Me'a She'arim

The name of this neighborhood just north of Downtown is the biblical "hundredfold," the bountiful blessing received by Isaac (Genesis 26). It was regarded as a good omen when the neighborhood was founded in 1874. This is 24/7 ultra-Orthodox Judaism. The community is insular and uncompromising—residents have no TVs; some reject the legitimacy of modern Israel; people speak Yiddish rather than the "sacred" Hebrew as the conversational language—and clings to an Old World lifestyle.

Modesty in dress and behavior is imperative for anyone entering the neighborhood. Visitors (best in tiny groups) must avoid male-female contact; women should wear long skirts, long sleeves, and nothing exposed below the neck. It's a voyeuristic experience, but avoid the Sabbath and photograph discreetly other times if you choose to go.

Me'a She'arim is traversed by Me'a She'arim Street, and most of the historic neighborhood is on the slope above it (in the direction of Hanevi'im Street and the downtown area). To the west it is more or less bounded by Strauss Street; to the east it almost touches Road No. 1.