At your departure, a customs official will open the sealed bag, verify the contents, stamp the invoice, and either refund the VAT less commission or arrange for a refund to be sent to you at your home. Summers are from April through October and are warm and dry. Winters, from November through March, are generally mild, with some rain. It can be quite cool in the hilly regions, and Jerusalem has been known to see just a touch of snow. Shabbat commences at sundown on Friday evening and continues until sundown Saturday night.
Holidays also begin at sundown on the preceding evening and end at night.
During Shabbat and major holidays all Jewish shops, businesses, offices, and institutions are closed. Most public transportation stops, though taxi service is generally available. Kosher restaurants are also closed at these times, though hotel dining rooms serve a limited selection. Non-kosher restaurants stay open. Museums will often be open at least part of the day on Saturday, though tickets may have to be purchased in advance or from kiosks set up nearby.