10 free activities

In keeping with the Festival of Freedom, here are a number of activities that you can enjoy over the holiday, free of charge.

By ANN GOLDBERG

APRIL 9, 2017 14:38

Updated: APRIL 9, 2017 14:44

Sarona Compound (photo credit: ANN GOLDBERG) — Sarona Compound

(photo credit: ANN GOLDBERG)

BIRKAT HAKOHANIM, Western Wall, Jerusalem: Thursday, April 13 Tens of thousands of people gather for this mass priestly blessing, which takes place twice during the morning prayers – once during Shaharit, which is around 9:30 a.m. and then during Musaf, at about 10:30 a.m.

DOLL MUSEUM, Castra Mall, Haifa: There is a wide variety of scenes depicting events from the Bible, Jewish festivals and recent Jewish history. The mall itself is worth a visit, as it is an interesting mixture of shopping and culture, with changing exhibitions and museums alongside stores and restaurants.

FIRST STATION, Jerusalem: The old railway station has been transformed into a popular site with shops, restaurants, shows and fun activities for children.

HAYARKON PARK, Tel Aviv: There are activities galore for children, space for ball games and picnics, and an opportunity to rent bicycles and take boat trips on the river.

LAKE KINNERET: There are many beaches around the lake, some with children’s play areas, others for religious visitors with separate areas for men and women, and others that have facilities for water sports.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA: There are glorious beaches along the length of the Med, from Nahariya to Ashkelon.

MUSEUMS: Many museums around the country have free admission, courtesy of Bank Hapoalim.

Lists of museums participating are available in the newspapers and online during Passover.

RAMAT HANADIV, Zichron Ya’acov: See “Festive family forays” on page 22 for full details.

SHUK HOPPING & SHOPPING: Visit some of the many famous markets in Jerusalem (Mahaneh Yehuda) and Tel Aviv (Nahalat Binyamin, Carmel, Jaffa Flea Market, etc.)