Passover 2017 is starting tonight. It is a week off from school and for many jobs here in Israel. It’s a week to celebrate becoming a nation free from slavery in Egypt, arriving at Mount Sinai when nation building gets underway, and when we begin our journey to the Land of Israel! It’s also a popular time to visit.
So what are some of the things you should do while on your visit in Israel during Passover 2017?
Sea to Sea Hike
The first great activity in Israel for Passover 2017. The Sea to Sea Hike is a popular week- long hike Israelis do during Passover. It stretches from the Sea of Galilee to the Mediterranean Sea. There are campsites along the trail to sleep, cook meals, and relax. It’s a fun and challenges hike that will create really awesome and unforgettable memories for you and your friends!
Visit the Museums in Tel Aviv
The Museums in Tel Aviv usually have discounted entrance fees to their exhibits. Sometimes they even put on special exhibits for Passover. Museums from Ramat Aviv, like the Rabin Center, the Diaspora Museum, to Independence Hall and the Haganah Museum on Rothschild Street, and to the Etzel Museum on the Promenade, have deals, discounts, and activities. You could spend several days just exploring these museums!
Visit the Ad Halom Memorial in Ashdod
One more great site to visit in Israel during Passover 2017 is the Ad Halom Memorial in Ashdod. The Ad Halom Memorial is one of two memorials in the State of Israel that was designed, built, and created by Egyptians. It remembers the Egyptian soldiers who reached the Ad Halom Bridge in Ashdod during the War of Independence in 1948. The troops had succeeded to march up along the coast through Gaza. There were only minor battles along the way, and the Egyptians made progress quicker than they expected. They stopped here in order to wait for their meeting with other Arab leaders. This was a fatil decision because while they were waiting for the meeting, the new Israeli Air Force attacked the Egyptians, stopping them in their tracks.
After the Peace Treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1979, Egypt was allowed to build this memorial. Passover is a great time to revisit this modern story of Egyptians and Israelis!
Visit the Old City of Jerusalem
During the First and Second Temple Periods, Passover was one of three holidays when Jews around the land would make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the holy Temple. They would visit a mikve and then make a sacrifice at the Holy Temple.
Today, there is no Temple and no sacrifices, but Jews still come to Jerusalem and to the Temple Mound as a pilgrimage. Within the Old City, you can explore the museums, the remains, and the Western Wall. Explore and experience that wonderful spirituality of that 3,000 year old Jerusalem.
Go to the Zorba the Buddha Festival
After such a busy schedule, it’s a great opportunity to relax, refresh, and reflect on the meaning of Passover. Make sure to sign up fast and check the bus times to get to Shittim. The Negev Desert is similar to the climate of the desert the Israelites traveled forty years to arrive to the land from Egypt. So what’s the best way to remember the Israelite journey? Rest the in the desert!
The Zorba the Buddha Festival is a festival in Shittim in the Negev Desert. It is five days of meditation, yoga, and concerts in a setting similar to the desert the Israelites traveled for forty years after being freed from Egypt. This spring it is from April 13 to April 17, 2017.
Kidron Valley Spring Festival
The Kidron Valley is an incredibly important valley throughout history. It served as part of a defense system for ancient Jerusalem. It is home to three cemeteries, one a Muslim cemetery, one a Christian cemetery, and one a Jewish cemetery—the oldest continuously used cemetery in the world. Absolam’s tomb is also located in the Kidron Valley. It is important part of Jerusalem’s history.
This free festival lasts from April 12-13 and opens at 11:00 am. You can see street theater, go camel riding, and visit biblical style hospitality tents. Tours of the ancient Kidron Valley are available throughout the day.
Go to the Seder in Tel Aviv’s Levinsky Park with Africans who escaped war affected areas, like Sudan and Etriea
Levinsky Park in Tel Aviv is a popular center for Africans who escaped areas that are currently war tworn. Most of these Africans come from Sudan and Etriea. Every Passover a Passover seder is held in Levinksy Park with the Africans living in the area. It’s held with these Africans because of the symbolism of their coming from Africa to the Land of Israel.
It’s a moving Seder that reflects on freedom, journey and discovery.
Eat Ben & Jerry’s Charoset flavored ice cream on the beach.
The Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Yavne, Israel is one of only a few factories around the world. Because of its location, it becomes possible to make great Ben & Jerry’s kosher ice cream for Israelis. And with that opportunity, Ben & Jerry’s can make all kinds of interesting flavors for the Jewish market. During Passover, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream make a Charoset flavor, specifically for Israel! And with the weather getting better, there’s no better place to enjoy your ice cream than on the beaches of Tel Aviv, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Haifa, and other places! You can miss this in Israel during Passover 2017!
Automotor show in Tel Aviv
The Automotor show is the largest automotive and car show in Israel. There is a wide range of exhibits of cars from military vehicles to super cars. It will take place from April 12 to April 15, 2017 at the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds. It’s a fun and unique event that takes place only during Passover.
Tickets for Passover 2017 automotor show are still available.
Jeep tours in the Negev
Finally during Passover 2017, try out a jeep tour in the Negev! Jeep tours in the Negev are really fun ways to explore the desert while not taking quite as long as the Israelites. It’s a great way to see the beautiful desert landscape of Israel. There are many different kinds from night tours to animal and plant tours. Make sure to bring water and a camera!
There is so much more to explore in Israel during Passover in Israel. Make sure to keep your eyes open for other festivals and activities. The most important tip is to explore as much as possible. It is a great opportunity to see Israel as it’s best. Enjoy your trip in Israel during Passover 2017! Happy Passover!
