The Madness and Holiness of Orthodox Jerusalem

Many tourists, especially in Jerusalem, often ask questions about religious, orthodox Jews. Ask about their lifestyle, traditions, rituals, clothes and many other things.

As part of this tour, we will visit one of the most religious areas of Jerusalem, and perhaps the whole of Israel - the Mea Shaarim district. Closed to cars on Saturdays, living by its own special laws, it is one of the most interesting and ambiguous phenomena in Israel today.

We will walk along its small, narrow streets, reminiscent of the Jewish towns of Eastern Europe, the 18th and 19th centuries. We will see the life of Jews who preserve the centuries-old traditions of their ancestors and live according to the laws of the Torah, not the laws of modern Israel. Discover the complex and intricate world of these laws, how they are enforced, and the relationship between ancient biblical precepts and the demands of the modern world.

You'll find out who the Hasidim are. Why wear paises and fur hats? Why does the Sabbath have a special sanctity, and in what cases can it be violated? Let’s talk about education, health care, military service, relationships between men and women – all in the context of Mea Shaarim’s religious life. Well, that our walk was not only informative, but also delicious - we will walk through the local market, where you can taste traditional Jewish food with unforgettable aroma and taste.

Come on, I promise it will be interesting!