Tiberias: The Gem of the Sea of Galilee

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [Shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהִתְרָאוֹת
  [Lehitraot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [Ken]
• Noלֹא
  [Lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבבקשה
  [Bevakasha]
• Thank youתודה
  [Toda]
• Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [Slicha]
• How are you?איך אתה?
  [Eich atah?]
• Fine. And you?טוב. ואתה?
  [Tov. Ve'ata?]
• Do you speak English?האם אתה מדבר אנגלית?
  [Ha'aim atah 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 rotse lir'ot et hata'arich, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאני לא אוכל בשר
  [Ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לחיים!
  [Lechayim!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאני רוצה לשלם, בבקשה
  [Ani rotse l'shalem, bevakasha]

• Help!עזרה!
  [Ezra!]
• Go away!לך לך!
  [Lech lech!]
• Call the Police!קרא למשטרה!
  [Kra lemishtara!]
• Call a doctor!קרא לרופא!
  [Kra l'rofe!]
• I'm lostאני אבוד
  [Ani avud]
• I'm illאני חולה
  [Ani choleh]

• 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 עולה זה?
  [Kama oleh ze?]
• That's too expensiveזה יקר מדי
  [Ze yakar m'dai]
• Can you lower the price?אתה יכול להוריד את המחיר?
  [Atah yachol lehorid et hamachir?]

• What time is it?מה השעה?
  [Mah hasha'a?]
• It's one o'clockהשעה היא אחת
  [Hasha'a hi achat]
• Half past (10)חצי (עשר)
  [Chatzi (eser)]
• Morningבוקר
  [Boker]
• Afternoonאחר הצהריים
  [Achar hatzaharayim]
• Eveningערב
  [Erev]
• Yesterdayאתמול
  [Etmol]
• Todayהיום
  [Hayom]
• Tomorrowמחר
  [Mahar]
• 1אחת
  [Achat]
• 2שתיים
  [Shtayim]
• 3שלוש
  [Shalosh]
• 4ארבע
  [Arba]
• 5חמש
  [Chamesh]
• 6שש
  [Shesh]
• 7שבע
  [Sheva]
• 8שמונה
  [Shmone]
• 9תשע
  [Tsha]
• 10עשר
  [Eser]

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

Tiberias was founded in 20 CE by Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, and named in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. The city quickly became the capital of Galilee and a prominent urban center in the region.

During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Tiberias flourished as a major political, religious, and cultural hub. The city was known for its hot springs, which were believed to possess therapeutic properties, attracting visitors from far and wide.

From the 2nd century CE onwards, Tiberias emerged as a significant center for Jewish learning. The Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious court, moved to Tiberias, and the city became a focal point for the compilation of the Jerusalem Talmud around 400 CE.

In 636 CE, Tiberias was conquered by the Arab Rashidun Caliphate, marking the beginning of Islamic rule. The city continued to thrive under various Muslim dynasties, including the Umayyads and Abbasids. During the Crusader period, Tiberias was an important stronghold and experienced significant fortifications and rebuilding.

Under Ottoman rule from the 16th century, Tiberias saw a period of revival. Prominent Jewish families, including the Dona Gracia Nasi family, helped re-establish Jewish communities and funded the construction of synagogues and other institutions, fostering a renewed era of prosperity.

During the British Mandate period, Tiberias was part of the larger geopolitical shifts in the region. It became a focal point during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and was incorporated into the newly established State of Israel. Today, Tiberias is a vibrant city that harmonizes its rich historical legacy with modern tourism and cultural activities.

Tiberias is located in the northern region of Israel, along the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The nearest international airport is Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, approximately 150 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or rented car to Tiberias. Bus routes from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to Tiberias are operated by Egged, Israel's largest bus company. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by bus.

In Tiberias, getting around is quite convenient. Local buses and taxis are available, and the city's compact size makes walking a viable option for exploring its main attractions. For those looking to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is a good option. There are also bike rental services for those who prefer a more eco-friendly mode of transport.

The official currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Tiberias. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in places that do not accept cards. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and many offer the option to withdraw cash in multiple currencies.

Tiberias is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. The local police station and medical facilities, including the Poriya Medical Center, are available in Tiberias. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering religious sites. 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 simple 'Shalom' (hello). A handshake is also common among men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tiberias like a local, visit the Tiberias Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Israeli goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the hot springs for a rejuvenating experience. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, offering breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility.