Shahni Ben-Haim

Mark your calendars for a busy fall season full of events from sailing out on the Tel Aviv coast to squeeze out the last ounce of summer weather to discovering what food Jerusalem has to offer, because who doesn't love food? Here is our guide to the top events to go to in Israel this fall.

Located in Old North Tel Aviv, Beit Hahayal serves as a theater venue for people from near or far to see performances. The theater, seating 900 also serves as a special events venue specifically for soldiers so that those serving can enjoy theater performances as well. The venue is also in close proximity to culinary establishments like Reviva & Celia and The Blue Rooster, so it’s not hard to grab dinner and a show.

Culinary variance is an aspect of Haifa’s already impressive diverseness. Taco Slash is an eccentric restaurant emphasizing Texan style mexican food. Tasteful tacos, hearty burritos and perfectly tart margaritas are just some of the treasures you’ll find on their menu. This quirky eatery also serves as a venue space where local acts are able to perform every weekend. The mix of foreign food and home town tunes makes Taco Slash the ideal place to grab a bite.

The Tel Aviv Art Studio provides the direction for an individual's creative journey through art lessons and workshops, group or individual art therapy,  and art parties. A place for all ages to express freely, the studio encourages any and all art forms to be constructed. Their lively paint nights are the perfect date night activity, starting with drinks and and ending with your own masterpiece to take home. Additionally the studio offers adult classes, children’s classes, and figure drawing classes for those who want to refine their skills.

Robin Food takes fruits and vegetables, in perfect eating conditions that would otherwise go unused and creates amazing meals/ Pay as you please for these delicious meals.

A must not miss shopping opportunity, if you happen to be in Tel Aviv’s Basel neighborhood. Established in 2012, graduate of Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, Maayan Paz captures the essence of high quality fabrics and minimalism in her designs. Allowing for comfortability and sleekness using clean shapes, she caters her designs to the dynamic lifestyles of the people who wear her designs which allow fluidity from day to night time looks.

Iconic in her black clothing, red lipstick, and glasses, she has established that her designs are thoughtful with social action, uniqueness, quality, sustainability and social involvement in mind. "Designed and manufactured in Tel Aviv" as the company slogan, there is no better place to find sustainable local fashion than at Dorin Frankfurt.

In the location which used to be the beloved Georgian restaurant, Nanuchka, its atmosphere is reminiscent of its predecessor. With chef Ortal Rosenberg, formerly of Shila restaurant in charge of the culinary aspect and Tel Aviv nightlife entrepreneurs Omer Oz, from the Nox group, Shlomi Dayan, and other partners, Emesh is destined for greatness.

This library houses many books in English as well as hebrew and also offers DVDs and a wide music selection with over 25,000 CDs. Recognizing the world is constantly changing, the Materials Library at the Holon Mediatheque offers a wide selection of books and an even wider selection of electronic materials such as movies, music, periodicals, and more. Librarians offering professional advice can also assist with access to the electronic materials database. There are always cultural events and gatherings occuring at the library. From adults to children the library aims to broaden to the knowledge of literature, arts and media.

Located in the heart of Jerusalem, Gourmandises provides food, service and an atmosphere in true excellence. Specializing in French cuisine their menu and catering services include pastries, sandwiches, salads, pastas and more.

With a menu that revolves around cheese Cohen’s Deli, founded in 1948 is a sanctuary for cheese lovers. This quaint fromagerie and their abundant selection of cheeses are used to craft a menu consisting of salads, baguettes and of course a build your own cheese board.

While in Jerusalem you surely want to stop by this father and son shop serving up traditional Arab pastries called Mutabak. You can’t go wrong with a choice between the pastry being filled with cheese or nuts and paired with turkish coffee or mint tea the flaky goodness of the Mutabak will melt in your mouth.

A fresh cup of coffee awaits for visitors of Roasters. In the infamous Machane Yehuda market alongside a cup of coffee Roasters offers select pastries and sandwiches. Not in the mood for coffee? The shop also has select beers so anyone can find their fix.

With the recent release of their newest record, Nodyssey, and their upcoming show's in Israel, we sat down with vocalist, guitarist and founder of theAngelcy, Rotem Bar Or, to discuss the evolution, the impact, and the journey the band has embarked on. Your second album, Nodyssey was just released in early December. What is different about this album in comparison to your freshman album? I’m a different person, you know. It’s like these songs were written like two years ago and the first album was written, I don’t know 8, 9, 10, 11 years ago so it’s 7 years apart, everything is different. Did you have a different writing process? Yes, the first album I wrote it to overcome some emotional difficulties, or spiritual crises, so in a way in the beginning the songs were between me and me. It was really something that happened in my room between me and myself and that was like the essence of the songs. The second album I wrote for a much more precise reason. I wrote it so that the band has new songs so that we can keep going just to keep the group together. So it was a much shorter process, and anyway it’s different I think to write a second album. The first (album), the songs that I’ve written for the first one, I was just a very weird guy that thinks of being a musician but you know no one knew me, no one expected anything, and I think in a way to produce a second album it’s always going to be different, it’s already more public. It took a lot of effort to make this album, to for

Imagine a festival of food with elegant cocktails, mouthwatering burgers, decadent cakes, and so much more… but everything is black. © Vincent Boccara Culinary connoisseurs and Instagram foodies are in for a treat or two, or three, or four, with Tel Aviv’s Black Food Festival approaching. Dishing out samples of these dark delectables, the food festival celebrates not just the typical black-colored foods, but unconventional foods that normally possess more vibrant hues. © Regina Boros The festival will feature a feast from numerous top Tel Avivian chefs, bakers and bartenders, and it will also host a competition to name the best black food and drink of the year, so you’re sure to be tasting the best of the best. © Regina Boros Prior to Tel Aviv, the traveling festival has impressed international foodies in Budapest and Berlin, and is awaiting critiques from the foodies of The White City. So make sure to show up with an empty stomach and an open mind and give this alluring festival a go Tel Aviv Black Food Festival, Feb. 7 For more information: www.blackfoodfest.com

Mews newest collection is a combo of cultures and influences for Winter 2019 Maintaining a common element throughout the collection – the color black – Gal Shenfeld, Mews designer and owner honed in on globalization and how lines have blurred the sources of regional fashion trends. Based on those key influences she titled the collection Voyager and focused on pulling influences from American and Middle Eastern culture. Her contemporary and bold choices create a unique collection. Establishing the brand four years ago, Gal Shenfeld, a graduate of Shenkar College of Engineering and Design has also won several awards for her work including the Mifal Hapais prize. © Juli Teitler From seamlessly tailored pants, to sharp, button-down shirts, and handmade avant-garde pieces, Shenfeld blends her influences together to create an effortless yet captivating signtaure collection that remains universally trendy. Mews designs are a few-of-akind, crafted from neoprene, tulle, and silk to create refined cuts and detailed combinations with sequins and other glitz that make it a sought-after brand. © Juli Teitler MEWS

Jerusalem Artists’ House explores contrasting themes in three new exhibits The first of the exciting exhibitions entitled Carry That Weight explores the connection to and significance of animals that has existed through generations and throughout worlds and cultures. Converging 21 different artists’ work from the 1950s to the present, this exhibit features art pieces where animals are being carried to represent either the responsibility of care for the animal or the origin of energy and pride the animal provides the human. Spectators can analyze the works which portray shepard figures and representations of masculinity and femininity and truly explore what it might be like to carry the weight. Nir Hod, Bravo, 2004, Color print The next exhibit being hosted is by Israeli artist Nelly Agassi, entitled Homeseek. Her artwork represents contrasts using female figures as a constant through her works in large scale structures. This exhibit is paired with smaller scale 2-dimensional drawings which represent icons of Chicago that she encountered in her time living there. Some contrasts explored include small and large, life and death, black and white, sculpture and drawing, Israel and America, past and present, and adolescence and motherhood. The final exhibition, entitled I, Lodërit: an exhibition in the 21st Nidbach series, is the first solo exhibit by eclectic artist Dvora Cohen. Her use of different mediums brings to light the inconsistency of balance between the “mundane and my

This unique present is also a positive domino effect for Israeli non-profits and wineries Wine on the Vine is a local company that sells grape vines to plant on Israeli wineries to then turn into wine for the region. The company was created with three goals in mind: to allow those in far away places to (literally and figuratively) root themselves in Israel, to raise money for causes in the region, and to provide support and connection to a 3,500 year old cultural institution. Gift givers can buy vines in honor of loved ones as well as select a charity to benefit from the purchase. This meaningful gift conceives a connection to the land and excites gift receivers with a possibility that wine enthusiasts will have the ability to taste their wine. Vine purchasers can choose among eight different Israeli wineries spread out through Israel, including the Carmel Winery, Gush Etzion Winery, Jezreel Valley Winery, Maia Winery, Psagot Winery, Tabor Winery, Tulip Winery, and Yatir Winery to plant their grapes. © Wine on the Vine With each vine only costing $18 it also covers a donation to 13 different Israeli charities, including The Israel Innovation Fund, which provides Hebrew culture for diaspora communities; BINA, which promotes intersectionality within Judaism and social action; Darca Schools, which provides top education for Israeli students regardless of race or religion, from lower socioeconomic backgrounds; Educating for Excellence, striving for equal education opportunities

When visiting the city of Jerusalem there are plenty of fun activities, but for families with kids who don’t speak Hebrew, it might be a challenge. Thankfully, The Tower of David Museum offers a range of English tours. © Amit Geron Throughout the end of December, the museum is offering activities for the whole family. A plethora of guided tours and night experiences will keep you and the kids busy and entertained. Each tour has a captivating theme including 'Days of the Mandate in Jerusalem', 'From Herrod’s Palace to British Prison', 'Explore Jerusalem’s History' and even a 'Step into History of the Old City' via an amazing virtual reality platform (for ages 13+). © Ricky Rachman The night experience takes families through the story of King David, projecting images and video on Jerusalem's citadel walls with music and lights to match. The breathtaking experiences are ones the kids will be talking about for years to come. Additionally, The Tower of David museum is opening up the 2,000 year old Phasael Tower built by King Herrod so visitors can take in 360 degree views of Jerusalem from another perspective. © Naftali Hilger The Tower of David Museum, Step into History:  virtual reality (VR) guided tour in Old City, Dec. 23-27 & Dec. 30-31 at 10:00 Days of the Mandate in Jerusalem, Dec. 27 at 13:00    From Herod's Palace to British Prison, Every Friday at 10:00 including Dec. 28 Explore Jerusalem’s History, Sun-Thu at 11:00 Night Spectacular and King David, Dec. 22

Whether you like bold patterns or small accents, Zohara has tights for everyone © PR For the past eight years, Zohara, the Israeli tights brand, has graced the legs of women from the ages of 2 to 90 years old. Their intricate designs attract women from all over the world looking to add a little glitz to their leg wear. Founded in Tel Aviv, Zohara quickly became a cult item amongst Israeli women, and soon after, worldwide. With designs ranging from patterned stars to small decals of lightning bolts or eyes, these tights, leggings and socks give a pop of excitement to any outfit. “This is a brand for women run exclusively for women,” says Zohara, who knows exactly what it feels like when tights rip on the run. Prone to tears and snags, regular tights don’t cut it when it comes to women on the go, but Zohara’s high quality tights are guaranteed to last if taken care of properly. © PR Tights ranging from NIS 50-125, and there is also a children’s section, because what little girl doesn’t want to match with mom?   © PR   zoharatights, 255 Dizengoff St, Tel Aviv. Hours: Sun-Thu: 9:30-19:30; Fri: 9:30-15:00 Sat: Closed TLV Fashion Mall, 6 Carlebach St, Tel Aviv. Hours: Sun-Thu: 10:00-22:00; Fri: 9:00-16:00; Sat: 1/2 hour after Shabbat ends until 23:00

@graffishionista on the 'Gram mixes fashion and graffiti for fun-loving pics © Avital Zur With graffiti being a persistent part of Tel Aviv culture, Zur has broken into a niche, with fun-loving poses in front of art that pops up in Tel Aviv while showing off her unique fashion choices. As if she hand-picked the perfect spot, the outfits almost always match the art on the walls, if not by color then by concept. When wearing clothes that seem to flow she tends to find some street art with more movement and vice versa for more structured pieces. © Avital Zur After completing her 20 year career in high-tech, Zur started studying marketing analytics. After starting a new job 8 months ago on Washington Street in the hipster hub of Florentin, she admired all the artwork on the street. One day Zur, who worked in fashion prior to her career in high-tech, was noticed by a barista at Washington Cafe who took a photo of her next to a piece of graffiti. On that day graffishionista was born. © Avital Zur From that day on Zur said it has become a tradition. On each day she can, she asks a stranger to snap pictures of her as she poses in front of a new piece of work. Zur wrote in an Instagram post, “there’s a lot of freedom in that every day I can dress up how I want, reinvent myself and mess with fashion.”

Hangar 11 hosts the most popular indie acts in the country Focusing in on local indie acts, Shuffle Festival, hosted by Assaf Amdursky, is bringing musicians from all over the country for a unique festival experience. Representatives from all aspects of the music world will give their all to performances that audiences will never stop talking about. An impressive line up by Tiny Fingers, Hila Ruach, Shai Tsabari, Ravid Kahalani, Shye Ben Tzur, Kutiman Orchestra, Echo, and Shlomi Shaban creates an eclectic mash up of shows to grace the stage. Taking place at Hangar 11 on December 26, tickets to the festival start at NIS 139. There is no excuse to miss this electrifying festival of local talent. Shuffle Festival, Dec. 26 Hangar 11, Tel Aviv Port For more information: zappa-club.co.il

Native Tel Avivian, Tom Oren has every Israeli beaming with pride this week. This past week, it was announced Oren has been awarded first place in the coveted Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition and swept the judges away. At just 24 years old, Oren has accomplished a tremendous amount of study in the music field. Attending high school in Givatayim at the Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts, he led a successful Jazz ensemble that performed across the world. © GettyImages. Maxime Sanchez, Isaiah Thompson, Tom Oren, and Herbie Hancock are seen on stage during the awards Post high school he studied at the Israeli Conservatory of Music, the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music and the Arison Campus of the Arts in Tel Aviv before earning a four year scholarship and moving to the United States to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. With this recognition, Oren joins the ranks of coveted Israeli Jazz musicians such as Avishai Cohen who claimed third place in the same competition in 1997. Oren is going to be the last to claim the $25,000 and recording contract with Concord Music Group award under Thelonious Monk’s name as the competition is choosing to honor Herbie Hancock, a distinguished jazz musician, in the future.

Who said print was dead? The Hansen House in Jerusalem will serve as the venue for the In Print Fair 2018, which will feature hundreds of print artists from Israel and around the world. This time around they are shifting the focus on Israeli and Jerusalem-based artists. © Yaara Zach  At the end of this week, print enthusiasts can peruse the intricate prints of dedicated artists and enjoy music, artist talks and refreshments. Admission to the fair is free to encourage those eager in adding to their print collection to purchase items such as special editions, hand-bound books, printed catalogs and independently printed 'zines in order to support and show appreciation for the talented artists directly. This is a perfect opportunity to find unique and local gifts for the creative in your life this holiday season. Dec. 6-7 The Hansen House, 14 Gdalyahu Alon St, Jerusalem For more information: hansen.co.il

In an effort to make solid connections with Diaspora Jews, the Ministry of Diaspora is creating a new tradition - hosting a massive and festive parade in Jerusalem Partnering with the Ministry of Education, the Jerusalem and Heritage Office, the Jewish Agency and many other organizations, this parade will showcase balloons and floats from around the world - symbolizing and strengthening the connection of Diaspora Jews and Israeli Jews to Israel. © PR Those marching in the inaugural parade include marching bands, youth movements, floats from the Midburn Festival, antique automobiles, and players from the Hapoel Jerusalem basketball team. Not only will the balloons and marchers be included in the spectacle, but musical artists like Matisyahu and Nechi Nech will performance, making this parade a highly anticipated event. The parade will start at Liberty Bell Park and wind through the city towards the Sultan’s Pool where the performances will take place. Together Parade - Dec. 3 Parade starts from Liberty Bell Park, Jerusalem For more information: jerusalem.muni.il/en