The Bahai Gardens of Acre: A Spiritual Oasis by the Sea

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [Shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהֵיתָרָאוֹת
  [Lehitraot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [Ken]
• Noלֹא
  [Lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [Bevakasha]
• Thank youתוֹדָה
  [Toda]
• Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [Slicha]
• How are you?אֵיך אַתָּה?
  [Eich Ata?]
• Fine. And you?טוֹב. וְאַתָּה?
  [Tov. Veata?]
• Do you speak English?הֲאַתָּה מְדַבֵּר אַנְגְלִית?
  [Haata Medaber Anglit?]
• I don't understandאֲנִי לֹא מֵבִין
  [Ani Lo Mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִראוֹת אֶת הַתַפְרִיט, בְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [Ani Rotzeh Lir'ot Et Hataprit, Bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאֲנִי לֹא אוֹכֵל בָּשָר
  [Ani Lo Ochel Basar]
• Cheers!לְחַיִים!
  [Lechayim!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לְשַׁלֵם, בְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [Ani Rotzeh Leshalem, Bevakasha]

• Help!עֶזרָה!
  [Ezrah!]
• Go away!לְך מֵאִתִּי!
  [Lech Meiti!]
• Call the Police!קְרָא לַמִּשְׁטָרָה!
  [Kra Lamishtara!]
• Call a doctor!קְרָא לַרוֹפֵא!
  [Kra Larofe!]
• I'm lostאֲנִי לֹא יוֹדֵעַ אֵיפוֹ אֲנִי
  [Ani Lo Yodea Eifo Ani]
• I'm illאֲנִי חוֹלֶה
  [Ani Choleh]

• I'd like to buy...אֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִקְנוֹת...
  [Ani Rotzeh Liknot...]
• I'm just lookingאֲנִי רַק רוֹאֶה
  [Ani Rak Roeh]
• How much is it?כַּמָה זֶה עוֹלֶה?
  [Kama Ze Oleh?]
• That's too expensiveזֶה יָקָר מִדַי
  [Ze Yakar Midai]
• Can you lower the price?הֲאַתָּה יְכוֹל לְהוֹרִיד אֶת הַמְחִיר?
  [Haata Yechol Lehored Et Hamachir?]

• What time is it?מַה הַשָּׁעָה?
  [Ma Hashaa?]
• It's one o'clockזֶה חֲצוֹת אֶחָד
  [Ze Chatzot Echad]
• Half past (10)חֲצִי (עֶשֶׂר)
  [Chatzi (Eser)]
• Morningבֹּקֶר
  [Boker]
• Afternoonצָהֳרַיִם
  [Tzohorayim]
• Eveningעֶרֶב
  [Erev]
• Yesterdayאֶתְמוֹל
  [Etmol]
• Todayהַיוֹם
  [Hayom]
• Tomorrowמָחָר
  [Machar]
• 1אֶחָד
  [Echad]
• 2שְׁנַיִם
  [Shnayim]
• 3שָׁלוֹשׁ
  [Shalosh]
• 4אַרְבָּעָה
  [Arba'a]
• 5חֲמִשָּׁה
  [Chamishah]
• 6שִׁשָּׁה
  [Shishah]
• 7שִׁבְעָה
  [Shiv'ah]
• 8שְׁמוֹנֶה
  [Shmoneh]
• 9תִּשְׁעָה
  [Tish'ah]
• 10עֶשֶׂר
  [Eser]

• Where's a/the...?אֵיפוֹ יֵשׁ...
  [Eifo Yes...]
• What's the address?מַה הַכְתוֹבָה?
  [Ma Haktovah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?הֲאַתָּה יְכוֹל לְהַרְאוֹת לִי (עַל הַמַפָּה)?
  [Haata Yechol Lehareot Li (Al Hama'pah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מָתַי הָאֻטו֑בוּס הַבָּא?
  [Matay Ha'utobus Haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כַּרְטִיס (לְ....)
  [Kartis (Le....)]

The Bahá'í Faith was founded in the mid-19th century by Bahá'u'lláh, who proclaimed his mission in 1863. The faith emphasizes the unity of all people and religions, and its principles were spread from the region of Acre, where Bahá'u'lláh was exiled. The establishment of Acre as a significant center for the Bahá'í community began during this period, marking a pivotal point in the faith's history.

In 1868, Bahá'u'lláh was exiled to Acre from the Ottoman Empire's capital, Istanbul. This exile marked a crucial turning point for the Bahá'í Faith, as Acre became the focal point for the development of its religious community. Bahá'u'lláh's residence in Acre, known as the 'House of Bahá'u'lláh,' became a center for Bahá'í teachings and gatherings.

The Bahá'í Gardens in Acre, also known as the 'Terraces of the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh,' were established in the late 20th century, culminating in their official designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. These gardens serve as a symbol of the Bahá'í Faith's emphasis on beauty and harmony, reflecting the spiritual principles of the religion through their meticulous landscaping and design.

The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh, located within the Bahá'í Gardens in Acre, is the final resting place of Bahá'u'lláh and is considered one of the holiest sites in the Bahá'í Faith. Completed in 1909, the shrine is renowned for its stunning architecture and serene gardens, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. The site emphasizes the importance of unity and peace, central tenets of the Bahá'í Faith.

Acre's Bahá'í Gardens not only serve as a spiritual center for followers of the Bahá'í Faith but also as a cultural landmark in Israel. The gardens attract thousands of visitors each year, contributing to the local economy and promoting intercultural dialogue. The site stands as a testament to Acre's rich history, intertwining the narratives of various civilizations that have influenced this coastal city.

Bahai Gardens is situated in the city of Acre, accessible from other neighborhoods via local transportation. If you're traveling from the Acre train station, you can take a short taxi ride or catch bus line 1, which runs frequently to the gardens. If you're coming from the Old City of Acre, it's a pleasant 20-minute walk, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque coastal views along the way.

Bahai Gardens can be explored on foot, as the area is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Local buses connect to various parts of Acre, and taxis are readily available. Bicycles can be rented from local shops if you prefer to cycle around the gardens and nearby coastal areas. Note that some sections within the gardens may not be accessible by bike.

Bahai Gardens is generally safe for tourists. However, like any destination, it's wise to remain vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, particularly around less frequented parts of the city. While Acre does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty theft can occur, especially in crowded places. Always safeguard your belongings.

In case of emergencies, dial 100 for police, 101 for medical assistance, and 102 for fire services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. There are hospitals and clinics in Acre, with the nearest one being the Western Galilee Hospital. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting the Bahai Gardens, as it is a religious site. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect the Bahai faith and its customs. Photography is allowed in designated areas, but always ask for permission first. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Shalom'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food at nearby eateries. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Bahai Gardens like a local, visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility. Engage with local residents who can share insights about the Bahai community and their practices. Take time to explore the surrounding neighborhoods, where you can find unique cafes and shops offering local crafts. Don't rush your visit; allow ample time to appreciate the gardens' beauty and serenity.