9 October 2008
Yom Kippur (Hebrew for Day of Atonement), is one of the most important days in the Jewish calendar, from the religious point of view. This is a day of fasting, a day in which one is to ask forgiveness from those he has wronged; be it other people or divinity itself. This is a time in which all should ponder over their deeds and make amendment. It is also a custom to wear white, symbolizing the act of purification. There are many beautiful ceremonies and prayers in the synagogues and a special atmosphere all around.
Naturally, the hotels still serve food, but there is no driving in the streets and everything (really everything) is closed. Out of Tel Aviv, the holiday has a much more severe air about it, but in Tel Aviv, it's mostly a day for riding bicycles without worrying about cars, and flocking to the beach along with everyone else.
Sukkoth
14-21 October 2008
Sukkoth is one of the three most important Jewish holidays since biblical times. It is the holiday which celebrates the time of the harvest. On this 7 day holiday, one is supposed to build a Sukka, which is a sort of unique tent: its roof is made of palm leaves and its walls – white sheets. The interior is decorated by colourful paper works created by the children (or the store). It is a custom for the whole family to eat and sleep in this Sukka throughout the holiday. There are many other customs and traditions for this holiday, such as the four chosen symbols of nature, but we shall let you check elsewhere is you're really interested.
For touristy interest, Sukkoth is one of the most eventful holidays, with many festivals and cultural events taking place all over the country (two of which you can see bellow).
The Acco Theater Festival
October 2008
Each year during the Sukkoth holiday, an alternative theater event takes place in Old Acco. The city's reputation stretches out through history, and different events, such as Napoleon's attempted conquest, defined its character as an admired geographical corner of the world. The Acco festival brings to the stage many provocative and experimental shows, mostly categorized as fringe productions (if they can be categorized at all). The artistic directors of the festival surprise the audiences each year with intriguing young artists which offer the crowds their unexpected artistic creation. The critics usually rave. One of the nicest elements in the festival is the great number of street performances which give the whole event an avant-garde and bizarre atmosphere.
Acco Theater Festival, Acco
For further information, try the festival's website: http://www.accofestival.co.il/home_eng.html
The Haifa Film Festival
October
Yet another of Sukkoth's events, the Haifa Film Festival doesn't receive half the acknowledgement it should, as one of the most interesting events in Israel. Beginning in 1984, the Haifa film festival doesn't avoid controversy and gives the film industry, including its less famous but at times more talented representatives, the respect they deserve. The festival screens over 150 films during the 8 days and offers, besides the cinematic ones, other events and performances.
The International Film Festival of Haifa
Address: Haifa Cinematheque, Haifa
Tel: (04) 838-2001
http://www.haifaff.co.il/index_eng.asp
Tel Aviv Dance 2008
5 October - 4 November
A brand new festival is being launched this October in Tel Aviv. The first ever international dance festival in Israel will be taking place in four different venues across the city of Tel Aviv and will feature performances by no less than 166 dancers from 40 different dance companies. The artists will be coming from an array of locations across the globe, but will naturally include many representatives from Europe (especially Spain, Italu and Britain).
