Passover

Culture

A Jewish celebration of liberation honoured for a week every year, Passover is momentous part of the Israeli calendar. Expect outdoor markets, street performances and overflowing restaurants, or accept the exceptional hospitality of Judaism devotees by attending a family passover meal.

Rosh Hashana

Culture

The Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah falls in the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which usually pairs with the Gregorian calendar month of September. The time is marked by reverence, family time, shared meal and sweet treats, followed by a 10-day holiday.

Purim

Culture

Though Purim is a holiday linked traditionally to Judaism, the festivities are now honoured extensively across the country of Israel. The ways to celebrate are numerous and varied, but usually include giving gifts to the poor, eating traditional foods like hamantaschen pastries, and attending masquerade parties.

Yom Kippur

Culture

A highly important day for people of Jewish faith, Yom Kippur is usually marked by 25 hours of prayer and fasting within a synagogue or the family home. Commonly referred to as the Day of Atonement, the city of Eilat can be something of a ghost town for this holy day, falling 10 days after Rosh Hashana.

Eilat Chamber Music Festival

Music

Both Israelis and international tourists flock to the city of Eilat for Chamber, the country’s biggest classical music festival. Held for 4-days each February, it has grown to be a highlight of the Eilat calendar of festivals.

Falafel

One of the region’s most beloved exports, the humble falafel has fans in every corner of the globe. Usually made from ground fava beans and/or chickpeas, mixed with herbs and deep fried, these tasty balls are commonly served in a pita bread pocket heaped with salad, tahini sauces and pickled vegetables.

_{Best eaten at
Big Heart Restaurant, Sderot HaTmarim}

Malawach

A delectable bread with origins in Somali and Yemen, malawach will make you second guess your affection for sourdough. Made with pastry and usually served with dips and eggs, it can be sampled at Queen of Sheba when in Eilat.

_{Best eaten at
Queen of Sheba, 8 Antib Road, North Shore}

Baklava

Nutty, sweet and utterly delicious, baklava is a beloved treat easily found across Israel. Supposedly enjoyed in the Middle East and eastern Europe since before the dawn of the Common Era, you can consume this honey coated pastry dish numerous times under the guise of culture and history.

_{Best eaten at
Israelit, La Boulevard, St 5, Antibes St}

Israeli breakfast