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Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, a trip to the Holy Land can turn into a life-changing experience. Despite its small size (around 22,145 sq. km or 8,630 sq. miles), Israel is a country of rare cultural diversity, encompassing many different traditions, religions, ethnicities, forms of expression and ways of life. That’s because the Jewish population residing in Israel at the moment originates from all over the world. Over the years, immigrants have brought with them their own customs and traditions and integrated them into this amazing cultural melting pot that is modern-day Israel.
Given its rich culture and history and its numerous natural and manmade attractions, it’s no surprise that so many people flock to this one-of-a-kind country every year. The largest segment of visitors are Jews living abroad who want to discover and learn more about their homeland. Some even go on bat mitzvah tours to Israel to connect with their Jewish heritage and explore the country’s remarkable history and culture. But as a foreigner traveling to Israel, you may find the local culture and customs both fascinating and difficult to grasp.
So, if you want to avoid embarrassing cultural faux pas and make the most of your Israeli visit, here are a few things that will make it easier for you to immerse yourself in the local culture and turn your journey into an unforgettable experience.
Learn about the local laws
When traveling to a foreign country, it’s important to research the local laws and regulations before you arrive. As an ancient legal principle says, ignorance of the law is no excuse, so you can’t justify unlawful actions by saying you were not aware of certain regulations, even if that’s the case.
As a visitor, Israeli laws apply to you as well, so learning about the local regulations will help you understand the risk you expose yourself to and the norms that you need to abide by to ensure your trips goes as smoothly as possible. Crime is generally not an issue in Israel, as the country is considered to be quite safe. However, you should still take some precautions to make sure you and all your belongings are safe for the duration of your trip.
Conform to the local dress code
Israel is a modern and progressive country and Israelis tend to wear casual clothes, especially in modern cities like Tel Aviv. So, as a visitor, you can wear whatever you please in most parts of the country.
However, since most of the country’s attractions reside in historic areas like Jerusalem and the Dead Sea that hold cultural and religious significance, you should dress more conservatively when visiting these places. In religious Jewish neighborhoods, it’s usually recommended to choose modest garments that cover your arms and legs. You can also carry a shawl or a pashmina with you to cover up when necessary.
Interact with the locals
The best way to discover and learn more about a new culture is to interact with the locals. That shouldn’t be a problem in Israel since most Israelis are warm and friendly people known for their openness and hospitality, especially the younger generation who is not only outgoing but also speaks English fluently.
Sometimes, Israelis can come off as impolite or blunt. However, that’s mostly because of the Hebrew language which has a harsh sound to it that can be perceived as rude by foreigners. Besides, the locals also tend to be quite straightforward in their conversations, but that’s just a cultural particularity. So, you shouldn’t let the lack of pleasantries discourage you from striking up conversations with the locals.
Brush up on your Hebrew skills
Speaking of conversations, it’s going to be a lot easier for you to interact with the locals if you speak their language. Even if most Israelis speak English to some extent and don’t mind switching to English when talking to tourists, they will certainly appreciate it if you put in a bit of effort to learn the local idiom, especially since Hebrew is considered one of the most difficult languages to learn. Learning Hebrew is also a great way to get in touch with the country’s culture and traditions.
There are plenty of online courses and guides for those who want to learn a few useful words and phrases in Hebrew. If you’re planning to stay a little while longer in Israel or if you’re passionate about learning new languages, the Ulpan Ivrit series can help you expand your Hebrew knowledge.
Use public transport
As a tourist, you may be tempted to jump in a cab or rent a car to get around. However, that would somewhat isolate you from the world outside and prevent you from fully appreciating the places the visit. So, you should consider ditching cars in favor of public transport. That will give you the opportunity to explore areas that would otherwise remain undiscovered and get a good feel of the place.
Fortunately, Israel has an excellent public transport system, with many bus and train routes that ensure connectivity all over the country and are also reasonably priced, so you can travel around safely and comfortably while also enjoying Israel’s cultural wonders.
Visit local markets
Another way to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy unique experiences is to visit the local markets or shuk. This gives you the perfect opportunity to study the locals and their way of life and also try a wide variety of local dishes and specialities that are served in the eateries around the market. If you want to buy some of the fresh produce that fills the colorful stalls, you can ask to taste it first, as this is a common practice in local markets.
Israel is, without a doubt, a country that deserves to be visited at least once in your lifetime, so if you have the chance to travel to the Holy Land, put these tips into practice and get ready to enjoy the local culture to the fullest.