Ra'anana: The Green Jewel of Israel

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [Shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהִתְרָאוֹת
  [Lehitraot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [Ken]
• Noלֹא
  [Lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבבקשה
  [Bevakasha]
• Thank youתוֹדָה רַבָּה
  [Toda raba]
• Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [Slicha]
• How are you?אֵיך אַתָּה?
  [Eich ata?]
• Fine. And you?טוֹב. וְאַתָּה?
  [Tov. Ve'ata?]
• Do you speak English?הֲאַתָּה מְדַבֵּר אַנְגְלִית?
  [Ha'atah medaber anglit?]
• I don't understandאני לא מבין
  [Ani lo mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאשמח לראות את התפריט, בבקשה
  [Eshmach lir'ot et hataprit, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאני לא אוכל בשר
  [Ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לחיים!
  [Lachaim!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאשמח לשלם, בבקשה
  [Eshmach lishlam, bevakasha]

• Help!עזרה!
  [Ezra!]
• Go away!לך לעבור!
  [Lech leavor!]
• Call the Police!קרא למשטרה!
  [Kra limishtara!]
• Call a doctor!קרא לרופא!
  [Kra larofe!]
• I'm lostאני אבוד
  [Ani avud]
• I'm illאני חולה
  [Ani cholesh]

• I'd like to buy...אני רוצה לקנות...
  [Ani rotse 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 madi]
• Can you lower the price?אפשר להוריד את המחיר?
  [Efshar lehored et hamachir?]

• What time is it?כמה השעה?
  [Kama hasha'a?]
• It's one o'clockהשעה היא אחת
  [Hasha'a hi achat]
• 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
  [Sheva'a]
• 8שמונה
  [Shmone]
• 9תשעה
  [Tisha]
• 10עשרה
  [Eser]

• Where's a/the...?איפה נמצא...
  [Eifo nimtza...]
• What's the address?מה הכתובת?
  [Ma hakatavat?]
• 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 haotobus haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כרטיס (ל...)
  [Kartis (le...)]

Ra'anana was founded on April 2, 1922, by a group of Jewish immigrants from New York City who were part of the 'Ahuza A' society. Originally named 'Raanania,' the settlement was later renamed Ra'anana. The city's early settlers focused on agriculture, particularly citrus groves, which laid the foundation for its growth.

During the British Mandate period (1920-1948), Ra'anana's population grew steadily. The city was primarily agricultural, with orchards and fields dominating its landscape. The residents also participated in the broader Jewish community’s efforts to establish a homeland, including supporting the Haganah, the Jewish paramilitary organization.

After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Ra'anana underwent significant changes. The city shifted from an agricultural settlement to a rapidly growing urban center. The influx of immigrants from various countries contributed to its demographic and cultural diversity. The municipality focused on developing infrastructure, education, and housing to accommodate the growing population.

The late 20th century marked a period of economic and technological advancements for Ra'anana. The establishment of high-tech companies and business parks, such as the Ra'anana Industrial Zone, positioned the city as a hub for innovation and technology in Israel. This transformation attracted professionals and further boosted the city's growth and modernization.

Ra'anana is known for its cultural richness and vibrant community life. The city hosts numerous cultural events, festivals, and performances throughout the year. The Ra'anana Park, one of the largest urban parks in Israel, offers recreational activities and serves as a focal point for community gatherings. The city's diverse population is reflected in its wide range of culinary offerings, religious institutions, and educational programs.

Ra'anana is situated in the Central District of Israel. The nearest international airport is Ben Gurion Airport, located approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Ra'anana. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car for a direct route to Ra'anana, which typically takes around 30 minutes by road. Alternatively, you can use the train service from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv and then switch to a bus or taxi to reach Ra'anana.

Ra'anana has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses operated by Egged and Kavim, which provide convenient routes within the city and to neighboring areas. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone apps. For those who prefer to drive, car rentals are available, and the city has ample parking facilities. Bicycles and electric scooters are also popular for short distances, with dedicated bike lanes in various parts of the city.

The official currency in Israel is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops across Ra'anana. 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 establishments. Currency exchange services are also available in banks and dedicated exchange offices.

Ra'anana is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Ra'anana, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergencies, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. Ra'anana has medical facilities, including the Meir Medical Center in nearby Kfar Saba. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many offer 24-hour services.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing very revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting synagogues, men should cover their heads. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers or pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Shalom' (hello) or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ra'anana like a local, visit the Ra'anana Park, a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and family outings. Engage with locals at the Ra'anana Market for fresh produce and local goods. Enjoy the vibrant café culture along Ahuza Street, where you can taste local pastries and coffee. Don't miss local events and festivals, which often feature live music, traditional food, and crafts.