Culture

"Israeli culture", is indivisible from its long and tumultuous history of Judaism and Jewish history.

Israeli theater draws inspiration from its cultural origins, and consists of many small and large theater groups of various styles and genres.

The first theater professionals in Israel were settlers who came to the country from Europe and Russia and founded a Middle-Eastern culture. These people initiated a legacy that sustains an intense dialogue with original modern theatrical thinking.

The Israel Museum

The Israel Museum is very huge and the most important museum in the country. It is located in the Kiryat ha-Muzeonim (museum campus) at Givat Ram.

This museum has several wings that display various archeological findings, historical artifacts, 20th century art, impressionist art, South American art and a youth wing. The sculptured gardens and galleries exhibit demonstrations from Israel and abroad.

Haifa Museums

Haifa is the third largest city in Israel, which is situated in the northern center of culture and art. The city boasts of many museums that speak about the history of the Jewish settlement in Israel and also about the cultural and historical foundation of its residents.

The food in Israel is diverse as the population living here. "Israeli cuisine" is a concept, which is still evolving from the many cooking customs and the local raw materials.

A. Music

The current Israeli music is profoundly influenced by the components that include Palestinians and Jewish immigrants. Nearly more than 120 countries around the planet have been able to bring together their own musical traditions, making Israel a global melting pot.

Israeli music is extremely versatile and has an equal blend of both western and eastern music. It is likely to have an assorted blend and includes an extensive variety of influences from the Diaspora and contemporary cultural importation. Hassidic songs, Asian and Arab pop, especially Yemenite singers, and hip-hop or heavy metal are all included in the music scene of Israel.

Folk songs:

Patriotic folk songs are very common which were actually written during the wars of Israel. They characteristically concern themselves with soldiers' friendships and the grief of death during war. Some of them are now played at funerals or on holidays, which are dedicated to the departed souls.

Classical music:

Israel is well known for its well-known classical orchestras and the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra under the management of Zubin Mehta, which is globally recognized.

Rock:

Israeli rock is more towards the soft and quiet side as compared to the American or British rock'n'roll. It also includes soft vocals more often than heavy riffing and guitar virtuosos.

Heavy metal and alternative rock:

Since the past for many decades, Israel has had a vigorous underground scene of alternative artists playing death metal, doom metal, black metal, punk and Gothic rock. The best-known Israeli metal bands include Salem and Orphaned Land.

Hip-hop and rap:

Rap and hip-hop were successfully imported to Israel. It remains well liked, although spurned in many circles. Performers includes the Israeli Arab Tafer Nafar and leftist Israeli Jews Hadag Nahash and Muki/Mook E.

B. Language

- Hebrew, the language of the Bible, and Arabic are the official languages of Israel. Hebrew, Arabic and English are essential subjects at school.

- French, Spanish, German, Yiddish, Russian, Polish and Hungarian are also extensively spoken.

- You will notice that all the commercial signs on the streets are in Hebrew and English. You might also sometimes find them in Arabic.

- Most people in Israel are commonly found speaking in English, but with the influx of Jews from the former Soviet Union.

C. Religious Practices

Israel's authorization guarantees total freedom of faith and belief. There is free access to sacred places of worship for followers of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Each religion has independence and liberty over its holy places and houses of worship. They establish their own hours and rules of conduct for visiting them. However all tourists and travelers visiting holy sites are expected to display respect and dress appropriately.

Israeli Jews are basically separated into two groups. This includes the greater part that is secular and a small marginal that are religious. While statistics were not confirmed, it was generally estimated that 80 percent of Israelis fell into the secular camp.

Although most Jews are secular, Orthodox Judaism has substantial clout to control life in Israel through their power over marriages, burials, acknowledgment of whether an individual is Jewish or not, issuing Kosher certificates to restaurants and other items. This creates friction among Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Jews, as well as secularists.

- 67.9% of Israeli adults believe that the religious political parties have way too much authority.

- 63% support by giving Reform and Conservative Judaism the same legal status to that possessed by the Orthodox tradition.

- 63% favored allowing couples to choose Reform and Conservative Jewish marriage rituals however only Orthodox services are currently recognized.

- 64% maintained operating public transportation on the weekly Sabbath, which runs from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.

- 78% favor opening shopping malls outside city centers on the Sabbath.

- 45% "either prefer or is open to receiving religious life-cycle services from Reform" or Conservative authorities.

D. Major Events

March

You can visit the Jerusalem International Book Fair, which is held every two years.

March-April

The Rubinstein Piano Competition, this event brings all the talented young artists from around the world to Israel. This event is held every three years.

May

This is a grand event where the Israel Festival of Music and Drama, Jerusalem. With the contribution of the country's leading talent and world-famous companies and artists visiting, this performance is worth attending.

July

The Jerusalem Film Festival is a major event where you can experience the Karmi'el Dance Festival, Karmi'el (Galilee).

July-August

The Zimriya, Jerusalem: This international choir festival is a well-established triennial event that takes place every 3 years.

Other Major Events

Rosh Chodesh Nisan

Hulda Gates

(Western Wall)

Jerusalem, 97500

Tel: +972 2629 8070

This is a festival of regeneration. It usually takes place with the New Moon of each month. The festivity is exclusively of Nisan, which is the "first month" and begins at sundown on the day of holiday. If you go to the Hulda Gates near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, you will see a traditional ritual, which is a part of this holiday as well.

Ticho House

9 Ha Rav Kook

Jerusalem, 91710

Tel: +972 2 624 4186

Fax: +972 2 622 3218

You will see huge houses that are surrounded by gardens, which is host to weekly jazz and classical music concerts.

Yom Ha'Atzmaut

(Throughout the city)

Jerusalem, Tel: +972 2629 8070

This festival marks the anniversary of the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948. The festival starts as the Yom Hazikaron and ends in the evening as Yom Ha'Atzmaut. The switch between the two festivals is marked by a candle-lighting ceremony, which is broadcasted. You can participate in the fireworks, street parties and outdoor Israeli dancing.

E. Ettiquette / Do's and Don'ts

Do's

- Carry along some conservative clothes for visiting religious sites.

- Men should wear shirts and long trousers to holy places.

- Men need to cover their heads when visiting Jewish shrines or memorials.

- Even if you can't learn the Israel language, make an effort to learn at least three commonly used phrases, which include "Please," "Thank you" and "You're welcome."

Don'ts

- Women should not wear clothes that expose bare legs or shoulders while visiting any holy sites.

- Don't smoke on the Sabbath as this is considered to be a holy day by the Jews and wrong behavior can be quite offensive.