Yosef is a fifth-generation to an Ultra Orthodox Jewish family from “Mea Shearim”. He is a both a certified tour guide, and a PhD student at Bar Ilan in Israel Studies.
His tours cover a wide range of periods and sites, but perhaps his most unique, and personal, tour, is the one to the neighborhood of his childhood – to “Mea Sheaim”.
And nothing like the Evening Bakeries Tour!.
This is how he describes this experience –
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It all started with a rumor that on weeknight, something out-of-the-ordinary happens in the well-known ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim. Even born-and-bred inJerusalem are unaware of this fascinating micro-cosmos, especially what goes on there on Thursday nights.
It is told that during this special time, the neighborhood comes alive, bustling with home-making mothers and Torah learning men preparing for Shabbat, the holy Sabbath, that begins the following nightfall.
Hidden stairwells become make-shift Cholent “restaurants” where men site on crates, or even stand, and savor the flavor of the pre-Sabbath treat – Cholent (the traditional Sabbath hot stew eaten by Jews for generations.)
If you know where to go, you’ll find the most amazing bakeries, where the smell of freshly bakes Challa (traditional braided bread) and sweet pastries is absolutely intoxicating, and where no visitor can leave without at least a taste.
This very special tour opens a window into the colorful life of Hassidic courtyards, schools, Shtibel’s (synagogues), markets, and more. We’ll listen closely to the Hassidish Niggunim (melodies) and taste the local delicacies.
This is a rare opportunity to peek into this seldom visited world. Don’t miss out on it.
Appropriate dress is required.
For men – long pants and long sleeve shirt.
For women – long skirt (below the knee), a non-tight shirt with a closed neckline, and closed-toe shoes.
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