JEWISH Jaffa

Wine Tasting by Night in Old Jaffa

and 3 other Tours

Amit

and 3 other Guides

Numa Hotel Jaffa

and 4 other Hotels

Virtual Tours in the Diaspora

Samarkand

and 2 other Restaurants

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אתרים מומלצים Sites to see

Sites

IIana Goor Museum

The Ilana Goor Museum, founded in 1995, is an Israeli art museum situated in the historical part of Jaffa. The museum displays the artowrk of Ilana Goor, an artist, designer and sculptor. Its eclectic collection has been called an "artistic jungle", but Goor considers it to have been her own "university." The building now housing the Ilana Goor Museum was originally erected in 1742. At that time it was used as an inn for Jewish pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem. The inn, located outside the city walls, served as a shelter, protecting the pilgrims from robbers. In the second half of the 19th century it became a factory for olive oil soap. Yet another century later, in 1949 and thus by now within the newly created State of Israel, a community of Libyan Jews were using part of the building as a synagogue. Ilana Goor first purchased part of the building in 1983, and then eventually also the rest of it, with the intention of converting it to a museum dedicated to her art collection. The museum was inaugurated in September 1995. The museum has a collection of more than 500 works of art, either created by Ilana Goor or collected by her over a period of 50 years, either in Israel or during her travels around the world. The collection includes paintings, some 300 sculptures, video art, Ethnic Art from Africa and Latin America, antiques, drawings and design objects. The museum has works by contemporary artists like Diego Giacometti, Henry Moore, Josef Albers and Olga Wolniak.

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Jaffa Port

The Jaffa Port is an ancient port that serves as a fishing harbor, a yacht harbor, and as a tourism destination. It offers a variety of culture and food options, including restaurants where fresh fish and seafood is served. Jaffa port is mentioned in various ancient works, including the Hebrew Bible, such as the Book of Jonah, and the works of Josephus describing Jewish history and the First Jewish Revolt against Rome. For over 7,000 years it has been actively used, predating Muslims, Christians, Jews, and even Egyptians Still functional as a small fishing port, the port is currently a recreational zone featuring restaurants and cafés. A lighthouse, Jaffa Light, is located above the port. In 1917, during World War I, British troops under General Allenby defeated the Ottomans and took Jaffa, which became part of the British-administered Palestine Mandate (1922–1948). In 1947 and 1948 there was sharp fighting between Jaffa, which was largely inhabited by Arabs, and the adjoining Jewish city of Tel Aviv. On 13 May 1948 (a day before the proclamation of the State of Israel), the Arab forces in Jaffa were defeated after long fighting with the Zionist underground Haganah and Irgun Zva'i Leumi forces. On 24 April 1950, the Jewish city of Tel Aviv and the Arab city of Jaffa were unified, and the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality was established. Image attribution: Heritage conservation picture Project - Jaffa Port Pikiwiki Israel, CC BY 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons; Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia; zeller- zalmanson Pikiwiki Israel, CC BY 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons; Heritage conservation picture Project - Jaffa Port Pikiwiki Israel, CC BY 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons; Bukvoed, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons; Heritage conservation picture Project - Jaffa Port Pikiwiki Israel, CC BY 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons

Sites

Suspended Orange Tree

Ran Morin (born 1958) is an Israeli artist, known for his statues involving full-sized living trees. Much of his work is found in Israel, notably the Floating Orange Tree located in the city streets of old Jaffa. Finished in 1993, this is a small orange tree that is elevated off of the ground by a large earthenware jug hung by metal chains from the walls of houses nearby. The tree is growing out of the pitcher, trying to break it. Morin sought to emphasize the increasing world of separation between man and nature, as "creatures that grow in containers." This statue is hung only a foot or so off of the ground - enough to see its shadow, but not so high that it seems about to fall down. The Jaffa orange, a label introduced by German Templers in the late 19th century and also known by their Arabic name, Shamouti orange, is an orange variety with few seeds and a tough skin that makes it particularly suitable for export. Developed by farmers in the mid-19th century, the variety takes its name from the city of Jaffa where it was first produced for export. The orange was the primary citrus export for the city. It is, along with the navel and bitter orange, one of three main varieties of the fruit grown in the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, and the Middle East. The Jaffa orange is also cultivated in Cyprus, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Turkey. Image attribution: Mary Madigan from Highland Park, NJ and Santa Fe, NM, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons; צילום:ד"ר אבישי טייכר, CC BY 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons

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Tours of Jaffa

Wine Tasting by Night in Old Jaffa

An fascinating Journey of Jaffa's history through local wines! Step into the ancient streets of Jaffa and explore the old city through sights, stories and the finest local wines. We will start at the American- German colony sampling local sparkling wine, walk past a Well-House to discover Jaffa’s major industry a century ago and climb up a hill to get a glimpse of the shining lights of Tel Aviv . At each stop we will sample some wine and lean about the unique vineyard the produces it. We will conclude at the flea market, the heart of the night life in Jaffa, with our final tasting and a little snack. Mondays – Saturdays 19:00- 21:00 or 21:00 - 23:00 except Fridays

Jaffa Highlights Tour

Jaffa is one of the oldest cities in the world, steeped in stories and atmosphere. Recently, the Old City of Jaffa underwent an exhilarating process of renewal. New Restaurants and Galleries opened, and the oldest port in the world is rejuvenating. Come join us on a magical tour between the picturesque alleys, artist galleries, and culinary delights. Our guides bring to life the ancient streets with stories from Greek mythology, Chrisitian history, jewish lore and contemporary folklore. Set for the sunset, it is truly a magical mystery tour.

Jaffa Old City Tour

Old Jaffa, one of the oldest port cities in the world, is one of the magical places to visit in Israel. A city that has existed for over 4000 years in which many peoples have conquered, ruled, lived and left their mark to this day. From Ramesses and other Egyptian kings, through the Philistines, the Byzantines, the Ottomans and the English to the establishment of Israel and its union with the Hebrew city of Tel Aviv. The city is full of diverse and fascinating history ranging from myths from Greek mythology, the beginnings of Christianity as an independent religion, the Eichmann Prison, the rise of Old Jaffa as a stronghold of artists and many other events and stories. Prepare your eyes, and heart for an interesting and exciting tour!

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מסעדות בסגנון יהודי JEWISH STYLE RESTAURANTS

Samarkand

Samarkand is the first restaurant in the country to present Bukharian hospitality to the Israeli public. The restaurant was founded in 1995 by the father of the family, Eliyahu Pozilev. Abroad, Elijah worked as a chef at an upscale restaurant in Samarkand, Uzbekistan where he specialized in traditional Uzbek cuisine. When he immigrated to Israel, the desire to open a restaurant remained, and due to difficulties adaptating to the language, he decided to involve his sons and eventually his grandchildren to the business. In a country where in the 1990s, the Chinese egg roll was perceived as a unique dish, few people were privileged to taste Bukharian food. Reputable chefs and curious reporters began to arrive and try juicy dishes, and little by little the names of foods and recipes began to appear in the various magazines. The secrets of Uzbek cuisine have passed from father to son and grandson, and to this day are cooked in Samarkand using the traditional methods and preserve wonderful ethnic flavors. From the moment you enter the restaurant you will encounter a pleasant, family and enveloping staff. You will get an explanation of the various meats, dumplings, soups or pastries that are on the rich menu. You will receive a variety of tastings, until the desired dish is generously served to your table.

Abu Hassan

Abu Hassan is one of the oldest and most famous hummus restaurants in Israel, rated as the best hummus in Israel by many food critics, tourists, and locals. The restaurant is famous for its loyal clientele of Arabs and Jews, laborers and tourists, sitting side by side and crammed to the same tables, and the long line that waits at its entrance every day at noon. The hummus restaurant was founded by Ali Karawan, known as Abu Hassan. Karawan began by selling hummus from a cart in the Ajami neighborhood of Jaffa. In 1959 he opened his first restaurant on 60th Street, now Yefet Street, but that business did not last long. In the early 1970s he opened a restaurant on Dolphin Street, at the corner of Yehuda HaYamit, and this restaurant is still active today. After decades in which Karawan refused to open additional branches, a larger hummus restaurant was opened on Shivtei Yisrael Street, not far from the original restaurant. The success of the branch, which despite its larger size is also characterized by a long line of diners at the entrance, led to the opening of a third restaurant, Pearl of Jaffa - Brothers Karawan, which also sells fries, falafel and salad. In October 2007 Karawan died and his son Ibrahim took over the restaurant.

The Old Man and The Sea

The Old Man and the Sea restaurant on 85 Kedem Street in Jaffa, was founded in 1999 by Younes Ali. The restaurant has become a well-known legendary place, where there is nearly no family from north to south of Israel, that did not spend time there. The spacious spot, set on a small hill in Jaffa, overlooks the blue and captivating sea view. The restaurant offers its guests fresh Mediterranean food generously served. The Old Man and the Sea restaurant in Jaffa portrayals a new Middle East – where Arabs, Jews and tourists from all around the world come together to enjoy fish, seafood, meat, plenty of salads and hot pitas fresh from the tabun. In the background you can hear different languages mingling together and an Arabic birthday song played, as one of the unique traditional customs of the place, while the waiters serve dessert with fireworks for guests celebrating.

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מדריכים בעיר CITY GUIDES

Amit

Amit discovered his passion for cooking as a child, in his grandmother’s kitchen. Two decades later, when his family immigrated to South Africa he fulfilled his dreams and worked professionally in the field. Years later, after a visit in India, he was inspired by the culture and diverse cuisine and decided return to the subcontinent and train in the local culinary arts. He brought back his knowledge to Cape Town and opened Masala Dosa Restaurant that combined traditional South Indian cookery with a modern dining experience. The restaurant operated successfully for 11 years under the care and dedication of Amit and also functioned as a space for cooking workshops for the public and chefs alike. The desire for change and travel led Amit to sell the restaurant in2016 and embark on a journey around the world. At the end of his travels he decided to return to his birthplace in Israel. He chose to reside in the heart of the city on a rooftop apartment surrounded by trees and birds. In this space he offers his experience and knowledge and hold workshops and special culinary events. Amit’s passions extend to the arts too. He has studied Design and Fine Art and has worked both as an artist and educator in these subjects in private institutions. He brings his knowledge and love to his guided tours in Tel Aviv specializing in street -art and architecture.

Gabo the Guide

Gabriel Najenson was born in Buenos Aires and raised in Jerusalem. He is a world traveler, tour leader and spiritual guide that goes by the name of Gabo the Guide. After his 3-year military service, Gabriel left Israel to travel throughout Latin America where he discovered his passion for travel. After 14 months on the road as a ”Mochilero”, he arrived in the Yucatan Peninsula, where he settled on the Caribbean coast and lived there for 2 years until he decided to make a change and to live on an Island and explored his love for diving. After 4 years abroad, Gabo returned to Israel where he started his career as a tour guide. During that time, he was recruited to direct a Cyber-Intelligence start-up. After getting a taste of the business world, Gabriel transformed his life again and started leading and guiding private groups in Israel and South America. Since then, he developed himself as an entrepreneur in the tourism field, where he finds his purpose till this day.

Ishai

Ishai has over six years of experience leading tours for travelers of all ages and physical ability levels. Ishai received his university degree in history and is a government certified tour guide. Ishai is also an avid explorer and outdoorsman, having completed the Israel National Trail, a hike that spans the entire country of Israel and the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans the length of the United States from Mexico to Canada. Experience the magic of the ancient port town of Jaffa (Yafo) with a local on Ishai’s day tour. Ishai, a Jaffa resident who speaks both Hebrew and Arabic, weaves a rich tapestry of the past and present. Ishai uses the power of story-telling and his expertise in ancient and biblical history to take travelers back in time, as well as his extensive knowledge and local connections to show them the vibrant multicultural energy of today that makes Jaffa a city unlike any other in Israel. Jaffa, which dates back to roughly 7500 BCE, is the oldest part of Tel Aviv and is famous for its many references in the Bible and Greek mythology. This tour walks through Jaffa’s history, from Clocktower Square, to Jaffa's Port, through its ancient sandstone alleys, stopping for hummus and other local treats. This tour not only tells the story of Jaffa, but of Israel as a whole.

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קראו עוד בלוגים וספרים אלקטרוניים READ MORE BLOGS AND EBOOKS

World Jewish Travel Official July 31, 2022

Jaffa, Israel: The Charming Port City of Color, Art, and Knafeh

The Jewish Story of Jaffa Jaffa is hailed as being one of the oldest operating ports in Israel and a center of connection between the Jewish and Arab Israeli communities. The entire area is packed with mosques, knafeh, art, history, hummus, clothes, and the most gorgeous stretches of beaches along the blue Mediterranean waters. It is also one of the only areas that stays open on Shabbat. On Saturdays the port is where Tel Avivians head for some light shopping, drinking with friends, and some of the best food outside of the local Tel Aviv area.

World Jewish Travel Official December 7, 2022

Christmas in Israel: Decking the Halls of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jaffa, and Nazareth

Experience the Story of Christmas in the Holy Land Christmas in Israel is a far less commercialized event than in most other countries. Don’t get it twisted there is still plenty of Christmas festivity to be had during the entire month of December. From Bethlehem to Jaffa and everything in between. However, Christmas in Israel is unlike anywhere else in the world. The history and miracles of Jesus that are celebrated by millions all went down right here. A history that you can see, touch, and celebrate all in one.

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Hotels in Jaffa

Numa Hotel Jaffa

The Numa hotel is all about relaxing and enjoying the enigmatic city of Jaffa which is the historic and vibrant part of Tel Aviv. The hotel is carefully designed to provide a local atmosphere with the best amenities and hospitality features so you could relax, recharge and explore the city’s magic. We are located near the famous Jaffa flea market, Jaffa old city and the Mediterranean beach.

The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel

The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tel Aviv is a 5-star property set within a restored 19th century complex that once housed Jaffa’s French Hospital. Centrally located near the Mediterranean Sea and the historic port of Jaffa, attractions like Shuk Hapishpeshim flea market, Museum of Antiquities and local boutiques are always a short walk away. Explore the ancient port city and discover the local culture, enjoy the epicurean delights crafted by our chefs at Golda's and experience the serenity of L.RAPHAEL Spa and the personalized luxury of our 120 exquisite rooms and suites appointed by designer John Pawson. Allow our concierge team to personally choreograph every detail of your stay, replenish your spirit and spark your imagination. The hotel's history was discovered by chance during the its 11-year-long construction and renovation. British architect John Pawson, who designed the hotel, in collaboration with local architect Ramy Gill, said that the team always believed the excavations would unearth something of historical value. That was indeed the case and both an ancient 13th century wall, as well as an ancient courtyard was discovered. The courtyard now hosts the hotel’s central courtyard and pool.