Wishing You Health and Happiness for the New Year from the Entire Judaica WebStore Team in Jerusalem!
Celebrate with us by reading about how Israelis mark the secular New Year, as well as our suggestions for how you can support Israel in 2022!
New Year's celebrations in Israel
January 1st is normally a regular workday in Israel and officially not much more than a date change in the secular calendar, which is used alongside the Hebrew calendar (with Rosh Hashanah as the Jewish New Year and an important national celebration). However, many Israelis still enjoy celebrating New Year’s Eve – often called Silvester, the name used by the German Jewish immigrants who first popularized the holiday in Israel in the 1930’s – although the practice is not as widespread as in some other Western countries.
There are various parties, concerts, and special events, particularly in Tel Aviv – a fun-loving city that’s always down to party! While certain types of public gatherings are currently still somewhat restricted due to Coronavirus, the high rate of vaccination among Israel’s population means that Israelis are able to still go out, socialize, and toast the New Year with their loved ones (likely with some sparkling wine!).
Immigrants to Israel from cultures where New Year’s observance is widespread often keep their customs in their new home. Russian Israelis are particularly known for their Novy God (“New Year”) celebrations – characterized by large family meals, traditional foods, presents, decorated trees, and merrymaking.
This year, New Year’s Day happens to coincide with Israel’s official weekly day of rest, Saturday (the Jewish sabbath or shabbat), which makes celebrating easier. Many Israelis will already be gathering with their family or friends on Friday night to drink wine, eat, and observe shabbat, and the turn of the new secular year adds an additional layer of festivities.
Missing Israel? Check out some of the best ways to express your love for the land and people of Israel with our top 10 gifts, all from local Israeli designers.
How you can support Israel in the New Year
Israel needs your support as always! Some of the best ways that you can express your love for the Jewish state include:
- Supporting the Israeli economy and small businesses (which have been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic!) by ordering from local Israeli artists and designers on our site
- Wearing clothing that proudly displays your support for Israel
- Staying informed on news from Israel
- Learning about Israeli history and culture - including on our blog!
- Sharing positive news about Israel on social media
- Celebrating the Israeli military that protects the Jewish state, with IDF clothing and gifts
- Wearing jewelry that expresses your connection to the Land of Israel
And of course, Judaica WebStore is here to help you connect with the Land of Israel from afar, with some of the best art, Judaica, jewelry, and Israeli souvenirs and other gifts sent straight to you from Israel’s talented artisans and designers.
Happy New Year from Israel!
See our top 10 favorite IDF gifts to proudly display your support for the army of the Jewish people and the brave soldiers that protect Israel every day.
