Israel is a crossroads of many cultures, thanks to which, regardless of religion, everyone finds something important and interesting for themselves when traveling here.

And, of course, I want to capture a piece of this amazing country as a souvenir and bring back from the trip an original and useful gift close people. There are many opinions about what you can buy in Israel as a souvenir, and below is a story about the most unique and unusual gifts.

Headdress "Kippa"

Kippah is a traditional men's headdress, which ideally reflects the degree of religiosity of its owner and can even tell about his ideological worldview and beliefs. That's why you can see such diversity in Israel: bales vary in shape and size, material, and ornament.

However, souvenir yarmulkes cannot be compared with the headdresses worn by religious Jews. Such hats are designed to attract tourists, and therefore are brightly and attractively decorated and may well become an interesting memorable gift.

Red thread

Among the things you can bring from Israel as a souvenir, you should definitely name such an elegant and simple souvenir as the Red Thread. Here it is considered a powerful amulet, as it is consecrated at the grave of Rachel, the foremother of nations. The red thread is tied on the wrist with 7 knots - a loved one should tie it (usually mothers do this). Then, according to belief, it brings health and good luck to its owner; the main thing is to wear it without taking it off.

Minora

What other popular souvenirs from Israel are there that you can bring to decorate your interior? If we ignore the religious symbolism, a minora, or candelabra, designed to hold seven candles, would be an excellent souvenir. Its leg and holders are usually made of metal, and its stands are made of colored glass or ceramics. Also, the minor is often decorated with semi-precious or precious stones and carvings, so that the candlestick can become an original and beautiful interior detail.

Pomegranate wine

There are wines in Israel that are made from grapes, currants, and other fruits and berries. But among all the varieties and brands, pomegranate wine “Rimon” is of particular interest to tourists - unique, one of a kind.

“Rimon” is produced only here and is considered the world’s first example of the production of alcohol exclusively based on pomegranate. Actually, this is not even a single variety, but a whole collection, which includes dry, dessert, and even sparkling wine. The drink is dark amber, golden hue, light tart taste and density unusual for wines.

Company Rimon Winery owns his own orchards where pomegranates are grown. Such natural raw materials allow the drink to retain many useful vitamins and acids and makes it a powerful antioxidant.

Dead Sea Cosmetics

Cosmetics made from mineral salts and Dead Sea mud are well known for their natural ingredients and effective effects on the body. Therefore, it is simply impossible to visit Israel and not buy a cream, mask or scrub here.

So what cosmetics should you bring from Israel and which brands should you prefer? The five main manufacturers are:

• Kedem;
• Doctor Sea;
• Beauty Life;
• Minus 417;
• Mon Platin.

It is better to buy cosmetics in specialized stores that operate from manufacturing factories, in shopping centers or pharmacies.

Silk tablecloth

An example of what can be brought from Israel as a hostess gift is locally made silk tablecloths. They are characterized by bright and beautiful colors, interesting and pleasing to the eye ornaments, and delicate texture. And besides the purely aesthetic component, such a gift will also have an absolutely rational side: silk tablecloths are easy to care for, they are easy to iron and can be washed from stains without any difficulty.

Eilat stone jewelry

In Israel you can buy gold and silver jewelry with a rare and very beautiful Eilat stone, which is mined only here, in the south of the Arava Desert, in the Timna Natural Park.

The Eilat stone has an incomparable rich malachite-green color with azure splashes and is considered almost the national symbol of Israel, “King Solomon’s stone.” There is an opinion that he has magical properties, for example, helps in gaining wisdom and absorbs stress, fear and pain.

In Israel you can buy various decorations with the Eilat stone. These include amulets, beads and rings, earrings and brooches, bracelets. True, due to the depletion of the deposit, the extraction of stone is reduced and it becomes more and more rare.

What else can you bring from Israel?

Of course, the mentioned souvenirs are only a small part of what can be brought from Israel; tips for tourists will be as follows:

1. Don’t miss the opportunity to try and buy samples of local cuisine with you back home, for example, corn sticks (bamba) for children, hummus.
2. Many travelers come to Israel specifically for religious souvenirs (icons, crosses, Hanukkiah, tallit, oil). They are really very beautiful and varied here! Take a closer look, maybe you will like something too.
3. Another souvenir direction is amulets (Khamsa, Star of David). They are sold in the form of keychains, pendants, pendants, and bracelets. You can buy them for yourself or as a gift.
4. They do amazing things in Israel olive oil, honey, coffee with cardamom, spices and grow delicious dates, which have already become the talk of the town. So be sure to leave room in your luggage for these types of gifts.
5. And of course, no one canceled the purchase of magnets, postcards, T-shirts and other usual souvenirs. You'll find them everywhere here!

Amulet "Star of David"
A very popular souvenir among tourists, as a reminder of an amazing, unique, and beautiful country in its own way - Israel. The symbol is a six-pointed star, the image of which can be seen on the national flag of the country.
Star of David- a symbol of the country in the truest sense of the word. It can be seen on every public and private institution, on synagogues, even on the ambulance building, not to mention hotels, shops and catering establishments.
The literal translation of this symbol is the Shield of David.
A little history
This symbol was depicted on the shields of every warrior who served King David, who, together with his army, was considered one of the most invincible and powerful warriors in the East.
The star itself is a hexagram - a sign that appeared long before Judaism (approximately at the end of the 4th century BC). The six-pointed star was used for magical rituals, as well as for decorative purposes.
Even medieval books about witchcraft and magic contain images of a star. In my time Star of David was a kind of international sign. By the way, its first name "The Seal of Solomon" and it was more common in Christianity than in Islam!
Symbol meaning
There are four triangles in total in the star and each of them means something different. One is a symbol of water, the second is air, the third is fire, the fourth is a symbol of earth.
But scientists are still inclined to this opinion - in total there are twelve faces in a star, like twelve tribes (regions) in Israel, over which David once reigned.
Star of David- symbol number 1 in Israel
Israelis are not supporters of tattooing, but at the same time they rank first in popularity of tattoos Star of David comes out on top. It is most often applied in the neck area, on the shoulder or leg, but not a single Jew applies the symbol on the chest in the area of ​​the heart.But the most popular are pendants made of silver or gold in the form of a six-pointed star.

Amulet "Hamsa"
The second most popular decoration that will become a great gift and a reminder of Israel, is "Hamsa Amulet". Translated from Hebrew it means “five” and is depicted in the form of a palm with five symmetrically arranged fingers that do not follow the anatomical shape of a human hand. The amulet is considered one of the most ancient in Israel, popular among Muslim and Jewish people. The second name of the amulet is Hand of Miriam.
Main purpose A Hamsa muleta- protection from the evil eye, that is, from the evil eye. According to legend, a person receives all information through his eyes and at the same time he necessarily has some feelings and emotions from what he sees. These can be both positive and negative emotions, for example, joy or anger, envy, indignation. To avoid the bad influence of others, Jews very often wear A around their necks. Hamsa mulet to protect yourself from the evil eye.
Some additional symbols are often placed on the amulet, the action of which is also aimed at protecting against bad influences from the outside. The most common "additions" are: the Star of David, fish or the human eye.
Issued Hamsa Amulet in shades of blue with matching stones. It is the blue color, according to the Jews, that protects against the evil eye.
Anchovy can be worn on the body or used to protect the house, in which case it is usually hung right at the entrance to the home in front of the door or opposite it, so that man entering Be sure to look at the symbol and thereby avert the evil eye from the dwelling itself and from the people living in it.
Muslims call this amulet "Hand of Fatima". According to legend, Fatima (Muhammad's daughter) found out that her husband had another woman. At the moment of this news, Fatima was preparing food and began stirring the food with her hand instead of a spoon, despite the severe burning pain. Therefore, for Muslims, this amulet is not only a talisman against the evil eye, but also a symbol of patience, perseverance and faith.
Hamsa Amulet Can be purchased as a pendant, pendant, home decoration or as a keychain.
In shops Israel You can find children's amulets made of natural wood in the shape of a palm. Children usually buy wooden amulets for later coloring and the possibility of giving to relatives and friends.
Anchovy can be made from different materials, but most often metal and clay products are found on sale. If you want to buy a more expensive amulet, then you should definitely visit jewelry shop and purchase Khamsu made of silver or gold.
The cheapest but original look Hamsa- these are keychains. They are usually bought for their friends as a reminder of Israel.

33 candles
And probably one of the most desired gifts, which can be brought from Israel, is thirty three candles- a symbol of the Christian faith. Absolutely all Israelis come to church on Easter and light this one large candle, consisting of thirty-three thin candles connected to each other. The symbol "33" is the age of Christ during which he lived on Earth.
The candle is lit the day before Orthodox Easter from the emanating Holy Fire appearing in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The candles are lit and extinguished almost immediately, and only then sold to tourists and believers.
Thirty three candles and should not be separated in any way - they are lit entirely, thereby forming one powerful fiery torch. The candle should be extinguished carefully, as the fire intensity is quite high. Usually in Israel 33 candles immerse in a container of sand or some hard, non-flammable object.
Jews light candles not only on the eve of Passover, but also on ordinary days. It could be some kind of joyful event or illness loved one. It is recommended to light candles even if it is necessary to light a small candle - this is how the power of the large candle is transferred to the small one.
Orthodox Christians upon arrival from Jerusalem try to walk through the apartment or house with 33 candles. Be sure to use fire and emanating smoke to go around all corners in order to cleanse the room of evil spirits, the evil eye, and envy.
To prevent the entire candle from burning out, it is advisable to light it and literally immediately extinguish it and carry out the appropriate church ceremony (read a prayer or walk around the apartment).
Don't be afraid to take candles as a gift. They are originally from the evil eye and damage, so they will not bring any harm to their new owners.
33 candles sold only in Jerusalem and mainly in close proximity to the Temple of the Lord. The cost of the candle is symbolic - only one and a half dollars.
If you want to get into the Temple and set it on fire, then you should definitely find out its opening hours. Please note that the Temple is open at specific times and days. Tour groups have a better chance of getting inside the Temple, but, in principle, the attendant can be persuaded, the main thing is to do it not forcefully, but calmly. People are allowed into the temple not out of obligation, but simply out of the pure heart. But they won’t let you stay there for long if you don’t get there during the allotted hours. The main thing is to light the candle, extinguish it and stand inside for a while.

Dead Sea Cosmetics
Another no less pleasant gift will be cosmetical tools, where the base is salt and Dead Sea mud. It is especially profitable to purchase them in Ein Bokek, a resort town. But also in other cities Israel you can find many jars, tubes with creams, tonics, lotions, shampoos and other cosmetic products that are produced directly in Israel and contain only natural ingredients and substances - no "chemistry", dyes, artificial flavors!
Costs Dead Sea cosmetics in Ein Bokek is almost two times cheaper than in Israel.
Be sure to bring real sea salt from your trip. You can buy it or just collect it yourself - fortunately there is plenty of it along the coast.
If you decide to buy Dead Sea products, then it is best to pay attention to cosmetics from the following manufacturers:
- Ahava;
- Sea of ​​SPA.
The cheapest option is sea salt, which is sold in bags and jars. different weights and size. Salt with the addition of cosmetic and aromatic oils will be very aromatic.
Price Dead Sea mud It’s affordable - one and a half kilograms sells for about $1.50.

Minora
>An interesting seven-lamp candlestick, considered one of the most ancient symbols of Judaism. The shape of the minor completely repeats the shape of the candlestick mentioned in the Bible and which is the personification of seven churches at once. Also Minora symbolizes the seven days of the week. It is also a reminder that despite wars, destruction and extermination, Jews managed to survive.
Today, the image of a seven-lamp candlestick can be found on cash coins, souvenirs, printed materials and the seals themselves.

Jewelry
Jewelry made from Israel, which can be purchased in specialized stores and jewelry stores in large cities. The important thing is that products from precious metals It's inexpensive and accessible to everyone!

Tablecloths from natural silk <
Pleasant to the touch, beautiful and always original silk tablecloths will be a great gift for family and friends. They are sewn on site Israel, so there’s definitely no need to talk about a Chinese fake. You can buy them in shopping centers, souvenir shops and family shops. Behind Israeli silk tablecloths They are easy to care for and hold stains until the first wash. The cost can vary from 7 to 30 USD. depending on size.

Dates
The most delicious dates you can only try in Israel! Therefore, if among your friends and relatives there are lovers of sweet, healthy, and most importantly - natural sweets, then why not buy dates?
Israeli dates quite large in size and very fleshy. Transporting them will not be difficult - usually the product is sold in half-kilogram boxes. Variety dates is Majkhol - the largest representatives of this species with a very delicate taste and wonderful aroma.

Natural wine
Wine of Israel It is definitely worth considering to buy as a reminder of this wonderful country.
Taste Israeli wines tart, sweetish, different from Mediterranean wines. It is best to purchase wine directly from the manufacturer, and there is always the opportunity to taste the drink and appreciate it.
A wonderful souvenir - King David's wine, the cost of which ranges from 2-3 USD. per bottle. You can buy currant wine to try (the cost is also around 2.5-3 USD).
Pomegranate wine, which locals call rimon, will be tasty and tart. True, the drink will cost around 4.5-5 USD. per bottle.

Routes around Israel

10 things you need to bring from Israel

Today, the borders between many states are almost symbolic, and goods produced in another hemisphere can easily be bought at the nearest supermarket.

However, there are still souvenirs and products that are worth purchasing in their homeland, and not only because they are cheaper there. It's more about the quality of the goods and their authenticity.

What to bring from Israel? prepared a list. Write it down!

The “Wine of King David” is very popular, as well as currant wines and pomegranate wine “Rimon”. By the way, it is best to purchase it directly from wineries. It's cheaper and you can try samples first. The main thing is not to accidentally go over and forget the way to, for example.

Probably nowhere are there such delicious dates as in Israel. Please your loved ones and bring them a couple of boxes. Please note that one box usually weighs 500 g. As for varieties, pay attention to the Deglet Nur and Majkhol varieties.

If you remember, olive trees grew in the Garden of Gethsemane, in which Christ prayed on the eve of the betrayal of Judas. The culture of growing these fruits has a history of thousands of years in Israel, and the olives themselves have an excellent taste. Be sure to bring home a couple of jars of olives and olives, but be careful when transporting them.

Sweets

A love of sweets is common to residents of all Middle Eastern countries. Israel is also no exception. As a delicious gift for loved ones, you can buy different varieties of halva, sheseki (Japanese medlar), passionflower and caramelized pecans.

Please note that sweets can stay with you for a long time - in the form of deposits on your waist. Find out what other world dishes hide hundreds of calories.

Hummus (chickpea paste snack)

About a dozen countries are vying for the right to be called the homeland of the super-popular chickpea spread hummus in the Middle East. Among them is Israel. Residents of the country believe that their hummus is the most delicious.

So that your family and friends can also appreciate the taste of real chickpea paste, bring a couple of jars of this product. You should only buy hummus immediately before departure.

Dead Sea salt has been used by the world's leading cosmetic brands for many years. Salt is used to create high-quality skin care products. Don't miss the chance to purchase popular cosmetics at attractive prices.

Tablecloths

Yes, yes, tablecloths made of natural silk as a souvenir from Israel are a great idea. These are not just table covers, this is a real miracle - even the most stubborn stains can be washed off from Israeli silk tablecloths without any difficulty.

If you are planning a holiday in Israel, this article is for you. Whatever type of holiday you choose in this interesting and diverse country, you will probably want to buy something as a souvenir. We will tell you what to bring from Israel, where to buy it and how to choose it. Whether you're traveling to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat or another city, our smart shopping tips should help you in this matter.

Israel is a small country, but each of its regions lives a special life. People go to Jerusalem to pray, to the Dead Sea for treatment, to the Red Sea to enjoy a lazy beach holiday, to Tel Aviv to have fun. But wherever you go, you will almost everywhere find something that you can buy as a souvenir.

The national currency of Israel is the new Israeli shekel (the current exchange rate to the ruble, dollar and other currencies can be viewed in our currency converter). It is most profitable to change money at certified exchangers, which are found in almost all tourist places. We do not recommend changing money at the airport - the commission here is too high.

In almost any souvenir shop you can buy magnets with images of Israel (from 7-8 shekels), standard keychains (from 10-12 shekels) or T-shirts with symbols of the country (from 40-50 shekels). But if you are looking not only for typical tourist souvenirs, but for something really interesting and useful, take a look at our tips.

So, what can you bring from Israel?

Many of our compatriots go to Israel for treatment. Medicine in this country is one of the best in the world. Accordingly, pharmaceutical products here are of the highest quality. This is why many tourists wonder how to buy medicines in Israel.

Answering this question, it’s worth saying right away that Israeli pharmacies are very different from Russian ones. Most drugs here are available with a prescription. A striking example is Nizoral shampoo (a popular anti-dandruff remedy) in Israel you cannot buy without a prescription. From here it is clear that apart from vitamins, dietary supplements and organic medicines, you will be able to purchase practically nothing here. However, if you have a prescription, feel free to take it to the pharmacy and get a good discount.

The largest chain pharmacies in Israel are Superpharm and Newpharm. In these pharmacies you can buy not only medicines, but also cosmetics. By the way, it will cost less here than in duty-free. In addition, in pharmacies you can freely buy hygiene products and medicinal teas, tinctures and other supplements of natural origin. Most often, tourists buy creams and ointments in Israeli pharmacies to treat eczema and psoriasis.

Cosmetics

Perhaps this is the most popular souvenir from Israel. Local cosmetics are famous throughout the world. They often buy it for themselves, and also take it as a gift to loved ones - both women and men. What cosmetics should you buy in Israel?

Most popular brands:

• Onmacabim;
• Ahava;
• Mineral Beauty System;
• Sea of ​​SPA;
• Dead Sea Premier;
• egomania;
• Angelic;
• Style Aromatherapy;
• Biolab;
• Yes To.

What are most often brought from Israeli cosmetics:

• shampoos and conditioners;
• salt and mud scrubs;
• products for deep facial cleansing (masks, tonics);
• anti-aging cosmetics;
• creams and serums from popular brands for face and body;
• cosmetics for acne treatment;
• cosmetics for problem and oily skin;
• sunscreens.

If you are looking for a gift from Israel for a man, we recommend paying attention to mud shampoos and salt scrubs. It’s easier to choose a gift for a woman - many girls will appreciate Israeli cosmetics, because most of them have heard about it for a long time.

One of the most popular products is Dead Sea mud. It costs about 30-40 shekels per kilogram.

Where to buy cosmetics in Israel? We do not advise you to go shopping for it in open markets, since many products can deteriorate under the scorching sun (the only exceptions are soap and bath salts - classic and with the addition of various oils). Your best bet is to shop at cosmetic retailers like Nella. Here you can sometimes save a lot of money on buying cosmetics, since discounts on many products are very common. You can also look for Israeli cosmetics in regular supermarkets and pharmacies - here you can also make very profitable purchases. But in duty-free the choice will be a little more modest, and the prices for some products are even higher than in the city.

Prices for Israeli cosmetics in Israel are, of course, lower than in Russia and other European countries. They depend on the product itself and the company - everything is the same as everywhere else. They start at about 30 shekels per product. Whatever product you choose, Israeli cosmetics are one of the best souvenirs of this country, which is really worth buying for yourself and as a gift.

Charms

Amulets are one of the most popular souvenirs from Israel. Perhaps they are brought even more often than religious paraphernalia. Many believe that in the holy land of Israel, amulets have a much greater energy charge than anywhere else.

Red thread

You've probably heard about the popularity of an amulet in the form of a red thread, which is tied on the wrist to make wishes come true. Many people order it from Israel via the Internet. If you find yourself on holy land, it makes sense to buy it for a loved one or for yourself if you believe in the power of this amulet. The price of red thread in Israel is low - about 2-3 shekels. Some of them are already consecrated - this can be found out from the seller.

The red thread needs to be tied into 7 knots by a loved one. They wear it until it breaks. When this happens, it is believed that all wishes will come true.

Anchovy

Hamsa is one of the most popular Arabic amulets. It is believed that this symbol protects against the evil eye. If you don’t know what you can bring to your child from Israel, consider buying this amulet - children usually like jewelry with a hamsa (a palm-shaped amulet).

Hamsa is sold in the form of keychains, pendants and bracelets. If the anchovy is not made of precious metals, then jewelry with it will cost you only 5-10 shekels.

You can buy such amulets in almost any souvenir shop in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat or at the market.

Star of David

Various jewelry, clothes and souvenirs with the image of Mogen Dovida (the six-pointed Star of David) are very popular among tourists. This is one of Israel's most recognizable souvenirs. You can buy things with the Star of David in religious places, in souvenir shops, and in markets. Most often, tourists choose keychains and pendants with this amulet.

Religious values

Shopping in Jerusalem is inextricably linked with the purchase of religious shrines. Jerusalem is the center of world religion, but pilgrims and tourists can buy religious paraphernalia almost everywhere in Israel. What do they buy most often?

Icons

It is believed that icons purchased in Jerusalem have miraculous powers. Icons brought from the holy land are highly valued.

Icons in Israel are sold on regular canvas, on wood, in silver or gold, in stone, etc. Their price depends on this. A simple icon in Jerusalem can be bought for about 10-12 shekels. Most often, tourists buy images of Christ the Savior, the Mother of God of Jerusalem and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Candles

In second place in terms of polarity after icons are candles. Most often, pilgrims buy them in Jerusalem. Usually candles are sold in bundles (33 pieces for each year of Jesus’ life).

Wax candles cost about 20-30 shekels per set, and paraffin candles - 4-5 shekels.

Attributes of Judaism

Very often in Israeli souvenir shops you will find candlesticks for 7 and 9 candles. You may not know, but they are also considered religious paraphernalia - keep that in mind.

A candlestick for 7 candles is called a Menorah. This is the oldest Jewish religious attribute for worship. Candlestick of 9 candles – Hanukkah (symbol of Hanukkah).

If you have friends who profess Judaism, be sure to bring them such a gift from Jerusalem. You can also buy a kippah, a traditional headdress worn by men in Israel, as a gift or souvenir. Or Tales - a rug for prayer.

Clothing and jewelry

Israel cannot be called the center of world fashion, but shopping in this country will still not disappoint you. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the beautiful jewelry.

Diamonds

If you are not limited by funds, be sure to buy diamond jewelry in Israel. The fact is that this country is the world's largest supplier of this precious stone. So prices for diamonds here will be lower than, perhaps, elsewhere.

You should only buy diamond jewelry in Israel in specialized stores so that the seller can show you the product passport.

Gold and silver

Gold prices in Israel are also pleasantly different from what we are used to. It is even more profitable to buy Israeli silver. Almost every shopping center in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat and other cities has jewelry shops and entire departments with very beautiful jewelry. Israeli craftsmen know their craft well and create truly attractive things that will be a good souvenir for yourself or a gift for a loved one.

It is also better to buy gold and silver in Israel only where they can show you a quality certificate. We advise you not to look at such things at all in the markets - there are a lot of fakes there. The most popular manufacturer of silver jewelry in Israel is Magnolia. The shops of this company are present in almost every shopping center in Tel Aviv and other cities in the country.

Tourists often buy silver cups and candlesticks, as well as dishes in Israel. True, it is worth asking the seller whether the souvenir is really made entirely of silver, since most often there are products with silver plating.

Eilat stone

This traditional stone of Israel is most often sold as jewelry set in silver. It can be recognized by its beautiful green color and interesting azure splashes. Beads and bracelets, earrings and pendants – there is jewelry with the Eilat stone for every taste.

Don’t be afraid to buy such things in regular stores, they are practically not counterfeited. Please note that prices for Eilat stone are rising over time - mining in Israel has already stopped, so Eilat will soon become a rare and valuable rock. Now a small pendant with an Eilat stone will cost you about 150 shekels, and a ring with it will cost about 250 shekels.

Natural fabrics

If you are wondering what to bring your children from Israel, go to a store with children's things. In this country, they treat children very carefully, so they sew clothes of excellent quality from good natural fabrics for them. The prices are quite reasonable, and the best place to buy children's clothing in Israel is in the markets.

By the way, remember that you can and should bargain in Israeli markets. Even if the price is written on a particular product, you can knock it down by a third, or even double. If you don’t bargain, you also offend the seller - they think that you treated them condescendingly. These are the subtleties of Israeli culture - remember them. And don’t worry - most sellers speak Russian (both in markets and in souvenir shops)

In addition to children's clothing from Israel, it is worth bringing good quality items for yourself and as gifts for loved ones. We are talking about shirts, tunics, trousers and skirts and other clothes made from natural fabrics. You can also buy some home textiles - most often these are bed linen sets, silk tablecloths and bedspreads. It is best to buy them in the markets.

Games

In Israel you can buy play sets that will appeal to both adults and children.

Matkot

If you choose a beach holiday in Israel, you will probably see people playing matkot more than once. This popular national Israeli beach game is similar to table tennis. It requires two wooden rackets and a rubber ball. Please note that the balls come with markings of different colors, which indicate the degree of their “jumping” (yellow - weak, white and green - medium, red and blue - strong).

A matkot game set is a traditional souvenir from Israel. If you don’t know what to bring for your children, or you yourself are fond of outdoor sports games, be sure to buy such a set. It will cost you about 20-25 shekels. They are cheapest in supermarkets.

Chess and backgammon

In Israel you will see very beautiful souvenir sets for playing chess or backgammon. The figurines are made of tortoiseshell, marble or clay. This is a great gift from Israel for lovers of intellectual games. Such sets give off the national flavor of this country and look very beautiful. You can buy these games in souvenir shops and at the market.

Food and drink

Israeli cuisine is very interesting. Of course, you won’t be able to bring the national dishes of this country with you, but you can still take some traditional products with you. We advise you to buy spicy oriental spices in Israel (cardamom, nutmeg, fennel, etc.), pistachios, Brazil nuts (cheaper than in Russia) and something else.

Coffee with cardamom

Israeli traditional coffee has a spicy, refined taste. It owes its interesting taste to cardamom. This spice is not for everyone, but this coffee is still very popular. If you tried it in a hotel or in a cafe and liked it, bring it from Israel for yourself and your loved ones.

Cardamom coffee can be identified by its green box. There is always a cardamom leaf on it. It costs the same as other coffee in Israel - about 50-60 shekels per package. It is more profitable to buy it in supermarkets or markets.

A good gift from Israel for a coffee lover could be a set of coffee with cardamom and cezve (Turk) - such souvenirs are sold in specialized shops and tourist shops, as well as in markets.

Wine

Israeli wine is not so easy to find in Russia, so it makes sense to bring it home as a gift for yourself and loved ones. Wine from the sacred land is astringent - it is not like the usual European wines.

The following drinks are worth paying attention to:

• King David's wine (considered the national alcoholic drink, bottle prices start from 50-60 shekels);
• rimon - pomegranate wine (Israeli wine made from pomegranate fruits is tart and sweet - it is very popular in eastern countries, prices per bottle start from 100-110 shekels);
• currant wine (sweet fruity wine, tart; price per bottle will be approximately 60-70 shekels).

The best place to buy wine in Israel is at wineries and wineries. Tourists are often offered to visit them during excursions, but you can also go on your own. Here you can taste and buy wine at reasonable prices. You can also purchase wines in specialized departments, but here the prices will be higher.

Hummus

Most likely, you will try hummus in a cafe or hotel restaurant in Israel. This is a traditional Israeli product. Hummus is chickpea puree with olive oil and spices. Often lemon juice and sesame paste are also added to it. The product can be consumed as an independent dish, but most often it is spread on sandwiches or eaten with fresh vegetables.

Hummus is sold in plastic containers under vacuum film. It has a short shelf life, so you shouldn’t buy it in advance - only on the eve of departure. In Israel, hummus costs about 10-12 shekels per 500 grams. Of course, it is also sold in Russia, but real Israeli hummus is tastier (if you believe gourmet reviews) and cheaper.

Dates

Again, you can buy dates in Russia (including Israeli ones), but it makes sense to bring them from Israel. Firstly, they will cost less (about 25-50 shekels - depending on the variety - per kilogram). Secondly, dates are often treated with special solutions during transportation so that they do not spoil, and in Israel you will buy a completely natural and fresh product, which definitely does not contain any chemical compounds.

The best place to buy dates in Israel is in the markets. Bargain and choose the most beautiful fruits. It is very convenient to buy dates in boxes of 500 grams - they are easy to take away. Speaking about varieties, we advise you to pay attention to the large and fleshy fruits of the Majohl variety.

Cheese

Israel produces its own varieties of cheese, which can be purchased during excursions to local cheese factories. This national product can also be purchased at markets. Be sure to notify the seller that you plan to transport cheese in your luggage so that he can tell you how to do it correctly.

You should not buy hard cheeses in Israel - they are brought from Europe. When we talk about a local product, we mean soft cheese. Gourmets claim that they are many times superior in taste to feta cheese. However, this is a matter of taste.

Olives

It is believed that the best olives come from Spain, Greece and Tunisia. Few people know that their main competitor is olives from Israel. They are meaty, tasty and buttery. Connoisseurs claim that they can easily compete with those who have long won the “podium” in this area.

The best place to buy Israeli olives is at the markets (ask the seller to help with packaging for transportation). It is very convenient to purchase olives in plastic containers - they can be found in supermarkets.

Oriental sweets

It’s quite difficult to single out something special in this category; there’s nothing particularly new here: halva, sesame paste, baklava, nuts, Turkish delight and other oriental sweets you know. If you see them for sale at the market, feel free to buy them as gifts for friends and family and grab something for yourself. In Israel, as in other eastern countries, such sweets are very tasty and relatively inexpensive.

We highly recommend bringing honey from Israel - it is tasty, natural, and different from ours. In Israel, as you understand, the flowers and plants are different, and therefore the honey is different. The prices for honey are reasonable, and it is best to buy it at the market, where they will let you try the product.

We hope you find our tips for shopping in Israeli cities useful. We wish you pleasant and profitable shopping! Anything to add? Write in the comments!

Stores in Israel are open from Sunday to Thursday 9:00 - 21:00. On Friday - 9:00-13:00. On Shabbat, most shops, institutions and restaurants are closed. Large shopping centers located in all cities are open from 8.00 to 22.00. Currency: Israeli New Shekel. You can reward yourself after long and sometimes tiring walks around the city (by the way, you can get acquainted with the local beauties in absentia in the section “photos of Israeli attractions”) with some new acquisition. The range of goods in Israeli stores is varied. And although the choice of clothing is not as rich as in Europe, and prices are comparable to prices in European stores, there are seasonal sales.

Every year, dozens of new shopping centers open throughout the country, operating on a flexible schedule, which suits tourists quite well. Modern shopping malls in Israel coexist peacefully with colorful oriental bazaars located, for example, in the old part of Jerusalem and a number of other cities. There you can buy handicrafts, souvenirs and authentic goods. When making a purchase at the market, bargaining is encouraged. Thus, the bazaars “Mahane Yehuda” (Jerusalem), “Carmel” (Tel Aviv), and oriental markets in Acre and Nazareth are open every day during the week. The Druze market (Daliyat El Carmel village) is closed on Friday, the Bedouin market (Beer Sheva) - on Monday and Thursday, etc.

Connoisseurs of antiques will probably want to bring antiques from Israel - antique coins, bronze Jewish money from various eras, jewelry, ancient ceramics. Such products should be purchased from licensed sellers. Those wishing to purchase antique items in Israel should remember that items made before 1700, according to current legislation, can be exported from Israel only on the basis of written permission from the director of the Antiquities Authority. The cost of the product is subject to an additional 10% export tax. The management is not responsible for the authenticity of goods. For information, contact The Antiquities Authority Rockfeller Museum in Jerusalem.

Israel is famous for its diamonds. Stones or jewelry with them can be purchased at the Diamond Exchange branches in Tel Aviv, Netanya, Eilat, Jerusalem and other cities. The main manufacturer of jewelry products is the Israel Diamond Center company.

When purchasing at the Diamond Exchange, the buyer is given a passport for the stone. State-licensed jewelry stores offer high-quality products with a 7-10% tourist discount. It is worth remembering that if you want to buy a more expensive stone, on your next trip to Israel you can return the previous one to the exchange, pay the difference and purchase a new stone or product.

Silver lovers in Israel can also make a good purchase. The local silver jewelry has a unique style; you can buy it, for example, in the Magnolia chain of salons. Also on sale are good quality silver dishes and interior items - glasses, goblets, sugar bowls, figurines, candlesticks. When purchasing, you need to be vigilant: some products are made with a layer of silver deposited on a plastic base; they are cheaper than completely silver ones.

Israel is also known for its cosmetic products based on Dead Sea minerals. The most famous brands are Ahava, Sea of ​​Spa, Hlavin, Dead Sea Premier. In addition, local stores and pharmacies sell a lot of lesser-known, but often very effective cosmetics. In the boutiques at the Dead Sea hospitals you can purchase serious medications to combat severe skin ailments.

Almost all tourists visiting Israel bring with them souvenirs of a religious nature as a souvenir of the country, including Christian cypress and mother-of-pearl crosses, Jerusalem candles, icons, rosaries, Jewish religious objects (chanukkiah (seven-branched candlestick), mezuzahs (packet with prayer), kippahs (yarmulkes), tallits (woolen shawls), kiddush (blessing cup), besamim (vessel for incense)). Muslim religious souvenirs include tablets with inscriptions from the Koran, prayer rugs, and rosaries.

In addition, Bedouin and Palestinian carpets and fabrics can be purchased in Israel; products made of copper, brass, tin; Armenian ceramics; hookahs (Arabic: شيشة‎‎, “shisha”); olive wood souvenirs; soap from Nablus; Hebron glass (Arabic: زجاج الخليل‎, zujaj al-Khalili or azaz al-Khalili), the manufacturing secret of which was taken from Murano (Italy).

It is also worth buying “delicious” souvenirs: hummus, chickpeas, pistachios, dried peppers and eggplants, mulberries, spices.

Tax Free in Israel

In Israel, non-resident citizens of the country can return VAT (from Hebrew - maam) when purchasing goods or services worth more than 400 ILS. It is curious that VAT is refunded if the tourist also used the following services: accommodation (in hotels, hostels, campsites); food at the hotel included in the total bill for accommodation; organized excursions; rental of tourist transport (with or without driver-guide); flights operated by Israeli airlines; cruises; meals during organized excursions; hospitalization; participation in the conference (for groups of 50 people or more); use of space at exhibitions.

However, the purchase of food, drinks, tobacco products, electrical equipment, cameras, photographic film and other equipment for filming is not subject to VAT refund.

You also need to remember that as the cost of the purchase increases, the percentage of the VAT refund amount decreases (i.e., the maximum 15% can only be obtained by making a purchase for 400-600 ILS. From 600-1000 ILS you will get 13.5% back, etc. ).

VAT refunds in Israel are handled by the private company Change Place, and the tax is refunded only if purchased in a store that has a contract with this company. The existence of such an agreement must be checked with the seller before purchasing.

To return VAT, you need to fill out a special form (green) in the store and attach a receipt to it. Before checking in, present the goods sent as luggage (not hand luggage!) at the Change Place point in the BUY - BYE hall, after which the service employee will stamp the VAT refund forms. The VAT refund procedure is carried out at the Change Place point in the Duty-Free shopping area. There you need to present: a foreign passport, an air ticket, purchased goods in undamaged packaging and a receipt. A department employee will open the package of goods, check its contents, sign the receipt and refund the VAT in cash, check, credit card or bank transfer in any currency.

Change Place has representative offices at all border crossings, ports, and airports:

• Ben Gurion International Airport;
• border checkpoint Rabin (Arawa), Taba, Allenby, on the border with Jordan, Rafah;
• Ovda Airport (Eilat);
• seaports: Haifa, Ashdod.

Shopping in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is not only the most popular tourist destination among Israeli cities, but also, as a result, a popular city for shopping. Usually here you can find everything your heart desires, from cosmetics based on Dead Sea salts to exquisite jewelry. The capital of Israel has a lot of shopping centers, large outlet stores, eastern markets and pedestrian areas for those who like to shop.

As a rule, people come here for souvenirs, antiques, stylish clothes and shoes, fur and leather goods, cosmetics and fashion accessories, toys, ceramics and bedding, oriental delicacies and, of course, for authentic products that can only be purchased in Jerusalem. It is not so profitable to buy audio, video equipment and electrical equipment in Jerusalem.

Israelis love shopping, and therefore the service in the country is at a high level. The shops always have a friendly atmosphere, so shopping in Jerusalem is a pleasure. All sellers can speak Russian and English. It is worth remembering that from Friday evening to Saturday evening all shops are closed. However, trading resumes on Saturday evening.

Shopping areas

In order to understand where is the best place to shop, you should identify the most popular shopping areas. One of these areas is the Ben Yehuda pedestrian street. Here you can find many souvenir shops with Dead Sea cosmetics, jewelry, toys and other goods. On this same street you can listen to street musicians and have a hearty meal in the restaurants along the way. Near Ben Yehuda Street there are many more streets where brisk trade is carried out.

For those tourists who want to do extensive shopping, the most convenient area will be the Malha area. This name refers both to the area and to the largest shopping center in the city. Malha Center is located at the end of the Rabin Highway. Here you can find more than a hundred stores of world brands, including Zara, Mango, Castro and other brands.

The most prestigious area for shopping is Talpiot. Tourists come here mainly for fashionable clothes and accessories. There are many large shopping centers in the area. Among them are Hadar, Lev Talpiyot and several department stores. In addition, there are profitable outlet stores, where they often sell clothes from previous collections at reduced prices.

An excellent place for shopping is the pedestrian street Nahalat Shiva. Here, shoppers can find a large number of authentic souvenirs and original works of art from Jerusalem masters, as well as Judaic items and several local restaurants.

Working hours

The traditional opening hours of Jerusalem stores are from 9.00 to 19.00, from Sunday to Thursday. On Friday, all stores are open until 14.00 or 15.30, and then close on Shabbat until Saturday evening. Muslim shops are traditionally closed on Fridays, and Christian shops on Sundays. Small grocery stores may offer afternoon siestas during business hours. Large supermarkets and shopping centers in the city can be open from 8.00 to 20.00. Ben Gurion and Ovda airports, as well as some shops in Eilat, offer duty-free shopping.

Export restrictions

Antiques made before 1700 are recognized by current legislation as valuable handmade items. They can only be taken out of the country with written permission from the director of the Antiquities Directorate. In addition, these products are subject to a 10% export tax.

Popular souvenirs

Due to the fact that Jerusalem is a popular city for pilgrims, pilgrim sets, candles, crosses, icons and other religious souvenirs are especially valued among traditional goods.

Another popular product among Jerusalem tourists is Armenian ceramics. Along with the true works of masters, the markets are full of fakes. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, it is recommended to walk along the streets of the Armenian Patriarchate and Habbad, which are located at the Zion Gate. There are workshops here where you can not only buy high-quality painted dishes, but also watch the process of their production.

VAT refund

VAT refunds for tourists in Israel are carried out by Change Place. Today, VAT in the country is about 5-15%. You can find out whether a store participates in the tax refund program by asking the seller or by looking at the window. Often on the windows of such stores there is an image of a black bag with the red inscription VAT Tax Refund. VAT refunds are only available on purchases of at least $100. However, this does not apply to tobacco products, food and some other goods. In a store where VAT refund is carried out, the seller, in addition to the receipt, must issue a special completed form. Taxes are refunded at Ben Gurion Airport, Eilat Airport, as well as at the seaports of Ashdod and Haifa, and at the checkpoints in Taba, Allenby and Arawa. In the departure hall at Ben Gurion Airport there is a kiosk with a Change Place sign, where you must present the goods themselves, receipts and a tax refund form. A company employee will stamp the tax refund, and the money can be collected in the Duty Free lounge after checking in for the flight. When purchasing expensive jewelry worth over $200 in specialized stores in Eilat, VAT can be refunded in full at the point of departure.

Markets

It's hard to imagine the East without markets, and Jerusalem is no exception. One of the largest and busiest markets in the city is located on Jaffa Street, near the city center. It is known by the name Makhne Yehuda. The market is unusually crowded with fruits, vegetables, and oriental sweets. It is always noisy, colorful and colorful here. Therefore, those who want to fully experience the atmosphere of an oriental bazaar are recommended to visit the market in Jaffa.

The Old Town also has an authentic market, bustling with life. This market is preferred by those who like to bargain, look for something interesting, and wander in the crowd with local residents. Here you can buy not only food, but also clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, handmade glass jewelry, handmade olive wood items, and much more. It is customary to bargain in this market. Sometimes prices can be cut in half.

Shopping centers and supermarkets

All major shopping centers in Israel are named Canyon. The word is derived from the Hebrew "kniyya", which means "purchase". Canyons are usually complexes with a variety of shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, entertainment venues (skating rink, cinema, children's room, bowling alley, etc.) located under one roof.

The founder of the canyons was the architect and entrepreneur David Azrieli, who in 1985 built the first such complex, the Ayalon Canyon, in the city of Ramat Gan. The complex was extremely popular and became a place of mass pilgrimage for Israelis. Ayalon Canyon still remains one of the most frequently visited and popular shopping centers in Israel.

The largest shopping center in Jerusalem is the Malha Canyon, on three floors of which there are more than 260 retail outlets, of which more than a hundred stores of famous brands, a children's playground, a cinema with 12 halls, a food court and various entertainment facilities.

The largest supermarket chain in Israel is Shufersal, also known as Super-Sal. There are more than 240 stores of this chain throughout the country, and Jerusalem is no exception.

One of the largest shopping centers in Jerusalem is the Hadar Mall, located in the Talpiot area. The center contains not only shops, but also office space, as well as entertainment venues and restaurants.

Supermarkets in Jerusalem, as throughout Israel, mostly offer kosher food products. However, the city also has a non-kosher supermarket called Tiv-Taam, which belongs to the chain of the same name. There are about 30 branches of this store in the country, and you can buy products from all over the world. Moreover, Tiv-Taam, unlike most stores in Jerusalem, is open on Saturdays and holidays, except for Yom Kippur, an important Jewish holiday.

Video about shopping in Israel

On the official website of the TV show “Heads and Tails. Shopping” you will be able to see an episode dedicated to shopping in Israel.

Heads and Tails. Shopping - Issue 11 (Tel Aviv)