Israel has one Knesset but thousands of “parliaments”. These groups – usually of retired men, who are often army buddies or even childhood friends – convene daily at cafes nationwide. On the agenda: To take their usual table and schmooze. The tradition has its roots in the artsy 1930s Tel Aviv coffeehouse scene, where coffee wasn’t all that they drank.
Israelis and Jews worldwide celebrate Lag BaOmer with bonfires. Traditionally, hundreds of thousands of religious Jews gather at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron. Early Zionists associated their bonfires with Simon bar Kokhba, who led a revolt against the Romans. Therefore, Lag BaOmer became a symbol for the fighting Jewish spirit. In 1948, the order establishing the Israel Defense Forces was issued on Lag BaOmer.
The Eurasian Hoopoe, with its remarkable “crown” of black-tipped feathers, became Israel’s national bird in 2008 in honor of the 60th anniversary of the state. Some 155,000 citizens – from kindergartners to diplomats – participated in the selection process. Known as the “duchifat” in Hebrew, the hoopoe is mentioned in the Bible as being a non-kosher bird.
Albert Einstein co-founded the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with Chaim Weizmann in July 1918. Years later, Einstein turned down an offer to become Israel’s second president after Weizmann’s death in 1952, citing his age and lack of relevant skills. Einstein died in 1955 just days before he was to deliver a speech to an American radio audience on the seventh anniversary of Israel’s independence. He left his scientific and other writings to Hebrew University.
Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day, is an annual breath of fresh air in Israel. Although the majority of Israelis are not observant, most choose to fast and refrain from driving on the Day of Atonement. Nitrogen oxide levels can fall by 83-98% in Tel Aviv, and even more in other cities.
While training to be an IDF medic, Bernard Bar-Natan was issued standard bandages and instructed to use stones for extra pressure to stop bleeding. Seeking a better solution, he perfected a field dressing with a built-in pressure applicator. Since its introduction, medics and first responders worldwide have used the “Israeli Bandage” to save countless lives and limbs.
Voluntarism is an important part of Israeli culture. One way that Israelis help is through Yedidim (Friends), which offers non-medical emergency roadside assistance nationwide. Any one of more than 65,000 volunteers will answer the call 24/6 to change a flat tire, jump-start a car, unlock a vehicle with the keys inside, and more. All services are free and available except Shabbat and holidays.
Doña Gracia Nasi, a 16th century Converso, openly reclaimed her Judaism and dedicated her life to activism on behalf of her people. She used her family’s shipping wealth and influence to help Jews flee Iberia and to establish houses of learning and worship. With permission of the Ottoman Sultan, she initiated the rebuilding of Tiberias in the Holy Land as a refuge for Marranos.
Israel’s capital, Jerusalem, was established as the capital of the Jewish kingdom by David in 1,000 BCE. Throughout millennia of dispersion, it remained eternally in the hearts of the Jewish people. Wherever they are in the world, Jews pray in the direction of Israel. In Israel, they pray in the direction of Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, they pray in the direction of the Temple Mount.
