Interesting customs and traditions in Israel

Hi, I'd say:

1. Communication style: Israelis (from every sector) talk loud, are not very polite, are very vocal on what they want, talk and dig a lot and sometimes can be even arrogant. On the other hand they love helping whoever is in real need, have a lot of practicality common sense, are very open and direct and will treat anyone as equal (well, one could say even as family). Of course the average is just that, an average. You just get used to it after first seeing only the positive sides, then only the negative ones.

1. Food: it's a Paradise for middle-east food lovers but beware that service culture is not developed as, for example, in Italy, there's a strong US-style consumerism influence and there are lots of people just trying to make money with junk and low-quality street/fast food. But there are also amazing places.

2. Judaism is a very interesting and multi-dimensional culture. The popular version of it is charming in the short term, less interesting in the long term but, as most ancient traditions I guess, the depth and breadth don't miss so you can explore life-long if you so wish. As in any other place, don't expect Israelis to share the same interest, what is new and different and attracting for you is just boring (even if they most of them don't really know it, not in its multi-dimensional aspect at least) and evoking of forced education for non-religious ones, which are the majority. Of course there's not just Judaism, this must be said.

3. Laws and generally lifestyle (and generally spirit and popular culture) are very much as in southern Europe with a strong middle-eastern influence.