Bizness Magazine March 2018 by Anglo Media

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www.biznessmagazine.com MARCH 2018

DAVID SHAFNER THE FURNITURE DOCTOR Repairing and Restoring Your Family Treasures Back to Their Original Beauty

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Can You See Between the Wines? Clearly you are wearing Einit... Have a Happy Purim! See our amaz collection of t ing he brands

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Contents 04

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David Shafner The Furniture Doctor NURSING YOUR FURNITURE BACK TO HEALTH SIMCHAS

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20-21

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Real Estate Daniel Touitou NEXT GENERATION TRAVEL Your Next Business Trip Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

Baruch Tenenbaum QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS Anatomy of a Renovation

Rosenblum Holtzman CPA Virtual Currency or Monopoly Money?

EXPERT

08-09

EXPERT

10 Eliyahu Fadida Project Managers: Your Money & Sanity Savers

Simchas

11-18

EXPERT

19-50 Benzion Cheirif PHOTOGRAPHER AND 3D PRINTING EXPERT 3D Printers: An Investment in Your Children’s Future EXPERT

Ilan Ben Haroush MISTER ELECTRIC The Washing Machine Whisperer

24-25

EXPERT

Miles Hartog High-End Renovations and Extensions Think Inside the Box Tzvi Lefkowitz TZVI AIR Air Conditioning Technicians When You Need One and When You Don’t

57-64

Breathing New Life into a Successful Pharmacy Chain

58-59

Rachel Koenigson Wellness and Balance in Baka

60 Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center Meet the Staff at Mayanei Hayeshua

Ariel Baror CEO OF MASTER PLUMBING Make Every Drop Count: Tips for Saving Water

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Health & Wellness BIG FASHION BEIT SHEMESH

Jennifer Ungar INTERIOR DESIGNER 10 Ways to Make Your New House Your Home

Yonah Fuchs FUCHS HATS The Black Hat Makes the Man

EXPERT

Adi Levy MANAGER OF SUPER-PHARM

Element Wood Shade Solutions

Yehudit Zak DELICES DE PARIS The Delights of Paris in Israel

52 Cohen, Decker, Pex & Brosh Law Office The Tax Duel for Dual Citizens

Comfort Furniture Taking the Trundle Bed Up a Level (or Four)

Hagit Lev ATTORNEY Navigating Divorce with Sensitivity

51-56

360dira Zooming in on 360dira’s Expansion

Egert & Cohen Travel Insurance Conundrums

EXPERT

62-63 Rechavia Dental Center Camouflage or “Masked” Orthodontic Treatment

EXPERT

Automobiles

Auto Mechanics Does Routine Maintenance Equal Revenue or Risk Assessment?

DECEMBER 2017

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Letter from the Editor

Mazal Tov, We Launched in NYC! EDITOR IN CHIEF CHIEF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGING EDITOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Ariel Topf Yisroel Meir Simon Aviva Sapir Gila Block Shmuel Arye Cohen Chaya Hyams Estie Lindner Elie Mendlowitz Sharon Miller Binyamin Simon Tzvi Wapner

CHIEF DESIGNER

Matt Mildinovick

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Chaya Feldman Maya Mildinovick

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

HOW TO REACH US

Shoshana Lepon Daniella Levy Jesica Myers Rifki Orzech Heidi Tapnack Advertising 02-999-3939 info@biznessmag.com

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Bizness Magazine is published by Bizness Magazine Ltd. Bizness Magazine considers its sources reliable. However, reporting inaccuracies can occur, consequently readers using this information do so at their own risk. Editorial content, articles and interviews may be paid advertising. Bizness Magazine does not endorse or recommend any products or professionals. Although persons and companies mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither Bizness Magazine or its publisher, parent company, nor any of its employees, sales executives or contributors accept any responsibility whatsoever for their activities. We reserve the right to publish in whole or in part all letters received by us. All letters, sent to Bizness Magazine will be considered the property of the Magazine. All remarks, suggestions, ideas, creative concepts, graphics, or other information communicated through this publication or otherwise sent to its publisher (together the ‘Submission’) will forever be the exclusive property of Bizness Magazine., who will not be required to treat the Submission as confidential, and will not be liable for any use or disclosure of the Submission, and need not provide any compensation or acknowledgement for the Submission. Under no circumstances shall Bizness Magazine, or its affiliates, subsidiaries, or related companies and web sites, be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to direct, incidental, consequential, indirect or punitive damages), harm, or injury that relate to, arise out of, or result from the use of, or access to, or the inability to use, any of the materials of this publication. Bizness Magazine is printed in Israel and all rights are reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher

It is with immense excitement that I share with you the launch of our new project: Manhattan Profiles, our New York edition. Our first issue hit the streets of New York City last week. The city that never sleeps can now enjoy the same high-quality resource magazine that you have been reading for the past seven years. We have added our voice to Manhattan’s vibrancy, diversity and sophistication. We made sure to let everyone know that this magazine model came from the land of Israel, and we explained that our publications are geared toward the English-speaking public in Israel and have become not only a source of informative and enjoyable content, but also an invaluable, go-to directory of reliable professionals in a wide range of fields. My staff and I feel proud and privileged to join other elite Israeli companies in exporting products and services that enhance the quality of life of people around the world. We will continue expanding our reach by building strong relationships with communities worldwide, and will strive to further elevate the fantastic reputation that Israeli companies have built for themselves all across the globe. Your continued support has enabled us to accomplish this momentous achievement. We‘re excited to continue profiling businesses, professionals and organizations in your own backyard and providing you with valuable information that you can access whenever you need their expertise. Wishing you a healthy and successful spring season! Ariel Topf ariel@biznesssmag.com

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Bizness I Interview I Daniel Touitou Founder & CEO of Next Generation Travel

Your Next Business Trip Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

ext Generation Travel is not just another travel agency. While they do provide all the basics you’d expect from a travel or tour company, NGT takes an innovative, holistic approach to travel in the 21st century. They work primarily with companies, planning business trips down to the last detail and keeping everything running smoothly so employees can simply relax and focus on their work. What value do you bring to your clients? We help companies expand and enable them to be in the right place at the right time. We work mostly with hi-tech companies, and their needs are very specific and subject to constant change. Sometimes we help with the regular flow of employees who need to meet clients abroad or clients who need to be brought to Israel, and sometimes with specific one-time events, such as conventions or exhibitions. We take care of every last detail of our clients’ trips. We first clarify their needs, how they like to travel, what airlines they prefer, what kind of hotels they prefer to stay in, etc. Additionally, we make ourselves available to our clients, proactively solving unexpected problems. Our clients know they can focus on their work and not have to worry about everything else. What’s the advantage of calling you over simply booking trips online? In the modern world, most people believe they can take care of themselves. The Internet provides all the tools you need to plan a trip and all the related services. However, there are many obstacles in the world of tourism, and if you don’t know how to avoid them, you may encounter some unpleasant surprises. We prefer to be directly in touch with our clients and plan the tour on a caseby-case basis, so we can provide custom service. Additionally, in 95% of cases, we are able to find better prices than you can find online. We are aware that tourism needs to keep

up with the times. That’s why we offer our customers the option to control their plans; you can book flights on our app, and make hotel reservations both on our app and on our website. In your experience, do travelers usually know what they want or do they decide according to whatever you offer? Usually, travelers know what they want, or at least have a general idea. Many of our clients call to consult with us and choose the products that best meet their requirements. In the past few years, more and more travelers have approached us after exhaustive research with a fully-formed plan in mind. And here’s where our professional expertise comes into play: we know how to avoid pitfalls, to read the fine print and then we make recommendations based on our experience. What is your favorite package? We have no such thing! We don’t provide standard, preplanned packages. We build individualized plans for each customer. What was your most challenging itinerary? The most challenging itinerary to plan is the next one—a trip to a destination we ABOUT DANIEL TOUITOU Daniel Touitou is the founder & CEO of Next Generation Travel, a travel agency specializing in business travel, conferences, seminars, and events all over the world.

He can be contacted at daniel@ngt.agency, 054-727-2324 or through their website www.ngt.agency.

haven’t worked with before! But we’re always up for the challenge. We learn everything possible about the new destination, tailor everything to the client’s requests, and in the end, give the client the best possible product! What are the challenges involved in planning seminars in other countries? There are a number of aspects involved in planning a seminar or business event. Of course, there’s logistics, which are not that problematic and are basically the same all over the world. There is also a need to coordinate all the local providers (hotels, restaurants, transportation, technical equipment…). The most challenging thing is getting everything synchronized perfectly so the clients’ experiences are completely seamless. What types of businesses have approached you to put together seminars, and how did they hear about you? Most of our business clients are hi-tech companies, usually small or mid-sized, which don’t have the capacity for an inhouse travel agency. We work with Israeli companies, of course, but also with European companies (French, Swiss, British, Italian…) as well as companies in the USA, Canada and Brazil. We don’t do a lot of marketing; most of our clients find us by word of mouth. Can you give us three tips for a stress-free trip? Always make sure that your passport does not expire until at least six months after your return. It’s better to work with products that are flexible and can be changed as much as possible—it may be more expensive initially, but it can save you a lot of cost and headache later. It’s always preferable to work with an agent; that way, you always have someone to turn to. What if despite meticulous planning something goes wrong? We’re available round-the-clock to help, and we have an emergency hotline that’s available at all times for urgent situations.

SPORTS & LEARNING CAMP at Yeshivas Reishit’s Campus

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Early bird special

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Reishit’s magnificent campus includes a Beis Medrash,, indoor and outdoor basketball courts and a Experienced dedicated and fun counselors from Mesivta of Beit Shemesh guaranteeing your child will have lots of fun in the perfect environment. There will be an optional minibus driving the kids from RBS to camp and back for only 65 nis. For more information and registration please call: Srulie Marcus: 054-859-2964 Sam Wachtel: 052-768-1087 Email: boyspesachcamp@gmail.com

From March 25-29 ,‫ י”ג ניסן‬- ‫ט‬ from 9 AM - 2 PM Camp is open for children ages 7-13, divided into older and younger division. The camp will take place at Yeshivat Reishit (Rechov Rashi 21, Bet Shemesh).

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Finance I Rosenblum Holtzman CPA I Expert

Virtual Currency or Monopoly Money? Virtual currency, with Bitcoin as concept king, is dominating headlines across the globe and making a lot of noise. Thousands of digital currencies have flooded the online financial arena, and have raised many complex questions and disputes regarding the risks on the one hand, and the trend’s immense but questionable potential on the other. By Meir Ilia, CPA, CIA, MBA, LLM, Rosenblum Holtzman CPA Firm

he last couple of months have witnessed very volatile rates on the digital currency market. There is talk of Bitcoin and its contemporaries exchanging hands in both business and criminal circles, and reports of digital currency fraud and larceny. International banks, regulators around the world (including in Israel) and tax authorities are examining the possibility of security loopholes in digital currencies and whether these currencies are susceptible to manipulation. Some are seeking to limit the use of digital currencies and others hope to prohibit their use altogether. CHANGING THE WORLD, BITCOIN BY BITCOIN Bitcoin was created as a digital means for transferring payment between two parties via the Internet, without the need for a third party (such as a bank, credit card company or other entity) to serve as intermediary for transfer of payment. The coin was first described in an article published at the end of 2008 by an anonymous writer with the pen-name Satoshi Nakamoto, whose identity remains elusive. Bitcoin pioneered the virtual currency revolution and has been adopted as the generic name for all digital coin currencies.The nickname for all other digital currencies that piggybacked on Bitcoin’s open source project are called Alternative Coins (Alt.Coins) and an increasing number of people are using, promoting and investing time in the development and promotion of these currencies. Neither produced nor issued by any government or central bank, Bitcoin is based on the tenets of cryptography and peer-to-peer networks. Digital coins have no physical manifes-

tation, and their worth is determined only by users who believe in the value of the coins and their validity as real currency for the exchange of goods or services.This is also why the Bitcoin market is so volatile. The process of issuing new currencies into public circulation requires investment of considerable computing power and, borrowing terminology from the gold industry, is called “mining.” Bitcoin operates as a digital ledger system, which records how many “coins” are in each digital account.Anyone who is connected to the Bitcoin network has access to a copy of the ledger so that each transaction is collectively transparent and secured by a consensus verification model. DOUBLE TROUBLE Since digital currency is essentially an information file, it can be duplicated. This means that anyone can copy a file and repeatedly reuse the coins. The ability to duplicate and recycle coins, known in industry terms as “The Double Spending Problem,” is the biggest challenge faced by digital currencies. Since the entire concept is based on code and technology, the only way to track activity and maintain transaction security is to fight technology with technology and harness the power of peer-topeer networks.

ABOUT MEIR ILIA

Meir Ilia, CPA, LL.M., CIA and licensed investment manager is a partner at Rosenblum-Holtzman & Co. He holds a BA and MBA in business management with specialization in management, accounting and finance.

Online transactions generally involve a third party—such as a credit card company or PayPal—trusted by both buyer and seller. The role of the third party (the broker) is to verify payment transfer between the parties. For example, when we use a credit card, the transaction is submitted for approval by the credit card company or bank, who makes sure there are sufficient funds in the account and then authorizes the seller to make the transfer.This can take time and the broker service usually entails a commission fee. Digital currencies like Bitcoin eliminate the need for a middle man using complex mathematical coding whose inherent security capabilities supersede standard intermediaries. Instead, a user consensus confirms registration of a transaction and all transactions are bundled together in a ledger called a blockchain. The way the model works is by decentralizing the confirmation of transactions.This process is coined “mining” and uses cumulative public confirmation to register each exchange of currency between a seller and buyer. The more nodes (users) that confirm a transaction, the more difficult it becomes to manipulate the transaction fraudulently, ensuring that buyers cannot use the same coin twice, i.e. make two purchases using the same coin. Miners—users on the network who verify the transactions and determine their chronological order—invest vast amounts of energy and electricity in the process of transaction verification. Compensation for the investment of these resources is issued to miners in the form of new coins. BLOCKS, STACKS AND CHAINS The transactions themselves are filed in groups called blocks. Each new block file contains about 2,000 transactions and is linked to the preceding block, starting from the first Bitcoin transaction. This forms a chronological chain called a blockchain, which is designed to verify the authenticity of the data and transactions in

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the stacked contents of the preceding block which determines chronological documentation in the transaction ledger, and establishes a running history for all preceding blocks. If a user attempts to alter information in one block, it will alter the stack in the next block. Since all the blocks are linked, this will alter the entire blockchain. Through timeline documentation and connectivity, this enables retroactive identification of any attempt to falsify a transaction.

the ledger, using technology called “stacking.” Alteration of existing documentation or production of a fictitious transaction is blocked through a system that processes transactions using a one-way stacking function. This is a code that serves as a black box, which converts regular text into short, static text, called stacked text. The stack function is designed so that any small change in input text will result in entirely new output, so that reproducing the original stacked text from new input is extremely difficult. During the mining operation, network users verify and bundle transactions into blocks. In principal, each stacked output is coded so that it begins with a number of zeroes in a row, for example a row of thirty zeroes. But no block can genuinely yield a stacked output that be-

The process of issuing new currencies into public circulation requires investment of considerable computing power and, borrowing terminology from the gold industry, is called “mining.” gins with a row of thirty zeros! The miners add a single line at the end of each block with a random value to test if the contents of a block produce the correct stacked output. Each new block in the blockchain contains

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Rosenblum Holtzman, CPA was founded in 1981. The firm provides a wide range of services to corporations, kibbutzim, non-proft organizations and private clients. These services include auditing annual financial statements, representing clients before the tax authorities, tax planning, internal auditing, information systems, risk management, information security, financial consulting, Sarbanes Oxley implementation, and evaluating corporate governance. The firm has special expertise in forensic auditing and assisting in legal proceedings involving accounting and financial evaluations. With over 100 employees, Rosenblum Holtzman provides a top tier professional service, while simultaneously allowing clients to receive personal attention from the partners. Rosenblum Holtzman CPAs can be reached at 03-609-20-20 or through their website www.rhcpa.co.il.

FLIP A COIN Digital currencies have yet to be recognized as a widely-accepted means of payment, and there is much skepticism regarding their integrity and fate. But if you think about it, who would have believed ten or twenty years ago that we would be paying bills and doing our grocery shopping online? That all our photos and documents would be stored in a cloud? That every man’s pocket and every woman’s pocketbook would carry a mobile phone that gives us instant access through various applications to everyone we know (and don’t know!) and that renders map books obsolete! The great accomplishment of Bitcoin is the introduction of successful transfer of payment between two parties, through verification of the transaction by consensus of a peer-to-peer network model. Both the unique structure of Blockchain code and the concept of transaction validation on masse by users themselves—is revolutionary. But it’s still a revolution in its infancy, and the market isn’t yet equipped to handle the sheer scope of currencies out there. MONEY COME MONEY GO Most digital currencies in circulation today will probably eventually burn themselves out. But their legacy will live on in their contribution to the advancement of the original source code, a stepping stone to further technological development. It’s tempting to invest in digital currencies but it’s risky and requires examination with a very cautious and critical eye. The million bitcoin question is whether digital currency will become a universally endorsed means of payment and change the world of finance as we know it (like the epic change brought by the printing revolution in the 15th century). Perhaps we’ve just been momentarily blinded by fairy dust in the wind. But time will tell, and it’s too early to be prophets of doom. The information presented in this article should not be construed as professional advice regarding investment activities or proposals, nor an offer to purchase any product or service, and is not a substitute for a comprehensive consultation that takes into account specific data and personal needs. Use of information in this article is the sole responsibility of the reader and at his own risk.

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Law I Interview I Hagit Lev Attorney

Navigating Divorce with Sensitivity

ttorney Hagit Lev has been a family and general mediator for 18 years, and she is trained in facilitating cooperation in divorce. She is a member of the Commission for Family Affairs and of the False Complaints Committee of the Israel Bar Association. She also lectures on family law and mediation at the College of Management, and serves as an external professional consultant to Knesset committees that examine the crisis of the nuclear family in Israel. She is one of the leading attorneys in the field of family law. Why did you decide to become a lawyer? I have been fighting for justice and the welfare of others from a very young age. Classmates wrote in my yearbook that I would become a lawyer! During school vacations, I would get on the bus by myself to go listen to discussions in the courthouse. It’s my calling. Why family law? I’m a very empathetic and emotionally sensitive person. I understand what my clients are going through and I know how to help them. What’s more, I care a lot about children. In the cases we deal with in the family courts, children are often caught in painful situations, and I want to do everything I can to protect them from emotional and physical harm. What areas in family law do you deal with? My main area of expertise is divorce, but in order to deal with family law, you have to have a good grasp of many other areas in law because everything is connected. Business, real estate, investment, finances, custody, inheritance—these are all things that come into play in divorce and I need to have a solid background in these areas as well, so I make sure I have that background. What’s your main strategy for dealing with money in divorce cases? There is a lot of money involved in divorce, and it can take a long time to investigate the couple’s finances. My strategy is to take care of it as quickly as possible. These investigations

can drag out and it’s a drain on everyone’s time and energy; the people who suffer the most are the children. Do you bring in other professionals to help clients cope with the emotional difficulties of divorce? It would be unethical for us to bring other professionals, as we are required to maintain confidentiality. However, we do recommend enlisting the services of other professionals. For example, sometimes parents have trouble figuring out how to approach their children with the news that they’re getting divorced, and in that case we may recommend seeing a parenting counselor. Life coaches and therapists can also provide some much-needed support. What’s the most difficult part of putting together an agreement that is fair to both sides? Well, I don’t represent both sides at once; I represent one side and advocate for that individual’s interests. Obviously, the ideal would be to find an agreement that is fair to both

ABOUT THE COMPANY Hagit Lev Law Office provides comprehensive and sensitive legal services to clients before, during or after the process of divorce. They advocate an approach that manages the process with determination and wisdom, so clients can get what they deserve without hurting the people who are important to them. Hagit can be contacted at 050-240-4055, levhagit@gmal.com or through her website www.adv-office.co.il.

sides, for the sake of integrity and most of all, for the sake of the children.That said, the part I find most difficult to work out is division of custody. How do you keep up-to-date with developments in your field? Great question! I attend workshops and seminars often, and I make a point of reading court verdicts on other cases, to get a feel for the character of each of the judges. Verdicts are usually the result of an interpretation rather than a direct application of the law. Getting an idea of how judges interpret the law, can help me figure out how best to approach them when we meet in court. Do you work with foreign clients? Yes—mostly Jews and Israelis living abroad. I’ve worked with people from all over—Manchester, New York, Sydney. I help protect rights relating to wills. How did you get into parliamentary activism at the Knesset? As mentioned, I started to attend conferences, and to speak at them, and people started to approach me. At the beginning, men’s rights organizations approached me, asking for help in the Knesset, and then women did as well. Drawing on my 18 years of experience as a professional, I helped update the laws around pension distribution and custody. It’s important for me to emphasize that I don’t represent any political party or agenda; I’m an independent professional advisor to Knesset committees. What do you find most challenging in your work? Because it’s family law, the most challenging aspect is to keep everyone sane—including the people I’m not representing. It’s an extremely sensitive process and it’s very easy for people to get hurt. And what is the most satisfying? Helping a couple navigate this vulnerable situation and come out of it with minimal damage and maximum care and support for themselves, each other and the children caught in the middle.

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Simchas Planning a Simcha? Let SIMCHAS 2017-2018 do the planning for you. Get your copy of SIMCHAS or check out our vendors by visiting us at www.simchas.biz

PLANNING & DECOR Arts by Jordana jordana.klein@gmail.com Esther Miller Flowers 02-537-3226, 053-524-7918 estermiler@gmail.com Lenny Davidman Events 02-673-0721, 054-557-3101 lenny@ldevents.com Oraisa Sofer Stam Consultants 052-598-4568 Malky Neumann Event Planner 02-537-3024, 052-765-9024 mychoc.israel@gmail.com Rachel Schreiber Simcha Coach 053-315-0982 rachelst982@gmail.com Simcha Success Event Planning 052-713-3564 simchasuccess@gmail.com Simchonim Souvenirs 02-500-0599, 03-952-4646 simchonim@simchonim.co.il Styley Event Design 054-203-3963 Tzippy Appel Event Planning 052 660 9694 Simon Balloons 052-767-1819 HALLS & VENUES Achuzat Wagshal 03-579-9959 Crowne Plaza 054-470-0797 Ein Chemed Hall 02-570-9494 Emerald Hall 02-992-4445 Gavna BaGush 02-533-6036 gavna5@gmail.com Hagan Hakasum 02-999-9444, 050-447-5495 eruimbenoam@gmail.com Heichalei Beitar 02-502-1633 Jerusalem Gardens Hotel 02-655-8888

Kedma Midtown 02-534-0800, 058-707-0021 info@kedma-midtown.co.il Maskit Hall 054-666-0693 Nikanor Hall 050-909-9000 kpekan@gmail.com Nof Hayarden 02-563-6464, 058-690-3030 Ramada Hotel 02-659-9973 Rodriguez 02-581-5815 Skyline Chef Restaurant Isaac: 052-255-9939 isaacinisrael@gmail.com CATERING & DESSERTS Antaka Catering 02-990-0217, 054-660-0709 antaka5@gmail.com BeSimcha Leeba Rosenthal 054-232-3410 Bleecker Bakery 02-991-9700 Brunch Bagel Dairy Catering 058-668-8949 bb5004001@gmail.com Catering Chen 02-651-3314 ch.fency1@gmail.com Daniel Catering 077-915-1155 Delices de Paris 054-452-1953 La Nougatine High-end Bakery 072-251-1511 Maadanei Melech Catering 02-502-1633 My Chocolate Place 02-537-3024, 845-531-5268 Schocketino Catering 052-855-1538 hschockett@gmail.com Scoop Catering 052-771-0489 Sugarela Cake Designs 052-289-5580 Toubin Catering 02-534-6328, 02-533-3864 toubin@015.net.il Muffin Boutique 052-772-2368 www.muffinboutique.com

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Image Photography & Event Production 052-593-3234, 052-766-9669 Live Stream Simcha 058-538-1902 livestreamsimcha@gmail.com Nachshon Philipson Photography & Videography 054-668-0200 nachshonp@gmail.com Natan Betzalel Videography 052-650-0226 Sarah Zheitler Photographer 052-296-4308 Shmuel Diamond Photography www.shmueldiamond.com TeknoArt Photography Studio 052-267-0131 info@teknoart.co.il Yoni Zur Videographer 052-458-8631 MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT Bat Mitzvah Dancing with Eva 052-721-2252 Darrell Mordecai Caricature Artist 054-842-5099 darrellmordecai@gmail.com Eliyahu Stein Musician 054-249-1271 eliyahustein@gmail.com Kol Simcha Band 052-688-9123 Lehava Orchestra 052-263-1597 Mebereshit Band 050-257-5273 mb05052575273@gmail.com

Menachem Herman Band 02-991-8314, 053-315-0624 menachemherman@gmail.com Moti Hecht Minhag Yerushalayim Band 052-717-0004 motiht@gmail.com. Ruach Hakodesh Band 054-943-6343 israelweddingband@gmail.com Yosef Chaim Shwekey Music 052-433-9353 WEDDING GOWNS & FASHION Bellisima Boutique 02-500-4603 Demiss Designer Hat Store 052-713-0185 Eti Melar Gown Rentals 050-419-4374 Fresh & Clean Dry Cleaning 054-721-3016, 077-350-0241 Fuchs Hats 02-500-2930 Lili Sock Shop 02-999-7454 One of a Kind Elegant Wedding Collection 02-537-7679 Salon Nurit Bridal Boutique 02-999-1564, 050-410-4422 Sari Greenblat Wedding Gowns 052-712-0617 BEAUTY & WIGS Sipora Baron Professional Makeup ArtistSpecializing in Bridal & Event Makeup 052-514-4600 sipora.makeup@gmail.com Ahuva Rubin Wigs 02-992-1974, 058-666-9447 ahuvawigs@gmail.com Amir Moyal Hair & Wigs 02-999-4829, 054-666-1826 amirmoyal2011@gmail.com Elianna Gasner Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist 052-362-8463 Hair Removal by Rachel Leah Dubovick 02-999-5925, 050-275-5567

Ita Fischer Wigs 02-581-6562 office@fischerwigs.co.il Or Barashi Bridal & Evening Makeup 050-925-4106 Princess Spa & Cosmetics 072-222-4022 sarit472@gmail.com Ralph Wigs 054-578-8523 Shaindy Wigs 02-652-3010, 052-763-7425 Tagless Wigs Consignment Shop & Wig Outlet 058-402-4200 taglesswigs@gmail.com Tova Rena Makeup Artist 052-768-3629 Wigs by Ali 058-445-6476 JEWELRY, HOUSEWARES & GIFTS Aria Diamonds 02-500-4450 Ben Barber Linens 03-618-9837 Brilliant Gifts & Fine Houseware 02-650-0369, 02-626-1295 Chen Vakesef Judaica 02-537-4894 Eisenbach Tefillin 02-581-4031, 058-710-7200 Feinstein Jewelry 03-574-1382 Furniture Outlet 054-911-7838 Gal Hachashmal Appliances 02-651-3383, 050-866-9910 galelectric1@gmail.com Ilan Perel Watches 02-625-4256 Jewelry Studio 02-500-0797, 054-596-3408 Vagshel Publishing 02-590-2616 5354345@gmail.com Zvi Hager Jewelry 054-499-9402

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Simchas I Interview I Yehudit Zak Delices de Paris

The Delights of Paris in Israel Yehudit Zak was born in France and made aliyah 30 years ago, bringing her culinary talents and love of good food with her. Her gourmet catering company, Delices de Paris, offers the finest French cuisine to delight guests at all types of events. Yehudit currently lives in Modiin Ilit and has taught cooking, baking, cake decorating and chocolate making courses.

hat is your background and how did you learn the trade? I’ve loved the kitchen from a very young age. I was always drawn to the industry, and I was already catering small events at the tender age of 14 and it just grew from there. I always loved trying new things and inventing new recipes, and thank G-d, I have succeeded. What sort of events have you catered? When I first made aliyah, I began catering weddings. Over the years I catered high-end events of all types, from boutique 15-guest events, to events with 1000 guests. I also taught baking and decorating courses and led a cooking workshop, both in Jerusalem. I have extensive experiences as a dessert chef in 5-star hotels for kosher getaways in Europe. What’s on your menu? Our menu is diverse and can be adapted to all types of events, or changed according to the client's wishes. Dairy catering is often considered less “fancy” than meat catering. Do you think that’s justified? What are the advantages of a dairy menu? We offer both dairy and meat catering. But the approach that meat is better than dairy is incorrect. First of all,women tend to prefer dairy—and so do many men. A dairy meal with fresh fish cooked in cream can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a juicy steak. Delices de Paris offers particularly high-quality dairy catering. What’s the

ABOUT THE COMPANY Delices de Paris is a gourmet catering company offering the finest of French cuisine at all types of events. Delices de Paris is under the supervision of Badatz Chug Chatam Sofer Petach Tikva. They can be contacted on 054-452-1953 or via email: y0544521953@gmail.com.

difference between your service and that of the average dairy caterer? In many cases, they make the food look beautiful, but the taste is disappointing. Our most prominent advantage is that the exquisite presentation is not where it ends and flavor doesn’t take a back seat to that presentation. As a native of France, what do you think is missing from the Israeli kitchen, that you would recommend adding to the pantry or fridge? Are there French products you miss? In the past, I would bring high-quality cheeses, peas, and extra fine green beans from France, as well as fruit pastes for ice creams and other dessert ingredients. Today, thank G-d, you can find all these things in Israel. And now the opposite: what do you think French cuisine can learn from Israeli kitchens? Are there Israeli items you would recommend to the French? The Israeli kitchen excels in the use of fresh vegetables and salads, and that’s something the French culinary world is starting to learn. It is also true that the flavor, not the aesthetic appeal, of Israeli vegetables is far superior to that of European vegetables. What do you do to improve and refine your craft? Is there an artistic element in your work? I love to watch young, innovative chefs and learn new techniques from them—giving everything my own twist, of course. In practice, dessert making is a true art form. Producing beautiful cakes and decorating pies. takes an artistic eye and delicate touch. What’s your favorite dessert? I would say a large macaron with diplomat cream and berries, because it integrates a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.This is a dessert we serve at high-end events. Do you design special cakes for bar and bat mitzvahs? Yes, I do, and I design a pièce montée for events—a decorative confectionary centerpiece. These elements add a unique flair to the dessert bar. What do you love most about your business? The best thing to see, after a day of running around preparing things, is the satisfaction and joy on the faces of the guests, and to know that we have produced yet another unforgettable event.

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Simchas I Interview I Yonah Fuchs Fuchs Hats

The Black Hat Makes the Man

hen it comes to accessories, few things define a man more than the hat he wears. And nowhere is that truer than in the charedi world. The hat a charedi man chooses not only defines him, it also wordlessly announces where he belongs and what he believes; it marks him as a member of a very distinct group. Although all the hats come in shades of black, there are styling details that, albeit subtle and almost imperceptible to the untrained, are what makes a man pick one hat over the other. Bizness spoke to Yonah Fuchs, founder of Fuchs Hats, to find out more about the industry… Reb Yonah, how did you first become involved in the hat industry? Almost 40 years ago, I was investigating different possibilities for parnassah,when some relatives who owned a hat factory in Tel Aviv offered to bring me in as a partner. I happily accepted! Had you ever had any experience in manufacturing hats? Absolutely none. But I am a willing learner, and within a short time, I became knowledgeable in all areas of hat production and manufacture. I was fascinated by just how much work goes into making a hat; all the different components, techniques and materials. I really appreciated the process and was very proud of the final product we produced. What aspect of the business most attracted you? Although I found the daily functioning of the factory fascinating, my real strength lay in two areas: my belief that we were manufacturing superb hats and my, if I may say so, excellent people skills. I decided to merge the two and become a sales rep for our company. Within a few short months, many stores

around Israel were selling Fuchs hats, and we were receiving great feedback from both the owners and their customers.Fuchs hats were quickly gaining a solid reputation for style, comfort and durability. What happened to the factory? In 1984, we decided to open our own hat shop in Bnei Brak.We soon realized that the potential for growth was no longer in the manufacturing sector but in sales. We started to phase out production, while at the same time, we began to source hats from all over the world that met the high standards we had set for our own hats. Where did you import the hats from? We spent a long time searching; we traveled extensively and rejected many manufacturers along the way. In the end, we found the hats we were looking for, the hats that we would be proud and confident to sell to our customers, in several different countries. We began importing from Poland, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary and China. Our clients reacted very positively to the hats we were bringing in and our customer base expanded exponentially. People were traveling from all over Israel to purchase our hats, so we decided to branch out to other cities: Jerusalem, Kiriyat Sefer and Beit Shemesh. What are some of the brands you sell?

VISIT FUCHS HATS AT: Chagai 16, Jerusalem: 02-5002930 Rashi 12, Bnai Brak: 03-5790970 Sdei Hemed 29, Modiin Ilit: 08-9477305 Nahal Sorek 31, Ramat Beit Shemesh A: 02-5699974

Up until 10 years ago we were selling Borsalino, but eventually we decided to bring in some lesser known brands whose quality was as good, if not better. Now, our top brands are Mondial and Berliando. We also sell hats from Ricardo and DaVinci, among others. All these brands exceed our high standards for comfort and durability and they run the gamut in terms of styles and specific detailing. Styles? Aren’t all the hats you sell basically the same? Not at all! First, there are the styles that are dictated by the fashion of the day, or as people like to say, what’s “in”; one year it’s a certain rim, the next year it’s a ribbon with a small bow and the following season, it’s a deeper indentation. Then there are the hats worn by specific religious sects.We sell hats that have the structure, rim width and detailing specific to, say, chassidim or litvaks. We are happy to offer a wide selection to our clients and to cater to their specific needs. Under special circumstances, we also do custom orders. What are the hats you sell made of and does the material influence the price? All the materials come from natural sources; the most popular are rabbit fur and hare fur. Hare fur is softer because it’s from a wild animal. The material definitely influences the price of the hat, but the quality is never compromised. For example, we sell a sheep’s wool hat from Ricardo for the very reasonable price of 150 shekels which is of superior quality to anything at that price point at other retailers. At the other end of the spectrum,we have a hat made of blended beaver and rabbit fur that sells for upwards of 800 shekels. However,just because a hat is more expensive it doesn’t mean it’s better quality.In fact,some of our economy brands even last longer than an expensive Borsalino! How long should a hat last? With proper care and maintenance like dry cleaning and reshaping—which we can provide— hats can last anywhere from a year to three years. Tips to make hats last longer: 1. Don’t let your hat get wet or excessively dusty. 2. Keep the hat away from small children (no playing dress-up with Tatty’s hat!). 3. Store the hat in its box to preserve its shape. 4. Unless it’s a very small spot, never try to clean your hat yourself. What do you love most about your job? My favorite part is helping a client find the perfect hat they will feel good in and wear with pride. Whether it’s a bar mitzvah boy choosing his very first hat or a chosheve Rav looking to replace his, we treat all our customers with the attention and respect they deserve!

MARCH 2018

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STRUGGLING WITH SHIDDUCHIM? Do you feel like giving up on shidduchim? Do you feel the constant frustration of going nowhere? Do you feel the pain of not having had a suggestion in months? Have you found yourself thinking that you will never find your bashert? Or perhaps there is a flicker of hope and suddenly the other side breaks it off—for no apparent reason. Do you have clarity regarding what you truly need? Do you struggle to connect emotionally and bond with people? Do you really know how to engage a prospective match in conversation? Do you feel anxiety, to the point where you cannot move forward at all? Might there be a particular roadblock holding up the shidduchim process? Or, are your expectations unrealistic?

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Home ARE YOU A HOME SERVICE PROVIDER? Air Conditioning I Aluminum I Architecht I Contractor I Electrical Appliances I Exterminator I Furniture I Interior I Design I Insurance I Locksmith I Mortgages I Renovations I Kitchens I Movers

THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES WILL USE THE 2018 HOME GUIDE FOR PLANNING, REPAIRING AND DECORATING THEIR HOMES. MAKE SURE YOUR NAME REACHES THEM! The HOME Guide will be distributed directly to homes in most of the English speaking communities in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh and will be available through our website.

TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE, CALL 052-761-1177 INTERIOR DESIGNERS & ARCHITECTS ACA Design Studio 02-993-4471 Archi & Design Office 058-650-9213 hannaoik@gmail.com Daniel Ablelman 050-888-4751 abujabri@gmail.com Estie Schulgasser Architect 052-336-8299 estieschulgasser@gmail.com Haya Ben Tzvi Architect 054-663-9524, 02-581-4432 ariehaya@inter.net.il Jennifer Ungar Interior Designer 052-448-7050 jenungar@gmail.com JMark Interiors - Interior Design 02-803-8881 www.jmarkinteriors.com Leah Irenstein Architect 053-317-7450 leahirenstein@gmail.com Mallory Serebrin Interior Design 054-307-7058 Miles Hartog Architect 054-436-4492, mileshartog@gmail.com Miriam Sara Gould Architect 052-448-9114 gould613@gmail.com Revital Reich Architect 054-729-1127 revitalreich@gmail.com Rivka Porush Architect 054-843-9991 rivpor@gmail.com Space Design Interior Design 050-591-5005 simiz7@walla.com Shifra Fogel Architect 053-313-7231 S.F5373975@gmail.com Shira Fabian Architect 052-769-9170 arc99170@gmail.com Techelet Architecture & Interior Design 054-537-7564, 074-702-6560 Tzivia Bodner 02-623-2169 053-654-3045 tziviab@gmail.com Yehoshua Metzinger Architect 054-836-5770 y.metz770@gmail.com Yohanan Beeri Architect 054-587-8678 yohanan.beeri@gmail.com

CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATIONS & ALUMINUM Aderet Aluminium arik@aderetalum.co.il Avi Pave Project Manager 054-805-8072 agpave@gmail.com Aluminum 4 U 054-624-4000 yedid18@gmail.com Element Wood I Expert I 050-676-3222 netanelahb@gmail.com Harel Construction 052-607-8797 info.azoulay@gmail.com Kola Meter Construction and Renovation 050-263-3383 kolameter@gmail.com Yaniv Smadar Renovation and Construction 050-579-8536 100yaniv@gmail.com Zacai and Sons Sealing and Renovation 050-906-6713, 050-260-4621 zacai.banav@gmail.com Baruch Tenenbaum Construction 050-674-1976 baruchtenenbaum@gmail.com Tzvi Pakter Renovations 054-662-1700 tzvipakter@gmail.com Nesl Aluminum 02-643-8632 nesl@13net.net Yinon Cohen Aluminum 050-333-3237 y.a.aluminum@gmail.com Trisei Yerushalayim 1700-077-074 gsc.ofir@gmail.com Maya Tris 052-446-9514 mayat1345@gmail.com Nisan Building Supplies Store 02-991-5902 Ariel Yegudayev Construction 02-993-3158, 050-919-9227 arielconstruction@gmail.com Yehoshua Greenwald Renovations 052-838-7686 shuabuilding@gmail.com Yaniv Smadar Construcion 050-579-8536 100yaniv@gmail.com K-Child Renovations 054-702-1007 jewishjack439@gmail.com Itamar Strauss Waterproofing 052-668-7785 072-314-9357 itamrs@gmail.com

Moshe Fadida - Construction and Waterproofing 052-257-7789 Bet Hakeramika 050-549-8311 Ceramic Art 054-300-6760 Miki Hanuni - Mal Hagag Pergolas 052-480-8764 mikihanuni@gmail.com Etz HaChaim Pergolas 052-662-7217 daniellavi799@gmail.com Yehuda Gagot Raafim 054-440-8268 054-440-8268 My Handyman 054-846-2185 1myhandyman@gmail.com Chanan Michaeli Soragim 052-762-4901 Haela Carpentry 072-336-0236 Yosef Buta 052-376-7774 Eliyahu Fadida Construction Inspector 052-272-7516 Chaim Mantzora Renovations 052-882-4704 EXTERMINATION, WATERPROOFING, PLUMBING & MORE Handymench 052-342-7429 dave@handymench.co Itamar Strauss Waterproofing 052-668-7785 Moshe Cohen Exterminator & Waterproofing 052-799-7411 mosheydi1@gmail.com Mr. Fix it Handyman 050-593-6333 The Pro Handyman 054-222-0141 Yitzchak Avital 050-380-4511 avital9898@gmail.com AIR CONDITIONING, SECURITY, LOCKSMITHS & ELECTRICIANS Elram Air Conditioning 02-640-3000 Moti Arush Air Conditioning 052-630-3060 Security Solutions 058-403-5800 office@securitysolutions.co.il

Weitz Air 077-791-2671, 050-221-9444 weitzair@gmail.com Gingi Kor Air Conditioning 054-215-8669 Super Kor RM Air Conditioning 052-337-8115 BH Solutions Air Conditioning 054-725-4914 bhsolutions613@gmail.com CARPENTERS, KITCHENS, APPLIANCES & DECOR AGID Curtains 052-238-1544, agid@012.net.il Almog Furniture 052-760-8389 Appliance Direct 052-762-4265, 02-537-4264 Birkas Rivka 050-415-6550, 02-533-4774 info@birkasrifka.org Comfort Furniture 03-631-1221 David Revivo Drapery & Linens 058-320-4971 drevivo@gmail.com Drora Ayalon Jerusalem Doors 052-872-879402 Electrem Appliance Repair 052-267-7390, 052-286-2788 Parazon Furniture 02-999-1338 eliku86@gmail.com Etz Ladaat Kitchens 050-878-8443 etzladat@gmail.com Gallery of Chaya Feiga 052-717-0287 JMark Interiors Ltd 02-803-8881 www.jmarkinteriors.com Kimchi Designs Custom Made Furniture 02-535-4874 Kitchens 054-843-9007 Kiyor Art 052-449-5858, kiyorart@gmail.com LED Plus Lighting Store 02-502-0301 Mallory Serebrin 054-307-7058 Mistriel Carpenters 08-932-8295 gallery@mistriel.org Moshe Yerushalmi Carpenters 534 3246 Nisha Kitchens 050-539-0791 www.‫נישה‬-‫מטבחי‬.co.il

Olam Hamizronim I Expert I 02-537-8888 Outlet Furniture 054-911-7838 Orchid Kitchens 02-537-4545 052-851-2312 Rehitei Hayukra 055-667-0701 nechamaa100@gmail.com Panet Electrical Appliances 02-537-7903 panetelectric@gmail.com Paramount Paints 054-527-9356 josh@paramaountpaints.com Shaish Ori 052-362-6419 s-ori@netvision.net.il Shivuk L'Binyan Ceramics 02-996-5500, 053-528-1747 avivad7@gmail.com Sherut Hamusmach Appliances 054-310-0715 Storage Solutions 02-648-1734, 054-439-9072 Studio Mark 052-312-1720 www.studiomark.co.il The Furniture Doctor 050-476-0397 furndoc@gmail.cm MISC. Egert Cohen Insurance I Expert I 02-623-2546 egert@egertcohen.co.il N-Z Water Filters 054-761-7242 jack@n-z.co.il Natan Lev 02 999 8820 office@natanlev.com Rosenblum Holtzman 03 609 2020 shmuelr@rhcpa.co.il Avner Slater 02-582-5210, 050-874-3681 esqslater@gmail.com Hovalot Hayovel 052 531 5333 hovalothayovel@gmail.com Derech Eretz Movers 054-307-1800 052-765-5581 y0543071800@gmail.com Yehudit Margalit 052-790-6867, 02-650-1544 judith.r.margalit@gmail.com FFG Funding Mortgage Broker 050-419-9976 9994094@gmail.com

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Home I Interview I David Shafner The Furniture Doctor

e sat down with David

Shafner, better known as The Furniture Doctor, to find out more about his fascinating story, the insand outs of furniture repair, and how he returns beloved family treasures to their original beauty. David, how did you get started in the furniture industry? My family has been in the furniture business since they immigrated to Connecticut from Europe in the 1890s. We have pictures of my great-grandfather, my grandfather and his brothers standing beside the words “Shafner’s Furniture” emblazoned on the side of their horse-drawn wagon. They opened the store in 1898 and it was in business until 2002! When I was a child, I loved to romp around the store and spent as much time there as I could. I joined the business in 1979. How did you go from sales to repair? When I first joined my father’s firm, he started me off in the prep department. The prep department is where the furniture first arrives at the store. The containers need to be carefully unpacked and every item has to be judiciously checked for any damage, nicks or scratches. Additionally,we had to make sure that any moving parts, such as drawers or doors,worked properly. I was trained to skillfully prep, fix and retouch the furniture. I then became the go-to guy who was sent to customers’ houses to fix any furniture that was damaged during the delivery or unpacking. While I was also trained in sales and every other aspect of the business, it was very obvious that I was particularly good with my hands, so repair and restoration became my niche. All the furniture we sold carried a lifetime structural and mechanical warranty, so having a skilled repair person on hand was a necessity. A lifetime warranty? That’s not something you hear often these days! When people bought from Shafner’s,we guaranteed the furniture for life, even if it was passed to their children and grandchildren.That was how business was conducted in the old days! In fact, I continue to honor that lifetime warranty to this day. You would be surprised how many clients I have been called to in Israel that own Shafner’s furniture. It’s always a thrill when I turn a chair or table over and see the Shafner’s label. The clients are always happy to hear that any structural or mechanical repairs are completely free of charge as we honor the Shafner’s warranty across generations and continents! How are you able to give a lifetime warranty on regluing? Many years ago, in Connecticut,we discovered a rare, unbelievably strong glue that wasn’t being

Nursing your Furniture Back to Health

Congratulations, you have just inherited your great-great-bubby’s dining room set that has been used for countless shabbatot, smachot, chagim and family gatherings for generations. The sentimental value is immeasurable, but the wobbly chairs, peeling veneers and scratched table scream Lag B’Omer bonfire more than Rosh Hashana dinner.

used for furniture. This glue was stronger than anything we had used to build and repair furniture at the time. This is the glue I use to this day.When we reglue a shaky chair or an unstable table,we guarantee the repair on that particular part for the lifespan of the furniture. Whether you pass it on to your family or sell it, our transferable warranty goes with it. Interestingly, we have heard that people who have had their chairs or tables reglued by us, are able to ask for a higher price when they sell them. That is because the furniture is much stronger than it was originally, and because it comes with a transferable lifetime warranty on the regluing. Did you consider any other line of work when you made Aliyah? It was 1998, and for the first year after we came to Israel, I was commuting back and forth to work at Shafner’s Furniture in Connecticut. Our Aliyah was kind of sudden, so I hadn’t thought of anything else. Then, while visiting neighbors and talking to friends here in Israel, I realized that many of

them had brought over high-quality, American furniture, some of which now needed fixing. They were either sitting on chairs that were wobbly and dangerous, or they stored these beautiful pieces of furniture in their machsan because they could not find anyone they could trust to expertly fix them. It was then that I decided I was going to build my own furniture repair business right here in Israel, and I have never looked back. What sets you apart from other repairmen or handymen or even carpenters who attempt to fix furniture? Our high-level knowledge of furniture repairs, our lifetime warranty on regluing, and our expertise with fixing and restoring high quality or antique furniture. What constitutes the bulk of your repair work? We glue somewhere in the vicinity of 5000 chairs a year for customers all over Israel. We also glue tables, especially legs that have become loose, and we fix couches where the wood has broken inside.

MARCH 2018

I love the smile that appears on a customer’s face when they see the severely damaged, but cherished, furniture they can’t part with, beautifully repaired and restored.

Another big part of the work we do is table enlargement. We happened upon the idea almost by accident. When we started importing heavy-duty steel table mechanisms, instead of the typical wooden ones, to fix and strengthen weak tables, we realized that the tracks were so strong they could actually support extra leaves. People were thrilled with the idea that not only could we make their tables stronger, we could also make them much longer; sometimes, even double their size! Can you tell us about the cosmetic and restoration work you do? Simply put, we repair, refurbish, refinish, and restore. Our experts specialize in fixing wood surfaces with visible imperfections like simple scratches and gouges, to burns and water damage. We can also do the cosmetic repairs according to the customer’s budget. Depending on what a client feels comfortable spending, we can make a piece look brand new, we can refurbish it to make it look a lot nicer, or we can just correct the areas that

bother the client the most. We also import and sell special furniture markers customers can use themselves to fill in scratches and small markings from regular wear and tear. They come in three different varieties, many different colors, and are of the highest professional-grade quality. These markers are incredibly popular—we sell thousands of them! Over the years,we have earned an excellent reputation for our restoration and repair work.We get calls from shipping companies, insurance companies and moving companies all over the world. If furniture gets damaged during any stage of the shipping process, they call us in to assess the damage, and to do the repair work for the client. What is the most interesting or challenging restoration you have ever done? We received a call from someone in the Old City who owned furniture that had been in their family for 400 years. Needless to say, it was in terrible shape. Some of the chairs were in pieces and some had parts that had rotted so badly, we literally had to replicate them with new wood. The curved arms of the chairs were the most challenging! But in the end, we managed to not only fix the chairs,we restored them back to their original beauty. In another case, we restored and reworked an 80-year-old console, the kind that sits against a wall, into a retractable dining room table for ten. Not only was the structural work extensive, but this repair entailed huge amount of cosmetic work as well. The finished product looked magnificent, and it was ten times stronger than when it was first built.The customer was so thrilled, she tasked us with fixing and restoring seven absolutely gorgeous and unique antique dining chairs. Do you do all the work yourself? Luckily, I have a talented team of restoration, cosmetic, and structural experts who know their stuff and help me achieve these incredible—almost miraculous, furniture transformations. Additionally, because we have been in the industry here in Israel for so long, we are also able to refer clients to the best and most honest experts in areas we don’t work in, such as reupholstering furniture.

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What can people do to make their furniture last longer , or are those guarded trade secrets? Oh, not at all! I’m very happy to share. We are like doctors; we hope people don’t need our services, but when they do, we’re there for them. First, I suggest that people buy the best quality furniture they can afford; preferably American-made wood furniture from the 50s, 60s and 70s. This furniture will last much longer than anything you can get here, and it will also be easier to repair if anything breaks. Shop around and do some research. Don't necessarily take the advice of the salesman who will say anything to get the sale. Be a well-informed consumer! Secondly, don’t be swayed by fancy names or by the country the furniture comes from. For example, Israelis seem to have a love for Italian furniture because they equate Italy with high fashion, glamour and luxury.The problem is that, while these chairs may look good, they tend to fall apart very quickly. Often, Italian-made chairs have the fabric attached to the chair rather than to a removable cushion. To fix the chair, we must remove the hundreds of staples that hold the fabric in place, and then staple the fabric back on after the work is done. This adds up in terms of the labor required and makes what would otherwise be a simple repair,very expensive.This is also why we recommend people only purchase chairs with removable cushions. Thirdly, don’t lean back and rock on the legs of a chair, and remind everyone in your household (teenagers, anyone?) not to do it. We carry special tips to attach to the bottom of chair legs to make them glide easier on most floors. Not only do the tips reduce the noise the chair makes when you move it, they also extend the life of your chairs by minimizing the vibrations a chair receives that lead to premature loosening of the joints. What do you love most about your work? I would say the best part is when I hear from my customers that they are happy to be enjoying their furniture again; the items are stronger, sturdier and safer than before. I love the smile that appears on a customer’s face when they see the severely damaged, but cherished, furniture they can’t part with, beautifully repaired and restored.

ABOUT THE FURNITURE DOCTOR The Furniture Doctor restores, repairs and refurbishes furniture all across Israel. For more information and to find out more about their lifetime warranty, contact David Shafner at 02-999-2418 or at furndoc@gmail.com

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Home I Benzion Cheirif Photographer and 3D Printing I Expert

3D Printers: An Investment in Your Children’s Future

By Benzion Cheirif

s parents, our job is to provide our children with the tools they will need to lead happy, productive lives. Part of that entails making sure they receive a well-rounded education and exposure to activities or pastimes that while entertaining, also enhance their potential. More and more experts today agree that the era of the process-based education is over. Why put the emphasis on teaching math when we have calculators? Computers have now taken over much of the work we used to have to process in our own minds! It should be enough to understand the process and when to apply it. Nowadays, the most important skills our kids really need to succeed are not taught, they are nurtured: motivation, creativity, imagination, leadership qualities, out-of-the-box thinking, and the ability to take initiatives and follow a project through to conclusion. ENTER THE 3D PRINTER 3D printing, the innovative and astonishing technology that is used to create physical objects from digital models, has been around for a few years, but has only recently become modified and affordable enough for home use. What if I told you that acquiring a 3D printer for your home could be one of the best investments you could make in your children’s future? What if I told you that “playing around” with their very own 3D printer could help your child grow into a productive, well-rounded adult? It may sound counterintuitive to bring another “expensive toy” into your home, but considering the ever-expanding role 3D printing plays in our lives, you might want to re-think that. More than just another gadget, a 3D printer not only has the potential to provide hours of productive fun for your family, but can also serve as a springboard to your child’s future career. Exposing your children to this incredible technology, in the comfort of your own home, allows them to explore and expand their creativity, imagination and resourcefulness;

Chavie can print a doll she designed herself, Shlomo can create a digital model of tefillin cases online and then print his own, Sarah can print keychains to give out to her friends at her bat mitzvah, and Yehuda can hone his entrepreneurial skills by printing personalized items to sell to his friends. There is virtually no limit to what your kids can make on a 3D printer: jewelry, plates, mugs, toys, and tools in whatever color, size, or shape they want. Without even being aware

ABOUT BENZION CHEIRIF Benzion Cheirif is a photographer and 3D printing expert who can help design and print almost anything you can imagine.

For more information on 3D printers, printing services or the Rav Meimad 3D printer, Israel’s best and most affordable 3D printer for the home and small businesses, which comes fully assembled and ready to print, contact Benzion at 052-552-1961, bcheirif@gmail.com or through his website ravmeimad.com.

of it, they are flexing their analytical skills, creativity and project management abilities. Furthermore, learning to use one of these amazing machines from an early age could one day lead to a very lucrative job involving 3D printers.Anyone who becomes thoroughly knowledgeable in the technology is practically assured a future job in the field, whether it’s in research and development, design, operation or finding new applications that can one day revolutionize the world we live in. 3D PRINTERS ARE THE FUTURE There is no question that 3D printing is the biggest game changer in the technology field to come around in decades. Not only is it here to stay, it is being adopted by nearly every industry imaginable. 3D printers are currently being used to produce countless things: car and airplane parts, artificial limbs, toys, jewelry and even food and medicines. There are thousands of companies utilizing 3D printers to create new products, improve old ones, and better their business processes. That number is sure to multiply exponentially in the coming years. Not since the affordable home computer was introduced in the 80s has something as entertaining, innovative and useful as a home 3D printer come along.And, just like a computer, it will eventually become an invaluable tool that will enhance and promote your children’s education and positively influence their future endeavors.

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Home I Interview I Ilan Ben Harosh Mister Electric

The Washing Machine Whisperer Ilan Ben Harosh is the owner of Mister Electric, one of the best-kept secrets of the electronics retail industry in central Jerusalem. Thanks to his lifelong familiarity with all aspects of the supply chain, he’s able to offer superior products at highly competitive prices; and above all, dedicated and enthusiastic customer service. He emphasizes personal connection—to the product and to the customer.

ell us about your background. I was born into this field: my dad, may he live and be well, owned a store called Ram Electronics in Jerusalem, and worked with sound and light systems, electronic systems and televisions many years ago. I’m the second generation in this business. I’m 45 now and started working at the bottom rung at around 17, so I’ve been in the business for around 28 years. I’ve been managing Mister Electric for about 15 years and I’d like to think I’m good at it. What have you learned about the business in all those years? I have learned about the manufacturers

and factories and what lies behind the name brands that the distributors want us to buy. Sometimes products from obscure brands are superior to products from famous and reputable brands; it depends where it’s manufactured. I know about the “back end” of the industry, and which factories are producing the best products, and can tell when an appliance is truly high-quality or if its quality is in name only. I heard, for example, that I should make sure to purchase a Constructa

We're central Jerusalem's best-kept secret!

washing machine that was made in the German factory and not in the Turkish one. Actually, the Turkish manufacturers have really improved their quality control and the Turkish models are now more reliable than the German ones in several brands and models. The industry changes, and I keep on top of these developments. What’s special about the service you offer? I know the system really well, so I can fight hard for my customers. Customer service is notoriously bad in Israel, partly because of the disconnect between the various components of service and the resulting diffusion of responsibility.As someone who’s familiar

with every part of the system, I can make sure my customers get what they need and deserve. But most importantly, we emphasize matching our customers to the products that are just right for them. We do this by analyzing the factors around the product’s function: how many people will be using it? What is its intended use? Even the height and physique of the users is taken into account. What products do you carry? We’re a one-stop shop. We have 300 square meters of space and we carry more than 4000 items—anything you can think of that’s connected to electronics. From refrigerators and washing machines to hot water kettles, toasters and transformers. Even gramophones! Where do you import from? We work with all the suppliers and importers in Israel. We make a special point of supporting independent importers, because this helps lower prices and cost of living, and I’m passionate about that.There needs to be more competition in the market; prices are basically a function of the greed of the big importers. Do you check every product before you carry it? I personally inspect every product we carry, both physically examining it and researching others’ experiences with it all over the world. How is the shopping experience at your store different from the experience at a big chain store? In the big chain stores, you might come in today to purchase an item, and the guy who assists you is named Shimshon, but if you come in tomorrow with a problem, he’s been replaced with a guy named Aharon… they have a very high turnover rate. In our store, we’ve been employing the same staff for more than ten years, and we place an emphasis on establishing a long-term relationship with our customers. You will get to know us and trust us. We do everything we can to help our customers, even years after a purchase. What happens if a customer is unhappy with a product? They can trade it in. We don’t sell used products on our display floor, but our location in central Jerusalem makes it easy for us to find a home for a used appliance. However, it is extremely rare for a client to be unhappy.

MARCH 2018

If the customer listens to our recommendations, this will not happen. Do you have busier seasons? Definitely.The period before Pesach is one of our busiest seasons. I’ve been answering clients who ask questions at all hours on Whatsapp and FB messenger. I live for my clients and make myself available to them all the time except Shabbat. How are your prices? Whatever you can find on the Internet, on ZAP, whatever it is—we can give you a better more competitive price. However, I recommend choosing a product based on needs and lifestyle—not just price. How do people hear about you? We work undercover! Only by word of mouth! We’re central Jerusalem’s best-kept secret. If someone is in the market for a new product, where do you recommend they start?

We are very devoted and do everything we can to help our customers—even years after a purchase

ABOUT THE COMPANY Mister Electric is a one-stop shop electronics store located on Rechov Yafo 50, central Jerusalem run by Ilan Ben Harosh. You can contact Ilan on 050-997-7788.

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He needs to find out what the options are—size, budget, functions, etc. But first and foremost, he needs to know how much joy he wants to bring into his home.These days, appliances can really bring joy to your life because they can do so much for you. But first you need to know what you really need and where that meets with what you really want. Then get a good idea of the options available and consult a professional. It’s a real shame there are only 24 hours in a day, and I can’t help everyone! Appliances today don’t tend to last as long, and some people believe they have a sort of built-in obsolescence so companies can make more money. What do you think about this? How long should a product last? People have short memories. Once upon a time, a washing machine—and I remember, because I worked in the store—costed you two months’ salary. Today you can buy one for 1000 NIS. There’s no comparison—but that’s also not the point. It’s your experience of the appliance that matters, not how long it will last. You can expect a good appliance that is used correctly and suits your needs to last around 5 – 10 years. The question is what you will need during that time and what will make you happy about that product for the next 5 – 10 years. I believe that the happier you are with the product, it will last longer, because you will love it and maintain it. It’s like giving it a soul. I have heart-to-heart conversations with refrigerators and washing machines myself… Speaking of speaking, do you have an English speaker on staff? Yes! Three out of the five staff members in the store are native English speakers. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through your business? That it’s all about people. People want people to listen to them and give them good service. What do you like most about your job? I love it when people thank me for my recommendations and tell me how satisfied and happy they are with the product I recommended. I get a little emotional! How can people reach you? I’m very active on social media, particularly in the Building in Israel group on Facebook, where I answer questions and join discussions. Feel free to contact me through there.

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Home I Baruch Tenenbaum Quality Home Improvements I Expert

Anatomy of a Renovation

By Baruch Tenenbaum

renovation is a multi-faceted project that involves a multitude of professionals all working towards the same goal: to make your home beautiful. It takes teamwork to fit the pieces together and make sure the tasks are done in the right order. In this article I will explain who the various professionals are and what role they play. Of course, there is overlap, and not all projects require every one of these professionals, but I’ll try to walk you through a typical large renovation that does. THE CLIENT It all starts with identifying your needs or wishes. Typically, you, as the client, have either lived in the house for a while or are purchasing a new home for yourselves. If it’s the former, you have lived with a certain layout and identified things that irk you— or, you want to change the look of some of the rooms. If it’s the latter, you want to take advantage of an empty house to upgrade its functionality or aesthetics. Either way, come armed with your wish list as you meet with… THE ARCHITECT The architect is the person who plans, designs and reviews the construction of your project. She listens to your needs, comes up with proposed solutions and puts it down on paper, so someone else can translate her ink into floors and walls, i.e., build according to her plans. She is the expert on how rooms should flow into each other and understands the proper placement of furniture and fixtures; she ensures that the project you are building will work with its surroundings. If you are building an addition or enclosing a mirpeset, you need to get a building permit. For that you turn to… THE PLANNING PERMISSION GUY This person walks you through the bureaucratic process of getting your building per-

ABOUT BARUCH TENENBAUM Baruch Tenenbaum, owner of Quality Home Improvements, is a professional local contractor, providing high-end jobs with proper Anglo service.

He can be reached at 050-674-1976

mit. He gets signatures from your neighbours if required, submits the documentation and tells you which fees need payment. Depending on the location, this process could take months. Best to start it early—well before you plan on breaking ground. THE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Something needs to hold up the concrete roof of your addition! The engineer plans the steel and concrete required, from 12m down in the ground to the top of your roof. If the architect planned to open an exterior wall of the building and eliminate a column, the engineer calculates the loads and specifies which size steel beams are needed to re-distribute the load. How do those porches that protrude from the side of a building stay up? Beats me, but that’s why the engineer is involved. THE INTERIOR DESIGNER Interior design is the art and science of enhancing a space to achieve a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing environment for the client. The interior designer will plan pretty niches in the shower, figure out the best furniture configuration, help you choose tiles and plumbing fixtures and plan the layout of your kitchen. She will design the ceiling

and plan appropriate lighting, and generally works with the client to create a space with the desired look and feel. THE CONTRACTOR It’s now the contractor’s turn to take the plans and convert them to bricks and mortar, Jerusalem stone and tile. The first thing he does is have a coffee break—or at least yell at his workers for slacking off. The contractor reviews the plans, makes sure the architectural and structural plans work together, and puts the shovel in the ground—or takes a Kongo to the wall. The general contractor is like the conductor of an orchestra; he coordinates all the pieces of the ensemble to renovate your home in perfect harmony. He orders the materials, makes sure the workers are properly equipped, and calls in sub-contractors to move the project along quickly and efficiently. He schedules the deliveries and ensures everything is done in the proper sequence. For example, he has to make sure that all the electrical and plumbing rough-ins are completed before the plasterer (tayach) smooths and repairs the walls. The tiles need to be delivered before the tiler (ratzaf) can install them. He must call the engineer to inspect the site before concrete is poured, etc. There are so many details to consider—and all the while the contractor is liaising with the client, designer, engineer and sub tradesmen. He should keep the client informed of changes and any increased costs incurred so the client can budget accordingly. The contractor has to communicate effectively and often serves as ‘mediator’ between conflicting forces. Perhaps the plumber and electrician want to work in the kitchen on the same day, or the gas point and electric point are competing for precious real estate in the cooktop cabinet. What happens when the spotlight ends up under a steel beam? Is that location crucial, or can it be shifted over a bit? (The answer, by the way, is to move the painting). THE CLEANING CREW, AKA POLISH No one said renovations weren’t dusty! Sort of like that machine at the end of The Cat in The Hat, the polish company puts everything back in order and shines your floors and windows. They get the dust out of the shutters and prepare your home for occupancy. With the help of a good team of professionals you can transform your dreams into reality. Just don’t forget to put on another pot of coffee.

Filteryon: Drink It In Although Israeli tap water is perfectly safe to drink, it is notoriously “hard”—that is, full of dissolved minerals that cause scale buildup, make our laundry stiffer, and alter the water’s taste. Mostly because of the flavor, many tourists and olim from countries with softer tap water prefer to use bottled water; but research has shown that the plastic bottles used to store that water can harmful to our health—not to mention the expense, wastefulness, and environmental harm that can come from using only bottled water for drinking.

Enter the water filter. Water filters remove excess minerals, harmful chemicals (like chlorine) or other contaminants, providing you with water that is crystal clear, clean, safe, and tastes great. At Filteryon, an all-inclusive water filter service and drinking device company, you can find a wide variety of water purification solutions.

FILTERS

COUNTERTOP AND UNDERCOUNTER FILTERS This type of filter consists of a filter system installed beneath the counter with a small faucet mounted on top (normally near the sink). This is probably the best and most efficient solution for people who want better-tasting water for cooking and drinking. Countertop filters are easy to install and very convenient to use. Levels of filtration range from carbon, single-stage filtration systems to multiple-stage systems and reverse osmosis systems, depending on the level of filtration you require. You can find the full range of models at Filteryon. POINT OF ENTRY FILTRATION SYSTEMS This can be a perfect solution if your primary concern with hard water is scale buildup or rust or sand in the pipes. This type of filter is installed, as the name implies, at the point of entry for all the water that flows into your

house, so the excess minerals, rust or sand are filtered from all the faucets at once. Filteryon offers several models of this type of filter, such as Hardless and Avniton. REFRIGERATOR FILTERS Some refrigerators come equipped with a built-in water filter. These are extremely convenient, and the water comes out fresh and cool. However, the small size of the filters means they clog up quickly, and require frequent replacement. Filteryon carries replacement filters for all the leading brands: Samsung, LG, GE, Whirlpool, Amana, Westinghouse, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Maytag, etc. FILTERED PITCHERS If you’d rather not install anything but still want to enjoy the benefits of filtered water, portable pitchers with filters can be a perfect solution.Simply fill the pitcher with water and keep it in the fridge. The most widely recog-

nized and celebrated brand is BRITA; Filteryon carries BRITA pitchers and replacement filters. DISHWASHER AND WASHING MACHINE FILTERS If you’re tired of stiff laundry or your dishwasher or washing machine is suffering, then this might be the right solution for you.This type of filter is installed in the pipe that feeds water into the machine. Filtering the water that runs into your dishwasher or washing machine helps it run more efficiently and prevents any damage that might be caused by the accumulation of hard minerals. SHOWER FILTERS The chlorine and hard minerals in tap water can irritate skin and damage hair. This type of filter removes 90% of the chlorine in tap water, and can bring much relief to people with sensitive skin or delicate hair.The filter connects directly to your shower system. Filteryon carries two different models.

NON-FILTER SCALE SOLUTIONS If your primary concern is scale, but you don’t want to invest in a water filter, Filteryon offers a few additional options for washing machines, dishwashers, showers, and hot water heaters etc. SILIPHOS Siliphos is a compound derived from milk thistle, and it releases a chemical that inhibits the deposition of scale onto metallic surfaces. You can purchase siliphos balls or filters that contain siliphos at Filteryon. MAGNETS Some studies have shown that passing water through a magnetic field can reduce the effects of hard water and prevent the buildup of scale. Filteryon offers two types of magnetic scale prevention devices: a smaller magnet for preventing scale buildup in hot water kettles or urns, and a larger one for washing machines.

MINI BARS, COOLERS, ESPRESSO AND SODA MACHINES MINI BARS & WATER COOLERS Sometimes it’s the temperature rather than the taste or quality of the water that makes it more drinkable. Mini bars and water coolers are popular at offices, clinics, schools and other workplaces where you may not have time to heat up a kettle or a fridge to cool your water. Filteryon offers a huge range of these devices with varying degrees of gadgetry. One model includes a mini refrigerator; one is even approved by the Tzomet Institute for use on Shabbat; some provide only cool water, some only hot, and some both; one has an option for carbonated water, too! Some water coolers connect directly to the water system with an option of adding a filter; some, like the Mei Eden unit, use large jugs of water that you can have delivered to your home. At Filteryon you can find everything from small minibars for little office spaces to huge “water bank” water coolers with multiple spigots or multiple-spout water fountains for schools and institutions. SODASTREAM If you love to drink soda but don’t love the expense or the wasted plastic, SodaStream is an amazing option that allows you to carbonate

water at home and flavor your soda however you like.Aside from the SodaStream machine, replacement bottles, and refill CO2 tanks, Filteryon carries a wide range of flavoring syrups. ESPRESSO MACHINES Filteryon also carries a few models of espresso machines and coffee cartridges for all types of espresso. LAB & SERVICES Filteryon offers every type of filter-related service you can imagine—from installation to maintenance and repair.Their technicians are available for installation, re-installation, or relocation of all types of filters, and will come to your home for repair and maintenance services, or if your device is portable, you can bring it to their lab at Kenyon Achim in Talpiyot, Sunday through Thursday from 9am to 7pm, where they will service it at a reduced price. They also purchase mini bar and water cooler devices from clients who no longer want to use them.

Filteryon can be contacted via their website www.filteryon.com or on 058-510-0052

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Home I Insurance I Expert

Travel Insurance Conundrums Ah… spring is in the air! And with it… thoughts of traveling back to Abba and Imma for a glorious Pesach (or summer) holiday.

By Shimon Cohen

or us insurance people,this means one thing: TRAVEL INSURANCE. FAQs. “Do we really need it? We have some sort of cover on our credit card, don’t we?” “It seems expensive — maybe leave out baggage cover?” “Doesn’t the Kupa offer something? And what about jewelry?” CLAIM #1: JEWELRY INSURANCE Three years ago, Mrs. L. insured her jewelry for overseas cover before a trip back home. While staying at her cousin’s house, her ring, which had belonged to her husband’s grandmother, was mislaid. Extensive searches at the time and over the following year didn’t result in anything. The insurance company paid her claim of NIS 3,500. A few weeks ago,Mrs.L.called me with the following story; unfortunately her cousin in the U.S. was a victim of a robbery where everything was stolen except for the ring.(Yes,it was the ring that had been “lost” three years previously!) Apparently,the ring had indeed been secure in the cousin’s safe but had slipped behind a shelf. The robbery dislodged it and it was the only “survivor.” A big question remained: Whose ring is it? The L family’s or the insurance company’s? A call to their Rabbi and my meeting with the insurance company came up with the same result — the ring belonged to the company. The insurance company did however, agree to “sell it back” to the L family for NIS 1,000, acknowledging their honesty.Granny’s ring had come home! Moral of the story: Remember to insure your jewelry when you travel to ‫חו“ל‬. CLAIM #2: BAGGAGE INSURANCE This does not have a happy ending. A group of madrichim on their way to a summer camp in Europe left two laptops and a briefcase with $24,000 (!) in a parked car in Madrid. The wind-

shield was smashed and the car’s contents stolen. They did have baggage insurance, but this obviously excludes the cash. The laptops were also problematic, as any items stolen from a car are only covered at a lower rate. (Up to $300 only!) The result: $300 for the luggage and a further $1,000 we managed to get ex-gratia (lifnim meshurat hadin).Better than nothing,but not nearly enough to cover the loss. CLAIM #3: HEALTH INSURANCE Rabbi J. took out a travel policy for himself and his wife. Unfortunately, while away in the U.S., he suffered a stroke. The policy paid out for his medical treatment (to the tune of almost $45,000) but the family wanted to fly him back to Israel for rehabilitation. In those days (about seven years ago) the medical flight was an optional add-on, which they hadn’t purchased. We did however manage to convince the insurance company to pay 50% of the flight costs and Rabbi S. was flown home to his family and doctors. (Today, all travel policies have the medical flight as standard.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shimon Cohen is the manager of Egert & CohenInsurance. Egert & Cohen is a family business that specializes in serving the Anglo and new olim populations. They provide a friendly and professional one-stop-shop for all your insurance needs. Egert & Cohen can be reached at 02-622-7999 or through their website www.egertcohen.co.il.

CLAIM #4: SEARCH & RESCUE INSURANCE About five years ago,a terrible earthquake struck Nepal, which really brought home the importance of having a comprehensive travel insurance plan.Two of the insurance companies that we work with (Harel and Clal) had extensive search-and-rescue teams on the ground within hours of the earthquake. One of our clients was a student with whom contact was lost after the first quake. When we checked the policy details, we found to our dismay that the policy had already ended, due to a human error on the part of the parent who took out the policy! We immediately contacted the insurance company to explain the mistake, and she was added to the list of missing Israelis. Baruch Hashem, the next day she managed to contact her worried parents and soon after that returned home. IN CONCLUSION: Never, ever travel overseas without comprehensive travel insurance. For a reasonable amount of money, you cover yourself for up to $2,500,000 with options for pre-existing conditions, maternity issues,medical evacuation,extreme sport,etc. 1) Make sure you have an insurance agent whom you can call in the middle of the night in case of emergency! Even though you can purchase travel insurance through your kupat cholim or travel agent, only your devoted insurance office (that’s us) will: a. Issue a last-minute policy as you board the plane in the event that you completely forgot in all the rush. b. Extend your policy if you need to stay on unexpectedly. c. Issue a policy even if you only realize two weeks into your stay that you forgot. d. Make sure that both your Saba’s heart condition and your daughter’s maternity are properly covered. e. Deal with your claims personally and professionally when you return. 2) Even with the best planning and effort everything is essentially in G-d’s hands!

MARCH 2018

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Haelah Carpentry A Husband-and-Wife Duo Create Premium Kitchens Together

FOR BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN TRANSFORMATIONS YOU CAN CONTACT EITAN AND MIMI

itan Elharar was born in 1968 in Jerusalem and grew up in Sdot Micah in the scenic Elah Valley. He studied carpentry at Even Haezer school. He gained experience working in carpenter shops in the area and around 25 years ago, he started Haelah Carpentry; he has been working independently ever since, designing and creating for clients all over the country. He has built furniture for the Prime Minister’s office, Rabbi Ovadya Yosef zt”l, and the Schneller Project in Jerusalem, among many others.

Eitan’s wife, Mimi, started out by helping him with general administration, accounting, and other work that goes into maintaining a business; seven years ago, she began studying to be an interior designer. Since then, she has been designing all the kitchens for the company. “Everyone knows how to make boxes,” says Mimi. “What’s important is planning the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home and it’s crucial to plan it well. Once you have a plan, you can think about the materials to use, which are no less important.” “Many people don’t know that planning a kitchen that will be built from scratch starts from the very beginning—the sketching-on-paper stage—so we can plan dimensions and window placement. This is the most critical stage, and most people don’t realize this; they start building the home and only then will approach the carpenter. This is a mistake. It is advisable to start the process with planning the house on paper, then approach the carpenter to plan the kitchen—that’s how you can ensure that your kitchen will be exactly how you want it.”

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF A

HIGH-QUALITY KITCHEN?

“Kitchens get a great deal of use, so the mechanics—the hinges and glides—and the doors in the cabinetry are what make the difference in terms of the quality of the kitchen and its longevity.” Haelah Carpentry works with metal accessories made by Bluran, the best metal accessory company in the country. Mimi loves to take “before” and “after” pictures to showcase the scope of the transformation. “But most importantly,” she smiles, “I want my client to walk out with a big smile.”

VIA THEIR WWW.N-HAELA.CO.IL OR FACEBOOK PAGE WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/1NHAELA/

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Home I Interview I Comfort Furniture

Taking the Trundle Bed Up a Level (or Four) Comfort Furniture has been manufacturing high-riser trundle beds of the highest quality for 40 years. All their beds and mattresses are produced here in Israel, and they supply the finest furniture stores all over the country, where you can view and try out their products.

hat are high-riser trundle beds? A trundle bed is a bed that’s stored underneath a normal bed, which can be rolled out for use and then rolled back under the bed for storage. High-riser trundle beds on the other hand, can be raised to the height of a normal bed, and then collapsed back down and rolled under for storage. What’s unique about Comfort Furniture beds? First and foremost: the quality. Most bed manufacturers use flimsy fiberboard; we use solid beechwood, which is incredibly strong, and we paint with heavy-duty epoxy paint. Our sturdy iron frames are colored with electrostatic coating, which won’t peel or rust. Our bedsprings are made of tough stainless steel, and we use the highest-quality, high-density blue foam orthopedic mattresses that are both supportive and flexible.They come with 100% cotton mattress covers that can be zipped open

ABOUT THE COMPANY Comfort Furniture is an Israeli manufacturer that produces high-quality high-riser trundle beds. For more information or to request a catalog, contact Comfort Furniture at 03-631-1221 or email m5781622@gmail.com

and easily removed for washing. Our beds are built for maximum comfort and durability, right down to the last details. Comfort mattresses are the best beds in the world. Secondly, we offer multiple-layer trundle beds of up to five beds in a single unit. This is an especially attractive option for families with many children who need somewhere to sleep. The beds can be pulled out at night so the kids can sleep in comfort, and then tucked away in the morning so there’s plenty of room to play. Because the beds are so strong, they will last through many children. This feature makes us particularly popular with the religious population. What options do you offer? We have several models of trundle beds, and they can all be made with two, three, or four levels. One of those levels can be a storage drawer instead of an extra bed. We stock combination bunk beds and trundle beds that can sleep up to five people. Do you also manufacture beds for adults? Of course. We offer beds with thicker mattresses that are a perfect solution for guest rooms or young couples in small apartments. These are not your average lumpy guest beds or futons. They are extremely comfortable beds. What are the pros and cons of bunk beds vs. trundle beds? The advantage of a bunk bed is that you don’t need to move the beds around to make more space, and you can fit more people in one room. With the quadruple trundle bed, for instance, you still need to have enough floor space to fit four beds, but with two bunk beds, you only need half that space.The disadvantage of bunk beds is, of course, that someone needs to sleep on top, which may feel less comfortable or secure, and is not a popular option, especially among adults. Comfort Furniture bunk beds are extremely sturdy and feature a safety rail. Do you offer a warranty? We have a 10-year warranty—the only company in the country that offers this, to the best of our knowledge—and we expect our beds to last at least 30 years. Do you offer an option for a higher-quality mattress? Our default mattresses are the highest quality available. We do offer lower-quality mattresses for a lower price. What’s your approach to customer service? We have an entire team devoted to customer service and distribution. Each customer service representative will build up a relationship with their client and give them fast and convenient service all over the country.

MARCH 2018

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Home I Interview I Eliyahu Fadida I Expert

Project Managers: Your Money & Sanity Savers Eliyahu Fadida is a construction project manager with 30 years’ experience in construction. He started out as a contractor and began managing projects, specializing in private homes, around 6 years ago. His vast experience as a contractor gives him a major advantage in negotiating prices and overseeing the quality of work on the projects he manages.

hy would a family need a project manager? For most people, building a home is a once-in-a-lifetime project, with the biggest budget they will ever be handling. When you manufacture a car, you are dealing with thousands of parts. I you don’t watch for quality control and plan for and anticipate problems, the vehicle is likely to turn out defective, needlessly expensive or require costly upkeep. The same is true with building. As a project manager, I ensure that you have the right contractor, supervise the quality of his work, help cut costs and make sure that the professionals working with the contractor are up to scratch. What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on? Renovating and extending an existing building is the most challenging type of project, because you need to deal with all the mistakes that were made in the planning phase. I need to supervise these projects carefully. I also need to ensure that the client understands what we have planned, what is possible to execute and what is not, what will be expensive and what will be economical, what is essential and what is dispensable. How does a project manager help cut costs? Is it because you help stay on schedule? A project manager saves money in a number of ways. Most importantly, I meet with the owner and build a realistic budget before we even begin to plan the project. People want huge, expensive houses but don’t understand how much such a project will cost them. This is the most important step—planning your project according to

your budget, not your fantasy. Of course, staying on schedule is a significant factor, since the owners are probably renting in the meantime in addition to paying a mortgage. Do you shop around for a few different price quotes to offer the client? For every project, I shop around for a few different price quotes and compare contractors. Sometimes, if I see that one contractor is offering a good, fair price, I advise the client to go ahead with him. But the deciding factor is not always the price; there must be good communication and chemistry between the owner and the professional. Have you ever started mid-project and taken it to the end? Yes. Right now, for example, I have a project in Srigim that I took on a month after it started when the owner realized that the contractor and supervisor were not doing their jobs. As soon as I took over, I brought a different contractor—and saved the owner 200,000 NIS! What is your favorite type of project and why? I enjoy building private homes from ABOUT ELIYAHU FADIDA Eliyahu Fadida is licensed as a construction supervisor and contractor with over 30 years' experience.

He can be reached at 052-272-7516 or elyahoofadida@gmail.com

scratch—starting from zero, without as much as a plan. It’s very satisfying when I can influence a project right from the beginning and watch it grow until it’s complete. Is it part of your job to be involved with design, or just administration and management? I am involved with the design of the home, as well. Many times, the original design conflicts with the execution, so I have to intervene and bring in a designer. Of course, I never change anything myself and would never act as an interior designer. In one project, I contested a certain design detail because I was concerned about it causing moisture issues. The owners agreed with my assessment and we found a better solution. What’s important for people to know about project management? A project manager is a professional, just like an engineer, an architect or an electrician. You would never dream of hiring someone lacking experience and training in those fields! Construction is extremely complex with many pitfalls and even excellent contractors make mistakes. There can be problems with regulations that can lead to physical danger. An engineer may come to check the ceiling, but he won’t notice if something is crooked, not sealed well, improperly installed, etc. The courts are full of lawsuits for severe construction defects and it’s a huge headache. A competent project manager can prevent all that. The name of the game is knowledge, experience, honesty and trustworthiness. My goal is to provide the owner with peace of mind, a good price and a high-quality product that will last for years without the need for expensive maintenance.

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Home I Pergolas and Decks I Expert

Shade Solutions

There are many diverse shade solutions available today. The pergola is one such solution. Built of interconnecting wooden beams, it may be covered by a wide range of synthetic or natural materials. Pergolas are normally built to shade windows or the entrances to buildings and businesses. By Netanel Buta of Element Woodworks

ne of the main reasons wooden pergolas are so popular, aside from the aesthetic aspect, is the cover they provide. A pergola built in a yard or on a patio can create a comfortable sitting area shielded from the sun where air can flow freely. In the winter, it can also provide pro-

050-6763222 netanelahb@gmail.com Moshav Eshtaol www.wooden-pergolas.co.il We care. Element Wood Expertise works with FSC green-standard materials upon request.

tection from rain. There are many types of shade pergolas, and you can choose the type of roof that best suits your needs and tastes: thermoplastic panels, wood, mashrabiyas, bamboo, and more. You can also choose from a range of panel sizes in diverse types of woods. The most popular types are pine, pressure-treated wood, and cedar. Each has its own qualities that affect the final product’s beauty and durability.

Mashrabiya shades from pressure-treated eucalyptus wood are a current trend, and provide a decorative and innovative solution. When choosing a material for the shade, consider the visual aesthetic and the level of permeability and obscurity you’re aiming for. A more impermeable surface will create darker shade, whereas lighter materials will let more light through. There’s nothing like sitting back with a hot or cold drink in the shade of a beautifully designed pergola.

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Home I Jennifer Ungar Interior Designer I Expert

10 Ways to Make Your New House Your Home

uying a new place and moving in is thrilling, but it can also be overwhelming trying to figure out where to put everything. It’s only natural to want to put your personal stamp on the space; after all, unless you’ve built your dream home from scratch, it’s likely that the finishes, fixtures and paint colors were chosen according to the previous owner’s tastes. Where do you begin? I’ve put together 10 ideas, some big and some small, that should help make your house feel like home. Make a splash with your front door. Believe it or not, the door is something small that can make a big impact. Painting your front door is less expensive than painting your entire apartment but will give that polished first impression. While you’re choosing a paint color, consider whether you want to update the hardware as well. After all, changing the locks when you move into a new house or apartment is always a good idea. You can cross both security and aesthetics off your list easily by installing some shiny new hardware that will give your entrance a fresh look.

One striking piece of artwork can create a focal point and perk up a room. It doesn’t need to be a priceless item.

Put up family photos. Getting your favorite photos up on the wall is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a new place feel like home; don’t put it off. If you’re concerned about making holes in the walls before you know where everything will go, pick up some removable picture-hanging strips to use instead of nails. Switch out the kitchen faucet. If your kitchen faucet has seen better days, consider swapping it for a sleek new one. This simple change can transform your kitch-

en, yet costs relatively little compared to a complete kitchen remodel. Just be sure to coordinate it with the existing hardware, or swap some other hardware (like the sink or cupboard door handles) at the same time for a bigger change. Accent a wall—or two. Picking colors for the entire apartment at once can be a daunting prospect. Save yourself some money and trouble by just committing to painting an accent wall or two in the interim. Getting color up on those walls will give you that ‘owner’s feeling’ and can help determine the rest of your colors. Use wallpaper in a smaller room. Are you ready for a more challenging project? Although it is a bit harder to do in Israel, a fun, statement wallpaper can really put your stamp on a smaller room. A lesser-used space is a great place to experiment with bold patterns and color. Just be aware: if you wallpaper a bathroom (with a shower

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ABOUT JENNIFER UNGAR Jennifer Ungar has been designing beautiful spaces for 25 years and has worked on large and small residential projects in New York, New Jersey, Miami and Ramat Beit Shemesh. By listening closely to her clients’ needs and desires, Jennifer transforms their concepts and vision into a design reality. Her specialty is creating interiors that are comfortably sophisticated, yet relaxed and inviting; interiors that turn your space into your home.

Jennifer can be reached at 052-448-7050, www.jenniferungarinteriors.com or jenungar@gmail.com

or tub), you should choose a product that can withstand the humidity and avoid wallpapering in the “splash zone”. Change a light fixture. You can rejuvenate a room by swapping a boring outdated piece for something more stylish. And if there’s a space that could use an overhead fixture where none exists, pay an electrician to move the wiring to accommodate a new light point. The expense is worth it if it’ll make your daily life easier and more pleasant for years to come. Create a spot for your keys. Save time on your way out the door by designating a spot for keys, bags, and other important items. Install a row of hooks or a small cabinet; just make it convenient and use it consistently. Remember to place it where casual visitors can’t see it. Do not put it in obvious places like near the front or back door; this makes your keys accessible for anyone passing through your home. Install or upgrade window treatments. Whether you opt for tailored roman blinds, textured bamboo blinds, simple roller shades or a layered look with curtains, having a window treatment you love (and one that works for you) is a detail that makes a space feel that bit more polished. When selecting window treatments, choose the same liner fabric on all windows for a consistent look from the street. Focus your space on a large-scale piece of art. As long as it speaks to you, it’ll probably work. Seek out galleries that feature up-and-coming artists or attend student shows at a local art school, to find reasonably priced works. Upgrade bathroom details. Can’t take on a full bathroom remodel right now? That doesn’t mean you can’t freshen up the bathroom with a few smaller swaps. Change the faucets, cabinet hardware, towel bars, light fixtures, or consider replacing an old medicine cabinet with a mirror. Think about buying new towels, perhaps in a bolder color. There you have it. My top 10 easy and inexpensive ways to personalize your new home. Have fun and enjoy the journey!

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Home I Ariel Baror CEO of Master Plumbing I Expert

Make Every Drop Count:

Tips for Saving Water

W By Ariel Baror

Shabbat? Pour the remaining water into a pot and use it to cook pasta or rice! GET A DISHWASHER—AND RUN IT ONLY WHEN IT’S FULL Dishwashers are more water-efficient than washing dishes by hand. Run it only when it’s full to maximize efficiency.

ater has always been a precious resource in Israel, especially during winters like this one that started out quite warm and dry. You can help the conservation efforts and save on water bills by implementing these simple tips to cut back on your water consumption. LOCATE AND FIX ANY LEAKS Undetected leaks account for a lot of wasted water! If your water bill seems suspiciously high, or if you’ve noticed any dampness or paint bubbling or peeling on your walls—that can indicate a leak in your pipes. Call in an experienced plumber to check your plumbing and locate and fix any leaks. USE WATER-SAVING FAUCETS AND SHOWERHEADS Water-saving faucets and showerheads restrict the amount of water that flows through them while using greater pressure to work as efficiently as other types. They are easy to install, and you can find them in any hardware store. USE THE HALF-FLUSH BUTTON ON TOILETS WHEN RELEVANT Most Israeli toilets have two buttons—one for a full flush (which empties the whole tank into the toilet bowl) and one for a half flush (which empties only half). Sometimes people find this confusing and just use the full flush button every time, but the half-flush is often sufficient. Placing a brick in the toilet tank can further reduce the amount of water used to flush. DON’T LEAVE THE WATER RUNNING When brushing your teeth or washing dishes, only leave the water running while you’re rinsing something. Using a sink, tub or pan full of water for rinsing dishes or vegetables can further save water. KEEP A BUCKET IN YOUR SHOWER (OR OUT IN THE RAIN) You know how you need to run the tap in the

ABOUT ARIEL BAROR Ariel Baror is the founder of Master Plumbing, an exclusive plumbing contract company. which offers extensive services to private and commercial clients. Ariel speaks Hebrew, English and Spanish. Ariel can be reached at 055-667-9037. shower for a while before the water gets hot enough? Catch that water in a bucket and use it to water plants or wash your car—or even flush your toilet. Just empty some or all of the bucket into the toilet bowl to wash down the contents. You can also leave the bucket in the stall or bathtub while you shower to catch more water for that purpose. You can also leave a bucket out in the rain. ONLY BOIL WHAT YOU NEED If you’re boiling water for coffee, don’t fill the kettle to the top; add just enough to fill your mug. That will save both the extra water you’ll end up dumping out, and the energy it takes to heat up more water. Half-full urn left over from

USE A EUROPEAN-STYLE WASHING MACHINE The American-style top-loading washing machines are notorious water-wasters. Fortunately, most Israeli homes are equipped with European-style front-loading machines, which are much more water-efficient. Some machines automatically adjust the amount of water they use according to the weight of the clothes in the tumble drum, but even so, washing only full loads is the most efficient option. USE A BUCKET TO WASH YOUR CAR Tempting though it may be to use a hose,it wastes a ton of water. But don’t despair; if you have kids at home,they’ll probably love to help.Fill a bucket with soap and water, hand them some cleaning cloths or sponges and let them loose! USE DRIP IRRIGATION Drip irrigation is Israel’s most celebrated invention—take advantage.This efficient, water-saving irrigation method utilizes pipes with small holes that release water slowly.This maximizes the absorption of every drop of water, allowing plants to grow with minimal water. WATER YOUR LAWN AT NIGHT Especially in the summer, water dries up very quickly during the day, and that means less water for your thirsty grass. If you have a timed sprinkler system, set it to go on at night. Or, if you really want to save water… DON’T HAVE A LAWN Grass is lovely, but maintaining a lush green lawn requires a great deal of water. Consider alternatives for landscaping your yard, such as rock gardens, gravel,wood chips, tile, brick or wood. If you must have more greenery, ask your gardener about plants that are well-adapted to the Israeli climate and don’t need as much irrigation.

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Pesach A Time for Renewal Pesach—the festival of freedom, the festival of spring. The air is clear, flowers are in bloom, the atmosphere is pleasant and the children are excited and energetic. We are all happy and joyful. This renewal period causes us to reflect and ponder the quality and healthiness of our sleep. Until now we’ve worked hard to clean, organize and prepare ourselves for the approaching holiday. However the dust in our mattresses and the back pain we experience each morning due to lack of proper back support prompt us to consider buying new mattresses. Perhaps we haven’t slept properly for years, but until now we haven’t realized it. At the Beit Shemesh branch of Olam Hamizronim, located in the shopping center in Ramat Beit Shemesh, we met with Aryeh Goldhaber who presented us with the great and unique world of sleep quality. Initially he explained the importance of finding the right solution for each customer. He emphasized that the company doesn’t try to sell what is most convenient for them or their distributors. The company collaborates with some of the most professional companies in the world to ensure that each customer receives the ideal mattress to suit their needs. Good sleep quality is determined by continuous and deep sleep, and many technological solutions have been found which can ensure this outcome. One type of mattress called Beautyrest contains a series of isolated springs, which provides targeted support to each part of the body. Recently they developed mattresses that contain a unique anatomic release mechanism, which enables superior anatomical support to the body. In addition, these mattresses have a layer of latex which prevents penetration of dust or moisture into the body

Bnei Brak

HaShomer 62 03-616-4046

Kikar Davidka

02-537-8888

Talpiot

Hatasia 2 02-672-3486

Talpiot

Pierre Koenig 37 02-673-3322

of the mattress and provides maximum support and comfort. Other leading brands are also seeking innovative methods to increase sleep quality. The American company Sealy Posturepedic patented the “Sense & Respond” mattress. This mattress can detect each body movement and respond immediately to provide full support in every position. Olam Hamizronim strives to ensure it is constantly stocked with high-quality products. We have mattresses from leading companies, such as Aminach and King Koil. Aryeh informed us that among the products sold in the store are American high risers, which include highquality mattresses made by Aminach and Simmons. These mattresses assure strong back support and can be used for both children and guests. The store also stocks triple beds with exclusive mattresses that are not only comfortable, but also provide back support. The store stocks many mattresses that are especially designed for children. The company provides solutions for babies, children and teenagers. In addition to beds, the store also sells closets and bookcases, made of superior and high-quality wood, in various sizes and colors. Olam Hamizronim wishes all its customers and the entire Jewish people a kosher and happy Pesach, a festival of renewal, a holiday from which we will derive the best and we should emerge from slavery to true freedom. May we merit to eat from the Korban Pesach already in this year, in the Beis Hamikdash, in the rebuilt Jerusalem.

Pines 4

02-538-4951

Givat Shaul Ramat Beit Mercaz Sapir, Shemesh Building 5 02-538-4951

Nachal Zohar 10 02-992-1121

Ashdod

Rashbi 15, Maccabi Mall 08-866-2888

Beitar

HaRan 9 053-310-0798

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Home I Architecture will ensure quality work and adherence to all specifications. Your architect should be able to recommend a few reliable supervisors.

High-End Renovations and Extensions Think Inside the Box

By Miles Hartog

comprehensive interior makeover can be an asset, either for your own enjoyment and comfort or for resale. High-end residential renovations can make your home a haven and bring it into the 21st century,but might involve a number of extra challenges–and rewards. RENOVATION OR EXTENSION WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Israel is notorious for red tape, and while the result may be worth it,the process can be time-consuming.Structural changes,building on to an existing structure and alterations that affect shared infrastructure will all require building permits. If you think inside the box and make only interior changes, you won’t need building permits even if you redo your entire home. You’ll cut renovation time in half and still gain a fresh, new home space. DESIGN Regardless of the need for permits, design is the first step. A good architect will draw up a plan based on your needs and offer you alternate layouts to find the one that works best for you. PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS A renovation can’t be based on architectural plans alone and should incorporate specifications from all relevant professionals. Electrical, air conditioning, plumbing and other relevant consultants are essential. Decisions regarding heating and cooling systems—such as underfloor heating, central air conditioning and smart home technology—should be incorporated in the plan at the design stage and all these consultants should

be coordinated by your architect. CONSTRUCTION The process of turning a plan on paper to a house of brick and mortar is the work of a good contractor. He must be trustworthy, familiar with current building practices and able to work amicably with others. He must also be able to maintain a tight schedule and smoothly integrate his subcontractors into the project. SUPERVISION No contractor, no matter how good or honest, can catch every mistake during construction. Even though part of an architect’s job, particularly in high-end construction, is to make periodic visits and oversee the progress on the ground, it’s vital to have a qualified building supervisor who will be on-site every day and

ABOUT MILES HARTOG Miles Hartog was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, with a short spell in the UK. He started his architecture degree in Sydney and completed it in Israel at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. Miles has been working in the field of architecture in Israel and overseas since 1992. His 25 years of experience has provided Miles with an extremely broad palette for design and problem solving, which he now applies to every project–large or small. Miles can be reached at 054-436-4492 or through his website www.mileshartog.com.

BUILDING FINISHES Natural stone and marble, kitchen and closet carpentry, hardwood or tile flooring, doors, windows and metalwork are some of the items that require installation during or after construction. These finishes determine the look and atmosphere of your home and can transform the end result from pedestrian to transcendent. There is, of course, a wide range in quality, cost and customer service. Your architect should be able to guide you in sourcing the best suppliers and craftsmen within your budget. CLIMATE CONTROL Heat exchange pumps offering low-cost water heating, inverter air conditioners, energy-efficient split-control central air, and underfloor heating to maintain a constant and comfortable temperature throughout the winter… Correct planning can integrate these systems into the design of your home, according to your family’s specific requirements. SMART HOUSE SYSTEMS Hi-tech home systems are constantly being developed and refined. Shabbos timers, air-conditioning, lighting, heating, blinds, audio and alarm systems can be seamlessly incorporated, controlled,monitored and adjusted conveniently and remotely—from anywhere and at any time. FURNITURE Selecting the right furniture is like choosing a basic wardrobe. Some like a classic look, while others prefer a contemporary or eclectic aesthetic. The furniture and accessories you choose to dress your home are a reflection of your own unique personality. Balance off-the-shelf solutions with custom-made pieces to reduce costs but make the space personal and charming.Upholstering wall panels with the same fabric as your bed bases,for example,or coordinating armchair legs with your stair railing,are simple touches that can make an extraordinary impression. CARPENTRY From front door to bedroom closet, dining room table to kitchen, walk-in closet to living room breakfront—high-quality carpentry can serve as a practical and striking feature in your home.Your architect will have worked with craftsmen who specialize in the specific items in your overall design.By using tried and tested professionals who have worked together before,you help ensure the quality of the end result. Ready to tackle your renovation?

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Home I Interview I Tzvi Lefkowitz TzviAir

Air Conditioning Technicians

When You Need One and When You Don’t

By Tzvi Lefkowitz

These issues you can try to fix yourself:

n the heat of the summer, all the HVAC companies are swamped, and it can take days or even weeks to get a technician to come to your home. This article will give you some quick tips on how you can possibly save yourself waiting and paying for a technician as well as when it's critical to get one.

PROBLEM: THE A/C WON'T TURN ON ● Check that the system is plugged in ● Replace the batteries in the remote ● Listen to ensure that the unit beeps when you change a setting on the remote - if not, the remote may be malfunctioning ● Reset the circuit breaker ● Make sure the Shabbat timer is set to “on”

ANYONE VERY FEW ONLY TZVI AIR CAN INSTALL AIR CONDITIONING

DO IT RIGHT

GUARANTEES THE BEST JOB FOR THE LOWEST PRICE THOUSANDS OF THRILLED CLIENTS: “TzviAir is a pleasure to work with and did and amazing job!”

PROBLEM: A/C IS NOT COOLING ● Make sure filters are clean ● Set thermostat to 16 degrees and make sure the unit beeps ● Check each vent to make sure it’s open and not blocked ● Check the outdoor unit to see if anything is blocking it

These issues require a technician, but are not urgent: ● Your electric bills are higher than usual ● Your A/C stays on too long

These issues you must shut down the system and call a technician: ● The system is making a strange sound you have never heard before or if the sound clearly indicates malfunctioning equipment ● The system is triggering the breaker off more than once ● The unit is leaking Often the aforementioned problems are caused by the buildup of dirt and dust on the coil during normal operation of your air conditioner. It's best to have your system inspected, cleaned and maintained every year.

– Jamie Geller, Celebrity Chef

“There’s honest, and then there is TzviAir honest. Customer Service like this is hard to ﬁnd.”

ABOUT THE COMPANY

– Mordy & Tzippy Rapp

“TzviAir is reasonably priced, prompt, neat, eﬃcient and reliable.” – Lisa and Michael Harris

02-628-8282

info@tzviair.com | www.tzviair.com

NEW SYSTEMS • MAINTENANCE • REPAIRS *For terms and conditions about our lowest price gaurantee, please see our website, or contact our oﬃce.

TzviAir is a leading Air Conditioning and Heating company in the Jerusalem area. The precision of their professional work, accompanied by wonderful customer service, has earned them thousands of satisfied clients. TzviAir can be reached at 02-628-8282 or through their website www.tzviair.com.

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IN SH W ME NE SHE IT

MARCH 2018

LUXURY FURNITURE IS NOW AFFORDABLE! BEST QUALITY FURNITURE AT UNBEATABLE PRICES! TELS A IM DEA ULCTKAGE PA

LIVING ROOM SETS

CLOSETS / BOOKCASES

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MASSIVE SELECTION OF HIGH QUALITY, NEW MODELS & OVERSTOCK COUCHES AT UNBEATABLE PRICES.

WIDE SELECTION OF CLOSETS, BOOKCASES (SLIDING DOORS) BREAKFRONTS. CUSTOM MADE

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BEIT SHEMESH NACHAL SOREK 21 OPENING HOURS: 11:00-22:00

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Studio Mark Wallpaper Installation

Precise methods for a perfect look

Yitzchak Mark 052-312-1720

izaak_m@walla.co.il

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Insurance is always on our mind so it doesn’t have to be on yours!

Peace of mind.

02-623 2546 • www.egertcohen.co.il • egert@egertcohen.co.il • travel@egertcohen.co.il

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experience h c a s e P y The famil l never forget. you wil

ecial!

Now on sp

European Aristocracy

Luxury Villa

New vacation retreat in Safsufa. 700 sq. meter accommodations: 5 bedrooms, 21 beds, 5 bathrooms, 3 baths and huge salon. Lush, spacious landscaped gardens, comfortable garden furniture, cozy sitting area, playground, hammocks and hanging chairs, atmospheric garden lighting, mega-trampoline, barbecue site, private swimming pool with large whirlpool jacuzzi, spa and sauna.

Tremendous thought was put into every detail to provide a treat of an annual vacation: quality and comfortable beds and mattresses, thick and fluffy face and body towels and personal bathing kits. The fully-equipped kitchen includes an oven, stove, separate sinks, dairy and meat microwaves, a shabbos hotplate, large shabbos urn, coffee corner and much more. // Highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene maintained // // Suitable for couples, families and groups. This villa is entirely at your disposal without any other occupants on the premises. //

Specia designe lly meet d to needs othe ft Torah he observa n public t

To reserve the villa for your next vacation, call 052-7147327

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YERUSHALAYIM 360dira LTD 077-DIRA360(347-2360) 360dira.com Alef Nadlan 052-681-9320 Angel Realty 052-458-8716 Babayoff Realty 052-620-1986 Beit Hillel Agency 054-770-1142 Divine Realty 050-367-2527

Gabbai Real Estate 052-614-1442 Galia Real Estate 054-446-3831 Goldreich Realty 050-382-0610 Home Run Properties 054-577-7509 Igud Nadlan 054-737-1333 J-Realty 050-989-4078 Jerusalem Luxury Rentals 054-546-7330

Judith Ben Avi Real Estate 050-440-9999 King Properties Jerusalem 054-203-8300 Nechasim Massets 050-960-0488 Reshet Tivuch 054-216-0203 Royal Realty 02-999-6580 Ruben's Real Estate 054-634-5582 Shalom Hamer (Real Estate) 058-550-8660

Simcha Realty 050-414-2824 Sotheby's Realty Israel 058-626-6426 Tehilla Agency 054-844-3004, 052-545-1040 Tzion Apartments and Vacation Rentals 054-546-7330 Yam Nadlan Real Estate 02-678-1717 BEIT SHEMESH Alon Central 054-758-7673

Century 21 054-572-0391 Gila Gershenfeld Real Estate 058-766-1653 Hagefen Realty 054-639-3924 I.L.A.N Estates & Investments 077-410-8011 JS Realty 054-451-3847 Lemkin Realty 052-644-4588 Mishkenot Realty 052-760-3000

Nadlantown Realty 052-896-6807 Neria Real Estate 050-294-4486 Psagot Nadlan 050-414-0996 Rachel Realty 052-761-7468 Rimon Realty 02-999-1000 Shoshana Weis Realty 050-436-7797 Yossi Lipsh Realty 052-396-0551

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Real Estate I Interview I David Samuels and Trevor Stamelman I 360dira

Zooming in on 360dira’s Expansion

n the last issue, we covered 360dira’s innovative combination of real estate and virtual reality technology. To recap, 360dira provides a platform where real estate agents and homeowners can list their properties for interested parties to view. The 360dira team scans and maps the property; the potential buyer tours the property at home, using a computer or mobile device. The viewer can interact with a virtual reality 3D tour or watch a pre-recorded tour and see it all the way through. The potential buyer can also choose to use the “dollhouse” or “floor plan” aspect to zoom out and look at the property from above or rotate the 3D model in any direction and see an exact layout—a perspective that’s just not feasible in real life. As you can imagine the concept can really gain ground in Israel as many buyers and renters begin their property search from a distance. In fact, in the relatively short time since its launch, 360dira had already attracted some big players in Israel’s real estate industry. Large ReMax offices in major cities throughout Israel are rapidly putting up their properties on 360dira’s property platform. A number of veteran independent agents have also joined the 360dira team and are expanding their career via this unique portal. We sat down with two agents who have recently joined the team, David Samuels and Trevor Stamelman. What’s your background in the industry? David: I pretty much grew up in the real estate industry; my father ran one of the biggest real estate and property management operations in San Francisco. Generally, I worked on the marketing and property management aspect. After making aliyah, I saw a Remax ad recruiting real estate agents. Remax is a great company striving to do things right; I enquired and accepted a position at Remax— it was a fantastic introduction to the Israeli property scene.

Trevor: I have worked in the real estate Industry for almost 16 years. For the first five years, I worked at a top corporate brand in Johannesburg, South Africa, and after enjoying great success; I decided to open up my own agency. Stamelman Properties was a niche, boutique real estate agency catering to a predominantly Jewish market in the middle to upper class areas of Johannesburg. Why did you join 360dira and what opportunities does it present? David: When I heard about the possibility of virtual tours, I took it as a big step in the right direction towards transparency and responsibility. I love the honesty that comes with the concept: what you see is what you get. I love the idea that people in the diaspora can search for an apartment that meets their needs before they come. A big part of our goal is to make aliyah easier and more user-friendly. Indeed, in the short time since its launch, the platform has already helped agents in Israel sell property to buyers abroad. That saves $1000 on a plane ticket and valuable time for all parties—the buyer, seller and the agent too. Sima Philips at Nadlan1, who specializes in the Sanhedria Murchevet area, is just one agent who has already been using the platform with great success. Sima said: as a veteran real estate agent in the Jerusalem area, I can’t really say enough just how revolutionary this new experiential

Are you an agent with a niche in a specific neighborhood and thinking about broadening your exposure? Expand your career by joining the 360dira.com team: 077-dira360 or 053-531-3473.

technology really is for my overseas buyers. With 360, I was able to send a full inside view that allowed the buyer to see the apt, as if he was here. This is so much more than real estate pictures; it gives the bigger picture and tells a better story. Trevor: I really love the concept. It’s an all-in-one marketing solution that combines technology and real estate principles in one spectacular package. The high quality photography, drone imagery and interactive advertising across social media is a priceless advantage for estate agents taking care of all their marketing needs on one platform, as well as private sellers and buyers. How do you see real estate changing via 360dira’s exclusive services? David: Instead of taking a comment or photo at face value, you can actually see what your messenger is trying to say and decide whether it is a deal breaker or not. Besides that, it gives people in the diaspora who want to buy or rent in Israel an opportunity to easily find an apartment before they come without any major “surprises”. We are also working on offering virtual neighborhood tours. We hope to cover every neighborhood in Israel, which will give anyone visiting or considering aliyah a clear idea of what to expect. We’ll include perspectives like: work opportunities, shopping facilities, education options, family leisure options and much more. Until now people abroad could only dream of this kind of aliyah-encyclopedia. I can see it benefitting people who live here and are thinking of relocating. Trevor: The sector could change dramatically—and in the very near future; after all Israeli real estate is a hot commodity. People have time constraints and real estate marketing needs to adapt to the buyers’ lives, not the other way around. We need to move forward and get the client where they are: digitally, virtually and socially. It may soon be the platform that rules them all for buyers, sellers or real estate agents and there’s room for many other industry players to showcase their services. There you have it, the talent at 360dira are embracing the change and advantage that technology can give them to progress and perfect the sector.

MARCH 2018

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Real Estate I Law Expert

The Tax Duel for Dual Citizens When yihiye beseder just won't cut it: IRS, FATCA, FBAR and more. By Advocate James S. Cohen, of Cohen, Decker, Pex & Brosh Law Office

S financial authorities are clamping down on US persons who neglect to report their annual income or assets abroad. Advocate James Cohen explains how and why you should file your report and avoid hefty fines. Israelis who have never had to deal with the US tax system are generally baffled by its complexity. In Israel (as in most western countries) most people aren’t required to file their own taxes. Payroll workers have their taxes calculated and submitted by the accounting department of their employer. While employers in the US generally withhold income taxes from employee salaries, this does not absolve the majority of the income-earning adult population from filing their own tax returns. TAXPAYER, TAXPAYER, WHERE ARE YOU? American citizens and permanent residents who reside in or immigrate to Israel might assume that one of the benefits of living here means no longer having to deal with the IRS. After all, most western citizens don’t have to pay taxes in their home country if they live and earn an income abroad. Since the United States harnessed its financial clout to increase report compliance on behalf of financial institutions and individuals, any US person (citizen or permanent resident) who has even relatively minimal assets or income abroad, is required to file an annual financial report to US tax authorities. This obligation extends to dual citizens who reside abroad, and even those who have never set foot in the United States. But many US citizens in Israel neglect filing their reports, despite increasingly serious penalties introduced over the last few years. THE LONG ARM OF THE LAW Enacted in 2010, and signed by Israel in 2014, FATCA (the Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act) ensures that if any US person neglects to report their income or assets abroad when filing tax returns, foreign financial institutions

will be required to do so autonomously on their behalf. Banks, pension funds, insurance companies and most other financial institutions, are obligated to identify and report directly to the US treasury any client who is a US person doing private or public business outside of the US and ensure that they, their spouse or anyone with whom they share a bank account files an annual FBAR report. If these financial institutions fail to conduct due diligence, they could face harsh monetary penalties, to the value of 30% of their transactions in the US. Individuals who neglect to report their income or assets could be fined between tens of thousands of dollars to 50% of their assets in total. Companies and organizations who fail to disclose the role of a US business partner or account signatory could face even heavier costs. The term US person refers to any person who has immigrated and acquired official Israeli cit-

JAMES S. COHEN James S. Cohen, Esq., is a member of the Maryland and District of Columbia Bars in the United States, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and is licensed as a foreign lawyer in Israel. He is a Senior Partner at Cohen, Decker, Pex & Brosh Law Office, and is head of Immigration to the United States Department.

Cohen, Decker, Pex & Brosh Law Office Since its establishment in 2012, Cohen, Decker, Pex & Brosh Law Office has grown exponentially in reputation, staff and clientele. They practice in all civil law areas, including litigation, commercial law, contracts, labor law and legal consultation, with a specialization in Israeli real estate and immigration law. They can be reached at 02-990-3180 or through their website www.lawoffice.org.il.

izenship, or is temporarily residing in Israel, or is a US citizen by virtue of their parents who are US citizens. Law requires such persons to file US tax returns, even if they earn no income in the United States. Earnings of less than approximately $100,000 a year will likely not incur any US taxes, but do require the filing of returns. This exemption does not apply to investment or rental income, in which case income tax returns are more complex. ARE SOME TRANSACTIONS MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS? More onerous than standard income tax is the obligation to file an annual FBAR (Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) report. The obligation to file a FBAR report is decades old, but FATCA has authorized the US Government to levy fines against any foreign bank, giving banks the incentive to enforce the report requirements. Any US citizen in Israel, or their spouse or shared account holder, who maintains a bank account, pension fund or investment in excess of $10,000, is required to file this report, including their bank and account details, and actual funds. A late or erroneous filing may result in significant fines which are harsh enough to make Israeli banks wary of opening or maintaining accounts for US persons. Banks are now highly motivated to make sure that reports are accurate and filed in a timely manner, regardless of the expense and hassle involved. A FINE RISK TO TAKE Part of living in Israel is our adoption of Israeli culture, including the popular saying “Yihiyeh beseder.” Many US persons avoid reporting their income on that very basis, assuming that if over the years they’ve never been contacted or fined, “Yihiyeh beseder” and there’s no chance they’ll get into tax trouble. Given the intensified vigilance on the part of US tax authorities, and committed cooperation of institutions in Israel’s financial sector, it’s time to change long-standing habits. Ignoring obligations to report assets or income in Israel will likely increase the chances of being slapped with severe fines. But there is a silver lining. The authorities have made available a number of ways to voluntarily report your income, plead honest confusion, and avoid financial repercussions. However, this courtesy will not be extended forever and should be taken advantage of sooner rather than later. Consult an attorney if you’re a US citizen or resident living in Israel. Find out which reports are relevant to your income status and means of employment, and let them handle the filing of reports on your behalf. You’ll be able to have your dual citizenship and enjoy it too.

MARCH 2018

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DOCTOR OF DENTAL MEDICINE GENTLE DENTISTRY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

drstern@neto.net.il

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DENTISTRY Rechavia Dental Center I EXPERT I 02-561-9770 Dr. Mitchell Rudy 052 339 2131 Dr. Ari Stern 02 999 6046 Dr. Chaim Lewitan 052 761 5359 Dr. Mark Lewitan 02 995 2707 Dr. Links - Dr. Garalnick 02 992 4267 Dr. Chaim Eliezer Jacober 02 999 7479 Dr. Edo Lavi 02 992 3363 Dr. Jacki Glassman 02 566 9061 Dr. Yoav Orbach 02 545 5603 Dr. Claude Hayat Periodontics 02 566 0436

Dr. Daniel Fruchter 02 536 2244 HEALTH Dr. Eliezer Rosenblum Chiropractor 052-662-4658 PlayAttention Solution for ADHD 054 794 3797 Get Fit with Karen Personal trainer 054 572 1651 Rachel Koenigson Personal trainer 054-787-2151 Rochel Geller Weight loss 02 992-1821 Dr. Reuven Rosenberg Chiropractor / Complementary Medicine 052-761-6793 Bioresonance Alternative Clinic 077-212-7567

Rochel Rubinoff Massage Therapist 054-3355-289 Dr. Tova Goldfine Chiropractor 052 420 1201 Donna Abrahams Craniosacral Therapy 054 648 0667 Gyrotonics Personal Training System 054 908 0886 Natan Feit Reflexology 053 763 4820 Shoshana Grotsky Lice Removal 050 207 1781 Michael Berezin Personal Trainer 054 625 0269 Gavriel Tornek Meditation 054 652 1770 Miriam Maslin Bioresonance Therapy 052-324-4604

Dr. Rina Granot Health & Nutrition 052 674 3838 Dr. Chaim Pinchuck Neurofeedback 050 303 0939 Sara Shaposhnik Energy Healer 050 229 2316 Jerry Hyman Personal Trainer 050 779 8886 Jordana Staiman Speech Therapy 053 311 3916 Chaim Sultan Personal trainer 054-884-9240 Yaacov Avraham Nutritionist 052-446-6090 Leah Zerbib| Personal Development Coach 052-265-0807 Freyda Weis Speech Therapist (Al Peh) 052-528-7726

Einit Eyewear 02-500-2050, 02-991-8111 THERAPY/ PSYCHOLOGISTS Dr. Michael Portman Clinical Psycologist 052 269 4030 The Place Emotional Wellbeing Center 02 580 8788 Menachem Schloss NLP Therapist 054-743-8109 Minda Garr Holistic Psychotherapy 052 614 6932 Karen Rappaport Narrative Therapy 050 990 6368 Rachel Factor Anxiety Disorders 052 713 4130 Dr. Genstil Psychologist I EXPERT I 052 260 9087 Y.N.R. Center 02-632-1609

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Bizness I Interview I Adi Levy Manager of Super-Pharm Big Fashion Beit Shemesh

Breathing New Life into a Successful Pharmacy Chain The Big Fashion Beit Shemesh branch of Super-Pharm recently welcomed a new manager, Adi Levy. Adi has been with Super-Pharm for 19 years and is passionate about customer service and investing in staff and their professional development. We interviewed him about his experience with Super-Pharm and how he hopes to improve the branch under his management.

hat do you bring to Super-Pharm Beit Shemesh? The fact that we are a large organization means we can provide a service that excels in many different areas. We abide by the strictest standards, from the Ministry of Health as well as from our own organization, in terms of product quality, employee professionalism and service.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Super-Pharm is the largest and most popular pharmacy chain in Israel. Super-Pharm Big Fashion is located in the Big Fashion Mall, Yigal Alon 3, Beit Shemesh. Adi Levy can be reached directly at adil@Super-Pharm.co.il.

We are also meticulous about supply and demandâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;ensuring that our stores carry a sufficient supply of each product, so customers know they can always find what they need on our shelves. That level of professionalism and excellence is very important to me. Can customers expect more products from the Super-Pharm Life brand? Yes, absolutely. Expanding the Life brand is one of our goals, and its portfolio

grows every quarter. We have been covering more and more market areas—even areas we didn’t originally plan to enter, such as baby cereals. Life is a generic brand of equal standing, or even better quality, than other available brands. We are able to offer better prices because we are the supplier and the retailer; we cut out the middleman. What kind of vibe do you bring to the branch? I hope to inspire my staff to strive for excellence. That’s how I was raised and it’s very important for me. I’ve made some changes to the visual aesthetic of the store, because I want it to look like a high class, professional pharmacy. More than that, of course, I want to inspire the staff to offer the best in customer service, and to match my expectations in terms of knowledge, helpfulness and courtesy. What is the make up of your staff? Very diverse! Super-Pharm makes a point of integrating all kinds of people into its family of employees: men and women, working mothers and fathers and young students. Our pharmacists are from the, religious, haredi, secular and Arab sectors. We place a strong emphasis on equal opportunity and take pride in the diversity of our personnel. What does Super-Pharm Big Fashion get right? I’ve worked in many different stores in different areas before, and one thing I can say about the community of Beit Shemesh is that they are very warm. There’s a family-like atmosphere. That atmosphere permeates the store and influences how we operate. What additional services do you offer at your branch? We employ an optometrist who offers professional eye exams. And, if you purchase a pair of glasses, the eye exam is free. It’s known that Super-Pharm revolutionized the optics markets a decade ago and we still play a part in the competition. Any tips for Beit Shemesh residents to get the most out of their Lifestyle membership? First of all—the membership is nationwide, not specific to Beit Shemesh, so you can enjoy the benefits at any Super-Pharm in the country. Secondly, I highly recommend downloading our app. We are very proud of it! It’s available in your phone’s app store, and it’s the #1 most downloaded app in Israel. The app includes all the coupons you would receive in the mail

MARCH 2018

from your Lifestyle membership, plus some that are exclusive to the app, so it’s always worth taking a look. The app also gives all the information you might need about all the Super-Pharm branches in the country. Do staff members of Super-Pharm enjoy continuous professional development? Absolutely. Super-Pharm invests a great deal in its employees. We send all our employees—without exception—to training and professional enrichment programs. All employees receive training from the organization specific to their professional field; this is in addition to the basic professional training they receive from the store and the educational software we provide. We also offer relevant training to employees who are transitioning from one job to another—for example, an employee who is moving into a management position will be offered a course in management. We are very proud of our academy—and it’s all in-house. We have a catalog of courses that employees can choose from. We offer incentives to pharmacists by giving extra benefits to those who take certain enrichment courses. It’s very important to us to invest in our employees’ knowledge and expertise. What online services does Super-Pharm offer? Super-Pharm has been investing a great deal in its online presence and availability and has joined the online shopping revolution. Our online store is stocked with the full range of products, including over-the-counter drugs. You can either have your local Super-Pharm prepare your

The thing that is the most important to us is customer service.

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order and come pick it up at your convenience without waiting in line and at no additional cost, or have it delivered right to your door for a small fee. You can also order and pick up your prescriptions at your convenience using our Click-Pharm service. These services are all accessible through the Super-Pharm website. What’s the most popular type of product in Beit Shemesh? I would say Beit Shemesh particularly loves cosmetics and perfumes—that’s the category that stands out. We carry a wide range of cosmetic products, both from the more economical, mass-market category and the higher-end brands. The higher-end brands have complex distribution policies and don’t always let us carry their brands in every store, so our supply can differ from store to store. But we have just introduced a wonderful Italian brand called Milluca, this will be exclusively distributed by Super-Pharm. The prices are excellent and the quality is first-rate. Are people taking advantage of the coupons on your website? Yes, definitely. We have noticed a shift from the use of printed media to digital. We can measure this, because a customer can connect to my register to take advantage of the coupon, and that way we can tell when a customer who could have used a printed coupon used a digital one instead. That percentage is growing consistently. What is your vision for Super-Pharm Beit Shemesh? The thing that is the most important to us is customer service. I used to tell potential employees that we are in competition with other retailers; today, we are also in competition with the internet. At the end of the day, they all sell the same products. The only added value I can provide is the level of service and the personal connection. People will come back if they have a positive experience. That’s what I’m most concerned with and that’s where I’m investing most of my resources. Do you have any special offers for the holidays? Yes, absolutely, for every holiday. We know that Beit Shemesh residents like to receive information via print media, so we invest in advertising in local print publications more than we do in other areas in Israel, and you will find notices of our special offers in local publications.

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Health & Wellness I Interview I Rachel Koenigson

Wellness and Balance in Baka Rachel is serious about wellness; as a teenager, she completely changed the way she thought about nutrition and exercise. This was the catalyst for the study and hard work that got her where she is today, helping her clients reach their personal ‘finish lines’ whatever they may be.

o Rachel, life is dynamic yet stressful. For this reason, she blends a range of disciplines to help clients feel good on the inside. Rachel, what got you started in the different disciplines you practice? When I was in high school, I was overweight and had a lot of digestive issues. Regular exercise always helped. My digestion improved and I started to lose weight and feel great. When I made aliyah, I continued to exercise and started giving advice to friends and family for their own exercise routines. I felt I could make it into a career and help people. I got into acupuncture when I addressed some of my own health issues with Chinese medicine. I looked into the different Chinese medicine programs in Jerusalem and really connected with what Reidman College were doing. While I was studying at Wingate, I took a massage therapy course to complement the physical training I was learning. When I combine all these fields, I have a better understanding of the body and what is going on with my clients. Focusing on rehabilitation and pain-free movement, I have seen some great results—which definitely keeps me motivated. What can a new client expect from a first acupuncture session? And is the anti-aging angle catching on? The first acupuncture session consists of filling out a detailed intake form. This helps me get a better idea of diagnosis, prognosis and length of treatment. In general, I try to incorporate anti-aging treatments in regular acupuncture treatments, but I would say that cosmetic acupuncture is really catching on. Cosmetic

Acupuncture is an effective way to remove fine lines, reduce signs of aging, revitalize the skin and promote a healthy, glowing complexion–it will help you to look and feel your best! What does a regular week look like? Mornings and early afternoons I do personal training sessions at clients’ homes or the King David Hotel gym. I tend to keep my afternoons and evenings open for massage and acupuncture clients, but I can be flexible. Tell us about your massage workshops for laymen. I teach a full, private Swedish massage course and have led a number of mini-courses and workshops. I also gear massage workshops for different groups; for example, I held an infant massage workshop for parents, a neck-and-shoulder technique workshop including acupressure points and an essential oils mini-course for relief from winter ailments. Tell us about your marathons. I had the pleasure of running one full mar-

Everyone should have a basic understanding of how different foods affect your system.

athon as well as many half marathons and 10k races. The full marathon was a fantastic experience and I am happy to say that I completed it.Training for a full marathon is extremely time consuming and can lead to many different injuries; it certainly isn’t for everyone. Running and training is not my main focus right now, but I am happy to guide clients through the training process. What’s your personal training forte? I have built a niche with post-menopausal women and exercise for pain relief and for osteoporosis sufferers. Another forte is the use of Pilates in general and for rehabilitation. Physical therapists refer their clients to me to work on overall health and fitness within the therapeutic guidelines). What’s your nutrition philosophy? It’s important to note that I am neither a nutritionist nor a dietician and when there is a need I refer my client to one. My own nutritional philosophy is definitely influenced by Eastern medicine. In general, I don’t believe in food type restrictions; I believe in being aware of what you put into your body and portion control. Everyone should have a basic understanding of how different foods affect your system. My clients are receptive to guidance and they see results. 3 TIPS FOR SMALL, HELPFUL NUTRITION CHANGES 1. Use smaller plates to help control portion size. You will automatically eat less when you fill a smaller plate. 2. Drink a glass of water if you feel hungry between meals. Sometimes thirst is disguised as hunger. If you’re still hungry 5 minutes later, try to fill up on fruit and nuts. 3. Add leafy greens to your main meals; you can eat them raw or cooked. I love sautéed spinach with an omelette or stir fry veggies. It’s a great source of calcium and iron, and it’s chock-full of fiber to keep your digestive system on track and satiate you for longer periods. You can contact Rachel via her website: www.rachelshealthandfitness.com. or call her on 054-787-2151.

MARCH 2018

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Health & Wellness I Interview I Nechama Nulman of Chaim V’Chessed Travel safe and with peace of mind

Helping Anglos Get the Medical Care They Need

Israel twice a year. He operated a while ago on a child from Israel in the United States and the family is trying to get him to comLike every other year, after you’ve ﬁnished cleaning plete the procedure during his next trip to the house, you move on to the car so that you’ll Israel. We are advocating for kupat cholim coverage and are also working to secure an Likebeevery year, after you’ve ﬁnished cleaning able other to take your family out on the approaching appointment with the doctor. the house, you move on to the car so that you’ll Chol Ha’Moed. But what about the car’s functioning; Another caller is waiting for approval bethe able to take your family out on theand approaching tires, air conditioning systems, brakes? For from his kupat cholim for a certain, hardChol Ha’Moed. what aboutHaTzomet the car’s functioning; this time ofBut year, Musach is offering full to-obtain medication. In the meantime, the tires, air conditioning systems, and system brakes?inFor preparation and check-up of every your we got hold of samples so he can begin this timesoofyou’ll year,be Musach is offering full vehicle able toHaTzomet start this vacation without treatment. Of course, we are constantly working to preparationworries and check-up of every in your and enjoy everysystem trip to the fullest. expedite critical hospital appointments. vehicle so you’ll be able to start this vacation without Come to Musach HaTzomet today and ensure the haim V’Chessed is aworries multi-facWe do not off er medical referrals; when When patients truly need their scheduled and enjoy every tripof toyour the fullest. functioning vehicle. eted organization that provides patients reach out to us, we direct them to appointments sooner, either because of inCome to Musach HaTzomet today and ensure the Travel safe Enand yo’atzim with peace numerous services to Israel’s who canof offmind. er appropriate medical tense pain, inability to function, or severe of your vehicle. glish-speaking population. Mrs. functioning referrals, and ask them to call back with the medical complications, we use our conNechama Nulman is Travel the director of Chaim namepeace of their doctor of choice so that we can nections and know-how to secure earlier safe and with of mind. V’Chessed’s medical department. She man- help them move forward. Additionally, we appointments. ages all aspects of medical logistics, and co- answer questions on medical insurance for What brought you to medical field ordinates the activities of Chaim V’Chessed tourists, students and long-time residents, advocacy? staffers, healthcare providers and hospital including those with preexisting medical Living in Israel for 21 years and raising a stays to ensure that patients’ needs are met conditions, for whom the options are far family here has given me enough of a backboth during and beyond Chaim V’Chessed’s more limited. ground to share with others. Additionally, involvement. Last but not least, we often help by simply my family recently endured a crisis that How would you describe what you do? being here and offering support. Sometimes, resulted in almost two years of medical and I am the first address for all of Chaim all a person needs to hear is, “It’s normal,” hospital intervention, and my knowledge, V’Chessed’s medical inquiries, and I deal or, “This is what the next step is and I’ll call unfortunately, became even more extensive. with case management. Sometimes, I can you back to find out how it went.” Even when The truth is that I was always interested in provide the necessary information; other a person is not in immediate crisis, we can the field and I enjoy helping people. times, I make the appropriate connections offer the honest reassurance that he or she Do you have any advice for members with fellow Chaim V’Chessed staff members is not alone. of the English-speaking community? or with professionals or volunteers outside Can you give examples of cases you Number one, make sure your insurance the organization. are working on now? coverage is always up to date. If you’re a What types of medical inquiries do One case we are dealing with now involves student or tourist visa holder, it is especialHappy and aKosher Pesach you deal with, and how? sought-after surgeon who comes to work in ly important to stay on top of every family tois our The Israeli health care system very Customers member’s visa—it is the only way to keep Happy and Kosher Pesach different to what Anglos are used to. We your Bituach Leumi account active. and all Am Israel get calls from English-speakers Number two, always make sure you get a to dealing our Customers with situations that range from regular, ABOUT CHAIM V’CHESSED clear answer from the secretary or doctor beall Am Israel everyday medical questions toand life-andfore you walk away. Do not hesitate to keep death crises. asking until you understand the situation Chaim V’Chessed is a non-profit I guide people on how to deal with their organization that helps English speakers perfectly. So many headaches are caused by kupot cholim when issues come up, either navigate all areas of crisis or difficulty misunderstandings. as a result of the language barrier or due to in Israel. Their phone hotline operates Lastly, keep in mind the famous rule: if confusion on the patient's or secretary’s part. 9-5, Sunday through Thursday, with the answer is no, try again—whether the This often happens when the service request- an emergency notification system that question was about reimbursement, coved is not a common one. We have connec- operates 24/6. Learn more at erage for a procedure, or a service of some tions with knowledgeable representatives in www.chaimvchessed.com. sort. That mentality is foreign to Anglos each kupat cholim who work well with us, who come from countries where a law is hear us out and see if they can help —even if a law. Mechanics | Wheel Alignment | Electricity | Air Conditioning | Body Work | Painting Room | Windshield Repair Yigal Alon Chaim V’Chessed can be reached at the first answer was no.St. 24 Here it won’t be so clear, different clin| Radiators |(243-7733), Accessoriesby|email Alarmsat| Tire Punctures 10,000 KM Service | Annual Test or Preparation Bet Shemesh 072-CHESSED We also provideIndustrial guidance Area on standardExhaust ics or | different employees are more less Mechanics | Wheel Alignment | Electricity | Air Conditioning | Body Work | Painting Room | Windshield Repair support@chaimvchessed.com or online at hazom eAlon t @ n elike t vSt. i sscheduling i o n .24 n e t . i lappointmedical protocol, knowledgeable and can help in different Yigal ments, preparingIndustrial for procedures, ways. “No” might just|mean the perExhaust www.chaimvchessed.com/contact-us. | Radiators | Accessories | Alarms | Tire Punctures | 10,000 KM Service Annualthat Test Preparation Bet Shemesh Areaand accessTel. 02-991 6520 son you spoke to first can’t help you. hing a z test o m eresults. t@netvision.net.il

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Health & Wellness I Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center

Meet the Staff at Mayanei Hayeshua

to integrate my strengths into the staff and help give all the attention I can.” Professor Kaplan is a member of a number of international medical associations in the USA and Europe, and has lead groundbreaking research on medicine and assistive technology.

In our previous issue, we explored the new, state-of-the-art maternity ward at Mayanei Hayeshua Hospital in Bnei Brak

Mrs. Tzipi Luria

he article, After Labor, described how the interior designer, Rachel Zelvitz, a mother herself who had also given birth at the hospital, created the ward. She managed to incorporate all the comforts, conveniences and technologies imaginable to ease the beginning of a new mother’s journey into parenthood. Utilizing gentle colors, sound-absorbing materials, comfortable nursing chairs and creative ideas such as foldable wood partitions in place of curtains to maximize privacy, the new ward was designed to offers mothers and newborns a quiet, safe, and comfortable environment to adjust to their new lives together. As anyone who has spent any significant amount of time in a hospital knows, however, it’s not the comfortable bed, the pretty curtains or the lovely view from the window that create a positive hospital experience; it’s the staff. The support of a caring, attentive and professional team of doctors and nurses who understand your needs and treat you with respect makes all the difference. Mayanei Hayeshua started out as a small community-oriented hospital, and though it has experienced a staggering amount of growth in the 27 years it has been in operation, its staff still operates like a close-knit family. In this article, we will meet a few of the staff members new parents may encounter during their stay at Mayanei Hayeshua.

Professor Barry Kaplan

DIRECTOR, MATERNITY WARD A Professor Barry Kaplan is a world-renowned expert in obstetrics and gynecology. Before coming to work at Mayanei Hayeshua, he headed the maternity department at Beilinson for decades, and served as regional manager for the field of gynecology in Klalit, overseeing the operation of eight women’s health clinics in the Dan region.Along the way, he managed to earn an additional degree in medical management through the University of Haifa. “I

take advantage of all the time Hashem has given me. Every minute of it,” he says. At one point, he opened a women’s health clinic in Bnei Brak. When asked if this influenced him, he replied: “I think so. The first time I arrived in the city of Torah and chassidus, they asked me to visit Rebbe Chaim Grainman zt”l. He summoned me after doing some research on me, to size me up after I opened the clinic on Rabbi Akiva Street. It was a truly awe-inspiring experience; it was like meeting Eliyahu Hanavi,” recalls Professor Kaplan warmly. “My connections with rabbis and world leaders in Torah became stronger, both professionally and personally.” He elaborates on one particular rare encounter: “When I was managing the delivery rooms at Beilinson, I was sent to the USA to see various models of delivery rooms. On my way, I visited the Lubavitcher Rebbe. I was in his room for at least 10 minutes—and of all the things I could have asked him, I asked one thing: to be a good doctor and to help many families. He gave me two silver dollars and a dollar bill for tzedakah.” This meeting, too, was seared in his memory. “The Divine presence above him was palpable. It was an incredible experience—even today, when I think of it, I get goosebumps,” he says. This connection he developed with the charedi community serves him well in his new position at Mayanei. “I updated a number of protocols that were connected to medicine and halacha, to make the patients who come here more comfortable. Whether it’s a difficult treatment or a routine procedure, my goal is to help the patients. I am committed and I see that as an ideal. My goal in joining the staff of Mayanei Hayeshua is

HEAD NURSE, DELIVERY ROOMS Mrs. Tzipi Luria is a seasoned nurse-midwife with over 20 years of experience, and has been managing the delivery rooms of Mayanei Hayeshua for a decade. “In truth, I think what is most special about our delivery rooms is how our staff relate to birthing mothers,” says Mrs. Luria. “A mother is not just a number, she’s the patient in room 12. She wants things, she feels things, she asks for things—and we care about that. Women in labor are in a very vulnerable position, and we are here to help her. She is important to us.” This approach is particularly impressive considering that Mrs. Luria manages a department with thirteen delivery rooms, eight reception rooms, a staff of over 70 midwives, and more than 40 births per day. “We cover for each other when necessary,” she says. “There is never a situation where a patient languishes on her own because her midwife is helping someone else in active labor in the other room.” “As we all know, birth is a process that doesn’t ask us when it will be convenient for us,” says Mrs. Luria. “Every day, we have women who come in by themselves for whatever reason—for example, if she went into labor when the kids needed to be sent to school, and the husband had to stay behind to manage the chaos. Sometimes I find women in the delivery rooms sobbing that they want their doula, mother or husband who for whatever reason were unable to come. If they let me, I try to step into the role of that missing support person. It’s happened more than once that a woman wanted her labor to slow down so her mother would make it, and I suggested that in the meantime, I would be her ‘mother.’ After the birth I’d ask her how

Our secret?... It’s very simple. We love every patient. We don’t only take care of them. We love them. It’s a completely different approach Mrs. Tzofit Meshorer

Director, New Maternity Ward

I did! Most women are satisfied… there are some women who don’t want that and some who do. We are here for everyone.”

Mrs. Tzofit Meshorer

DIRECTOR, NEW MATERNITY WARD Mrs. Tzofit Meshorer has worked as a nurse at Mayanei Hayeshua for 27 years. In addition to her training as a nurse, she holds a B.Sc. in Healthcare Management. “I remember when my daughter came here to give birth. Her dream was to have a natural birth, to feel every stage, to feel connected, and of course, ensure the health and safety of her baby. The labor itself was long, but my daughter was completely focused throughout. When the baby was just about to come out, the midwife—who had understood what was important to my daughter—asked if she’d like to help the baby out herself. She wanted to, and the midwife started the process and let my daughter finish it. That positive birth experience has remained forever associated with the moment the baby came into the world.” “One of the most notable characteristics of the first few days after birth is the mood swings,” notes Mrs. Meshorer. “The body is still recovering from a stormy experience; the mind still needs to process the birth. Women need to acclimate to the new role of being a mother, and to the fact that their whole world now revolves around the baby night and day. All this causes the mother’s mood

MARCH 2018

to fluctuate: one minute she’s happy, the next minute she’s sad; one minute she has lots of energy, the next moment she has none; one minute she wants to be with the baby, the next minute she wants to be alone… in our department, we pay attention to her shifting needs and try to constitute a supportive environment during that challenging period.” “I have the privilege of working with a staff of nurses whose sensitivity and gentleness is unmatched,” says Mrs. Meshorer. “Every woman who comes here is like our daughter. We want the absolute best for her, and the ‘absolute best’ includes assessing her emotional situation and offering support.” “Our secret?... It’s very simple. We love every patient. We don’t only take care of them. We love them. It’s a completely different approach.”

Dr. Ziv Hermati

SENIOR PHYSICIAN, NICU Dr. Hermati has managed the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Mayanei for the past five years. Before joining the staff of Mayanei, he managed the NICU at Ichilov Hospital for three years and that of Hadassah in Jerusalem for a decade. “The point is not just to help a preemie For more information about Mayanei Hayeshua, visit their website at www.fomhmc.org.

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survive, but to help him leave here without significant injury and with optimal chances of leading a normal and healthy life,” says Dr. Hermati. “The first and second weeks after birth are the most critical in the battle for the baby’s life and quality of life, and in this battle—like in every battle—we do everything we can to win.” “Preemies are very tiny—weighing no more than five-six bars of chocolate. A baby of this weight has a 50% change of surviving without injury. Despite the statistics that claim that the bigger and more developed a preemie is, the greater his chances of survival—we don’t look at the numbers. Each preemie is a person, and what we see before us is the sanctity of life. This means that we will provide treatment even in cases where other medical teams may have given up. We believe every baby is a world unto himself.” He recalls one particular incident: “I remember that night well, three years ago, when I fought for the life of a tiny preemie who weighed only 600 grams. I informed the parents, who were supporting us with their prayers, that I didn’t know if or how that baby girl will survive. Not long ago, the mother brought her to visit me; she was running around having fun in the place where she hovered between life and death. That’s what you call seeing the blessing of your labors right in front of your eyes. The satisfaction and joy of those successes give us the strength to get through the more difficult moments.”

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Health & Wellness I Dentistry I Expert

Camouflage or “Masked” Orthodontic Treatment It’s Adar and Purim is in the air! The stores are stocked with costumes of all types and many are happily engaged in choosing a family costume theme. Picking costumes for your family can be tricky; each family member insists on something perfect for them and in the end it’s all a question of compromise.

By Eliyahu Gherman, DDS

f your 5-year-old is stuck on being a giant, maybe Og Melech Habashan will fit the bill, or perhaps Hagrid? Then you’re faced with the creative challenge of granting him an extra ten feet in height. Perhaps you suggested the classic gumball machine concept for your heavily pregnant daughter. Instead, she prefers to be a piece of matzah and her bearded husband wants to be a pregnant woman. We can agree on this: you have some serious, if not impossible, costume challenges. At this point you may be asking yourself what choosing a Purim costume has to do with braces. The answer lies in camouflage or “masked” orthodontic treatment. This type of treatment might be used when the orthodontist determines that the patient’s teeth can be moved just enough to mask the underlying skeletal discrepancy; in other words, the jaw disharmony is not so severe and there’s enough of a base to mask it and create an acceptable bite. In the Purim costume paradigm, your five-yearold is tall for his age and if fitted with elevator shoes, you may have enough material to work with to make him into one fine giant. When would we consider using camouflage treatment? Most of the time, when a patient has a malocclusion (bad bite), it is due to both teeth position and jaw position. A well-trained orthodontist knows how to move both teeth and jaws. While a child is growing we are able to rebalance the growth of the upper and lower jaws through the use of orthodontic appliances, such as a night brace or an expander; however, once growth is complete, this is no longer possible. If the skeletal discrepancy remains severe, then orthognathic surgery (a combination of braces and surgery) may be needed to move the jaws.

(1. 2. 3.) Patient M.B. before:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Gherman has been creating beautiful smiles for the past 16 years. He received his dental training at New York University College of Dentistry and did a threeyear orthodontic training residency at Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Gherman was granted a special award by the American Association of Orthodontics for his achievements in helping to further the science of orthodontics. As an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics and numerous study clubs, he continuously stays up to date with all the latest technology. Rechavia Dental Center is a full service American dental and orthodontic clinic in Jerusalem.

Rechavia Dental can be reached at 02-561-9770 or through their website www.rechaviadental.co.il. and email smiledocg@gmail.com. The fact that the growth of the jaws can be balanced during a child’s development, is one of the reasons why the American Association of Orthodontics recommends children be seen by the orthodontist by the age of seven. Don’t panic if your child is past that threshold, as most often at that early age, we will just get a baseline of how your child is growing, but do remember that earlier is always better.

Let’s say you didn’t get the memo, and you present to your orthodontist with a significant jaw discrepancy after growth is complete. What are your options? 1. Orthognathic Surgery 2. Camouflage Treatment 1. Orthognathic Surgery: If your jaw discrepancy is severe we may recommend orthognathic surgery, which is done with an oral surgeon. This treatment is often ideal and Israel has several good options for this type of surgery. A large part of my three-year orthodontic training at Montefiore Medical Center was devoted to surgical orthodontics, and if needed, the results are amazing. 2. Camouflage Treatment: As discussed above, if surgery is declined but the discrepancy is workable, we can move the teeth into a healthier and esthetically more pleasing position. In addition we can mask the jaw discrepancy so that it is not visible. patient M.B., (photos below), we utilized camouflage treatment. We did not use surgery or remove any teeth. The treatment took approximately 16 months. The patient’s phone number can be provided upon request, to answer any questions regarding the treatment experience. “Throughout my whole life I was led to believe that without surgery my bite was hopeless. I did not want surgery and had nearly given up on ever correcting my smile. Thank you Dr. Gherman for analyzing my bite and using this unique method. My bite now feels more comfortable and I can also chew better. Most importantly, instead of hiding my smile, I now smile more than ever before!” M.B. Whether you think you’re too old to dress up or you’re young at heart, we would love to see whether we can add some smile to your Adar. Check out our other smile-improving articles on the Bizness website archives.

(4. 5. 6.) Patient M.B. after: treated using camouflage orthodontics

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Automobiles I Auto Mechanics

Does Routine Maintenance Equal Revenue or Risk Assessment? It's not a game of truth or dare.

By Shmuel Katz, Auto King Car Garage

very car owner has gone through this at some point. The car is at the mechanic to get something routine done and the phone rings. It’s the garage. They were working on your car and they’ve found X, Y and Z wrong with the car—all are issues that need immediate attention. And you get that sinking feeling in your stomach. It might be your brakes. Your spark plugs. Maybe your belts look cracked. Or you have some kind of leak. It could be your suspension (shocks, struts, stabilizers, etc.). It could be one of several thousand moving parts that are checked whenever we open the hood of the car or put it up on a lift. But suddenly your 400 NIS job is now going to cost a couple thousand NIS or even more. And you are a bit torn on how to answer. On the one hand, you want to take care of your car and make sure that it is safe and well maintained. The last thing you want to do is to ignore a problem that might end up stranding you at the side of the road. And you brought the car to the mechanic because you trusted him to know what is good for the car. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shmuel Katz is the general manager and owner of Auto King Car Garage. Auto King is an American-run car garage in Beit Shemesh. Auto King provides top mechanical service, with customer service and transparency to match—a rarity in the industry. Auto King is located across from the Big Fashion Mall and can be reached at 02-626-1613 or through their website www.autoking.co.il.

The last thing you want to do is to ignore a problem that might end up stranding you at the side of the road. On the other hand, the car seemed fine when you dropped it off. It was running smoothly, except for whatever reason you took it in (and if that reason was an oil change it might have been showing no problems). Yet, your mechanic is on the phone giving you a whole list of things that are wrong with your great car! You might even be wondering if the mechanic is exaggerating the problems in the hope of generating some business and doing repairs that might not be called for. There are definitely mechanics who would do such things. Your garage and its mechanics are running a business and certainly have an interest in making a profit. There is no question that they build their operating systems around generating revenue. So yes, your mechanic is motivated to be overly thorough in examining your car. After all, he’ll make money if you need additional work. This is why the relationship between you and your mechanic/garage is

so important. When checking out the car, a reputable shop’s primary motivation is to make sure that everything is in good working order, and their secondary motivation is generating more sales. Cars wear down and need repairs. And they understand that dealing with a customer honestly is more important than selling a few more gaskets and hoses. When they do find an issue, an action plan needs to be identified. Some things, like leaks or broken parts, may need immediate replacement before the car suffers further damage because some of its systems would not be running optimally. Other issues, like a timing belt or spark plugs need to be changed at specific distance intervals, and you might be close enough to the next interval to warrant a change. The mechanic/garage you use routinely will know not only the car’s history, but also your history as an owner. They can predict when you’ll bring the car in again and they will only recommend repair when a problem is critical and the repair can’t wait, or when they see a problem that might cause damage if not repaired before your next visit. Yes, they are generating business, but it is business you need to get done. That’s the difference between drumming up business to pad your revenues and responsibly helping yourself (hey, we are a business after all) as well as your customers, by giving the customer good advice on car maintenance. The two are not contradictory.

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