After all of the stress and preparation for the biggest day of your lives culminates in the glorious celebration of your wedding day, honeymoons present a glorious, one-time escape that usually takes place immediately following the matrimony. Because of their symbolism, these Jewish romantic getaways also usually incorporate the honeymoon with Jewish heritage, meaning it’s as much of a cultural bonding experience as it is a triumph of marriage.
Once you know the exact date you’ll be tying the knot, you and your Bashert will be able to start searching for potential Jewish honeymoon destinations. With seemingly anywhere in the world at your disposal, this can present a tough decision for any couple. However, there are some premier places every young Jewish pair should consider due to their flourishing social, cultural, and historical scenes. Let’s take a look at five incredible cities that not only pay homage to the Jewish heritage but also provide a romantic backdrop for any bubbly newlyweds.
Jerusalem, Israel
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that Jerusalem is one of the most popular Jewish Honeymoon Spots for couples due to its immense importance to the Hebrew people as a whole. With endless opportunities to connect with the Israel dating culture and immerse yourself in historical and spiritual sites or activities, a trip to this iconic city is sure to grant a duo the most faithfully rewarding experience of all Jewish pilgrimages.
Historical Significance
You cannot understate the value Jerusalem has to Judaism, as it’s not only the home of the Hebrew people but of the entire faith as a whole. With thousands of years of religious significance and important historical developments taking place here, the configuration of Jewish culture as the world knows it today has largely been shaped by the way of life in Jerusalem. It still remains the holiest site for the Semitic people.
Romantic Spots
A must-see area all couples must visit is the Old City of Jerusalem, which is packed with food and vendors all throughout its winding, walled streets. Toward the back of the historical complex is the famous Western Wall, which has long been significant in the prayers of the Hasidic people. This location also overlooks the surrounding valley, making it an excellent place to catch the sunset with your new spouse.
Another can’t-miss viewpoint in the city is the Mount of Olives, historically important for being the site of many Hebrew Bible references, including “the glory of the Lord,” as described in the Book of Ezekial 11:23. In addition to previously being home to olive groves as well as Jerusalem’s most important Jewish cemetery, you can also find many churches, gardens, and other historical points of interest on this mountain ridge.
Luxury and Comfort
There are tons of marvelous hotels that provide excellent accommodations for couples hoping for a romantic suite that overlooks the Old City. You can also explore the more modern options on the main drag of the modern part of Jaffa St., where you’re certain to be near eclectic dining choices and bustling nightlife, where you can eat, drink, and dance the night away. With so many centuries of history all around you, it’s hard not to appreciate Jerusalem’s timeless charm.
Safed (Tzfat), Israel
Keeping with the theme of Jewish Honeymoon Traditions, Safed, or Tzfat, is the magical (literally) capital city in the northern portion of Galilee that’s known for its international artistic contributions, foundations in mysticism, and diverse periods of occupation by various cultures and ethnicities over time. Today, it remains an intriguing destination for tourists from around the world.
Mystical Allure
Safed is directly credited with being a major contributing center to the mystical Kabbalah movement, which has even taken on Western variations since its inception in the medieval ages. The traditional Kabbalah is a series of esoteric Jewish teachings that are correlated directly with the Torah and the five books of Moses and deal with the mortal’s inevitable position between an eternal God and a finite universe. This mystical and thought-provoking concept has made Safed a Jewish romantic getaway that allows couples to explore the allure and mystery of their faith and position in relation to their lives in their present form.
Cultural Experience
One of the greatest aspects of Tzfat is its historical allure, from the cobblestone streets to the spiritual charm of the aging synagogues that still provide vibrance in this quaint hillside town. With a long tradition of importance as one of Judaism’s Four Holy Cities, you will find delectable cuisine that dates back centuries and craftsmen and other artisan businesses that have embedded the Jewish experience in their everyday lifestyle. Art, wine, and other modern draws that attract international visitors have allowed Safed the ability to transcend time as a cultural attraction.
Romantic Activities
Safed has many opportunities for hiking with intriguing lookout points, so if you’re searching for a romantic place to catch a panorama of the sunset, you’ll have multiple options. The Soul and Art Gallery is also a popular destination among professional artists and spectators alike, meaning that you can casually browse with a partner and enjoy a romantic dinner outside the district afterward. Under the starry skies, you’ll find many fine dining establishments that feature everything from traditional Jewish to Yemeni menu items. Other cultural tours and museums provide solid bonding experiences for those who share in the Jewish heritage.
Prague, Czech Republic
Many Jews are aware of Prague’s storied legacy and impeccable beauty, but a lot of people don’t know just how important the Jewish people were to the cultural, economic, and political developments in the city over hundreds of years of living there. In fact, Prague is one of the earliest recorded Jewish communities in Europe and was first documented by Ibrahim ibn Yaqub in 965 CE, where, as a traveler, he noted Jewish merchants in Prague’s bustling markets.
Jewish Heritage
While the Jews have ultimately experienced a tough legacy in the city, their persistence has allowed them to overcome adversity and Prague to remain a center of historical Jewish prominence. From the old Jewish Quarter to the cemetery and numerous synagogues that date back nearly 500 years or more, the community remains local today, with over 2,000 Jews calling Prague home. It’s also home to the very oldest active synagogue in Europe, the Old New Synagogue.
Romantic Activities
The captivating nature of Prague is widely evident in its spectacular architecture, expansive culinary options, and, of course, the wide variety of cultural influences it has had over its centuries-long history as a European center. One thing many couples enjoy is taking their new spouse on a romantic cruise along the Vltava River or even visiting the iconic Charles Bridge during golden hour. There are also numerous museums, galleries, and other performances taking place daily in this Czech capital, and once you’ve worked up an appetite, find an eclectic dining establishment with ease in Medieval Square.
Accommodations
Prague, like many other European hotspots, is going to have a large selection of accommodations available depending on your needs. If you’re looking for a traditional bed and breakfast in the Old Town or a magnificent modern feel overlooking the river, there are tons of options. Deciding on luxury or convenience is likely your biggest decision, but places like Hotel Pod Vezi, The Mozart, and the Art Deco Imperial Hotel all provide expansive amenities, from fine dining on-site to cocktail bars and rooftop lounges with entertainment.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is often considered the cultural crossroads of diversity for many people groups outside of just those in Europe, and Jewish heritage is also significant here. The history of the population dates back to Medieval times when Jews descended on the city and served as craftsmen and merchants, but today, it remains the largest center for Jews in Eastern Europe, with a population of over 80,000.
Jewish Sites
There are many important Jewish contributions in Budapest, and one of the most prevalent is the Dohány Street Synagogue — the largest active synagogue in all of Europe. Located in the Jewish Quarter, it’s just one of twenty-six houses of worship located in the city. Jewish schools, museums, and memorials are also located here, signifying their presence in the region, which traces its roots back to their original communities centuries ago. The Buda Castle and Jewish Museum and cemetery are also revered places for visitors to feel the gravity of Hebrew culture.
Romantic Activities
There is so much to see in Budapest that between all the immersive arts and entertainment options, castles and history, and many, many religious sites, you may wonder when you’ll be able to take a moment to yourselves on your honeymoon. Well, fear not, because the Danube River provides an excellent natural feature in which you can sail and take in the sights and sounds of this Hungarian capital while also experiencing Budapest’s finest wines. You can also schedule time to visit one of the many thermal hot springs in and around the city, which have long become a destination for both their natural beauty and healing capabilities.
Cultural Experience
The overall atmosphere in Budapest takes on a worldly aura, and Jewish couples from around the globe enjoy it as one of the most popular Jewish Honeymoon Spots on the map. That’s because there is food from nearly every culture, artistic influence from all architectural and design periods, as well as some of the best craftsmanship and shopping in the world. There’s no shortage of palaces, castles, and religious sites to behold, so tourists can expect to be left wanting more before they even leave.
Marrakech, Morocco
You may not think of Morocco as one of the popular Jewish honeymoon destinations, but Marrakech is actually rich with a history of the Hebrew people dating back as early as the 6th century BCE. Over time and before the founding of Israel in 1948, over 260,000 Jews in the country made up the largest Jewish population in the Muslim world. However, today, the sites have become more of a reflection of heritage than current activity, as the community is relatively small at only about 2,000 citizens.
Jewish Heritage
If you’re searching for an unconventional honeymoon with Jewish heritage, Marrakech provides a cultural flare on the origins and ways of life for Jews outside the traditional diaspora. The Mellah of Marrakech, formerly known as Hay Essalam, is the Jewish Quarter most well-known for its sects of Sephardic Jewish presence dating back to the 13th century when they were expelled from Spain. These walled cities served as protection for non-Islamic inhabitants and featured cultural details, as well as serving as a center for commerce and holy gatherings.
Romantic Activities
There are lots of different experiences to take in around Marrakech, and some of those include staying at a traditional Riad-style hotel or suite. Lush gardens in these establishments have Persian origins and provide a lovely atmosphere, whether you choose to relax or marvel at the various flora and fauna and birds that decorate and lively up the exterior. Another popular attraction is the spas, which are often located in traditional bathing houses and feature serene yet naturally immersive experiences and meditative treatments that are reminiscent of the region’s timeless holistic approach.
Culinary Delights
Cuisine in Morocco is quite exciting, not only because the food is exceptionally diverse but also because music and dance can often be incorporated in order to create a lively experience, depending on the venue. For couples who have been focusing on checking off Jewish honeymoon traditions, it can be nice to try new foods that feature non-traditional ingredients while also sipping on wines and cocktails that have found their way to Marrakech by way of international visitors who have traveled to this region for centuries.
Your Jewish honeymoon experience is meant to be one of the most exciting, romantic, and special moments in your entire life, and while it’s a celebration, it’s also a symbolic notion of your new beginnings with your spouse. Whether you travel to any one of these premier Jewish honeymoon destinations or choose somewhere else, remember to keep your spiritual values and heritage in mind so that you can come together in both your beliefs and your traditions during this significant moment in your lives as a newlywed couple.
