Old Akko
Beit Elfarasha (Butterfly House) was created by women, inspired by women, and built for women.
The name Beit Elfarasha, which translates to butterfly house in Arabic, is related to our vision. The term “butterfly effect” is derived from chaos theory and describes how the delicate flapping of a butterfly’s wings sets in motion an endless chain of transformations that will change the world. Thus, with a slight wave of a wing, a small act, may give rise to big changes. At Beit Elfarasha we believe that a humane, intimate meeting and honest dialogue with one another can lead to extensive intercultural change and encourage closeness, friendship, and respect between the residents of Old Akko and the guests who come to it.
Cathy Raff, the entrepreneur and owner, fell in love with Akko many years ago. Beit Elfarasha is the fulfillment of her dream of opening a center where local women can share their love of local cuisine with guests from Israel and around the world. Her aspiration is to allow visitors to Akko to feel the place, to experience daily life through personal meetings with local residents, to get to know the unique multiculturalism that makes Akko a diverse, warm and special city. The meetings at Beit Elfarasha and in the alleys of Akko will allow, as Cathy hopes, an experience with added value, a dialogue that will change perceptions and start a small change that will lead to a big change through those new friendships.
Beit Elfarasha is located in a picturesque alley in the heart of the old city of Akko, near the Mediterranean Sea and a minute’s walk from the Old Sea Wall. It is housed in a beautiful Ottoman building that was recently renovated. The entrance floor includes a modern kitchen where the workshops are held and a reception room for cultural events. The residents of Akko, warm hosts and proud of their diverse culture, will share in personal experiences the special multiculturalism that makes Akko a colorful and warm destination. The special Akko-style cuisine has existed for over 4,000 years and is based on the produce of the sea and the hills that surround the area. The origin of many of the typical dishes of the Akko cuisine comes from the Lebanese and Syrian culture. At the root of the local culture is family values and food are the basis of who they are.
A visit to Beit Elfarasha will leave you with an unforgettable experience. Just come and leave the rest to us!
With the first cool breeze of November, nothing beats gathering in the kitchen to cook together and enjoy a warm, homemade meal. At Beit Elfarasha in Old Akko, Khadija Abd El-Ghani invites you to an experience filled with the flavors, stories, and recipes of Akko’s local cuisine.
Old Akko
11/14 Saturday 12:00
Some dishes take time, skilled hands, and a lot of patience. Shish barak, for instance, consists of tiny dumplings folded one by one; Sheikh al-mahshi involves hollowing out zucchini, stuffing them, and slow-cooking them in yogurt until they are tender and infused with flavor.
Old Akko
11/28 Saturday 12:00
Three women, three worlds, and one gathering in the heart of Old Akko. We begin with art and a conversation with sculptor Yael Netanel, move to the kitchen of Beit Elfarasha—where Khadija Abed El-Ghani will host us for a traditional Akko-style cooking workshop and a rich meal—and end with a sweet encounter with Tina Khativ, founder of the Malabi House. Afterward, you will have time to explore the vibrant market of Old Akko on your own.
JNF-USA Info Center, Old Akko
12/18 Friday 11:00With the first cool breeze of November, nothing beats gathering in the kitchen to cook together and enjoy a warm, homemade meal. At Beit Elfarasha in Old Akko, Khadija Abd El-Ghani invites you to an experience filled with the flavors, stories, and recipes of Akko’s local cuisine.
Some dishes take time, skilled hands, and a lot of patience. Shish barak, for instance, consists of tiny dumplings folded one by one; Sheikh al-mahshi involves hollowing out zucchini, stuffing them, and slow-cooking them in yogurt until they are tender and infused with flavor.
Three women, three worlds, and one gathering in the heart of Old Akko. We begin with art and a conversation with sculptor Yael Netanel, move to the kitchen of Beit Elfarasha—where Khadija Abed El-Ghani will host us for a traditional Akko-style cooking workshop and a rich meal—and end with a sweet encounter with Tina Khativ, founder of the Malabi House. Afterward, you will have time to explore the vibrant market of Old Akko on your own.
Nestled in Old Akko, Beit Elfarasha (“The Butterfly House”) - a women’s empowerment initiative and community culinary center - celebrates local heritage through authentic Galilean tastings, storytelling, and hands-on home cooking.
Nestled in Old Akko, Beit Elfarasha (“The Butterfly House”) - a women’s empowerment initiative and community culinary center - celebrates local heritage through authentic Galilean tastings, storytelling, and hands-on home cooking.
Opened in December 2020, Beit Elfarasha is housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era building nestled in a picturesque alley in the heart of Old Akko, just steps from the Mediterranean Sea and a minute's walk from the historic Old Sea Wall.
Opened in December 2020, Beit Elfarasha is housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era building nestled in a picturesque alley in the heart of Old Akko, just steps from the Mediterranean Sea and a minute's walk from the historic Old Sea Wall.
Beit Elfarasha (The Butterfly House) invites you to learn how to prepare real, authentic Akko-style food. The experience includes a personal meeting and acquaintance with the host, followed by a guided tour of the local market in Akko.
Beit Elfarasha (The Butterfly House) invites you to learn how to prepare real, authentic Akko-style food. The experience includes a personal meeting and acquaintance with the host, followed by a guided tour of the local market in Akko.
Cathy Raff
