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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

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
« Last edited by Euclid on October 03, 2023, 11:46:22 AM »

Author Topic: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread  (Read 2283283 times)

Offline yfr bachur

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11940 on: May 22, 2023, 03:22:58 AM »
How is the luggage situation on the Jerusalem-TLV train?

Is it doable for 3 adults to travel with 2 babies under 2, 2 strollers, 4 checked in size suitcases and a few carry-ons?

I did it once to the airport with three under three, 2 strollers, 3 checked in bags and carryons. We needed outside help aside from my SIL helping. (I live near the station)
On the way back with one more checked bag it was impossible. Never again.

Its not an easy station to get in and out of. From the train there are only elevators at one end of the platform, so you may need to go the length of the train w suitcases. Then one flight up you need to transfer to another elevator 50+ feet away. Then you need to transfer to a third elevator across the ticketing hall - ~300 feet. then transfer to a fourth elevator ~150 feet to reach street level.... oh and then you need to get to you're final destination...

To answer your question: It's doable but there are easier ways.
« Last Edit: May 22, 2023, 05:45:08 AM by yfr bachur »

Offline Tom Brady

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11941 on: May 22, 2023, 02:57:09 PM »
Thanks everyone for the very helpful responses!

We ended up deciding to take the train and leave early to have extra time in case it didn't work out.

We arrived to the platform (after taking 3 separate elevators) just as one train was leaving, which meant we were 30 minutes early for the next train. Thankfully, the next train was already there at the track on the other side of the platform, so we were able to board the accessible car 30 minutes before departure and were the first ones on board. We had plenty of space and time to get ourselves situated with our strollers and luggage.

With that said,  I can definitely see how this would have been an issue with all the luggage and kids if we were boarding last minute with people already on board.

Can't beat the price and ride (assuming you have a convenient way to get to the Jerusalem station) for only 18 shekel per person and kids under 5 free!

Offline yitzyul

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11942 on: May 25, 2023, 11:37:25 AM »
What is the going rate (approx ) to change USD to NIS at the local change places?
TY

Offline mevinyavin

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11943 on: May 25, 2023, 11:49:21 AM »
What is the going rate (approx ) to change USD to NIS at the local change places?
TY
Depends on the neighborhood. Where there is no competition they are giving 3.45. In neighborhood where the competition is fierce, you can get as good as 3.68-3.7. Post in the Mir and someone will be happy to change you at the day's rate.
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Offline yitzyul

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11944 on: May 25, 2023, 12:08:20 PM »
Depends on the neighborhood. Where there is no competition they are giving 3.45. In neighborhood where the competition is fierce, you can get as good as 3.68-3.7. Post in the Mir and someone will be happy to change you at the day's rate.
TY
I need substantial amount so it makes a big difference.

Offline Ploni3

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11945 on: May 25, 2023, 02:11:38 PM »
You can go to the change store down the stairs on Levush Mordechai right off Malchei Yisrael and get very close to the real rate.

Offline yitzyul

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11946 on: May 25, 2023, 03:07:18 PM »
You can go to the change store down the stairs on Levush Mordechai right off Malchei Yisrael and get very close to the real rate.
Better for me!
TY

Offline Spoon

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11947 on: May 25, 2023, 05:22:42 PM »
TY
I need substantial amount so it makes a big difference.

Capital change by the mir will give you basically the rate. There are a couple of other ones there as well

Offline mevinyavin

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11948 on: May 28, 2023, 05:13:36 AM »
TY
I need substantial amount so it makes a big difference.
If it really is a substantial amount, there's no reason you shouldn't post by the Mir, unless the convenience of getting close to the rate immediately outweighs getting exactly the rate after someone contacts you.
There is always someone looking to trade large amounts of one for the other. The sign posted is always half-full after a day.
Quote from: ExGingi
Echo chambers are boring and don't contribute much to deeper thinking and understanding!

Offline yfr bachur

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11949 on: May 28, 2023, 06:14:39 AM »
TY
I need substantial amount so it makes a big difference.

"Substantial" is relative.
To a bachur on a budget, getting a better rate on 200 bucks is an extra slice of pizza...
While s/o buying a dira may look at the difference in changing $10000 as small change...

The best way to get the best rate is to change w/ s/o who needs what your offering...
Any other way the vendor needs to make a profit.

Unless you're talking about 100s of 1000s....
Post in the Mir and someone (who needs $) will be happy to change you at the day's rate.

Offline MarkS

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11950 on: May 28, 2023, 09:37:09 AM »
No
Is this the consensus? Or eas that only a few weeks ago before the cease fire?

Thousands of people do it daily

Offline yfr bachur

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11951 on: May 28, 2023, 12:42:07 PM »
Is this the consensus? Or eas that only a few weeks ago before the cease fire?

Thousands of people do it daily

The questioner was a non local (tourist) who does not know the roads, and what and where the possible dangerouse areas are.
Yes, I would think that the consensous would be that it is unwise for him to drive himself in these areas.

Offline yitzyul

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11952 on: May 28, 2023, 09:42:39 PM »
Posting here, maybe will get other suggestions:

Any suggestions/options for a cheap (decent) priced restaurant or small hall for a shabbos meal for approx 20 Adults and 5 children. Geula area (or within 15 min walk of Tenuvah)
If possible phone numbers or how to reach them to reserve. Many of the smaller halls in Geula are all taken.

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11953 on: May 29, 2023, 07:51:52 AM »
I would like to go to the beach next Thursday with my buddy and he can only go after first Seder.
Are there Kosher Beaches with afternoon men’s hours on Thursdays? I’ve only found Thursday morning hours for men.

Offline tll

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Tours for teenage girls
« Reply #11954 on: May 29, 2023, 09:50:33 AM »
Years ago there used to be tours by Hoffmans and Simcha Hochbaum.
If a few teenage girls are going for the first time to Israel ,besides private tour guides, are there any group tours you can join that are for frum Bais Yaakov girls?
Thank you

Offline Spoon

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Re: Tours for teenage girls
« Reply #11955 on: May 29, 2023, 11:23:01 AM »
Years ago there used to be tours by Hoffmans and Simcha Hochbaum.
If a few teenage girls are going for the first time to Israel ,besides private tour guides, are there any group tours you can join that are for frum Bais Yaakov girls?
Thank you

Hoffman is still going strong

Offline Traveler718

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11956 on: May 29, 2023, 01:34:06 PM »
Simcha Hochbaum still offers Chevron tours 1-2x/week (check Hebron Fund website for schedule), plus Tuesday mornings tours of the Old City. Definitely suitable for Bais Yaakov girls. I was on the Chevron tour today, together with a girl currently in BJJ with her grandparents, and 2 post-seminary girls who came in for Yom Tov. Highly recommended!

In other news, we have never been to RBS and will be in the area tomorrow with a car. If we want to drive around RBS and get a flavor for the city and some of its various neighborhoods, what are some landmarks I could put into Waze that would lead me through the heart of some of the different sections? I don't care what the landmarks are, as we don't need to get out and simply want to plot a path that will let us see and experience RBS.
« Last Edit: May 29, 2023, 01:37:35 PM by Traveler718 »

Offline yfr bachur

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11957 on: May 29, 2023, 02:03:34 PM »
I would like to go to the beach next Thursday with my buddy and he can only go after first Seder.
Are there Kosher Beaches with afternoon men’s hours on Thursdays? I’ve only found Thursday morning hours for men.
The hours are standardized across the country to prevent "mistakes".
any place that has a permanent men's and womens sections.
I think that limits you to tveria and yam hamelach.

Offline yfr bachur

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11958 on: May 29, 2023, 02:06:04 PM »
In other news, we have never been to RBS and will be in the area tomorrow with a car. If we want to drive around RBS and get a flavor for the city and some of its various neighborhoods, what are some landmarks I could put into Waze that would lead me through the heart of some of the different sections? I don't care what the landmarks are, as we don't need to get out and simply want to plot a path that will let us see and experience RBS.

Not from RBS, but what do you mean experience RBS?

Offline Traveler718

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Re: Things To Do In Israel Master Thread
« Reply #11959 on: May 29, 2023, 02:49:46 PM »
Not from RBS, but what do you mean experience RBS?

When we travel, we sometimes like to just drive or quickly walk through an area we've heard about to get a feel and flavor for the place. For example, walking through Meah Shearim and Geula is quite a unique experience even without going into any stores. Walking down Yam Suf on Shabbos gives a very different feel.

We've heard so much about RBS but never made it there, so we thought it would be nice to check it out while we're in the area. It's not the same as spending a Shabbos there, but it's the best we can do with the time we have, so I was just looking for points I can put in Waze to take us through some of the main streets or anything unique that might help us get a sense of the community.

And once I'm posting, what's my best bet for a men's separate beach near Yerushalayim for Friday? Bonus points if there's a nearby mixed beach area that girls could go to in coverups. Even better if there's a men's beach with an adjacent separate women's beach, but from what I gather that only exists in Yam HaMelach, which we don't want, and a few other places too far from Yerushalayim for a Friday.