Tel Aviv
Israel • Middle East
Mediterranean Modernism
Overview
👋 Greetings
Handshakes are common. Religious Jews may not shake hands with opposite gender - wait for them to extend their hand. Israelis are direct and informal.
🍽️ Dining
Kosher dietary laws are observed by many. Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) affects restaurant availability. Hummus and falafel are staples. Tipping 10-15% is expected.
👔 Dress Code
Casual and practical. Modest dress at religious sites - cover shoulders and knees. Women need head coverings at the Western Wall. Comfortable walking shoes essential.
🚫 Things to Avoid
- •Discussing politics without invitation
- •Making assumptions about religious observance
- •Photographing ultra-Orthodox Jews
- •Driving in religious neighborhoods on Shabbat
- •Public displays of affection at holy sites
💡 Did You Know?
Israel has more museums per capita than any other country
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth
Hebrew was revived as a spoken language in the 19th century
Israel has the highest number of startups per capita
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