Something Fishy's First Trip to Israel - Planning Thread

[ExGingi]

Could be under both?

I have no idea. I tried Google. The website of the restaurant had no information whatsoever. Badatz Beit Yosef had it listed on their site as being under their supervision.

When a place that purports to be of high Kashrus standard doesn't have the certifying agency prominently displayed or listed in their ads (or website) it just doesn't seem like Kashrus is high on their priority list.

[Dawie]

How far is the J'lem - Dead Sea/Masada drive? Is Google generally reliable for this?

1 1/2 HOURS
its basically, yashar ad hasof and then yemina

[ExGingi]

yashar ad hasof and then yemina

The universal directions to almost anywhere in Israel. (With the rest having smola at the end instead of yemina).

[yesitsme]

1 1/2 HOURS
its basically, yashar ad hasof and then yemina

oh you killed it,
its yeminah smolah vshum tishal

[yesitsme]

I hope you know how to pronounce this word
שֵׁירוּתִים
די תוף האט א פינטעלע

[Dan]

I hope you know how to pronounce this word
שֵׁירוּתִים
די תוף האט א פינטעלע

Can always ask for a beis hakisay and see what that gets you.

[lcm]

@Something Fishy
Can you start writing a draft of your TR now while planning, so we'll see it sooner?
Also will be interesting to see what went according to plan and what didn't.

[JlmBoi]

Wow what a thread! As a local the only thing I would add to the list is a winery visit. There are some gorgeous spots in Jerusalem and up north that are beautiful to visit even if your not so into wine. Flam, Castel, Psagot, Gush Etsion (Jlm area) Netofa, Galil, Adir, are all beautiful and picturesque. Golan Heights Winery (Yarden) in Katzrin is interesting bc you can see the all shomer shabbos bottling line in action. Vitkin just for the fantastic wines. Carmel in Zichron Yaakov is a integral part of the history of the settling of the land.

[Mikes@Micro]

Depends. Is Google maps reliable?

In general, what are the best practices for driving around the country safely?

Waze. Enable "avoid arab villages" in settings. People hear sometimes use map chat during traffic jams like old CB radios.

How good are you with making wrong turns and directions? One wrong turn at night and it won't be pretty...

This talks to me.

Now to risk Szszalmy Szszilber's wrath, is it safe to drive yourself? Especially at night.

Did it this week and here to tell the tale!

[Mikes@Micro]

I'll explain why I am so enamored by the Churva, though this reason may not be universally appreciated.

The Old City has unfortunately become almost a tourist center. As most people know, even the Kosel can only really be appreciated at night, when tourists are sleeping and frum people are basically the only one's flooding the holy area. The Yiddish feeling has almost been completely erased from the Old City's outward look, as every landmark and holy site has been overtaken by throngs of camera-toting foreigners or Zionist ideologicals who don't represent the yeshivish mindset.

+1 Netz is usually great as well. Always cool how its noisy as hundreds of people begin Shachris but a dead silence falls at Netz.

Over the past few years it has been non- stop Consumer-DSLR-wearing, selfie-stick-bearing Aisan tourists, all times of day night and week. Kabbalos Shabbos is certainly nicer without them but I noticed a couple of them a few weeks ago... Utterly confused about how they wandered over the border or if they have in been in the country for a year+...?

[Mikes@Micro]

Definitely sounds like the way to go based on the comments here.

I wonder if a guided Shabbos afternoon trip is a good idea, would be pretty unique. Or am I missing out on some things that way (other than not taking pictures, which is not a bad thing).

In any case, @satturn I'll be in touch.

I have done Shabbos Afternoon Old city tours and they were pretty cool but keep in mind it may be a sticky walk from your rental.

[Mikes@Micro]

On my first time in tzfas we went to a shul on Friday and started calling numbers on the bulletin board there with endless rentals. Rented for Shabbos a place from a family that was thrilled to be able to afford gas money to visit family because of our $100/night rental.

Highly reccomend the Nof Harashbi, posted above.

Boom - that's my style of personal vacations.

How does one go about booking this?

I think there are some agents that can set it up for you. Prob easiest if you have a relative in the area ask around for you, signs in shul, etc. (I'd imagine you would most enjoy Kiryat Belz area).

[Mikes@Micro]

Sunrise hike up to Masada. Spend a bit of time up there, then cable car down.
Explore the general area, and take a nap in the car.
Afternoon Dead Sea, sunset tour with the guy above.

Check out this site https://hikingintheholyland.com/hike-search-results/
I think there is a hike called דרג'א in the area

[yfr bachur]

There is a guy Yankelowitz who does a very unique tour of as many gates to Haar Habayis as possible.

I've done this tour with him at least three times, very good, He does many other tours: The israel museum with a torah perspective... Quite a unique person. He was the one who convinced Rav Belskey to wear tcheles, s an expert in the ksav in old sifrei torah.

 I would recommend to get a hold of one of the good guidebooks to kevarim. I personally use "HaMekomos HaKedoshim" by Rav Yechiel Michel Stern (from Ezras Torah), and "Kadmunienu" from "Vaad Lehatzolas Kivrei HaKadmonim in E"Y". They provide accurate directions, and background on who each person was, how we know he's buried here, and some torah that each one said. Available in many seforim stores here in Israel, but worth to get a hold of, and read in advance.

My recomendations:
Abaya and Rava. aside from the opportunity to daven there, the view is amazing, prob top five in Israel.
When you decide to go to a particular kever, check who is nearby.
The Chida is at the enterance to  Har Hamenuchos. Fof har hamenuchos and Har Haziesim you prob NEED either a very  good map, or a guide.
Figure out which Tanaim, Amoraim, ext.. are meaningful for you to go to. Is it the talmidie habesht in tveria and tzfas, a particular navi...If you're a segula person which segula are you looking for ? (amuka...)

[Ellen]

It sounds like  you may be there over the yurhtzeit of Reb Chaim ben Atar.
There is something special about being at a kever on the yuhrtzeit.
Also, there usually is added security in the area during that night and day so might be a good way to visit Har Hazaeisim IIRC

[Ellen]

Don't miss a cup of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice at one of the ubiquitous stands throughout the country...
IMHO, something you will not taste anywhere else in the world.
I better understood the 7 haminim after that
(Just don't forget to check for a reliable hechsher on the fruits...)

[Ellen]

Boom - that's my style of personal vacations.

How does one go about booking this?

Mine too- i trust the Israeli couple/family who I'm renting from more than i trust the Waldorf to actually wash and change the linen before i come  ....

You can find many leads in the Hamodia classifieds.

My advice: get an apartment with a porch! There is nothing like sitting there, even for only 5-10 minutes, at night when the temperature drops and the breeze sets in and just watching the Jerusalem going ons. And yes, although Brooklyn or Monsey might start quieting down with the darkening sky, there it is just the opposite and it is so awesome to be part of it from above!

[Jellybelly]

Where’s @Proisrael ?
He should be able to help you out with your trip

[Dan]

Wow what a thread! As a local the only thing I would add to the list is a winery visit. There are some gorgeous spots in Jerusalem and up north that are beautiful to visit even if your not so into wine. Flam, Castel, Psagot, Gush Etsion (Jlm area) Netofa, Galil, Adir, are all beautiful and picturesque. Golan Heights Winery (Yarden) in Katzrin is interesting bc you can see the all shomer shabbos bottling line in action. Vitkin just for the fantastic wines. Carmel in Zichron Yaakov is a integral part of the history of the settling of the land.

Do any have mehadrin food available as well?

Alas, Fishy doesn't drink anything stronger than Moscato or pickle juice...

[Proisrael]

Where’s @Proisrael ?
He should be able to help you out with your trip

I would be happy to help with the north part of Israel. @Something Fishy. Would be happy to host you on your north trip if you need a place, would be awesome to meet a fellow DDF, I live in Chabad central as well .

In the north it very much depends on what type of trip you are looking for. Nature vs kvarim. Would be happy to give ideas.