfect if you want to exploreJerusalem’s holy sitessuch as theChurch of the Holy Sepulchre, theVia Dolorosa,Temple Mount, and theWestern Wall.The staff are very helpful and speak excellent English (and French!) and the family rooms here are comfortable and contemporary. One of the best features of the hotel is its rooftop pool, which offers incredible views of Jerusalem. The upstairs restaurant also has local live music, periodically, which kids may enjoy!Address:St. George Hotel, Amr Ibn Al A’as Street 6, Jerusalem. Tel: 02 627-7232.Family relaxing in the hotel room. Photo byJonathan BorbaonUnsplashFamily-friendly hotels in Tel Aviv1. The Royal Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv - Whilst this is by no means a cheap option, this five-star hotel isn’t just luxurious but goes out of its way to accommodate families, especially with its suites (which range from between 50 to 90 square meters). The hotel has a contemporary and urban feel and prides itself on its service.Not only is the Royal Beach a stone’s throw from the beach, as well as endless other attractions in Tel Aviv but it also has a fantastic pool and a kid’s club that is run by both professional and caring staff. Finally, the breakfast is raved about by everyone who comes to visit - in the vein of ‘it could feed an army.’Address: HaYarkon Street 19, Tel Aviv. Tel: 02 627-7232.2. Arbel Suites Hotel, Tel Aviv - This pleasant and low-key three-star aparthotel sits just behind the famous Dizengoff Street and, just a few minutes walk from Gordon Beach, is very family friendly - actually they are a family business themselves. View of Tel Aviv seaside from Jaffa. Photo byAdam JangonUnsplashEach apartment has free wifi, air conditioning, a fully-equipped kitchen, and both high chairs and baby bathtubs are available upon request. Bikes are free for guests so you can take your kids on a city tour! Some of the suites have both a double bed and two sofa beds, so they really are accommodating. Oh, and the breakfast is terrific! Great value for money.Address: 11 Hulda Street Tel Aviv. Tel: 03 522-5450. 3. The Spot Hostel, Tel Aviv-With a tagline of "offering something for everyone" the Spot Hostel is a lot more comfortable than your average hostel, and with its fantastic location, close to both the Namal Port and Park Hayarkon, and a short bus ride to Jaffa is a great choice for families looking for clean, comfortable accommodation at a price that won’t break the bank.The Spot offers family accommodation (two rooms that interconnect) and their facilities are enviable, including a fully-stocked kitchen, laundry room, screening room (keeping both kids and adults happy), and their famous ‘Lager & Ale’ bar which serves drinks, snacks, and traditional pub grub. Oh, and if there’s a budding musician or comedian in your group, look out for their ‘open mic’ nights.Address:HaTa'arucha Street 3, Tel Aviv. Tel: 03 790-7477.Aerial view of Tel Aviv Old Port. Photo byShai PalonUnsplashFamily-friendly hotels inGalileeThe Lake House Kinneret - If you’re inNazareth or Galilee and looking for family-friendly accommodation, then this could be a good choice for you. They’ve recently had a complete renovation, so the decor is very new and modern, and their suites can accommodate between 4-5 people - great if you’re a family. A pool and a big breakfast are also part of the deal, plus a spa if you want to pamper yourself.The Lake House Kinneret is directly on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, affording wonderful views and its location is good too - the Hamat Tiberias National Park (with the famous hot springs) is just an 8-minute drive, and if you want to look at religious sites in the area, it’s less than an eight-minute drive to Church of the Primacy of St. Peter or the Tomb of Maimonides.Address: Ha'Marchatzaot Road, Tiberias. Tel: 04 672-8500.Family-friendly hotels in Eilat1.U Coral Beach Club, Eilat - All Inclusive - Even though there are so many things to do in Eilat, if you want a relaxed holiday where you don’t have to plan activities, this all-inclusive hotel is a fantastic choice. Close to the beach and also the Underwater Observatory, there’s everything here you need, if you’re not in the mood to leave the complex!U Coral Beach offers comfortable and spacious ‘junior family’, excellent and varied food options (you can eat as much as you want), an open bar (with alcoholic and soft drinks) as well as nightly entertainment. As for the kids, there’s a separate heated pool for the youngsters, complete with slides, a kids club, table tennis, and a private beach with volleyball, archery, and snorkeling equipment.Address: Almog Beach Marina, Eilat. Tel: 08 635-0000. Eilat, Aquapark.Photo byMichal IcoonUnsplash2. City Apartments, Eilat - These apartments are both clean and well-equipped, offering great value for money in Eilat. The location is excellent (very close to the beach), the management is very helpful and there’s a reasonably-priced supermarket nearby if you want to prepare light meals or breakfast for yourself, rather than eating out every day.The apartments come in different sizes, and all are equipped with bed linen, towels, and the basics in the kitchen. They are also close to the shopping mall and the owners are happy to help with information regarding food and drink (since they do not have a restaurant on the premises).Address:Neviot Street 23, Eilat. Tel: 08 633-8361.Family-friendly hotels in BethlehemGrand Hotel, Bethlehem - If you're visiting Bethlehem, then the Grand Hotel is a good choice, offering family-friendly hospitality as well as a warm welcome and lots of help with getting around town. They have family rooms, all of which have air conditioning and a minibar, free wifi and a refrigerator and there’s a 24-hour front desk and a comfortable lounge.The Grand Hotel also offers a Mexican Mariachi restaurant, the first of its kind in Palestine actually! And if you want to sit and relax with the kids, their cafe serves delicious salads and cakes, made on the premises. The Grand Hotel is a short walk from the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto, and Manger Square.Address: St. Paul VI Street 69, Bethlehem. Tel: 02 274-1440.Magi Bethlehem Scene Christmas ball ornament.Photo byRobert ThiemannonUnsplashFamily-friendly hotels at the Dead SeaThe Daniel Hotel at the Ein Bokek stretch of the Dead Sea is a very comfortable hotel if you’re in the neighborhood, and has plenty of facilities to keep the kids happy. One of the best Dead Sea beaches is three minutes walk away and the pool has both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a wellness area with a hot tub, sauna, and gym.The family rooms are spacious and clean, with comfy beds, and overlook either the Dead Sea itself or the Edom Mountains. The food (both breakfast and buffet lunches and dinners) is consistently good and the hotel offers nightly performances and shows. The staff really do their best to make you feel welcome. Our tip: Get to the pools early - they are popular and the sun loungers are often taken by 11 am! Incidentally, whilst the Dead Sea is one of those must-see places in Israel, for adults and kids alike, the good news is that there’s not just salty water to float in when you’re in this area - with a car, it’s a quick drive to the ancient fortress of Masada and the beautiful nature reserve of Ein Gedi, where you can hike and splash around in waterfalls.Address: Ein Bokek, Tamar, Dead Sea. Tel: 08 668-9999.The Dead Sea Shore from above. Photo byArtem BelinskyonUnsplash

Well, summer is back with a vengeance and whether you love or hate the hot weather, the fact is that unless you’re going to hide away in the air conditioning, you’ll be looking for things to do in Israel. And in this respect, you won’t be disappointed because, post-Covid, there’s plenty going on in the country, whether you’re looking for music in Israel, art, performances, or just chill-out time.Exhibition "Art of Enchantment", Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv.Photo credit: ©Dmitry MishinAugust 2022 in Israel promises to be busy - Ben Gurion Airport is seeing thousands of tourists arriving every day, heading for the miles of white sandy beaches, the Old City of Jerusalem, the lush green hills of the north as well as the ever-popular Petra excursion in Jordan. We’ve put together a few ideas for things you can do this summer, whether you’re having a chillout vacation in Tel Aviv, exploring the beauty of the Galilee and Golan, or star gazing whilst camping at the breathtaking crater in Mitzpe Ramon. Enjoy yourself! Events in August 2022 in Tel AvivShlomo Artzi in concert - 5th August, Charles Bronfman Auditorium. Shlomo Artzi is, for sure, up there with some of Israel's greatest singers. He’s been around for a long time now - close to five decades - but still packs out auditoriums and outdoor theater in Caesarea with his timeless songs. This summer he’s performing in Tel Aviv on 5th August at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium, close to Rothschild Boulevard.If you manage to snap up a ticket you’re in for a special time because he never fails to charm audiences with his music and lyrics. And if you can’t pick up a ticket, don’t worry - he’s performing the following week in Kiryat Motzkin, north of Haifa, so you can take a weekend break, see the Maestro and enjoy Mount Carmel too.Converted Roman Theater in Caesarea, Israel. Photo byJoshua SukoffonUnsplashTuesday Blues - every Tuesday at 6 pm, Jaffa Flea Market - There’s no better place to spend a summer’s evening than in Jaffa, the beautiful - and ancient - city which you can walk to easily from the center of Tel Aviv. As well as the promenade, port and Artists Quarter, a tour of the Jaffa flea marketis a must.And every Tuesday night in August, at 6 pm, there are free blues performances in the market area, which is also full of cafes, bars, and small boutiques - a great place to mingle with old friends and new, enjoy a cold beer or a fresh juice and generally kick back.Events in August 2022 inJerusalemPuppet Theatre Festival - throughout August - Back by popular demand comes the Train Theatre who are going to be given a number of wonderful performances at their annual Puppet Theatre Festival in Liberty Bell Park, in Jerusalem, between 18th and 22nd August. This is a great family event and one that both kids and adults can enjoy. Whether you’re at ‘A Dot of Light’ (telling the story of braille), ‘The Hungry Sandwich’ (which incorporates elements of clowning into the performance), or ‘Puppet Jam’ which is a kind of edgy cabaret event, you’re going to come away with a warm, fuzzy feeling.View of the Western Wall and Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem.Photo byAnton MislawskyonUnsplashHutzot Hayotzer Fair - 15th to 27th August - Unlike the coastal plain of Israel, Jerusalem (which is high in the hills) gets a delicious breeze on summer nights, which makes it a delightful place to wander when the sun goes down. So why not head over to one of Jerusalem’s most beloved venues, the Sultan’s Pool, between the 15th and 27th of August and enjoy their annual arts and crafts fair. There, you’ll find all kinds of creations for sale (indeed, Hutzot Hayotzer, translated from Hebrew to English, actually means ‘The Creator Steps Out’). Enjoy nightly musical performances, have a glass of wine, and breathe in some fresh Jerusalem air as you stand at the foot of the two-thousand-year-old city. It really doesn’t get much better than this.Events in August 2022 inHaifaNorthern Wind -Israeli Art from the Museum Collection, Haifa Museum of Art - A northern wind is blowing through the collection of Haifa’s Museum of Art this August, where you can check out a number of works based in Israel’s biggest city in the north of the country, as well as the surrounding areas around the Carmel area.Haifa has a unique identity - as a port city, many immigrants arrived by ship, before and after the creation of the State of Israel. Historically, it’s also a city steeped in activism - it has a long history of supporting workers' rights and is also very mixed, a place where Jews and Arabs live and work side by side.The Baha'i World Centre in Haifa, Israel. Photo byShai PalonUnsplashEvents in August 2022 in GalileeSafed Klezmer Festival - 9th to 11th August 2022 - The Safed Klezmer Festival is back - and it’s a fantastic opportunity to hear young musicians from around the world play this very unique kind of Jewish music, which began in the shtetls of Eastern Europe and was often played at weddings or joyous Jewish holidays such as Purim and Simchat Torah. Klezmer has really made a comeback in the last decade and in the beautiful and mystical town of Safed in the Upper Galilee, between Tuesday 9th and Thursday 11th August over 90 bands will be performing in the narrow streets and alleyways. Head north and discover your inner joyfulness!Events in August 2022 in the Negev DesertMitzpe Ramon Film Festival - 23rd to 26th August. Mitzpe Ramon might be a small town in the Negev, but it’s home to a mighty fine crater Makhtesh Ramon, which affords splendid hiking and rappelling opportunities, as well as nights spent under starry skies. This desert center is also attracting more and more young creative Israelis, who’ve moved there to be part of a small but vibrant community.As a result, their annual film festival is now in its third year and taking place between 23rd and 26th August. Take a trip down to the desert, reconnect with the elements and enjoy some of the screenings on offer…And if you’re looking for something particular, feel free to contact us by email or telephone - here at Bein Harim we’ve been in business for over 30 years and offer organized tours, day trips, and private tours customized to your needs.A sunset over Ein Yorkeam Wadi. The Negev Desert, Israel.Photo byAvi TheretonUnsplash

Mitzpe Ramon is a town in the Negev Desert of Southern Israel. Most visitors to the Holy Land pass Mitzpe Ramon on their way to the Dead Sea or stop briefly to see the town’s most important attraction – the Ramon Crater. Mitzpe Ramon is located on the northern edge of the Ramon Crater, the largest erosion cirque in the world. In Hebrew “mitzpe” means lookout and the town of Mitzpe Ramon literally looks out across the Ramon Crater. It is a small isolated community, surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. Mitzpe attracts tourists that want to venture into the desert and artists who come to be inspired but the Negev’s dramatic landscape and endless starry skies.The Birth of Mitzpe RamonIn the early 1950s, a group of workers was sent to Southern Israel to construct Route 40, the country’s north-south intercity highway. The workers were accommodated at the Independence Camp established where Mitzpe Ramon stands today. A group of young families settled permanently in Mitzpe Ramon and established a cooperative agricultural settlement. In 1957 the government came up with a plan to develop the settlement, build homes and support employment by opening quarries, industrial plants, and tourist sites in the area. By 1961 the town had 370 residents and 180 homes were built to accommodate an influx of new immigrants from India, North Africa, and Holocaust survivors from Europe. It was not easy to live in the fledgling community with the harsh desert conditions, limited food supplies, hardly any amenities, and only prefabricated asbestos barracks for the new settlers.Conditions improved in the early 1970s and the town had a population of about 1,400 people. Mitzpe suffered a blow to the economy when the new Arava Road was constructed redirecting traffic on route to Eilat to bypass Mitzpe. When the Ramon Army Airbase was built nearby in the 1980s Mitzpe Ramon grew and by the end of the 1990s, the town’s population had swelled having absorbed arriving immigrants from the former Soviet Union. The original route 40 to Eilat is now considered the scenic route and brings travelers through Mitzpe Ramon once again.Why Visit Mitzpe RamonThe main reason to visit Mitzpe Ramon is as a base for exploring the Negev Desert and the Ramon Crater. The Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center is a good place to start. There are many opportunities for desert safaris, extreme sporting adventures in the Ramon Crater, cycling, hiking, and mountain biking. Visit nearby ancient ruins dating back 2,000 years, take a camel ride in the desert, or see the Ramon Crater from the Albert Promenade. Mitzpe Ramon and the surrounding desert are perfect for star-gazing thanks to the lack of city light pollution in the desert. There are star-gazing tours at night that leave from Mitzpe Ramon and 5km west of Mitzpe Ramon is the Wise Observatory overlooking the Ramon Crater. Mitzpe Ramon is home to several bed and breakfasts as well as hotels like the luxury Beresheet Mitzpe Ramon Isrotel where each room has views of the desert. You could even have a Bedouin experience and stay overnight in the desert.Mitzpe Ramon hosts festivals and musical events throughout the year. The Artist Quarter is home to creative artists who come to Mitzpe Ramon for the isolation, pristine surroundings, and to escape the rat race. Mitzpe Ramon has gained a reputation as a spa destination where people come to relax and recharge their batteries. You can enjoy spa treatments, or attend a yoga retreat or spiritual workshop in the desert. The town’s Spice Route Quarter is another magnet for people seeking positive energy and spiritual surroundings. See local animal life at Bio Ramon, home to 40 species from the Negev, or visit the nearby Alpaca Farm. Believe it or not, the Negev also has several excellent wineries where tours and tastings are available.

The Tower of David site consists of a medieval fortress which has been altered several times over the years. Although it is called “David’s” Tower it actually has no connection to King David. Roman historian Josephus Flavius mistakenly attributed the tower to Kind David when in fact it was originally the Tower of Phasael and dates back to the time of Herod. When Westerners arrived in the Holy Land seeking biblical sites they too interpreted the site as David’s palace.History of the CitadelAccording to archaeological findings and references in the Bible Hezekiah King of Judea expanded the fortifications of Jerusalem to include the hill to the west of Temple Mount in the late 8th century BC. In the 2nd century, BC fortifications were expanded further and in the 1st century AD, Herod added three towers to the fortifications of the northwestern corner of the western hill where the Citadel now stands.Herod’s towers were intended to protect the city and his palace on Mt. Zion. Herod called the towers Mariamne in honor of his second wife who had been executed and buried near the towers; Hippicus in honor of one of his friends and the tallest of the tower, Phasael, in memory of his deceased brother. Of the three towers, only the base of the Phasael Tower survived.After the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the Romans used the Citadel to house troops and in the 4th century, Christian monks inhabited the Citadel. It was during the Byzantine era that the Citadel was erroneously associated with David’s Palace which is mentioned in Samuel II. The Citadel was known as the Tower of David from that point on.The Mamluks built a citadel in 1310 on the remains of Herod’s earlier fortifications. The Ottomans expanded the citadel in the 16th century and it served as their garrison for 400 years. They added a mosque to the site and built a minaret in 1635-1655 on the remains of Herod’s Phasael Tower. This minaret (and the entire fortress complex) has become a symbol of the city.Under the British Mandate (1917-1948) the citadel was used as a cultural center and under Jordanian rule from 1948 to 1967 the citadel once again took on a military role. Following the Six-Day War in 1948 the citadel returned to Israel jurisdiction. The Tower of David Museum was opened in 1989.The Citadel MuseumThe Museum of the History of Jerusalem traces the major historical events that have taken place in Jerusalem over the 4,000 years from the second millennium BC to 1948 when the State of Israel was established. To appeal to all visitors the museum uses advanced digital technology, holograms, and activities.Visitors can walk along the citadel walls and in the courtyard where archaeological findings are on display. From the top of the tower, there are breathtaking panoramic views of the Old City, Mt. Scopus, and the Mount of Olives. The museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and culture as well as special events, performances, and educational activities. In the evening there is a sound and light show entitled The Night Spectacular where Jerusalem’s story is told through projected images on the ancient stones, sound, music, and lights.

Alona Park is about 80km from Zikhron Ya’akov, west of Moshav Amikam, at the southern end of the Carmel Mountains. The park includes natural Mediterranean forest, open lawns, and Mei Kedem (Ancient Water), a unique archaeological site dating back 2,000 years. Here you can explore an underground tunnel that was part of a complex Roman water system. It brought fresh water from the Ein Tzabarin Springs to the port city of Caesarea, over a distance of 23km. Armed with a flashlight, visitors can wade through shallow water in the underground tunnel and learn about this Roman engineering marvel.History of Mei Kedem (Ancient Water System)In c.22BC-10BC BC, King Herod built a grand port city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, about half-way between Tel-Aviv and Haifa, and named it Caesarea Maritima. This magnificent city, with luxurious palaces, a huge amphitheater, and a man-made harbor needed a reliable water supply for its growing population. Herod's water system was a raised canal that brought water from the Shumi Springs on the southern side of Mount Carmel to Caesarea. Emperor Hadrian arrived in Caesarea in 130AD, and seeing that the water supply was no longer sufficient, he had repairs made and a second aqueduct constructed. This brought water from the Taninim River and comprised a 6km-long tunnel and aqueduct alongside the original aqueduct. For the next 1,200 years, these parallel aqueducts were used to supply water. By the 12th century, the aqueducts were beyond repair, and so the Crusaders built a third canal to replace the original two. There was a fourth water system built during the Byzantine era bringing water from the Maagan Michael Springs, north of Jiser-e-Zarka.The Engineering of Mei KedemHerod’s water system consisted of canals, clay pipes, aqueducts, and a 6km-long tunnel. The engineers had to overcome many obstacles in creating the water system. The various elevations of the terrain presented a problem. Roman engineers studied the local topography and used gravity to channel the flow of water. They began with a 6km-long tunnel dug horizontally into the hillside near the Ein Tzabarin Springs. Every 50m of so, shafts were dug into the ground. Then teams would dig through the solid rock from opposite ends until they met in the middle. Workmen used axes to hack through the rock. The engineers made calculations using measuring rods, ancient spirit levels, and other Roman tools. You can still see the niches in the rock where the Roman workmen placed their candles as they dug through the rock.What to See and Do at Park AlonaYou can have a unique adventure, walking through a 280m-long section of the Mei Kedem tunnel at Park Alona. Steps lead down into the underground tunnel, which is narrow enough for an adult to touch both sides. Visitors walking through the tunnel are surrounded by the thick stone walls and the water can be 40-70cm deep. Although there is dim lighting, it is recommended to bring a flashlight. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. Alongside the water tunnel is a small museum where you can learn about the tunnel’s history from the Romans, to the Byzantine-era.

HaMizgaga Museum is a hidden gem, with a fascinating collection of nautical and regional archaeological finds. The exhibits are housed in a former glass factory in the heart of Kibbutz Nachsholim. The kibbutz is on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, about 20km south of Haifa. Most of the museum exhibits were discovered just a short walk away, at the Tel-Dor archaeological mound and in the seabed just offshore. Today the Nachsholim coast is a sleepy stretch of sandy beaches and rock pools frequented by families, but for thousands of years it was a hub of maritime activity.The Former Glass Factory at Kibbutz NachsholimThe museum is in a two-story stone building that once housed a wine-bottle factory opened by Baron Edmond James de Rothschild in 1891. For a time, the factory was managed by Meir Dizengoff, who would become Tel-Aviv’s first mayor. The local sand was found unsuitable for glassmaking, and the factory faced other challenges that made it unprofitable. It closed just five years after opening and the building was abandoned. Then in 1980, members of the kibbutz began restoring the structure. Nearby at Tel Dor, excavations took place that uncovering a wealth of archaeological treasures. The abandoned bottle factory became a perfect venue to display finds from Tel Dor, archaeological artifacts recovered from the regional waters and local glass art.What to See at the Museum of Archaeology and Glass NachsholimThe museum building is an attraction in itself, and most of the architecture has been restored and preserved. The exhibits include artifacts discovered at the Tel Dor archaeological mound, just 500m from the museum. Over the course of 3,000 years, Tel Dor was settled by Canaanites, Israelites, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks and Romans. See the treasures from these diverse cultures that used this stretch of coast as a gateway to the Middle East. Also on display are archaeological remnants from ancient shipwrecks offshore. Thousands of years ago, this stretch of coast had busy shipping routes, with the Roman port of Caesarea just a few kilometers south. The nearby coast has seen many vessels crashed and torn apart, leaving treasures on the rocky seabed. Besides archaeological artifacts, the museum displays local glass artwork. During school vacations and national holidays, the museum provides family activities and glass-blowing demonstrations. Next to the museum is an ancient burial cave that has recently opened to the public.

Turkish Hammam, AcreVisitors to Acre’s Old City can tour the incredible Turkish bathhouse, Pasha’s Hammam. The 18th-century bathhouse was once an important part of city life. The hammam was where men met, discussed business, and talked about the issues of the day. Today the traditional bathhouse is fully restored to its former glory, complete with a domed roof and marble floors. It no longer offers steam baths and massages but has been turned into an experiential museum. Visitors are swept back in time with the help of music, an entertaining audio guide, and sculptured characters that are brought to life with special lighting.History of the Acre Turkish HammamThe Ottoman governor of Acre, Ahmad Pasha al-Jazzar built the bathhouse in 1781. Hama al-Jadid (New Hammam) came to be known as Hammam al-Basha (the Pasha’s Hammam) in honor of Ahmad Pasha al-Jazzar. The Ottoman governor may even have had a hand in designing the bathhouse. Its construction was part of Acre’s transformation from a small fishing village to a busy port city. Hammam al-Basha was built on the remains of an earlier bathhouse and was the largest Hammam in the country. The hammam was one of two Acre bathhouses where local men gathered regularly to meet and relax. In 1918 the Ottomans were forced out of Palestine by the British, but the bathhouse continued to function until 1947.During the British Mandate of Palestine, the Acre citadel was used as a prison for members of the Jewish underground. In a 1947 prison break, the Jewish resistance blew up the southern wall of the citadel, which was right above the bathhouse. This caused so much damage to the bathhouse that it had to close. It was only in 1954 that the bathhouse became a municipal folklore museum. In the 1990s, the municipality made new plans and began restoring the bathhouse to replicate the bathing experience in Ottoman Acre.Features of the Acre HammamThe hammam has several sections, starting with the entrance courtyard and summer dressing room where visitors would change their clothes into bathing robes and sandals. Then they would go to one of the four middle rooms for various treatments such as massages and skin treatments. Next is the hot room, or steam room, at the heart of the hammam. Here visitors could use a heated pool and steam bath. They could also have treatments here, such as scrubbing, soaping, and massages. There are small cubical rooms around the steam room where visitors could have private treatments.Acre Bathhouse–An Experiential MuseumAt the Acre Bathhouse, you can experience what it would have been like as a functioning bathhouse over 200 years ago. Visitors get an audio guide (available in 8 languages) to listen to as they walk through the hammam. The soundtrack features five generations of fictitious bath attendants telling their stories about the hammam. Visitors can listen to the characters talking about the latest gossip in the hammam and the history of Acre during the Ottoman era. The stories on the audio guide include historical facts so you learn about Ottoman Acre while being entertained. There are static sculptured characters in each room of the hammam, each illustrating a typical activity that took place in the bathhouse. Together with the soundtrack and sculptured figures, there is atmospheric music and lighting. As the audio guide leads you through each section of the hammam, you can virtually experience what it would have been like all those years ago.

On Old Acre’s busy market street is a tiny 18th-century synagogue, named after Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Lotsato). The scholarly Rabbi spent three years of his life in Acre, where he would pray and lead the congregation at this small place of worship. The Ramchal’s Synagogue (also called Ohel Haim) has some fascinating features and is an important part of Acre’s Jewish heritage.Who was Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto?RaMCHaL is a Hebrew acronym for Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, a well-known 18th-century Italian Kabbalist, philosopher, writer, and poet. The Ramchal was born in Venice in 1707, where he had a Jewish and secular education. From a young age, he was interested in mysticism, religious lore, art and science. He was a brilliant scholar, but he became a controversial figure after claiming to have had a visitation from an angel. The Rabbi began teaching “Divine Lessons” he had received from the angel. Local Rabbi’s viewed him as a dangerous heretic and eventually he was forced to leave Italy. The Ramchal lived in Amsterdam from 1735 to 1743, where he continued to be a prolific and controversial writer. He wrote plays, poetry, religious commentaries, and books on Jewish law and ethics. The Ramchal wrote 71 books including his best-known works, Messilat Yesharim (The Path of Just) and Derekh Hashem (The Way of God). In 1743 he traveled to the Holy Land and settled in Acre. Three years after arriving in Acre the Rabbi and his family died of the plague. The synagogue where he attended services, was named in his honor – Ohel Chaim.Another tradition holds that the synagogue was named after Chaim Farchi. Farchi was the synagogue’s benefactor, advisor to the Turkish Sultan, and worked with the Turks to prevent Napoleon’s invasion of Acre in 1799. Close to the synagogue is Chaim Parchi’s Home, where you can learn more about this influential Jew from Damascus.History of the Acre Ramchal SynagogueDuring the 16th to 18th century, there were two synagogues in Acre, the smaller Achav Synagogue, and the larger, more elegant Ramchal Synagogue. In 1758 the Bedouin ruler Zahir el-Omar destroyed the larger synagogue and had the el-Mualek Mosque built in its place. As compensation, Zahir el-Omar gave the Jews a smaller building along the market street. The Rabbi would have attended services in the original Ramchal Synagogue named in his honor, but it is the newer small synagogue that now bears his name. In recent years the Ramchal Synagogue has been renovated and restored.Architectural Features of the Ramchal Synagogue in Acre’s Old CityThe synagogue has a simple interior with stone ceiling arches that frame the space. The most interesting feature of this synagogue is a deep pit in the floor. According to tradition, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto would go down into this hole to read the day’s Torah portion. The Rabbi was inspired by the Torah verse “Out of the depths have I called Thee, O Lord.” Another unusual feature of the Ramchal Synagogue is that it does not have a women’s section. Synagogues usually have a designated area, separate from the men’s area, where women can pray. At the Ramchal Synagogue, women would stand on the street and listen to the services through a window. Hanging on the synagogue wall is an old piece of parchment paper with three columns of text, taken from a Torah scroll written by the Ramchal. The small synagogue is not the most beautiful synagogue you will ever see, but it holds a rich history and deep significance for Acre’s Jewish heritage.

As you approach the Old City of Acre, the first thing you see is the Al-Jazzar Mosque’s slender green and white minaret rising above the city’s stone walls. This magnificent structure is Israel’s largest mosque outside of Jerusalem. The Acre mosque is also known as the White Mosque, the Great Mosque of Lights, and the Pasha’s Mosque after the Ottoman governor Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar, who was responsible for the construction.Building the Al-Jazzar MosqueConstruction of the mosque began in 1781AD and they completed it within the year. The Turks built on the ruins of a Crusader church and kept the church’s large barrel-vaulted cisterns that lie beneath the mosque. Al-Jazzar took an active role in designing the mosque, although he had no architectural training. The mosque complex originally included a place for Islamic studies and accommodation for the students; a public library and an Islamic court. Al-Jazzar wanted the mosque to be much more than a place of worship.Who was Al-Jazzar?Al-Jazzar was born in Ottoman-ruled Bosnia sometime between 1720 and 1730. He moved to Constantinople (Istanbul) where he worked for a while before traveling to Egypt. He began his military career and made a rapid rise in the Mamluk ranks. As an important military leader, he was sent to defend Lebanon. He helped defeat the Bedouin ruler Zahir al-Umar al-Zaydani and was made governor of Sidon, an area from Egypt to Lebanon. Al-Jazzar made Acre his capital and transformed the former Crusader city with many new buildings, including the grand mosque. He was a ruthless and often cruel leader, earning the name al-Jazzar–the butcher. Despite his excessive cruelty, he made lasting improvements to Acre and even successfully defended the city against Napoleon in 1799. Al-Jazzar defeated his enemies one by one, consolidating his power and gaining prestige throughout the Ottoman Empire. The powerful leader died from malaria in 1804 and is buried along with his adoptive son and successor, Suleiman Pasha, in the mosque courtyard.What to See at the Al-Jazzar MosqueAl-Jazzar Mosque took its inspiration from the mosques of Constantinople, specifically the Hagia Sofia. The design is predominantly Ottoman in style but includes elements of Byzantine and Persian architecture. Al-Jazzar mosque looks like something out of Aladdin! Stairs lead up to a walled courtyard where there are Roman columns “borrowed” from Caesarea, and palm trees surround the mosque building. Outside the courtyard entrance is an Ottoman Rococo-style kiosk (sabil) with a green dome. The kiosk would dispense water to residents. The mosque building has green domes and a green-capped minaret set against white walls with colorful inlaid marble decoration around the entrance. Inside the mosque is just as impressive with a high ceiling, marble minbar, and mihrab. Delicate Arabic calligraphy adorns blue and green tiles on the walls. A glass cabinet holds the Sha’r an-Nabi (lock of hair) which is said to be from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Dormition Abbey (or Basilica of the Assumption) is one of Jerusalem’s most impressive churches. It stands on Mount Zion, the highest point in ancient Jerusalem. The Dormition Abbey is built on the site where Mary, mother of Jesus, fell into an eternal sleep and was assumed into heaven, body, and soul. Two places claim to be the site where Mary died–Ephesus, in present-day Turkey, and Mount Zion in Jerusalem, where the Dormition Church now stands. The massive Benedictine abbey has a distinct shape and unique architectural elements, unlike any other Jerusalem church.History of the Dormition Abbey, JerusalemIn the 5th century, the Hagia Sion Cathedral stood on the site where the Dormition Abbey now stands, but it was destroyed in the Persian invasion of 614AD. In the 12th century, a monastic order built the Sant Maria in Monte Sion Church on the remains of the Byzantine church. The Crusader church was destroyed in the 13th century and the land was unused for about 500 years.In 1898 the German Emperor William II visited the Holy Land and bought the land from the ruling Ottoman sultan for 120,000 German Goldmark. The Emperor gave the land to the German Association for the Holy Land to build an imposing, fortress-like church that would reinforce Germany’s place in the Holy Land. The Dormition Abbey was completed in 1910. The abbey was damaged during the Israeli War of Independence in 1948 and again in the 1967 Six-Day War.The Unique Features of the Dormition AbbeyThe huge Roman Catholic Benedictine abbey measures 34-meters high and has two levels. There is a crypt and Marian shrine on the lower level and a high altar and monastic choir on the upper level. The upper level has large windows and walls covered with mosaics depicting scenes from Christian and Benedictine history. The most impressive mosaic is above the main altar and shows Mary with baby Jesus. There is also a large circular floor mosaic in the upper church, dating back to 1932. The lower level has a central rotunda where a life-size wood and ivory statue of Mary lies sleeping on a simple bier. Mosaics featuring six Old Testament women adorn the dome above Mary. The fortress-like church has a round central building with four round towers at each “corner” and a free-standing bell tower. Topping the church is a cone-shaped lead-covered dome, unlike other churches of Jerusalem that have a round dome or spire. The architect blended the neo-Romanesque style of European churches with the white and red stones used in Mameluke architecture. The church has two organs that are used in services and liturgical music concerts. If you get the opportunity, join the Benedictine monks for a prayer service where Gregorian chants accompany the chilling organ music that resonates in this historic stone church.

Me’a She’arim Ultra-Orthodox NeighborhoodIsrael is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and sects, including the ultra-orthodox Jews (Haredi) of the Me’a She’arim neighborhood. This unique community lives according to traditional Jewish laws as their ancestors did in Eastern European villages a hundred years ago. Me’a She’arim (literally a hundred gates, contextually “hundredfold”) gets its name from a Biblical passage. The narrow streets of Me’a She’arim are fascinating, but the most interesting thing about the neighborhood is undoubtedly the people.History of Me’a She’arimIn 1874, a group of like-minded Hasidim (a sub-group within the Haredi community) pooled their resources to buy land outside the Old City walls. They asked architect Conrad Schick to design a closed neighborhood. He planned attached courtyard homes and a wall that encloses the community. There were only two entrances to the neighborhood and these were locked at night. The Haredim wanted a sense of security and a place to live according to their beliefs, undisturbed by the outside world. As Rabbinical leaders settled here, their followers joined them. Time has stood still in Me’a She’arim. It has been an exclusively ultra-orthodox neighborhood for almost 150 years.Who are the Haredim?The Haredim community came about in the 1700s-1800s when emancipation and assimilation into the gentile world posed a threat to traditional Jewish life in Europe. The Hasidic spiritual revival movement of the 18th century sought to live according to strict religious laws, taken from the Bible and sacred writings. These laws go into minute detail covering every aspect of life from how to dress, and what to eat, to how to behave, and what to study. There are many groups of Haredi Jews, each loyal to a Rabbi that acts as a spiritual leader. Men often study Torah full-time while the women work and provide the household income. The ultra-Orthodox prefer to associate with members of their community and try to avoid being influenced by the outside world. They avoid the Internet and secular media. Hasidic Jews prefer to speak Yiddish, as they believe Hebrew should only be used for religious purposes.Interesting Things to See in Me’a She’arimThe streets of Me’a She’arim have traditional bakeries; Judaica stores; clothing stores selling only modest items; book stores selling only religious books and food stores where all products are strictly kosher. There are many synagogues, some no bigger than a small room, and street charity boxes for the needy. One of the most distinctive features of the Me’a She’arim neighborhood is the way residents dress. The different Haredi traditions each have a distinct style of clothing. But the standard mode of dress for Haredi men is a black suit and a white shirt, with a head covering, (a black Fedora, Homburg hat, Shtreimel, or skullcap). Haredi women wear dark loose-fitting dresses or skirts, with long sleeves and high necklines, as well as stockings in all weather. Married women wear either a wig or head covering, and sometimes even both. On the walls of Me’a She’arim are signs asking visitors to dress modestly when passing through-closed blouse, with long sleeves, long skirt, no trousers, and no tight-fitting clothes. In Me’a She’arim there is no driving, no smoking, no use of mobile phones, and no use of electricity on Shabbat and religious holidays.Visiting Me’a She’arimVisits to Me’a She’arim must be in small groups to avoid disrupting the unique way of life. The residents are not keen on non-members of their close-knit community entering their enclave. When visiting, it is important to dress modestly, males and females should not touch in public, and you should refrain from using your phone. That said, a visit to Me’a She’arim should not be missed and offers a glimpse into the world of ultra-orthodox Jewish life.