Tel Aviv Culture
By Corin Rotary
While covering all cultural aspects of Tel-Aviv, which is probably one of the most culturally complex cities in the world, is nearly impossible, this article tries to nail some of the key elements in the Tel-Aviv culture.
In general, culture defines a particular society at a specific place and time. This would include the social group’s taste in art, the manners of the people, shared values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. Culture goes further to encompass film, music, museums, books, comedy, critique and even drugs.
Jacky Says...
- If you had to mention drugs as part of the Tel-Aviv culture, I gotta say that the grass in Israel is not that strong. I know because when I was in college, I tried putting a joint in my mouth (but never enhailed).
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Tel Avivian’s culture
Tel Avivian’s can be divided into two major demographic groups. The first respectful and esteemed group is the older population, the guys who built this amazing city and enjoy a unique and honored status by Tel Aviv authorities and residents. The second and largest group is the young residents who flow by their masses to live in Tel Aviv after the army. You might be amazed of the high percentage of young people in “The city that never stops”. So be ready to party and to rock like Tel Avivian’s!
Tel Avivian’s say what they think
In contrast to many other citizens of various nations around the globe, Israelis and Tel Avivian’s in particular tend to give their opinions freely and openly. This applies in basic situations such as saying yes or no when offered a drink, as well as when discussing complex political issues (very common) over dinner with friends or with the taxi driver. In fact, some Tel Avivian’s enjoy debating and criticizing and consider it to be the Israeli national sport! If you would like to avoid the common phenomenon all you need to do, as the American author Elbert Hubbart wrote, is "do nothing, say nothing, be nothing"… Nevertheless, Tel Avivian’s are normally very friendly and hospitable towards tourists. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you will get a dinner or a party invitation from a Tel Avivian’s you’ve just met!
Paying your own way
When most Tel Avivian’s go out to social functions (normally every day), it is generally expected that each person will pay for themselves. The old custom of inviting a lady to dinner and open the door for her (‘ladies firsts’) do not apply in the open, liberal and equal society of Tel Aviv.
Spontaneous talking in conversation
Tel Avivian’s tend to be rather spontaneous and informal in their conversation. For people who come from societies (e.g., certain asian cultures) that highly respect the value of carefully-chosen words, it might take some time to get used to. However, the main advantage for tourists in this easy-going mentality is the infinite opportunities to say and ask everything, anytime and everywhere. Consequently, it’s pretty easy for tourists to get by and importantly to feel comfortable and welcomed. This also implies that Tel-Aviv introduces a special sense of freedom to its residents and visitors.
Casual dressing code
Tel Avivan’s like their casual, comfortable and trendy clothing. The reason being is the hot and humid weather that characterizes Tel Aviv most of the year. Since Tel Avivian’s live life to the edge and they need to be ready for fast changes in their social environment (from cafes, bars to the beach) they prefer untailored and informal clothes. Thus, don’t forget to bring a trendy pair of jeans and cool T-shirts or tops. This also implies that Tel-Avivians and Israelis in general tend to look under-dressed for formal occasions.
Theaters in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the ultimate city for theatre proponent. From its early days, Tel Aviv was a great cultural center with an outstanding Hebrew theatre. Moreover, 18 out of Israel's 35 performing arts centers are located in Tel Aviv-Yafo.
Habima theatre - Israel's national theatre
Was founded in Moscow in 1918 and re-established in Tel Aviv in 1931. Its repertoire consists of original and classical plays played by Israeli’s best actors.
The Cameri theatre
The Cameri Theatre was established in 1944 and was the first theatre to produce plays in Hebrew. More than twenty million people have seen over four hundred plays in the last fifty years.
Beit Lessin Theatre
The theatre was established in 1980 in Tel Aviv and offers mainly original drama plays. The theatre enjoys and has developed a unique and high quality reputation over the years.
Gesher theatre - Tel Aviv's youngest theatre
Established in 1991 by new Russian immigrants and approved as a public theatre in 1993. Offers plays in Hebrew and Russian. It is an undoubted success and has won extensive praises in Israel and around the world.
Other Theatres in Tel-Aviv
While the above are more mainstream theatres, others include the Yiddish Theatre, the Puppet Theatre at Yarkon Park, Hasimta in Yafo, and the Orna Porat National Theatre for Children and Youth.
Music and dance centers in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv offers a wide range of music styles and is the home of the famous Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and of Israel's leading dance companies, Bat Sheva, Bat Dor and Inbal. Suzann Dallal Center for Dance and Theatre consists of dancing, musical and cultural events with a special atmosphere in Neve Tzedek and Enav Cultural Center hosts lectures, concerts and plays is the new seat of the Tel Aviv City Council and a cultural center.
If opera is your favorite entertainment the New Israel Opera is your perfect show in town. The new high quality venture was relocated in 1994 at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center located next to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and Beit Ariela (Sha'ar Tzion) public library.
Museums in Tel Aviv
As art nourishes the roots of culture, the city of Tel Aviv assists artist to express themselves by being a source of inspiration. Art is an inseparable part from Te Aviv routine and culture. Some of the leading museums in Israel are located in Tel Aviv and visitors has the unique opportunity to explore and enjoy both classic and modern art.
If opera is your favorite entertainment the New Israel Opera is your perfect show in town. The new high quality venture was relocated in 1994 at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center located next to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and Beit Ariela (Sha'ar Tzion) public library.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art
The Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Israel's main art museum, shows permanent and changing exhibitions in the home site of the museum at Shaul Hamelech Boulevard and in the Helena Rubenstein Pavilion, adjacent to the Mann Auditorium. Among the permanent collections, it is possible to find the best of Israeli painting and sculpture, beginning from creations from the twenties to modern works, European art from the 16 - 19th centuries, impressionism and post-impressionism and European and American art of the 20th century.
Eretz Israel Museum
The Eretz Israel Museum, situated in Ramat Aviv, near Tel Aviv University, exhibits a wide range of art collections in the fields of Archaeology, Judaica, Ethnography, Material Culture and the Applied Arts of the Land of Israel.
Diaspora Museum
Beth Hatefutsoth, the Nahum Goldmann Museum of the Jewish Diaspora, located in the grounds of the University of Tel Aviv, exists to convey the story of the Jewish people for more than two thousand years.
See you soon in Tel-Aviv!
The only thing left to do now, once you have got all the essential information is to get on board and start exploring the amazing culture, people and life style of “The city that never stops”. I do promise you will not have a dull moment thanks to the surprising, exiting and special energy of Tel Aviv. Welcome and see you soon in Tel-Aviv!
Jacky Says...
- As with many cities, the culture on the road while driving, is part of the actual culture. Unfortunately, there are many asses on the road and they aren't all as patient and pleasant as me!
- If you are a night person, you are gonna like the dynamic night culture of Tel-Aviv.
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