Becoming listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site puts Tel Aviv’s White City in some exclusive company: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin in Armenia; the Egyptian Pyramids and other world renowned points of cultural and national interest.  So what is it about Tel Aviv’s White City that puts it into this class?

A Short History of the White City Tel Aviv

Composed of over 4,000 buildings built in the International style, the White City was built (starting in the 1930’s) by a number of German-born Jewish architects who had traveled to Israel in order to escape the rising power of the Nazis.

Taken together, this astonishing collection of buildings makes for a fascinating example of the type city planning being exhibited in the early years of the 20^th century, especially when it came to adopting modern building methods and styles and adapting them to the local climate and culture.

While travelers have been aware of the White City Tel Aviv since its creation, it did not reach a great deal if international acclaim until 1984 when an exhibition was held to celebrate Tel Aviv’s 75^th year, which was the first time that it was called the White City (for the title of the exhibition “White City, International Style Architecture in Israel, Portrait of an Era”).  In 1996 Tel Aviv’s White City was listed as an endangered site with the World Monuments Fund due to the deterioration of its buildings, which have not been maintained properly.  Finally, in 2003, UNESCO listed the White City as a World Heritage Site because of its being a tribute to the success of modern architecture.

About the Tel Aviv White City’s Architecture

Built on sand dunes outside of Jaffa, Tel Aviv was one of the few cities of that time frame that was planned out from the very beginning by a British urban planner by the name of Geddes.  While Geddes laid out the plans for the city itself, he left it to the architects to create the style and flavor, which they did with astounding success.

A close look at the Tel Aviv White City’s architecture shows an emphasis on modern and international architectural designs from the time with building reflecting a functionality of form and the use of inexpensive building materials and adapting them to the local climate and to the needs of the local population.

Specifically the architecture used to construct these buildings had to be adapted for a desert climate; this included painting the buildings white so that they would absorb the least amount of heat even taking into account the large amounts of glass used to let in natural light (large amounts of glass that were eventually replaced with smaller windows that limited the heat).  The slanted roofs so popular with the international style were traded in for flat roofs that doubled as common areas for building residents in the evenings and the buildings themselves were constructed on pillars which allowed air to circulate beneath them to provide additional cooling and a place for residents to gather during the heat of the day.

The buildings are built to accommodate the climate in more than lighting and color however, they are also designed with narrow private balconies which are shaded by overhanging balconies and situated on an east-west axis in order to catch the breeze and cool the apartments off as well and the colorful splash of flower boxes, exotic plants and rugs tossed over the balconies lends an almost festive air to the entire scene.

Even today, the sense of community lends an air of connectedness to the White City Tel Aviv-  a connectedness that weaves the lives of its residents together and has a decided appeal to visitors from all corners of the globe.

Israeli Film Footnote – Plot Summary

Footnote follows the relationship of Father and Son Eliezer and Uriel Shkolnik, rival Talmud professors at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.  Uriel receives acknowledgments and honors for his work, overshadowing his father’s achievements.  The film takes a turn when Eliezer gets a call congratulating him for winning a prestigious award that both father and son were competing for. However, it turns out that the call was in fact meant for Uriel.

At this point we see Uriel’s struggle when he finds out that the award was meant for him and not his father. He needs to tell his father, but is worried about the impact it will have on their relationship. As it is, Eliezer feels forgotten and that his work is no longer relevant as Uriel continues to gain recognition for his work.

One review published by Hannah Brown in The Jerusalem Post called the film “brilliant and audacious”. She wrote: “Cedar uses dramatic cinematography, music and visual effects to signal that this is a film about an earth-shaking battle, at least in its protagonists’ hearts and minds. The acting is outstanding, notably by Bar-Abba and Ashkenazi.”

The Cast of the Israeli film Footnote

Written and directed by Joseph Cedar, an American-born Israeli. Cedar is known internationally for his film Beaufot, which received an Oscar nomination in 2007. The stars of the film include: Shlomo Bar Aba a known Israeli stage comedian, Lior Ashkenazi, Yuval Scharf and Alma Zack.

Footnote was produced by United King Films and Movie Plus, Footnote also received support from the Israel Film Fund, Jerusalem Film Fund and the AVI CHAI Foundation. The distribution rights for North America were acquired by Sony Pictures Classics. The film premiered at the Cannes film festival on May 14, 2011 and was released in Israel on June 2, 2011.

Watch the Trailer:

Support the Israeli cinema industry – buy original movies online from Israeli stores Current sales at – Israel Catalog.

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A little about the history of Tel Aviv museum of art

Located in Tel Aviv, Israel, the museum was founded in 1932. Throughout the many years of its incarnations, there have been many additions to the museum. In the beginning, the museum contained art that represented some of the movements made throughout the twentieth century. Some of the exhibits include Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, and Russian Constructivism.

Paintings and sculptures are not the only type of art that you find at the Tel Aviv Museum of art. The museum introduces a lot of other artistic ideas such as prints, drawings, photographs, videos, and certain architectures. In late 2009, there was another addition to the museum which had a garden which highlights sculptors and a youth wing for young artists work.

The Tel Aviv museum of art contains lots of art from various artists, but some works are from the most influential artists of all times. Some of those artists include, Jackson Pollock, Monet, Van Gough, and Picasso. Many visitors are eager to see some of these pieces of unique art from their famous creators. Visitors also eagerly visit this museum to take a look at what new up and coming artists are creating. There is a lot of abstract art and photos that people are always interested in.

The Tel Aviv museum of art also offers lectures, music and dance performances, and films. This is a unique feature because it offers some insight to the general public and those who are very interested in art. There is also an art documentation center for students who are studying art. This large library of references will give students all they will need to know and understand for their personal art studies. Make a note that this reference center is the largest one in the entire Middle East.

You can check current exhibitions at the Tel Aviv museum of art official website.

Tel Aviv Museum of art – General Information:

VISITING HOURS

Sun CLOSED
Mon, Wed 10.00 – 16.00
Tues, Thurs 10.00 – 20.00
Fri 10.00 – 14.00
Sat 10.00 – 16.00

Information, Box Office: +972 (0)3 6077020

Reservations by phone: 14.00-21.00

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Herzl street in Tel Aviv

In Tel Aviv, most of the population is Jewish, while only non-Jewish.  Because of this fact, there are over 500 synagogues in the city open to anyone for prayer.  Also, today, the unemployment rate in the city is currently around 7%, a little bit above the national average.  Another fact is that Tel Aviv was named as one of the top 10 technologically influential cities in the entire world.  The city of Tel Aviv is also home to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, the only one of its kind in Israel.  Many different international companies are situated inside of the city because of this reason.  Also, Israel is also one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, ranking 19th on the world list.

Tel Aviv – a great destination for tourists from aroud the world

Tel Aviv is also a destination for tourists to visit globally.  In the entire city of Tel Aviv, they have around 6,000 rooms in over 40 Tel Aviv hotels, with more new and grand hotels being added on each year.  Tel Aviv is also home to many tourist attractions including Tel Aviv beaches, old city of Jaffa, different parks in the city, night clubs and great museums with lots of history inside of them.  Tel Aviv is also known for its great cuisines with over 100 total sushi restaurants in the city. Some of the best known attractions in Tel Aviv include the Neve Zedek neighborhood where you can also find the Old Train station compound (HaTachanah)  ,

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The Dead Sea is the biggest natural health Spa

The Dead Sea, based in the Jordan Rift Valley, may be the biggest and most well-known all-natural health spa. Its distinctive make up of more than 21 mineral deposits are famous for naturally supplying nourishment for hair and skin, getting rid of chronic pain, pulling harmful toxins out of your body, and infusing the body with crucial nutrients like magnesium and zinc when you simply float around in the comfortable waters.

This amazing sea is actually just one huge organic and powerful hot tub. People today come from around the globe to bath in the high sodium waters and apply dark mineral mud on the body. Even when you don’t have problems with any skin problem you’re guaranteed to enjoy the pampering that’s the results of swimming in the mysterious waters in this lake. Skin will really feel healthy and young once again. Because of the wonderful quantity of sea salt, floating while in the Dead Sea is extremely effortless; actually you can’t not float. Therefore if your swimming abilities may need sharpening – you’ll work just fine right here.

To exploit what nature has given to the Dead Sea

Simply because of all the naturally restorative healing components located throughout the Dead Sea, the nearby region in Israel has turned into a center of health spas and well-being facilities to offer the ultimate wellness encounter for all those vacationing to get a calming and therapeutic escape. Well being vacationers can test an array of treatment options at nearby spas, including Ayurveda, warm stone therapeutic massage, shiatsu, and reflexology.

With so very much to offer you, you’ll need to definitely take a moment to prepare your ideal well being vacation plans to check out the spas and have treatments you deserve! Wellness providers contain information about accommodations, where you’ll get the right wellness getaway, and data on events in the area, points of interest, and activities that you could appreciate as part of your wellness journey! While you’re visiting the Dead Sea, please take a guided tour throughout the historical sites of Israel, enjoy some of the local cuisine, and just soak up as much culture as you can in this once in a lifetime wellness adventure!

If you can’t get there yourself Israeli online stores sell all natural products for the ultimate skin care.

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What is a Jewish Henna Party?

At the Jewish Henna party the couple/person whose “simcha” is being celebrated gets a dollop of Henna placed in the palm of their hand. Traditionally, the eldest family member – usually a grandmother – is the one responsible for dabbing the henna on their hand with a gold coin. This ritual is performed to bless the couple or the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child with good health, security, fertility and wisdom. In the Moroccan tradition Henna is a protection agent that wards off evil spirits and brings good luck.

After the Bride and Groom, or the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child gets blessed with the Henna, it is then passed around and placed on the palms of the guests and family members attending the Jewish Henna ceremony. The Henna is left to sit on the palm for a while so that it is absorbed by the skin, leaving an orange-red mark that stays on your hand for about 2 weeks. The blessing of the Henna is believed to last for as long as the color remains on the skin.

According to Moroccan folklore, a bride is not expected to fulfill her household chores until the stain of the Henna completely fades from skin. Some say that it is to preserve the stain on her palm for as long as possible.

Traditional Jewish Henna Clothes

It is customary for both men and women to dress in traditional Moroccan clothes at the Henna, women Kaftans or takshitas and men wear the Jalabiya. However, today often only members of the family hosting the celebration will dress in these traditional garments.

Jewish Henna Clothes for Women: Kaftan and Takshita

A Kaftan is an ornate robe with long sleeves, buttons down the front and is worn with a sash. This dress is traditionally worn only by women. Today there are many modern variations of the Kaftan which include shorter dresses or with no sleeves.
A Takshita is a two-piece outfit worn mostly at weddings. The first piece is a simple cloth dress. The second piece is an ornate over dress that is often decorated with beads, embroidery, sequence, etc.

Henna Clothes for Men: Jalabiya The Moroccan Jalabiya is a long white robe that men traditionally wear along with a Tarboosh. A Tarboosh is a tall truncated cone or short cylindrical hat that with a tassel on the top of it. Traditionally the hat is red and the tassel is black.

Jewish Yemenite bride at the Jewish henna

Yemenite Jews wear their own traditional clothes. Watch the video to get a sense of it.

Yemenites have a special strong affinity for Henna due to biblical and Talmudic references. Henna, in the Bible, is Camphire, and is mentioned in the Song of Solomon, as well as in the Talmud. “My Beloved is unto me as a cluster of Camphire in the vineyards of En-Gedi” Song of Solomon, 1:14.

It is amazing that the ancient Jewish Henna ritual has been preserved for so many years by the Yemenite and Moroccan Jews under Muslim regimes.

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The Diamond Industry is One of Israel’s Leading Industries

Israel is a major player in the global diamond industry for the production of cut diamonds for wholesale. The diamond industry in Israel adamantly guarantees that the diamonds they import and export are 100% naturally made and are active participants in the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme.

The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPSC)

In 2010 Israel became the chair of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme.

The UN established the KPCS in 2003. This certification scheme is designed to ensure that conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds don’t infiltrate the global rough diamond market.  This ensures that people don’t buy diamonds that are used to financially support human rights violations or wars.

Although there is controversy around the success and credibility of the KPSC, it is the only active body that monitors the legality of diamonds being imported and exported.

History of the Diamond Industry in Israel

Diamond cutting has been a traditional Jewish vocation since the 15^th century.

The Israeli diamond industry was established in the late 1930′s – before Israel was officially declared as a state. It started with a group of Dutch refugees who opened the first diamond polishing plant in the town of Petah Tikva.

By 1944 there were 33 diamond factories and a solid export business with USA, Canada and India with an estimated value of over £P 3,200,000.

The Diamond Industry in Israel Today

In 2011, Israel’s main polished export markets were the United States with 39% and Hong Kong with 26% percent. The Israeli Diamond Industry ended 2011 with a double-digit growth in exports and imports.

Despite a decrease in activity in the last quarter of 2011, there was a 23.5% increase in polished diamond exports, net polished imports increased by 35% and net rough imports were up 17.5%.

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Each Friday and Tuesday, market vendors show their wares on small tables up and down the paved section of Nachalat Binyamin Street. Here you will see pieces of jewelry and lampshades, decorative Hamsas and blessing for the home, specially-made toys and ceramics that have been hand painted and objects which focus on Judiaca in a mixed variety. There is certainly a large selection of these items on display here.

(pics by I. Goren)

The Nachalat Binyamin street, which runs in parallel to the HaKarmel Market, has been fully restored and is frequented by not only tourists, but native Israelis as well. Each type of visitor move up and down the street, weaving within and without the varied stalls, or sitting about at the quaint outdoor style cafes, all just wishing to take in the beautiful ambiance that permeates from everywhere.

The Nachalat Binyamin market vendors offer crafts that they themselves have created from their own hands and because of this, as a visitor takes in the varied craft items, they can talk with the artists who made the pieces.

A great place to visit is the pedestrian walkway in Nachalat Binyamin street, whether on Fridays or any other day of the week. There are cafes to eat at, textile stores to shop within, and great restaurants to frequent.

Where to Eat in Nachalat Binyamin area

Agadir:
If you like fast food, the place offers great beer and burgers even at midnight.

Karmela BaNachalah

Located at one of the oldest buildings in Tel Aviv, Karmela Banachlah is a beautiful chef restaurant. You can find the restaurant down the street, just two minutes away from HaKarmel market.
46 Hatavor, opens 12:23:00. Phone: 5161417

How to Arrive

Arrival at the Nachalat Binyamin market is simple, just by catching the No 4,1,2 bus going by way of Allenby Street. In addition to the many craft stalls, there are numerous other artists, such as musicians and actors from the nearby theaters, as well as those who can tell your fortune, and street performers who act all through the market. Because of this, you have the opportunity to not only shop around for gifts and similar items, but you can just wander about taking in the performing arts showcases, particularly on Fridays during the afternoon.

A little about the History of Nachalat Binyamin

The Nachalat Benyamin, as one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tel Aviv, started as an association of forty members, mostly made up of upper class citizens.

As of 1987 Nachalat Binyamin Street, home to several textile shops, has been sponsoring the Art & Craft Fair. All of the artists who participate each year by bringing their wares for exhibition and sale have a stall all their own, and these stalls are associated with the street numbers. Artists have to be welcomed into the Fair by a committee, who are responsible for approving both the artists themselves but also their products that will be presented and sold to the public. Numerous criteria have to be met in order for an artists and their wares to be welcomed into the Fair.

First, it must be an original piece of art by the artist. Not only must it be original, but it must be handmade by the artist as well, although this second criteria has been altered slightly in the last year, as they have begun to accept artists of the Bauhaus, who welcome replicated works based upon original material. If the product is created under the watchful eye of the artist, as opposed to being machined by an assembly line at a factory, then they are allowed into the Fair.

The third criterion to be met by the artists in Nachalat Binyamin market is that the artist himself or herself must be at the Fair directly, rather than being represented by a third party individual.

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Dizengoff street starts at Ibn Gabirol Street and goes north, running past both the shopping area and the Square of Dizengoff, (Kikar Dizengoff) where a fountain of many colors designed by the Israeli artist Yaakov Agam sits, and finishes its run close to the remodeled Tel Aviv boardwalk. Cafes dot the street, however the bars and boutiques are focused mainly to the northern area of Dezingoff street.

A little about the history of Dizengoff street

Dizengoff’s popularity stretches back as far as the genesis of Tel Aviv. Weekends were a time for citizens of surrounding towns and villages to come for the experience of walking down this venerable avenue. These days the street has all the greatest designer shops Tel Aviv has to offer such as Doron Ashkenazi, Tovaleh, Galit Levy and Dorit Sade.

Everywhere you walk down Dizengoff street you will find shops of particular distinctions, from those catering to suits and wedding dresses, to others that run the gamut of price and style. It is here that you will discover some of the greatest designer shops offered by Israeli’s with impeccable reputations.

(image source: Wikipedia)

Dizengoff Center

Starting back in early 70s and going for half a decade, the modern shopping center had its first drugstore, along with other shopping favorites.

There is a movie theater here, along with cafes and shops. Art exhibits have found a home here as well.
Lev Cinema — shows international films of quality.
Gym and swimming pool on the roof, available around the clock.

Soho — International designs are shown here, with the biggest designed products showcase on the top floor.
From Thursday through Friday:

Food Market gives visitors numerous cooking that is made fresh in homemade style, from couscous, meatballs and soups to pies and cakes, along with several other types of traditional fare. The best thing to do is to go where your knows leads you to locate your favorite meals. Hours are from 4 pm to 10 pm on Thursday, and 10:30 am to 4 pm on Friday.

The Fashion Designers Bazaar lets you try out all of the most contemporary designs from the greatest that Israel has to offer. You might be uncomfortable trying the styles on, however taking a walk around the bazaar can give you a fair feeling about the styles and tastes of the local area, and the prices here are less than they are elsewhere. Hours are Friday only, from 10:30 am to 4 pm.

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Common Motifs in Kabbalah Bracelets

One of the best ways to ward off the evil eye is with a bracelet of simple red string, which is the best known symbol of Kabbalah. An original red string Kabbalah bracelet is cut from a longer piece of red string that was wrapped around the tomb of Rachel, the matriarch of the Bible. There are several other prominent themes in Kabbalah bracelets, all of which have special meanings.

Red Kabbalah Bracelet by Israeli Jewelry Design studio, MIZZE – Made for Luck

The first theme is the 72 Names of God motif. A bracelet of Kabbalah origins is often inscribed with Hebrew letters and words, and the 72 Names of God are very popular. They are made up of 72 three-letter combinations taken from the book of Exodus. The names provide insight about different facets of life, such as success, love and health. Each of the names has its own special power and unique purpose.

Another popular motif is the Hamsa hand. The Hamsa is called the Hamesh hand in Hebrew. According to the Kabbalah the five fingers represent the five books of the Torah.

These beautiful Kabbalah bracelets are sold by Most Original – Handmade Kabbalah Jewelry.

The next motif is popular Hebrew prayers and scriptures. They are usually taken from the Bible, the Sherma Yisrael, or the Tefilat HaDerech. Another prayer is Ana Bekoah, the Kabbalist prayer for healing and strength that gives power to reach higher consciousness. The Birkat HaKoanim is another popular prayer, taken from the book of Deuteronomy. It acknowledges the explicit name of God and is considered a very powerful prayer.

Kabbalah bracelets by Israeli artists also prominently feature themes and symbols that are specific to Kabbalah that may not be known to many. One of them is the phrase Ben Porat Yosef, which means a fruitful son. In this case, the fruitful son is most often thought to be Joseph, who was a righteous and virtuous man in Jewish tradition. This phrase, Ben Porat Yosef, has become known to ward off the evil eye.

The Star of David and Merkabah are also popular symbols in Kabbalah bracelets. The Star of David, with 6 points, points to the six directions of the Earth and is seen as a protective amulet. The Merkabah, which is the three dimensional form of the Star of David, is believed to release spiritual energies because of its special structure.

There are many themes that can be incorporated into Kabbalah bracelets, it is just a matter of finding a motif that means something to you.

To read more on Kabbalah bracelets by Israeli jewelry designers , MIZZE – Made for Luck just click on the link.

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