Israeli holiday tips & resolutions for the Jewish New Year

 

The time has come to raise a glass to fresh beginnings. Gathered around the table, we make inaudible promises to a sweet New Year, tongue-tied toasts over ripe honey crisps and rich honey. Resolutions made, but never kept. This year is different, though. You are in Israel, and in the spirit of 5779, it is time to repurpose the white pages of that 2018 agenda book into a travel journal, tackle that fear of heights in a hot air balloon,  step outside of your comfort zone and up to your waist in fresh spring water. Try something new and adventurous. Here’s our list of New Year’s resolutions to conquer while visiting Israel

 

Life is short. And it only seems to be getting shorter. But, for the moment, you are in a stimulating Middle Eastern country with adventure dangling from every balcony— whether cast in Jerusalem stone or Band- Aids by graffiti artist, Dede. It’s time to trade in your Netflix subscription for some photostream worthy adventures.

 

Dive: Snuba in the Red Sea - The southernmost city in Israel, Eilat, has been blessed with a spectacular coral reef. The northernmost reef in the world and a unique Israeli attraction is the beating heart of the one-mile long nature reserve that stretches across the gulf of Eilat. Diving or snorkeling near the reef, you will see colorful coral gardens home to a variety of multihued tropical fish: parrotfish, butterfly fish, giant shellfish, and a wide selection of intriguing species that only come out in the dark. About a ten-minute walk from the Egyptian border, you’ll find the southernmost scuba diving club in Israel, a small venue with plenty of peace and quiet. The club offers an introductory underwater excursion for those who have no previous diving experience.

 

Hike: Eilat Mountain - Adventuring through rock formed passages less than two meters wide, yet hundreds of meters high, the Eilat Mountains offer visitors a unique and stunning desert experience. Whether hiking or biking, advanced or beginner, an experience awaits every visitor. In great weather conditions, one can see Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia from the top of mountain, making this experience uniquely Middle Eastern.

 

Trek: Israel National Trail - Israel in general is famed for its many hiking trails winding their way over breathtaking heights in the north and lunar-like lows in the south. The routes are a fantastic way to see the country’s beautiful landscape, and they all link up to form one giant hiking path that traverses the entire country, known as the Israel National Trail. Its northern end is at Dan, near the Lebanese border, and it extends to Eilat at the country’s southernmost tip on the Red Sea. The trail is marked with three stripes (white, blue, and orange) and has been named by National Geographic as one of the world’s best hikes.

 

Rappel: Jerusalem - Rappelling & Snappling - Rappelling off the side of the Tayelet or Gei Ben Hinom, with a view of the Old City is one of the most unique ways to see Jerusalem. If your kids can’t stop climbing walls and trees, why not take them on an adventure they won’t soon forget? Suitable for children ages four and up.

 

Hike some more: Ramon Crater - The Ramon Crater (“Makhtesh Ramon”) in the Negev Desert is the world’s largest erosion crater. The crater’s ancient history dates back 220 million years to when an ocean once filled the massive hole. A network of hikes range from easy loops to advanced mountain scales, this worldwide landmark is the place for thrill seekers to get their adrenaline fix.

 

Tube: Dan River - Located in the Golan Heights at the base of Mount Hermon, the Dan River is a wonderful destination for avid nature lovers. Rent a tube and float along the cool waters. Kayaking or white water rafting are also great adrenaline boosts.

 

You’ve made a vow to pack away the junk food, to make better decisions at the grocery store, to perhaps try your hand at veganism. While these small goals may feel like feats in the Western World of chain stores, baseball games, and fast food restaurants, clean eating in Israel is all the rage. In fact, besides the odd shawarma or falafel (still chickpeas, one might note) it is almost harder to be unhealthy in this bountiful country. More than the land of milk and honey, Israel is the land of persimmon and pomegranate, coriander and cumin, figs and fresh dates. Whether you exploring Jerusalem, Nazareth, or Tel Aviv, every Israeli city boasts an impressive market, or shuk, where you can buy any and everything imaginable. Bypass the mounds of colorful candy (locally known as “gummies”) tempting any child at heart, and pass between spice stalls, endless rows of fruits and veggies, and the best butchers in town.

NOTE: Markets will be closed on specific dates during the High Holidays (in September and October), so make sure to check if they are open before visiting.

 

The holidays mostly mean close-knit quarters, no time to yourself, and 24/7 'round the clock family time. Lessen the blow with some more breathing room. There is only so much city life a family can take after all. Whether you want the sea to lull you to sleep or a freshwater river to jump into in the morning, Israel’s camping destinations are as varied as they are gorgeous And don’t forget your bathing suits, decks of cards, and most importantly, marshmallows.

 

Be’erot Campground is the only site located inside the Ramon Crater, otherwise known as the “Grand Canyon” of Israel. Spend the daytime hiking as a family in the desert, and at night, wrap yourself in a warm blanket and lay back beneath a canopy of stars safe from the chilly desert air. Located just a short drive from Mitzpe Ramon, Be’erot Campground is close to attractions such as camel tours, rappelling, and jeep tours.

 

Dor Ha’Bonim Beach is one of the few beaches in Israel that permits camping. This scenic spot just south of Haifa will lull you to sleep with the calming sound of waves. Whether you’re bringing a tent or just sleeping on the sand under the stars, it’s a sea-lover’s paradise. Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve is just 30 minutes north of Eilat. Drive through the beautiful scenery to see endangered biblical animals, which are nurtured at Yotvata Hai-Bar until they are ready to be released into the wild. Here you will find ostriches, Arabian oryx, African wild asses, addaxes (white antelope), and other rare species. A camping area is available by reservation.

 

Sussita Beach Campground is located across the lake from Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. A quiet, shaded haven, eucalyptus trees line the campsite, providing plenty of shade and therapeutic qualities. As there are no numbered camp spots and no reservations necessary, Sussita Beach is a great place to go for a last-minute adventure.

 

Yehiam Fortress is located on the grounds of Kibbutz Yehiam. Twenty minutes east of Nahariya lay the ruins of a fortress from the Crusader period. Camping at Yehiam Fortress allows guests to sleep under the stars and commune with nature, while experiencing a piece of history. The fortress grounds include a mosque, watchtower, and assembly hall, restored to tell the story of the battles which took place here.