Icons and souvenirs from Israel. What can be brought from Israel and Jerusalem to the Orthodox as a gift

Religious souvenirs

There are many religious pilgrims in the country, so the choice of religious souvenirs is huge: from tasteless trinkets to chic gizmos. For example:

They sell all sorts of olive wood carvings, from camels to crosses, from Christmas sets to simple rosaries, for a hundred.

Religious jewelry, including the Jerusalem cross, hamsa (Jewish symbol in the form of a palm; also a symbol in Arabic culture), decorative rosaries and other religious jewelry.

Handwritten icons in Russian style

Books and religious paintings

Ritual objects of worship such as Torahs, goblets and cassocks.

Armenian pottery

Armenians are said to be the oldest Christian community in Jerusalem. They inhabit the area near the Jaffa Gate. You'll know you're in the right place when you see the rows of shops selling hand-painted Armenian pottery, most often blue, white and with other accent colors added.

The goods here are very different - you will find dishes with geometric designs and even sayings in Hebrew and English, symbols both Jewish and Christian (trade makes all religions equal, at least when it comes to selling souvenirs). Pottery is also available from stalls in the Old City.

Roman artifacts

The area of ​​the Old City, known as the Cardo, is a covered market square, just behind a life-size relief fresco at the end of the main street founded by the ancient Romans. Here you will find high quality printed materials, jewelry and souvenirs, including the very same widow's mite and other relics from the time of the Romans.

Roman glass jewelry

Roman glass jewelry is another unique type of jewelry souvenir to buy in Jerusalem. Shards of Roman glass are shaped into pendants and beads. Price from $100.

Luxury Design - Israeli Jewelry & Bijouterie

Art and design are flourishing in Israel. Fans of all this should visit the Design Museum in Holon, which is located about 30 minutes from Tel Aviv. The museums in Holon are state of the art and the Design Museum is ahead of the curve with its unique traveling exhibitions.

Gift shops sell jewelry and accessories such as tableware and utensils, fabrics and other decorative items. Before going to the museum, check the schedule, because it is sometimes closed when new exhibitions are being prepared.

At the other end of the city, far from the industrial center of Holon, stand the cluttered stalls of Old Jaffa, south of Tel Aviv. These stores are packed with people and seem to be selling everything you can imagine and even things you would never think of.

Near the city itself, the station, which was the terminus of the railway line - Jaffa, was rebuilt as the Khatachan shopping center. This is a favorite meeting place for locals, where the selection of art, jewelry and crafts is truly impressive.

In Jerusalem, affordable art can be found in the souvenir shops at the Israel Museum (where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display). In the museum shops you can find interesting books and brochures, as well as modern jewelry and accessories.

For wealthy people, for exclusive art and handicrafts, it is better to go to the Alley of Arts and Crafts, located between the King David Hotel and the walls of the Old City. High-class artists, jewelers, leather workers and those who work with metals work and sell products right here; many of them have exhibited their work in museums around the world.

Don't forget to check out the Eucalyptus restaurant, which specializes in slow food (food is prepared very slowly). The manager there is a Jew from , whose former restaurant was licensed by the terrorists, and the chef is a Jewish immigrant from Iraq.

The feature of this restaurant is a mix of local ingredients, traditional Middle Eastern recipes and food mentioned in the Bible. It will take about three hours to browse the menu, dozens of options for dishes are presented on the menu and each is accompanied by a story.

Ahava Skin Care Cosmetics

According to legend (and cosmetics companies), Cleopatra asked Mark Antony to give her control of the Dead Sea, or at least take it for herself, because makeup made from its minerals was her beauty secret. (Many historians argue that this conversion was made in connection with the commercial and industrial value of the minerals.)

The legends may be fictional, but Dead Sea minerals have indeed been used in beauty products for centuries. Today, Ahava products are probably the most famous on the coast of the Dead Sea. The factory and its shop are located on the main road, right on the border of the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories on the west bank of the Jordan River, not far from the Dead Sea. Take slates and flippers if you want to swim.

Note: Even when shopping for souvenirs, it is important to keep the political implications in this conflict country in mind. Ahava is currently being boycotted by several groups due to disputes over the legality of the manufacturing facility.

Read the opinion of the protesters and the response to this protest of the company's representatives (in a letter to partners and distributors), and then decide whether you will buy this cosmetics.

Food and wine

Starting the development of technologies capable of supporting agriculture in the desert, it has become something of a culinary crucible, a melting pot of immigrant chefs from all over the world, a diverse and incredible local Mediterranean cuisine, and many fruits, herbs and vegetables grown here. Organic farming is a trend here.

Organic jams and jellies, olives and honey are available from organic farms, resorts and spas. Meanwhile, incredible vineyards are scattered across the country, and dust-covered berries survive on just a few drops of carefully harvested and preserved water.

A couple of tips:

Remember that liquids and jellies must be packed in checked baggage.

One of those places where you can legally buy and export antiquities; but, if your route passes through countries where such export is not allowed, it is better to insure and send purchases in another way.

Last tip: In Israel, VAT is 16%, which is immediately refundable in some stores or at the airport (if you have the relevant documents issued in stores). So know everything when you make a purchase.

Or in other words, chickpea paste, the most famous product of Israeli cuisine.

According to research, its composition has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and improves mood 🙂

It is sold in any supermarket, it can be of different types: classic and with additives in the form of pine nuts, hot pepper etc.

1. Tkhina

Hummus girlfriend, a great companion to any salad, as it is an excellent dressing. Tahini is made from sesame seeds. Sold in liquid form. And if you are guaranteed to want to bring it home so that nothing spoils or spills, buy it in powder and breed it yourself at home! Just don't forget to add a pinch of salt and a little lemon juice.

1. marmalade

Yes, yes, this delicacy is so common in Israel that there are entire stores selling exclusively jelly candies of different tastes, shapes and sizes.

Before collecting packages as a gift, it is not forbidden to try 😉

1. Coffee with cardamom. And without.

Sold in many stores or markets, such as Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem or Carmel in Tel Aviv. You can find it by the green packaging with the image of a cardamom leaf on the logo.

Turkish coffee company "Elite" in a red package. Delicious and inexpensive.

1. Olives and olives.

Oh, what a variety in Israel, you just can not imagine! On the counter at a time you can see from 10 to 15 species! And in terms of quality and taste, they are in no way inferior to their Greek and Spanish counterparts.

1. Dates.

Just a must have! In Israel, they are large, fleshy, very sweet! They are sold both by weight and in convenient cardboard packages of 500-1000 grams. One of the most delicious varieties - majkhol - it has very large and delicate fruits.

1. Wine and liqueurs.

Israeli wine is worth a try! It tastes more tart than most Mediterranean wines. If possible, it is better to buy it at the factory - it will be cheaper, there is an opportunity to taste and choose the most suitable one. For example, at the Barkan plant.

And what kind of liqueurs are made here in the north! For example, the Amiad winery is famous for its kiwi, currant, orange and even chocolate liqueurs. They can only be purchased there, on the spot. They are not supplied to any store in Israel. You can order a transfer or an excursion to the north of Israel with a mandatory check-in at the Amiad winery.

1. Mango.

In fact, mango comes from the humid tropics. But there is no such fruit that they would not have learned to grow in Israel. At the moment we have several varieties and each of them has its own special taste:

Variety "Maya" - the most common, once bred by local breeders.

The Haydn variety was brought to Israel from Florida.

Variety "Sheli" produces fruits with a strong aroma. It is simply impossible to break away from it.

In general, if you want to bring something from fruits, you have something to surprise.

1. Avocado.

A vegetable that they learned to breed in Israel. So much so that in our time, Israel occupies one of the first places in the world in the export of avocados! And this, despite the fact that he appeared on Israeli lands some 100 years ago.

1. Lychee.

Lychee comes from China. But Israeli farmers have learned to grow it. Sweet, similar in texture to grapes, the fruit will delight any gourmet!

1. Snacks. "Bamba" - corn sticks with peanut butter. Love to all children and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces.

"Beasley" - adored by older children. Something between chips and crackers.

1. Pillows for Shkidey Marak soup. P are born both in plastic jars and in bags. They have the shape of squares, yellow, fit perfectly into a plate of any soup, decorate with their presence even the simplest stew.
2. Nuts: pistachios and pecans

There are pistachios in Israel, in in large numbers and at a good price. And you can't always find a pecan in Russia. It looks like a walnut in shape, but tastes completely different.Sometimes sweet, in glaze. It's generally a meal.

1. Spices.

There are many of them in Israel: the markets and spicy shops are full by weight. A good gift for food lovers.

1. Cinnamon sticks. In Israel it is cheaper.
2. Arabic sweets.

Together with such a gift, do not forget a two-liter bottle of water to the lucky owner of the gift. Oriental sweets are very sweet.

1. Chocolate firm "Elite" in red packaging.

In Hebrew, it is called “sukariyot koftsot” (jumping candy). It explodes in the mouth. Children like. And adults too.

1. "Cry".

These are such balls or flakes in chocolate. Remarkably, this is an Israeli patent. There chocolate, unlike m&m's, does not leave marks on the hands, does not melt from warm hands.

1. Olive oil.

No worse than Greek. The price of a bottle of 750 grams ranges from 29 to 40 shekels.

1. Grenades.

In September, all the fruit shelves are littered with them. The local pomegranates are very juicy, large and sweet.

1. "Hatzilim".

Ready salad - eggplant with mayonnaise and garlic. Delicious Israeli food.

And what delicacies do you bring from Israel?

The article was written thanks to information from the group

We tell you what is better to bring from Israel as a gift to yourself, friends, colleagues and relatives. We share tips that will help you save money and find a great gift. At the end of the article, we will tell you how to return money for purchases in Israel and about the VAT refund procedure.

Standard Souvenirs

• T-shirts with slogan"Jerusalem", "Israel", with the Star of David, with camels, etc. - OK. 60 shekels (approx. 16$)
• magnets simple, with the image of sights, in the form of icons with the holy land. – from 8-10 shekels (from $2-2.7)
• keyrings from 5-10 shekels (from $1.3 -2.7)

Such goods can be purchased at almost any souvenir shop in Israel, so finding such souvenirs is not difficult.

Red thread on the wrist from Israel

Red thread- this is one of those things that is extremely popular not only among tourists who come to Israel, but also among people in general around the world. Red threads are ordered via the Internet, agencies, etc.

Price- 2 shekels ($ 0.5 - 33 rubles) apiece.

How to tie a red thread. In the original, the Red Threads must be illuminated on the grave of the ancestor of the peoples - Rachel, and then already tied around the wrist.

The red thread must be tied for 7 knots close person. A person must sincerely wish for the good and fulfillment of the desires of the person to whom the thread is tied. Most often, threads are tied by mothers.

Why are they imported from Israel? The red thread on the wrist is considered a powerful amulet that brings a person good luck in life and keeps a person healthy.

It is also believed that after the thread breaks, the wishes made while tying the seven knots come true.

Religious paraphernalia from Israel

Icons

Icons are made on canvas, wood, stone, etc. Most often, icons of the “Holy Family”, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Mother of God of Jerusalem, and Christ the Savior are brought from Israel.

Prices– from 10 shekels (from $3). The cost of icons is set depending on the material, the size of the Icon.

Why are they imported from Israel? It is believed that icons brought from holy places have miraculous powers.

Candles

For lighting and burning at the holy fire, candles can be purchased right in Jerusalem itself. As a rule, candles are sold in a bundle of 33 candles (for each year of the life of Jesus Christ). The price of candles is set depending on their composition, the cheapest of paraffin.

Price per bundle from 33 candles from 4 shekels (from $1). Better wax candles from 19-30.5 shekels ($5-8).

Menorah and Hanukkah

Menorah- This is a seven-candlestick, an ancient religious attribute of Judaism. It is considered a symbol of 7 churches built in Asia Minor, 7 planets and 7 days of the week.

In Judaism it symbolizes: Divine light, Wisdom, Divine protection, Rebirth, Jewish people, Life, Judaism, Continuity, Miracle.

Buy can be found everywhere: not only in religious shops, but also in ordinary souvenir shops.

Hanukkah- a candlestick for nine candles. Symbol of the holiday Hanukkah.

Prices on Menorah and Hanukkah depend on the ease of execution and material (silver, gold or other precious metals). We met menorahs from 40 shekels (from $10)

Kipa

This is a traditional male headdress, worn alone or under a hat. In Israel, there is a large selection of different kippas that you can bring with you as a gift to a Jew or just as a souvenir.

Bale price with a complex pattern - from 15 shekels (from $ 4). You can find simple bales from 5 shekels (from $ 1.3)

Thales (Tallit)

Prayer vestment - a prayer cover in Judaism, as a rule, 1x1.5 m in size. It is sewn from sheep wool or cotton, linen, silk, sometimes from synthetic fabrics.

Price such attire from about 60 shekels (from $ 16).

Hamsa (Hand of the Lord)

It is a symmetrical palm with two thumbs facing down. They are sold as decorations for the house and for the car, or as decoration in the form of key rings, pendants for bracelets, pendants.

Why are they imported from Israel? Hamsa is considered a powerful amulet against the evil eye. In Judaism, Hamsa is supplemented with prayers (blessing of the home, prayer of travelers, etc.)

In Judaism, Hamsa has a slightly different name - "Yad ha-hamesh" (Hand of five), it is associated with the five books of the Torah.

In Islam, hamsa also called the "Hand of Fatima" after one of the four daughters of the Prophet Muhammad. Associated with 5 foundations: faith, charity, pilgrimage, prayer and fasting.

Price depends on the purpose of use, for which the Hamsa will be used, for the home or as a piece of jewelry. A simple bracelet with Hamsa can be bought for 2 shekels (0.5 $ - 33 rubles). Key rings in the form of Hamsa 8-10 shekels ($ 2-2.7).

Cosmetics from Israel

Many tourists bring various cosmetic products as a gift from Israel. The proximity of the country to the Dead Sea allows the production of cosmetics in Israel using healing salts.

Main firms:

• sea ​​of ​​spa,
• sea ​​life,
• Ahava,
• Yes to…,
• kedem,
• beauty life,
• doctor sea,
• Mon Platinum,
• minus 417,
• Vero Nika

Approximate price of cosmetics in Israel

Food and Drinks

Israeli Wine

In Israel, there are such unique wines, which are based on currants, pomegranates, or other fruits.

As a rule, Israeli wine tastes more tart than the usual European and Russian wines.

Note: it is better to buy wines at wineries and wineries, here you will be allowed to taste wines and the prices will pleasantly please you.

Price per bottle of wine starts from 50 shekels (from $13).

Wines that recommend:

• Saslove Winery
• Flam Winery
• Yatir Winery
• Cabernet Sauvignon

Brands of more expensive wines:

• Golan Heights Winery
• Gamla
• Yarden
• Katzrin

Coffee with cardamom

Aromatic coffee of fine grinding, which is brewed in a special cezve.

Note: usually coffee with cardamom is packaged in a green box. On the front side is a drawing of a cardamom leaf.

Price about the same as regular coffee, about 60-70 shekels ($15.6-$18.2).

Hummus

A specific snack of chickpea puree with olive oil, lemon juice, sesame paste and paprika. As an amateur, many begin to like Hummus only from the 2nd or 3rd time. Served with nuts, chips, can be eaten with bread.

Price per jar 0.5 l starts from 10 shekels (from $2.7).

Note: Hummus is a perishable product, if you decide to bring home or as a gift to friends and relatives from Israel, then it is better to purchase closer to departure.

Dates

Large and extremely tasty dates are grown in Israel. In Arab countries, dates are called "Desert Bread". In Israel they sell large and fleshy dates, please note that some dates can be purchased stuffed with nuts, they are more expensive, but the taste is amazing and worth the high price.

Why are they imported from Israel? Dates are brought as a gift to yourself and loved ones, not only because of their excellent taste, but also because of their beneficial properties for the human body.

Price for regular dates it varies from 22 to 59 shekels ($5.7-15.3), Dates with nuts cost about 90 shekels ($23.4).

Honey

Another option for a sweet gift from Israel is honey. Israeli honey is notable for its unforgettable taste qualities. Consider apple, eucalyptus and citrus honey as a gift to friends or yourself.

Buy honey as in various markets of the country, for example, in the Carmel market in Tel Aviv or in any store, honey is also sold in branded packages at Israeli airports.

Note: It is forbidden to carry honey in hand luggage, honey is considered a liquid, so put it in your luggage.

Matkot game

In Israel, the beach game "Matkot" is disastrously popular. If you were on the yarn, you will definitely see at least 2-3 couples playing Matkot near the water. The game itself is a kind of beach tennis - the goal is to hit the ball without dropping it into the sand.

Game set: 2 round wooden rackets, a special colored ball for playing. The balls differ in color for a reason, the colors indicate the strength of the rebound of the ball. As a rule, balls are distinguished by fully colored and black with color markings.

• Yellow balls (one or two dots on black) bounce weakly;
• White or Green balls (with a dot of the corresponding color on black) bounce moderately;
• Red or Blue balls (with a dot of the corresponding color on black) bounce very well.

Set price about 20 shekels ($5).

Eilat stone jewelry

Pay special attention to products made of rare Eilat stone (malachite green with azure splashes). The stone looks advantageous with silver (which is inexpensive in Israel) and with gold.

Eilat stone is used to make bracelets, earrings, beads, cufflinks, tie holders and much more that you can bring as a gift.

In Israel, the crime rate is very low, so do not be afraid of fakes and feel free to buy jewelry in stores.

Price processed Eilat stone at the factory is 7.8 shekels ($ 2) per 1 gram. The price of the pendant is about 119 shekels (about $31), the ring is about 229 shekels (about $78).

Note: Currently, the extraction of stone has been stopped due to the gradual depletion of the stock, so Eilat stone products are becoming truly unique.

Children's things and clothes

For friends who have children, it will be a great gift from Israel - clothes for children. In Israel, the attitude towards children is very reverent, therefore, all materials for the manufacture of children's things are of good quality and mainly from natural materials.

Prices are low and affordable.

1. Remember that on Shabbat (Saturdays) many shops close. Shops open from Sun to Thu from 9:00 to 21:00, on Fri from 9:00 to 13:00 (15:00).

2. Keep receipts when buying things. For large amounts (from 400 shekels or from $ 100), you can count on the fact that you will be refunded VAT. About the VAT refund procedure for tourists.

3. Try to buy religious attributes and everything connected with them in Jerusalem or Bethlehem. In these cities, the likelihood that they are consecrated is much higher.

4. Do not rush to buy in stores where you are brought with a tour, compare prices in different places.

5. On the coast, the prices for cosmetics are somewhat high, but there is much more choice than in duty free.

6. Many advise to buy wines in the immediate vicinity of the production or on it. As a rule, wineries provide an opportunity to taste wines. It is worth noting that the prices are slightly lower than in stores.

7. The rules for the export of goods from Israel impose certain conditions on the export of antiques dated before the XVIII (before 1700 AD). To export such items, you must obtain a written permission from the Director of the Antiquities Administration and pay a fee (10% of the value of the item).

8. If you take out of the country more than 100,000 shekels ($26,000), you must declare the money.

VAT refund procedure for tourists

If you do not have Israeli citizenship, then you can safely count on getting your VAT back.

General conditions for returns

• Have a passport with you;
• Confirm the presence of a visa in the passport or visa insert, which is issued upon arrival in the country;
• The product must be purchased from a legal commercial enterprise and for personal use;
• The amount in the check must exceed 400 shekels or $ 100 (for one target document);
• The goods must be exported personally by the person who returns the VAT;

Note: NO refunds on tobacco, food, beverages.

Return procedure:

• Find a VAT refund point (TAX REFUND)
  • Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv;
  • Ovda Airport (Ovda) in Eilat;
  • Rabin (Arava) border terminal, Taba, Allenby, on the border with Jordan, a terminal near the Jordan River;
  • Seaports of Haifa and Ashdod.

• It is necessary to present goods, VAT refund forms, invoices (a document that contains a description of the goods, size, color, etc.) and a passport.

Note: Do not check in your luggage until the VAT refund if the purchased items are in your suitcase and not in hand luggage.

• VAT refunds are made in shekels ₪ , in euros € , in dollars $ according to the exchange rate of the Bank of Israel on the day of the refund.
• The amount will be refunded upon request to a credit card, cash, bank check or bank transfer.

Additional information about VAT refunds is available:

by phone 03-7280123,

e-mail: [email protected]

Useful articles for tourists in Israel

Israel is a blessed land, which unites representatives of different faiths and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

There are always a lot of tourists here, despite the unstable situation, and everyone is eager to bring something as a gift from the promised land.

And there is something to buy and bring: wine, traditional delicacies, kosher products, souvenirs, cosmetics and more.

What gifts and souvenirs to bring?

What can you buy in Israel? Icons- one of the obligatory souvenirs or talismans that are brought from Israel. The most popular of them Holy Family icon.

In Russia, you will not find similar ones, but in Israel they are sold in every shop and in any design: engraving, wood carving, painting on canvas, etc.

No less popular Mother of God of Jerusalem, Christ the Savior, Nicholas the Wonderworker. And all of them are much more miraculous, because they were created on the Sacred Land.

Antiques in Israel represented by coins of ancient times, ceramics of the same era, jewelry made of gold and precious stones. All this should be purchased in licensed stores.

Not every antique is subject to free export from the country, everything that was created before the 18th century will have to take an export permit from the Office of Antiquities and pay a tax of 10% of the value of the exported.

People often go to Israel not only to visit holy places, but also to acquisitions of diamonds. They are produced by Israel Diamond Center and sold by the Diamond Exchange at the head office and branches.

Among the jewelry in Israel silver is in high demand: crockery, goblets, candlesticks, decorations.

When buying silver products, you need to check that it is really a precious metal, and not a coating, since a product with a coating is much cheaper.

Cosmetics

Israel is located on the shores of the Dead Sea, whose water is considered curative due to the high content of salts and minerals. It is also used for the production of cosmetics.

Therefore, she is highly rated among the fair sex. What cosmetics to buy in Israel for yourself and bring as a gift? The most purchased creams, scrubs, masks, shampoos, shower gels produced by Sea of ​​SPA, Sea of ​​Life, Ahava, Yes to….

Israel. What to bring? My purchases.

It is customary to bring from Israel coffee, dates, hummus, olives and kosher products for friends and relatives in Russia who profess Judaism.

The coffee here is special, with cardamom. You need to buy only the drink that Sold in green packaging with a cardamom leaf logo.

Hummus - food in the form of a thick mass, made from legumes with sesame and ground pine nuts and seasoned with spices. They sell it in banks and by weight.

Since the product is perishable, you should not take it in large quantities, or do not open the package until you arrive home.

Valued among gourmets olives and dates from Israel. Olives here are akin to Greek and Spanish, which are considered the most exquisite.

Dates in Israel do not know equal in size and fleshiness. Friends in Russia will be delighted with a box of delicacy, which in North Africa and Central Asia is considered the second bread.

Wine from Israel has a special tart taste. It is produced from pomegranate, currant, grapes. At every winery and private winery you can buy it. This way you can save a lot.

Kosher Foods sold in all Israeli grocery stores. In Russia, you can also buy them, but not all, and the prices bite. That is why truly Jewish dishes are brought from the promised land.

Cloth

Clothes in Israel are in the same demand as gifts for relatives and friends, as cosmetics, jewelry or goodies.

The most popular brand in the country Michal Negrin. Its representative offices are also open in the Russian capital, but prices are much higher.

Michal Negrin produces mostly piece goods: exclusive clothes, jewelry. The highlight of the designer, which makes the brand recognizable all over the world, is white and blue colors in clothes, as well as hand-finishing.

National clothes are also of interest. Israelis. At first glance, there is nothing special about it, and is there any national dress among the people who have been wandering for hundreds of years?

By now, the typical Jewish man wears a black or white round cap on the top of his head - a yarmulke or hat. Curly strands are attached to the sides of the hat - sidelocks. All this is complemented by a white shirt, a black vest and a long jacket.

What gifts and souvenirs to buy in Israel? A yarmulke or a hat with sidelocks literally all tourists buy for themselves or as a gift. In Russia, men in yarmulkes are not uncommon, and only odious Jews put on a hat.

The national dress of Jewish women was copied from Muslim women: a wide floor-length dress with long sleeves and a headscarf. It does not cause particular interest among tourists.

What to bring as a gift?

To kid

With gifts for men and women sorted out- it can be wine, jewelry, cosmetics, national clothes or branded items. But what about the child? What souvenirs from Israel will appeal to a child and a teenager?

First of all, this delicious treats, which the national cuisine of the Jews offers a lot.

Older children love different amulets. Can buy hamsa for a teenager. This is an ancient amulet in the form of an open palm, on which an eye is depicted.

Hamsa is also called the hand of Maryam. The Jews believe that the hamsa protects a person from evil spirits. Adult friends or relatives will also be happy with such a gift.

Children will definitely be interested Jewish national game matkot. It is similar to table tennis, only a table is not needed for the game, and the ball is not plastic, but rubber.

Produced in Israel analogue of the famous designer "Lego". For kids, these are traditional models of cars and robots. For high school students - complex structures like the Tower of David, the Temple of Solomon or Noah's Ark.

The Israelis produce them for teenagers who are going to become builders or architects in the future.

Board game "Five stones" can be enjoyed by both children and adults. It develops finger motor skills. You can buy handmade chess or backgammon made of tortoiseshell or clay.

Israel only at first glance seems a country closed from prying eyes. Simply, its inhabitants are in no hurry to open up fully until they realize that they have come to them with goodness.

And even then the Israelis will show all their generosity and offer the most expensive gifts.

This is interesting:

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Souvenirs from Israel with photos, descriptions and prices. What to bring from Israel so that it does not lie like a dead weight, but pleases with benefits, beauty and health.

Israel attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique sights, but souvenirs that you can - and you need! - buy here, no less unique. A distinctive feature of Israeli souvenirs is their pronounced national flavor combined with practicality. In other words, among the top ten souvenirs that are offered to your attention, there are no meaningless trinkets that are bought “for show” and are doomed to gather dust on the shelves.

Top 10 souvenirs and shopping from Israel

#1. Dead Sea Cosmetics

Ahava cosmetics - must-have #1 in Israel

All Israeli cosmetic brands actively use in their products - from mud to minerals. And although those who want to get hold of the same salt for free are not transferred to the seashore, it is still better to use this gift of nature as part of cosmetics created by professionals. The same is true for healing mud. Carefully designed shampoos, creams, scrubs and other products work wonders, restoring firmness and smoothness to the skin, and silkiness and volume to the hair.

The most popular brand is Ahava: it seduces buyers with a variety of products and their high quality. Recently, however, another brand of cosmetics, Sea of ​​Life, has become more and more popular, especially their hand creams. As for cosmetics Dr.Sea, Holy Land, Mon Platin, it not only rejuvenates, but also allows you to solve dermatological problems.

It is clear that such cosmetics cannot be cheap: if you want to buy a branded cream, you need to focus on a price of $20 or more, shampoo - from $15.

#2. Medical soap

The addition of minerals and salts from the Dead Sea to ordinary soap turns it from a hygienic into a cosmetic and even a therapeutic agent that helps the skin recover. The soap produced by Sea of ​​SPA deserves special attention ($5-6 per bar).

#3. Dead Sea Salt

Another popular souvenir from Israel: Dead Sea salt

Beautifully packaged and elegantly decorated, Dead Sea Salt infused with aromatic oils is one of the best souvenirs you can bring back from. Moreover, it is inexpensive - 4-5 dollars, and dirt is even cheaper - 2.5 dollars for 600 g.

#4. Religious souvenirs from Israel

Few tourists return from Israel without souvenirs consecrated by belonging to one of the three world religions. Souvenirs such as:

• bundles of 33 candles, which are then carried to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher;
• cypress crosses and rosaries;
• gift sets consisting of consecrated earth, oil, incense and holy water in small bottles;
• icons (for example, inlaid with silver);
• they also buy other souvenirs with religious symbols: magnets, key rings, as well as incense and oil.

Due to the wide popularity of such souvenirs, they are produced in a variety of versions, designed for tourists with different financial capabilities. For example, candles cost from 8 to 25 dollars, cypress crosses - 8-10 dollars; gift sets - about 5-8 dollars. The range of prices for icons is the widest: from simple ones for $35-50 to those decorated with precious salaries for $400.

In addition to souvenirs with Christian symbols, in Israel they buy Hamsa talismans in the form of a palm (3-4 dollars) and talismans with the Star of David (2-3 dollars), which are considered international charms.

#5. Israeli wines

What to buy in Israel: pomegranate wine

The products of Israeli winemakers are mentioned in the Bible, and since then its quality has only improved, and the range has expanded. Today, in a small country, there are about 300 wineries that produce high-quality and original drinks, highly valued by connoisseurs. Only in Israel do they make kosher wines, the production technologies of which are rooted in antiquity, and are unique. Tourists most often purchase wines produced by such large companies as Carmel, Barkan and Golan Heights Winery.

Prices for their wines start from 5-10 dollars, but the products of small wineries will cost at least 25 dollars.

#6. Decorations

Loose gems at a market in Jerusalem, Israel

Of course, in Israel you can also find diamond jewelry from world famous brands, but still, the vast majority of tourists buy here products of local jewelers. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings with Eilat stone mined only in Israel have been out of competition for many decades. It is easily recognizable by its characteristic greenish tint. Prices for jewelry with Eilat stone depend on the complexity of the work, the weight of the precious metal, etc., and on average start at $25-30.

You can also buy the stone itself in the form of a separate gem (about 1.5-2 dollars per 1 gram). Beautiful and silver jewelry with turquoise and other semi-precious stones, which can be bought for 15 or more dollars.

#7. Oriental sweets

Israeli baklava on the market

Israeli cuisine deserves a separate discussion: it is difficult to stay hungry in this country. To prolong the impression, it is recommended to purchase sweet souvenirs, such as hamantash pies, bamba corn sticks, a local version of baklava called baklava, knafe dessert, especially since the prices are very moderate - from 3-5 dollars. It is worth adding honey and chocolate to them - and the sweet life is guaranteed.

#8. Herbs and spices

Oriental cuisine is unthinkable without spices, and they are sold here by weight in any supermarket. Turmeric, cloves, cardamom, sesame seeds, grated nutmeg, thyme, saffron - many of these spices not only add wonderful flavor to dishes, but are also very healthy. Tourists also buy a unique hummus paste, fortunately, it costs only 2-3 dollars per 0.5 kg.

#9. Ceramics from Israel

Israeli dishes and other ceramic products are easily distinguished by their characteristic white and blue colors. The most popular products are plates made in the technique of "Armenian ceramics". Their prices start at $5.

#10. Textile

A rare housewife will resist the temptation to buy an Israeli silk tablecloth. Such tablecloths are not only elegant and durable, but also practically do not wrinkle. Their prices start at $50, but a simple tablecloth bought for $7-8 will look pretty good.

Where to buy cosmetics and souvenirs in Israel

It is better to buy cosmetics, soap and salts in local pharmacies, supermarkets or duty free boutiques. In other places there is, albeit small, but the likelihood of stumbling upon a fake. Religious souvenirs are sold in specialized stores. Experienced tourists advise buying wines in wine shops at manufacturing plants.

But for decorations, spices, sweets and fabrics, you should visit the Eastern Bazaar in the Old City. Firstly, everything is much cheaper there than in stores, especially if you know how to bargain. Secondly, you will get a chance to experience the unique atmosphere of a Middle Eastern bazaar.

If you are not sure that you can navigate on your own in its crowded, then just order, and an experienced guide will reveal to you all the secrets of the Eastern Bazaar. And the fact that you will not return without a heap of purchases from Israel can be confidently asserted, even without being a fortune teller.

Excursions in Israel at the best prices

No matter how tempting guided tours of the oriental bazaars are, the most booked routes in Israel are historical, sightseeing and “viewing”. There are already about 70 of them on Tripster! All tours are conducted in Russian.

- top 10 dishes. beaches in Jerusalem. as well as in the Grand Bazaar area.