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The Best Luxury Resorts in Israel

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There are many luxury hotels in Israel that offer high-end accommodations and amenities to travelers. Some of our top favorite luxury Resorts in the country include:

Six Senses Shaharut-

A luxury resort located in the Negev desert in southern Israel. It is situated in the small village of Shaharut, which is located near the Ramon Crater and the Zin Valley.

The resort features luxurious accommodations and amenities, including a spa, outdoor pool, and several dining options. It is known for its sustainable design and eco-friendly practices, as well as its commitment to preserving the local environment and culture. The resort offers a range of activities and excursions in the surrounding area, including hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.

 

Taken from the Six senses Shaharuts website.

 

Beresheet Hotel-

A luxury resort located in Mitzpe Ramon. It is situated in a unique location on the edge of the Ramon Crater, which is a large natural depression in the Negev desert.

The resort has an outstanding panoramic view of the crater and the surrounding landscape, and it is known for its luxurious accommodations and amenities. The hotel features a spa, outdoor pool, and several dining options, as well as a variety of activities and excursions in the surrounding area.

 

Taken from the Beresheet hotels website.

 

 

Mitzpe Hayamim-

A luxury resort located in Rosh Pina. The resort is known for its unique eco-friendly architecture and design, as well as its focus on sustainability and connection to nature.

The resort is set on a beautiful hilltop location and offers guests a variety of amenities such as an organic farm, spa, and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Guests can also enjoy delicious meals made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. Mitzpe Hayamim is a unique place for a relaxed and peaceful holiday.

 

Taken from Mitzpe Hayamims website.

 

Pereh-

A luxury botique resort surrounded by gardens and orchards that is located in the Golan heights from which mountain views and breathtaking valleys can be seen. The 27-room property is situated upon the ruins of the 20th-century French Custom House constructed during the Ottoman Empire.

The resort offers a rich menu of activities for its guests: chef restaurant, wine cellar, lounge bar,  spa services, private banquet rooms, wimming pool, orchards and hall for events and conferences.

 

Taken from the Pereh hotels website.

 

Archaeological sites in the land of Israel

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Israel has a rich and varied history, and as a result, there are many archaeological & biblical sites throughout the country. These sites represent different periods in the history of Israel and the surrounding region and include ancient cities, fortifications, temples, and other structures. Archaeologists continue to discover new sites and uncover more about the history of Israel through ongoing excavations and research.

There are many important and interesting  biblical archaeological sites in Israel, and it can be difficult to choose which ones to visit.

Some of the most notable and significant sites that are on puzzle’s must see list include:

 

Beit Shearim:

This ancient Jewish town and burial site in the northern side of Israel, was a major center of Jewish life during the Roman and Byzantine periods, and contains a large necropolis with dozens of rock-cut tombs, some of which feature impressive architectural elements and inscriptions. The site is considered one of the most important examples of Jewish funerary art and epigraphy from the Roman period.

 

 

Megiddo:

This ancient city is located in northern Israel and is believed to have been a major city in the ancient world. It is known for its well-preserved ruins, including a water system, gates, and other structures.

Caesarea:

This ancient port city, located on the Mediterranean coast, was once the capital of the Roman province of Judea. It is home to a number of well-preserved ruins, including an amphitheater, aqueduct, and other structures.

 

Beit She’an:

This ancient city, located in northern Israel, was once a major center in the Roman and Byzantine empires. It is known for its well-preserved ruins, including a Roman theater, bathhouse, and other structures.

Tzipori:

This biblical archaeological site in the northern Israel  was an important Jewish city in the Roman period. It was the capital of the Galilee during the reign of King Herod Antipas and was an important center of Jewish culture and learning. The city contains a well-preserved Roman theater, a colonnaded street, and other public buildings.

Masada:

This ancient fortification, located on a rock plateau overlooking the Dead Sea, was the site of a famous siege during the Jewish Revolt against the Romans in the 1st century CE. It is known for its well-preserved ruins, including a palace, synagogue, and other structures.

All pictures are taken from Israel nature and parks authority’s website

 

These are just a few of the many interesting and important archaeological sites in Israel, There are many others to explore and discover all around Israel.

“Brothers in Yoga”- Healing starts within

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Meet Neta Ganga Margalith, Co-founder and CEO of “Brothers in Yoga”:
A non-profit that supports Israeli veterans suffering from PTSD, through Yoga and Meditation.

The first question she asks is – “what does peace mean to you?”
Peace is such a big word when we think of society but what if we think about moments of
peace, of silence, in our day-to-day experience?

The biggest wish for a veteran suffering from combat shock is to have that kind of moment, to
be in peace, even for a moment. Today there are about 50,000 veterans with PTSD. This
phenomenon touches every home, family and community in Israel, it is shaping our society.
“As a veteran, a Yoga teacher & practitioner I can share that Yoga saved me, in so many
aspects, before, during and after my military service.
When you go through life-changing experiences (which we all do), the body carries the
memory, along with the mind. If it’s a painful memory or even extremely stressful – our body keeps carrying that, physically too.

Today, we understand that psychotherapy or other mental-therapy is limited in the ability
to heal trauma or PTSD. There is nothing wrong in going to those therapies, but in many
cases it is just not enough.

Yoga is a way of life, it is a way of exercising, breathing, relaxing, thinking, eating and
being. Yoga gives me many tools that support a healthy daily routine.
It allows me to listen back to my inner-voice, to listen to my body and its needs, to
practice compassion and love towards myself and others, to heal my wounds and to find
moments of peace. After 6 years of running away from Israel, from the trauma, I came
back, not only to heal myself, but to help so many others, through the gift that helps me –
the gift of Yoga.

Along with Oren Gavriely and 7 more founders we established “Brothers in Yoga” 1 year
ago, in order to help all Israeli veterans who are looking for a healing path.
Now, beginning of 2023, after over 9,000 hours of practice and 30 graduates, we are
motivated to expand our activity and be in service for as many veterans as we can”
BIY’s vision is to take veterans through a targeted & sensitive practice of Yoga in order to
help them overcome their trauma and successfully reconnect them back to Israeli society.

Our mission is to strengthen Israeli society by providing resilience, healing & peace to those
who make personal sacrifices to provide that for all of us – our soldiers and first responders.

Our target is to create a sustainable system that will take thousands of veterans through this
program and will bring improvement to each and every one of them in their daily life.
Program includes: 2 weekend retreats in an Ashram, 16 weekly practices via Zoom.
We are now fundraising for the upcoming year of giving back to 100 more veterans!
We ask you to become an ambassador and join the Friends of BIY!
Help us help them, we don’t leave anyone behind.

With gratitude fo all the support we receive, from the depths of our hearts we thank you,
for joining this amazing family.
Come and practice Yoga with us!

Here is a Link to the crowdfunding campaign

Campaign video : https://youtube.com/watch?v=SWU5bdg1Y74&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

YouTube channel: “Brothers in Yoga”

Contact info: contact@brothersin.yoga // Neta Ganga +972-52-397-0287

Top 7 Venues to celebrate your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony in Israel

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Israel is the spiritual homeland of the Jewish people and has a rich history and cultural significance. Many people find that celebrating their Bar/Bat mitzvah in Israel allows them to deepen their connection to their heritage and the Jewish community.

There are many beautiful and meaningful locations in Israel where a Bar/Bat mitzvah ceremony can be held, below you can see puzzle’s top recommendations.

Jerusalem: 

1. Davidson Center- located south of the Western Wall. The place exhibits archaeological discoveries from about 2,000 years ago and an impressive section of the southern part of the Wall that surrounded the Second Jewish Temple. The ceremony at the Center will take place at the ancient Herodian street, right beneath the remains of the famous Robinson Arch, through which people used to enter the Temple compound. 

2. Ezrat Israel section–  the first location at the Western wall that allows men and women to pray side by side.  Have your special family ceremony at an ancient place, that is a unique part of the Jewish heritage in the land of Israel and is located next to the archaeological garden. 

 

North:

3. Zippori National Park – the park encompasses the ruins of the ancient Roman and Talmudic-era city of Zippori, located in the rolling hills of Lower Galilee. The synagogue, with its magnificent mosaics, is a great place for an intimate ceremony. 

4. Umm El- Kanatir– “The Mother of Arches,” a beautiful archaeological jewel dated to the 5th-7th century. At this site you will find the remains of an ancient synagogue with a unique story; a great place to relive history and imagine what kinds of rituals took place here thousands of years ago.                      this site was rediscovered during the 1967 war, and with the use of modern technology, it has been brought back to life.

5. Ancient Katzrin- During the Talmudic times (4th-6th centuries) it was a Jewish village in the Golan Heights that contains an impressive ancient synagogue.  it is the best display in Israel that shows how Jews lived during the Talmudic period. A Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration at the Katzrin Talmudic village can be an excellent historical and educational experience.

 

South: 

6. the Ancient Synagogue of Ein Gedi- located in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve in the Judean Desert. The site has remains of an ancient synagogue dating as far back as the 3rd century AD, its floor exhibiting an intriguing inscription about a secret potion. Some scholars believe it involved the production of Balsam.  It also tells us about the Jewish unity, way of life, and culture in the Judean Desert. 

7. Masada- In the 20th century Masada became a symbol of the Jewish national heroism, and it is now one of Israel’s most popular tourist attractions. . The story of Masada allows the teen coming of age who is celebrating the Bar/Bat Mitzvah to connect physically and emotionally to his/her ancient roots, and the story of the last stand of the Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army in 73 A.D. In the 20th century. The views from Masada are breathtaking, with a panoramic view of the surrounding desert landscape and the Dead Sea.

We would be glad to help out with choosing a location and other arrangments that will suite your preferences and needs for your own Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

Caving and More – Discovering Israel’s Hidden Beauty

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Israel is a natural treasure of hidden caves and canyons. Together with Exteriorate & Puzzle Israel, come and explore the hidden beauties and extreme adventure side of Israel. 

Itay Shkolnik and Shahar Perkal know that Israel offers literally much more than the eye can see. These two founders of the Israeli Caving Club know that under our feet, behind those hills, and inside that wadi (valley), there are caves, canyons, and cliffs more beautiful than you can imagine. They decided to share that beauty with the world through Exteriorate, a company dedicated to exploring the hidden beauties and extreme adventure side of Israel. On your next trip to Israel with Puzzle Israel, you might consider having some fun with Exteriorate!

Itay and Shahar: At a Glance

Itay had already been into caving for several years when he met Shahar. His love for caves originally blossomed while living on Easter Island, where he had the pleasure of not only exploring the caves on the island, but also discovering new caves and mapping them for future cavers. A few years later, after spending some time back in Israel, Itay received an offer to work for a company in Spain, and while there he discovered a global phenomenon called caving clubs. As it turned out, there were thousands of clubs of people in every corner of the world who love caving as much as he did. He also discovered new sides to the world of caving, like rappelling into caves from above. Itay knew that his original profession of graphic design wouldn’t be enough anymore, he was in love with caving. So, when he returned to Israel from Spain, he started researching caving clubs in Israel. That’s how he met his current partner, Shahar Perkal, and together they decided to establish a the Israeli Caving Club. The concept drew a real buzz in the media, as well as quite a few participants. Shahar and Itay set out on a mission not only to teach people to love and respect caves, but also to teach them how to protect and preserve caves, as well as techniques and safety for caving.

Exteriorate is Born

While running the Israeli Caving Club and teaching courses, Shahar and Itay understood that their love for caves was beyond just the caves, it was the truly authentic connection to nature and all it has to offer, especially here in Israel. They decided to establish Exteriorate – a company that would do more than certify cavers, it would take anyone looking to connect with nature in a different and more adventurous way, and show them Israel’s beauty through caving, canyoning, and rappelling. Soon after that, survival workshops, team building activities, and ziplining were also added to the list of activities.

Why Go Caving and Canyoning in Israel?

 

Between the natural caves created by geological phenomenons, to caves created by Bar Kochba in his revolt against the Romans, Israel is not lacking in caving opportunities that are among the most beautiful in the world. Because of Israel’s location just above the Great African-Syrian Rift, Israel is filled with incredible natural caves, from Bat andStalactites caves in the North to amazing Salt caves in the South.

In the Shfela area of Israel, you can find hundreds of man made caves from the days of Bar Kochba, and you can crawl in his footsteps through the incredible underground intricacy. Aside from caving, Israel offers amazing incredible canyoning, from rappelling into the Dead Sea scrolls cave, to the Black Canyon rappelling in the mysterious waterfalls of the Judea Reserve in the Galilee.

Exteriorate and Puzzle Israel

Puzzle Israel is always striving to show the authentic Israel, as is Exteriorate. So when Puzzle Israel’s co-founders Nir and Guy met Exteriorate’s co-founders Itay and Shahar, it was like a match made in heaven. The authentic Israel is beyond the cities and the sites. The authentic Israel is all about what you might not see at first glance – the people, the culture, the hidden natural phenomenons, and the opportunities hiding in each and every crevice of the country. Itay and Shahar have a passion for the hidden and the unknown, and we are so glad at Puzzle Israel that they are sharing this passion with us, and with our travelers!

Making Lifelong Memories on Israel Family Tours

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While some families opt to go on vacations to a coastal resort to relax or a European country to enjoy the cities, other families decide to make memories in a more interesting and exciting way on Israel family tours.

Israel family tours offer more than sitting on the beach, going on hikes, or going to museums. Family vacations to Israel offer the most fun activities with a meaningful history and unprecedented views, all while connecting to the beautiful Israeli culture and ultimately creating a stronger and deeper bond with your family. Whether you decide to go on  private guided tours in Israel, with only your family or with a group of families, parents, kids, and even grandparents are bound to find excitement at every turn! Check out some of the options for family trips to Israel in 2017!

Private guided tours in Israel for the whole family

One of the great things about private guided tours in Israel specific for families, is that your family’s wants and needs will be met perfectly, and the trip will be completely customized to fit your family’s personality. Israel tour guides are also wonderful with kids of all ages, from younger families to families with teenagers. No two families are exactly the same, and as such no two Israel family tours should look exactly the same. Each family should experience Israel in the way that will be most meaningful for that family, and not the way that seems the easiest for the collective. That’s why private guided tours in Israel are often a great option for those families looking for a unique and authentic experience.

Multi-generational Israel family tours

For younger generations, it can be extremely powerful to travel with grandparents to meaningful locations such as Israel. Having on Israel family tours three, sometimes even four generations together makes not only the history of the country come alive, but also the history of the family. This can make a lifelong impact on the younger generations of a family. Logistics for this type of trip aren’t easy, but with the right tour guides in Israel, there is no reason it cannot be done. There are many activities that are enjoyable for every generation, as well as opportunities to allow for the kids to do one thing while the adults do another.

Small group trips to Israel in 2021/22

In order to add another level of fun to Israel family tours, a number of families with common interests can group together. This allows for kids to create new bonds with kids from other families, and parents to enjoy some quality time with other adults and friends. If families are looking into trips to Israel in 2021, customised group vacations might be the best option because planning as a group can be easy and fun. This option is also often more cost efficient for those who are travelling on a budget.

At the end of the day, giving your family a unique and exciting experience in Israel is the best gift you could ever give them, even more than sunbathing on the beach in Mexico or riding a rollercoaster at some amusement park. Israel has something for everyone, and has the unique ability to create a truly strong family bond!

Chill Out! Top 5 Ice Creameries in Israel

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If you are planning a trip to Israel this summer, be sure that your evenings will be filled with ice cream. Summer days in Israel are certainly warm to say the least, but it is all made better with that holy scoop of ice cream. Here is Puzzle Israel’s “scoop” on the top 5 ice creameries in Israel, from north to south!

The Galilee: Buza

Ice cream and personality never mixed better than at Buza. Buza, the first branch located in Ma’alot-Tarshicha in the Western Galilee, is run by two friends, Alaa and Adam, who happen to be an Arab and a Jew, showing that something as simple as ice cream can be a step toward peace. Buza uses the very best local ingredients in their ice cream, making the experience even more decadent. Buza also offers workshops in ice cream churning at their location on Kibbutz Sasa, so you can learn their wonderful secrets and make a creamy delight for yourself. Additional locations are in Tel Aviv and the Goma Junction. Click here for more information!

Tel Aviv: Anita

If you’ve ever been on a vacation to Israel and visited Tel Aviv, chances are you’ve either seen or tasted Anita’s ice cream. With a few locations around Tel Aviv from Sarona to Neve Tzedek, Anita is full of special flavors and ingredients, from chocolatey to salty to fruity. The atmosphere is fully Israeli, giving a truly authentic Israel travel experience.

Check out this link for the full scoop.

Jerusalem: Mousseline

Located in the heart of the Mahane Yehuda Market, Mousseline offers both atmosphere and the most unique flavors around. From grapefruit basil ice cream to sour cherry and more, there is almost no flavor that Mousseline isn’t able to make tasty. Orit, the owner, left the hi-tech industry to follow her true passion – ice cream. Just like an Israel vacation isn’t complete without a visit to Mahane Yehuda Market, a visit to the market isn’t complete without a taste of Mousseline ice cream. Here is their website.

Summer days in Israel are certainly warm to say the least, but it is all made better with that holy scoop of ice cream

Ashkelon: Jet Lek

Jet Lek’s mottos is “outside of the scoop ice cream”, and it truly does serve some out of this world things. Not only do they have special and cool flavors, they have true ice cream creations. With melting chocolate domes, homemade ice cream sandwiches, and hand dipped donuts, Jet Lek is an up and coming competitor in the Israeli ice cream scene. It is the perfect place to stop for a sweet treat and memorable experience on your way to visit the desert during your next Israel vacation. Check out the mouth watering pictures here!

The Arava: Yotvata

Yotvata is the true dairy champion in Israel, and their ice cream certainly speaks for their high quality. With simple flavors that will give you a taste of kibbutz life back in the day, Yotvata’s ice cream is a cold dessert in the hot desert.

Puzzle Israel is always looking to give our travellers a sweet taste of Israel, and the growing ice cream empire here will certainly create that amazing memory and keep you coming back for more!

 

Banana, peanuts and coconut cream popsicle recipe

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On hot summer days, everyone dreams of a cool refreshing delight to ease the heat. Check out Nir & Guy’s homemade banana, peanuts and coconut cream popsicle recipe. Warning – make plenty because one popsicle is never enough!

Ingredients:

5 bananas

1 can of coconut cream

100 gr crushed salty peanuts

Directions:

  1. Peel the bananas and freeze them
  2. Chill the coconut cream in the can in the fridge over night
  3. After taking out the coconut cream from fridge, separate the cream from the liquid
  4. Whip the coconut cream (like you would whip regular cream) until it becomes stable.
  5. Grind the frozen bananas and add the cream and peanuts and continue grinding together until it becomes an even mix
  6. Pour into disposable cups or a serving dish
  7. Freeze for 4 hours and serve

Fall in Love with Israel on Guided Tours in Israel

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One of the most wonderful things about Israel is the Israeli people. Israelis offer a unique perspective on their unique culture, and are not afraid to share their passions with those around them. That’s why the tour guides in Israel are so spectacular – they are passionate about their country and they share that passion with every tourist. Upon planning trips to Israel in 2017, it is certainly worth it to consider guided tours in Israel, so you can not only learn about the country, but you can also fall in love with Israel through the passionate culture and wonderful people. Here are the top three reasons that guided tours in Israel are the way to go when planning trips to Israel in 2021!

Tour guides in Israel are family oriented

On Israel family tours, it is very important to have a guide that knows how to get through to an audience of kids. Tour guides in Israel understand this importance, and as such they are experts on connecting to kids of all ages. A love for Israel and Israeli culture stems from the young generations, so a guide that knows how to impart that passion and love on the younger tourists is a successful guide. It is also no secret that Israel family tours can be difficult because it can be hard to find activities that are appealing and appropriate for all members of the family. Tour guides in Israel are highly aware of that fact, and are experts in making every site attractive to the whole family.

Guided tours in Israel can be customized

While large organized trips to Israel are usually “cookie cutter itineraries”, meaning they are the same for every group every trip. Guided tours in Israel, though, are put together by the guide and tour provider together with the group coming to Israel. That way, instead of getting a generic itinerary that won’t necessarily work for your specific group, you will get an itinerary that is fit to the interests of your group. Just as the tour can be customized, so can the tour guide. Tour guides in Israel fall on a wide spectrum of interests and specialties, so when planning customized guided tours in Israel, you can also find a tour guide in Israel that meets your interests and needs.

Touring with a guide will gain you special access

There are many places that lone tourists cannot go into in Israel. However, with trained tour guides in Israel, almost no doors are closed to tourists. Guided tours in Israel offer all of the activities that might not be listed in the guide books, because tour guides in Israel have all of the insider knowledge. Tour guides in Israel all go through intensive training for two years in order to gain the privilege to pass their knowledge and passion along to tourists, and along the way they learn about all of the hidden nooks and crannies and most beautiful corners of the country. When going on guided tours in Israel, tourists get the exclusive access to those places, as well. 

The Best Local Israel Food Tours

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Israel has certainly become a hub for foodies. With such an up and coming culinary scene, Israel food tours have become the big thing in tourism. Learn more about the best local Israel food tours.

Local Israel food tours offer a variety of options – from tasting tours in different markets, to wineries and dairies, to the best chef workshops in the world, and any trip to Israel these days can become a real exciting Israel culinary tour.

What is so Special About Israel’s Culinary Aspects?

The Agriculture

The small country with a large portion of desert is a master in agriculture, so the delicious food that Israelis produce is also generally local.

The Variety of Cultures

Also, because Israel is a true melting pot, the culinary scene is one big fusion of taste, combining food traditions from all over the world. If you are planning to visit Israel and you are a foodie, or just love food, Israel food tours are just perfect for you.

The Best Local Restaurants

Israel’s growing restaurant scene has been written about and reviewed quite a bit lately. That’s probably because the restaurants in Israel are darn good. With locally sourced ingredients, the food is always fresh. Also, many chefs in Israel take inspiration from their childhood memories, so the food is often a fusion of old and new, traditional ethnic foods with a modern twist. The restaurant scenes in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are booming, and there are also quite a few gems in the north and the south that you might not expect. When planning your next trip to Israel or Israel food tour, be sure to make a few restaurant reservations. Check out the top 10 restaurants in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

The Markets

One cannot visit Israel without visiting the amazing food markets in the country. It’s like having a farmer’s market every day of the week, yet even more special on a Friday morning when everyone is getting ready for the Shabbat feast. The colorful markets in Israel are a must for any Israel culinary tour and any trip to Israel in general because the food is amazing and the culture is even more amazing. From the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv to Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, the produce, sweets, nuts, and spices are unbeatable. Israel food tours in the markets are fun and exciting, and especially tasty!

Wineries and Dairies

Israeli wines and dairy are two specialties that Israel has gained bragging rights in. With award winning wine and dairy from the lush green north to the desert in the south, there are many Israel food tours that include tastings at the most unique and delicious wineries and dairies. Let the wine and cheese speak for themselves when you go on Israel food tours to these places.

The Salad Trail

One of the most unique culinary experiences in Israel is the Salad Trail. The Salad Trail is exactly what it sounds like, a trail that is lined with fresh produce that is grown along the trail. Is is like walking through the produce section of a grocery store, but everything is straight from the ground and nothing is off limits! Take this awesome tour and eat all along the way.