Every country has its own set of extensive rules. While many of them are enforced by governing bodies, others are just unspoken norms ingrained within society. As an outsider, it’s expected that you may not know every rule in place, but getting a general idea can help you avoid awkward situations.

If you’re planning a trip to Israel, chances are you have general know-how of how things work there. However, you can never be too prepared. Here are some absolute no-no’s to remember for your trip to Israel:

Don’t Ask For a Cheeseburger

Okay, we’re not saying you have to be on a cheeseburger ban when in Israel, but avoid asking for one when you’re at a kosher restaurant.

Kosher restaurants don’t sell pork and shellfish and don’t serve meat and dairy products together. While there are plenty of non-kosher restaurants across the country to satisfy your cravings, going to a kosher restaurant and asking for food that goes against Jewish dietary rules can seem ignorant and disrespectful.

Don’t Touch An Orthodox Jew Of The Opposite Sex

Negiah literally translates to ‘touch’, which is a concept found in the Jewish law prohibiting physical contact between members of the opposite sex. Physical contact is only permitted between spouses and close family members.

While most locals wouldn’t mind physical touch, it’s best to let them initiate. You shouldn’t make assumptions about who might be comfortable with a hug or handshake, and try to keep your greetings distanced unless approached otherwise. You might also have to switch seats on public transport when seated next to an orthodox member of the opposite sex, so be open to the new normal!

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Don’t Be Alarmed

If you find yourself running across soldiers very often in Israel, don’t worry, it’s not a siege! It’s simply soldiers fulfilling their mandatory army service.

You’re bound to find 18-year-old soldiers occupying public spaces with their colleagues all across the country. It’s nothing to be flustered by, and the weapons they carry are for defensive purposes (they’re trained to use them in emergencies). Just enjoy your stay, don’t stare, and rest easy knowing you have people around to protect you!

The best way to avoid awkward moments is to be well versed in Israel’s native language; Hebrew. If you’re looking for online Hebrew courses, get in touch with us at Ulpan-Or. We provide beginner-friendly Hebrew courses that can help you navigate the local life with ease. We are also providing our customers with a 25% discount on our language services! Contact us today for more information.