These Are The Best Festive Ways To Celebrate Rosh Hashanah In Tel Aviv

We are fast approaching Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), and what better place to celebrate the holiday than in the vibrant and young city of Tel Aviv? Rosh Hashanah is a time to rejoice, as well as a religious holiday including many customs and symbols important to the Jewish people. Here is your guide to combining the age-old traditions of this holiday with its more modern incarnations, all while staying in the White City.

1. Nature's candy

Market

Stop by Tel Aviv’s lively urban market to get the best fresh produce and stock up on the typical sweet fruit for the holidays. Figs, apples, pomegranates – you name it and Shuk HaCarmel will have it. From that point on you can go and make a picnic with close friends and family. Don’t forget to bring along some apples and honey to dip.

2. Immerse yourself in the holiday sounds

Bar, Market, Israeli

The sound of the shofar blowing in synagogue is a signature sound of the holiday. Why not go check out some of the live music all around Tel Aviv? Ozen Bar, Levontin 7, Pasaz, Zappa, and Barby are just a few to get you started. Whether it’s in Yafo or central Tel Aviv, you are sure to find some live music to enjoy the time off with friends and family.

3. Get yourself a gift

Store

It is customary to make a few purchases for the New Year and relish your new items. Take this opportunity to wander the streets of Tel Aviv and pick out something for yourself to enter the New Year with, whether it be a new pair of shoes, a dress, or even a new gadget for the kitchen. Dizengoff Street is lined with chic boutiques, and you’re bound to find something to suit your taste. Alternatives to check out are the artsy Jaffa Flea Market and the arts and crafts fair on Nachlat Binyamin, which is held every Tuesday and Friday.

4. Tashlich with a twist

Park

On the first day of Rosh Hashanah it is customary to go to a body of water and symbolically cast your sins into the water with a prayer and a piece of bread. Good thing this isn’t too difficult to achieve In Tel Aviv. Make a fun outing: grab some snacks (don’t forget the bread) and hit up the Yarkon River or any of Tel Aviv’s beautiful beaches. There you can either relax and take in your beautiful surroundings or participate in the “casting away of sins.”

Join in the city’s celebrations

In 2017, Rosh Hashanah begins on the evening of Wednesday, September 20 and ends on the evening of Friday, September 22. Ifyou’re looking for a synagogue to join for the holidays, you’ve come to the right place. Tel Aviv is full of friendly synagogues that greet newcomers with open arms. You can find a synagogue in every area of Tel Aviv, but notable highlights include White City Shabbat, The Great Synagogue, and North Central Synagogue. These tend to get crowded, so calling in advance is suggested.