A few years ago I was on a plane in the U.S. and started small talking with the woman sitting next to me.  Religion came up and when I told her I identified as a Jew, she laughed and told me that when she tells people which religion she identifies with, people often think she is saying “Jew.”

Meals are traditionally served on large platters.

She told me that she was “Druze” and asked if I had heard of it.  I nodded my head excitedly and told her that I had visited a Druze village while on an organized tour to Israel!

I remember them welcoming us with open arms and superfluous amounts of food.   While we were being served lunch, a few Druze taught us about their religion and cultural values.  Although their religion is secretive, they were open about teaching us the basics.   Additionally, they were happy to answer any question we had.

While you are on a Holy Land tour, it is an amazing opportunity to meet Israeli Druze to learn about the fascinating Druze lifestyle.

Fact #1: Druze is a monotheistic religion and are often referred to as “People of Monotheism.”

Fact #2: Druze originated  in Egypt at the end of the 10th century.

Fact #3: Druze is a blend of Islam, Hindu, and Greek philosophy.

Fact #4: In addition to not having Druze clergy, there are no ceremonies or rituals.  This is because they believe ceremonies and rituals are distract one’s connection with God.

Fact #5: They do have a sacred text called Kitab Al Hikma (Epistles of Wisdom), which is only available to religious Druze.

Fact #6: Instead of following the Five Pillars of Islam, they: (1) Speak the truth, (2) Support their community, (3) Abandon the old creeds, (4) Purify from heresy, (5) Accept the unity of God, and (6) Submit to the will of God.

Fact #7: Like Muslims, Druze are forbidden from eating pork, smoking, and drinking alcohol.

Fact #8: Druze do not have nationalistic ideals and therefore, support the country they live in.  However, they do have a flag and a five-pointed star symbol.  Both contain five colors, each representing a limit which shows the difference between humans and animals.

Fact #9: There are religious Druze women and they are preferred over men because they are perceived as better “spiritually prepared.”

Fact #10: There is a population of over 100,000 Israeli Druze.  Most Druze communities are in the North.  There are also large populations of Druze living in Syria and Lebanon.