The Jewish population itself reflects enormous diversity.  As Jews returned to the Land of Israel from all over the world, they brought with them distinct cultures and subcultures, including some excellent food.  Israel is the perfect place to learn about the global Jewish experience.

Jewish Multiculturalism

Playing with Ethiopian-Jewish children.

A tour focusing on Jewish multiculturalism could include any of these exciting cultures – plus many more.

• Ethiopian Jews: Only “discovered” by the rest of World Jewry in the 19^th century and brought to Israel in the incredible Operations Moses and Solomon, the story of the Ethiopian Jews is one of the most fascinating Israel has to offer. Meet the people, volunteer with children, try the food and even explore the culture at the new hands-on Ethiopian Heritage Museum (under construction).
• Sephardi (Spanish) Jews: From the 4 Sephardi Synagogues and the Sephardic Education Center to special community synagogues still in use such as the Yanina synagogue and the stunning Ades synagogue in the incredibly diverse Jerusalem neighborhood of Nachlaot, and the effect of the exodus from Spain on the mystical city of Tzfat, Sephardi Jewry is one of the great Jewish cultures to explore here in Israel.


Discussing the Kabalah with a Yemenite-Jewish teacher and chef extraordinaire.

• Yemenite Jews: Visit the heavily-Yemenite town of Rosh HaAyin – perhaps even volunteer in a school – and wander through the local market where falafel and shwarma take a back seat to malawach and jachnun.  There could even be an opportunity to learn Yemenite Jewish dance.
• Iraqi Jews: Visit the Babylonian Heritage Center in Or Yehuda and see what might be the 1^st book of Ezekiel – written by the prophet himself – in Jerusalem.  A visit to a center run for and by Eastern Jewish women can also possibly be arranged.
• Indian Jews: From the Museum of Cochin Jewish Heritage to being hosted by a family for a traditional meal, the Indian Jewish community is definitely worth exploring.
• Tunisian Jews: A visit to the incredible mosaic-laced Tunisian synagogue in Akko is a must.
• Italian Jews: The Italian Jewish museum in Jerusalem is a small treasure as is the Italian synagogue (still in use) which was brought from Italy to Israel completely intact.
• Ultra-Orthodox Jews: The Jerusalem neighborhood of Mea Shearim is a fascinating step back in time to Eastern Europe of the 18^th century.  The multi-faceted Ultra-Orthodox world is a fascinating one to explore, one that will excite all the senses.  As always, there may be an opportunity to meet some of the locals, to learn about the dress and customs and where they came from and visit some great bakeries.


An  Iranian Jew at an arts center for the elderly.

• Kabbalistic Jews: Learn about the real Kabbalah – Jewish mysticism – and how it has affected the lives of all different kinds of people throughout the ages in the holy city of Tzfat.

It could also include visits to quasi-Jewish groups such as the Karites (who reject the Oral Law of the rabbis), Samaritans (who still offer the Passover sacrifice on their holy mountain, Gerizim) and the Black Hebrews of Dimona (African-Americans who believe they are descendents of the tribe of Judah).

There are also wonderful museums dedicated to the global Jewish experience, most notably Bet Hatfutsot – The Museum of the Jewish People (formally known as The Diaspora Museum) which includes sections on important historical Jewish communities worldwide, models of synagogues the world over and a Jewish music center as well as several other ethnography museums and exhibits in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Israeli Multiculturalism

While obviously including the Jewish multicultural experience above, Israel has much more to offer those in search of a diverse demographic landscape.  A tour seeking to explore this aspect of Israel could include any of these major groups:

Visit to the beautiful Bahai Gardens in Haifa.

• Bahai: A must site for anyone on a tour to Israel is the amazing Bahai Gardens in Haifa – recently recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site along with the Bahai holy sites in Akko.  Spend some time in total serenity and learn about this fascinating religion whose holiest sites are found here in Israel.
• Bedouin:  From traditional hosting ceremonies and “hafla” meals to camel-riding and camel-shopping, sleeping in tents and desert walks, from heritage centers to meeting families, the traditional Bedouin lifestyle comes to life in Israel.
• Christians:  Israel has dozens of Christian denominations and of course the main religious sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.  But there are also interesting groups such as the Carmelites and Armenians to visit, desert monasteries and fascinating museums such as one in Jerusalem which shows the fashion of monks throughout the ages and churches.  Enjoy the special architecture of the Ethiopian church in Jerusalem and the Syrian Orthodox church of St. James where the local guide sings for you in her native language of Aramaic (the spoken language at the time of Jesus).
Circassians are a fascinating minority of 4000 people.
• Circassians: Learn about this interesting group of 4000 people and their struggle to keep their culture alive while in their Diaspora.  From walking tours of the old village alleyways and exploring their heritage centers and interesting dress and martial skills, to viewing their incredible dancing and being hosted at a traditional meal, the Circassians are a fascinating group of people to meet.
• Druze:  As a local religion – the vast majority of adherents live in Israel, Lebanon and Syria – the Druze may be the most unknown – and secretive – of any of the people in Israel.  From dining and cooking experiences and lectures on culture to overnight stays or even just visiting their colorful markets, the Druze are people you definitely want to get to know.
• Muslims: The 3^rd holiest city in Islam is Jerusalem, which is home to the beautiful Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.  Because non-Muslims are currently not allowed inside those buildings, a visit to Akko’s important Al-Jazzar Mosque could be an opportunity to explore the inside of a Muslim prayer space.  You might also want to include a trip to the former Muslim capital of Ramle.
• Templers: Not to be confused with the Knights Templars of the Crusades, learn about the rise and fall of this group from Germany – what brought them here in the 1870′s, what they gave to the country and why they do not live here anymore.  A little hint:  It may have to do with the marches of the Hitler Youth in Jerusalem in the 1930′s…

Visits to the Ahmadiyyan center in Haifa, homes of Sufi Muslims in Jerusalem and foreign workers organizations in Tel Aviv can all be arranged as well.

As always, with any of the tours, you can mix and match things that interest you from any of the sites and ideas listed above along with any of the other tours listed on the rest of the site.   Of course, I will always be there to help you put it all together, whatever you desire, into one incredible – and unforgettable – journey.

Read more in depth information about the incredibly diverse people of Israel.

Chilling Out on the Sandy Beaches of Tel Aviv

RELAXING

Where do you want to chill out? The Dead Sea – the lowest place on Earth – is known for its healing powers – a day there floating in the water, putting on the mud and relaxing in the spa will make you feel like new. The sandy beaches along the Mediterranean Sea can make anyone forget their worries. There are plenty of hot springs and spas, especially in the north, such as Hamat Gader, built by the ruins of an old Roman spa. At Gan HaShlosha, you may think you have found the Garden of Eden. Finally, taking an easy ride on a raft down the Jordan River is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon.

Exploring the Pools of the Ein Gedi Desert Oasis

INTERESTING

At Rosh HaNikra on Israel’s northern coast, be amazed by the beautiful blue grottos. At Mitzpeh Ramon in the south, look out over the giant machtesh (like a crater) which stretches as far as the eye can see. Climb up the Arbel to an incredible lookout over Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) or head across the lake for a beautiful sunset view. Explore the incredible coral reef of Eilat from the Underwater Observatory – or first hand with the aid of some basic snorkeling gear. Finally, experience the magic of a desert oasis in Ein Gedi where you can swim in pools and relax in waterfalls all in the middle of the Judean Desert.

Picking Potatoes for the Poor through Table-to-Table

VOLUNTEERING

Spend some time picking fruit or harvesting vegetables with Table-to-Table, planting trees or even participating in an archaeological dig.

CHALLENGING

Israel offers a multitude of outdoor activities for your enjoyment. Ride on camels, donkeys, horses, ATVs, segways, bicycles, kayaks (on the Jordan River) or in hot-air balloons, jeeps or even helicopters. Or enjoy sports – from scuba diving in the Red Sea, rappelling in the desert, canyoning, desert archery, windsurfing and even skiing in the north on Mt. Hermon.

Taking a Break Along the Israel National Trail

HIKING & BIKING

Israel’s topography offers opportunities for all kinds of hikes, from water hikes to desert hikes, and for all levels of hikers. For those with the time and desire, try the Israel National Trail – 850 km (530 miles) long from north to south, which usually takes between 1 to 2 months to complete. Or try the 140 km (88 mile) long Golan Trail through the Golan Heights which takes about 7-10 days. The Jesus Trail in the north has just been mapped and takes 3-6 days to do. The Israel Bike Trail is under development (as of October, 2009) and is expected to be completed shortly.

As always, with any of the tours, you can mix and match things that interest you from any of the sites and ideas listed above along with any of the other tours listed on the rest of the site. Of course, I will always be there to help you put it all together, whatever you desire, into one incredible – and unforgettable – journey.

Some 200 wineries exist in Israel.

The Bible mentions wine 212 times so it should come as no surprise that Israel would be a place with wineries in abundance. In fact wines were being produced in the Land of Israel some 2000 years before the vine ever arrived in France and Italy. Yet in 1948 there were only 19 wineries in Israel – all making sweet sacramental red wine, which has, of course, been subjected to countless jokes by wine connoisseurs over the ages. Israel has come a long way since then. Today, the quality and variety of Israel’s grapes are significant, the wines are dry and blended, and the vintners are starting to achieve international recognition. One of the most influential wine critics in the world, Robert Parker, has praised dozens of Israeli wines and quite a number of them have scored 90 points (out of a maximum 100) in his rating system.

Shakshuka is a North-African delicacy loved by Israelis

Israel produces over 33 million bottles of wine per year, and although that output is primarily the work of a few industrial-size wineries, there are over 200 wineries now operating in Israel. From the mountains to the coast and even in the desert, virtually all Israeli communities from large to small host a winery. Doing a tour of Israel’s “wine route” is a great way to see a different – and delicious – side of Israel.

In addition to wine, as you drive around Israel you are never far from a spice farm, boutique chocolate maker, dairy or other local farmer selling goat cheese, figs, dates, pomegranates and apples, olives (and olive oil), honey, date honey and any of the other excellent agricultural products the Land of Israel has to offer. There are also numerous excellent hummous eateries – and each Israeli has his favorite spots.

Israel also has a number of excellent restaurants, kosher and non-kosher. The best part about Israel’s food scene is that as Jews returned to Israel from all over the world, they brought their best culinary traditions with them. In addition, Israel’s minorities all have their own strong culinary traditions. As such there are ethnic restaurants highlighting the outstanding cuisines of such places as Morocco, Yemen, Ethiopia and India. Tours can also include festive traditional meals with the Arab, Bedouin, Circassian and Druze peoples. There are even restaurants which focus just on foods from the times of the Bible, providing a unique and delicious historical adventure.

Partake in a chocolate-making seminar at a boutique chocolate factory.

Israel also boasts several excellent fish restaurants with salt-water fish from the Mediterranean and Red Seas or fresh-water fish from Lake Kinneret, as well as numerous grilled meat restaurants – a favorite excursion for the average Israeli. No matter where your interests lie, Israel is a great place for a dining extravaganza. More information about the food of Israel.

As always, with any of the tours, you can mix and match things that interest you from any of the sites and ideas listed above along with any of the other tours listed on the rest of the website. Of course, I will always be there to help you put it all together, whatever you desire, into one incredible – and unforgettable – journey.

Here is an example of a one-day wining and dining tour I have led.

The Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret)
where Jesus ministered

In the Footsteps of Jesus

From Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus to the Mt. of Olives and his ascension and all the sites in between: Nazareth, The Temple in Jerusalem, the Jordan River and the place of Jesus’ baptism, Jericho and the Mt. of Temptation, Caperneum, The Wedding Church at Cana, Mt. of Beatitudes for the Sermon on the Mount, Kursi, Tabgha (Fish and Loaves), Mt. Tabor for the site of the Transfiguration, Pools of Bethesda, Siloam Pools, Mt. Zion – Room of the Last Supper, Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, House of Caiaphas, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre/Garden Tomb, Emmaus and the Church of the Ascension.

The beautiful Russian-Orthodox
church of Mary Magdalena

In the Footsteps of John the Baptist

From Ein Karem and the birth of John the Baptist we’ll head out to the former Essene community of Qumran (place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found), see the spot of his baptizing of Jesus in the Jordan River.

In the Footsteps of Mary

From the location of her birth in Jerusalem to her burial tomb just a stone’s throw away and all the places in between: Tzippori, Nazareth, Ein Karem (Church of the Visitation), Bethlehem and Mt. Zion (Dormition Abbey).

Candles at
the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

In the Footsteps of Peter

From the shores of the Kinneret where Jesus first met him and Caperneum to Caesarea Philippi (Banyas), St. Peter in Gallicantu (Caiphas’ House), the Primacy of Peter, Jaffa and Caesarea as well as all the sites in between.

In the Footsteps of Paul

From Jerusalem to the road to Damascus where he had his revelation to Caesarea where he was imprisoned and tried before being sent to Rome and all the places along the way.

Olive tree in the
Garden of Gethsemane

In the Footsteps of King Herod

From his home town of Maresha to the battles that made him king at Arbel, Herodion and Masada, to his palaces in Jerusalem and Jericho, his great building projects at Caesarea and Hebron and of course the Temple in Jerusalem, to his family tomb in Jerusalem and his own in Herodion, we’ll get a sense of just who was this mad king and why was he out to kill the baby Jesus.

In the Footsteps of the Hebrew Bible

From the forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (and the foremothers Sarah, Rebecca, Leah and Rachel) to the leaders Moses and Joshua, the judges Deborah, Samson and Samuel, the kings Saul, David and Solomon and the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, just to name a few, this is the land of the Bible and we can walk Bible in hand and watch all the stories come to life.

The colorful St. Peter’s Church in
the old city of Jaffa.

Interactive Sites

Nazareth Village where the times of Jesus come to life, boat rides and swimming in the “Sea of Galilee,” baptisms in the Jordan River, exploring the flora and fauna of the land at Neot Kedumim, the biblical landscape reserve, the Galilee Experience, wineries and hiking, all waiting for your enjoyment.

Other Important Sites

The Inn of the Good Samaritan, Kibbutz Ginossar – home of “The Jesus Boat” and Megiddo, perhaps the location of “Armageddon”

As always, with any of the tours, you can mix and match things that interest you from any of the sites and ideas listed above along with any of the other tours listed on the rest of the site. Of course, I will always be there to help you put it all together, whatever you desire, into one incredible – and unforgettable – journey.

Trying the Jerusalem mixed grill – hearts, livers, spleens and more.

Meat: Israel has a love affair with meat going back several thousand years when, as part of an ancient custom, animals were sacrificed at the Temple in Jerusalem. Although animal sacrifice was abandoned with the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E., on many Israeli and Jewish holidays it is tough to find an Israeli not standing within 5 steps of a mangal (grill). Grill restaurants flourish around the country where pargiyot (young tender chickens) are a popular item. For the more adventurous, the Jerusalem mixed grill is a tasty treat. Several South American-style restaurants also have all you can eat carnivorous extravaganzas. A popular meat dish, especially among children, is schnitzel – fried, breaded chicken breast.

Groves of Jaffa oranges have given way to real estate in recent years.

Fish: Israel has many fish and (non-Kosher) seafood restaurants. Tel Aviv supposedly has more sushi restaurants per capita than any place in the world outside Japan and New York City. Each body of water has its own specialty: St. Peter’s Fish (tilapia) is a delicacy from Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), lavrak (sea bass) from the Mediterranean Sea and denis (sea bream) from the Red Sea. Of course, for those who can’t get enough at Passover, there is always the gefilte fish, which legend has it, lives in the Dead Sea.

Agriculture: Perhaps the best parts of Israeli food options are the fresh produce and dairy products on hand virtually everywhere you go. The fruits of the Bible – figs, dates, grapes and pomegranates – and Jaffa oranges and Golan apples are virtually unequalled anywhere else in the world. Israeli olives and olive oil are fabulous. Tastings are available throughout the country. Just passing by the excellent bakeries will make your mouth water. Of course a visit to the outdoor markets in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to try all of these delicacies is an absolute must.

Israelis love their grilled meat. Jews around the world love that it is kosher.

Drinks: Israel has a wine-drinking tradition going back 5000 years. In recent years, Israeli wines have begun to receive serious international recognition. Because there are no open-container laws in Israel, you can enjoy a bottle of your favorite vintage with all of the other Israeli delicacies as you enjoy the sunset on the Mediterranean Sea. There is even a special wine route in Israel for touring many of the 200 or so wineries. Although the local beers are not as well recognized as some of the wines, a number of them, especially the microbrews (Dancing Camel and Taybeh, a Palestinian beer), are quite tasty. The local spirit, “arak,” is a licorice-flavored drink similar to the Greek ouzo and the Turkish raki. Because the fruits in Israel are so plentiful, the juices are equally outstanding, Pomegranate juice is both healthy and tasty, and the orange juice and lemonana (lemonade with nana – similar to mint) – are some of the best.

“The Abulafia Bakery in Jaffa is considered by many to be the country’s best.

Ethnic Food: Coming to Israel is akin to coming to a world fair. When Jews started returning to Israel, they brought their traditional foods back with them to Israel. Yemenite foods, including malawach, jachnun, lachuch and hilbe are very popular as are North-African shakshuka, Kurdish kubeh soup and Tunisian sandwiches called “sabich.” European/Ashkenazi foods include blintzes, knishes, kugel, bagels and cholent. There are excellent Indian and Italian restaurants as well as Ethiopian restaurants (with their signature bread, injara).

It may come as a surprise that what is often called “Israeli food” is in fact Arab cuisine. This includes falafel (fried chickpea balls) – which is originally Egyptian, shwarma (meat shavings of lamb, turkey or chicken – similar to the Turkish doner, tahina sauce (made from sesame seeds), hummus (made from chickpeas and tahina), babaganoush (eggplant and tahina) and labaneh (something between cheese and sour cream). A common spice to the region is called za’atar or hyssop. Pita is the main bread, although it may look different depending on the ethnic origin of the baker.

Your visit can include a trip to any or all of these culinary communities to learn about them and taste their food.

Baklava is a sweet Arab pastry which comes in many tasty forms.

Snack Food: The most popular snacks in Israel are Bamba (something akin to peanut-butter Cheetos), Bisli (which come in numerous flavors ranging from falafel to bbq flavor), Elite chocolate and sunflower seeds.

Meals: No pancakes and cereal for breakfast here. In fact, all cereals in Israel are simply called “corn flakes!” Instead you will find a smorgasbord of breads, cheeses, fish, eggs, salads and vegetables (especially cut cucumbers and tomatoes, often referred to as “Israeli salad”). Dinner is often the same sort of fare. Lunch is traditionally the big meal of the day, usually involving meat.

American Food: Yes, it is true: there are pizza, bagel and hamburger places all over the country and all of the major chain fast-food restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Sbarro and more. Surprisingly, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts did not last long in Israel; somewhat less surprising is that American beer has not made an inroads either. Because Israelis love hamburgers, “Burger Bars” have started to appear all over the country. Unfortunately decent (or even bad) Mexican food which is hard to come by; Israel is still waiting for the arrival of Taco Bell.

A bowl of hummous. Each Israeli has his/her favorite local place.

Kosher Food: Many, but not all, of the restaurants in Israel keep the Jewish dietary laws (called “kashrut” or “kosher”). Those that do post a certificate near the entrance. Sometimes restaurants keep the dietary laws but stay open on the Jewish Sabbath (which lasts from sundown Friday until darkness falls on Saturday) and holidays, which bars them from receiving a kosher certification. The main rules of kashrut are not cooking/eating milk and meat products together, which means that kosher restaurants will serve either dairy or meat but not both. Fish are not considered to be meat and thus fall under a third category called “pareve.” Certain animals like pig and shrimp are banned. Even animals that are permitted must be ritually slaughtered in order to minimize their pain. Muslims also have ritual slaughtering called “halal” and many will eat kosher meat.

More information on wining and dining in Israel.