Cultural dos and don’ts, plus a handy phrase book that introduces you to the language and local argot.
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Dos and Don’ts:
- Clothing: “Clothing and behavior that are appropriate in one place may be totally inappropriate five minutes walk away. It is best to be on the safe side; dress modestly.”
- Religious Traditions: “Do not extend a handshake to a religiously observant person of the opposite sex. Displays of affection are inappropriate in religious areas and displays of same-sex affection are not well received anywhere. On the bus do not sit next to an ultra-Orthodox passenger of the opposite sex. On ultra-Orthodox segregated buses, women must sit at the back.”
- Names: “Israelis are disarmingly informal. Unless they are providing a formal service (such as hotel staff, doctors, or a religious official), they will immediately assume a first-name basis, and you can do the same.”
- Patience: “Don’t try to chastise people who cut into lines ‘just to ask a question’ or to pay for one item at the cash register. Take it in good humor.” Use the same approach when it comes to being on time. Punctuality is not a priority for locals.
- Sabbath Dinner: If invited to Sabbath (Shabbat) dinner in an observant home, do not request milk products with a meat meal; refrain from smoking; check with the host before turning the lights on or off; silence your cell phone; bring a small gift; and, if you bring wine, make sure it is Kosher and do not expect the bottle to be opened the same evening.
Phrase Book:
Although most Israelis speak some English, there are phrases that they will probably use in Hebrew, some of which carry a meaning that is special to Jerusalem.
Egged: The name of the public bus company is also used as a common reference to the central bus station.
Ha’ir Ha’atika: The ancient city, referring to the walled Old City .
Hameshulash: The triangle of intersecting roads—King George, Jaffa, and Keren Hayesod—that define the center of town, sliced by the midrahov—the pedestrian mall of Ben Yehuda Street.
Haredi: Ultra-Orthodox Jew. Plural is Haredim.
Kasher: Hebrew for “kosher.”
Kippah: The head covering or yarmulke worn by observant men and required for all men in Jewish holy sites and synagogues.
Kenyon: A shopping mall.
Mizrach Ha’ir: The east city, referring to Arab sectors.
Shabbat: The Sabbath; also refers to the subdued atmosphere and commercial and traffic restrictions from Friday evening through Saturday after sundown.
Sherut: Shared taxi or minivan that stops along set routes and collects passengers for a set fee. Known in the Arab part of the city as servees.
Yerushalmi: Anything or anyone originally from Jerusalem. A character reference— rather than geographical attribute—alluding to a more provincial and naïve character.
