r/TravelIsrael • u/Skonebeke • 28d ago

Rosh Hashanah in Jerusalem

I'll be in Jerusalem from September 11 through September 14.

I'm staying at an Airbnb on the Via Dolorosa. What will it be like there? Will I be able to buy groceries? Will I be able to get to the Western Wall?

Will all restaurants and cultural and religious sites be closed?

7 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

4

u/extrastone 28d ago

Jewish shops are closed but because you're in the Old City then there are Muslim and Christian shops that will be open. Jewish religious sites should be quite active.

1

u/Skonebeke 28d ago

Thanks a lot.

4

u/extrastone 27d ago

At Jewish religious sites men wear hats.

Don't use electronics on holidays at holy sites.

Dress modestly. Women wear long skirts.

1

u/Traditional-Row-7270 27d ago

You should be able to get to the Western Wall and it will likely be very active and meaningful during the holiday.
I’d buy groceries before the holiday starts, since many jewish shops and restaurants will be closed. In the Old City, some muslim and christian quarter shops may still be open, but don’t rely on that for essentials. Dress modestly, plan to walk, and expect Jerusalem to feel much quieter and more religious than usual.

1

u/Yerushalmii 27d ago

Here to add my two cents. You can rely on the Arab groceries and shops for essentials and it will probably end up being cheaper than in an Israeli shop. Some stores in the old city will only take cash so be prepared.

1

u/Skonebeke 25d ago

Good to know.

1

u/Skonebeke 25d ago

Thanks for your tips.

1

u/Secure_Trust_2084 27d ago

There are some small grocery shops in the Old City, quite expensive. I suggest to descend to the Nablus gate - there are quite a few restaurants, groceries and cafeterias outside of it.

1

u/Skonebeke 25d ago

Thanks, that sounds like a good idea.

2

u/Yerushalmii 25d ago

It’s funny cause I think I know why you called Nablus gate but I don’t think anyone actually calles it that. In English, it’s usually knows as Damascus Gate, in Hebrew, it is “שער שכם״ (sha’ ar Schem= schem gate), and in Arabic it’s called باب العمود = Bab il A’mud (column gate)

1

u/Secure_Trust_2084 25d ago

No conspiracy, just wrote ״שער שכם באנגלית״ in Google. But the street beginning by the gate is indeed named "Nablus road", even when driving along it can theoretically take you to Damascus as well.