Discover the Charm of Raanana: Israel's Green Oasis

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [shālōm]
• Goodbyeלְהֵיתֵר
  [lehetēr]
• Yesכֵּן
  [kēn]
• Noלֹא
  [lō]
• Please/You're welcomeבְּבַקָשָׁה
  [bəvaqāshā]
• Thank youתּוֹדָה
  [tōdāh]
• Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [səlīḥāh]
• How are you?אֵיך אַתָה?
  [ēkh 'athā]
• Fine. And you?טוֹב. ואתה?
  [ṭōv. v'athā]
• Do you speak English?אַתָּה מְדַבֵּר אנגלית?
  ['athā mdabbēr anglīt?]
• I don't understandאֲנִי לֹא מֵבִין
  ['anī lō mēbīn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִרְאוֹת אֶת הַתַפְרִיט בְּבַקָשָׁה
  ['anī rōṣeh lir'ōt 'et hatap'rīt bəvaqāshā]
• I don't eat meatאֲנִי לֹא אוֹכֵל בָּשָׂר
  ['anī lō 'ōkhēl bāsār]
• Cheers!לְחַיִּים!
  [lehāyīm!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לְשַׁלֵּם, בְּבַקָשָׁה
  ['anī rōṣeh ləshallēm, bəvaqāshā]

• Help!עֶזְרָה!
  ['ezrāh!]
• Go away!לְךָ לְמָקוֹם אַחֵר!
  [ləkhā ləmāqōm 'aḥēr!]
• Call the Police!קְרָא לַמִּשְׁטָרָה!
  [qrā lamishtārāh!]
• Call a doctor!קְרָא לַרוֹפֵא!
  [qrā larōfē'!]
• I'm lostאֲנִי אָבוּד
  ['anī 'āvūd]
• I'm illאֲנִי חוֹלֶה
  ['anī ḥōlēh]

• I'd like to buy...אֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִקְנוֹת...
  ['anī rōṣeh lik'not...]
• I'm just lookingאֲנִי רַק רוֹאֶה
  ['anī raq rō'eh]
• How much is it?כַּמָּה זֶה עוֹלֶה?
  [kammāh zeh 'ōleh?]
• That's too expensiveזֶה יְקָר מִדַּי
  [zeh yiqār miday]
• Can you lower the price?אַתָּה יָכוֹל לְהוֹרִיד אֶת הַמְּחִיר?
  ['athā yākhōl ləhōrīd 'et hamməkhīr?]

• What time is it?כָּמָה הַשָׁעָה?
  [kammāh hashā'āh?]
• It's one o'clockהִיא בשְׁעַה אַחַת
  [hī' bəsh'ah 'aḥat]
• Half past (10)מֵחֲצִי (עֶשֶׂר)
  [mēḥaṣī ('eser)]
• Morningבֹּקֶר
  [bōqēr]
• Afternoonצָהֳרַיִם
  [tzōhōrayim]
• Eveningעֶרֶב
  ['erev]
• Yesterdayאֶתְמוֹל
  ['etmōl]
• Todayהַיוֹם
  [hayōm]
• Tomorrowמָחָר
  [māḥar]
• 1אֶחָד
  ['eḥād]
• 2שְׁנַיִם
  [sh'nayim]
• 3שָׁלוֹשָׁה
  [shālōshāh]
• 4אַרְבָּעָה
  ['arbā'āh]
• 5חֲמִשָׁה
  [ḥamishāh]
• 6שִׁשָׁה
  [shishāh]
• 7שִׁבְעָה
  [shiv'āh]
• 8שְׁמוֹנָה
  [shmōnāh]
• 9תִשְׁעָה
  [tish'āh]
• 10עֶשֶׂר
  ['eser]

• Where's a/the...?אֵיפוֹ יֵשׁ...?
  [ēyfō yēsh...?]
• What's the address?מַה הַכְּתוֹבֶת?
  [mah haktōveth?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?אַתָּה יָכוֹל לְהַרְאוֹת לִי (עַל הַמַפָּה)?
  ['athā yākhōl ləhar'ōt lī ('al hamappāh)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מָתַי הַאוֹטוֹבוּס הַבָּא?
  [matay ha'otobūs habā?]
• A ticket (to ....)כַּרְטִיס (לְ...)
  [kartīs (lə...)]

Raanana was founded on April 2, 1922, by a group of New York City immigrants. Originally named 'Raanania,' the city was established as an agricultural settlement. The founders aimed to create a community that combined Zionist ideals with a new, modern approach to farming.

During the British Mandate period, Raanana began to grow significantly. The city attracted Jewish immigrants from Europe, especially following the rise of antisemitism in the 1930s. The influx of new residents led to increased development and the establishment of essential services such as schools and medical facilities.

Following the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948, Raanana saw a rapid population increase. Many new immigrants, including Holocaust survivors and Jews from Arab countries, settled in the city. This period marked significant urban development, with new neighborhoods and infrastructure being built to accommodate the growing population.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Raanana transformed from an agricultural community into a high-tech hub. The establishment of the Raanana Industrial Zone attracted numerous international companies and startups, contributing to the city's economic prosperity. The high-tech boom also led to the development of modern amenities and improved quality of life for residents.

Raanana is known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts several annual events, including the Raanana Music Festival and various art exhibitions. The Raanana Symphonette Orchestra, established in 1991, has gained national acclaim. The city also boasts numerous parks, cultural centers, and a diverse culinary scene, reflecting the multicultural background of its residents.

Education has always been a cornerstone of Raanana's development. The city is home to several top-tier schools and educational institutions. The Open University of Israel, which offers distance learning programs, has a significant presence in Raanana. The focus on education has made the city an attractive destination for families seeking a high quality of life.

Raanana is situated in the central region of Israel, approximately 20 kilometers north of Tel Aviv. The nearest international airport is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), located about 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can reach Raanana by taxi, private car, or public transport. Direct buses from Tel Aviv to Raanana are frequent and take about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train to Herzliya and then a short bus or taxi ride to Raanana.

Raanana has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses and shared taxis (sherut). The city is well-connected to neighboring cities and towns. For local travel, buses are frequent and reliable. Taxis are also readily available. Renting a car is an option if you plan to explore areas outside the city. The city's bike lanes make cycling a viable option for getting around.

The official currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (ILS). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Raanana, and most accept international cards. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets and smaller establishments.

Raanana is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always prudent to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended. The city has a strong community policing presence, contributing to its overall safety.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. Raanana has several medical facilities, including the Meir Medical Center in nearby Kfar Saba. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially if visiting religious sites. Casual wear is acceptable in most places. Religion: Do respect Jewish customs, such as observing the Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Public Transport: Do stand up for elderly passengers and avoid eating or drinking on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. In more casual settings, a friendly 'Shalom' (peace) works well. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept hospitality when offered. Don't refuse food or drink, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Raanana like a local, visit the Raanana Park, a popular spot for families and outdoor activities. Enjoy a stroll along the main street, Ahuza Street, where you can find numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. Participate in community events and local festivals to get a feel for the local culture. Engaging with locals, many of whom speak English, can provide a deeper insight into the city's lifestyle and history.