Me'a She'arim
Me'a She'arim
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184 reviews
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The Boomer Traveler
East Brunswick, NJ9 contributions
Apr 2021
Invited by strangers in M'ea She'arim to Shabbos dinner. My wife needed to use the Ladies room immediately. Knocked on a door to see if we could use bathroom at a home. My wife who speaks Hebrew got into a long conversation with woman who answered door, after she used restroom. She insisted we all stay for Shabbos. Unfortunately we had prior plans. Never met such welcoming and warm people in my life. They felt like family. The neighborhood is like taking a Time Travel Machine to 19th century Minsk. You are transported to my great grandmothers world .A must see and stop for all those love of SHTISEL.
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
selin11201
Dallas, TX175 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Friday Feb 14, 2020: Beautiful day out in Mea Shearim and Ge’Ula neighborhoods. I was hesitant at first to go, but so glad I did. I walked up from Jaffa street to Mea Shearim street. It was absolutely packed, everyone hurrying to gather necessities for Shabbat. It was sunny, slightly cool, I had on a coat and black pants (skirt not necessary if you are wondering). No one looked at me, said anything etc. nothing happened, never felt uncomfortable. Of course I just walked around, did not pull out my phone for any reason, and just strolled the way you would do anywhere else. The shops were full, wonderful smell of bread and pastries. Honestly didn’t see why there would be any issues, be respectful and you will be just fine.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melodysundberg
Orebro, Sweden97 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
One of our favorite spots in Jerusalem. Visited several times during our vacation. Great for buying scarves, judaica, unique souvernirs and challah. Everyone is nice and helpful. Visitors should be respectful and dress modestly.
Written February 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Onelifeliveit
United Kingdom1,729 contributions
I was honestly expecting to see a quaint place, stuck in a time warp and a set of people who maintained the area handsomely. What I saw, was a complete shock to my system that I needed a stiff drink afterwards.
They have the temerity to display a sign as you walk into the area asking visitors to respect the area and advising to dress modestly and not to wear tight clothes. Fine. However we were moved by the squalor, dirt, graffiti, stench, old posters stuck up everywhere, shops that look like that should be demolished, pipes etc exposed, displays in shops that were dusty, dirty and fility.
Ugh !!! Do people actually LIVE there ???? Wow. I've seen better nieghbourhoods in Third World countries. Do not visit unless you like being shocked out of your skin.
They have the temerity to display a sign as you walk into the area asking visitors to respect the area and advising to dress modestly and not to wear tight clothes. Fine. However we were moved by the squalor, dirt, graffiti, stench, old posters stuck up everywhere, shops that look like that should be demolished, pipes etc exposed, displays in shops that were dusty, dirty and fility.
Ugh !!! Do people actually LIVE there ???? Wow. I've seen better nieghbourhoods in Third World countries. Do not visit unless you like being shocked out of your skin.
Written June 29, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Departure811861
Germany1,056 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
It is difficult to describe Mea Shearim because it is different from every other place I know. You can see a lot of Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem but in Mea Shearim live the Ultra Orthodox Jews, who are not really popular with the others for various reasons. Our guide kept on stressing the fact that they did not acknowledge the State of Israel, did not serve in the Israeli army, but had a lot of children the tax payers had to maintain.
The inhabitants dislike touristic voyeurism. They do not want to be looked at like animals and react correspondingly, which I can understand in a way. However, due to their anachronistic apparel they actually appear to belong to a world apart. It is obvious that quite a few of them despise the tourists that come to their quarter.
Mea Shearim is a place in the world where I did not feel at ease at all. Besides, it made me feel depressed to see the poverty there, the lack of joy in the faces. Dirty children sitting in the windows, looking down on passers by out of sad eyes. Men and women separated in the streets. Anachronistic life. Seeming stagnation. Seeming rejection of progress and evolution.
As to the credits I had to give, I was not sure what to do. Sorry for that. This quarter is interesting indeed. Yet, I will not return there if I can avoid it for the reasons given. And it is not that I would like to live in a cure world ..,
The inhabitants dislike touristic voyeurism. They do not want to be looked at like animals and react correspondingly, which I can understand in a way. However, due to their anachronistic apparel they actually appear to belong to a world apart. It is obvious that quite a few of them despise the tourists that come to their quarter.
Mea Shearim is a place in the world where I did not feel at ease at all. Besides, it made me feel depressed to see the poverty there, the lack of joy in the faces. Dirty children sitting in the windows, looking down on passers by out of sad eyes. Men and women separated in the streets. Anachronistic life. Seeming stagnation. Seeming rejection of progress and evolution.
As to the credits I had to give, I was not sure what to do. Sorry for that. This quarter is interesting indeed. Yet, I will not return there if I can avoid it for the reasons given. And it is not that I would like to live in a cure world ..,
Written November 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yonatan C
Ottawa, Canada52 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
Though listed under ' Attractions ' the community of Mea Shearim is anything but, nor should it be treated as such.
A short walk from Zion Square or King George Street will land you in this lively neighbourhood. Having a mix of shops ranging from gifts to food and fashion, the streets are constantly a mass of people.
Over the past 10 years I have found them to be scrupulously honest, helpful and friendly. At times though there is an urgent brusqueness to their service.
The Gal Paz music shop is a treasure trove of CD's and DVD's. They are quickly able to show you the latest releases. I have acquired CD's here frequently at a cheaper price or sooner than they would be available elsewhere in town.
On the same side is a wonderful bakery. Still further up is a retaurant take away which has tastey fish fillets, baked stuffed green peppers and fried chickpeas. On a weekly basis I buy most of my food here that I do not get at the Mehane Yehuda Market.
Off the main drag on a side street on the other side are Hoffman tours, who I have used for 8+ years. Their tours to religous sites are educational, fun and represent good value for money.
Back down on this side by a men's clothing shop is a small Sephardic money changer who is a joy to use. He speaks French and is friendly and personable.
Nearer the lower intersection is the Feldheim Bookshop which gets as much of my money as Gal Paz does. They stock wonderful books and for a modest amount will emboss one's name on the cover.
There are some new Synagogues amongst the smaller older ones and a visit to recite Tehillim in either is a meaningful experience. Be sure to walk though these streets on a Shabbat and greet the families out for a stroll.
Hundreds of other shops sell delightful pastries, Judaica and clothing. A scribe will prepare lettered parchments for you at a reasonable prices. Don't forget to look up for old architectural features or old inscriptions.
I have no doubt you will find something of interest. But remember thousands of families live here. It is their community home and neighbourhood.
A short walk from Zion Square or King George Street will land you in this lively neighbourhood. Having a mix of shops ranging from gifts to food and fashion, the streets are constantly a mass of people.
Over the past 10 years I have found them to be scrupulously honest, helpful and friendly. At times though there is an urgent brusqueness to their service.
The Gal Paz music shop is a treasure trove of CD's and DVD's. They are quickly able to show you the latest releases. I have acquired CD's here frequently at a cheaper price or sooner than they would be available elsewhere in town.
On the same side is a wonderful bakery. Still further up is a retaurant take away which has tastey fish fillets, baked stuffed green peppers and fried chickpeas. On a weekly basis I buy most of my food here that I do not get at the Mehane Yehuda Market.
Off the main drag on a side street on the other side are Hoffman tours, who I have used for 8+ years. Their tours to religous sites are educational, fun and represent good value for money.
Back down on this side by a men's clothing shop is a small Sephardic money changer who is a joy to use. He speaks French and is friendly and personable.
Nearer the lower intersection is the Feldheim Bookshop which gets as much of my money as Gal Paz does. They stock wonderful books and for a modest amount will emboss one's name on the cover.
There are some new Synagogues amongst the smaller older ones and a visit to recite Tehillim in either is a meaningful experience. Be sure to walk though these streets on a Shabbat and greet the families out for a stroll.
Hundreds of other shops sell delightful pastries, Judaica and clothing. A scribe will prepare lettered parchments for you at a reasonable prices. Don't forget to look up for old architectural features or old inscriptions.
I have no doubt you will find something of interest. But remember thousands of families live here. It is their community home and neighbourhood.
Written December 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine S
Somerville, MA2 contributions
Serious safety incident
Jan 2020
I would say that walking through Mea Sharim was something I should not have done, and one of, if not THE worst experience I've had as a traveler.
I would warn women to think twice about walking through as a tourist, especially on Shabbos (Fri night to Sat. night), the Sabbath.
I was stoned by a bunch of young boys, while walking down a street. They were clearly trained in the "purity" practices that women are supposed to obey. I was an uninformed target in my sleeveless blouse.
It mattered not that I'm a Jew. To these boys, I was a sinner, a trespasser, an unpure woman, and although this was an especially pious time of the week, violence toward a woman , for these boys, was a heroic act in defense of that piety,
I would warn women to think twice about walking through as a tourist, especially on Shabbos (Fri night to Sat. night), the Sabbath.
I was stoned by a bunch of young boys, while walking down a street. They were clearly trained in the "purity" practices that women are supposed to obey. I was an uninformed target in my sleeveless blouse.
It mattered not that I'm a Jew. To these boys, I was a sinner, a trespasser, an unpure woman, and although this was an especially pious time of the week, violence toward a woman , for these boys, was a heroic act in defense of that piety,
Written December 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KosherAndGlutenFree
New Jersey292 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
If you are interested in mezuzahs, menorahs and other Judaica, Mea Shearim is a wonderful corner of Jerusalem.
If you go, please dress "modestly" - men in long pants and shirts (no bare skin), women in dresses or skirts and at least short sleeves (no sleeveless, no pants, no shorts).
The stores along Mea Shearim Street have very good prices, and most shopkeepers speak a decent English.
You *can* bargain - ask the shopkeeper if they can "do a little better".
On the other side of Strauss Street is the neighborhood of Geula, with similar shopping.
There are also many food stores (pizza, ice cream, bakeries) and many home good items, particularly very inexpensive and beautiful tablecloths.
Surprisingly, many stores are open til 9:00 PM Sunday - Thursday.
Of course, stores close early Friday afternoon and do not re-open until Sunday morning.
The streets are very crowded, so this is not a great place for large groups or for people who need walkers/wheel chairs.
If you go, please dress "modestly" - men in long pants and shirts (no bare skin), women in dresses or skirts and at least short sleeves (no sleeveless, no pants, no shorts).
The stores along Mea Shearim Street have very good prices, and most shopkeepers speak a decent English.
You *can* bargain - ask the shopkeeper if they can "do a little better".
On the other side of Strauss Street is the neighborhood of Geula, with similar shopping.
There are also many food stores (pizza, ice cream, bakeries) and many home good items, particularly very inexpensive and beautiful tablecloths.
Surprisingly, many stores are open til 9:00 PM Sunday - Thursday.
Of course, stores close early Friday afternoon and do not re-open until Sunday morning.
The streets are very crowded, so this is not a great place for large groups or for people who need walkers/wheel chairs.
Written June 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yamsoof
Melbourne, Australia23 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
There are two sides to this neighborhood. For an outsider it is a tourist attraction to get a small glimpse into the Chassidic world. For the residents it is just their neighborhood where they live, shop, go to school, work etc.....There are many similar neighborhoods around the world where Chassidim are the dominant residents. It can be very deceiving from the outside that they have locked out all modernity, however, a closer look will reveal they take advantage of the most modern and sophisticated technologies as long as their religious standards are not compromised.
Written February 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ILoveFermanagh
Enniskillen, UK215 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Visiting Mea Shearim is an interesting and positive experience as it is one of the oldest Jewish neighbourhoods in Jerusalem and has a strong 19th century Eastern European flavor to it. We started our walk into Mea Shearim from the lower end (nearest the Old City, near the Ministry of Education) and walked for over a kilometre. We were the only tourists in the area, but we felt welcome (even stopping for refreshments and doing some shopping.) We did take a few pictures, but tried to be discreet in taking them, as the residents are almost entirely Orthodox Jews who may take offense. We did notice signs when we came to Mea Shearim which asked females to dress modesty, so I would suggest that those who visit respect the views of the residents as this is their home, not ours. While walking up the Mea Shearim there are literally dozens of little bakeries with brilliant smells, so don't miss out on the sufganiyot, which are delicious jelly-filled doughnuts! Jaffa Street runs nearly parallel to Mea Shearim a few blocks away, so whenever you want to head back to the more modern side of Jerusalem, it's literally only a five minute walk away.
Written August 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mea Shearim Neighborhood Question :
We will be taking a cab from near Jaffa Gate to the Geula neighborhood, on a Friday ,from 9:30am till shops close in the early afternoon for Sabbath, then walk back to our B & B near Allenby Square, Romena,
I've seen many posts (wisely) warning tourist not to venture into the Mea Shearim neighborhood...which is what we are wanting to do
However, although I've looked at many-many maps, we cannot get a clear understanding of the Street Names which create the border for the North, East, West, South sides of the Mea Shearim neighborhood
I appreciate that there are signs posted at the beginning of streets which lead into Mea Shearim,...however....would really-really like to be able to plan where it would be wise to exit our cab, to begin our walk, and then where best to end our walk thru the Geula Neighborhood...to then walk back to the Allenby Square / Romena area, where our B & B is
Written November 2, 2019
Have only walked on the main streets we never had a problem. Dress modestly and be respectful and you should not have any problems. Hope this helps.
Written November 4, 2019
Is there a free respectful walking tour of Me'a She'arim available?
Written June 24, 2019
Me'a Shearim main street area starts with Malkei Israel street which is rather relaxed and called Geula area. Where the hard core Me'a Shearim street from the Ha-Shabat Sq. is a prolonged and rather narrow street where residents are less tolerant towards outsiders and might respond in an agressive manner like even by pouring paint or cooking oil from above windows. Yet these areas are most "authentic". Said that I would suggest to consider walking the Me'a Shearim street in smallest possible group of 3-4 people max.
Please dress as modestly as you can. Women expected to wear long sleeve shirts, subtle or dark colors and even a hat to cover the hair. Men can wear short sleeve shirts and can wear hats as of respect while it is not a must. Photo taking is not appreciated to say the least.
It is a unique experience.
Hope this helps.
Written June 25, 2019
A woman alone with a kid could walk without any problem? thanks
Written June 15, 2019
I've just watched a video on the celebration of Purim in Mea She'arim.
Can westerners (non Jewish) tourists visit and join in on the celebration in Mea She'arim during this time?
Written September 17, 2017
You can certainly walk through the streets of Mea Shearim during this time. Of course dressed modestly and respectfully. Joining in a private celebration may be complicated though.
Written September 18, 2017
Are there any tours leaving on a Monday?
I am on a 10 day tour of Israel which ends on the Monday of August 8. I am staying at the Jerusalem Gold. The 10 day tour ends that morning. I will be on my own until I get picked up at the hotel at 19:00 to arrive at the airport 20:00.
Thank you,
sharon Seidel
Written July 23, 2016
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