The Latest! Cultural Clues, Do’s & Taboos - A Series of Cultural Tips for Countries from A to Z: ISRAEL
Most Israelis speak at a much closer distance than North Americans may be accustomed to so do not move away.
There is also more physical contact, and conversations often involve gestures and touching. Nevertheless, women business travelers should avoid initiating physical contact.
The standard greeting is “Shalom” or a cordial “Hello”, followed by a handshake.
Observant Orthodox Jewish men, whose appearance is usually distinguished by their skullcaps (yarmulkes) or hats and black clothing, do not shake hands with women.
If an Israeli holds your hand, take it graciously as a gesture of friendship.
For Israelis, constant gesturing is acceptable, however pointing is considered rude.
Refrain from any gesture that requires you to extend the thumb, as this is considered offensive (i.e. “thumbs up”/“thumbs down” signs, the hitchhiker’s signal, etc.).
Business cards are considered important, and should be printed in English. As an added touch, some visitors have the reverse side printed in Hebrew.
Given the diverse nature of the population, business practices may reflect North American, European, Russian, or other cultural influences.
Expect business to be straightforward and emphasize the “bottom line.”
In general, the pace of business is slower in Israel than in many places. You will have to exercise patience and tolerance.
Subjective feelings tend to form perceptions of the truth. Faith in the tenets of Judaism, including the conviction that the state must succeed, can also be a profound influence in thinking. Feelings and faith are supplemented by empirical evidence and other substantial facts.
Many Israelis tend to be confrontational and, at times, intensely emotional negotiators.
In the Israeli business culture, it usually takes a longer time to arrive at a final decision.
Israelis may delight in argument and tend to be opinionated. However, you don’t have to feel compelled to openly agree with what they say.
There is a tendency among Israelis to downplay their professional titles.
It’s likely that you will quickly be invited to move to a first-name basis in business.
The Jewish Holy Day, the Sabbath, begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday.
5 Key Conversation or Gesture Tips
- Family, however don’t mix with business
- Travel is always a good topic
- Politics (if you know what you are talking about)
- Sports - especially soccer, basketball and swimming
- Food and drinks
5 Key Conversation or Gesture Taboos
- US aid in Israel
- Religion in general
- Israel and Palestine
- Sex and roles of the sexes
- Any controversial social issue in Israel
Bon Voyage!
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Cultural Clues, Do’s & Taboos for ITLAY!
Author: Gayle Cotton, International Keynote Speaker & Cultural Expert
Gayle’s Bestselling Book ‘SAY Anything to Anyone, Anywhere! 5 Keys to Successful Cross-Cultural Communication’
www.gaylecotton.com
www.gaylecotton.com/blog
972-370-1300
More Cultural Clues, Do’s & Taboos
FAQs
For Israelis, constant gesturing is acceptable, however pointing is considered rude. Refrain from any gesture that requires you to extend the thumb, as this is considered offensive (i.e. “thumbs up”/“thumbs down” signs, the hitchhiker's signal, etc.).
What are the cultural norms of Israel? ›
Women should cover their shoulders and knees, men should wear kippah or a hat. Working days are Sunday through Thursday. The Shabbat is the Jewish holy day, businesses are closed from 3pm Friday until Saturday evening. The official Language is Hebrew, other common languages: Arabic, English, French, Russian.
What are the cultural values of Israel? ›
Israeli Culture
Israel contains a collectivist society in which the group, especially the family, is value more than its individual members. Israelis enjoy sharing life with their family and friends and are quick to offer help to those in need. Israelis are generally dedicated to their culture and state.
What are the table manners in Israel? ›
international dining etiquette
Westem utensils are used throughout Israel, and dining is done the Continental way, with fork in the left hand and knife in the right. Dining etiquette for seating. The host sits at the head of the table, with the hon¬ored guest seated next to the host.
What is the religious culture of Israel? ›
Judaism in Israel
According to Israeli law, Israel is defined as a Jewish democratic state. 5 As such, Judaism continues to play a major role in Israel's political and state institutions. Many of the country's national and cultural symbols are also derived from Judaism.
What are 3 cultural norms? ›
There are four types of cultural norms. They are laws, folkways, mores, and, taboos. Laws are rules that govern groups of people and the behavior that is allowed for that group. If someone breaks the law, there is a consequence.
What are the food guidelines for Israel? ›
Ideally every main meal should contain at least three food groups. Choose fibre-containing foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, including during meals. Choose low-fat dairy products and lean meats.
What are the food taboos in Israel? ›
Kosher rules
- Land animals must have cloven (split) hooves and must chew the cud, meaning that they must eat grass.
- Seafood must have fins and scales. Eating shellfish is not allowed.
- It is forbidden to eat birds of prey. ...
- Meat and dairy cannot be eaten together, as it says in the Torah.
The day-to-day attire consists of really whatever you are comfortable wearing. T-shirts, shorts, pants, sandals, and sneakers are completely acceptable. Maybe a hat and some sunglasses are advised in the summertime.
What gestures are avoided in Israel? ›
For Israelis, constant gesturing is acceptable, however pointing is considered rude. Refrain from any gesture that requires you to extend the thumb, as this is considered offensive (i.e. “thumbs up”/“thumbs down” signs, the hitchhiker's signal, etc.).
In this article, we journey through the flavors of iconic dishes such as Hummus, Falafel, Shakshuka, Sabich, Borekas, Jachnun, Malabi, Labneh, Knafeh, Israeli Salad, Shawarma, Chraime, Schnitzel, Baba Ganoush, and Cholent/Hamin.
What is the traditional clothing in Israel? ›
Orthodox Jewish men wear a kippah at all times and very Orthodox, or Haredi, men wear hats. Haredi men wear a white shirt with a black jacket and pants, while some Orthodox men wear a white shirt with dark pants. This is traditional clothing, but not required by Jewish law. Orthodox women wear modest clothing.
What are cultural norms and beliefs? ›
Cultural norms are the standards we live by. They are the shared expectations and rules that guide behavior of people within social groups. Cultural norms are learned and reinforced from parents, friends, teachers and others while growing up in a society.
What is the dominant culture in Israel? ›
Native-born Jewish Israelis (typically of Ashkenazi descent) form the dominant culture of contemporary society (see Ethnicity and Ancestry). Those who are Jewish and born in Israel are sometimes referred to as a 'sabra', which is a kind of pear that is tough and prickly on the outside but soft and sweet on the inside.
What are the cultural norms in Palestine? ›
Palestinians place a high premium on generosity and hospitality, as does Arab culture in general. Palestinian homes are always ready to receive an unannounced guest with food, sweets and Arabic or Turkish coffee. Visits with family and neighbors are commonplace, often occurring once or twice a week.
What is Israel's legal tradition? ›
Israeli law is based mostly on a common law legal system, though it also reflects the diverse history of the territory of the State of Israel throughout the last hundred years (which was at various times prior to independence under Ottoman, then British sovereignty), as well as the legal systems of its major religious ...
