Culture Mosaic Club
Written By: Jay K
Israel, a small country in the Middle East where ancient history meets modern innovation, is a must visit for those interested in exploring a land full of traditions and cultures. From its blend of different foods to its unique holidays and celebrations, Israel offers visitors an experience to cherish.
The Israeli Flag
Although the Israeli flag may look simple at first, it has complex meaning rooted into it; the highlight being the Star of David in the center, symbolizing Jewish identity and Judaism. The white background and the two stripes of blue on the top and bottom represent the tallit, the traditional Jewish Prayer shawl. This part of the flag symbolizes faith and purity.
Israel’s Cuisine
Israel offers a wide variety of food options, its most popular being a blend from Mediterranean and Middle east origins.
Falafel: Ground chickpeas mixed with herbs and spices shaped into balls or patties which are then fried until golden and crispy.
Shwarma: Thinly sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie usually served with pita, salad, and sauce.
Hummus: Blended chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic turned into a creamy and nutty spread usually eaten with pita bread, falafel, and shawarma.
Pita: A soft and usually round flatbread that is eaten with almost every Israeli dish.
Israeli Salad: Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice used to create a unique and refreshing salad that goes with any meal.
Major Holidays in Israel
Many of the holidays celebrated in Israel have religious and symbolic meaning which is often represented through the food they eat on the holiday.
Yom Kippur: The holiest day in Judaism. There is no public transportation, no television, no cars. Many people use this opportunity to bike on highways freely.
Passover(Pesach): A holiday in the spring that celebrates Israelites escape from Egypt’s enslavement with family gatherings and symbolic foods like Charoset, a mix of apples, nuts, and wine.
Hanukkah: Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight day celebration where people eat foods fried in oil like sufganiyots, which are jelly donuts, and play the dreidel.
Tourist Destinations:
Although Israel is not a huge country, it offers various interesting tourist destinations that are worth visiting for their uniqueness.
Jerusalem: One of the oldest cities filled with historical significance. Some notable landmarks are the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.
Masada: An ancient fortress where the Jewish rebels made their last stand against the Romans in 73 CE. Visitors can hike up Masada or take a cable car.
Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is known for its extremely salty water which lets visitors float effortlessly. The mud near the Dead Sea is also known for its skincare benefits because of how rich in minerals it is.
