Tour Israel

We’re already in the midst of this year’s festive and colorful Purim celebrations. After we’ve finished running around in our creative costumes delivering mishloah manot to family and friends, there’s still plenty of time left to get out into nature and enjoy the blossoming springtime. Here’s a list of fun activities to enjoy with the whole family.

1. AVDAT

When was the last time you visited Avdat, the ancient Nabatean city, which functioned as an important way station on the trade route between Petra and Africa? Avdat will come to life this Purim with lots of exhilarating activities. Clowns will welcome visitors and take them on a journey back in time. There will be juggling workshops, a colorful Purim parade, natural makeup

stations, hula-hoop contests and lots of other surprises.

There will be a traveling show with a Purim twist featuring Nati the Nabatean and Kamai the Musician. Afterward, you can attend a Purim fair next to the fortress and a Nabatean circus. And don’t worry – you won’t leave Avdat hungry because there will be plenty of Roman pizza for sale on site.

Location: Avdat National Park

Date: Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2. OSHICON FESTIVAL

If you’ve always dreamed of spending the day with your favorite superhero or comic character that until now you’ve only encountered on the computer screen, I strongly recommend attending the OshiCon Festival, which will continue through the weekend. The festival is geared toward young and old comic book, gaming and anime aficionados and will feature guests who are dressed up as iconic characters from Japanese anime and manga. There will be lectures and panels about science fiction and animation, as well as a stand-up show, a meet-and-greet with comic artists, and gaming, board game and virtual reality stations. Entrance is free of charge.

Location: Oshiland Entertainment Complex, 4 Atir Yeda Street, Kfar Saba

Date: Until March 23

3. STEINHARDT MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

In honor of Purim, the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History in Tel Aviv is inviting the public to come partake in a HakarTeva Workshop, during which participants will be invited to investigate costumes in nature. Visitors will learn how some animals can change their shape, such as a lizard that knows how to masquerade as a snake. In addition, guests will catch a glimpse of unique animals that have strange ears, just like the evil Haman.

The workshop, which costs NIS 20, is geared toward adults and children (from age 6). Participants are invited to explore nature independently as they meander from station to station and observe items in the museum’s collections.

Location: 12 Klauzner Street, Tel Aviv

Date: March 22, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.; March 23 at 9 a.m., noon and 4 p.m.

Tickets: Purchase at bit.ly/2H5Qh9s

4. SPICE FARM

The Spice Way Herb and Spice Farm, located in Beit Lechem Haglilit, is organizing a Purim carnival this weekend with lots of fun activities, including workshops to make masks and groggers out of herbs and

(Avishai Hanibad) 1