Why ISRAEL Needs to be on your Bucket List of Adventures. Thank you to the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project and Israel’s Ministry of Tourism for inviting me on this excursion through THE HOLY LAND
Before 2017 I hadn’t been to Israel since 1992. Which seems incredible that I had allowed so much time to lapse between my last visit and the present. I grew up in a very religious Orthodox Jewish home and Israel was always a part of the conversation. And as a descendant from Holocaust survivors its very existence meant that I would never be stripped of my right to practice my Jewish Faith and that I always had a place that would welcome me with open arms. And the truth is when I set foot on the ground as I made my way around Tel Aviv that first night- I could feel it. I could feel the weight of all my ancestors and all that history and tradition steeped into the dirt. It was almost like an out of body experience.
But more so than that I was buoyed by all the sights and sounds of different cultures and traditions and races which seemed to populate Tel Aviv. That’s right- Tel Aviv was literally teeming with people of every race and religion- Jews, Muslims, Asians, Europeans, Christians, Buddhists and so much culture born out of the myriad of converging nationalities. There is a bustling fashion district, a serious music industry, the skyscrapers are going up fast and furiously and the food is TO DIE FOR. Oh and let’s not forget the hotel industry which boats luxury accommodations that would wow any well seasoned traveler.
And before I forget- the flight there and back – when I told elal.com that I was a vegan- they LOADED me up with salads, hummus and all the almond goodies they could find and when I finally landed in Israel I got to spend my first moments staring at THIS goodness. Here is the view from my hotel room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Tel Aviv
And this was their lovely welcome plate of so much yummy goodness ( did I mention their fresh fruit will literally BLOW YOUR MIND?!) So if you want to explore all the art and food and just general loveliness that is Israel my first stops for you would be Tel Aviv, Yaffo and Tzfat. Here are just a few of the highlights:
First sign up for a walking Graffiti tour with Niro Trip Tel Aviv is literally at the intersection of creativity and self expression. Here are just some of the mind blowing works of art I snapped
Tel Aviv also has a thriving fashion scene and I got to hang out with Hagar Alembik and meet with the fabulous Talia Zoref who did this quick sketch of me!
Of course you can’t go to Tel Aviv without partaking of their FOOD!!
We also had a chance to get up close and personal with the team at WeWork Hazerem where we learned all about the tech innovations that are coming out of Israel!
And of course let’s not forget about the MUSIC! we had a chance to enjoy a private concert with David D’Or and a chance to hang out in his TOTALLY artsy studio!
And although I could spend days upon days in Tel Aviv- then it is time to head to Tzfat and explore it through the lens of mysticism, art and Jewish History.
We traveled on foot through the lower Galilee and the Jezreal Valley and it was the most spiritual experience OF MY LIFE. Between all the art and the shops and the food I was literally in heaven. Every nook and cranny had some beauty.
If you want to shop for art THIS IS THE PLACE!
Stay tuned for my next post which will tackle JERUSALEM and until then enjoy this video below!
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I would love to visit Israel one day. That city has so much history and culture there. I’ve heard that it’s one of the best places you can travel to.
Isreal is definitely on the top of my Bucket List. There is a group that goes every year with our church and we can’t wait until we can go.
Melissa I so enjoyed following your journey to Israel on social media and loved reading about it more in depth here and I can honestly say that I would love to visit Israel! (My yearning actually started with I binged the most recent episode of Tranaparent this summer lol)It’s definitely a bucket list vacation spot for me and hopefully once the kids get a little older we can make it happen.
Oh what a once in a lifetime experience!! It looks absolutely beautiful there!!
I will explore anywhere that someone will take me! I would be excited to check out Israel! It looks like it would be a great place to visit!
I would love to visit Isreal one day. What a beautiful city full of culture and rich history! It sounds like you had a great trip.
There is a lot of awesome art in Tel Aviv! Those looked awesome! Quite a bit of art, music and culture to discover in Israel.
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There is a lot of awesome art in Tel Aviv! Those looked awesome! Quite a bit of art, music and culture to discover in Israel.
I have friends that have been and their pictures were spectacular. I looks like such a beautiful country, I would love to visit.
Israel was already on my list of places to visit but now this post has quickly taken it to the top of that list!! And these photos are phenomenal!!
Israel is absolutely on my bucket list! It has been for a long time! One of my dear friends lived in Israel for a year after the passing of her husband (they were both young- in their early 20s) and she decided it was a perfect time to reflect on her background as a Jewish woman and to become educated more deeply in Jewish traditions and it was such a blessing for her. Her photos really created a deep desire to go and my cousin did a tour of the Holy Land and she had me convinced to go, too!
I love your photos!
I have never been to Israel but I’ve seen travel bloggers post about their visit there and it makes me want to plan a trip right now and just go for it! It’s definitely on my list of places to visit!
Oh goodness, your trip sounds amazing! I have always wanted to visit Israel but have no connection to the country. I am so glad you were able to find so many amazing vegan options and wonderful sites!
What a fabulous place to visit. I haven’t been to Isreal but I will have to put it on the list.
Wow! What an amazing, fun trip. Israel has always been on my bucket list.Such a fascinating culture.
I would like to travel to israel, there country is truly rich in culture and heritage.
Your experience looks A M A Z I N G! The food is incredible. I hope to do this one day.
Wow what an amazing trip. I am adding this destination to my list.
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I would LOVE to go to Israel! This country is so gorgeous and rich, it would be amazing to experience.
Ooh a pistachio cream cheesecake sounds amazing! It definitely looks like you had quite an adventure in Tel Aviv – it would certainly be fun to visit Israel some day 🙂
I have always wanted to travel to Israel. I was up for a trip when I was in undergrad to study criminal justice there, but it was too expensive at the time and there were no scholarships available. It is still on my bucket list though
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This looks like an amazing trip. So much art and delicious food. Adding to my list for sure.
What an amazing trip! I would totally love to visit Israel one day. So much history!
What an incredible trip! Israel is definitely on our family’s bucket list!
you are right! this needs to be on my bucket list. love your pictures!
My husband went last year for work and I told him he absolutely has to take me this year!
Exploring new destinations isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s about immersing in history, culture and transformation.
This article shows why Israel deserves a spot on your bucket list of adventures https://www.thestatenislandfamily.com/why-israel-needs-to-be-on-your-bucket-list-of-adventures-visitisrael/