Things to Do Around Israel, October 23-29, 2015

TEL AVIV AND CENTER

Fashion Weekends at Jaffa Port

Transforms is a series of weekend events exploring the relationship between fashion, design and art in Israel. Each week, 10 different designers display their creations for sale. This week features contemporary jewelry designers including Efrat Habani and her line “Fabrica,” Gregory Larin and others. Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat 12.00-21.00. Through Nov 21. Jaffa Port Gallery, 20 Ratzif St. Details: http://www.jaffaportgallery.com/
 
Medrano Circus

The Italian circus celebrates 150 years with a spectacular show featuring over 40 clowns, trapeze artists, acrobats and others. Fri at 16.00; Sat 10.00, 12.30. Sportek in Ganei Yehoshua, 42 Rokah Blvd., Tel Aviv. Tickets: *2207, www.medrano.co.il

Olive Tree Harvest

Families are invited to join in workshops, lectures and tours. Activities include olive picking, olive pressing and olive oil tastings. For the entire family. Fri 10.00-14.00; Sat 10.00-16.00; Sun-Thur 10.00-12.00, 16.30-18.30. Beit Shamna Olive Press, Moshav Hagor, near Rosh Ha’ayin. Details: (03) 903-3380, http://www.shamna.co.il/
 
Nahum Gutman Museum

The Dwarf, the Giant and the Princess An interactive exhibit that looks at modern interpretations of old tales, imagination and kids’ culture. For the entire family. Museum hours: Fri 10.00-14.00; Sat 10.00-15.00; Mon-Thur 10.00-16.00. 21 Rokach St., Neve Tzedek

Ice Peaks

Ice-skating rink, climbing wall and zip-line. Fri 11.30-23.00; Sat 10.00-23.00; Mon-Thur 17.30-20.00 Peres Park, 1 Mifratz Shlomo St., Holon

The Safari

The 250-acre park is home to 200 species of wild mammals, birds and reptiles, and offers tours and activities. Fri and holiday eves 09.00-16.00; Sat-Thur 09.00-17.00 (last entry 2 hours before closing). 1 Sderot Hatzvi, Ramat Gan (03) 630-5305, www.safari.co.il

Yitzhak Rabin Center

Celebrating the life and legacy of the assassinated prime minister, the center and its museum combine Rabin’s personal story with the development of the burgeoning Jewish State of Israel. Activities include guided historical tours, and educational workshops on such ideas as democracy and remembrance. Fri 09.00-14.00; Sun, Mon, Wed 09.00-17.00; Tues, Thur 09.00-19.00. 8 Haim Levanon St., Ramat Aviv

JERUSALEM AND AREA

100,000 Poets for Peace & Change
 
Jerusalem takes part in the annual global initiative of “poetry for change,” aimed at discussing peace, sustainability and social justice with its own poetry event. Poems will be read in Hebrew and English. Poets reading in English include Rachel Heimowitz, Michal Shilor, Michael Dickel and Mike Stone. Tues at 19.00. Tmol Shilshom, 5 Yoel Solomon St., Jerusalem. Details: doritweisman@gmail.com, Michael_Dickel@mac.com
 
Relay Race in Mateh Yehuda
 
This two-day annual relay race over a 200 km. route through the Mateh Yehuda landscape includes breathtaking views of the valleys and hilltops of the region. This year’s event will host 2,400 runners and 320 groups from various communities, such as Orthodox women, the visually-impaired and schoolchildren. Starting point at Latrun. Thur at 07.00. October 29-30. Details: http://tanach-tashach.m-yehuda.org.il/tanach/portal

Thursday Lecture Series at the Museum of Islamic Art

The theme of this year’s lecture series is the identity of Palestinian women and social and political issues concerning Arab women in the region. The week’s lecture, by journalist Smadar Perry, focuses on the Arab Spring. Thur at 19.00. 2 Hapalmach St. Tickets: (02) 566-1291, www.islamicart.co.il

Kiftzuba

The family amusement park offers a range of activities for all ages, in air-conditioned buildings and a shaded outdoor area. Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat 10.00-19.00. Kibbutz Tzuba, www.kiftzuba.co.il

Jerusalem Botanical Gardens

Israel’s biggest plant collection, organized geographically, with over 6,000 plants throughout the grounds. Fri 09.00-17.00; Sat 09.00-18.00; Sun-Thur 09.00-19.00. 1 Zalman Shneor St. (via Nayot Petrol Station). Shabbat entry from 1 Burla St.  (02) 679-4012, www.en.botanic.co.il

Bible Lands Museum

Lost at the Museum Join the Princess and the Wizard on their spectacular journey in search of their lost heirlooms. Look for shiny jewelry and hunting tools that have vanished in the palace, and discover ancient spells and mysterious papyrus writings. Ages 5-10. Museum Hours: Fri, Sat 10.00-14.00; Sun, Mon, Tues, Thur 09.30-17.30; Wed 09.30-21.30. (02) 561-1066, www.blmj.org
    
Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)

Natural exhibits of over 160 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates from around the world. Includes a children’s zoo with a petting corner, educational activities and the Noah’s Ark sculpture garden. Fri 09.00-16.30; Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun-Thur 09.00-18.00. Biblical Zoo, Derech Aharon Shulov 1. (02) 675-0111

Mini Israel

Over 350 miniature replicas of historical, religious, archaeological and modern sites and buildings from around the country. Guided tours by appointment. Fri and holiday eves 10.00-14.00; Sat 17.00-22.00; Sun-Thur 10.00-17.00. Location at Latrun 1-700-559-559; www.minisrael.co.il

Bloomfield Science Museum

The museum contains exhibits and workshops dealing with light and shadow, construction, levers, illusions, fire, electricity and more. New exhibit: The Power of the Wind includes interactive stations designed to demonstrate different-sized items carried by air currents. Opens Mon. For the entire family. Fri and holiday eves 10.00-14.00; Sat and holidays 10.00-16.00; Mon-Thur 10.00-18.00. www.mada.org.il

Herzl Museum

The museum provides details on the life and influence of Theodor Herzl, the founding father of Zionism. At the entrance to Mt. Herzl, on Herzl Blvd. By appointment: (02) 671-3770

Monkey Park

Guided tours, workshops, feedings, rides, wall climbing and other activities. Fri and holiday eves 10.00-14.00; Sat-Thur 10.00-18.00 (last entry two hours before closing). Ben Shemen Forest (near Kfar Daniel) (08) 928-5888, park.monkeypark.co.il

HAIFA AND THE NORTH

Wheels of Love

This annual international five-day bicycle journey from northern Israel to Jerusalem, aims to raise money to help rehabilitate children at the ALYN Hospital. With over 320 cyclists from Israel and abroad taking part, the riders take off from Kadoorie Institute, an agricultural college in the Lower Galilee. Oct 25-29. Begins Sun at 08.00. Details and registration: www.alynride.org.il

Pro Golf Event

The week-long event continues at the Caesarea Golf Club as part of the Alps Tour Final, with a winning prize that totals 80,000 euros. Fri-Mon, rounds start at 08.00. Caesarea Golf Club, POB 4858. Details: *6550, http://www.rothschild-israel-masters.com/

Gan Guru

The park is home to wildlife including kangaroos and koalas, with Aboriginal face-painting and guided koala and bat feedings. Fri 09.00-15.00; Sat 09.00-17.00; Sun-Thur 09.00-16.00. Australia Park, Kibbutz Nir David, (04) 648-8060; www.nirtours.co.il

Park of Springs

Explore the Park of Springs (Hamayanot) by foot or bicycle. The park includes springs, a stream, fishponds, heritage sites, migrating birds and agricultural areas. Fri 09.00-16.00; Sat-Thur 09.00-17.00. Near Kibbutz Nir David, (04) 648-8060; www.nirtours.co.il

Hamat Gader

Enjoy a giant tent compound, pedal boats, a parrot show, crocodile feedings, local hot springs, and more. Fri, Thur 08.30-22.00; Sat-Wed 08.30-17.00; Hamat Gader, off Route 98 and south of Lake Kinneret. Details: *6393
 
THE SOUTH

Lunada

A children’s museum offering a interactive experience, with original games that activate the senses. Sat 09.30-18.30, Sun-Thur 09.00-13.00, 16.00-19.00. Lunada, 25 Hareuveni St., Be’er Sheva

Bird Watching Park

Learn about the life and migrating patterns of many different bird species, observe them as they land in the nearby lake and trees, and understand Israel’s vital role in many migrating birds’ flight plans and survival. Open daily, at all hours. Off the Arava Rd., from Route 90 and then east on Route 109. 050-767-1290, http://eilatbirds.com

Underwater Observatory Marine Park, Eilat

The park sits on the coral reef of the Red Sea, providing an up-close introduction to the fauna of the Gulf of Eilat, including over 800 species of fish, corals, mollusks, turtles, rays and more. The park’s shark pool is home to 18 shark species, and offers an underwater observation tunnel, activities and displays. Additional attractions include the open-sea underwater observatory, aquariums, the Amazon Cabin (featuring fauna from the Amazon River), animal feedings, glass-bottomed boat cruises, 3D educational films and more. Daily, 08.30-16.00. Coral (Almog) Beach, Eilat (08) 636-4200, www.coralworld.co.il/en