Topic Wiki

We all would love to help you with resturant recomendations - when asking please specify which US hechsherim you eat - so we can give suggestions you would eat in!

Additional relevent threads

Israel Hotels Master Thread
Short/Long term apartment rentals in Israel Master Thread
Restaurants In Israel Master Thread
Off The Beaten path in Yerushalaim
Shabbos meals in Jerusalem
Golan/Galil, Israel, Master thread
Eilat, Israel, Master Thread
Dead Sea, Israel, Master Thread
Tiberias, Israel Master Thread

Life In Israel Master Thread
Something Fishy's First Trip to Israel - Planning Thread
Help a n00b experience what Israel has to offer.
Israel Trip Report/Blog (I am there now! so tips appreciated)
Frozen meat to Israel
Tel Aviv Hotels Offering Day Passes
How to do Sukkos in Jerusalem
Interesting restaurants in Jerusalm
First time visit to Israel during Purim in March 2024....Mistake?
Trip itinerary planner for israel
Best Stopover Vacation Countries in Europe on Way to Israel
Cruises from Israel
thread discussing highway tolls in Israel
Lag Baomer in Meron 2022
Vacation area in Israel similar to the Catskills?
Best way to get around Israel
Sharm el-Sheikh
Chu"l  Minyan this Shevuos in Yerushalayim
Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat

Emergency numbers
Police 100
Hatzolah AND Ambulance 101 or 1221
Fire 102


Drivers - Yisroel - Executive Drives - 972-58 411 1671 - see page 654, post 9800 for review
Taxi in Jerusalem - IYOV - 054-232-2435 (Speaks English, extremely patient and pleasant) He was referred on this chat, we use him and continue to refer him. Best experience hands down!! We used him from the airport, touring, kevorim and around. Always on time, pleasant and inexpensive.

Misc. Reviews
Shmelly

Activities

Jerusalem Area

Begin Museum- outside the Old City
Caliber 3- Shooting Range in Gush Etzion
Ramparts Walk- on top of the Old City walls
Tzomet Institute - Alon Shvut
Kotel Tunnel Tours/Old City Jewish and/or Muslim Quarter Tours (PM satturn if you want a private tour)
Old City Jewish and Muslim Quarter Tours (pm @satturn )
Churva/Ramban
Machon Hamikdash
Burnt house
Gichon
4 Sephardi Shuls
Old Yishuv Court
Shiloach/Gichon


2048 - Tlv - Incredible fun experience! Active Activities in each room. cool team game, electrifying, challenging and especially fun!
Time Elevator in Jerusalem- Don't waste your time.
City of David (Ir David)-Amazing-you must take a tour to fully understand the site.
Segway tour-interesting way to waste a few hrs-NOT an absolute must do
Biking - Beatiful trails in the valleys outside of the city. PM Drago if interested.
http://tmsifting.org/en/visitor-and-volunteer-information/
https://www.patbamelach.com/
https://www.galita.co.il/en
Yad Vashem
Martef Hashoah - Kever Dovid
Migdal Dovid- Museum of Jerusalem
Bibical Zoo/Aquarium/Ein Yael
Tax Museum
Gush Katif Museum
Science Museum
Bible Lands Museum
Israel Museum
Italian Jewish Art Museum
Beit Harav Kook
Underground prisoners
Kneset /Rose Garden/Bird watching
Shuk Machane Yehuda - Kever of Gerrer Rebbes
Mearat Tzidkiyahu/Rockefeller Museum
Belz Shul
Har Hatzofim
Har Hazeisim
Har Hamenuchos
Ammunition Hill
CHaggall Windows @ Haddasa
Chutzot HaYotzer/Park Teddy
Great Syn/Jewish Art Museum
National Library
Supreme Court
Jclay
Mamila
Gan Sacher - sports fields, picniking, exercise equpment, amazing huge kids climbing area

Tel Aviv/Center

Blind or Deaf Museum in Cholon- Blind, amazing. Deaf, good. Prior reservation needed.
Hagana Museum in Tel Aviv--15NIS per adult; students free; a bit disjointed and kind of fake acting in the videos, but mostly very interesting and educational.
Bullet Factory in Rechovot

Beit Shemesh to Modiin area (Jerusalem Corridor)

Escape the Machsan escape room (Rechov Nachal Sorek)
Stalactite caves
Renting bikes or the ezraider scooters for the Britannia/Adulam parks
Agrocafe coffee workshop
Several wineries in the area
Lots of towns from first Beit Hamikdash period in Adulam and nearby, worth getting a guide.
Caves from bar kochva period in Adulam
H/T Drago
Mini Israel- Love it or hate it
Latrun Tank Museum - Mini Israel
Slifkin's Tanach Museum
Park Rabin - hiking...
Park Begin - hiking...
Park Modiin -- great for kids
Derech Burma

North

"My Baby - Kids' Airport" - amusement park, mostly indoors, awesome for the entire family. Bowling, wall climbing that all ages can enjoy, bungee jumping, bumper carts, carousels, huge swings, Space Jump, tons, 2 huge buildings. Located in Kfar Yasif, Yarka. Near highways 70 & 85. https://www.mybaby.co.il/about
Kfar Kedem - https://www.k-k.co.il/?lang=en
Rosh Hanikra- Way up north

Golan Heights

Bereshit Apple processing center
Tel Dan nature reserve (similiar to Banias Waterfall -slightly easier & toddler friendly)
Banias Waterfall
Nimrod's Fortress in the Golan
Kayaking down the Jordan River
Mount Hermon Ski Lift
Mount Bental Overlook/Bunkers
Golan Heights Winery
Yehudiya Nature Reserve Hiking

South

Nachal Dragot (aka Darja)- an intense hike near the Dead Sea
Sunrise tour of Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea aprx $70

Good summary of many hikes:
http://hikingintheholyland.com/

FB group with many ideas of activities
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kidsdaysoutisrael

Separate Beaches - AS OF 2022!
The suitability of the area around the separate beach area varies.

Separate Areas for Men and Women:
Tveria - Kinar Hotel
Tveria - Chof Menachem
Tveria - near Chamei Tveria
Yam Hamelach - International Beach
Yam Hamelach - Chamei Zohar

Men: Mon, Wed, Fri - Women: Sun, Tues, Thurs
Akko X2
Ashdod
Ashkelon
Bat Yam
Chaifa X2
Hertzilya (only in the summer?? BZ only??)
Netanya - Kiryat Sanz
Rishon Letzion
Tel Aviv - Sheraton

Men: Tues, Fri - Women: Mon, Weds
Nahariya

Switches bet Mornings (7a-1p) and Afternoons (1p-7p)
Chadera '
Men Morning: Sun, tues, thurs  - afternoon: Mon, wed, fri
Women Morning: Mon, Weds, Fri - Afternoon: Sun, Tues, Thurs

Tour Guide -
Dean Unturslak (Armed) Gives Old City Tour & Tours throughout Israel - (058)660-3494
« Last edited by uo on July 07, 2024, 08:28:00 AM »

Author Topic: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread  (Read 2700203 times)

Offline moish

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 10044
  • Total likes: 300
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1380 on: December 13, 2012, 09:14:43 AM »
Quote from: rots5 link=topic=1885.m?sg361353#msg361353 date=1355408032
Im told to be skeptical. And better to stick with bodatz rubin Shearis and even machpud
can you share who told you that?

Offline Drago

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 8438
  • Total likes: 87
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 18
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1381 on: December 13, 2012, 09:20:40 AM »
Im told to be skeptical. And better to stick with bodatz rubin Shearis and even machpud
B/c it's lower than the OU in the US, or b/c it's easy to be more machmir in EY?

Offline rots5

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 8005
  • Total likes: 33
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 17
    • View Profile
    • Custom Cakes for Every Occassion
  • Location: Monsey
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1382 on: December 13, 2012, 09:29:12 AM »
can you share who told you that?
Rabbi Yehuda Baum -  dont know for sure why. But not sure if its to be more macir but honestly i think it can be more of an issue. Though ppl do eat at papagao and so on
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 70648
  • Total likes: 20179
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1383 on: December 13, 2012, 12:02:03 PM »
B/c it's lower than the OU in the US, or b/c it's easy to be more machmir in EY?
Even in the US meat companies strive to find another hechsher besides OU.
However OU has their hands in everything in the US, if you don't trust 'em you'll be eating fruits and veggies all day.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline Drago

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 8438
  • Total likes: 87
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 18
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1384 on: December 13, 2012, 12:05:20 PM »
Even in the US meat companies strive to find another hechsher besides OU.
However OU has their hands in everything in the US, if you don't trust 'em you'll be eating fruits and veggies all day.
So we trust them very b'dieved?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 70648
  • Total likes: 20179
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1385 on: December 13, 2012, 12:25:44 PM »
Depends for what.  To supervise slaughtering it seems that way.
I know in the past they've been lenient on grape juice brands allowed in products like gushers, enough so that even OU mashgichim avoided them.  Not sure if that's still true.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline moish

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 10044
  • Total likes: 300
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: AA LT Plat, Avis, SPG Plat
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1386 on: December 13, 2012, 12:27:30 PM »
Depends for what.  To supervise slaughtering it seems that way.
I know in the past they've been lenient on grape juice brands allowed in products like gushers, enough so that even OU mashgichim avoided them.  Not sure if that's still true.
its still true

Offline PlatinumGuy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2011
  • Posts: 15189
  • Total likes: 2493
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 11
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1387 on: December 13, 2012, 01:31:08 PM »
yup, spoke to the mashgiach as well

they always said it might happen but not a definite date

its game over for real this time
I've heard a definite date at least once before. The Mashgiach has a way of pointing it out
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Offline Galitzyaner

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 3042
  • Total likes: 122
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 13
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1388 on: December 13, 2012, 02:46:08 PM »
Im told to be skeptical. And better to stick with bodatz rubin Shearis and even machpud
I'll tell something which may irk some of you, but so be it (just seeking the truth).

I just heard very recently from someone very familiar with the (a) overseas meat plant/slaughterhouse that provides glatt  kosher meat for a large percentage in Israel and the USA, he said that the honest truth is, the abovementioned hechsherim (that @rots5 mentioned, he specifically mentioned those 3 so called "stellar hechsherim" ) when it comes to the meat industry and the issues with cattle etc that affect kashrus, they are absolutely clueless, (they're like little kids in a museum of modern art).

I'll just say that of those hechsherim that he mentioned that really do know their stuff, is the OU.  He says they are definitely expert in their field.

Just sayin, take it or leave it.

Now, I'm not here to say the OU is the best Hechsher out there, far from it.  They use many kullos which are astonishing to say the least (simple example would be tuna).

Offline rots5

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 8005
  • Total likes: 33
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 17
    • View Profile
    • Custom Cakes for Every Occassion
  • Location: Monsey
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1389 on: December 13, 2012, 06:11:33 PM »
I'll tell something which may irk some of you, but so be it (just seeking the truth).

I just heard very recently from someone very familiar with the (a) overseas meat plant/slaughterhouse that provides glatt  kosher meat for a large percentage in Israel and the USA, he said that the honest truth is, the abovementioned hechsherim (that @rots5 mentioned, he specifically mentioned those 3 so called "stellar hechsherim" ) when it comes to the meat industry and the issues with cattle etc that affect kashrus, they are absolutely clueless, (they're like little kids in a museum of modern art).

I'll just say that of those hechsherim that he mentioned that really do know their stuff, is the OU.  He says they are definitely expert in their field.

Just sayin, take it or leave it.

Now, I'm not here to say the OU is the best Hechsher out there, far from it.  They use many kullos which are astonishing to say the least (simple example would be tuna).

Wow.  U seem to he going against more yeshiva lite with ur statement u know - i don't care either way - but i know that its a serious thing here
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline Moishebatchy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 7296
  • Total likes: 164
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 23
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
  • Programs: Arzei Makolet Platinum, Yossi's Makolet Silver, Yesh! Gold, Rav Kav Dirt
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1390 on: December 13, 2012, 07:28:45 PM »
Rabbi Yehuda Baum

No disrespect intended, but he has a reputation of being extremely machmir. I would prefer to ask R' Weiner. Or even R' Senter, despite him not being a poseik, and also being somewhat more machmir in kashrus.

Offline Moishebatchy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 7296
  • Total likes: 164
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 23
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
  • Programs: Arzei Makolet Platinum, Yossi's Makolet Silver, Yesh! Gold, Rav Kav Dirt
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1391 on: December 13, 2012, 07:29:21 PM »

Offline Galitzyaner

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 3042
  • Total likes: 122
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 13
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1392 on: December 13, 2012, 07:32:19 PM »
Wow.  U seem to he going against more yeshiva lite with ur statement u know - i don't care either way - but i know that its a serious thing here
As I wrote :
I'll tell something which may irk some of you, but so be it (just seeking the truth).
I guess it takes someone who truly cares about the facts to not be insulted or offended.  Please feel free to do your own investigation, after all we are all eating these foods every day.  I'm open to any findings that contradict what I've said, be my guest.

I myself was very surprised myself to hear that, after all "can there possibly be anything better than the almighty eida?!"
But the truth is, I was not that surprised, I've been hearing over the past few years that the eida is nothing what it used to be. 
I was once in a restaurant that is very often discussed on this thread (for their once amazing steak sandwich ;) ), and had a long talk with the mashgiach.  He's worked under many hechsherim in E"Y, and he confirmed exactly what I have been hearing.  He also confirmed what I've also heard from many mashgichim and store owners, there is no mainstream hechsher in Israel that comes anywhere near R' Landau.  They all say he's top top, just the metziyus.

Offline Galitzyaner

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 3042
  • Total likes: 122
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 13
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1393 on: December 13, 2012, 07:33:57 PM »
Huh?
Huh?  Are you American?!
Are you not familiar with the whole dolphin fiasco??!
Old stories, batchy.

Offline Moishebatchy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 7296
  • Total likes: 164
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 23
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
  • Programs: Arzei Makolet Platinum, Yossi's Makolet Silver, Yesh! Gold, Rav Kav Dirt
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1394 on: December 13, 2012, 07:35:20 PM »
Huh?  Are you American?!
Are you not familiar with the whole dolphin fiasco??!
Old stories, batchy.

Yes, I'm American. But I don't follow the news much. 8)

Offline PlatinumGuy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2011
  • Posts: 15189
  • Total likes: 2493
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 11
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1395 on: December 13, 2012, 07:42:58 PM »
Everyone knows the Eidah is not such a good hechsher.

For one thing, they don't give Maaser Oni to the poor, or Maaser Rishon to a Levi (as discussed elsewhere).

However, I seem to remember they are the only organization that doesn't rely on OU. I might be wrong though
״וזה כלל גדול: שישנא אדם כל דבר שקר. וכל מה שיוסיף שנאה לדרכי השקר – יוסיף אהבה לתורה.״ - אורחות צדיקים

Offline rots5

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 8005
  • Total likes: 33
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 17
    • View Profile
    • Custom Cakes for Every Occassion
  • Location: Monsey
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1396 on: December 13, 2012, 07:47:33 PM »
As I wrote :I guess it takes someone who truly cares about the facts to not be insulted or offended.  Please feel free to do your own investigation, after all we are all eating these foods every day.  I'm open to any findings that contradict what I've said, be my guest.

I myself was very surprised myself to hear that, after all "can there possibly be anything better than the almighty eida?!"
But the truth is, I was not that surprised, I've been hearing over the past few years that the eida is nothing what it used to be. 
I was once in a restaurant that is very often discussed on this thread (for their once amazing steak sandwich ;) ), and had a long talk with the mashgiach.  He's worked under many hechsherim in E"Y, and he confirmed exactly what I have been hearing.  He also confirmed what I've also heard from many mashgichim and store owners, there is no mainstream hechsher in Israel that comes anywhere near R' Landau.  They all say he's top top, just the metziyus.

im not insulted in the least bit, i was just a bit taken aback, but yes, u have a great point - i learned this summer about the milk in israel and america, and boy was i surprised about a lot - so i def understand that things can be shaded one way but really compltetly wrong! so galitzyaer - i commend you on ur point and i will def start to do more research, thanks!
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.

Offline Moishebatchy

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 7296
  • Total likes: 164
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 23
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem
  • Programs: Arzei Makolet Platinum, Yossi's Makolet Silver, Yesh! Gold, Rav Kav Dirt
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1397 on: December 13, 2012, 07:48:25 PM »
i learned this summer about the milk in israel and america

What did you learn?

Offline Galitzyaner

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 3042
  • Total likes: 122
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 13
    • View Profile
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1398 on: December 13, 2012, 07:48:29 PM »
Yes, I'm American. But I don't follow the news much. 8)
Nothing to do with news, its the Kashrus scene -stuff not reported in the "news".
Anyways, many many frume yidden don't eat canned tuna (recently I learned that the canned salmon is just as problematic) that is certified only by the OU and are not Bishul Yisroel (famous brands like starkist & chicken of the sea).  Aside for the fact that they don't require tuna to be Bishul Yisroel, there are much serious problems. 
See some more info here, and here.
Hechsherim like the Star-k, the OK, and the Eida all require a mshgiach temidi, something which OU could care less for.

Now, I am not saying that the OU is possul, this all started because I was trying to defend the OU, and to point out that they have their own share of problems I got into this...  Unfortunately, I trust the OU a lot more than many other hechsherim out there, I'm just cognizant of the fact that the OU has their own stash of kullos etc.. Some of them quite serious.  However they are expert in their fields where others are clueless.  Enough said.

Offline rots5

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 8005
  • Total likes: 33
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 17
    • View Profile
    • Custom Cakes for Every Occassion
  • Location: Monsey
Re: Israel Master Thread: Things To Do, Places To Eat
« Reply #1399 on: December 13, 2012, 07:50:32 PM »
What did you learn?

kiddush this shabb in my apt  ill tell it over, lets just say if u are makpid on chalav companies u should be lactose free here in israel!!
If you have any questions please search and then ask. PM me for detailed help.