Jacob Jaffe

Making the drive out to the desert can sometimes be a drag, but these properties promise to make it worth the while. Heated pools, red wine, spa treatments and unending desert views make for a perfect weekend disconnection from city life. Everyone needs a little peace and quiet from time to time, why not together? Why not now?

Tel Aviv is no stranger to fashion. With many Israeli designers hitting the world stage, Tel Aviv is becoming more and more of a respected name in the industry. But designer brands are expensive and target almost exclusively female audiences. Nevertheless, men need a way to fashionably express themselves as well, preferably without overstressing the already challenging Tel Aviv living expenses. One of the best alternatives is vintage and secondhand shopping. Eclectic fashion is in, and Tel Aviv is one of the top cities to offer its buyers a wide range of unique and diverse fashion; and not just for women.  So ditch H&M and head to these funky and unique secondhand gems to add a little sensation to your style: without breaking your budget.

Whether you're looking to worship in the Holy Land, eat traditional local delicacies, or just drink yourself onto Santa's naughty list, Israel is sure to grant all of your Christmas wishes.  

With an open-kitchen feel, Hiro Freestyle Ramen Bar is the perfect spot to witness the magic of chef Israel Aharoni. ​As with anything by Chef Aharoni, perfectionism is the key—and everything at Hiro is made with meticulous attention to detail and focus on flavor. The featured and most sought-after dish is their ramen soup, composed of a warm bowl of savory broth, rich pieces of ground meat, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, pickled daikon, sprouts, a soy-marinated soft-boiled egg, a generous portion of noodles and hints of ginger. New ingredients have been introduced, like the duck ramen with a tamago pancake neatly rolled into the soup and pillowy bites of fried egg alongside pickled turnips, chestnuts and tender pieces of duck. Also on the menu is a multitude of buns with slow-roasted pork, gyoza dumplings and a vegetarian eggplant salad that is somehow equally meaty. If you even find yourself trapped in Sarona Market at least there is always one thing to look forward to.

Known as one of the best Asian eateries in Tel Aviv, this popular spot nestled in the Levinsky Market lures you in with its intoxicating aromas and keeps you coming back with eccentrically colorful dishes, rich flavors, and charming aesthetics. A small and intimate space provides an authentic experience that will have you questioning if you're still in Tel Aviv or Japan. Fifi's chef -who goes solely by Fifi- doesn't identify her menu as being exclusively Japanese, Chinese or Korean, but rather a mix of the three with a heavy influence from her Israeli roots. A fiery passion for food invigorates Fifi to cook the entire menu herself from scratch with no extra help from a sous-chef or kitchen hands, an impressive feat that should not go unnoticed. This is the reason why Fifi's is only open 3 days a week; a fair tradeoff for such hard work by a single person. The menu is small but specific, changes regularly and is always flawlessly executed. No reservations are taken at Fifi's, so get there early to avoid a hungry line.

Voted the number one rental property of 2020, Zman Arava boasts a healthy reputation of outstanding hospitality and luxurious comfort. The property uses a combination of local materials to construct its 5 suites. Wood, palm fronds and clay brick maintain a rustic desert theme, while an carefully curated interior design provides stylish comfort that seamlessly blends into the Arava surroundings. Zman Arava manifests its essence as a dialogue between interior and exterior; between Man and Nature. The compound is a true desert oasis with several properties that offer different food options, spa treatments and desert excursions.

7 boutique suites in the heart of the Land of Genesis. Burning fire pits in the winter, rustling palm trees in the summer and an all-powerful caressing sun that always shines. Eretz Arava is a family owned establishment that caters exclusively to adults and group events of up to 100 people. A fine dining restaurant is located on site where you can indulge in the desert's most delicious delicacies. Tranquil landscapes surround the private mosaic pool of each suite that makes for a particularly romantic environment. The entire compound is exceptionally secluded, providing inspiring views of the Meshusha River Reserve and exclusive access to a private fruit orchard and organic vegetable farm. For a truly luxurious and seductive weekend getaway, Eretz Arava is certainly worth the drive.

The "dreamlike desert complex" that is Nof Zuqium is family owned by the lovely couple Dorit and Tomer Linzenberg with the help of their children. Their 12 cabins, named after specific desert streams, caters to couples and families alike, promising to deliver all that is necessary for a comfortable stay. The Linzenbergs proudly express their unconditional love for the desert through the uniqueness of Nof Zuqim that transcend words, in something of a spiritual retreat. They offer different wellness workshops and "desert bonding" social events alongside lectures over a variety of desert related topics as well as  "desert escape" activities designed to engage the guests in exploring the desert surroundings. This is definitely the right retreat for any true lover of the desert.

Set on the outskirts of the desert community of Mitzpe Ramon lies a green oasis of fruit trees and clay houses. Bait BaMidbar invites you to their home on the first line of the desert, where soft colors of golden sand meet with lush sunsets with deep hues of red. Each suite unit -which are cleverly named after a different desert animal- is equipped with a small kitchenette, a lush green garden and a private pool that is heated in the winter. The property also offers 4x4 desert excursions lead by professional tour guides and photographers. Bait BaMidbar is ideal for those who want to experience the desert, but one step at a time. Here you can comfortably enjoy rich sunsets and clear night skies without being to isolated.

Millions of visitors in more than fifty cities around the world have got to watch the wonder that Van Gogh - The Exhibition and now it has arrived in Israel Van Gogh - The Exhibition © Ivanov Christine Vincent van Gogh has been celebrated for more than 150 years as one of the world's most influential modern artists of all time. Having been exhibited in the most prestigious museums throughout the world, van Gogh's latest showcase will be in the arena complex of Herzliya. Van Gogh - The Exhibition will be taking over the 1000 square meter complex, which has recently undergone special renovations exclusively to house the exhibition's unique and demanding infrastructure. Van Gogh - The Exhibition © Ivanov Christine The experience will let you discover the life of the artist in a new way: his time at the convent and in Arles, the secrets from the letters he wrote to his brother and so much more. You will participate in a unique sound and light show that will immerse you in the world-renowned and familiar images of Vincent Van Gogh. Van Gogh: The Exhibition is a 360-degree experience in the universe of one of the greatest geniuses of the last century.  Van Gogh - The Exhibition © Ivanov Christine Van Gogh - The Exhibition, Arena Mall, Ha-Shunit 2 St. Herzliya, January - April 2020.  Tickets to the exhibition range from 119 to 139 NIS, with opening hours from Saturday to Thursday 10 am – 7 pm, and Friday 10 am – 3 pm. 

A story of love, sacrifice and vengeful Greek Gods. Three things that make Ideomeno irresistibly entertaining. A dark stage makes its presence known as hues of red fill the auditorium. The curtain draws and reveals a figure staring blankly into the crowd. Its prince Idamante, Israeli native Na'ama Goldman, but you wouldn't know that from the rich Italian vocals projecting from the speakers. Her voice fills the room with powerful notes of sorrow and concern, foreshadowing the coming tale of love, power and fate that is Idomeneo.   Originally written by Mozart, Idomeneo is a humane drama set in the aftermath of the Trojan Wars which tells a powerful story about the tragic causalities of love and death. Although the Greeks have devastated the Trojan armies, the small island of Crete is in despair upon hearing the news that their beloved King Idomeneo has drowned at sea while sailing home. What they don't know is that the Gods have decided to spare the king, upon one condition: he must sacrifice the life of the first man he sees upon his return. The plot thickens when the king realizes it is prince Idamante who he first sees, sentencing him to take the life of his only son. Idomeneo, Israeli Opera © Yossi Zwecker Idamante, who has meanwhile fallen in love with the captive Trojan princess Ilia, struggles with accepting his fate from the situation of his father and becomes painfully torn between his forbidden love, his duty as the prince of Crete and the will of the gods. His sp

Get to Jerusalem's Israel Museum to see these extraordinary exhibitions while you still have the chance. 1. Emoglyphs Picture Writing from Hieroglyphs to the Emoji Winged scarab, Scarab, Egypt © Israel Museum Made exclusively of symbolic pictures, hieroglyphs were developed over 5000 years ago as the world's first system of written language. During the succeeding millennia, these crude and limiting symbols were replaced by roughly 20 signs representing sounds rather than ideas, evolving into today's much more dynamic alphabet used by most of Western society. But oddly enough, the reemergence of picture writing has made a comeback in the Cyber Age in an unexpected way: the Emoji. Curated by Shirly Ben-Dor Evian, Emoglyphs examines the 21st Century phenomena of the rebirth of a seemingly abandoned practice. By presenting the metamorphosis of picture writing from Antiquity through modern times, Emoglyphs illuminates the timeless power of the picture to act as a complex and sophisticated system of communication. The exhibition is designed by Shirley Yahalomi, who uses film and multimedia projections to showcase a wealth of archeological finds from ancient Egypt within the context of contemporary Emoji use. Emoglyphs is open until October 12, 2020. 2. From Foreign to Familiar Rare Early Islamic Pottery This exhibition examines the origins of early Islamic motifs- specifically in pottery- and how they came to be familiar. Islamic ceramics with a traditional white background, dark

Join the unique Midburn community of music, art and love. Midburn © Dan Lior Characterized as a festival of creation, rather than consumption, MidBurn is returning to the Negev after a year off. Midburn is the Israeli offshoot of the infamous Burning Man festival held in the U.S. It operates in much the same way; as an independent "city" constructed and run entirely by individual agents over the course of a week. Midburn © Elad Malka The festival prides itself on community relations where everything is free/bartered (except entrance fee) and strives to uphold values of equality and fluid identities. Midburn © Miki Schauder Midburn 2020, Official dates to be announced.  Midburn © Miki Schauder Midburn © Elad Malka

Deep grooves and dark blue, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds to rock in Israel once again. Jaffa's newly renovated Bloomfield Stadium will host the Australian "Prince of Darkness", Nick Cave this summer. It's the band's 5th time in Israel since the early 90s but probably not their last. Tickets will be on sale from October 22 at 8 am local time, and are expected to sell out fast. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, June 17, 2020. Bloomfield Stadium, Jaffa

The first-ever Port2Port festival emerges in Haifa, promising to deliver top-notch electronic music and engaging art installations. Port2Port, Haifa Port © Shutterstock An absolutely stellar lineup of local and international DJs will be hosted in the port of Haifa for a night of art and techno where the sea meets the land, nature and industrial installations. Amongst other artists, local legends Red Axes, Anna Haleta, Jenia Tarsol and Amichay Matyas will play alongside international heavy hitters Amelie Lens, Roman Flugel, and Nastia. The port is where the world meets: Past and Future. Land and Sea. Man and Machine. Port2Port festival, February 6, 2020. 

Join these Facebook groups to connect with other internationals and find exciting this to do in Tel Aviv.. in English! 1. Tel Aviv INSIDER Tel Aviv INSIDER is a group for any Tel Avivians to post about insider events, parties, deals, opportunities, or just to connect with the wider White City community. Share and find activities to do in Tel Aviv that wouldn't usually be posted elsewhere. Tel Aviv INSIDER FB Page 2. Internationals in Tel Aviv Internationals in TLV is an online community of ex-pats living in Tel Aviv who want to connect with other internationals in the city. If you chose to leave your home country specifically to live in Tel Aviv and want to meet like-minded people, this is the place to start. Internationals in Tel Aviv FB Page 3. English Events in Israel Share events in Israel that take place exclusively in English. This is a great way to find out where to attends lectures, visit certain exhibitions or go to a live show.. all in English! English Events in Israel FB Page 4. Belle Aviv Belle Aviv is a group for ladies only. Women who live in or around Tel Aviv can feel free and comfortable to talk about whatever you need, respectfully. Because that's the way it should be. Belle Aviv FB Page 5. LoveLoveIsrael - Tried & Tested LoveLoveIsrael is a travel online community specializing in reaching English-speaking tourists and places to eat at and stay, and centrally focused on the best days out and attractions in Israel for children, adults, teens, and fami

Here's a list of 7 free New Year's Eve parties in Tel Aviv so you can ring in the New Year and not bring on new debt. New Year's Eve Street Party on Rothschild Boulevard New Year's Eve street party on 32 Rothschild Boulevard (the corner of Allenby). Come with a shiny and colorful outfit and dance the year away. New Year's Street Party 2020 © Tel Aviv Free Entrance Facebook Page Gay New Year's Party at the Shpagat  Shpagat's traditional New Year's party is out of control for 2020. They have two fabulous: DJs Michal Serr & Shay Sekler, who's gonna make you shake it to house music & trashy pop. NYE Party © Shpagat Facebook Page Ultimo Dia Mexican New Year's Party at The Prince On December 31 prepare to say goodbye to the physical world and celebrate the end of our existence as we know it, with an evening that is all a black Mexican celebration wrapped in tequila fumes and beautiful temples from the Sombrero and Burritos country. Ultimo Dia 2020 © The Prince Facebook Page New Years Eve with Megaphonim at Herzl 16 The Megaphonim is an Electro Pop Nonsense project, which grew in Tel Aviv in the 1990s and soon became the hottest thing in the local fringe scene. Now they're coming to Herzl 16 to make you dance and forget about the troubles of 2019 by starting the new year with a bang. With DJs Stinky Russian + Yovav. Megaphonim © Herzl 16 Facebook Page Uganda's New Year Celebrate the New Year at local's favorite, Uganda, with DJs Rona Malkin and Sorin. Uganda is known for its

As part of a new municipality initiative to reduce the number of private cars in the inner city, a ban on vehicles on (parts of) Levinsky Street is now in effect. Locals rejoice! Gone are the days when weekly shopping means getting squeezed into the cracks of the narrow sidewalks of the Levinsky Market. Those cracks have taken over the street which means no longer will you have to fear for your life just to buy some spices, or have your eardrums burst on account of honking horns in such a compact area. Finally, the Levinsky Market may actually begin to feel like a market. As of December 16, the Florentine favorite got a small but significant adjustment. Blockades have been placed at the intersections from HaShuk to HaAliyah Street, making Levinsky a pedestrian-only zone, although traffic will still be permitted to cross from the intersecting streets of Nachalat Binyamin, Merhavia, Zevulun and HaHalutzim.  Colorful tables and chairs have been scattered throughout the market, adding flair to the rundown aesthetic that characterizes Levinsky Street while providing an enhancement to public spaces that can be enjoyed by all. Levinsky Street © Jacob Jaffe  The change came from the city municipality's ambitious plan to begin to phase out private cars from the inner city as a part of the continued attempt to battle the effects of climate change and over-congested urbanization. Mayor Ron Huldai has continually fought to reverse the "transportation pyramid" by attempting to reduce th

Back on Track: The new high-speed train lines are set to be open next week At the end of last week, Israel Railways Ltd. announced a successful test run of the express route connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The fully electric, 57-km long track is now set to open this Saturday, December 21, marking a new era of public transport between Israel's most heavily populated cities. The first train is set to depart from Jerusalem's Yitzak Navon station at 21:56 and will arrive at Tel Aviv Hagana just 34 minutes later, making it by far the most efficient form of transport between the two cities. The Railway bridge connecting Jerusalem & Tel Aviv © Shutterstock After 18 years of construction, numerous delays and broken promises, Israel Railways will finally (!) unveil its long awaited and heavily anticipated connection to Jerusalem. The service will operate on a regular full time schedule, departing twice an hour from both directions beginning Sunday, December 22 and will include a stop at Ben Gurion airport. Israel Railways said in a statement that it plans to have an optional route bypassing the airport open to the public in 2020, reducing total travel time to less than 30 minutes. But let's not hold our breath for any more promises and instead just enjoy this early holiday present.  Israeli Railways

Wonder Woman returns, sporting a nostalgic 80's look Earlier today, DC released Wonder Woman's first official trailer of the franchise's second movie, reaching millions of excited fans around the world. The movie's director Patty Jenkins's desire to "bring Wonder Woman to the modern world" is surely no coincidence, considering the film's strong representation of feminism coupled with Gadot's outspoken support for equality. Dripping in the aesthetic pleasure of the 80s infused with the unforgettable sound of New Order's "Blue Monday", the Wonder Woman 1984 trailer promises to give Israeli actress Gal Gadot yet another platform to address woman's rights. The film is set to be released on June 4th, 2020, promising to be one of the summer's most enlivening blockbusters.