Kfar Saba: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Israel

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [Shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהַתְרָאוֹת
  [Lehatraot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [Ken]
• Noלֹא
  [Lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבבקשה
  [Bevakasha]
• Thank youתּוֹדָה
  [Toda]
• Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [Slicha]
• How are you?כֵיצָד אַתָּה?
  [Eich Ata?]
• Fine. And you?טוֹב. וְאַתָּה?
  [Tov. Ve'ata?]
• Do you speak English?הֲאַתָּה מְדַבֵּר אַנְגְלִית?
  [Ata Medaber Anglit?]
• I don't understandאֲנִי לֹא מְבִין
  [Ani Lo Mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִרְאוֹת אֶת הַתַּפְרִיט, בְּבַקָשָׁה
  [Ani Rotseh Lir'ot Et Hataprit, Bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאֲנִי לֹא אוֹכֵל בָּשָר
  [Ani Lo Ochel Basar]
• Cheers!לְחַיִּים!
  [Lechayim]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לְשַׁלֵם, בְּבַקָשָׁה
  [Ani Rotseh Leshalem, Bevakasha]

• Help!עֶזְרָה!
  [Ezra]
• Go away!לְך הַלְאָה!
  [Lech Haleh]
• Call the Police!תַּקְרִיא לַמִּשְׁטָרָה!
  [Takria Lamishtara]
• Call a doctor!תַקְרִיא לַרוֹפֵא!
  [Takria Larofe]
• I'm lostאֲנִי אָבוּד
  [Ani Avud]
• I'm illאֲנִי חוֹלֶה
  [Ani Choleh]

• I'd like to buy...אֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִקְנוֹת...
  [Ani Rotseh 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 מְדַי
  [Ze Yakar Medai]
• Can you lower the price?הֲאַתָּה יָכוֹל לִהוֹזִיל אֶת הַמְחִיר?
  [Ata Yachol Lihozil Et Hamchir?]

• What time is it?כַּמָה הַשָּׁעָה?
  [Kama Hashaa?]
• It's one o'clockזֶה אַחַת בַּלַּיְלָה
  [Zeachat Balaila]
• Half past (10)חֲצִי (עֶשֶׂר)
  [Chatzi (Eser)]
• Morningבֹּקֶר
  [Boker]
• Afternoonאַחֲרֵי צָהֳרַיִם
  [Acharai Tzohorayim]
• Eveningעֶרֶב
  [Erev]
• Yesterdayאֶתְמוֹל
  [Etmol]
• Todayהַיוֹם
  [Hayom]
• Tomorrowמָחָר
  [Machar]
• 1אֶחָד
  [Echad]
• 2שְׁנַיִם
  [Shnayim]
• 3שָׁלוֹשׁ
  [Shalosh]
• 4אַרְבָּעָה
  [Arba'a]
• 5חֲמִשָּׁה
  [Chamishah]
• 6שִׁשָּׁה
  [Shishah]
• 7שִׁבְעָה
  [Shiv'a]
• 8שְׁמוֹנֶה
  [Shmoneh]
• 9תִשְׁעָה
  [Tish'a]
• 10עֶשֶׂר
  [Eser]

• Where's a/the...?אַיֵה ה...
  [Ayeh Ha...]
• What's the address?מַה הַכְּתוֹבֶת?
  [Ma Hak'tovet?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?הֲאַתָּה יָכוֹל לְהַרְאוֹת לִי (עַל הַמַפָּה)?
  [Ata Yachol Lehareot Li (Al Hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מָתַי הַאָבַס הַבָּא?
  [Matay Haavas Habah?]
• A ticket (to ....)כַּרְטִיס (ל...)
  [Kartis (Le...)]

Kfar Saba, known in ancient times as Capharsaba, has roots stretching back to the Second Temple period. It is mentioned in historical texts such as the writings of Josephus Flavius and in the Talmud. The area was primarily agricultural, with olive groves and vineyards dotting the landscape.

During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Kfar Saba was an important settlement, serving as a way station for travelers and traders. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of a Roman bathhouse and a Byzantine church, indicating the town's significance during these eras.

In the Crusader period, Kfar Saba was known as 'Kafr Saba,' and it featured in various Crusader maps and documents. The Crusaders fortified the area, and remnants of these fortifications can still be found in the vicinity.

Under Ottoman rule, Kfar Saba was a small, but thriving village. The Ottoman land records from the 16th century list Kfar Saba as a village that paid taxes on various crops, including wheat, barley, and olives. The village continued to grow throughout the Ottoman period, maintaining its agricultural character.

In the early 20th century, Kfar Saba became one of the first Jewish settlements in the area. Established in 1903 by Jewish pioneers, it faced numerous challenges, including malaria and attacks during the Arab Revolt of 1936-1939. Despite these hardships, the settlement grew and developed, laying the groundwork for the modern city.

During the British Mandate, Kfar Saba continued to develop, with investments in infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. The village played a significant role in the Jewish struggle for independence, serving as a base for the Haganah and other Jewish defense organizations.

Following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Kfar Saba experienced rapid growth and modernization. The city expanded its boundaries, incorporating neighboring agricultural lands and transforming into a vibrant urban center. Today, Kfar Saba is known for its high quality of life, excellent education system, and thriving cultural scene, which includes museums, theaters, and public parks.

Kfar Saba is located in the Sharon region of Israel, northeast of Tel Aviv. The nearest international airport is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), approximately 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a shared shuttle (sherut), or a direct train to Kfar Saba. Alternatively, buses and trains from major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem connect to Kfar Saba.

Kfar Saba has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and taxis. The city is well-connected by the Egged and Metropoline bus networks, which provide routes within the city and to neighboring areas. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps like Gett. For those who prefer driving, car rental services are available, and the city is accessible via major highways.

The official currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are abundant throughout Kfar Saba, and most offer the option to withdraw cash in multiple languages. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit places that do not accept cards.

Kfar Saba is generally a safe destination for tourists. Standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. While Kfar Saba does not have areas with high crime rates specifically targeting tourists, always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. Kfar Saba has several medical facilities, including the Meir Medical Center, which provides comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are widely available for over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Refrain from photographing people praying or religious ceremonies without permission. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Shalom' or 'Hi'. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept hospitality graciously. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Kfar Saba like a local, visit the weekly farmers’ market, where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don't miss the Kfar Saba Park, a favorite local spot for picnics and leisure. Additionally, attending a local event or festival will give you a unique insight into the community’s vibrant life.