EL AL | Atmosphere

January 2023

Issue 266 | January 2023

The Ultimate Winter Escape The Upper Golan Heights are a whirlwind of spectacular landscapes, fun activities, and exciting attractions. It’s the perfect destination for a snow-speckled wintertime break. Time to head North!

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Flying on a 737 or 777 aircraft? Switch your mobile device to flight mode, select the EL AL network, and scan the QR code or open your browser and enter: wifi.elal.com to enjoy hundreds of movies, TV shows, music and games on your personal device

In-flight I Issue 266 I January 2023

Publisher

Editor-in-Chief Nava Marton Production Manager Liat Mofaz Milchan English Translator and Copy Editor Gallia Bronowski Art Director Amram Pikarsky / Studio Liat Rosenzwieg Design Shiri Atzmon Cover Photo and Images ASAP Creative VP of Marketing, Trade and Sales Yaniv Ofir Business Development Manager Alon Fox Senior Sales Manager Ofer Stessel

Editor’s Letter It’s fair to say with absolute certainty, that though Covid-19 is still lurking in the background of our lives, traveling has been back with a bang. The 250 thousand tourists who visited Israel in July 2022 (compared with the 49 thousand of that same period in 2021), attest to that. Forecasts for 2023 are even more optimistic. Our magazine is bursting with ideas for where to go and what to see in Israel this winter, and though the winter season is usually pleasantly clement and warm here, there’s always a yearning for a bit of snow. There’s nothing quite like witnessing the beautiful Golan Heights covered in that magical white blanket of fluff. The Golan has recently gone through a real tourism renaissance, with hotels, camping sites, B&Bs, restaurants, farmers’ markets, trek trails and more, mushrooming across the region. In this

issue, you’ll find our recommendations for what to see and do in the Upper Golan Heights, where you can choose between staying in a kibbutz village resort or a traditional Druze hotel (and the two are not mutually exclusive!), or opt for an experiential stay at a glamping site, bask in the beauty of the region’s fauna and flora, and enjoy its many culinary delights. And in case the weather does get a bit chilly, we’ve got you covered with a list of the country’s best spa resorts and hot springs. Also in this issue: recommendations for the hottest art shows and events this month, a glimpse into the world of meat restaurants that will satisfy even the fiercest carnivorous craving, a look at new wellness travel trends, and much more. I wish you all a pleasant read and a peaceful flight, Nava Marton

Head Of Inflight Entertainment & Connectivity Tal Kalderon Talkal@elal.co.il

Atmosphere Magazine is published monthly by RGE and LDI. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission. The opinions expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers only, and not EL AL Airlines. The publisher and / or EL AL are not responsible for advertising content. For information regarding advertising opportunities Please contact Mr. Ofer Stessel at Tel: 052-8000618 Ofer_s@rge.co.il

Traveler’s Prayer May it be Thy will, Lord of Heaven and Earth, to lead us to peace and safety, to fly us in peace and safety to our desired destination, to find life, joy, and peace. Guard and watch us, we who fly the air pathways, cross the seas, and travel overland routes. Make firm the hands that guide the steering and sustain their spirit, so that they may lead us in peace and safety. For in You alone is our shelter from now unto eternity. The Lord bless thee, keep thee, the Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee, the Lord turns His face unto thee, and gives thee peace. Amen.

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In-flight I Issue 266 I January 2023

Contents

37 38 News 40 In-flight Entertainment 42 New Movies 44 Top 6 45 Editor’s Pick 46 Meet the Crew 47 In-flight Internet Access 48 Destinations Map 51 Fleet

Check-in 6 What’s on our Radar this Month Local Events 8 Checklist Flight Essentials 10 Wellness The 2023 new trends in wellness tourism

See the Sights 12 Discover The beautiful landscapes and the many attractions that make the Golan Heights the perfect place for a winterbreak vacation 18 Explore 6 of the hottest hot springs to chill out this winter Magazine 22 “I’ve made my creative fantasy come true” Singer Marina Maximilian getting ready for the third edition of her festival

Lifestyle 26 Food

The 6 steakhouses that made the cut 30 Fashion Queen Crimson

Business 34

The EL AL Matmid Frequent Flyer Club All you need to know about the new loyalty program

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New Exhibition Tel Aviv Museum of Art

MY NAME IS MARYAN

The exhibition offers a renewed encounter with the astounding body of work by the artist Maryan S. Maryan (Pinkas Bursztyn, 1927—1977), following his life and artistic journey through Poland, Auschwitz, Jerusalem, Paris and New York.

Maryan, Personnage with Hood and Donkey Ears , 1971, courtesy of Spertus Institute, Chicago Design: Ayal Zakin tamuseum.org.il

In collaboration with MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami

The exhibition is generously supported by

Mr. Harry Habermann

Check-in I Local events I January 2023 I By Shiri Brook-Sagie

What’s On Our Radar This Month

Visual Arts | Traces VIII - More than One Jerusalem During the 8 th Biennale for Drawing taking place this month (Chief Curator: Irith Hadar), 71 artists will be exhibiting their work in different venues across the city. They were selected from over 600 Israeli artists who responded to the open call. The selection guarantees a broad display of contemporary practice in the old but frequently renewed medium of drawing. “More Than One”, Traces VIII focuses on instances of drawing which span more than one sheet. Gallery talks and events will be held in all venues during the three month run of the Biennale. The Jerusalem Artists’ House, until February 25 th , art.org.il

Photo: Daniel Hanoch

Photography | Local Testimony 2022 MUSA Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv This is the most important and largest annual event in Israel for photo-journalism and documentary photography. The winning photos are selected by an independent jury comprised of leading professionals in the spheres of photography, curating, and media. The categories are: News, Nature and Environment, Religion and Faith, Society and Community, Sport, Urbanism and Culture, and Long Exposure. The prestigious World Press Photo exhibition takes place alongside it, providing a platform for the best photojournalists and documentary photographers in the world. Until February 11 th , eretzmuseum.org.il/e/

Jamal Kiwan, Gilboa International Hot Air Balloon Festival, Emek Harod, 19 August 2022

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Photo: David Adika

Photo: Kfir Bolotin

Music | Voca People Cosmic Tour Across the country Back from conquering the world on their international tour (3 million tickets sold!), the Voca People ensemble are launching a tour of shows that combine covers of more than a hundred songs – ranging from Elton John to Beyoncé. As always, Voca People use no instruments and perform everything a cappella with the virtuosity and humor we have come to know and love. This time, the storyline is by Lior Kalfon, and it centers around a group of aliens who are back on planet Voca after spending ten years on Earth- but a stowaway human is set to almost ruin everything. From January 19 th to March 23 rd , across the country, voca-people.com

Visual Arts | Of David. A psalm Magasin III, Jaffa During the course of his

artistic career, David Adika has developed a visual language that is sculpted by questions of identity. His photographic practice is populated by imagery and iconography that relate to ethnic, national, local, sexual, and cultural identities. “Of David. A psalm” looks to interlace these aspects with his identity as a photographer, through portraits of fellow photographers and photographs of still lives of flowers, seashells, a book, a vase - transitional objects between himself and his subjects and the reflection of what they have left behind in his work. Until April 12 th , magasin3.com/en/ jaffa/

Photo: Sharen Bradford

Performing Arts | Alice Across the country

Renowned American dance company Momix is coming to Israel with their new show “Alice”, by choreographer and artistic director Moses Pendleton. Based on Lewis Carroll’s children’s classic “Alice in Wonderland”, the show is a magnificent hodgepodge of art, dance, optical illusions, and acrobatics, as the nine virtuoso dancers of the Momix ensemble inhabit dozens of characters, deploying a level of artistry and technique that is simply breathtaking. The shows will take place in the opera houses of Tel Aviv, Beer Sheba, Jerusalem, Haifa, Ashdod, and Kiryat Motzkin. Until January 6 th bimotglobal.co.il/en/

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Check-in I Checklist

Flight essentials for your next trip

Walking on air The new award-winning Vibram Furoshiki collection has landed in Israel. Named after the traditional Japanese cloth wrapping technique, the shoes’ design is based on the innovative concept of flat-soled shoes that wrap around the entire foot. They are so comfortable you can walk around in them for days on end. The shoes’ upper part has layers of stretch fabric inside it and the soles themselves are made of rubber which ensures comfort, safety, and high-level grip. The shoes are extra lightweight, flexible, and easily foldable for optimal storage when traveling. Prices: NIS 429-499, available online at barefootlife.co.il and at the Barefoot Life store in Tel Aviv (74, Bograshov st.)

Hat by Chaos, Dylan model, NIS 145, available at selected outdoor gear stores and online at kalgav.co.il

Luxury Hugo Boss card wallet and ballpoint pen gift set, NIS 750, available online at swagg.co.il

Ease Warm thermal pants and shirt, available at all Rikushet stores and online at rikushet.co.il, NIS 269 (per item)

David Jones travel bag, NIS 235, available at all iBAGS stores and online via ibags.net

Snowboard and ski bag, available for hire from the Columbia retail chain for NIS 100 per week, via the new Columbia and Outsiders concept store at the ArimMall in Kfar Saba

Marco Polo 3-suitcase set, Rhapsody model (28” suitcase, 24” suitacse, and carry-on), NIS 1,299, available at selected outdoor gear stores and online at kalgav.co.il

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ATMOSPHERE JANUARY 2023

Photos: PR, Yaron Weinberg

1977, Yaakov Agam created a room that is still on a display at the Pompidou Museum, Paris

Enjoy Agam's Art ALSO IN ISRAEL

You are invited to experience the colorful and unique art of Yaakov Agam , founder of the Kinetic Art Movement, at the largest international center for kinetic art in the world in his hometown of Rishon Lezion. Agam's interactive art engages and fascinates all ages and audiences, constantly transforming art, color and light. Perfect for families, FITs and groups. Special rates for travel agents.

Address: 1 Meishar St. Rishon Lezion Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Wed 10:00-16:00 Thurs 16:00-20:00 Fri, Sat 10:00-14:30

Te l : 0 3 - 5 5 5 5 9 0 0 y a m a . c o . i l

Check-in I Wellness

The 5 wellness travel trends to look out for in 2023 \ By Shiri Brook-Sagie Holistic Pampering

But take heed: a polar opposite trend is steadily

Sustainable holidays Sustainable holidays have been gaining traction for a while now, as more and more tourists are opting for eco-friendly hotels and accommodation. Indicators show that 2023 will be the year hotels increasingly turn to renewable energy sources and move towards to solar water heaters or basing menus on local and seasonal produce for e.g.). On the more pampering side of things, this also means you can expect chemical-free toiletries in your hotel bathroom, and/or organic wine in the minibar. One of the main wellness travel trends right now is the extreme adventure holiday, in keeping with the prevalent societal rush to improve fitness and athletic performance (who among us doesn’t track their step count?). Adventure holidays are about to get more and more extreme this year, with the appearance of extreme trekking package deals, mountain climbing or summit running holidays, Extreme adventure holidays reducing their carbon footprint (by switching

rising as well, i.e., the workation or “work

vacation”, made for those whose jobs require nothing more than a laptop and an Internet connection. It involves sipping on piña coladas on not-so-desertic islands while sending emails and PowerPoint presentations straight from your bungalow bed - sounds doable, right? Pet holidays And last but by no means least, we have the pet holiday: 2023 is the year Fido finally gets to go on holiday with his beloved master/mistress. More and more hotels and resorts, even high-end ones, are allowing guests to bring their pets along with them. There are even dog-friendly hotel suites that provide special “treat” menus designed to please even the most demanding four-legged gourmets.

martial arts courses, and even diving with sharks or 4 a.m. mountain-biking treks. Retreats for the body and the soul According to wellness tourism experts, 2023 will not only be the year we seek to challenge our bodies - it will also be the year we look for ways to nourish our souls as well. Ever since the pandemic hit, the world has been increasing its focus on mental health (see Prince Harry and Selena Gomez’s respective documentaries and app), with the trend seeping into the world of holidays and tourism as well. But instead of talking about heavy stuff

like emotional well-being etc., it’s rather about yoga or meditation retreats in the middle of beautiful mountainside or lakeside landscapes. Sounds blissful, doesn’t it? Peaceful holidays (or not) One of this year’s main tourism trend is set to be the “off the grid” holiday, where holidaymakers “get out of the matrix” in exotic places where nature is wild and abundant. These holidays are all about disconnecting completely from those time consuming (some may say soul-consuming) modern day entities known as screens and social media.

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See the Sights I The Golan Heights

On top of the world: a holiday in the Golan Heights If snow should make an appearance in Israel this year, the Upper Golan Heights will be its first port of call, and even if it doesn’t snow, the Golan landscapes and its many attractions and activities make it the perfect destination for a wintertime break with the family - here are our recommendations for the ultimate Golan vacation \ By Ariela Aflalo

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Photos: Ein Zivan tourism

Mattarello I Photo: Adi Perez

The Ein Zivan Village Resort I Photo: Roni Oz Raizner

The Sade lavender farm I Photo: Adi Perez

pralines and truffles are made, and even get to make one yourself. There’s also a coffee shop with a whirlwind of cakes, desserts, and (of course) chocolate beverages to

Bahat Winery I Photo: PR

De Karina I Photo: Adi Perez

choose from. de-karina.co.il

You could spend three days here without feeling the need to go anywhere else, but there are dozens of attractions and trek trails to explore in the area, starting with the Golan trail that crosses the kibbutz through to Mount Bental. There are natural springs, a deer farm, and another trail named in honor of the spy Eli Cohen. Activities De Karina – an artisanal chocolate boutique Chocolatier Karina Chaplinski’s chocolate shop is a mere step and a half away from the resort. She is the third generation of chocolatiers in the family. Next door to the shop, Chaplinski has also opened a visitors’ center where you can see how the delicious

The Ein Zivan Village Resort Chocolate, wine, and everything in between Last year, there was so much snow in Kibbutz Ein Zivan that it had to go into a two-day lockdown. The snow had painted everything white and the guests staying at the resort felt as though they were holidaying in an Alpine village. The snow is one of the reasons Ein Zivan has become a tourism empire, but it’s also a gourmet’s dream come true. Right beside the resort, there’s an artisanal chocolate boutique, two wineries, a whiskey and brandy distillery, a pizza food truck, a hummus bar, delivery sushi, and a bakery that has made such a name for itself, people come far and wide to taste its croissants.

The Sade Aromatic lavender farm Ruth Sade’s aromatic farm spreads across 5 acres of land. It is mostly composed of lavender fields that turn the landscape purple in the summer. There are guided tours where visitors learn about the use of aromatic herbs in perfumes and see the extraction process of essential oils, as well as take part in flower arrangement workshops. Picnic baskets can be ordered and enjoyed in the nearby oak forest. Sade Aromatic Farm The Bahat and Pelter wineries These two local wineries offer guided tours of their vineyards and winemaking process. There are wine tasting

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See the Sights I The Golan Heights

Ein Zivan: Accommodation The Ein Zivan Village Resort offers 49 studio rooms, suites, and wooden bungalows. The new bungalows are spacious and perfect for a family or a couple. They include a bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchenette, a dining corner, an extra sleeping area, a fireplace, and a balcony that opens onto the garden. Some of the bungalows also have a Jacuzzi and a sauna. The resort is surrounded by lawns and greenery, children’s slides, a swimming pool in the summertime, a tennis court, and a barbecue area. enzivan.co.il

The statue of Sultan Pasha al-Atrash - Majdal Shams I Photo: Yana Susil

sessions as well, to be enjoyed before stopping for lunch or dinner at the adjoining pizzeria, hamburger joint, or cheese shop. pelter.co.il, bahatwinery.co.il Food Mattarello – bakery Food photographer Adi Peretz decided to translate his love of food into opening his own bakery, and called it Mattarello (rolling pin in Italian). Each morning, he bakes superb loaves of bread, cakes, and croissants that are simply to die for and more than

justify the long lines at the entrance. Make sure you taste the black croissant, though there are dozens of delicious ones to choose from. mattarellocafe mattarello_cafe Pizza di Qualità – pizza food truck Seasoned baker and restaurant owner Haim Lerner left city life and moved to Ein Zivan six months ago to fulfill his dream of opening a pizza place. He makes Italian style dough which proves for 72 hours. On the menu you’ll find mushroom pizza bianca with truffle oil, puttanesca

pizza, a tropical one with ananas and spicy chili, and more. pizzadiqualita.business.site Raisu – delivery sushi Sushi chef Gur Cohen prepares sushi rolls of every kind, including vegan, and delivers them perfectly packaged. He also organizes workshops where participants get to make their own maki rolls. raisu

The Hummusiya Rotem Spitzer makes first-rate hummus which he

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Pizza di Qualità. the pizza food truck I Photo: PR

Abu Jabal Sweets I Photo: Ariela Aflalo

L’Osteria I Photo: Courtesy of the restaurant

The taste of Majdal Shams, Salep (Sahlab)

The Falakhi market I Photo: PR

The View Hotel, Majdal Shams

serves aside hard-boiled eggs, green tahini, beetroot tahini, and many more typically Israeli side dishes, as well as falafel of course (including gluten-free). The drinks menu includes ouzo, arak, and beer, and there’s knafeh and malabi with all the toppings for dessert. enzivan.co.il Majdal Shams Village life and beautiful landscapes Majdal Shams is something between a small town and an agricultural village. Its main road is full of cafes, bakeries, restaurants, clothes shops, and more. It is situated right by Lake Ram, known as the blue eye of the Golan Heights. The lake is truly breathtaking when the shoreline is covered in snow. Majdal Shams means “the sun tower” in Arabic

and is thought to be one of the first settlements in Israel, established in 1595. Activities Givat HaTzeakot Once upon a time, Givat HaTzeakot (“hill of screams” in Hebrew) is where families torn by the border between Israel and Syria communicated with each other, as the acoustics are especially good. From here, you can go on towards the apple and cherry orchards, cross the Saar stream and walk down to the Yaafory valley before taking a rest in one of the coffee shops by Lake Ram. Lake Ram This beautiful lake spreads across 1,200m 2 of blue waters that come from the region’s natural springs, rainwater, and melted snow. Some say it was formed as a consequence of a volcanic eruption. Surrounded by apple and cherry

Accommodation The View Hotel, Majdal Shams The View is one of Majdal Shams most recent hotels. It’s a 13-room boutique hotel that offers a typical Druze hospitality experience. The breakfast is abundant and authentic, though cornflakes, pizza, and burekas are available as well. Rooms are of various sizes and designs, suitable for couples and families, and lookout onto the beautiful landscape. The hotel also has its own heated pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi where it’s lovely to rest after a day in the cold. view-hotel.net

orchards, it is a tourist favorite. There are many camping sites and B&Bs

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See the Sights I The Golan Heights

Local nightlife There are many pubs and bars here, as well as narghile cafes and restaurants - the Legacy Village, the XO, the Green Apple, and Kan Zaman to name but a few. Kan Zaman is among the most popular and serves traditional oriental-style coffee. Food Abu Jabal Sweets Anyone who comes here knows about this sweets and cake shop. Situated on the main road, it offers warm knafeh, baklawa, kadayif and many more delicious oriental pastries. L’Osteria After working in some of the country’s best restaurants, Chef Zidane Hussein came back to his hometown and opened his own place where he serves first-rate French Lebanese inspired dishes made with quality local and organic produce. ■

Lake Ram I 1,200m 2 of blue waters

close by, and there’s boat sailing on the lake in the spring and summer.

and ends in the Yaafory valley. The trail is of medium difficulty and allows trekkers to explore Majdal Shams. tourgolan.org.il The Falakhi market This is where locals come to stock up on fresh produce, olive oil, cheese, jam, and Druze pita bread. Well-worth a stop.

The Golan Trail An 11km trail that was formally delineated four years ago. It starts at the entrance to the Hermon, continues along the Govta stream, crosses Majdal Shams’ main road,

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See the Sights I Hot Springs

When the wind and the rain start to get you down, it’s time for a trip to one of Israel’s many wonderful hot springs. There’s nothing quite like a weekend at a thermal spa when the cold hits and your batteries need recharging. Here are six of the hottest hot springs for some serious chilling \ By Ariela Aflalo Hot springs in the wintertime

When the cold sets in and it gets dark early in the day, many of us start to feel less energized and a bit low. A perfectly satisfactory remedy to this can be snuggling under a blanket in front of a raging fire if you’re lucky or, in most cases, in front of the television. But winter enthusiasts will tell you that this is actually the best time of the year to enjoy the outdoors, when the air is crisp and cool. This is precisely why we’ve gathered a list of some of Israel’s best hot springs, thermal spas, and mineral pools, perfect for a weekend of de-stressing, decompressing, and delighting in the magic of the winter. Dream Island, Sde Yoav Fun & games in the water Situated nearby the southern kibbutz of Sde Yoav, the Dream Island resort

is all about splashing about in the water and enjoying the (numerous) rides and slides. There are so many fun activities to choose from here, that there’s no other way to describe it than as a giant water amusement park for adults. The water slides and carousels will swish you about, body and soul, leaving you feeling completely rejuvenated. Dream Island is a great destination either for a daytrip or a 2 to 3 day stay (though it’s rather on the pricey side). The resort is spread across 15 acres of land, with great green expanses and 1,500 m 2 of swimming pools and water slides. The waterpark complex includes a thermal spa with saunas, Turkish baths, and luxurious treatment rooms surrounded by tropical plants; though the highlight has got to be the resort’s three hydromassage

pools: one with varying water pressure and temperatures, another with hydrotherapeutic waterfalls that help release tension in the head and shoulders, and the third with waterjets and an air bubbling system all around it. The outdoor area is situated beside a lake surrounded by lawns, with ducks waddling about adding to the pastoral atmosphere. Dream Island also offers heated swimming pools, watsu treatments, chill-out zones with hammocks and cozy nooks, yoga and Pilates classes, as well as workshops and talks about relationships and mindfulness. There are wine tasting sessions with a sommelier, food trucks with an abundant variety of food options including sushi, ice cream, baked goods, meat dishes, Moroccan delicacies, salads, and more. The

Dream Island resort I Photo: Ori Ackerman A Breeze over the Water I Photo: Mauro Risch

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lounge bar serves cocktails and finger food, while breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the resort restaurant. Just next-door to the park, a boutique hotel, with a separate entrance and personalized welcome service, offers 26 pampering suites, including a duplex wing that houses twin suites with Jacuzzis and hot tubs, suites with private pools and giant hot tubs, and huge suites that have a living room, garden, Jacuzzi The Hamat Gader Spa Village Hotel Therapeutic and restorative Hamat Gader’s thermomineral waters lie in the heart of the Yarmouk valley, in the southern Golan Heights. The Yarmouk valley is home to five natural springs from which water is pumped from a depth of 2km below ground. Four of them have mineral-rich waters, while the fifth is a freshwater spring, but only one provides Hamat Gader with the therapeutic, thermomineral waters that do wonders for the body and soul, even though they produce a very distinctive smell of sulfur that may require some getting used to. and beautiful views. dream-island.co.il

Hamat Gader waters are believed to possess many health benefits, and visitors bathe in them year-round. But when it’s cold outside, a dip in the warm thermal waters (which are at a constant temperature of 42°C), is particularly pleasurable. The Spa Village hotel complex is set apart from the open-air hot springs. Surrounded by tropical plants, it is a little haven of peace and quiet, with meandering little brooks and waterfalls that flow into the warm pools. There are cozy lounge chairs to relax in, and soft lighting that adds to the calm and tranquility. Classified as a boutique hotel, the Spa Village Hotel has 31 suites, (some have recently been entirely refurbished), a thermomineral pool with hydrotherapy jets, a gym, a sauna, and a spa. Aside from the usual spa treatments, there also are watsu therapy treatments. (Entrance to the Spa Village complex is from age 16 and above) hamat-gader.com/en/spa-eng/ The Ein Gedi Hotel Synergy Spa The wondrous Dead Sea waters The health benefits of the Dead Sea’s salt-rich waters are too many

to count. They draw visitors from every country in the world, eager to heal from all sorts of ailments, ranging from skin problems to muscle pain. Most Dead Sea aficionados come in the wintertime when the cold renders the warmth of its waters even more pleasurable. All of the hotels on the coastline have spas, but the Ein Gedi Hotel has one of the best. The Synergy Spa opened four years ago. Its indoor pool contains Dead Sea water, and it boasts a hammam, saunas, a lobby with relaxing couches and seating areas, and 14 treatment rooms. Treatments include deep tissue massages, hot stone massages, salt scrub massages, and mineral mud baths. In the garden outside, there are sunbathing lounge chairs aside a freshwater pool that faces the Dead Sea, the desert cliffs, and a beautiful nature reserve. The hotel, surrounded by a botanical garden with rare baobab trees, vast lawns, huge expanses of land upon which ibexes roam free, offers bed & breakfast accommodation as well as duplex suites. The hotel cafeteria offers many great food options, coffee, sandwiches, and terrific cakes and desserts. spaplus.co.il/en/synergy_spa

Hamat Gader I Photo: Ofir Abe

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See the Sights I Hot Springs

A Breeze over the Water, Mitzpe Shalom A holistic experience

Mitzpe Shalom (the Peace Vista) is a beautiful country resort set upon the basalt cliffs of the southern Golan Heights. At first glance, it resembles any other country lodge, with its lawns, greenery, luxury suites and wooden cabins. But just next door to its rooms and garden, lies its spa, with its three cave-like saltwater pools, carved into the cliff. The spa offers a 90-minute holistic experience involving a series of hydrotherapeutic treatments designed to recalibrate and restore energy levels, both physically and mentally. The immersive music that’s played, invites guests to feel the womb-like power and energy of the pool waters. The deep-tissue watsu massages release any bottled-up tension and help you reconnect with your inner peace, as you experience the water’s warmth and softness. The hotel complex also includes a wine bar, cozy corners to relax in and a beautiful balcony looking out onto the gorgeous Galilean landscape. The country lodge suites have also been carved into the cliffs and are equipped with unique stone furniture. mitzpe-hashalom.co.il/english Einot Kedem, the Jordan Valley Dead Sea waters Between Mitzpe Shalom and Ein Gedi, lie some of the finest hot springs in the country. Einot Kedem hot springs are blessed with the waters of Kedem Stream, wonderfully warm and comforting when enjoyed under the starry sky of a cold winter’s night. The water here is black due to the high concentration of sulfur, though sometimes it can suddenly turn pink, a phenomenon yet to be fully understood. There are several pools of a diameter of about

Einot Kedem I Photo: Nave Lev

Synergy Spa, Ein Gedi Hotel I Photo: Tal Flint

Dolphin Reef, Eilat I Photo: Dana Gonda

1 meter each, in which it is most enjoyable to float on your back and take in the peace and tranquility. The temperature of the water oscillates between 40°C and 45°C, and even in the summer, it’s hard to resist taking a dip. Highway 90 is the road to take to reach this gem of a place – Einot Kedem is just after Metzoke Dragot Junction for those arriving from the north, and right after Kibbutz Ein Gedi for those coming from the south. Once you cross the sign indicating you’ve reached Kedem Stream, park and walk down the path that leads to the hot springs. Pro tip: download the Waze app and write Hot Springs Nahal Kedem Dolphin Reef, Eilat Underwater chilling The Dolphin Reef is a place where the concept of chilling by the pool

roaming free, dolphins jumping out of the water, are what your eyes will meet when you arrive in this little oasis of fun and relaxation. The spa, with its three different relaxation pools, offers a series of hydrotherapy treatments. One pool is filled with sea water, another with saltwater, and the third with freshwater – as well as massaging pebbles at the bottom. As you float in the water and experience the various watsu therapy treatments, immersive music helps you relax even further. There’s also a sauna, a relaxation corner, a juice bar, and an outdoor terrace with lounge chairs, bean bags and sofas, perfect for gazing into the deep blue sea, glass of wine, or herbal tea in hand. In the evening, dozens of little candles light up the spa, adding extra magic to the already wondrous atmosphere of this first rate spa. ■ dolphinreef.co.il

is taken very seriously. Tropical greenery, ducks and peacocks

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D UBLIN NEW! non-stop flights to

Come and discover the perfect combination of the magical breathtaking nature, vibrant nightlife and extraordinary historical sites. 3 weekly flights starting March 2023

For departures from Dublin to Israel starting on March 16, 2023 • On selected dates subject to availability of class of sale • Entry and departure to/from the destination is subject to the rules and procedures of such country, which might change from time to time. It is the responsibility of the passengers to be updated and verify the rules and the relevant entry and departure requirements • EL AL reserves the right to make changes • Subject to the terms on the EL AL website • Errors and omissions excluded.

Magazine I Interview

22 ATMOSPHERE JANUARY 2023

“I’ve made my creative fantasy come true” With a new international album coming out, a hit single, and the third edition of her own festival taking place this month, artist and singer Marina Maximilian talks about her journey so far - working with her partner, motherhood, and her dream of performing in Europe \ By Maya Cohen

There aren’t many people you could describe as the personification of a festival – and yet Marina Maximilian is exactly that. The Israeli public fell in love with her in the Kokhav Nolad music competition show thanks to her hypnotizingly beautiful performances, and the love has kept on growing ever since. Now 35, Maximilian has established herself as a fully-fledged artist with more than one string to her bow. The third edition of her “Maximilian Festival” is happening on January 26 th at the Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv. The festival is the singer’s attempt to combine her love of art, music, and cultures from everywhere in the world into one single show. Musicians and artists will join her on stage for this night of artistic celebration, organized with the support of Cupra, the brand behind the famous Primavera Sound festival. “I’ve managed to make my creative fantasy come true”, she says with a smile, when I ask her about the festival. “I’ve created a one-night mosaic of things I love: visual art installations and performances by guest artists from different cultural backgrounds.

The festival’s unifying theme this year is the concept of roots, and there’ll be tons of surprises in the show as well. I love surprises. A lot of the content is similar to that of the festival from a few months ago. Tickets were quickly sold out and lots of people didn’t get to come, so this is another opportunity for them to see the show. Corinne Allal will be there, as well as the Flamenco Trio, a female choir with singers from countries of the ex-Soviet Union, the Italian dancer Andrea Costanzo Martini, and more. After the show, there’ll be an afterparty with a DJ, and before it, an art installation will welcome people as they arrive. I’ve managed to combine all the things I fill my life with and add them to the main show that includes the songs that I perform with my band. It’s a three hour experience unlike no other”. How did the idea for the festival come about? “Lately, I was feeling like I had achieved many of my artistic goals and that I had managed to make my voice heard. I wanted to use my voice to open doors

"I wanted to pass on the cultural gifts that I received as a child – the beautiful folk music from the countries of the Soviet Union, classical music, jazz, etc.”

Photo: Daniel Kaminski

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Photo: Ariel Efron

“Boutique”, as well as working on her next album. “Artists are always looking to fulfill new dreams. Though I am lucky enough to have built a strong bond with my audience here in Israel, I also want to do other things that aren’t necessarily mainstream. One such project is my “Late Bloomer” album, produced with an alternative New York label. The songs on it are all in English, and the overall atmosphere is similar to that of my first album. Everything is available now via streaming apps, and in my shows, I do a mix of all of my songs”. She has long been taking her work home with her, as her producer, Guy Mensch, is also her partner. When I ask her about the dynamics of working with one’s partner, she answers with a big smile: “it’s like we’ve created our own start-up: when we’re at the studio together, we turn our phones off and only discuss work matters and music related subjects”. You’ve also become a mother to two girls of 6,5 and 3. How has motherhood influenced your work? “It’s had a huge influence. Motherhood basically healed me. Because I started in the music

business at a very young age, I felt like I needed a big change in my life. It came in the form of motherhood, and the beautiful children I gave birth to”, she says. “Until then, my life had always been 100% about music, and it was getting unhealthy. As the years went by, I began to realize I needed more balance in my life. I now have a monthly calendar with days specifically dedicated to work, and others that are all about my daughters. In the past three years, I’ve also been managing myself. It’s quite rare in this business, but it suits me. I’m my own investor and strategic manager, as well as my harshest critic. It’s what works for me”. Do you still have a dream you want to fulfill? “Definitely. Playing on a European stage is my next goal. The music industry can be very unpredictable, but neither Guy nor I want to ever regret not having tried. We’re doing everything we can to make it happen. And as my grandmother always inspired me to do, we’re walking towards our goals knowing we might not achieve them, but by pouring in the same amount of energy we would if the outcome depended on us alone”.

Our quick questionnaire What makes you laugh? “My best friend Yaeli”. What’s something people don’t know about you?

“That I’m a radical person”. What’s your favorite kind of family fun? “Playing board games”. What do you do in your spare time? “I study”. What would you be doing had you not become a singer? “I’d be a fulltime mom and eternal student”.

Where would you love to travel to? “Iceland”.

for the younger generation, as well as pass on the cultural gifts that I received as a child – the beautiful folk music from the countries of the Soviet Union, classical music, jazz, etc. The festival is my way of combining all of this into one show”. Europe is the dream These days, Maximilian is celebrating the success of her latest hit “Dancing on tables”, the launch of her international album with the label

24 ATMOSPHERE JANUARY 2023

Lifestyle I Food

North American-style BBQ, slow cooked melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket, prime choice steak aged to perfection, caveman banquets and pitmasters performing meat juggling acts – here are 6 restaurants every meat lover needs to know about. Knives Out! \ By Sharon Ben-David where to soothe your carnivorous cravings The 6 steakhouses that made the cut - This trusted Tel Aviv meat eatery has been around for years now, much to the pleasure of White City carnivores. It’s considered one of Israel’s best meat restaurants, and could easily hold its own against renowned international steakhouses. Its secret lies in its butcher shop, where expert butchers deploy exceptional levels of technique and know-how to achieve optimal cuts of meat, and where the meat is then left to smoke at ideal temperature. Hudson’s specialty lies in its grilled meats cooked to perfection. Steak and brisket are served with sauces of every kind, including a butter and Japanese toffee one, and their hamburgers are simply unmissable, achieving iconic status among local meat lovers. Relaxed and child-friendly, this is the perfect place to go for lunch with the family. hudson-tlv.com Hudson, Tel Aviv A meat-lover’s paradise

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Photo: Netanel Israel

Photo: Elyakim Chohen

The Meat Carnival A celebration of meats

Harvey’s, Jerusalem The capital’s very own North American- style BBQ smokehouse

Knives and forks – out, eating with your hands – in. Not just a meat carnival by name, this is where carnivores are allowed to go full caveman. Ohad Kvity and Gili Ben Shahar, two meat loving best friends, dreamt up the idea of opening a restaurant where all their carnivorous fantasies could come true. The Meat Carnival is a mix between a workshop and a meal, a demo and a banquet – but above all, it’s a dining experience like no other. Diners are served more than 15 meat dishes over the course of an evening in an effervescent atmosphere of rambunctious fun. The meat dishes come with myriad sauces, detailed explanations, delicious sides, and are topped off with decadent desserts. Seated together along long banquet tables, diners bond over their love of juicy meat, and friendships between strangers are formed. Kvity and Shahar’s cookbooks are placed on display and diners can

Jerusalemite Chef Haim (Harvey) Sandler was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. A few years ago, he decided to import two huge wood smokers - the only ones of such kind in the city - and opened his own smokehouse. He roasts and smokes prime choice cuts of meat in the classic North American BBQ style he grew up on – sirloin steak, lamb ribs, smoked chicken breast, and platters of meats customizable according to each diner’s preference: hickory smoked beef brisket cooked for 14 hours, cherry smoked asado cooked for 12 hours, mesquite smoked chorizo, and more. The meat is served aside homemade potato and sweet potato fries, black bean casserole, coleslaw, and other classic North American side dishes. Sandler recently opened a burger bar close by, called Harvey’s Burger Shack, where smash burgers are served aside homemade fries. harvey.co.il

flick through them for recipes. Advance reservation required. crmt.co.il

Photo: Dan Peretz

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Zuk Farm, Tel Aviv Artisan charcuterie

Helmed by Chef Assaf Shenhar, this first-rate meat restaurant has been delighting local carnivores for many years now. When the pandemic struck, Shenhar got the idea to launch a hamburger shop called “Zuzik”, garnering great success. Once the lockdown-induced havoc subsided, Zuk Farm reopened, going back to business as usual, serving top-quality cuts of meat, artisan charcuterie, steak and eggs, salads, and kids’ meals. Once every two weeks, Shenhar organizes a special night on which he serves cuts that require meticulous technique and preparation, such as spicy guava glazed lamb spareribs and dry-aged smoked prime rib. zuk-farm.co.il

Photo: Anatoli Michaelo

Marinado, Ein Gev Steak central

Marinado is famous for its grilled meats. The menu is rich and varied, with inventive first courses (heifer filet carpaccio or liver pâté for e.g.), and mains such as entrecôte steak, sirloin steak, and on-the-bone steak like porterhouse, prime rib, and tomahawk as well. Aside from steak, you’ll find braised short ribs, pulled beef slow-cooked for 9

hours, sausage platters, entrecôte hamburgers of the finest quality, and all accompanied by ice-cold local beer, or a glass of red wine. The Marinado deli just next-door to the restaurant, sells meat and charcuterie delicacies, a well as sauces, spices, cookware, wine, beer, and of course, frozen cuts of meat to cook at home. marinado.co.il

28 ATMOSPHERE JANUARY 2023

Photo: Nadav Margalit

Pitmaster, Hutzot Alonim Mall Medieval banquets and juggling acts

Two tons of meat per week, a taboon that goes up to 600°C and jolly banquets in which total strangers become best friends bonding over huge steaks and beef brisket. Pitmaster is a meat lover’s paradise, where not only superb cuts of meat are served in abundance, they are also juggled with for effect. Diners are invited to sit next to each other at long banquet tables, as the pitmaster conducts his symphony of smoked and roasted meats, dishing out brisket and steak like there’s no tomorrow: picanha, chuck short ribs, asado, flat iron steak, and more and more and more. The juggling show is broadcast on giant screens covering the restaurant walls, so that diners sitting at the back don’t miss a juicy drop of it either, as bouncy music plays in the background. One of the owners, Oren Reuveni, a former combat pilot currently working as a pilot for EL AL, is an absolute expert on meat roasting. The Petach Tikvha Pitmaster branch has recently acquired a little sister, with the recent opening of the new Hutzot Alonim branch, much to the delight of the carnivores of Emek Yisrael. Pitmaster @thepitmastershow

Photo: Afik Gabay

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Lifestyle I Fashion

The finest minds at Pantone have convened and concluded that the color of the year 2023 will be none other than Viva Magenta – a nuanced crimson tone that’s a little bit red, a tad fuchsia, very very bold, and full of enthusiastic optimism \ By Naama Bibi Queen Crimson

Dress: American Vintage, NIS 765

Bag: Mirit Rodrig, NIS 2,499

Coat: Mango, NIS 819.90

Perfume: The Merchant of Venice via Essence Boutique Perfumes, NIS 528

photo: Shai Franco

Lipstick and red leather case: La Bouche Rouge Paris via beyondskin.co.il, lipstick: NIS 150, leather case: NIS 250

Bag: Zadig & Voltaire, NIS 2,325

Bag: Scotch & Soda, NIS 492

Dress: Alberta Ferretti for Mimosa, NIS 8,165

30 ATMOSPHERE JANUARY 2023

Photos: PR, Adi Gilad, Moriah Babay

Cardigan: Sacks, NIS 502

Vase: H&M, NIS 79.90

Diamond and gemstone ring: thebursa.il, NIS 2,989

Jacket: Mango, NIS 549.90

Dress: Diesel, NIS 1,600

Photo: Shai Franco

Shoes: New Balance, NIS 359, online via shoesonline.co.il

Pajamas: Afrodita, from NIS 99

Coat: Zadig & Voltaire, NIS 2,470

Candles: H&M, NIS 69.90 each

Fragrance diffuser: Flying Tiger Copenhagen, NIS 30

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ICHILOV medical center presents the guide

Medical Tourism in Tlv The Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center is a public-sector healthcare facility and treats patients from all over the world

Photo: Pini Siluk

Dear passengers, Last November, millions of people around the world rejoiced in a very promising piece of news: biotech companies Eisai and Biogen revealed that the results for a new drug which could slow down the development of dementia in people with Alzheimer's, were highly auspicious. FDA approval for the drug should be secured by June 2023. Alzheimer's is a disease of the central nervous system and is mostly prevalent among the elderly. Unfortunately, the new drug will not be able to help those already hit by dementia, but it represents great hope for those in the early stages of the disease. For this purpose, Ichilov Hospital has set up a unit for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease, under the supervision of Dr Tamara Shiner and Dr Noa Bergman. There, patients suspected of developing the disease undergo many tests. Health Above all Prof. Ronni Gamzu In cases where the disease has been detected, patients are administered the drug currently on the market, but its new version will be much more effective, and that is great news. Our belief is that this is only the beginning in the discovery of drugs that will eventually prevent brain damage and neurological dysfunction. Until then, I wish you a pleasant flight, Yours, Ronni Professor Ronni Gamzu is the CEO of the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center - Ichilov Hospital

plan. This will help avoid repeated testing upon arrival, saving you precious time and money. A cost estimate will be provided in advance to give you an approximation of the expected treatment costs. We have Russian-speaking and English speaking designated coordinators who will accompany you every step of the way, from arrival to discharge. At the end of your stay at our hospital, you will receive all of your test results, in English or in Russian, at no extra charge. Your treatment coordinator and our medical staff will be happy to answer your questions regarding further recovery and follow-up. For more information visi t https://ichilov-clinic.gov.il/ or email us at medtour@tlvmc.gov.il

The Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center is a public-sector healthcare facility and treats patients from all over the world Why choose Ichilov? Israel’s healthcare is world-renowned for its personalized approach to every patient. The Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center is a public-sector healthcare facility and treats patients from all over the world, providing highly professional medical care and consultation to thousands of patients, adults and pediatric on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. We are constantly upgrading our facilities to make sure they feature state-of-the-art technologies, from cutting-edge diagnostic tests to the most prospective patients send us the results of diagnostic tests done at home so that our doctors can review them and make a personalized examination and treatment advanced laboratory methods. Before arriving, we request that

ISR: +972-3-6973511 RUS: 8-800-100-9616 UKR: 0-800-501933

my experience

I'm Semen Smirnov, 34 years old. In 2022 the MRI kidney

stay in Tel Aviv the major consultant of

detected a tumor. I decided to avoid any risk of unsuccessful treatment and contacted the International Department of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. I started the examination and after 3 days doctor Avi Bary consultation took place. Doctor explained me all the details of my situation with various ways of treatment and I chose to have the surgery of the partial nephrectomy by DaVinci robot. The operation was scheduled for 04 November. All the time during my

the International Department has been extremely helpful to me in all issues. I'm extremely grateful to Dr. Avi Bary, the operating room team for their professionalism and attention. Honestly, I've never experienced such kind treatment in Russia. On the 5th day after the surgery, I could fly home. The kidney function has been fully preserved, no special diet is needed, and only limitation of physical activity for 1 month.

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