Rosh Hashana attracts many Jewish tourists who come to Israel to enjoy the holiday in the Promised Land itself. It offers yet another day in Tel Aviv worthy of a celebration.
17-18 September 2010
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
23-30 September 2010
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 settle for this succinct holiday description here.
From the touristic perspective, Sukkoth is one of the most eventful holidays with many festivals and cultural events taking place all over the country (as you can see bellow).
The Acco Theatre Festival
26-19 September 2010
Each year during the Sukkoth holiday, an alternative theatrical event takes place in charming 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 who offer the crowds their unexpected artistic creation and 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
23-30 September 2010
Yet another of Sukkoth's events, the Haifa Film Festival doesn't receive half the acknowledgement it deserves, being one of the most interesting events in Israel. Starting the festival off in 1984, the Haifa film festival does not avoid controversy and gives the film industry, including its less famous but at times more talented representatives, the respect they deserve. It is a true Indie event that does not compromise its agenda to accommodate the mainstream preferences. The festival screens over 150 films during the 8 days and offers, besides the purely cinematic ones, many 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
The Icon Festival
25-30 September 2010
For the past thirteen years, the Tel Aviv Cinematheque has been holding a sci-fi and fantasy festival that attracts sci-fi lovers from all across the country (not only Trekkies and the likes). Performances, films, games, role playing, meetings with prominant international figures and Israeli authors are all going to be part of this fantastic event. Be sure to bring your costumes along :)
For further details try the website of the sci-fi Icon Organization: http://www.icon.org.il/2009/en
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