Lag Ba’OmerLag Ba'Omer falls on the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer (gathering of the wheat) as enumerated from the 2nd day of Passover until the holiday of Shavuot. This corresponds to the 18th day of the month of Iyar. This one day holiday is celebrated to commemorate the prospects of the harvest and the blessing of a good harvest year, escorted by festivities around the country. |
Israel’s Independence DayThe official date given by the United Nations in their partition vote for the creation of the new entity of Israel was May 15th, 1948. Thus, May 14th was set to be the last day of the British Mandate. At 4 p.m., the British lowered their flag and the Jews immediately raised their own. It was a flag designed in 1897 by the First Zionist Congress. It is white (the color of newness and purity), and it has two blue stripes (the color of heaven) like the stripes of a tallit (the Jewish prayer shawl(, which symbolized the transmission of Jewish tradition. In its center lies the Star of David. Thus, on May 14, 1948 at 4:00 p.m. Israel declared itself an independent state. After 2,000 years, the land of Israel is once more in the hands of the Jews. |
Tu BishvatTu Bishvat is a one day Jewish celebration, for the most part in late January or early February that marks the "New Year of the Trees". Practices involve planting trees and consuming dried fruits and nuts, particularly figs, dates, raisins, and almonds. In Israel, the flowering of the almond tree, which grows wild in the country, symbolize the holiday. The name for Tu Bishvat stems from the Hebrew date of the holiday, which falls on the 15th day of Shevat (the months of Shevat in Hebrew). Tu Bishvat was already mentioned in the "Mishnah" (a Jewish book of wisdom) as one of the four new years in the Jewish calendar. Tu Bishvat generally falls on the second full moon before Passover, or, in a leap year, the third full moon before Passover. |
HanukkahHanukkah, which is also known as the Holiday of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Greek conquerors, in the 2nd century BCE. The holiday is observed by the lighting of the "Menorah" (Hanukkia)), a nine-branched candle bearer, of which one light is lit every evening of the holiday, progressing to 8 on the final night. An extra light, called a "Shamash" (in Hebrew a "guard") is also lit every evening, posted higher or lower than the others. The purpose of the extra light is to adhere to the prohibition, against using the Hanukkah lights for anything other than commemorating the Hanukkah story. The historical Significance relates to the successful rebellion of the Maccabeans against Antiochus IV Epiphanies. The Temple was purified and the a miracle happened, by which the menorah miraculously burned for 8 days, even though there was only enough sacred oil for one day's lighting. |
Gay and Lesbian Community in Tel AvivTel Aviv is known as one of the world’s friendliest cosmopolitan GLBT (LGBT) travel destinations. The energetic Tel Aviv scene is alive year-round, in a city that “never sleeps”, with dazzling nightlife, great restaurants, stylish boutiques and busy streets. The city offers a variety of lesbian and gay film festivals, GLBT Pride celebrations as well as arts and culture. The best website to visit upon planning your trip to Tel Aviv is the |
Special People in a Special CountryVolunteerism has been growing in the country; not only the elder find time for it but youth, all over the country; takes part in the various projects that are available for them. Recently, meanly in the last five years, a University survey claims that an increase of 13% has taken place within the Israeli society.
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Streams in Christianity
The most general classifications of Streams in Christianity are the following five streams:
1. Orthodox stream, (i.e. Catholic, Coptic, East Orthodox), believing to hold on strictly to the Bible, the church is the main authority.
2. Protestant stream, (i.e. the Lutheran, etc.) following tradition and believing to be more conservatively adherent to the Bible, still focusing on practice as Orthodox types but not practice in the framework of that hierarchy.
3. Independent protestant stream, (such as Methodists, Baptists etc.) believing to be more conservative, authority is based on the Bible, not the church, and are viewed as more liberal.
4. Charasmatic stream, this stream blends together with the Independent Protestant one, today. Some believe in speaking in the Bible language and they generally believe the Bible is true but they will believe that God is conveying a
message- today- that is independent of the Bible.
5. Fringe stream, this stream is not considering the absolute word of God. They will hold to the Bible in various degrees. Some examples are Jehova's witness, or Mormons or Unitarian-Universalists, 7th day Adventists, upper room
tabernacle. The parties of this stream may also fit partly to stream number 4. ,
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The Holy Land for the Christian travelerThere is only one special land in the world; that holds so much meaning for the Christian traveler; and this land is the Holy Land, the Land of Israel.
…And these are just "the tip of the iceberg" of the places that await the Christian traveler in the Holy land. You are welcome to further explore our website in sections as: "Important sites for the Christian traveler" For an Index of Churches in the Holy Land, please also refer to:http://www.seetheholyland.net |
Celebrating a Bar-Mitzvah in Israel
Celebrating a Bar-Mitzvah in Israel is a remarkably memorable event in any teenage Jewish boy's life, as well as an emotional event for his parents and family.
There are various ways to celebrate: in a strictly formal event; or a religious path; combined with a tour/event after the ceremony or a restaurant; in a conservative manner or a creative one…. The sky is the limit.
Many people from outside-of-Israel choose to hold a ceremonial event either at the "Kotel" or at a synagogue; be it a modern one or an ancient one. The most famous ones are:
Afterwards you could continue to one of numerous adventures: Desert camel rides, boat trips; crawling in caves, Museums (The Israel Museum or the Science Museum, both in Jerusalem); the Kotel-Tunnels or the Generations' museum
or a 4X4 trip in the desert, swimming with Dolphins in Eilat, and more…
Whether you will be assisted by an event planner/consultant, or handle it independently, there are various websites to assist you with ideas as to the variety of options and venues, for example:
Here is a glimpse of several such websites:
Mazal Tov!
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Exclusive boutiques in IsraelQuality and creativity are two values that enable a unique offering in Israeli boutique shops and fashion. We have gathered here several of the outstanding brands; which we believe would be of value to explore. Agas and Tamar – unique Jewelry in Neve-Tzedek neighborhood of Tel-Aviv; Two Israeli designers joined forces in the creation of beautiful artifacts, created of diamonds, gold, leather bands and more. The jewelry had also been presented I the famous "Sex and the City" TV series. A boutique has recently been established in Manhattan as well. Address: Rotem- Jewish gifts and Judaica Artifacts, Ramat-Hasharon The Mann family had established a modest store some 33 years ago, in desire to offer Jewish gifts of quality and of value. Throughout the years Rotem stood out as being the largest and most well-known store of its kind in Israel. It offers a wide selection of Judaica, silver-art, souvenirs and jewelry- made by Israeli artists. Clients vary, they would be both local Israelis, tourists, business people, and even …politicians. Address: Hazorfim – Silver Artifacts Throughout the years the family joined the business and has built its name for being a boutique niche of Silver-smithing and unique artifacts mad of Silver. Nowadays, the central Shop is based in Kfar-Daniel, on route to Jerusalem but many stores are based in various other parts of Israel and overseas. Address For more stores throughout the country- on website Michal Negrin Michal was born in Israel, on a Kibbutz. She has been designing for nearly all her life…. When she married her husband, they decided to establish their own firm "Michal Negrin". In 1988, they had launched their first collection at Tel Aviv’s famous open-air marketplace, and in light of their success, they opened a concept store in the fashionable shopping district of Sheinkin Street, in Tel Aviv. Designed to convey a familial and romantic atmosphere, this cozy store became the inspiration of the international model for the brand’s subsequent locations. With the growing success of the company, a factory studio was established in 1996, in Bat Yam. Later, subsidiaries have been opened world-wide in Japan, USA, South Africa, Mexico, Australia and various more. Address: Store locator website Moussaieff Jewelry and Antiquity collections Shlomo Moussaieff is an Israeli, of Bukharan-Jewish origins, who has lived in London since 1963 and is world-famous for selling exquisite jewelry to international royalty and high society, Moussaieff is also widely regarded as one of the more famous private collectors of antiquities related to the Bible and other ancient Near-East artifacts. He holds stores in Europe and in Israel. Address Adina Plastelina Designes are based on sterling-silver and gold jewelry in combination with polymer clay, hand-crafted using an ancient technique of 'Millefiori', (meaning 'a thousand flowers' in Italian). The colorful Millefiori patterns are designed per gemstones, crystals, plants, or various other natural textures. The brand's unique style has won international acclaim. Address: |
Australia-an Oasis in Israel"Although there is no place in Israel that I would rather live in than Jerusalem, one of my favorite places to visit is Gan Hashelosha and its vicinity. In the 1990s, Kibbutz "Nir David" decided that the best way to stay afloat financially, without relying solely on agriculture, would be to set up a tourist attraction. Member Yehuda Gat wanted to create a Winnie-the-Pooh park, but the kibbutz decided that it wouldn’t attract enough visitors. Inspired by the characters Kanga and Roo, Gat, who had an Academic degree in animal husbandry, studied Kangaroos. Then, he went to Australia to take courses in caring for them. In 1996, "Nir David" opened "Gan-Garoo Park" with donations of 18 Kangaroos from Australian Zoos. Today, that number has grown to more than 60. Unlike others Zoos, Gan-Garoo's Kangaroos roam freely in an enclosure where visitors can pet and feed them, and toung ones will be popping their heads out of their mothers' pouches. This popular 4-acre Australian wildlife Park gets roughly 100,000 visitors a year. Animals include a Kookaburra, two Koalas, Wallabies, Wallaroos, Cockatoos, Galah parrots, black Swans, Emus, and Cassowaries. A separate enclosure contains flying Foxes, typically hanging upside down, sometimes with babies wrapped inside their "wings." A new Aviary houses 50 stunning, rainbow-colored Lorikeets. Visitors can feed them with apple pieces on skewers. The birds are happy to perch on visitors' shoulder or hands, while eating. There is also a petting area where Goats and Sheep can be groomed and petted. Before leaving, try to find your way out of the fun maze. Allcate an hour for a visit here. Telephone: +972-4-648-8060. Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 9am-4pm, Fri. 9am-3pm, Sat. 9am-5pm; July and Aug., Sun.-Thurs. until 8pm, Fri. to 4pm, Sat. 9am-5pm. Call ahead to confirm opening and closing times. For more information, seewww.nirtours.co.il. Next door is "Gan-Hashelosha", a stunning Oasis with palm trees and grassy slopes framing three freshwater pools fed by the Amal stream. The water is 82 degrees F. year-round. The main pools are deep and long, wonderful for swimming laps or for reclining on a plastic raft. The third pool at the far has small waterfalls, and a defunct flour mill, with shallow areas that are great for wading. What a wonderful place to cool off on a hot day! Israelis also love to picnic and barbecue here. Bring goggles if you want to see the thousands of small fish underwater…… Telephone: +972-4-658-1017. Hours: Apr.-Sept., Sat.-Thurs. 8am-5pm, Fri. and Jewish holiday eves 8am-4pm; Oct.-Mar., Sat.-Thurs. 8am-4pm, Fri. and Jewish holiday eves 8am-3pm. If you enjoy history, a Wall and Watchtower settlement has been reconstructed nearby. There were more than 50 such structures in pre-State Israel, erected with prefab walls overnight so that the pioneers couldn't be attacked by Arabs while constructing living quarters. You can see how the pioneers lived in the 1930s, how they farmed and defended their settlement from Arab attacks, and even try on their clothes! If you like archaeology, follow the footpath to the Museum of Regional and Mediterranean Archaeology. They have a stunning Etruscan art exhibit, as well as archaeological finds from the region. Entrance to the Wall and Watchtower and this museum are free with entrance to Gan Hashelosha. Open 10am-2pm Sunday through Thursday. All you need to do is drive from Jerusalem on Road 90, turn west on Road 669 -until you see signs for "Gan-Garoo" and "Gan-Hashelosha". The areas on the way there, as well as nearby- Beit-Shean, Mount Gilboa, Tel Jezreel, Beit-Alpha and Megiddo- are rich in history which a tour-guide can tell all about." This article has been brought to you by Lisa Aiken, author of The Family Guide to Touring Israel, and licensed Israeli tour guide. She can be contacted at: |
Taglit/Birthright- a journey in IsraelTaglit is a unique programme, enabling young Jewish people (between the ages of 18-26) to explore Israel, combining educational programmes, fun, travel and cultural encounters alongside dwelling into the depth of Jewish history and current Israeli status. The program is sponsored by the Israeli Government, Jewish global communities (via the Jewish Federations of Northern America, the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Ha’yesod) as well as individual contributions of people around the world. Various programmes have encouraged youngsters to visit Israel (and still are); however, the uniqueness of Taglit, that started in year 2000, is the concept of “Birthright Israel” – in order to bridge rationality and emotion between Jewish youth in global countries with the past, present and future of the state of Israel. The programme takes youngsters to various sites in Israel, such as Massada, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv, Safed, Rosh-Pinna, Eilat, Haifa and more, in order to learn, see, taste, hear, feel and get connected to their Jewish roots. Current Political, Demographical and Socio-Economical facets are also being discussed with the young visitors. The programme planners hope to thus strengthen solidarity between Israeli youth and Jewish communities, WW, and create a future bonding that will achieve a win-win situation for both parties. As of year 2012, some 300,000 youngsters have joined Israel via this programme. If you wish to learn more please visit the Taglit/Birthright official website. |
