Welcome to the 126 FAQ
A Practical Guide to Jewish Life in Tel Aviv
If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re looking for answers - where to find a kosher meal, how to join a minyan, or what neighborhoods are best to live in. Over the past 15 years, we've been asked just about everything, and this page is built from those real-life questions.
Last updated 07/2025
Ben Yehuda 126 is a warm, dynamic Orthodox synagogue in the heart of Tel Aviv’s Old North. Our community includes Israelis and Olim, singles and families, all drawn together by a shared commitment to meaningful Jewish life in Israel's most dynamic city.
This FAQ covers everything from Shabbat meals to mikveh locations, from Daf Yomi to discounted sushi. It’s here to help - whether you're visiting for a weekend or making Tel Aviv your home. Don't find your question here? Feel free to reach out at info@by126.org
Contents
Where can I find an early Hashkama minyan on Shabbat morning?
There is a 7:30 shacharit minyan at 126 that ends by 9:00.
Which organizations run shabbat meals on a regular basis?
Ben Yehuda 126 often hosts shabbat meals. Visit the events page for information on the next Friday Shabbat dinner.
JTLV and Chabad on the Coast also host meals. There is also a Shabbat meal Facebook page, which you can join here.
Where can I find the closest Miklat/Shelter Tel-Aviv?
The Tel Aviv Municipality has created an online map where you can enter your location to find the nearest miklat (bomb shelter). It's a quick and easy way to locate the closest shelter in case of emergency
Where can I donate leftover Kosher food from an event or simcha?
Please call Avivit from Leket Israel 050-831-9885
Where in Tel-Aviv can I drop off/donate second hand clothes?
Arik Einstein center on Dov Hoz St. 16. There is a donation bin at the front.
Southeast Corner or Basel and Nahum Sokolov - there is a donation bin.
L'Sova Gagon (homeless shelter) at Elizabeth Bergner 36 - opposite Charles Clore park.
Which Kosher hotels close to Ben Yehudah 126 do you recommend?
Hilton, Sheraton, Carlton, Crowne Plaza, Debra Brown and the Renaissance hotel.
Do we have a community handyman you recommend?
Many community members use Avichay Merchavi’s services (050-6082001).
How can I reserve a seat for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur at Ben Yehudah 126?
You can find information on reserving seats and for high holidays and membership here.
Where can I buy a Lulav and Etrog in Tel Aviv?
We sell at the shul every year before Sukkot. Please contact Yair to reserve a set in advance - + 972 54-5898400
Where can I find an open to public Sukkah’s in Tel-Aviv?
Check out this map with all the open Sukkah’s in Tel-Aviv
Where can I sign up for a communal Seder in Tel-Aviv?
Chabad on the coast has an open to public Seder every year. Same for the International Synagogue on Frishman street and JTLV. Please check their website for details.
Where can I buy Shmurah Matzah in Tel Aviv?
Osher Ad supermarket - Walter Moses St 6. You can also buy handmade Shmura Matza from Rabbai Hecht of Chabad North Tel-Aviv. He is located on Yehoshu'a Bin Nun St 9.
Can women say kadish at Ben Yehuda 126?
Yes, women are invited to say Kaddish during all our services
Where can I get a discount as a 126 member?
- Atza Sushi - Ben Yehudah st 128- 25% discount
- Guy Lutati Hair Dresser- Ben Yehudah st 126- 15% discount
- Elizer Pizza- Ben Yehuda st 126- 10% discount
How much does it cost to sponsor the kids kiddush at 126?
Kids kiddush is 1,200 NIS.
If you would like to contribute to a kiddush please contact us at info@by126.org.
How much does it cost to sponsor a kiddush at 126?
Main kiddush is 4,000 NIS.
Is there a women’s Purim Megilah reading at Ben Yehudah 126?
Yes, in addition to the main Megillah reading in the shul, we host two back-to-back women’s Megillah readings each year. Stay tuned to our website and social media for the schedule.
Where else can a woman say kadish in Tel Aviv?
Have a look at this document with all women-friendly services in Tel Aviv.
I have to say kaddish on Friday. What’s the latest minyan time in the Old North for Friday morning?
Ben Yehuda St. 126: 8:10
Chabad on the Coast Bar- Kochva St. 18- 8:30
Pekiin St. 12 : 8:30AM
Chabad Balei Hamelacha Merkaz Baley Melacha St. 16 : 9:00AM
Chabad Neve Tzedek - Dganya St. 43: 10:00AM (usually starts 10:20AM)
Which beit knesset in central Tel Aviv has a neitz and early minyan?
You can find a neitz minyan at Bar Kochva 54 synagogue every day of the week, including Shabbat. You can also find a neitz minyan at Arnon St. 2 - Yechezkel synagogue on Shabbat (Nusach Edot Hamizrach).
Where is there a sefaradi minyan in the Old North?
Beit Knesset Yechezkel (2 Arnon St) has a sefaradi minyan. Contact Rabbai Levin for minyan times: 052-851-1331.
Is there an Italian Minyan in Tel-Aviv?
Yes, there is an Italian Minyan that takes place every Shabbat morning at Smolenskin St. 2. Shacharit is at 09:15.
Is there a Syrian/Halabi Synagogue in Tel-Aviv?
Yes, there is a synagogue called Ohel Israel which is located on Ben Yehudah St. 159.
Shacharit on Shabbat is at 07:30.
Is there an English-speaking Chabad in Tel Aviv?
Yes - Chabad on the Coast.
Which synagogue in the old north davens nusach Ashekenaz?
Ben Yehuda 86 - Ichud Shivat Tziyon.
Where can I find a late Arvit/Maariv?
There are late weekday maariv minyanim at the Debrah Brown Hotel ( 87 Ben Yehuda St, second floor) at 20:45 and at 22:05 at the Sadigura Synagogue (Pinkas St 41).
Where can I find the 126 tefilla schedule for weekdays and Shabbat?
Here is a link to the weekly schedule.
Where can I find a late shachrit minyan in Tel Aviv?
You can find an 8:30am and 9:30am shacharit weekday minyan at the Kosnitz Synagogue (Weizmann St 71). There is also an 8:30am Shacharit minyan at the Peki’in bet knesset (12 Pki'in St).
Where is there a men's mikveh in the Old North?
There is a men’s Mikveh at 54 Bar Khochba Street, phone: 03-528-8055.
Alternatively, you can also go to the sea. There is a separate beach located between the Hilton and Mezizim Beaches that has men-only days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays year-round.
What nusach does 126 use for tefilla?
Nusach Sfarad (not Edot HaMizrach - close to Askenaz)
Where is there a women's mikveh in the Old North?
Here is a full list of the women’s mikvaot in Tel Aviv.
Below are the 4 most local options:
Central Tel Aviv: 86 Ben Yehuda St, 03-522-8188
Central Tel Aviv: 54 Bar Kochva St, 03-528-8055
North Tel Aviv: 12 Pki'in St, 03-546-4899
Neve Tzedek: 24 Pines St, 03-510-8677
Alternatively, you can also go to the sea. There is a separate beach located between the Hilton and Mezizim Beaches that has women-only days on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays year-round.
Where can I find a kelim mikveh?
There is a synagogue called Bet Haknesset Shaarei Tefillah located on Zirelson St in Tel Aviv. The kelim mikveh is outside the building on the left hand side.
There is also a Mikveh keilim at 54 Bar Kochva St just off of Kikar Dizengoff.
Alternatively, you can tovel keilim in the sea.
How can I find out about 126 events?
Please check our events page or sign up to get our weekly newsletter or join our Whatsapp Group.
Can I bring an outside caterer for an event in 126?
Yes you can with minimum Rabanut Hasgacha
How do I book a simcha (Shabbat Chattan/Bar Mitzvah/Brit Milah) at 126?
Please contact us at info@by126.org with dates, number of people attending, and further details about your upcoming simcha.
Where can I do gnizah in the old north of Tel-Aviv?
Ben Yehudah St 159. Up the alley in between the two shuls - Ohel Israel and Rama
Chabad Chabad-Lubavitch of Northwest Tel Aviv. Yehoshu'a Bin Nun St 9
You can find the full list of gnizah locations in Tel-Aviv here.
Where can I check/buy tefilin and mezuzot?
Moshe ben Moshe is 126’s in-house Sofer Stam. He checks tefillin and mezuzot and also sells them. Find more information here.
Where can I find information about the eruv?
Here is eruv information including a map for Tel Aviv.
Where can I buy sfarim, tsitsit, and other judaica in Tel Aviv?
There are several places to buy judaica in Tel Aviv.
- Tifarta, Yehuda ha-Levi St 143
- Binyamin, דרך מסורת מינצר, Nahalat Binyamin St., 03-560-5635
- Nuriel Judaica, Allenby St. 94, 03-516-3874
Where can I find sfarim/places to learn Torah?
The Judaica section of Beit Ariela Library has many Jewish and Torah-related books – The Rambam library is open from 12:00 - 16:00 from Sunday - Thursday.
If you are looking for a place to learn during the day, Ben Yehudah 126 has a Kolel open with a wide range of sfraim from Sunday - Thursday between 09:00- 16:00
In the evening, the synagogue in the Deborah Brown hotel (second floor) is open from 18:00 - 21:00 from Sunday - Thursday.
Where can I find a list of Religious ganim/schools?
What are the zones for the Iriyah ganim/schools?
You can find all the relevant information regarding school registration and zoning in Tel Aviv here.
Do you recommend coming Friday night or Shabbat day to check out the 126 community?
You can’t go wrong with either - both tefillot draw a crowd of several hundred Israeli and Oleh young professionals including single people, married couples, and families. Both tefillot also include singing and high energy. If you’re looking to spend time chatting with other community members, check out our Shabbat day kiddush immediately after tefilla.
Where can I find a Daf Yomi shiur?
We hold a Daf Yomi shiur at 126 Sunday-Thursday at noon
What are the learning opportunities that exist in Tel Aviv?
There are many places to join shiurim and other learning opportunities in the area. Sign up for the 126 weekly newsletter or join our Whatsapp group to be updated with our weekly shiurim.
Please note that Yakar Synagogue, Midrash Aviv, Chabad on the Coast, JLIC and JLTV also have Shiurim during the week.
What are the best streets to look for apartments in the Old North?
While there’s no official definition of where the Old North starts and ends, widely defined, it’s between Park Hayarkon in the north and Bograshov Street in the south and from the ocean on the west to Derech Namir on the east.
Some of the major streets to look on/around are Nordau, Ibn Gabirol, Arlozorov, Jabotinsky, Ben Gurion, Frishman, Dizengoff, Gordon, and Ben Yehuda. These streets are within walking distance of plenty of kosher restaurants, batei knesset, and ganim.
I need to find a roommate/flatmate who is Shomer Shabbat and Shomer Kashrut. Where should I look?
Please check out this Whatsapp Group or Facebook group.
Can you recommend other English-speaking Synagogues and organizations in Tel Aviv?
- JLIC
- JTLV
- ITV
- MJE Tel Aviv
- Brownstone Tel Aviv
- Chabad on the Coast
- Ichud Shivat Tsiyon Synagogue
- Neve Tzedek Shul
- The Tel Aviv international Synagogue
- Yakar Synagogue
How can I get involved in the community or share an idea for an initiative?
Please contact us at info@by126.org
Is there a group chat for job hunting/referrals?
Join this Whatsapp group to help your job hunt.
Is there a facebook group for the religious community in Tel Aviv?
Yes, you can find and join it here.
What group chats should I join to stay informed about activities in Tel Aviv?
Join the 126 community Whatsapp chat for updates about events and activities in the community.
How do I know when shabbat starts and ends in Tel Aviv?
Check out this page of the 126 website for updated shabbat and chag times. You can also join the 126 newsletter for key information like this sent right to your inbox every Friday.
Where can I buy kosher takeout food for shabbat?
Oh Mama (Ben Yehuda St 69 + King George St. 26) and Savtot Mevashlot in Shuk Hacarmel offer shabbat takeout food on Fridays.
Where can I find an early Hashkama minyan on Shabbat morning?There is a 7:30 shacharit minyan at 126 that ends by 9:00.
How can I be set up with people to be hosted for a shabbat meal?
We would be happy to set you up with a Shabbat meal. Please contact us at welcome@by126.org
Where do people hang out on Shabbat afternoon?
While there are plenty of places to hang out in Tel Aviv from Park Hayarkon down to Charles Clore Park and beyond, typically you can find large groups of community members at:
- Bograshov beach hanging out near the Ben Gurion statue
- Gordon beach playing spike ball
- Hilton Hill watching the sunset
- Haatzmaut park (Jabotinsky & Hayarkon) playing with their kids on the playground
- Hilton Hotel lobby singing a musical havdalah
- Frishman Promenade (1.5 hours before sunset)
Who do you recommend to kasher my apartment?
Contact Chaim Cohen at 052-7644901
How does kosher fruit work in Tel Aviv? How does it work during a shmitah year?
There is a difference between fruits and vegetables. Fruit grown in Israel has an issue with orla and must be bought from a seller with a kosher certificate. Vegetables can be bought anywhere if you know how to separate trumot and maasrot on your own.
- many grocery stores like Shufersol have a tudea posted in store for fruit and veggies
- Remember to always clean your leafy greens well.
Which Kosher fruit and vegetable stores in Tel-Aviv do you recommend?
Noy Hasadeh- Mehadrin
Katif Shel Boker
- Please note that there are also many fruit and vegetable stands with different Kashrut levels at the Carmel Market.
Where can I find kosher restaurants in Tel Aviv?
There are plenty of kosher restaurants throughout Tel Aviv – certain areas like the Old North have a very high concentration of kosher restaurants.
Here is a list of Kosher restaurants ranging from Tzohar to Rabbanut to Mehadrin. For more information on the specific teuda or kosher certificate of a restaurant, check their website or contact the restaurant directly.
You can also look at Zap Rest (includes mehadrin) or Hashulchan.
A few of the mehadrin restaurants include:
- Regina
- La Lasagna
- Lechem Basar
- Piano Piano
- Rashel
- Craft Pizza
NOTE: 126 cannot guarantee the accuracy of the list, and people should confirm the kashrut status of each restaurant by contacting the restaurant directly
Which Kosher Butchers in Tel-Aviv do you recommend?
- Please check the supervision/Kashrut level directly with the butcher.
- Please note that there are also a few Kosher butchers stores with different Kashrut levels at the Carmel Market.
Are all supermarkets kosher? If not, how do I know which ones?
Many supermarkets are kosher, however, not all supermarkets in Tel Aviv are kosher. Supermarkets with meat and/or cheese counters have a teuda just like restaurants. When you walk in, the supermarket’s kosher certificate will either be posted at the front or posted at the cheese/meat counters. If you don’t see a teuda, you can always ask an employee if there is one.
Here are the chains that are typically kosher and non-kosher, although it’s always good practice to double-check at a specific location.
Kosher
- Osher Ad
- Shufersal
- Mega/Carrefour
- Victory
Non-Kosher
- Tiv Tam
- AM:PM (open on Shabbat, packaged items are kosher)
- Super Baba
- Alma Market
- Super Yuda
