To see a city wrapped in light – Jewish Traveler and lead us to peace

In preparation for Hanukkah, there will be candle lighting events and home hospitality in Jerusalem every December. Evacuees from around Israel staying in hotels in Jerusalem will be able to participate free of charge.

About 30 companies from the ‘Women and Stories in Jerusalem’ project invite independently organized groups from 10 people to 20 people, for home entertainment throughout the city. The hospitality includes a meeting, a conversation, a life story, a workshop, a joint activity, the preparation of challah or a stew and light refreshments.

Home hospitality is one of the prominent trends in the global tourism industry. More and more tourists are expressing an interest in off-the-beaten-track tourism through getting to know the local population, whatever it is, customs, foods, lifestyle, folklore, and more. Hanukkah 2023 activities are intended for groups, for women and men. Details of City of Light activities Link to this site.

The hospitality will take place, by prior arrangement only, directly in front of the hostesses.

The Women and Stories in Jerusalem project was established at the initiative of the Jerusalem Municipality, and is an example of social tourism in which women host individuals and groups in their pavilion, tell the story of their lives, and allow a rare glimpse into their home and their special lifestyle combined with light refreshments. The community includes women from all spectrums of Jerusalem society: secular, ultra-Orthodox, national religious, Christian and Arab.

The initiative, which operates through the department for the advancement of women in the social department of the municipality, was established about a decade ago, out of a desire to allow the women of the city to enjoy economic independence, while creating a model of cooperation between them, support and peer learning.

The Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Leon: “Domestic tourism is gaining momentum in Israel and around the world. Over 80% of the domestic tourism businesses in Israel are led by women and this is a great pride. Visiting the hosts’ home allows a glimpse into their world, their culture, customs, hobbies or a professional. All these are shared The hosts are with their guests and share their personal life stories with them. The capital city of Jerusalem is also a leader in this field, as it is an inexhaustible source of stories.”

Photography: Ronit Ben Ari