Jerusalem
Guide for dating in Jerusalem helps you to meet the best girls. This dating guide gives you tips how to date Israeli women. You will learn rules where and how to flirt with local Israeli girls. We advise how to move from casual dating to the relationship and find the real love. We also tell the best dating sites in Jerusalem. In this article below you will find more information where to meet and date girls in Jerusalem, Israel.
Girls in Jerusalem:
- Looks of girls: 4 / 5
- Attitude of girls: 3 / 5
- Loyalty of girls: 3 / 5
- Education level of girls: 4 / 5
Dating in Jerusalem:
- Chance of arranging dates: 3 / 5
- Casual dating culture: 3 / 5
- Online dating popularity: 3 / 5
Sex in Jerusalem:
- Women's sexual activity: 3 / 5
- One-night stands: 3 / 5
More about Jerusalem:
- Nightlife in general: 3.5 / 5
- Locals' English level: 3 / 5
- Moving around the city: 3 / 5
- Budget per day: US$100 - $500
- Accommodation: US$50 - $250
Contents
Dating
Jerusalem is the capital of the modern nation of Israel. It sits on spurs of bedrock between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea area. To the north and west, it tapers off to the Jezreel Valley and the hills of the Galilee, while to the south lies the Judean desert. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered holy to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Both Israel and the Palestinian Authority claim Jerusalem as their capital, as Israel maintains its primary governmental institutions there while the State of Palestine ultimately foresees it as its seat of power; however, neither claim is widely recognized internationally.
During its long history, Jerusalem has been destroyed at least twice, besieged 23 times, captured and recaptured 44 times, and attacked 52 times. The city itself has a population of approximately 950,000.
Coming to the local Israeli women and how the experience of dating them is like. Dating Israeli girls is fun and enjoyable. There are numerous reasons why Israeli girls make excellent partners. Due to their mix of ethnicities and backgrounds, Israeli girls have beautiful complexions and interesting features. Largely due to the mandatory military service most Israelis do after high school, which often throws them into the deep end and exposes them to tough and adrenaline-filled exercises, as well as real-life combat situations, Israelis are generally very adventurous people. From long hikes to amazing trips to remote locations, dating an Israeli will bring out the adventurer in you.
Dating Culture
You don’t have to be Jewish to get a date in Israel. It helps if you’re not. Israelis are some of the most beautiful people in the world due to their mixed heritage. They keep in good shape and after a walk through town on a hot day, you'll have more than one reason to need a cold shower. Foreigners have good chances of getting a date in Israel and as most young people speak English it’s easy to connect.
Israeli chicks are pretty tough and most of them have spent two years in the army. On top of that, a lifetime of dating Israeli guys has made them a little bit tough. They often take the upper hand in the relationship and you could classify them into two main types:
The Yemenite/Moroccan girls who are argumentative, bossy and used to getting things all their way. They soon put your life in order and expect to be treated like a princess.
The Polish/Russian girls who do the same thing but indirectly. They worry you to death with emotional blackmail and guilt until you're manipulated into doing exactly what they want.
Fortunately, Israelis can also make wonderful companions as they're smart, worldly and supportive. They do expect you to make the grade, however, and often cast an eye to your longterm prospects. Whilst it would be misleading to say they’re materialistic, most girls here want a family and with two years already lost to the army, they’re in a rush to fit in the travel, studies and career that most would like before starting a family.
Sugar Dating
Sugar dating is one of the best ways to find a date in 2023. Men who are willing to buy gifts for sugar babies, will get physical or emotional pleasure for a return. Take a look of the wide selection of girls from SecretBenefits.
Online Dating
Dating in Jerusalem can be a bit tricky due to not knowing if you have a solid connection, so your best bet is to sign up for a dating site before you venture to the night club or bar, so you can meet a few locals ahead of time. AdultFriendFinder.com lets you meet local members in Jerusalem and get to know them on a personal basis before you meet in person. Take advantage of site features like live chat and member to member webcams so you can begin flirting before arranging a face-to-face meeting.
Webcam Dating
Feeling lonely in Jerusalem? Arrange a virtual date with your favorite webcam girl right now! We have thousands of hot girls online waiting for you. Visit DatingLocalGirlsLive.com!
Women
Israel has a history of greater gender equality than many Western countries. Since the turn of the twentieth century, women have been working alongside men in the kibbutz movement. Female soldiers have served in the Israel Defense Forces since its founding, with the country, in 1948. In 1969, the year Gloria Steinem threw down the gauntlet of second-wave feminism in the United States—“After Black Power, Women’s Liberation”—Israelis elected a woman, Golda Meir, as their prime minister
While Israel does not have a written constitution, the Israeli Declaration of Independence states: “The State of Israel (…) will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex.” Israeli law prohibits discrimination based on gender in employment and wages, and provides for class action suits; nonetheless, there are complaints of significant wage disparities between men and women. In 2012, Israel ranked eleventh out of 59 developed nations for the participation of women in the workplace. In the same survey, Israel was ranked 24th for the proportion of women serving in executive positions.
Israel was the third country in the world to be led by a female prime minister, Golda Meir, and in 2010, women's parliamentary representation in Israel was 18 percent, which is above the Arab world's average of 6 percent and equals that of the U.S. Congress. As of 2016, women comprised 26.7% of Israel's 120-member Knesset, placing it 54th of 185countries in which women are included in the legislature. For comparison, the female ratio in Scandinavia is over 40%, the European Union average is 17.6%, while in the Arab world it is 6.4%. Female representation varies significantly by demographics: most female politicians have represented secular parties, while very few have come from religious Jewish or Arab parties.
The Israeli parliament, The Knesset, has established “The Committee on the Status of Women,” to address women’s rights. The stated objectives of this committee are to prevent discrimination, combat violence against women, and promote equality in politics, lifecycle events and education. In 1998, the Knesset passed a law for "Prevention of Sexual Harassment".
Israeli law prohibits discrimination based on gender in employment and wages and provides for class action suits; nonetheless, there are complaints of significant wage disparities between men and women.[4] The OECD reported in 2016 that income disparity between men in women in Israel is particularly high compared with other countries in the OECD. On average, men in Israel make 22% more than women, which places Israel among the four OECD (behind Japan, Estonia, and South Korea) with the highest wage inequality between men and women. The OECD average stands at 15%.
The rate of Israeli women studying in universities and colleges is also higher; in, 56.7% of students at academic institutions were female. In 2012, women were also 59.3% of candidates for Master's degree programs and 52.4% for doctorate programs. However, 81% of Israeli professors are men. Also, fields such as engineering, electricity, physics, mathematics, computer science, and natural sciences are overwhelmingly male-dominated, though there are a large number of women in certain fields of engineering, such as biomedical, industrial, and environmental engineering. Women tend to study more in human and social sciences, such as education and occupational therapy.
All of this shows that Israeli women are strong, independent and extremely confident. They are level headed and they know what they want from life. They are ambitious and career oriented. At the same time they have strong family values and are close to their heritage. Dating an Israeli women will be a unique and refreshing experience.
Israeli Girls (age 18 - 29)
Israel has one of the highest percentages of girls in academic institutions. An average of 54% of students at academic institutions is female. Once the girls have finished secondary education, they are required by law to serve in the military. National military service is mandatory for all Israeli citizens over the age of 18, although Arab citizens are exempted if they so please and other exceptions may be made on religious, physical or psychological grounds. The normal length of compulsory service is currently two years for women (with some roles requiring an additional eight months of service). It is only after this service in the military that the Israeli girls proceed to institutions of higher learning. Due to this military service, many young girls in Israel are physically fit and have well-maintained bodies. This military service also exposes young girls to high-adrenaline activities during their exercise sessions and real-life combat situations. As a result of this experience, the young Israeli girls are very adventurous. However, over 50% of Israelis marry before age 25, with marriage rates much higher among Israeli Arabs and the ultra-Orthodox than among secular Jews, meaning that many girls settle down relatively early.
Given that the country is small geographically with very little to export locally, the young girls are very excited to get a chance to move out of the country. In the absence of this, the best way to keep these girls interested is to speak about your country.
An Israeli girl will respect you more if you are assertive and take the lead. Show her love and respect. Show lots of positive energy. Don’t play games or show any wishy-washiness when dating an Israeli girl. Your date is likely to be a great schmoozer but she is no pushover. She can be strong, direct to the point and straightforward: "tachles". Israeli girls are not a pushover. Expect a dark or cynic sense of humor. Treat your date as an equal, but show her that you are "gever gever“ (Hebrew for “a manly man”). Secular Israeli women are modern westerners who are highly educated. Call the next day. Don’t SMS and don’t play games. If you like an Israeli girl you call her immediately.
The best way to get in touch with girls from this age bracket is via online dating websites or visiting bars and nightclubs. That is where you can have the conversation about dating, hooking up etc. Make sure you are non chalant and do not come off as desperate.
A blend of Russian and North Saharan features, Israeli women are one of the most beautiful women in the world. These women have black or brown hair, with medium sized eyes, medium lips a slightly larger nose. These features with beautiful white skin make Israeli women gorgeous and attractive. Israeli women have a great figure and like to keep it maintained and their body in shape.
Israeli Women (age 30 - 45)
Israeli women are married and settling into their families their careers at this age. In Israel today, women constitute a major portion of the labor force - 45.2% in 1999, compared with 29.7% in 1970, only three decades earlier. The largest employer of women in Israel is the government: Almost half the women who work are employed by the government, either directly or indirectly. While women tend to stay away from high-tech jobs, they occupy my positions in the arts and social science areas. Far fewer women than men in Israel study the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines that are the ticket of admission to high-tech employment, but for the women who do make the choice the odds of their getting a job in the industry are nearly as good as their male peers.
Jewish women are known to be the caretakers of their family. Jewish mothers are very caring and protective. They tend to be involved in their children's lives even after they grow up and get settled. They are overprotective and cautious about their family's wellbeing. In short, Jewish women make great family women. Women from this age bracket are either settled down or are thinking of settling down seriously. Women from this age bracket wine or something more than just a casual relationship which is going nowhere so be mindful of this and have a discussion if you started going out with a woman who is in her 30s or 40s. It will be ideal if you both are on the same page and one party does not feel like they've been misled.
Women’s employment and childrearing are competing activities, which exert much pressure on their time and energy. Many studies have found that women in paid employment, especially in a demanding career, limit their fertility and have few children or none. This negative correlation was explained mainly in terms of opportunity costs and the incompatibility of women’s employment and childrearing.
When it comes to their looks, these women are extremely concerned about their skin, their bodies, and their overall appearance so they work out, they eat healthy in order to maintain a youthful glow and a sexy body.
Israeli Ladies (age 45+)
Compared to other women across the world, the characters of Israeli women are often shaped in the army. Israel is one of those countries that make all women obliged to do military service. This experience is tough enough to leave a footprint on their character. As a result, Jewish women are considered to be much stronger and competent in making crucial decisions. Having excellent organizational skills, they do not have to be controlled by anyone. However, it doesn’t mean that they stop listening to their partners. On the contrary, they have learned how to respect other people on the way to mutual appreciation.
No matter how strong and independent Israeli women are, they are great at household duties. Whether it comes to cooking, washing, or cleaning, they can do it all. Marrying an Israeli woman means you will always feel comfortable in your family nest. The only thing that might become an issue is that most Israeli women follow a special diet by eating kosher food only. But this is something you can find a reasonable solution to. Apart from that, Israeli women do not like to give birth late. With strong family-oriented values in their mind, they become perfect mothers. From early childhood, they are treated as adults, with much respect teaching them responsibility.
It will be hard to find single women from this age bracket but exceptions are always there.
Foreign Girls (tourists, expats, students, etc.)
Another group of foreign girls in Jerusalem are tourists. Jerusalem is the most-visited city with 3.5 million tourist arrivals annually. One of the oldest cities in the world, it is the proclaimed capital and largest city of Israel, if the area and population of East Jerusalem are included. It is a holy city to the three major Abrahamic religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – and hosts many historical, archaeological, religious and other attractions.
Millions of tourists come to Jerusalem yearly for religious reasons outright. Religion in Jerusalem is the city’s historically entrenched, ever-present plasma. The Holy City of Jerusalem, as she is known, is unmatched in her importance for such a vast number of people worldwide because all three major world religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – pay sacred claim to Jerusalem. As it stands, given the total number of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, a good half of the world’s population sees Jerusalem as central to their tradition’s belief system. No other city – in the entire world – even comes close.
You will come across many foreign women who are willing to date, have a holiday romance or just hookup. Visiting touristy areas and sites will help you get in touch with them. Always be on the lookout and you never know when it is your lucky day or lucky night for that matter.
Sex
Jerusalem presents you with a perfect opportunity to pick up girls. Most people come to Jerusalem to spend a good time and are open to meeting new people and having new and different experiences. The Israeli girls are open-minded and love men who don't pretend to be someone they are not. So be yourself, and have fun no matter what you are doing. The girls in Jerusalem are also straight forward, so if you are interested in a girl, cut to the chase and be direct about it. They like confident men, and your confidence might get you a date for the night.
According to the survey, a third of the women feel like having sex daily, while 45% are in the mood once or twice a week. Sixteen percent of the women said they lusted for sex once or twice a month, most of them over age 56, widows and single mothers. Almost 5% of women said they had no sexual urge at all. In practice, the survey reveals, only 22% of women have sex daily while the vast majority, 56%, do it once or twice a week. 18% of women have sex once or twice a month and 4% abstain completely. A third of the Israeli women said they have had sex with two to five partners in their lives. One quarter had 6-10 partners, and 12.5% had up to 20 partners.
Sex Culture
Having sex with Israeli girls in Jerusalem is relatively easier than you would expect with other countries in the Middle East where Islamic law restricts socialization between males and females. One of the biggest indicators of a liberal society in matters of sex is the fact that Israel is one of the few countries in the world that prostitution is legal. The presence of many foreigners in form of tourists and other immigrants in the resort city of Jerusalem has led to erosion of restrictive Jewish traditions as the city and country seek to attract and be accommodative to tourists.
One-Night Stands
It is relatively easy to have a one-night stand in Jerusalem. One of the easiest places to get a girl for a one-night stand in Jerusalem is in entertainment joints. The city has many nightclubs that are frequented by many single girls ready for a night of fun. The availability of mobile phones has also simplified the process of getting a one-night stand using dating websites and applications.
Best Places to Meet Single Girls
Jerusalem is an ancient city with a history that stretches back thousands of years, but it is also a modern city with an appeal to the young and trendy. Like any city, the charm and essence of Jerusalem are best absorbed by walking its streets. However, depending on your interests, you don't want to miss out on exploring at least some of these major attractions. When visiting religious sites, it’s advised to dress modestly and wear clothing that covers your knees and elbows. A good place to start is Jerusalem’s Old City, which has a very special and distinct atmosphere and is where many of the major attractions of Jerusalem are found.
Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs
Some of the entertainment joints in Jerusalem include:
- Bass Club: If you're looking for a dance club that plays fantastic music, come here. Bass Club has been around since 2005 and is reputed to have the best electronic music in Jerusalem, and it is one of the only clubs that play dubstep, house, techno, trance, and progressive. Every weekend there are DJs from all over the world, with plenty of dancing.
- HaTza’atzua/Toy Bar: Toy Bar, or HaTza’atzua in Hebrew, was built on the former location of a famous toy store. Now it is a bar and dance club, aiming to attract a younger clientele – mostly students – but it is an elegant and trendy place for people of all ages. HaTza’atzua has great bar food, special house cocktails, and special events weekly. This multi-level club also hosts local DJs each week and is well known for its great party atmosphere and youthful, fun nightlife scene.
- Oliver Twist: A highly-rated dance club and bar located in a renovated 150-year-old structure, Oliver Twist retains a unique, homey feel despite its very modern renovation. The club has a DJ stand, new sound and lighting systems, a huge bar, and a coat closet – so there's no need to drag your belongings around as you dance the night away.
- Haoman 17 Club: Haoman 17, named simply after its address, is located in a former warehouse in the industrial zone of Talpiyot. It’s known for its music – mainly for its house, electronic, and trance beats. Haoman 17 often hosts international DJs and has been rated one of the best night clubs in the world. If you’re in the mood for an enormous, busy dance club and bar, this is the place to go.
- Friends Bar: If you’re seeking a smaller, more bar-oriented dance scene, Friends Bar in what is known as Crack Square is your scene. It never gets boring in and around Friends Bar, and if a crazy, sleepless night is what you’re planning for, you will not be disappointed.
- Gatsby: In just over a year, Gatsby has already become one of Jerusalem's premier bars and is the destination for a proper cocktail. The 1920's speakeasy motif offers one of the most unique boozing atmospheres in the city, as well as a rich seafood- and meat-centric food menu. The bar opens with 2 for 1 happy hour at 6 and steadily fills up throughout the night, and at 11 the real party gets started as the DJ starts spinning electro-swing and vintage tracks.
- Mantra: Tucked in the quaint Feingold Courtyard between Jaffa and Rivlin Streets, Mantra is the only non-hotel wine bar in downtown Jerusalem. In addition to an extensive Israeli wine list, they have a special tapas-style evening menu offering up a palette of Mediterranean flavors. The early evening hours are perfect for some laid-back wine tasting, but as with many Jerusalem bars, it’s not uncommon for a bit of partying replete with dancing on the bar to break out later at night.
- Even Juke: The lively Even Juke is a recent addition to downtown Jerusalem’s collection of live music venues. The standing-room-only music club, right next to Mike’s Place at Jaffa and Rivlin Street, brings in rock-oriented acts from all over the country. It’s a nice change of pace from the mainly seating-oriented venues around town.
- Hataklit: A bar so famous on the Jerusalem nightlife scene that all you need to see is a photo of the sign outside, HaTaklit (The Record) is a destination for tourists, expatriates and locals looking for a chill yet hip atmosphere to pair with their drinking. The bar starts to fill up starting around 8 pm. As the night wears on, the hangout often turns into a party, whether it’s impromptu or an already-scheduled special event like an 80’s party or karaoke night. If you’re not in the mood to party, you don’t have to go far to find a quiet drinking corner. It’s also a popular spot to watch football throughout the week.
- Justice Club: Massive dance club with high-tech sound and light for those 23 years and older. Israeli music on Tuesday nights; DJs spinning techno, electronic dance music and other varieties other nights (check the schedule). It's fairly intimate, holding just 350 clubbers, and considered one of the city's best dance spots. Located just behind the First Station complex.
- Mike’s Place: Guinness on tap, sports on-screen and traveler-friendly staff. Yup, you've seen the same formula in a dozen other bars, but this chain pub is an easy place to start or finish a night out in Jerusalem. Choose from streetside seating or the reassuringly worn pub interior (including a surprisingly cavernous downstairs).
Shopping Malls
Some of the malls in Jerusalem include:
- Mamilla Mall: This is an upscale shopping street and the only open-air mall in Jerusalem. Mamilla Mall has a variety of international shops including Zara, Topshop, Tommy Hilfiger, H.stern, Pandora, Swarovski, Padani, Timberland, The North Face, GAP, Adidas, Nike, Columbia, Replay, Mango, Diesel, American Eagle, Nautica and Billabong.
- Mahla Mall: Also known as Jerusalem Mall, this is an indoor shopping mall in the southwestern neighborhood of Malha, Jerusalem. The mall, which opened in 1993, has 260 stores on three levels with a shopping area of 37,000 square meters.
- Clal Center: Also known as Clal Building, this is a 15-story office tower and indoor shopping mall on Jaffa Road in Jerusalem, Israel. Completed in 1972, it was the first upscale, indoor shopping mall in Jerusalem.
- Ramot Mall: Ramot Mall is an indoor/outdoor shopping mall in Ramot, a neighborhood or Israeli settlement in northwest East Jerusalem. Opened in September 2011, it is the second-largest shopping center in Jerusalem after Malha Mall.
- Malcha Hall: Malcha Mall is Jerusalem’s largest and most popular shopping mall. It is an indoor shopping mall built by David Azrieli and is located in the Malha neighborhood of Jerusalem. The mall has 3 levels and many popular brand stores such as H&M and Zara, as well as a big kosher food court, a Mega supermarket, a Superpharm pharmacy, Office Depot, and more.
- Lev Talpiyot
- Rav Chen Mall
- Yisrael Talpiot Mall
Outdoors
Despite its diminutive size, the city probably contains more incredible sights than many countries do. The Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall are just three of the astonishing sites you can expect to delight in.
The holiest site in Judaism is fascinating to visit and there is an electric atmosphere, as Orthodox Jews rock back and forth, praying at the Western Wall. Supporting one side of Temple Mount, the area now acts as a de-facto synagogue. It is often known as the Wailing Wall, as Jews throughout the ages have come here to mourn the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE. A must-see when in Jerusalem, visitors can stop by the segregated worship areas and experience the intoxicating ambiance themselves.
Opened in 1965, the Israel Museum’s fantastic collection covers over 5000 years of history and its main focus is on art and archaeology. Wandering through the archaeological galleries, you’ll find a wealth of artifacts discovered in the region, and items from the Islamic world, Near East, Italy, and Greece are all represented. The renowned Dead Sea Scrolls are just one of the highlights; gazing at the ancient biblical manuscripts is an awe-inspiring experience.
Believed to be the site where Jesus was crucified and later rose from the dead, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains two of Christendom's most sacred sites. Its gloomy, atmospheric interior warrants a visit when in Jerusalem. Packed with pilgrims and tourists, the church is run by several Christian denominations, who reluctantly share responsibility amongst themselves. Consecrated in 335 AD, the church has been damaged, destroyed and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries. Seeing the Edicule shrine in which Jesus’s empty tomb lies will surely send shivers down your spine.
A moving and emotional place, visiting Yad Vashem is a must when in Jerusalem. It is Israel’s official memorial to those who were brutally murdered during the Holocaust. Lying on the slopes of Mount Herzl, the commemorative site contains the Holocaust Memorial Museum, which takes you through the horrific atrocities that the Nazis committed. Seeing all the photos of those who died in ‘the Hall of Names’ is something you’ll never forget. While many of the audio, video, and items on display are shocking, just as many symbolize rebirth and ‘The Eternal Flame’ exhibit is a perfect example of this.
Venerated throughout the centuries by all three of the Abrahamic religions, Temple Mount lies at the heart of the Old City and is one of the most fiercely contested pieces of land in the world. Containing the Al Aqsa Mosque, it is the third most important site in Island and the holiest site in Judaism. It is here that the First and Second Temples were erected. Wandering across the ancient limestone pavings of the huge cypress tree-fringed complex is a peaceful affair, despite the millennia of conflict that have plagued it.
This marvelous rock-cut tomb dates back to the 8th-7th centuries BC and some Christians believe that it is where Jesus was buried and later rose from the dead. Consequently, many pilgrims and tourists come to visit the peaceful gardens in which it is located, although it remains a nice quiet spot away from the crowds that clog the Old City's ancient streets. Located next to the ominously named Skull Hill, there is much debate as to whether Jesus was buried here but is worth visiting in any case.
Lying atop of Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock sparkles in the sun and is recognized around the world. It is one of Jerusalem’s most famous landmarks. Built between 688 and 691, the temple is home to a slab of stone from which Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. While only Muslims are allowed inside, the Dome’s outside is spectacular to behold. Bright blue mosaics coat the walls and the iconic gold plated dome sits atop, looking out over Jerusalem.
Universities and Colleges
Some of the universities and colleges found in the country include:
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Jerusalem College of Technology
- Al-Quds University
- Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance
- Bezalel Academy of Art and Design
- University of the Holy Land
- St. George's College, Jerusalem
Relationship
Israelis are ethnically mixed people. Jews from every corner of the world, from Yemen and Ethiopia to Poland and Argentina, have moved there since the state was established in 1948. Israelis today are thus a fascinating mix of backgrounds and cultures. When it comes to dating and marriage, Israel is a country with three major populations: secular Jews, Orthodox Jews, and Arabs. A strong taboo against interfaith dating is maintained in Israeli society, particularly among the more religious elements of both Jews and Muslims.
Young Israelis are usually very open and close with their families and they love inviting whoever they are in a relationship with for a Shabbat meal, which essentially means meeting the family. You’d be surprised to see how welcoming and open their family usually is and what a fun evening it can turn out to be. This invitation should tell you how serious they take the relationship.
Holiday Romance
The southernmost city in Israel, Jerusalem is renowned for its spectacular combination of the surrounding desert landscape, the beautiful bay and the summer sun that shines all year round. With an average of 360 sunny days a year, a visit to Jerusalem is a fun-filled experience, where you get to relax, recharge and get energized all at the same time. This lively resort city offers a multitude of year-round activities and attractions, excellent restaurants and cafés, shopping centers and trendy bars and clubs. The city offers an ideal location to meet and even spend time with your partner. There are plenty of activities to do in the city such as wining and dining, shopping, snuggling up to a dolphin, or even ice skating which you get to enjoy with your partner in this beautiful seaside city.
Tips for Successful Relationship
Unless you have committed to an asexual partnership, sex and touch such as kissing, holding hands, and cuddling are vital components of a romantic relationship. How much sex a couple has is, of course, up to the particular pair of individuals, so you must discuss your ideas about it to manage any desire discrepancy.
Over time, we assume that our partner knows us so well that we don't need to ask for what we want. What happens when we make this assumption? Expectations are set, and just as quickly, they get deflated. Those unmet expectations can leave us questioning the viability of our partnership and connection. Keep in mind that "asking for what you want" extends to everything from emotional to sexual wants.
Create a weekly ritual to check in with each other. This can be short or long, but it begins by asking each other what worked and didn't work about the previous week and what can be done to improve things this coming week. Additionally, use this opportunity to get on the same page with your schedules, plan a date night, and talk about what you would like to see happen in the coming days, weeks, and months in your relationship.
When conflicts inevitably come up, remember to approach them thoughtfully and with a lot of kindness toward your partner and yourself. If you see the stress beginning to escalate during a conversation about a conflict, one or both of you can call a break so that cooler heads can prevail.
Conversations quickly turn to arguments when we're invested in hearing our partner admit that we were right or when we are intent on changing their opinion. Choose to approach a conversation as an opportunity to understand your significant other's perspective as opposed to waiting for them to concede. From this perspective, you will have an interesting dialogue and prevent a blowout or lingering frustration.
It's well understood that apologizing is a good thing, but it only makes a real impact when you mean it. Saying things like "I'm sorry you feel that way," "I'm sorry you see it that way," or "I'm sorry if I upset you" are a waste of time and breath. Even if you don't agree that your action was wrong, you will never successfully argue a feeling.
Any issues you avoid, or truths you don’t want to acknowledge, will likely undermine your relationship. It’s better to face the truth squarely in the face right now and address it, rather than let it sabotage your relationship in the long run. Be intentional and figure out the truth about your relationship. Think through all aspects of it—your feelings and thoughts, the other person’s feelings and thoughts, as well as their external context.
Love
Israelis tend to live their lives in the moment and with a certain intensity, perhaps in part an outcome of the never-ending conflict and violence they've been brought up in. Whether it's eating, partying, or loving – you can count on your other half to make the most of the finer things in life. Young Israelis are usually very open and close with their families and they love inviting whoever they are dating for a Shabbat meal, which essentially means meeting the family. You’d be surprised to see how welcoming and open their family usually is and what a fun evening it can turn out to be.
How to Make Sure She Is the One
While everyone is looking for different traits in their life partners, there are some essential traits you should seek, from empathy to consistency. These traits help you both to understand and love each other.
A healthy, stable relationship focuses on giving rather than taking. Seeing your significant other happy should make you just as happy, and she should treat you in the same way. Your joy should be her joy, too—it can be as simple as asking about your day or looking after you when you are sick. As time passes, the excitement at the beginning of the relationship will pass, but you should both be just as focused on giving each other happiness.
If you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you must find that person intellectually challenging. Looks are fleeting but personality is forever—your conversations together should be interesting, insightful and full of depth. Your partner should be able to challenge your opinions, opening up your mind to new ideas and concepts.
There is a big difference between a wish and the ability to have children. If your girlfriend shows that she likes children and maybe even persuaded you to have a pet, then you know that her mother's instincts are active. For your children, this means that if you marry her, they will have a nice mother and a happy and healthy family. Look at her reaction when you start talking about children, she may feel afraid, but never disgusted.
In addition to supporting and encouraging you to pursue your own goals and dreams, she will have her own as well. A mature woman has a vision for her future and chases after it with voracity. A mature woman will be someone you can take on the world with. She will be your partner in crime, a teammate in your relationship, and life.
Being consistent is a valuable virtue because it lets your partner know that you are who you are. You haven't sent your "representative" to get to know them during the first couple of months of dating, but then suddenly transform once they've committed themselves to you. Consistency is the opposite of volatility. If someone is unpredictable and volatile, it’s difficult to know how they will be acting towards you on a certain day, and that gets old no matter how aesthetically pleasing she is.
Marriage
In 2013, the minimum marriage age in Israel was raised to 18, from a previous age of 17. Previously, the marriage age was 18 for males and 17 for females, before they were equalized at 17 years.
Under the Penal Amendment Law, it is illegal to marry in Israel while currently married, regardless of religion. Since 1977, attempting to take a second spouse can be punished by up to five years in jail, although the law is rarely enforced.
In 1951 the Supreme Court of Israel ruled that marriages entered into outside Israel conducted by a rabbinical court following halakha must be recognized in Israel. The case before the court involved a couple who were not residents or citizens of Israel at the time of their marriage. However, commentators have noted that the case did not deal with a situation where one or both of the couple was residents or citizens of Israel, nor with a civil marriage abroad.
The issue of recognition of civil marriages is of special significance in Judaism because Orthodox Judaism has various prohibitions involving marriages. The couples in these prohibited marriage situations sometimes marry overseas, mostly in Cyprus, which is near Israel.
In 1962, the Supreme Court determined that the Ministry of the Interior must register as married couples who married in a civil marriage abroad, even if either or both of the couple were citizens of Israel. The act of registration is for statistical purposes only, and not a recognition of the personal status of the couple, as registration does not determine the validity of the marriage. In 2006, the Supreme Court voted 6-1 to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other countries. Overseas marriages are increasingly popular, with roughly 9,000 couples registering overseas marriages with the Central Bureau of Statistics in 2011 alone.
According to a recent survey, more than 98% of Israelis are married to a partner of the same religion. 97% of Jews would be uncomfortable if their child married a Muslim and 89% would be uncomfortable if their child married a Christian. The vast majority of secular Jews oppose interfaith marriages.
Couples must submit the following documentation to the marriage bureau at which they open their file:
- Identity cards (Israeli citizens) or passports (non-Israeli citizens)
- Kosher certification from the venue where the wedding will be held
- Certificate or letter stating that the woman (and in some cases, the man) has studied the Jewish laws of family purity
- Approval from the officiating Rabbi
- Proof of unmarried status (Divorce Certificate or Death Certificate, if applicable)
- Proof of Jewish status (letter from a recognized Rabbi)
If one or both of you is divorced, you must submit civil and religious divorce documents (the Rabbinate must approve your get (religious divorce document)
If one or both of you is widowed, you must submit a death certificate of your previous spouse.
If you are a female divorcee, convert, or the daughter of a non-Jewish father, you must submit a letter from a rabbi recognized by the Rabbinate stating that your fiancée is not a Cohen.
All couples who wish to marry through the Rabbinate must prove they are Jewish. If your parents or a sibling were married through the Rabbinate, you need only present their marriage certificate. In all other circumstances, additional documentation is required.
After the marriage bureau verifies your documentation, it will notify you that your ketubah (marriage contract) is ready. The bureau will send you a marriage certificate in the mail after the wedding.
Wedding
The Jewish wedding traditionally begins with a special "Kabbalat panim"—reception—in honor of the bride and groom. Two separate receptions are held (usually in adjacent rooms) one for the bride and another for the groom. By tradition, the bride and groom refrain from seeing each other for a full week before their wedding, to increase their love and yearning for each other, and their subsequent joy in each other at their wedding. They will meet again only at the badeken (veiling ceremony) that follows the reception.
The bride sits on a distinctive, ornate throne-like chair. Her friends and family approach, wish Mazal Tov and offer their heartfelt wishes and words of encouragement. At the groom's reception, songs are sung, and words of Torah are often delivered. Light refreshments are served at both receptions. In many communities, this occasion is used to complete and sign two of the wedding documents: the tenai'm (engagement" contract) and the ketubah (marriage contract). After the reading of the tena'im, the mothers of the bride and groom break a china or glass plate, to the joyous shouts of Mazal Tov!
After the Kabbalat panim receptions come to the badeken, the veiling ceremony. A procession headed by the groom goes to the bridal reception room, where the groom covers the bride's face with a veil. The veil emphasizes that the groom is not solely interested in the bride's external beauty, which fades with time, but rather in her inner beauty which she will never lose. It also emphasizes the innate modesty that is a hallmark of the Jewish woman. The bride's face remains veiled for the duration of the chupah ceremony, affording her privacy at this holy time. After the groom veils the bride, the parents of the bride and groom approach the bride and bless her. The groom's entourage then retreats from the room. The bride and groom proceed with their chupah preparations and everyone else continues to the site of the chupah, the marriage canopy.
Yichud (togetherness or seclusion) refers to the Ashkenazi practice of leaving the bride and groom alone for 10–20 minutes after the wedding ceremony. The couple retreats to a private room. Yichud can take place anywhere, from a rabbi's study to a synagogue classroom. The reason for yichud is that according to several authorities, standing under the canopy alone does not constitute chuppah, and seclusion is necessary to complete the wedding ceremony. However, Sephardic Jews do not have this custom, as they consider it a Davar mechoar (repugnant thing), compromising the couple's modesty.
Dancing is a major feature of Jewish weddings. It is customary for the guests to dance in front of the seated couple and entertain them. Traditional Ashkenazi dances include:
- The Krenzl, in which the bride's mother is crowned with a wreath of flowers as her daughters dance around her (traditionally at the wedding of the mother's last unwed daughter)
- The Mizinke, a dance for the parents of the bride or groom when their last child is wed
- The "Horah" is a Middle Eastern/Israeli style dance usually played as a second dance set
- The gladdening of the bride, in which guests dance around the bride, and can include the use of "shtick"—silly items such as signs, banners, costumes, confetti, and jump ropes made of table napkins
- The Mitzvah tantz, in which family members and honored rabbis are invited to dance in front of the bride (or sometimes with the bride in the case of a father or grandfather), often holding a gartel, and then dancing with the groom. In the end, the bride and groom dance together
Family Life
The predominant form of the family in Israel is the traditional nuclear family composed of a mother, a father, and their biological children. The overwhelming majority of couples have children (2.9, on average), and the majority (about 75%) remain married for the entire life cycle. The average size of a household is 3.37. More than 64 percent of the households are composed of couples with their children, and another 17% consist of couples without children (including couples in the empty nest stage of their family life cycle). Only 8.3% of the households are composed of a single parent and her or his children. Nearly all family units live in separate households but remain in close contact with their extended family. However, in a little more than five percent of the households—primarily newcomers from the former Soviet Union and Arab families—the family lives with other relatives or the household consists of two or more families.
Marriage in Israel is almost universal and has not changed much over time. Among all population groups, men and women alike, less than four percent are never married by the time they are 50 years old. However, the average age at marriage is rising, and there are indications that the marriage rate is expected to decline.
The traditional Arab family is hierarchical, patriarchal, patrilineal, and collectivist. An individual is expected to subordinate their wishes to the needs of their families and wives their wishes to those of their husbands. The nuclear family nests within the hamula, an extensive kinship network formed by ties of marriage and blood, whose traditional function was to provide its members with cohesion and financial support.
Over the latter part of the twentieth century, the Arab family in Israel has been undergoing a process of modernization. The hamula has been whittled down in size and the status and the authority of its elders undermined. Arab men have seen their traditional role as head of the family eroded and their authority over their wives and children diminished. Arab women have become increasingly educated and, to help carry the economic burden, have started to work outside the home.
See Also
- North America | Los Angeles | New York City | Toronto | Cancun | Miami
- Caribbean | Barbados | Santo Domingo | Havana | The Bahamas | Saint Lucia
- Central America | Panama City | San José | Belize | Guatemala | Nicaragua