LOCAL CULTURE
Most of Israel is westernized, but in some areas, especially in parts of Jerusalem, you will find orthodox neighborhoods. Orthodox Judaism requires both men and women to dress conservatively and substantially cover their bodies. Orthodox men wear a kippah (head cover) and orthodox women have their collar bones, elbows, legs and knees covered. When visiting synagogues or other religious sites, be conscious that entry will normally not be permitted to those with exposed legs (i.e. wearing shorts or short skirts) and to women with exposed upper arms. Carry a shawl or bring a change of clothes and keep in mind that men should cover their heads while inside the synagogue.
Kosher food is not distinguished from other kinds of food by either flavor or style. Kosher food is simply all foods which comply with Jewish dietary laws, which prohibit the consumption of foods such as pork, shellfish and any dish that combines meat and dairy. These laws are observed by Israel`s hotels and most restaurants. Hotel Yehudal holds a Certificate as a kosher hotel, issued and supervised by the Rabbinate of Jerusalem. Our talented chefs serve up delicious meals and create substitutes for dairy products that assure nothing is lacking from any menu.
When traveling by taxi, always ask the driver to run the meter and be sure to ask for a receipt – just in case you forget something in the taxi.
In restaurants, it is recommended to tip around 10-20 percent of the bill (in cash only). No need to tip a taxi driver for a local trip, only for long distance journeys that take you outside the city (in which case, you may tip the driver about 10 percent of the bill).
It is actually quite easy to travel in Israel during Shabbat, despite the fact that all public buses and trains stop running for the holy day (starting Friday afternoon and Saturday till sundown).You can catch a shared taxi (called a Sherut Taxi) which operates between major cities every day, but most importantly during Shabbat. In Tel Aviv, the Sherut Taxis depart from and arrive at the New Central Bus Station. In Jerusalem the Sherut Taxis depart from and arrive at Zion Square (in a side alley across the street from the Ben Yehuda pedestrian street). *Note: During the week, sherut taxis also arrive and depart from in the front of the jerusalem Central Bus Station.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Although Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, most foreign embassies are located in Tel Aviv.
Its official name is the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem, but it is widely known as the Biblical Zoo. Situated near the hotel, the 65-acre park is home to many species of interesting animals that are mentioned in the Bible and that are indigenous to the Holy Land. These include the griffon vulture, scimitar-horned Oryx and our personal favorite, the sand cat.
The Temple Mount, the Western Wall, the winding alleys of the Old City: Was there ever a city as ready for its close-up as Jerusalem? Well, if you`re in this place of legends and are looking for a window into the world via cinema, visit the Jerusalem Cinematheque and Israel Film Archive. It`s a contemporary complex that hosts the Jerusalem Film Festival each summer. And it has a great cafe..
At the site of the Western Wall, or rather, under it, there are ancient tunnels that connect the wall`s prayer area to the northwest side of the Temple Mount. These tunnels along the edge of the Temple Mount and beneath the surrounding houses. You can visit these tunnels on a guided tour.
WHAT TO PACK?
Make sure you keep the B2 stay permit issued at the border control, as it is needed for your hotel check-in and for when you depart Israel.
Make sure you change some money in to Shekels at the airport, as Israeli taxi drivers do not accept foreign currency or credit cards.
Israel is known for its warm and sunny climate, even during the European winter season. It is always recommended to check the weather forecast prior to your arrival and to pack accordingly.
Sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential items throughout the year
| The Israeli power supply is single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz. Most power sockets in Israel have three round pin holes, but many of them will work with double-pin European plugs. Visitors who want to use shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may need both transformers and adaptor plugs |
