Nazareth: The Gem of Galilee

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [Shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהֵיתֵר
  [Lehitraot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [Ken]
• Noלֹא
  [Lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [Bevakasha]
• Thank youתּוֹדָה
  [Toda]
• Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [Sliha]
• How are you?כֵּיצַד אַתָּה?
  [Keitzad Ata?]
• Fine. And you?טוֹב. וְאַתָּה?
  [Tov. Ve'ata?]
• Do you speak English??אִתָּה מְדַבֵּר אַנְגְלִית
  [Ata medaber anglit?]
• I don't understandאני לא מבין
  [Ani lo mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאני רוצה לראות את התפריט, בבקשה
  [Ani rotze lir'ot et hataprit, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאני לא אוכל בשר
  [Ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לְחַיִּים!
  [L'chaim!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאני רוצה לשלם, בבקשה
  [Ani rotze l'shalem, bevakasha]

• Help!עזרה!
  [Ezrah!]
• Go away!לְךָ לְהַלֵּךְ!
  [Lecha lehalech!]
• Call the Police!קרא למשטרה!
  [Kra la'mishtara!]
• Call a doctor!קרא לרופא!
  [Kra la'rofe!]
• I'm lostאני אבוד
  [Ani avud]
• I'm illאני חולה
  [Ani choleh]

• I'd like to buy...אני רוצה לקנות...
  [Ani rotze liknot...]
• I'm just lookingאני רק מסתכל
  [Ani rak mistakel]
• How much is it?כמה זה עולה?
  [Kama ze ole?]
• That's too expensiveזה יקר מדי
  [Ze yakar m'dai]
• Can you lower the price?אתה יכול להוריד את המחיר?
  [Ata yachol lehorid et hamachir?]

• What time is it?כמה השעה?
  [Kama hasha'a?]
• It's one o'clockהשעה היא חד
  [Hasha'a hi echad]
• Half past (10)חצי (עשר)
  [Chatzi (eser)]
• Morningבוקר
  [Boker]
• Afternoonצהריים
  [Tzohorayim]
• Eveningערב
  [Erev]
• Yesterdayאתמול
  [Etmol]
• Todayהיום
  [Hayom]
• Tomorrowמחר
  [Mahar]
• 1אחד
  [Echad]
• 2שניים
  [Shnayim]
• 3שלושה
  [Shlosha]
• 4ארבעה
  [Arba'a]
• 5חמישה
  [Chamisha]
• 6שישה
  [Shisha]
• 7שבעה
  [Shiv'a]
• 8שמונה
  [Shmoneh]
• 9תשעה
  [Tish'a]
• 10עשרה
  [Eser]

• Where's a/the...?איפה נמצא...
  [Eifo nimtza...]
• What's the address?מה הכתובת?
  [Ma hak'tovet?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?אתה יכול להראות לי (על המפה)?
  [Ata yachol leharot li (al hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מתי האוטובוס הבא?
  [Matay ha'otobus haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כרטיס (ל ....)
  [Kartis (le ....)]

Nazareth's history can be traced back to the Bronze Age, with archaeological evidence suggesting human habitation around 2200 to 1500 BCE. The small village likely existed as part of the broader Canaanite culture, which was characterized by its city-states and trade networks.

Nazareth gained profound significance in Christian history as the hometown of Jesus Christ. The Annunciation, according to the Bible, took place here when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would give birth to the Son of God. This event is commemorated by the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the city's most visited sites.

During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Nazareth grew in prominence. The city became a key pilgrimage site for early Christians. Evidence from this era includes a Byzantine-era church built over what was believed to be Mary's house, and various relics that point to a flourishing Christian community.

In the medieval period, Nazareth underwent significant changes. The city was conquered by the Crusaders in the 11th century, who built churches and fortifications. However, it later fell back into Muslim control under the Ayyubid and Mamluk dynasties. Despite these turbulent times, Nazareth remained a pilgrimage site.

Under Ottoman rule (1517-1917), Nazareth experienced relative stability. The Ottoman Empire allowed Christian communities to flourish, and many churches were either restored or built anew. The city's population grew as it became a regional hub for trade and agriculture.

During the British Mandate of Palestine (1917-1948), Nazareth continued to develop. The British administration introduced modern infrastructure, including roads and schools. This period also saw increased tensions between Jewish and Arab communities, setting the stage for future conflicts.

After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Nazareth became part of the new nation. The city has since grown into a bustling urban center, blending its rich historical heritage with contemporary culture. It remains a major destination for pilgrims and tourists alike, drawn by its deep historical roots and vibrant community.

Nazareth is located in the northern district of Israel, in the Lower Galilee region. The nearest international airport is Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, approximately 110 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a train to Haifa and then a bus or a taxi to Nazareth. Alternatively, there are direct buses from Tel Aviv's central bus station to Nazareth, which take about 2 to 3 hours.

Nazareth has a well-developed public transportation system. Local buses are available and can take you to most parts of the city. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. For a more flexible option, consider renting a car. However, be aware that parking in the city center can be challenging. Walking is a great way to explore the old city, as many attractions are close to each other.

The official currency in Israel is the Israeli Shekel (ILS). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and you can withdraw cash in shekels. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets and smaller shops.

Nazareth is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like in any city, it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city have higher crime rates, so it’s best to stick to well-trodden tourist areas.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for the police, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire. There are several hospitals and medical facilities in Nazareth. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches and mosques, dress modestly and cover your head if required. 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 handshake. In more religious settings, a slight bow of the head can be a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Nazareth like a local, visit the local markets, especially the Old Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional 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 Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest church in the Middle East, and the White Mosque, which is the oldest mosque in Nazareth. For a unique experience, try some traditional Arab sweets at local confectioneries.