Israel: where to go on Shabbat

Shabbat is the most important day in Israel. In the story of creation, this is the last, seventh day of the week, which is blessed by God and requires Jews to rest. It starts from Friday sunset and ends with Saturday sunset, when three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night.

Shabbat in Israel

On Friday, Jewish families and friends gather at home for the ritual beginning of the holiday. They welcome the start of Shabbat and enjoy an evening meal together. On Saturday, observant Jews attend the morning service at a synagogue and in the evening at the end of Shabbat, – the Havdalah ceremony. All state institutions and most private businesses in Israel are closed on Saturdays. In most cities, public transport (buses and trains) doesn’t run, many restaurants are closed. People refrain from driving their own cars, cooking, and using their phones.

Observant Jews don’t work or light fires on Shabbat. According to strict interpretations, turning the electricity on is also prohibited, so people do not touch the light switch these days. Sometimes, one has to do without freshly brewed coffee at a hotel in the morning because the coffee machine is turned off. To avoid having to push the elevator buttons, elevators are programmed to stop on every floor.

Things for a tourist to do on Shabbat

Shabbat is perceived differently in different cities of Israel. In Jerusalem, there is no buzzing nightlife on Fridays unless it’s religious in nature. Many families celebrate the start of Shabbat in festive clothes near the Wailing Wall. But in the Arabic districts of the city or in Akko, markets, restaurants, and shops are open on Saturday, radio and TV work normally. In Jerusalem, more attention is paid to the religious aspect of Shabbat. And in Tel Aviv, it’s hard to find a vacant place on a beach or in a park. It is exactly the place where you can fully enjoy a day off.

The 123 Trip Tel Aviv company offers tourists organized tours on Shabbat. Today, even Israelis do the same!

Let’s go to:

• the sea – the Mediterranean, Dead, and Red;
• to a desert for hiking or cycling;
• to democratic Haifa and Akko;
• to one of the numerous national parks.

We know the operating hours of museums and other sightseeing places on Shabbat, as some of them close long before Friday night, and some of them open on a weekend day.

Shabbat in Tel Aviv

Friday and Saturday are one of the best days to get to know active Tel Aviv and the best nights to rest in the city that never sleeps. These are the most popular beach days, when everybody flocks to sandy shores to relax and breathe the sea air. In the summer months, the beach is filled with locals and tourists. They bask in the sun and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. From Alma Beach to Hilton Beach – there are plenty to choose from. For those unwilling to swim or lie on the sand, a walk along Tayelet, a promenade, which stretches along the coast from south to north, will become a perfect Saturday walk.

In Tel Aviv, everyone will find something interesting for themselves on Shabbat! Enjoy:

• Real Shabbat meal – many restaurants and hotels offer a meal available to guests.
• Famous Museum of Art.
• Street art – from Florentin to Jaffa, you can find impressive graffiti and street art everywhere. Saturday walking tour of Tel Aviv with the best guide from 123 Trip Tel Aviv covers the most incredible art objects.
• Islamic shops and bars, many of which are open.

Explore Tel Aviv on a bicycle. On Saturday, it is a special pleasure. It’s very comfortable to ride – buses are few, many people refrain from driving, and streets are nearly empty.

If you order a weekend tour from the 123 Trip Tel Aviv travel company, you will be able to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and modern life of Israel. We will offer you an interesting and diverse program, in which there will also be time for rest too. Or we’ll recommend an individual program on Shabbat for you and your group on Shabbat. Call us! We’ll be happy to discuss the details.