Things to Do Around Israel, November 6-12, 2015

TEL AVIV AND CENTER

Running In Color

NATAL’s “Running In Color” race kicks off on Friday (13.11) in Tel Aviv. The event, with the aim of raising awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of terror and war in the region, also includes a variety of trails suitable for all ages and physical abilities. Runners will be sprinkled with colorful powders along the course. All proceeds go directly to sufferers of PTSD. Schedule: 5km begins at 08.30; 1.5 km at 09.30; and children’s race at 10.00. Registration is required, no later than Tuesday at 12.00. Entrance point at Ganei Yehoshua, Hayarkon Park. English registration: http://natal.sportweb.co.il/Running_In_Color

Fashion Weekends at Jaffa Port

A series of weekend events explores the relationship between fashion, design and art in Israel. Each week 10 different designers display their creations. This week: Fashion and accessories designers. Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat 12.00-21.00. Jaffa Port Gallery, 20 Ratzif St. Details: http://www.jaffaportgallery.com/
 
Olive Tree Harvest

Activities include olive picking, olive pressing and olive oil tastings. Includes workshops, lectures and tours. 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

Tower of David

Home to the Museum of the History of Jerusalem, the Tower of David features a permanent exhibit that illustrates the city’s history and its significance to three religions. The tower itself is an archaeological site and offers a 360-degree view of the Old City of Jerusalem. The museum also stages temporary exhibits that connect ancient history with contemporary themes and hosts lectures, guided tours and other cultural events. Fri 09.00-14.00; Sat 09.00-16.00; Sun-Thur 09.00-16.00

Israel Museum
 
In light of the current security situation, the museum offers free afternoon activities for children and parents in the Youth Wing. Activities include: Celebrate in the Recycling Workshop Unique materials collected from factories are transformed into presents and other birthday props. Tues 16.00-19.00; Story Time in the Library with storyteller Shlomit Dvir with songs, games and stories about winter. Tues at 17.00. Pre-registration: (02) 677-1302

Museum for Islamic Art

The theme of this year’s Thursday Lecture Series is the identity of Palestinian women and social and political issues concerning Arab women. This week’s lecture is given by university professor, author and activist Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian. Thur at 19.00. 2 Hapalmach St. Tickets: (02) 566-1291, www.islamicart.co.il

Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
 
Israel’s biggest plant collection, organized geographically, with over 6,000 plants throughout the grounds. Fri 09.00-15.00; Sat, Sun-Thur 09.00-17.00. 1 Zalman Shneor St. (via Nayot Petrol Station). Shabbat entry from 1 Burla St. (02) 679-4012, www.en.botanic.co.il

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. New activity: Selfie with Thai Elephants Every Friday a raffle drawing will be held for a chance to visit the elephants’ grounds where spectators can feed and pet the elephants, as well as take a selfie with them. Proceeds from raffle tickets go to support an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. 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. Among the exhibits: The Power of the Wind includes interactive stations designed to demonstrate different-sized items carried by air currents. 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

Gazelle Valley

Visit the nature park, where deer roam free, despite being surrounded by the urban landscape of Jerusalem. Handicap accessible. Open all hours. Off the intersection of Herzog and Pat streets

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
 
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

Yoga Arava

Practitioners from around the country come together for a weekend of yoga workshops for all levels guided by the best teachers from Israel and abroad. A special sunset event will be held on Friday, including a collective practice with guest teacher, Yogini Kaliji from the U.S. at Timna Park, festive dinner and a live music show. Friday and Saturday, various locations around the Arava region. November 5-7. Reservations: 052-366-5935, www.yogaarava.co.il/en/

Lunada

A children’s museum offering an 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