Great Places to Spend Shabbat in Israel
- Oct 10, 2013
- 2 min read
A few of the amazing sites and cities around Israel that offer students from abroad an inspirational Shabbat experience.
In Israel, Fridays have a unique feel as the entire country views this day as their Sunday. While the mornings are usually reserved for meeting friends over breakfast and coffee, the afternoons involve shopping for food and shifting gears to prepare for Shabbat. When the sun begins to set on Fridays, a blanket of quiet is palabable as the weekly 25 hour sense of calm is observed. While the streets may have been in a realm of chaos a mere two hours ago, now it is time to rest.
It is Shabbat.
For students studying in Israel, Shabbat is opportunity to explore Israel and visit some amazing cities, towns and locations while experiencing the warmth and beauty of Shabbat by savoring delicious foods, and forging new friendships.
Recently, AnywhereinIsrael.com was created to help students spending time in Israel, with making arrangements for Shabbat in the most amazing places throughout Israel. This is an invaluable resource for students.
Here’s a list of a few places Shabbat, in no particular order, with images that would make anyone want to spend a Shabbat there.
Tzfat/ Safed
The mountaintop city is known as the City of Kabbalah and attracts many individuals who look forward to experiencing the spiritual, mystical and magical atmosphere that Safed offers.
Friday Night at the Western Wall
The scene at the Western Wall on any given Friday night is simply fantastic. Friday nights at the Kotel, the Western Wall, there is room for everyone. Find a minyan to join, pray by yourself, or simply find a group to dance and sing with. All will welcome you. The experience is one and the same. It’s amazing to see the diversity of groups who pass through Jerusalem all of which stop at the Kotel on Friday night
Gush Etzion
Gush Etzion is very beautiful and high up in the mountains situated on the ancient road from Beer Sheva to Jerusalem. The area is filled with ancient biblical stories dating back to the time of Avraham. Without going into the whole history of the area, there is a tree that was there from the early settlement of the area before being seized in 1948. The tree was visible from Jerusalem and the survivors longed from afar by looking at this lone tree.
Today, this area is home to many English speaking residents who are eager to host students.
*Gush Etzion is situated beyond the political green line.
Karmiel
This city situated in Northern Israel, literally sits in the valley which divides the Upper and Lower Galilee. The city’s name means vineyard of G-d. Karmiel has been awarded 5 stars in a competition designed to create a more beautiful Israel, and is annually awarded the Minister of Interior Prize for Financial Management.
Wherever you decide to spend Shabbat in Israel, it surely will be memorable. Throughout your stay in Israel, try to explore new communities and celebrate Shabbat with locals. Remember the food may last a while but the dancing, singing and the memories will last forever. So make each Shabbat count!
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