English
It’s well advised to spend Shabbat in Tel Aviv, as you will experience first hand the diversity, pluralism and openness that Tel Aviv prides itself with.
Whilst many of the public buses do not run, some private buses do, as do taxis. Restaurants and recreational centers such as cinemas, theaters and the operas are mostly open. A popular place to come over the weekend is the beach, but make sure to get there early to get a place you want.
The clubs, bars and parties are all open on Friday night, and full with native Israelis and tourists alike enjoying the special Tel Aviv nightlife.
If you are looking for a spiritual/religious experience, then you will find it in Tel Aviv.
Click here for a listing with addresses and other details of popular Synagogues in Tel Aviv
Here is a discussion in more detail of where you can find activities and services on Shabbat.
Shabbat at the Mitcham Hatachana - The Tel Aviv Old Train Station
If you want to have an enjoyable cultural time over Shabbat, it is worth going to the Tel Aviv Old Station which is located at 1 Koifman Street, on the corner of HaMered Street in between Neve Tzedek and Old Yaffa. The station complex combines history, galleries, boutiques, specialty shops, restaurants and lots of family things to do. From Friday morning until Saturday night, there are special performances. There are special shows for children over the weekend. On Friday night and during the day of Shabbat, there are sometimes pray services and musical performances for Shabbat.
Click here for the Mitcham Hatachana Website
Friday Night
The ‘Namal HaChadash‘ – The new port, in the North of Tel Aviv, holds Friday night services which attract a wide variety of people from across the religious spectrum. Both secular and religious enjoy an outdoor service with the beautiful view of the sea in the background.
Click here for the Namal HaChadash Website
Google Map
If you are looking for a Friday night experience, Yakar is a trendy place to come. The service is tuneful and enjoyable followed by natural mingling and socializing . Another popular place to come is the TAIS – Tel Aviv International Synagogue, where as well as a melodious service you will usually find a ‘kiddush’ with wine, refreshments and singing.
The Tel Aviv Minyan Shivyoni – Egalitarian Service, has a more liberal service and atmosphere and a growing community. They have weekly Friday night services followed by a Kiddush and sometimes a potluck dinner. The White City Community holds monthly Friday Night meals mainly for singles in their 30/40’s. They usually arrange interesting speakers and discussions during these evenings, so if you are looking for a rich Jewish experience, the White City Community is well worth checking out.
The Chabad Community also holds inspiring services on Friday night, as does the Goren Shul and Rosh Yehudi. After the Friday night service, it is normal to have the traditional Friday night meal with Challah, Wine and delicious cuisine. Don’t forget to lit the special Shabbat candles before the Shabbat to add to the ambiance of your Friday night meal.
Shabbat morning
There are also a wide selection of places to pray on Shabbat morning in Tel Aviv.
Here are a few:
Yakar runs morning services including Kiddush, social and a Dvar Torah (lesson on the week’s portion). Ichud Olam on Ben Yehudah in the same building as the main Synagogue. Ichud Olam attracts an interesting mix of European Olim and Israel and is well worth trying out on Shabbat morning. There are also services further down on 126 Ben Yehudah. This service attracts mainly single Israelis who want to both enjoy the Shabbat prayers and socialize and meet new people.
The TAIS also run Shabbat morning services and has a cholent Kiddush and social afterwards. Shabbat afternoon/ Seudah Shlishit On Shabbat there is also a custom to have a third meal, which is an opportunity to get together, sing and enjoy the added dimension of Shabbat. It is said that during the Seudah Shlishit, the Neshama Yetaira ( Shabbat soul) gets ready to leave the world for another week.
Shabbat afternoon
The Yakar community have an afternoon program on Shabbat afternoon. First with a class on an interesting topic, then mincha (afternoon service), followed by a Seudah Shlishit and then Havdalah. Havdalah is a farewell ceremony for Shabbat, with wine, spices and a candle.
The TAIS also sometimes have activities on Shabbat afternoon.
