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A review of the fifty years of any country can reflect on the cultural history
of any state or country. More so in the case of Israel, where the last fifty years
have been marked by a series of calamitous events which have had an effect on
the cultural character of this South Asian Country of Israel.
The location of the country has also affected the culture of Israel. The country
forms point of amalgamation for three continents - Asia, Europe and Africa.
This strategic location of Israel allows the country to derive cultural association
from all the three continents. And with a large amount of population coming
from all the three continents, Israel has derived a rich cultural diversity.
Arts and Crafts in Israel are widely supported by the government of Israel.
Local artisans are given special provisions by the government. The country has
a number of galleries and museums where the work of artisans is displayed. Art
lovers in Israel will not be disappointed by the arrangement made by the government.
For cities who do not have permanent exhibit sites, temporary sites are made
for the art lovers.
Music of Israel is very versatile and is a combination of western and eastern
music. It includes a wide variety of Asian and Arab pop and Hassidic songs.
While talking about music in Israel it is unlikely not to mention the Israeli
Philharmonic Orchestra. The Orchestra forms a major crux of the musical scene
in Israel. Established in 1936, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is the national
orchestra of the country. The famous musical composer Zubin Mehta, is a well
renowned figure and the orchestra under his guidance perform in concerts throughout
the country and abroad.
Another cultural aspect is the theater in Israel which consists of large number
of small and large groups of different genres. The first theater professionals
in the country were immigrants from Europe and Russia. These immigrants found
the Middle-Eastern culture that maintained a dialogue with innovative modern
theatrical thinking. One of the most famous theatrical groups in the country
is the Ha-Bima Theatre group that originated in Russia. Today, it is considered
as the national theater company of Israel. The group presents classical and
contemporary plays. The other noted theater groups are the Ha-Kameri Theater
Group, Tsavta in Tel Aviv, Gesher, Haifa Theater and the Yaffo Arab-Jewish Theater.
Religion is very much a part of the lives of Jews and therefore Israelites
are subject to strict etiquettes. Few of the etiquettes in Israel are strict
and have to be followed by the citizens. Among the Jews handshakes are a standard
mode of greeting therefore if you meet a strict follower of the Jewish tradition
then you might be greeted by a handshake in Israel. Across the country of Israel,
hospitality is a medium of demonstrating wealth and power. Therefore expect
a lavish spread of food while visiting a friend for dinner in the country. One
of the most important customs for women in the country one should remember that
the knees and elbows must be covered and that they should wear high collard
clothes.
The Cuisine of Israel is been influenced by the ethnic communities which constitute
the population of Israel. The religious based dietary laws of Kashrut play a
determining factor in the cooking and eating habits of the country. Meat and
Bread constitute the daily cuisines of the country while fish has also become
an integral part of informal dining in the country due to its proximity with
the Mediterranean Sea.
The Israeli culture is an amalgamation of traditions and cultures from across
the country and the neighboring areas.
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