The Nalaga’at (“please touch”) center for the deaf-blind, deaf and blind offers tourists and visitors to old Jaffa a unique and unforgettable experience. The Nalaga’at Center is a unique meeting place for the deaf, blind and deaf-blind with the wider public who engage in a dialogue between equals through an artistic and cultural experience. This experience includes the Nalaga’at theater – the first of its kind in the world – , the “Kapish” café, and the “Blackout” restaurant.

Four different plays are currently running at the theater: the original, ground-breaking performance of “Not by Bread Alone” in which the actors bake bread on stage and the audience are invited to eat the bread at the end of the performance; “Luna Park”, the newest show at the center which took three years to bring to the stage; and two shoes suitable for children aged 5-11 – “Prince Rooster” and “Give Me a Sign!”. Deaf-blind, deaf and blind actors take the stage inviting the audience into their inner world; the world of darkness and silence. Since founding director Adina Tal first opened the Nalaga’at Center in 2002, over 200,000 tourist and visitors have enjoyed this unique experience.

In addition to the theater, visitors can interact with the deaf and hearing-impaired waiters at Café Kapish.  The  BlackOut Restaurant,  in which dinner is served in total darkness and visitors are escorted by blind waiters, offers an unusual culinary experience.

The “Nalaga’at” non-profit organization was established in 2002, intended for a theater group whose actors are all deaf-blind. At the core of the deaf-blind theater ensemble project, is a constant search for a unique “theatrical language” for the group, as well as the wish to take action toward increasing awareness of deaf-blind persons’ needs, in Israel and the rest of the world.

For further information: http://www.nalagaat.org.il/

Jerusalem’s open-air market, Mahane Yehuda, has grown to be a bonafide mainstream tourist destination among Israelis and international arrivals alike. Conveniently located minutes away from the city center, it is a microcosm of everything Jerusalem has to offer. Known to Jerusalemites as simply the shuk (market) or “Machne” (an amorous slurring and truncating of the proper title), Mahane Yehuda is Israel’s most sprawling and buzzing network of alleys and vending stalls.  Today, Mahane Yehuda is more accessible and more thoroughly documented than ever before, as the recently launched comprehensive Machne.co.il website’s interactive maps, interviews with vendors and bookable themed tours attest. Last week marked the launch of Machne’s English-language launch, increasing the market’s reach many times over.

The allure here is the intoxicating mix of Jerusalem colors and flavors, where 80-year-old Kurdish immigrants peddle Kenyan coffee beans by the kilo to South American Hasidim, and tank-top-clad Colorado-bred hippies squeeze almond juice to order for Armenian monks.

Only at Mahane Yehuda do espresso bars, photography galleries and fashion boutiques vie for space with butchers, percolator repairmen and okra vendors, and it’s this buzz-inducing brew that draws camera-toting crowds.

It’s easy to match tastes and budgets with an unforgettable few hours in the shuk. Whether you fancy trying imported cheeses, marbled halva, folk tonics, boutique olive oils, handcrafted breads, sweets, organic wines and spirits, or want to combine a guided shopping trip in the shuk with a chef-led cooking workshop, Machne’s website allows users to arrange it. One of the most compelling Machne offerings is Shuk Bites, a self-guided tour of some of the best tastes of the market. Online customers can already buy the Shuk Bites punch-card with an easy-to-follow map and a list of ten stalls which offer tantalizing morsels of food or drink plus colorful stories. Purchasers of the Shuk Bites tour mosey through the market at their own pace and in any order they wish, enjoying several hundred shekels’ worth of merchandise, and entertainment, for a highly affordable price tag of NIS 99 (about $25).

Special events and festivals take place at Mahane Yehuda throughout the year. The Balabasta festival on Monday nights throughout the summer is definitely one of the annual  highlights. The festival brings the Shuk to life after hours, transforming it into a lively carnival, with special events and attractions including live music, workshops and performances, food contests and giveaways, dancers, DJs, video art, origami exhibits and more. In addition the market stalls, cafes and pubs extend their opening hours late into the night.

For more information:  http://www.machne.co.il/en/

Hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists and Israelis are expected to visit the first International Ice Festival in Israel, which will take place from  March 6th- April 30th  at the old Jerusalem Train compound. The festival will showcase tens of colorful and artistic ice sculptures, skating rinks and a variety of activities and experiences for families. The festival arena includes a unique sculptures site and an additional skating area.  Admission fee is 65 NIS (around $16-17)

35 Chinese ice artists will visit Israel to sculpt and build the exhibits. Visitors will receive coats on entering the giant complex, which will operate at a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius

, and include the ice sculpture exhibition. The festival will be divided into four sections:

Jerusalem of Ice: The unique sites of Jerusalem, including the Tower of David, the Montefiore Flour Mill, the infamous “Monster” etc.

Animals and Childhood Stories World: Characters from well-known childhood stories will be presented in ice.

Fantasy Arena: includes ice sculptures from children’s fairytales. The children will experience fairytale scenes and walk inside stories such as Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and more. Children will even be able to enjoy unique ice slides.

Ice Bar: A bar area including ice sculptures by Jerusalem artists. The visitors will walk through the ice version of Jaffa Gate, and experience a unique path through the different arenas, as well as the specially-installed ice skating rink.

http://www.jerusalem-culture.com/ice_festival

 

 

The popular Ilana Gur Museum, located in the Artist Colony of the Old City of Jaffa, is showcasing a new temporary collection featuring designs by the museum’s owner- artist, Ilana Gur. Gur’s new and limited line of furniture consists of 15 unique pieces including tables, chairs, standing lamps and a tea cart. Each piece in the collection is made of iron and wood, some combined with leather, fabric, glass and Perspex.

 

Gur started designing furniture in 1986, when she was awarded the prestigious Roscoe prize for the best design of a seating set made from Rebar (Reinforcing bar), a processed iron made for construction. Goor’s contemporary collection of furniture and lighting figures presents items that are both artistic and functional, items that clearly bear the artist’s signature design. In her words: “Furniture that look like motorless machines”.

The building that houses the Ilana Gur Museum also serves as the artist’s personal residence, giving another dimension to a visit to the museum. The meticulously- renovated building, which once served as the first Jewish hostel for pilgrims to the Holy Land over 250 year ago, is today the storehouse and backdrop for over three hundred works of art created by Ilana Gur, in addition to a significant collection of art and sculpture collected by Gur from Israel and abroad. The building’s roof houses the Museum’s sculpture garden, which embodies the perfect combination between nature and art, with panoramic views across the Mediterranean Sea, the ancient – and now renovated – port of Jaffa and the Tel Aviv skyline. Visitors can also purchase original works of art by Ilana Gur, including jewelry, at the museum’s Gallery store.

For more information, visit: www.ilanagoor.com

 

There’s nothing like the ballet…that is the Israel Ballet…a world class company of dancers who provide an enthralling interpretation of some of the most famous romantic fables….

The most famous ballet of the Romantic era –

 

 Giselle tells the story of Giselle – a country girl who falls in love with Albrecht – a count who is engaged to another. Giselle’s love is revealed in its purity even after her death, of heartbreak and madness, as she protects Albrecht from the revenge of the Wilis, the ghosts of young girls who have been jilted and have died before their wedding day.

The ballet is considered a masterpiece in the repertoire of nineteenth century ballets and a yard stick for the technical and dramatic abilities of the dancers in the leading roles.

***

The tale of Cinderella comes to life

In a full stage production by

The Israel Ballet

 

 

 

Against a luscious décor, in colorful costumes and to the sound of Prokofiev’s music, the familiar tale of Cinderella, her mean step mother and step sisters, comes to life.

 

Performances from Dec. 2011-Feb. 2012:

 

 

 

Thu. Dec. 22, 2011 at 11:30 & 17:30 – Cinderella – Smolarz Auditorium, Tel Aviv University

Fri. Dec. 23, 2011 at 11:00 & 13:00 – Cinderella – Smolarz Auditorium, Tel Aviv University

Sat. Dec. 24, 2011 at 11:30 & 17:30 – Cinderella – Smolarz Auditorium, Tel Aviv University

Sun. Dec. 25, 2011 at 11:30 & 17:30 – Cinderella – Smolarz Auditorium, Tel Aviv University

Link to excerpts from Cinderella: http://www.youtube.com/user/iballet#p/u/5/1ToX0M51Cbc

 

 

Mon. Dec. 26, 2011 at 14:00 & 17:30 – Cinderella – Jerusalem Theatre

Tue. Dec. 27, 2011 at 12:30 & 17:00 – Cinderella – Haifa Auditorium

Thu. Dec. 29, 2011 at 18:30 – Cinderella – Mishkan Omanuyot Ha’Bama, Beersheva

Link to excerpts from Cinderella: http://www.youtube.com/user/iballet#p/u/5/1ToX0M51Cbc

 

 

Mon. Jan. 30, 2012 at 20:00 – 45 Year Gala – Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center

Thu. Feb. 2, 2012 at 20:30 – 45 Year Gala – Jerusalem Theatre

Thu. Feb. 9, 2012 at 18:30 – 45 Year Gala – Mishkan Omanuyot Ha’Bama, Beersheva

Sun. Feb. 19, 2012 at 20:30 – 45 Year Gala – Haifa Auditorium

For more information and ticket prices:

Link to Israel Ballet site: www.iballet.co.il

 

  According to several tourism industry sources, visitors to Israel from places such as

the UK, France and USA spend at least $1000 on various attractions during their stay in the Jewish State, which includes shopping expeditions at local malls. In a recent survey conducted by a local business newspaper the Top 5 malls in Israel, based on popularity and revenues are:

1-Malha Mall in Jerusalem

2-Ramat Aviv Mall in Tel Aviv

3-Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv

4-Mul Hayam in Eilat

5-Hakirion in Kiryat Bialik (suburban Haifa)

   Several weeks ago, Jerusalem residents and tourists were treated to the festive grand opening of the new 5-storey HaMashbir mall/department store on Jaffa Street (Zion Square) in the heart of the city’s renowned downtown district. The new store was designed to mimic some of the world’s upscale department stores including Macy’s (New York) and

Harrod’s (London).

Israman, the grueling Iron Man competition that is ranked amongst the Top 10 most challenging triathlons in the world, will take place on January 20, 2012in the coastal resort town of Eilat, Israel. The full Israman competition includes a 3.8 km swim (over 2 miles), a 180 km bike ride followed by a 42.2 km run and, for those looking for a lesser but still formidable challenge, the Half Israman includes a 1.8 km swim, a 90 km bike ride and a 21.1 km run. (1 mile =1.6 kilometers)

Israman begins with a 3.8 km swim in the calm waters of the Red Sea. The water in January is mild (20-22c), yet the swim is wet-suit legal. The 180 km bike route, considered the most challenging and unique aspect of the Israman event, begins with a steep 15 kilometer climb from Eilat into the mountains, going from sea level to 700 meters above sea level. The remainder of the ride takes place in the rolling hills of the mountains that overlook Eilat and the Arava valley.

The run begins on the top of the mountain and descends down to Eilat. The first 15 kilometers are a steep downhill, and runners can catch the incredible views of the Red Sea and the Eilat harbor. Runners have the choice of doing a half route (21 km) or the full run, totaling 42.2 km.

Israman Eilat, which began in 1999 with just 30 athletes, has become an international race, attracting athletes from all around the globe; professional athletes, alongside amateur athletes will take part in this high quality sports event while enjoying the city of Eilat and all it has to offer. The Red Sea is a perfect location for winter vacations, with warm winter sunshine virtually guaranteed. Eilat on the Red Sea is Israel’s premier resort, offering holidaymakers a wide variety of water sports and desert activities, and accommodation to suit every budget.

Registration via the website includes a fee of 1600 NIS (Israman-about $425) and 900 NIS (about $250) for the Half Israman. For more information on Israman, routes and accommodations, please visit: www.israman.co.il

 

 

 

The IMAX Theater in Eilat, one of the resort’s most popular family entertainment destinations, was recently renovated and upgraded, and includes a new Wax Museum. Visitors to the Wax Museum can view over 150 wax figurines, including national and international icons including, among others, Robert De Niro and Angelina Jolie, Guinness World Record Holders, characters from Greek Mythology, legendary characters and cultural and music icons. Figurines made especially for the Israeli Wax Museum include Israeli icons such as Prime Ministers David Ben-Gurion and Yizhak Rabin, as well as Ilan Ramon.

 

The IMAX Theater offers unique 3D movies on an eight story high screen and 12,000-watt digital sound. Situated in the center of Eilat, the theater is easily accessible, and in walking distance from many of the hotels on Eilat’s north beach. The cinema is open Sunday-Thursday from 11am – midnight, Friday from 11am – one hour before Shabbat and Saturday from 9pm-1am.

 

Visitors and tourists can also take advantage of the special 3 day ticket which includes as many 3D movies as you choose and visits to the Israeli Wax Museum (99 NIS for adults-about $28; 89 NIS for children-about $25

).

For more information: www.imaxeilat.co.il

 

The annual Desert Moon Nights Festival will take place August 11-12 in the Negev Desert near Sde Boker. The festival, which includes two days of live music, hiking trails and outdoor activities, will feature workshops, bike rides, a moonlight safari, cheese and wine tours, activities for children and performances from leading artists.

 

Thursday, August 11^th will feature performances by Israeli artists Shani Peleg, Shlomi Shaban and Bari Sacharof. On Friday, August 12^th Hatikva 6  will perform followed by a special music and lights performance by Avraham Tal and Carolina.

 

The two-day festival is suitable for the entire family, with various packages available for one or two-day entry to the festival. Lodging packages are also available as well as bus services. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.misterticket.co.il www.tkts.co.il or www.sheffa.co.il. For lodging information, call 972 3 9436000

 

Best known for its unique religious, historical and cultural sites,  Jerusalem will host an event of a totally different kind this summer – an urban beach party! On Friday afternoon July 29^th from 1 PM,  visitors and tourists in Jerusalem will flock to the beach … at the outdoor parking lot at the city’s Malcha Mall.

 

80 tons of sand, lounge chairs, parasols and the Mediterranean sunshine will complete the beach scene. Traditional beach entertainment will include beach games such as the highly popular paddle ball game and national sport known locally as matkot, beach volley ball etc.

DJs Oren SESTA Naim and Roi Mualem will play summer beats atop the lifeguard post and favourite beach foods on offer include summer staples such as popsicles, ice cream and fresh watermelon.