Bizness Magazine March 2019 by Anglo Media

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www.biznessmagazine.com MARCH 2019

Achuzat Haâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;shvatim

Own a Dream Vacation Home in the Galil Interview with Developer Josh Adler

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Pavel Frenkel Luxury Tailoring

It Suits You

An Interview with Luxury Suit Tailor Pavel Frenkel When it comes to high-end suits, alteration is a job best left to the most skilled of professionals. Pavel Frenkel explains why.

avel Frenkel began studying the art of tailoring as a 16-year-old youth growing up in Russia. He made aliyah two years later, going straight into the army for his mandatory service. During that time, he did some tailoring work on the side for various Israeli companies. Upon being released from the army, he opened a shop on King George Street: Frenkel Luxury Tailoring. At first he offered alterations only, but then, as the business grew, he began to sew custom-made suits for his clients. During the 26 years the shop has been in business, Frenkel has always insisted on impeccable quality in materials and craftsmanship, earning him a reputation as the go-to suit maker for customers who appreciate the finest tailoring. What kind of tailoring services do you offer?

ABOUT THE BUSINESS Frenkel Luxury Tailoring offers custom tailoring and alteration services for high-end men’s and women’s suits.

Visit or call: 25 King George Street (corner of Hillel 1), Jerusalem 02- 625-1413, 054-9112222 Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 9am - 7pm Friday and Erev Chag 9am- 2pm

We specialize in custom-tailoring highquality suits for both men and women and professional alterations of all types of clothing, including garments made of leather,

fur or denim. Additionally, we check suits for shatnez. What makes your service different from that of other tailors? In a word: quality. 99% of tailors don’t know how to properly handle high-end suits. They actually destroy the suits in the process of alteration. Shatnez checks, too, require professional handling: you have to open up the suit, and most tailors don’t know how to close it back up in a professional manner. Luxury, delicate or otherwise challenging garments are our specialty. Our customers’ suits return to them better than new. Who is your typical clientele? Our customers are people who appreciate fine quality in clothing. Many of them are from the United States or France, where they were used to a high standard. Once you’ve taken a drive with a Mercedes, it’s hard to go back to a Toyota. People who understand suits and love to wear high-quality clothing know it’s worth the investment. It’s a completely different level of quality. People bring us suits worth tens of thousands of shekels; they don’t want to risk ruining them! They know they can trust us to preserve the quality and value of their suits. How does the process of ordering a custom-made suit work? We have a catalogue of models, and we sit down with the customer to discuss what he likes—what kind of buttons and how many, pockets, collar, single-breasted, double-breasted… we discuss every detail. Then we help the customer choose the cloth and take precise measurements. The client gets his new suit within 3-4 weeks. What type of cloth do you work with? We work with a number of leading brands from Italy and the UK, including Scabal and Carnet. We offer our customers a wide selection—hundreds of options—of the finest cloth, and we order what they choose especially for them. Often, tailors in Israel ask their customers to purchase their own cloth. We take care of this step for our clients. What’s the advantage of purchasing a high-end suit and then taking it to you for alterations, versus having you sew a suit from scratch? The brand is very important to some people. Other than that, there is no advantage. They could order directly from me and the suit would be just as high quality and at a much more reasonable price.

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Josh Adler Achuzat Ha’shvatim Your Dream Vacation Home in the Galil: An Interview with Josh Adler

10-11 Rosenblum Holtzman CPA American Real Estate Corporations Are Issuing Bonds in Israel

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Egert & Cohen Insurance Einstein Ideas

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15-20

Health & Wellness

21-30 David Shafner The Furniture Doctor How the Furniture Doctor Can Make Your Table Bigger, Stronger & More Comfortable

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WELLNESS

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West Meets East: Combining Cognitive Psychology and Chinese Medicine

Aliza Eisenstein Heal Your Relationship with Food: Aliza Eisenstein on the Non-Diet Approach

40 Naomi Vision Boutique Behind the Frame, Beyond the Eyes

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Freyda Weis Not Just Talking the Talk: Al-Peh’s Movement to Promote Oral Motor Speech Therapy in Israel 44

Eliyahu Shechter Naturopath Breathing Easy

HEALTH

Paul and Ilana Shrell-Fox

Element Wood Pergolas & Decks Using Wood for a Healthy Home

Wolfson Mall Featuring Access Credit and Ina's Studio

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Baruch Tenenbaum Quality Home Improvements Bells & Whistles

Pavel Frenkel Luxury Tailoring It Suits You An Interview with Luxury Suit Tailor Pavel Frenkel

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Udi Rothstein The Magic Touch

Dr. Eilat Almagor Feldenkrais Practiotioner Awareness (and Healing) Through Movement: An Interview with Dr. Eilat Almagor 34-35

Dr. Zalman Medwed Chiropractor Improve your posture: The Master Key to Back Pain Prevention and Spinal Health

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Letter from the Editor

DEAR READERS,

editor in chief

Ariel Topf

chief business development Yisroel Meir Simon

managing editor

administrative assistant

production manager

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “What goes around comes around.” I cannot think of a better time to write some ideas about

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this concept than during the days of Purim. “What goes around

Lori Fagelston

comes around” implies among other things, that the ones who

Aviva Keren

business development Binyamin

Simon Avi Nefoussi Chaya Hyams Estie Lindner Gila Block Sharon Miller Shira Simon Yitzchak Bassous

give to others will eventually receive back in the merit of their own generosity. Have you ever noticed that you feel compelled to do something for people who have helped you along the way— even if they haven’t asked you to? There is a rule in human relations known as “the law of reciprocity.” Reciprocity in social psychology refers to responding to a positive action with another positive

Devorah Benarroch

action—rewarding kind actions. In simple terms, when someone

social media managers

Elie Mendlovitz Ilana Hiller

pay back the favor.

chief design & layout

Matt Mildinovick Maya Mildinovick

graphic design

Chaya Feldman Tova Siegel

CY Frankel Daniella Levy Heidi Tapnack Yudit Frei

social media director

contributing editors

how to reach us Advertising

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does something for you, you have an inner drive to reciprocate, to

How does this law of reciprocity apply in business? Although there are many who live by the “business is business” motto, meaning that they are allowed to do anything for a buck, business really means building good relations. People may buy products and services, but they ultimately become loyal to other people. “People buy from people” is the motto for success—long-term success. When you deal with honesty and care, people want to reciprocate and do business with you. The right way to gain maximum benefit from the law of reciprocity is to use it sincerely and for the right reasons. Help others and grow your relationships. Success is just a consequence of treating people right. Working by the law always pays off!

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

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Real Estate I Interview I Josh Adler Achuzat Ha’shvatim

Your Dream Vacation Home in the Galil:

An Interview with Achuzat Ha’shvatim Developer & Project Manager Josh Adler Josh Adler is a seasoned building developer and project manager with close to 30 years' experience. He is currently embarking on an exciting new project: Achuzat Ha'shvatim.

chuzat Ha’shvatim is a building project located in Yavneel, an idyllic moshava (agricultural village) in the lower Galilee. The project includes 12 plots of private land, almost half a dunam each, already zoned, approved, and ready for construction. Who is behind the project? My son Yair, a civil engineer and experienced building supervisor, and myself. I have experience in custom home construction since 1991; I’ve built many homes in Efrat and Gush Etzion, most recently “The Village” project in Efrat, consisting of 66 units. I will be responsible for the building, supervision and management of the entire project. The actual construction will be carried out under my auspices by a building contractor who

will be selected when we’re closer to the commencement of construction. Of course, I only work with registered contractors with the proper licensure, guarantees, and so on. It has always been of great importance for me to preserve good relationships with my clients. I achieve that through honesty, reliability, and high-quality work. They know that I’m here when they need me, and they can approach me with any questions or concerns. I believe this has afforded me a solid reputation over the years. Who might be interested in joining this project? We’re presenting Ahuzat Hashvatim primarily as a vacation villa project for the Shomer Shabbat English-speaking community. But it may also appeal to young families seeking affordable primary housing,

olim searching for a tranquil home in Israel, retirees who want to live in a comfortable, accessible, and pastoral place without breaking the bank, people looking for an inexpensive piece of land to purchase even if they don’t have the funds to build right now, or people looking for an investment opportunity with the option of running a legal bed & breakfast up in the gorgeous Galil. My wife Marilyn and I manage two vacation villas in Yavneel. We started two years ago and we already have many return guests—some booking a year in advance. They love it. You can read the reviews on the websites. And we’ve been enjoying a nice supplementary income from it. If you rent out your villa to vacationers when you’re not using it, the income it generates can help cover basic expenses and mortgage payments. It’s a win-win investment: a vacation home that pays for itself. Where is Yavneel? Yavneel is a quiet, historic moshava, a rural community in the lower Galilee. It was founded in 1901 by Zionist pioneers making Aliyah from Europe. The population is mixed: Sephardi, Ashkenazi, secular, traditional, Dati Leumi, Haredi, all types of fellow Jews, including English speakers. The current population is around 4,000, but the area is huge because it’s a rural town surrounded by fields, farms and wide-open spaces. While it’s not considered a religious moshava and is not closed on Shabbat, residents are respectful of each other and all religious services are available for those who want them: an eruv, shuls, mikveh, kosher restaurants, etc. Yavneel is only a 10-minute drive from the Kinneret and 15 minutes from Tveria, where there are large shopping centers, caterers, bakeries, etc. Tzfat is also not far. The moshava itself is peaceful and spacious, with beautiful views. Why build a vacation home there? Aside from the advantages I’ve already mentioned, Yavneel is recognized by the government as a “preferred area.” The government wants to attract residents to areas like the Negev & the Galil, so they offer benefits such as lower taxes and other perks to residents of those areas. Right now, prices are still very reasonable in the Galil. That may not be true for long, though. You can see how in the Negev, as areas developed, the prices have gone up quite a bit. Now is the time to get in on the Galil. We’re selling

these plots of land for only 785,000 NIS, or a finished house with a swimming pool for only 1,875,000 NIS. In Efrat, where I live, an equivalent type of property would cost three to four million shekels. It’s a very smart investment on many levels. The lower Galil in general, and Yavneel specifically, is a popular vacation destination for Israelis and tourists alike, thanks to the lovely views, the proximity to the beaches of the Kinneret, the Golan Heights, historical and archaeological sites, hiking trails, and the relatively mild winter weather. The area boasts many attractions such as horseback riding, wineries, water parks, jeep tours, river rafting, etc. Nearby Tveria and Tzfat are two of the four Holy Cities in Israel, and there are many kivrei tzaddikim in the area, including such iconic figures as Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and the Rambam. For all these reasons and more, Yavneel is an ideal spot for a vacation home. What kind of work opportunities exist for people considering moving there? There are plenty of employment opportunities in the general area if you’re willing to commute short distances. As I mentioned, Tveria is only 15 minutes away. Afula is only 35 minutes away. Beit Shean is also close by, and the Beit Shean train goes to the coast, through Afula. There are several new roads that have opened over the past few years, and more are being built. So commuting from Yavneel to any part of Israel has become much faster and safer, and the roads/public transportation network continues to improve. And, of course, the Galil is an ideal location for people who can work from home, because taxes and the cost of housing and education are lower. Is the project oriented primarily toward religious buyers? I am Shomer Shabbat, and the guests that come to our vacation homes are Shomer Shabbat. We have fully equipped kitchens at the villas and we want to be able to ensure their kashrut status. That said, I’m open-minded and don’t have specific religious criteria in mind for potential buyers. I understand that it may be important to buyers from certain communities to guarantee that the neighbors will be of a similar mindset, and I wouldn’t want them to feel uncomfortable. What’s most important to me is for my buyers to be the type of people who are respectful of their neighbors. I want to emphasize that if a group of likeminded families wish to purchase some units as a group, I will offer them a discounted price.

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How do you deal with the kashrut situation in the kitchen in your vacation home? As I mentioned, we rent to guests who are Shomer Shabbat, since we consider that the general litmus test for whether to trust someone’s kashrut. We keep a basket in the house for items that may have been made non-kosher and tell guests that if for any reason they suspect something has been made non-kosher, they should just put it in the basket, no questions asked and no worries. That said, we understand that people hold by different standards, and that may not be enough of a guarantee for some of our guests. Everyone is welcome to use their own judgement and of course we’re not offended if a family decides not to use the dishes and cookware we provide.

It’s an investment of a lifetime: a place your family will enjoy...and create happy new memories. If a family purchases a vacation home but lives far away, how can they make sure the house is maintained well? This is a very common practice in Israel. Foreigners and locals own thousands of vacation homes all around the country. There are reliable property management services that take care of properties for absent homeowners. I offer these services to my clients in Yavneel. The basic maintenance package I’ll offer will include general upkeep services so that your home is in order and ready for you when you come to stay there—gardening, pool service, checking up on the house on

ABOUT THE PROJECT MANAGER Josh Adler is an experienced builder and project manager with almost 30 years’ experience. His current project, Achuzat Ha’shvatim, still has plots available for those with the dream of a family vacation home in one of the most beautiful and affordable places in Israel. For more information, visit www.yavneel26.co.il Call: 052-687-1133 or Email builder1711@gmail.com

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a regular basis, and so on. For people who want to run a B&B, I’ll offer an expanded package that includes laundry services, full-service cleaning, greeting guests, advertising, booking of reservations, etc. Everything needed so that the owners can be worry free while enjoying their investment. What does the price of 785,000 NIS include? It includes the plot of land (almost half a dunam in size), the pre-approved plans for a 133 sqm one-level vacation house including architecture, electrical, plumbing, structural and landscaping plans, and all infrastructure to the edge of the lot (water, electricity, communications and sewage). The plans for an optional 60-meter second level are also included in this price. While the price does include those plans, you are not required to use them. When you are ready to build, you can hire your own architect to design your dream home. After land is purchased, how soon will the house be ready? We’ll commit to 24 months, but it will likely be less. What is the layout of the project? It’s set up along a private street off the main street—a cul-de-sac with three plots on either side. Each plot is for two semi-attached homes, so with six plots, that’s 12 houses. Each house has its own private inground swimming pool. What is your plan for the future of this project? For me, Ahuzat Hashvatim is the next natural step after falling in love with Yavneel and running two successful vacation villas there. My vision is to eventually create a year-round vacation village there with dozens of owner families, enough to support an ongoing Shabbat minyan, a central building that can serve as a shul and/or kiddush hall/communal dining area for smachot, family events, etc. Sort of like a Catskills style vacation community. In the meantime, this is an amazing opportunity for anyone thinking about purchasing top-notch, affordable property in a beautiful and peaceful location—whether it’s to live in year-round, to enjoy during vacations, to host your own multigenerational family, to rent out or simply as a property investment you can build on in the future. It’s the investment of a lifetime: a place your family could enjoy whenever you like, whether for a planned vacation or spontaneous getaway. And it will serve as a gift to your family for generations to come—a place where you will enjoy each other and create happy new memories together.

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Finance I Shmuel Rosenblum Accounting I Expert

American Real Estate Corporations Are Issuing Bonds in Israel

What’s All the Fuss About? Between 2014 and 2018 inclusive, American real estate corporations issued an astronomical number of bonds in Israel—to the value of 25 billion NIS—and the Israeli public pounced on the opportunity to invest their pension and provident funds in what looked like their lucky break. But daily reports in the financial press are exposing scandal after scandal, involving these corporations. Bond values are plummeting and leaving much drama in their wake. y Shmuel Rosenblum, B Founding Partner and Manager, Rosenblum Holtzman CPA Firm

et’s take a brief look at what happened. WHO’S WHO IN THE SHAREHOLDER ZOO Usually these US-based, corporations are managed by a majority shareholder who has a controlling stake in the business. They own dozens of multi-family housing complexes or other income-producing real estate, throughout New York and other cities in the US. At the top of these corporations’ food chain is a majority shareholder, followed by his family (spouse, children, sons-in-law, etc.) and a number of employees whose salary and employment terms are determined by the majority shareholder himself (mainly through a management company also controlled by the very same majority shareholder!). Each real estate company (LLC) is incorporated under a parent company, and all are controlled—yes, you guessed it—by the head of the food chain. These companies have financial obligations that tie them to the banks who enabled their acquisition of assets—obligations that precede and necessitate the issuing of bonds. WHY ISSUE IN ISRAEL? Many of these controlling shareholders caught wind of an attractive phenomenon in Israel—much lower interest rates on bonds than those levied by US banks. And so began

WHAT’S IN A BOND? The following is a breakdown of a corporation’s shareholder composition—before and after its IPO: Usually, when they issue bonds, majority shareholders such as Mr. Levi don’t part with all of their assets for the greater good of the public. After launching IPOs on some of their companies, they most often still retain private ownership of numerous housing complexes and real estate contracts!! Consequently, Mr. Levi’s managing company must then provide service and human resources to both his private assets and his new public corporation. While this article won’t address the issue of legalities and taxes, it does address the complexity of an IPO for novice companies from abroad.

BEFORE IPO

AFTER IPO

The management: Mr. Levi, Brother-inLaw, Son-in-Law, Mrs. Levi, Mr. Levi Jr. etc.

The management: The same.

the movement of eager-beaver corporations who crossed the Atlantic, and began to generously dish out bonds that would cost them much less to issue than the expensive commitments they had to cover back home. This movement managed to raise a whopping 25 billion NIS from the Israeli public’s pocket. ISA REGULATIONS IN ISRAEL It sounds like a dream come true. Finance your properties by listing your company in a low-interest rate market!! However,

along with the tempting rewards come the ISA’s mandatory regulations that apply to all public corporations. And this is where the trouble begins. Most of these majority shareholders have no experience managing a public company! They have no experience with compliance to regulations of full disclosure. Until their first IPO, they simply ran a family business! Everything was always handled by family and selected employees, under the full authority and discretion of the majority

shareholder. Business transactions were often the topic of discussion at the family dinner table, and many important management decisions were made—albeit with scrupulous business ethics—after the main course, while waiting for Mom’s famous apple crumble in the familiar comfort and privacy of the home, far from the public eye. Now hear this: Israel’s ISA regulations stipulate that public companies are required to retain an accountant (no such obligation exists in the US), as well as an internal auditor, three Israeli managing directors, a trustee in Israel for debenture holders, and a local team of legal advisors. These companies must present quarterly financial statements to the relevant authorities, maintain full transparency including cash flow reports to enable the public repayment of bonds, and an immediate report to the public in the event of any fundamental changes or a crucial matter. Transactions that involve a potentially biased party must be performed under supervision. Documentation must be presented with accurate Hebrew translations. If you’ve never gone public, you and your company could face a catastrophic ending. The necessary about-turn in business and private conduct is sometimes an insurmountable challenge for some companies. WHAT ARE ISRAELIS SAYING? Important note: The reports here are presented as they appear in the press, or as expressed by experts in the field. They are in no way an accusation, judgement or attempt to discredit the shareholders in question, their integrity or the financial stability of their corporations. The following is an excerpt from an article in Israel’s Calcalist newspaper (January 24, 2019) on one such company’s IPO in Israel, which issued bonds to the total value of approximately 2.4 billion NIS: ∙The American real estate company, which is currently examining funds that it says were ‘inadvertently transferred to the controlling shareholders account, suddenly found a loan that was not reported to the audit committee and the board of directors. This loan of $4.85 million with an interest rate of 4.1% was used to finance three properties—two belonging to the public company, and one privately owned by the corporation’s majority shareholder.” In recent months, many similar incidents have been reported and there’s unease in financial circles, as they ponder and pinpoint the pitfalls:

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ABOUT THE COMPANY Rosenblum Holtzman, CPA was founded in 1981. The firm provides a wide range of services to corporations, kibbutzim, nonprofit 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, with an emphasis on personal attention to each client. Rosenblum Holtzman CPAs can be reached at 03-609-20-20 or through their website www.rhcpa.co.il.

Shmuel Rosenblum

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∙There is a risk of exposure for family businesses that have no experience in running a public company. ∙When the majority shareholder is the hand that feeds a company’s employees, experts question the staff’s ability to maintain public integrity. Similarly, it should be mandatory that any transaction or business decision (such as purchase of property, renovation or sale) that involves a biased party—in this case employees who receive their salary from the majority shareholder (through his management company)— should be supervised and subject to special regulations. ∙Some professional opinions stipulate that because of the inability to monitor conflicts of interest, controlling shareholders of a public company should be prohibited from owning and managing similar private companies “on the side”. ∙An idea is circulating on how to convey to foreign corporations what a public company entails. The idea suggests that the management of any foreign corporation with no prior experience in public management undergo a mandatory training course in Israel. CONCLUSIONS: Israel is not an IPO paradise, nor a golden egg. Full compliance with Israeli law involves heavy costs and pretty serious sanctions! Israeli authorities are clamping down and fully enforcing the regulations. Interestingly, for some there is a pot of gold on the opposite end of the IPO forecast. Some very successful companies who issued bonds in Israel with proper conduct and the right channels are enjoying enviable stability.

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Shmuel Diamond Photography www.shmueldiamond.com

Lili Sock Shop 02-999-7454

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

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 Artist Specializing 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 Shifra Shmulewitz Wig Repair & Adding hair/ baby hair, lacefronts, dyeing, cutting & styling 053-312-0993 wigrepairbyshifra@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 Rivky Blau Beauty Salon 052-716-0025 myrivkybb@gmail.com 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

WOLFSON MALL

‫קניון וולפסון‬

The Wolfson Mall is a charming shopping center that’s been serving the Jerusalem community for over 30 years. It offers a supermarket, a pharmacy and a wide range of high-quality shops and services. Located on the second floor of The Shalom Mayer Center on Diskin Street in Jerusalem, it is easily accessible by public transportation or car and provides free covered parking.

This month, we’re featuring two of the businesses that offer their services at Wolfson: Access Credit Ltd. and Ina’s Studio.

Access Credit: Changing the Way You Move Your Money

n today’s world—with its increasingly demanding global economy—financial services are moving towards automation and digital interfacing. Customer-service oriented currency-exchange company Access Credit maintains a time-honored personal approach. Handling most major currencies, Access Credit specializes in fund transfer services—including cash checking, currency exchange, direct deposits, and domestic and international wire transfers. The Company has held a license from the Israeli Ministry of Finance since 2005 and operates nine branches in the greater Jerusalem region. “While money makes the world go round,

our job is to make our clients’ money go round the world safely, swiftly and as affordably as possible,” says Access Credit CEO and founder, Yossi Schonkopf, who has an extensive background in banking. “We provide each client with the most relevant, convenient and reliable options and solutions.” Access Credit maintains long-standing relationships with international banking entities. By performing transactions in bulk through dealing rooms of major banks, the Company is able to pass on significant savings to clients, including lower fees and some of the best conversion rates. “In a simple currency exchange, most people are naturally anxious and expect to be ripped off, even if the exchange is

happening in front of them, with just a glass wall separating them from the money changer. International wire transfers cause even greater unease since there’s no observation deck to the inner workings,” adds Schonkopf, “which is why we like to establish a relationship with our clients, provide them with the highest possible level of service and consistently reaffirm their trust in us.” Access Credit also offers clients peripheral services such as currency exchange recommendations, making payments on clients’ behalf, and assistance in completing government documentation. Check us out on the web at www.accesscredit.co.il

Store info: Opening hours: Sun-Thurs: 9:00 am-5:00 pm Fri: 9:00 am-11:30 am winter/ 12:30 pm summer Tel:02-534-1991

Ina's Studio: Tailored to Perfection

inding the right outfit for an event can be a serious challenge in the days of mass-produced clothing, especially for people whose body type doesn’t match standard sizes. Even if you are able to find an item that is flattering, it won’t have the full effect if it doesn’t fit you just right— and then there’s the possibility that you’ll show up at an event in your new outfit only to discover that someone else there is wearing the same one! To avoid these problems, you have two options. You can buy an item from a store and have it adjusted, or you can have a custom-made dress or suit sewn specifically for you. Ina’s Studio at Wolfson

Center offers both of these services and more. Ina is an experienced tailor and fashion designer with training from a high-end textile academy and additional specialization in the production and design of modern women’s clothing. She opened a shop in Rehavia in 2000, and in 2018 moved to the Wolfson Center. Ina will sew you an outfit from scratch that is tailored to your specific measurements, body type and personal style. Ina’s clients receive a one-of-a-kind, high-quality, flattering and fashionable outfit, and benefit from her expert advice on looking their best on their special day. Bring the whole

family and make sure you all stand out thanks to Ina’s unique creations. Ina’s Studio also offers a tailoring service for adjusting and repairing all types of clothing for both men and women. You don’t have to throw out that beloved dress or jacket that’s torn or falling apart; just bring it to Ina. High-quality clothing requires high-quality care, and machine-washing can take its toll. At Ina’s Studio, you can have your favorite outfits professionally dry-cleaned and ironed, so you can keep them looking and feeling as good as new, and continue enjoying them for many years to come.

Store info: Opening hours: Mon-Thurs: 10am-6pm Fri: 10am-1:30pm Tel: 054-436-6020

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BUILDING OR RENOVATING? Air Conditioning I Aluminum I Architecht I Contractor I Electrical Appliances I Exterminator I Furniture I Interior Design I Insurance I Locksmith I Mortgages I Renovations I Kitchens I Movers

THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES USE YOUR HOME GUIDE 2018-2019 FOR PLANNING, REPAIRING AND DECORATING THEIR HOMES. Get your copy of Your Home Guide or check out our website at www.yourhomeguide.biz INTERIOR DESIGNERS & ARCHITECTS Iris Linden 052-861-8938, irislindesign@gmail.com Panda Interiors- Yisrael Lash 052-334-5270, israellash@gmail.com ACA Design Studio

02-993-4471

Daniel Ablelman 050-888-4751, abujabri@gmail.com Estie Schulgasser

052-336-8299

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 Haya Ben Tzvi Architect & Interior Design 054-281-7606 02-581-4432 www.haya-architecture.com Revital Reich Architect 02-940-3344, 054-909-4427 revitalreich@gmail.com Rivka Porush Architect 054-843-9991, rivpor@gmail.com Space Design Interior Design 050-591-5005, simiz7@walla.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 Chashmal 1/2 Chinam 02-999-7193 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 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 Element Wood 050-676-3222 netanelahb@gmail.com Harel Construction 052-607-8797 info.azoulay@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

Yosef Buta Metalworking 052-376-7774 Eliyahu Fadida Construction Project Manager 052-272-7516 Chaim Mantzora Renovations 052-882-4704 Avishai Tsalisher Waterproofing 052-432-7872, 052-434-5299 avishaitsalisher@gmail.com Bedek Bayit

050-538-8459

Dan Gordon Landscapes 054-816-2416, daagordon@gmail.com Amiry & Co. Landscape Design 02-651-3250, www.amiry.co.il Doron Yakin Roofing 052-855-3333 Yonatan Atlan Renovations 052-520-1757 EXTERMINATION, WATERPROOFING, PLUMBING & MORE Handymench Handyman Services 052-342-7429, dave@handymench.co Itamar Strauss Waterproofing 052-668-7785 Master Plumbing 055-667-9037

bhsolutions613@gmail.com Tzvi Air 02-826-2828, info@tzviair.com CARPENTERS, KITCHENS, APPLIANCES & DECOR Albilya Kitchens

02-991-2060

Almog Furniture

052-760-8389

Appliance Direct 052-762-4265, 02-537-4264 Birkas Rifka Carpentry 050-415-6550, 02-533-4774 www.birkasrifka.org David Revivo Drapery & Linens 058-320-4971 drevivo@gmail.com Electrem Appliance Repair 052-267-7390, 052-286-2788 Etz Ladaat Kitchens etzladat@gmail.com

Maya Tris 052-446-9514, mayat1345@gmail.com

Gid Keramika

052-644-4104

Ilan Kitchens

050-833-8722

Nisan Building Supplies Store 02-991-5902

The Pro Handyman 054-222-0141

Itzuv V'rihut Furtniture

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 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

Yitzchak Avital Handyman 050-380-4511, avital9898@gmail.com Ashley Coleman Plumbing Services 052-898-3396, www.acplumbing.co.il Golden Hands Plumbing Eli Greenberg 054-303-5193 goldenhandsplumbing@gmail.com Kobi Hadbarot Exterminators 050-535-2828 Dovi Levental Painter 052-707-8020, curlypeyos@gmail.com Bar Migun Security 054-220-7708, www.barmigon.co.il BH Security Solutions 054-725-4914, www.alarmsisrael.com

02-673-4774, www.ofer-f.co.il JMark Interiors Ltd 02-803-8881 www.jmarkinteriors.com Kimchi Designs Custom Made Furniture 02-535-4874 Kitchens 02-624-3773 kitchens.gold@gmail.com Kiyor Art 052-449-5858, kiyorart@gmail.com

MDAI Security Systems Meir Tasis 050-400-3864, 02-651-3999 mdai@zahav.net.il

LED Plus Lighting Store

Meitar Security 050-670-2870, www.meitar-systems.com

Mallory Serebrin

AIR CONDITIONING, SECURITY, LOCKSMITHS & ELECTRICIANS Elram Air Conditioning 02-640-3000 Moti Arush Air Conditioning 052-630-3060 Weitz Air 077-791-2671, 050-221-9444 weitzair@gmail.com Gingi Kor Air Conditioning 054-215-8669 Super Kor RM Air Conditioning 02-940-1100, 054-638-8435 yossi@gingikor.com BH Solutions Air Conditioning 054-725-4914

Rehitei Hayukra 055-667-0701 nechamaa100@gmail.com Panet Electrical Appliances 02-537-7903 panetelectric@gmail.com Parazon Furniture 02-999-1338, eliku86@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 Steven Cohen Glomar Curtains 03 -538-6000, 050-674-0675 058-477-5155, www.glomar.co.il Storage Solutions 02-648-1734, 054-439-9072 Studio Mark 052-312-1720, www.studiomark.co.il

050-878-8443

Moshe Cohen Exterminator & Waterproofing 052-799-7411, mosheydi1@gmail.com

Ariel Yegudayev Construction 02-993-3158, 050-919-9227 arielconstruction@gmail.com

Orchid Kitchens 02-537-4545 052-851-2312

02-502-0301 054-307-7058 Mistriel Carpenters 08-932-8295, gallery@mistriel.org Moshe Yerushalmi Carpenters 534 3246 Mr. Electric Appliances

The Furniture Doctor 050-476-0397, furndoc@gmail.cm Tris Nof Rav Or 077-693-5451 LEGAL, FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE Avner Slater 02-582-5210, 050-874-3681 esqslater@gmail.com Egert Cohen Insurance I Expert I 02-623-2546, egert@egertcohen.co.il FFG Funding Mortgage Broker 050-419-9976, 9994094@gmail.com Hagit Lev Divorce lawyer 050-240-4055 Moville Finances Mortgages 073-796-2226, moshe@ movillefinance.com Rosenblum Holtzman CPA I Expert I 03 609 2020, shmuelr@rhcpa.co.il Yehudit Margalit Mortgage Broker 052-790-6867, 02-650-1544 judith.r.margalit@gmail.com Zedek Group Property Management 02-547-2638, www.zedekgroup.com Sasson Chacoty 02-625-448, www.chacoty.co.il Achuzat Shvatim Josh Adler 052-687-1133, www.yavneel26.co.il MISC. Precious Legacies Cina Coren 054-757-6250, cincore@gmail.com Indian Village, Vacation Village Avnei Eitan, Golan Heights www.tipi.co.il

050-997-7788, electric@012.net.il

MOVERS

Nisha Kitchens

Ahavat Yisrael Movers 050-865-4666

050-539-0791, www.‫נישה‬-‫מטבחי‬.co.il Olam Hamizronim I Expert I 02-537-8888 Outlet Furniture 054-911-7838

Derech Eretz Movers 054-307-1800 052-765-5581 y0543071800@gmail.com Hovalot Hayovel Movers 052 531 5333 hovalothayovel@gmail.com

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Home I David Shafner The Furniture Doctor

Turning the (Extendable) Tables: How the Furniture Doctor Can Make Your Table Bigger, Stronger & More Comfortable

aving a table that can open to seat many people is a tremendous benefit, especially for the upcoming holidays of Purim and Pesach. Among the many services they offer, the Furniture Doctor helps families all over the country host as many people as they like with their heavy-duty table slides. The slides are imported in various lengths from a company in North Carolina that builds them for high-end US companies. Thanks to the table slides, customers can decide how long their table will be when it opens, and how many people they will be able to seat. The Furniture Doctor originally began importing table extension mechanisms to repair broken tables. In doing so, however, the company discovered that the new mechanisms had some unexpected benefits. “We first started importing heavy duty table mechanisms to help people whose table extension mechanisms broke,” says David Shafner, the Furniture Doctor. “But then we found out that after we put them in, the table was able to extend beyond its original size. Just adding the new mechanism made the table able to extend further.” Several types of extendable tables exist on the market. The typical Israeli or European model features stationary legs and a table top that either slides to one side or opens in the center. The American models, by contrast, normally divide the table into two halves with a pair of legs on either end. To open the table, you pull apart the ends and place additional leaves in the center. In the latter case, the table will extend as far as the mechanism allows—so the larger the mechanism, the longer you can extend the table. That’s how the Furniture Doctor’s table slides work. If you have a European or Israeli style table, they can (usually) adapt your table to extend like an American table. This has the additional benefit of eliminating two problems inherent to extending tables that only the top moves and the legs stay stationary: the stationary legs get in the way and make it difficult to seat every-

one comfortably; and the relative fragility of the table top when fully extended. The result is a table that is not only longer, but stronger and more comfortable to use. Generally speaking, you need an additional 50 cm of space around a table for each guest you wish to seat comfortably. Therefore, adding a 50-cm leaf provides space for two additional guests—one on each side. If you have a table that seats six, for example, and you want it to seat eight, you’ll need to add one leaf to your table. With the Furniture Doctor’s table slides, you can add as many leaves as you want. Where does one get additional leaves? Well, you could custom-order leaves that exactly match your table top from a carpenter, and David Shafner says he has customers who have done that. “But 99% of our customers prefer our economical option: additional leaves made of a very strong high-density plywood. Usually when you’re

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

extending a table, you’re going to cover it with a tablecloth anyway, so nobody will notice the difference in the table top pattern.” The Furniture Doctor offers several different lengths: small, medium, large, and extra-large. (Customers are advised to get their orders in sooner rather than later, to be sure that the slides they need are in stock.) For tables of four meters or more, they add a leg in the center to support the table and make it stronger. It can be removed if desired, and is colored to match the table. The leg is attached to the mechanism and always stays in the middle, whether the table is open or closed. The mechanism itself is made from heavy duty steel, and it actually makes the table stronger, especially when the center leg is attached to the mechanism. How strong? “We got a call from Har Nof after one Purim,” David Shafner chuckles, “that they needed a table fixed because the original mechanism broke after some yeshiva bachurim were dancing on the table. We installed a new mechanism with a center leg, so if any bachurim dance on it again, it’ll hold this time!” The Furniture Doctor has installed hundreds of steel table slides to enlarge tables in almost every city in Israel. Feel free to contact him to ask which of your neighbors have done it so you can see for yourself how satisfied they are with his work.

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Home I Baruch Tenenbaum Quality Home Improvements I Expert

Bells & Whistles By Baruch Tenenbaum

hen building or renovating a home, you have an opportunity to make your living space into a place you can truly enjoy. You may consider adding modern features that will increase your comfort and enhance the aesthetics of your home. Since you’re already opening floors or adding drywall, here are a few suggestions of additional ways to treat yourself. UNDERFLOOR HEATING If it was good enough for the Romans, it could be good enough for you! Radiant floor heating creates a comfortable radiant heat, far superior to the heat from A/C units or space heaters, and much more energy-efficient than radiators—without taking up an inch of space in your home. Warmth is supplied by hot water tubes or electric wires buried under the floor tiles. The only visible evidence of the unit is a thermostat/control panel for each of the zones where the heating is located. Usually each bedroom is controlled individually, and the salon/ kitchen/hallway are grouped together as one zone. You can also set up a system of timers for each of the zones in your house. As the tubes or wires heat up, they radiate heat upwards and warm objects they strike, which in turn radiate that captured heat. Compare this to conventional convection heating where the air is heated and then circulated in the room: you feel warm because the air is warmer. However, hot air rises, so you might experience the top half of a room being toasty warm, or even stuffy, while you find yourself needing a pair of extra socks against the cold air in the bottom half of the room. Radiant heat is more consistent. It rises from the bottom up, but spreads evenly

over the entire floor. You will no longer need to rely on rugs or slippers to spare your feet the shock of a cold tile floor in wintertime. PLASTER (GEVES) SPOTLIGHTS You can add flair to your living room or even your bedrooms by introducing a decorative geves design. Throw in some lighting, and now it’s functional as well. The days of the large 20cm diameter ‘high hat’ spotlights are long gone; the current trend is for more refined and subtle lighting. Taking this one step further are gypsum recessed lights, or plaster spotlights. These spotlights seamlessly integrate into the surrounding ceiling. There are no ‘trim’ pieces that sit on the geves ceiling; instead, the fixture is made out of gypsum, and once taped and painted, all you see is the light coming out of the recessed portion of the fixture. LED LIGHTING The latest trend in lighting are LED lights. They are energy efficient and consume 90% less power than traditional incandescent bulbs, translating into decreased power costs. They are often used as under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen. Their sleek profile makes them highly discreet. They can also be incorporated into a geves design where

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

a ‘strip’ of LED lights is located on a geves shelf. Because you are looking from below, you don’t notice the LED strip—you only see the light emanating from them. Another option is to place the LED strip within the recess of a geves shelving unit. Install a piece of glass in the unit, and you now have a cool backlighting effect illuminating the glass. KITCHEN ACCESSORIES If you’re renovating your kitchen, there are many extras you can add. Aside from the common built-in oven, you can add an integrated dishwasher panel: fit the front of the dishwasher with a cupboard door that matches the rest of the kitchen cabinetry. You can also install an instant hot water machine that dispenses boiling hot water—or an instant chiller (freezing cold water dispenser). Both these machines are under-sink units, and all you see is the water tap. They can be combined with a filter as well. Why throw out your food scraps when you can install a garbage disposal unit under your kitchen sink? An InSinkErator or garburator is an electrically powered device, located between the sink’s drain and the trap, that shreds food waste into pieces small enough to pass through the waste plumbing lines. You won’t have to worry about clogged kitchen lines again! BATHROOMS If you’re renovating a bathroom, consider incorporating some niches in the bathtub or shower stall area. They are usually first built out of water resistant drywall, a.k.a., greenboard, or cement board, and then covered with tile. They produce an aesthetically pleasing highlight in your bathroom to display your rubber ducky collection or store your soap and shampoo. Instead of installing a square or circular drain in the center of your shower stall, consider a slot drain. It is a sleek-looking, narrow, rectangular drain with a chrome cover. Besides the aesthetics, it has the practical advantage of allowing the shower stall floor to be sloped in one direction. Rain shower heads offer a luxurious alternative to your run-of-the-mill shower. The heads are larger and hang directly overhead, simulating the experience of showering in the rain. These are just a few suggestions for the comforts you can treat yourself to in the process of a renovation. Dream big, and enjoy!

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Home I Shimon Cohen Insurance I Expert Picture the following: You leave your beautiful home to spend Shabbat with your children. You return...the house is completely flooded! Not only is your entire bottom floor under water but you also have irate downstairs neighbors banging on the door. And all of this, due to a small pipe that burst sometime on Friday night. Many insurance companies are now offering systems that will automatically cut off the water if any serious leak occurs. This includes leaks in the walls or under the floor. The installation is simple and costs NIS 1,100 (this is with a substantial reduction from the insurance company). The deductible on your home policy is also substantially reduced if you install this. Call us for details.

Einstein Ideas By Shimon Cohen

very now and then, an insurance company introduces a really useful coverage or idea! Here are a few of the more recent ones. 1) Airbnb and Short-term rentals: Many people rent out apartments or rooms not realizing that this is not covered in their standard home policy. In other words, you have a comprehensive home policy. You imagine that the one room you are renting out is included in the general policy. Right? Wrong! In the past, a rental unit was in fact regarded as a separate business unit and had to be insured as a business policy. This was usually expensive and sometimes made the whole venture unprofitable. That was until January 1st 2019. Now, at least one insurance company offers the option of including Airbnb or short-term rentals in your current policy with a relatively small increase in premium. The terms of the policy are as follows: • The tenants’ personal belongings will be covered for up to NIS 50,000 without any cover for valuables. • Third party liability cover for claims related to the tenants is 750,000nis with a deductible of 10,000nis. • The home cannot be rented out

to persons under age 21. • Any safety hazards in the home must be repaired immediately. • The company must be notified of any disputes with neighbors regarding the short-term rental. • The home must be inspected once a year by an electrician and any repairs must be fixed immediately. • A detailed list of all the tenants and dates of rentals must be kept on file. 2) Water damage: One of the most difficult and expensive areas of claims is water damage.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shimon Cohen is the manager of Egert & Cohen Insurance. Egert & Cohen is a family business that specializes in serving the Anglo and new olim populations. They provide a friendly and professional onestop-shop for all your insurance needs.

Egert & Cohen can be reached at 050-548-2192 or through their website www.egertcohen.co.il.

LIFE INSURANCE This last month, two of our clients (who also happened to be close friends) passed away. It is at times like this that both the deceased and his/her insurance agent are put to the test. Is there enough insurance to support the family in the years ahead? Will there be enough to help the children to pay for weddings, education, etc. As agents, we ask ourselves if we were active enough in providing information and advice and if we can look the remaining spouse in the eye when we present the check. Something else that comes up at this difficult time is the question of a Will. If there is no Will, many of the deceased’s financial assets might be frozen until the court gives a “Tzav Yerusha” which needs the agreement of the surviving spouse and children. In general, in the absence of a Will, the surviving spouse gets all the household furniture, car if any, and half the deceased spouse’s share in all the other assets. Thus, for example, if an apartment jointly owned, the survivor owns half already and inherits 1/4 share in the apartment from the deceased spouse (half of the deceased’s half share). The children inherit the other 1/4 share in the apartment. So, the survivor ends up with ¾ and the children ¼. Now this can cause other problems, so it’s still best to have a Will that gives expression to the real wishes of the parties. As an added benefit, a Will can avoid machloket, and is said to be a segula for long life! If any of these ideas ring a bell for you, give us a ring!

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Home I Element Wood Pergolas & Decks

Using Wood for a Healthy Home

here are many advantages to using wood for construction. Wood has a high life expectancy, it is remarkably durable and strong, it won’t rust, and it is a great insulator of noise and heat. Not to mention that it looks beautiful too! Wood is also one of the most environmentally-friendly building materials you can use. Responsibly sourced timber for construction is renewable–it comes from trees that were planted and cut down specifically for this purpose, and is not derived from natural forests. In fact, wood is the only principal building material that helps tackle climate change. Trees absorb carbon from the atmosphere, and timber production results in fewer carbon emissions than concrete or steel. There is, however, another advantage to using wood that is less well-known but is at least as important as the other factors–it can affect our health in a very positive way. Indeed, recent studies have shown that using wood in and around the home can significantly reduce stress levels. Biophilia is the principle that humans need a connection to nature. It is recognized that exposure to nature is vitally important for physical and mental health and wellbeing. More recently, studies have shown that wood products and interiors in the built environment result in simi-

lar health benefits to those accrued from spending time in nature. Increasing urbanization means that nowadays people have less access to nature in their daily lives than ever before, and in Israeli cities, where space is often at a premium, this is especially true. Children often play indoors instead of outside—and frequently on screens rather than in the real world. Working hours for parents are long, and stress levels are understandably high. The disconnect with nature and the outdoors comes at a price to our health. By using wood inside the home, however, we can achieve multiple physiological and psychological benefits, including: ABOUT ELEMENT WOOD Element Wood Creations specialize in woodwork construction, design, and project management for every need. They provide shade and roofing solutions, deck and pergola installation, parquet, fences, landscaping, and even treehouses to order.

050-6763222 netanelahb@gmail.com Moshav Eshtaol, Nachal Shemesh 29 www.wooden-pergolas.co.il

• Lower stress levels • Improved attention and focus • Greater creativity • Decreased pain perception As Chris Philpot of Australia-based non-profit Planet Ark Environmental Foundation says, “The studies examining the effects of wooden rooms and furnishings clearly demonstrate that the presence of wood has positive physiological and psychological benefits… The feelings of natural warmth and comfort that wood elicits in people has the effect of lowering blood pressure and heart rates, reducing stress and anxiety and increasing positive social interactions.” At a time when so many of us live under constant pressure, it is more important than ever to place an emphasis on the home as a place for relaxation and freedom. There is no doubt that the use of wood in construction can transform the house or yard into a place to sit and unwind after a busy day at work. Thanks to wood, even those who live in the city can be more in touch with nature and feel less stressed in their daily lives.

We care. Element Wood Expertise works with FSC green-standard materials upon request.

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Givolim Institute Therapeutic and Educational Center Eyal Ben Yaakov 054-671-3010 givolim.givolim@gmail.com ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Dr. Reuven Rosenberg 058-432-5849, ihc.rmr@gmail.com Rachel Koenigson Accupuncture 054-787-2151 teachingvitality@gmail.com Shana Neril Naturopath 054-771-9432 shana@maayanhealth.com Cranio Sacral/Acupuncture/ Homeopath Yaakov Wieder 02-540-1324 www.yaakovwieder.com Alexander Gorelik Cartilage Damage/Scoliosis Treatment 054-575-2678 Susan Brody Chiropractor 050-920-6010, drsbrody@gmail.com Shel Machat Accupuncture 054-553-1399, shelmahat@gmail.com Jerusalem Spine Center 02-6717860, www.drliram.com Emotional Health Healing Lena 054-758-1206, vilenazvi@gmail.com Dr. Zalman Medwed Chiropractor 050-415-4317, 02-654-0246 zalmanmedwed@gmail.com. Raayah Levy Reflexology 054-757-8705, raayahl@gmail.com Center of Complementary Medicine Tamar Zakon 058-567-6758, info@balancecenter.co.il Dr. Tzipora Solomon Naturopath 054-660-9780, dr.tysolomon@yahoo.com TK Health Club Alternative Medicine 058-3257693 tkhealthclub.com Eliyahu Shechter Naturopath I Expert 052-890-3822 www.reoot.co.il

Massage by Avital 050-874-4257 02-624-2236 avitalkrova@gmail.com

Hillel Zaren Educational Psychologist 054-759-0027 hillelzeren@gmail.com

Jerome Wojtalik Personal Trainer 050 709 1341, jerome.wojtalik@yahoo.com

Limor Medical Cosmetics 052-519-7744, limor0129@walla.com

Sarah Gold Psychotherapy 054-338-2138. sara@innerenergyhealth.com

Sky Gym 02-533-5220, www.skygym.co.il,

Isuim Gan eden 052 878 7336 , mir75@bk.ru Eran Karniali Shiatzu 052-402-0557, karnieli1@gmail.com Jerusalem Massage Matt Gleicher 052-636-2000, matt@jerusalemmassage.com Udi Rothstein Massage 050-417-0907, udirothstein@gmail.com THERAPISTS Nancy Schwartz 058-630-0372, nbesser1968@hotmail.com Avraham Friedman 054-589-3399, avrahammsw@gmail.com Rachel Horvitch 054-215-7088, rachelhorvitch@gmail.com Way to Light Treatment of Addictions 050-236-4401, 02-534-3604 haderech01@gmail.com Yehudit Kushelevsky Psychologist 02-644-7505 yehuditk45@gmail.com HaMischak Ha'amiti Play Therapy 054 846 0454, gorachel@neto.net.il Dr. Natalie Gar Psychologist 054-440-3979 Lynn Paul Speech Therapist 052-387-0728, lynnpaul57@gmail.com Aryeh Feldstein Physical Therapist 058-781-9801 aryehpt@gmail.com Ow-to-Wow Mobility Specialist Shoshana Shinnar 058-612-2014 poshshosh@gmail.com Positive Health Counseling Mika Smith 054-984-8862 mikasmith@msn.com

Raphael Cohen 054-314-0350

Sheryl Prenzlau M.S.W. Psychotherapist and TAT Professional 052-240-1721, skeyboard@gmail.com

Miro 054-723-5500

Judah Katz Psychotherapist 052-312-6021, judahkatz@gmail.com

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Sharon Abeles Psychotherapy (Family Therapist) 052-355-9283, sharon.abeles@gmail.com Batya Jacob 054 672 0249 cjacobsfamily@gmail.com Maaneh Therapy Organization al@maaneh.org Al Peh Freyda Weis Freyda Weis 052 528 7726 freydaweis@yahoo.com Zehava Waltzer 058-763-8728, zwaltzer@gmail.com Expressive Art Therapist (Eliana Cooper) 052-267-7913, elianay@gmail.com Abby Weisz 052-380-0948, jewishintimacy.com/ Ephraim Portnoy BSW 058-528-5228, ephraimportnoy@gmail.com Amudim Israel Crises Center for Abused 02-374 0175 Elana Ginz 053-622-9322, elana.ginz@gmail.com David Kronish 052-977-3492, david.kronish@gmail.com Paul Shrell Fox 050-761-6901, paul@shrellfox.com Ilana Shrell Fox 050-895-5562, ilana@shrellfox.com FITNESS Rivka Matluk Yoga/Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer 050-992-1033, matluk@bezeqint.net Dance with Dena Kosher Zumba 054-242-0712, ddlhundert@gmail.com Li Briut Personal Training - Sheva Samuels 054-542-7487, shevah@libriut.com Xperience Fitness 073-724-1637 youexperienceit@gmail.com Vikki Kreditor 054-849-9029, vikki7@gmail.com

Batya Gorman 054-655-1793 batyagorman@gmail.com Eilat Almagor Feldenkrais 02-6765034, 050-5572345 www.restalittle.com DIET & NUTRITION Food for Thought Nutrition-Aliza Eisenstein 054-842-3044 , aliza202@gmail.com Judy Kizer Nutritionist 052 566 5725, feinerkizer@gmail.com Baby Plus Lactation Consultant Bunye Fridman 052-769-7114 MEDICAL Avraham Zimberg, DPM Orthotics/ Foot Care Specialist 054-543-7775, zimberg.r@gmail.com

Dr. Ari Stern Dentist 02-999-6046 , drstern@neto.net.il REHABILITATION Meshi Childrens Rehabilitation Center www.meshicenter.org Sharon Wolfman PT 052-300-3160 jerusalemphysio.wixsite.com jerusalemphysio PRODUCTS & SERVICES Agalot brama AV Israel Hearing Services 02-673-0244, www.avisrael.org Mercaz Panim Fertility Treatment 050-430-0147, merkazpanim-fertility.org.il/en/ Zmora Organic Health Food Shop zmoraorg@gmail.com www.zmora-organi.co.il/

Heichalei Hashen Yisrael 992203@gmail.com

Dor Yeshorim Genetic Testing www.doryeshorim.org/

Lev Hakirya Orthotics 02-991-4166

Village Green 02-645-7676, villagegreen.co.il

AV Israel Hearing Tests/Aids 02-673-0244, www.avisrael.org Alexander Gorelik 054-575-2678 Moshava Dent 02-563-8936, 02 566-7797 Optica Naomi Vision therapy/ Optical store 02-5004333, imnl4u@gmail.com Shindler Insight Vision therapy/ Optometrist 02-540-6166, www.shindlerinsight.com Rechavia Dental Center 073-757-99-02, www.rechaviadental.co.il Wolfson Medical Center 02-5610297, fmcwolfson.com/ Dr. Kalish Opthalmologist 02-679-9008, eyeclinickalish@gmail.com Dr. Eli Prenzlau Dentist 02-566-0669

Tevale store 02-992-7020, 02-996-484 Michaella & Aviva - Doterra Products (Oils) 052-687-1124, michaella37@gmail.com EDUCATION Zarchin Institute Learning Disabilities 050-420-0291, www.zarchin.org Avigail Gimpel 054-441-3295, www.hyperhealing.org COSMETICS Sarit Vallis 052 263 0936, valisarit@gmail.com

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Health & Wellness I Eliyahu Shechter Naturopath I Expert

Breathing Easy

By Eliyahu Shechter

n 80-year-old woman—let’s call her Shlomit—came to me complaining of a cough that started during the winter and had persisted for three entire years. She had seen an assembly line of doctors and tried various medications, but nothing helped. After conventional medicine had failed her, she turned to me. I conducted a simple health interview, and during my questioning, she informed me that she had a lot of moisture in her throat that she couldn’t get rid of. I explained to her that in this case, the cough is not the problem—it’s the solution. Her eyes opened wide and she said, “How can it be the solution, if it’s causing me so much suffering?” What Is Coughing? Our wise Sages teach that we should avoid speaking while eating, lest the food accidentally enter the windpipe instead of the esophagus and choke us. This is where coughing enters the picture: the cough is a tool our body uses to expel materials from our lungs or windpipe that interfere with our breathing. There is a section of our brain stem devoted to this reflex. So if something enters our windpipe by accident, our bodies naturally and automatically respond by blowing air quickly from our lungs in sharp blasts—that is, coughing—to expel the foreign object and clear our airways. There are various medications on the market called “cough suppressants,” and some of them work by affecting the area of our brain responsible for coughing. That way, the patient may stop coughing, but this is not because the problem was solved—it’s because the symptom was shut down. This is like disabling the bulb of an illuminated warning light on your car’s dashboard.

Yes, you may no longer see the warning, but does that mean the problem has been solved?! Of course not! Therefore, if Shlomit is coughing, we must figure out what it is that her body is trying to get rid of. As mentioned, it turned out that she had excess mucus in her throat that was constantly stimulating the coughing mechanism in her brain—but the issue was that the mucus wasn’t coming out. There are medications and herbs that thin the mucus so the coughing is more effective. That might be helpful to Shlomit, but if the problem is that the body is producing too much mucus anyway, is thinning it really going to solve the problem? That leads us to the question: What Is Mucus and Why Does Our Body Produce It? Here another surprise awaits us: just like coughing, mucus and runny noses are not illnesses that we must fight; they are solutions. Our body produces mucus for two purposes: to lubricate surfaces, allowing materials, such as food, to pass through our

ABOUT ELIYAHU SHECHTER Eliyahu Shechter is a naturopath with 15 years experience. Among the techniques he uses are Sujok and iridology. Eliyahu sees men, women and children at his clinic. He also lectures at various colleges and to the general public. For more information or to book an appointment you can reach Eliyahu at 052-890-3822 or eliyahu3@gmail.com or visit his website www.reoot.co.il.

organs smoothly and without hurting us; and to catch pathogens and harmful materials and remove them from our bodies. In the latter case, expelling the mucus helps us get rid of waste that has entered the body, such as allergens, which irritate the membranes. It could be that various waste materials have built up in the body and set off an immune reaction that made the body excrete mucus. This reaction may not be pleasant, but it is certainly good for us, as the alternative is for the waste to stay within the body—and that can lead to infection and other more serious conditions. Therefore, in order to get rid of the problem, we need to help the body release the mucus, but more importantly, we need to get rid of whatever is causing the body to produce so much in the first place. In light of this, a real solution is to avoid contact with irritating substances as much as possible. Pollution, smoking, unhealthy diets and various chemicals might be the culprits. Sometimes, the waste builds up in the body itself when the digestive system is not functioning properly and not breaking down the food as much as it should. In Shlomit’s case, it was clear that we needed to adjust her diet: to avoid foods that irritate the mucus membranes, and thus allow the membranes to heal, while ingesting other foods that would facilitate healing and promote her overall health. Therefore, I recommended that Shlomit avoid consuming dairy products, processed wheat products, and other foods that are known to cause irritation, and to instead base her diet on fruit, vegetables, almonds and other nuts, high quality grains and more. Shlomit took my advice, and after around two weeks, the coughing began to lessen. After around three weeks, Shlomit felt an 80% improvement, and this continued for about five weeks. Because her improvement did not seem to progress from there, despite the fact that she made a dramatic change in her diet and was eating very healthfully, we met to discuss what might be hindering complete healing. We went over the list of foods she was eating, and I noticed that nuts featured prominently in her diet. Most nuts can also cause excess mucus in people who are sensitive to them, so I suggested increasing her intake of almonds and avoiding other types of nuts. She did, and her condition improved even further and her coughing stopped almost completely.

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Health & Wellness I Interview I Dr. Eilat Almagor

Awareness (and Healing) Through Movement: An Interview with Feldenkrais Practitioner Dr. Eilat Almagor Dr. Eilat Almagor discovered the Feldenkrais method while studying neurobiology. Today, she uses Feldenkrais to help people overcome obstacles and improve their abilities, and trains new practitioners in the method.

ow do babies learn how to move? Unlike animals that begin to crawl, prance, or run as soon as they are born, human babies engage in a very slow, gradual, and deliberate process of learning how to use their bodies. Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, an engineer from Russia, studied that process and discovered that humans of all ages can use the same method to retrain their bodies and eliminate harmful or ineffective movement patterns. The method he developed has many applications—addressing developmental delays in babies to enhancing the capabilities of athletes… even offering relief and healing in situations of chronic pain or injury. Dr. Eilat Almagor is a senior trainer in the Feldenkrais method who studied under Dr. Feldenkrais. We asked her some questions

about the method and her practice of it. Tell us about your professional background. I graduated from Moshe Feldenkrais’s training in Amherst in 1983. I have a Ph. D. in neurobiology, an M.Sc. in environmental science and a B.Sc. in mathematics and physics from Hebrew University. I’ve been teaching Awareness Through Movement® classes in the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance since 1984, and for the past 30 years I’ve been directing professional Feldenkrais trainings in Israel, Italy, and Japan. Four years ago, I joined forces with Professor Dorit Aharonov to teach an experimental course combining theoretical computer science with movement lessons in the Feldenkrais method at the Hebrew University School of Computer Science.We are presently incorporating a similar experimental

project supported by the Ministry of Education in 10 classes in 5 different schools. I have also collaborated with neuroscientists in Germany studying the effects of the Feldenkrais method on brain activity. I work with individuals as well, especially babies and children with special needs, using the method to relieve pain or improve abilities. What brought you to the Feldenkrais method? During my doctoral studies, I started taking Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement classes with my friend Anat Baniel (who later established the ABM method, the Anat Baniel Method based on Feldenkrais). I found that in every class, I learned something new—a new movement, or a general insight into the process of learning. Sometimes I was surprised by the instantaneous nature of this process—you could almost identify the exact moment the nervous system learned something. As a neuroscientist, the Feldenkrais method intrigued me. I joined the Feldenkrais training in Amherst before completing my Ph.D. The course completely revolutionized my understanding of learning, thinking, movement, and self-image. Moshe Feldenkrais’s lectures shone a new, unexpected light on every topic. Can you explain what the Feldenkrais method is and how it works? The Feldenkrais method is a learning process that takes place as a result of practicing gentle exercises. These exercises create an opportunity for the student to enhance his ability by developing a greater awareness of himself, the way he moves and the way he learns. By performing these exercises, the student experiences alternatives to his deeply-rooted habits, and through experimentation and exploration, he learns to adopt some of these alternatives. This applies not only to physical movement, but to all other areas of life that require learning. The method benefits anyone who wishes to enjoy improved coordination and ability, such as athletes or artists, people who experience pain, the elderly, and babies with developmental issues. The method offers a straightforward, tangible and simple way to familiarize oneself with the learning capabilities of the human nervous system. Babies learn to roll, to crawl, to identify themselves, their bodies and their surroundings, to stand and to walk through a process of experimentation and play that

includes missteps, falls, and successes. Gradually, the baby selects the actions that serve her best from among her rich collection of experiences. These movement patterns vary from baby to baby. Each new action develops from a previous action, and the nature of each depends on its predecessor. For example, the way a baby crawls is influenced by the way a baby rolls back and forth, and the way he stands up is influenced by the way he crawls. Since each milestone relies on previous milestones, the more varied a baby’s movements are, the greater freedom she has in choosing future movements. For example, a baby who tries a variety of different ways to crawl will be able to adapt his stance to his needs more effectively than a baby who sticks to one way of crawling. Choosing a movement pattern from among a wide range of options is one of the things that differentiates humans from animals: humans must learn how to move consciously, as opposed to animals who are born instinctively knowing how to move. The movement patterns we choose become habits. The advantage of a habit is that our daily actions become automatic, allowing us to focus consciously on other things. The disadvantage is that because it is so unconscious, we don’t stop and rethink whether it serves us well. It could be that as much as that habit serves us, we have become enslaved to it. Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais believed that at every age, you can return to the natural learning process—that you can learn new movement patterns and enhance your abilities. Feldenkrais tested out, researched and implemented his theory over the course of several decades and hundreds of movement classes. He treated babies, children and adults and taught his methods to several hundred instructors. The goal of practitioners is to learn how to learn. Through intensive experimentation, the student acquires the knowledge necessary to create a learning environment for himself and others. Can you tell us more about Dr. Feldenkrais and how he developed the method? Dr. Feldenkrais was born in Russia and made aliyah alone at the age of 14. As a young man, he worked in construction, and even in those days, he took an interest in self-defense, autosuggestion, and various learning methods. He developed a self-defense method based on his research regarding the instinctual movements of human beings when they feel threatened. He received degrees in mechanical and

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electrical engineering and then earned his D.Sc. in physics at the Sorbonne in Paris, and worked for several years in the French nuclear research program in the lab of Frederic Joliet Curie. He studied judo under Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, and was chosen to establish the first judo center in France. During World War II, Dr. Feldenkrais served in the British Army, assisting in the development of methods for defense against submarines. The catalyst for synthesizing all his knowledge into the Feldenkrais method was a knee injury that forced him to learn how to walk and function differently. His exploration led him to understand better how humans learn to walk and what conditions facilitate the acquisition of the skills of movement. For the next 40 years of his life, Dr. Feldenkrais developed an innovative and comprehensive method for enhancing human ability through movement. He left behind around a thousand tapes of movement lessons containing an enormous range of human movement possibilities. The impact of Dr. Feldenkrais’s unique perspective on the behavioral sciences and the study of the human learning process beyond movement per se is constantly growing. What are Feldenkrais classes like? There are two ways to practice the Feldenkrais method: Awareness Through Movement® classes which are generally taught in a group, and Functional Integration®

The Feldenkrais method completely revolutionizes your understanding of learning, thinking, movement and self-image ABOUT THE PRACTITIONER Dr. Eilat Almagor is a senior Feldenkrais practitioner and trainer based in Jerusalem. For more information, visit the website: www.restalittle.com Eilat can also be reached through Maya: 052-5683656 or Ami: 050-5572345 eilat.course@gmail.com

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sessions for individuals. Awareness Through Movement® classes are run by an instructor who gives verbal instructions. Each class contains a series of sophisticated movements that create new skills and enhance existing ones. The lessons begin with simple, basic movements, and advance toward more and more complex movements. As a result of the classes, the student gains more freedom of thought and action and awareness of himself and his surroundings. His day-to-day life is improved and he is able to obtain his goals more easily. The process is gradual and pleasant, and since the learning takes place as a result of experimentation and self-discovery, it comes with a sense of joy, confidence and capability. Functional Integration® is adapted to the specific needs of the student. The skilled teacher uses his hands to gently manipulate the student’s body and sense what forms of movement are most available to the student, allowing the student to examine and learn new forms of movement. These sessions are appropriate for students of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They are effective, for example, for babies who suffer from developmental impairments, for individuals who suffer from pain as a result of scoliosis or other musculoskeletal issues, or for musicians who wish to improve their performance. Tell us about the training you provide for practitioners. I am delighted to offer training and certification for Feldenkrais practitioners. Graduates receive a diploma recognized by the Euro Training Accreditation Board, which is coordinated with similar boards in the USA and Australia, and represent the International Feldenkrais Federation. The course spans three and a half years, consisting of four segments per year: 20 days in the summer, 12 days during the winter, and two five-six day segments in afternoons and Friday mornings. The course includes experience with the Feldenkrais method both as a student and as a teacher. Students experience Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) and Functional Integration® (FI) lessons as well as observing them and training in how to teach them. Students also participate in lectures, discussions, and video-based training sessions from Dr. Feldenkrais and other senior practitioners on various relevant topics. Students are certified to teach group lessons (ATM) after the first two years, and to give private lessons (FI) upon completing the training.

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Health & Wellness I Paul and Ilana Shrell-Fox

West Meets East:

The Father-Daughter Team that Heals the Mind and Body Combining Cognitive Psychology and Chinese Medicine

ur daily lives are demanding and full of professional, personal and familial obligations. At times, in the midst of our routines, we don’t find or make the time to attend to our own physical and emotional needs. Our greatest responsibility is to care for ourselves; when we are in our prime, we are better able to give the utmost attention to all of the facets of our lives. In response to the stress which pulls in so many directions, we may lose our emotional and/ or physical balance. Integrating the philosophies of Chinese medicine and cognitive psychology allows Paul and Ilana Shrell-Fox to achieve a comprehensive and unique understanding of the underlying processes in the bodies and minds of their clients, and help them return to a state of balance. What is cognitive psychology? Cognitive psychology is the foundation for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). We all have thoughts and feelings that arise automatically and have a direct impact on our behavioral patterns, both positive and negative. When the scales tip towards the negative, we might develop styles of behavior that can become self-destructive. Examples of this type of thinking can include: I will never succeed in school or work, I am a shy person, I am not good at interviews, people dislike me or undervalue me. As a psychologist, Paul helps to identify these automatic and other non-beneficial thinking patterns and curtail their influence. As a result, his clients replace the negative trains of thought and behavior with positive ones. DBT combines these cognitive behavioral techniques of emotional regulation with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance and mindfulness derived from meditative practice. It helps to accept certain anxiety

states that arise, because they can be informative and even helpful sometimes. This type of therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in the treatment of borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorders and eating disorders. What is Chinese medicine? Chinese medicine is a general term for a multi-dimensional field of practice that originates in China and the far east. Its philosophy, which has recently begun to influence western treatments as well, teaches that the mind and body are inseparable. The treatment methods that have grown out of this philosophy view our body as a map with different points that influence our internal and external wellbeing. This interconnectedness makes it possible to treat the individual as a whole. As a practitioner, Ilana employs acupuncture, shiatsu (massage) and Chinese herbal

ABOUT THE PRACTITIONERS Paul Shrell-Fox, PhD is a licensed educational psychologist with 25 years’ experience in Israel and the USA. He works with both children and adults. His daughter, Ilana Shrell-Fox, is certified in Chinese medicine (Dipl. Ac and C.H.) through Campus Broshim College of Integrative Medicine. She is also certified in pediatric tui na and shiatsu for adults.

Paul and Ilana can be reached at 050-761-6901 paul@shrellfox.com or 050-895-5562 ilana@shrellfox.com

medicine. In shiatsu and acupuncture, she gently stimulates points on the body, causing them to influence the nervous and immune systems - which in turn affect emotional and physical balance. Herbal medicine is an effective method of combining the properties of different herbs to tailor a remedy to a client’s needs. Examples of conditions that can be treated using these methods include: recurring colds; digestive issues stemming from physiological or emotional causes; headaches, including migraines; insomnia; pain management and more. The advantage of Chinese medicine is that practitioners can identify and treat underlying patterns and causes that lead to conditions that may go otherwise unexplained. For example, in instances of recurring strep throat, when even prophylactic antibiotics don’t provide a long-term solution, a combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture can help the body overcome its susceptibility. Paul and Ilana have recently begun to work together on a few joint projects, combining the methods of cognitive/dialectical therapy with the principals and methods of Chinese medicine. By combining these two modes of treatment, they are able to treat conditions more efficiently. They are seeking clients coping with symptoms including generalized anxiety, sleeping difficulties and insomnia, general malaise and depressive moods and symptoms. By providing interpersonal feedback, CBT/DBT work on cognition(s), while Chinese medicine addresses the physical aspects that reflect the underlying emotional distress. Through regular consultations, Ilana and Paul form an integrative team with diverse perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive and adaptable treatment plan tailored to each individual’s needs.

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Health & Wellness I Interview I Aliza Eisenstein

Heal Your Relationship with Food:

Aliza Eisenstein on the Non-Diet Approach

liza Eisenstein is a nutritionist with over 18 years of experience, licensed in the US and Israel. Eschewing the dieting approach, she offers individual nutrition coaching and workshops for pre-teens, teens, and women with the goal of helping her clients develop a healthier relationship with food and implement sustainable changes. How did you develop your unique approach to nutrition? I kept seeing diets fail, again and again— for myself and many others. People were coming to me for diet guidelines and expecting to solve their weight ‘problem’ once and for all. Although unrealistic, that’s what was expected of me as a nutritionist. I felt stuck. I went to a life coach, and started to see that my own beliefs about food and my relationships with others impacted not only my career, but also my eating habits. Once I was able to differentiate between physical hunger and the emotional sensation of wanting food, I could explore and tend to the emotion rather than silence it with food. I understood that this type of work was key to helping future clients. I trained as a life coach, and ever since, I’ve been offering my clients a much deeper and more effective approach to addressing their eating problems. What’s wrong with dieting? Research shows that if you go on a diet, you are actually more likely to gain weight in the long run. This is because restric-

tion—a basic component of a weight-loss diets—triggers psychological and physiological responses that make most weightloss diets a setup for certain failure. It’s a vicious cycle where the repeated failure reinforces shame and inadequacy, which set us up for more failure. How is your approach different from that of other nutritionists? Hashem created us with internal cues that let us know when we need fuel and when we’ve had enough. Many of us learn to distrust those cues over time. I teach my clients that they can trust themselves to decide what, when and how much to eat; to

ABOUT ALIZA Aliza Eisenstein is a Registered Dietitian/ Nutritionist (RDN), and holds a Master’s degree from NYU. Prior to Aliyah, she taught in Stern College, and ran the Special Diets department at Camp HASC. Aliza currently runs a private practice, and has recently developed a program combining her experience in nutrition with coaching, to help women and girls eat right and feel good about themselves without the struggles of dieting. Aliza can be reached at 054-842-3044 or aliza202@gmail.com

recognize, understand and respond to their natural body cues rather than following external guidelines about when and what to eat; and to recognize and develop alternatives to emotional eating. But what if someone feels that she can’t trust herself to decide what to eat? There’s a big difference between eating on impulse and mindfully eating what you truly want to eat. Eating impulsively is when the thought arises that you want to eat something, and you act upon it without paying attention to your thoughts or feelings. Intuitive or mindful eating is asking yourself, “What do I want to eat now? Will I truly enjoy it? Will it feel good in my body?” If the answer to those questions is yes, then you would go ahead and eat whatever it is , noticing how you feel while eating it. When you do this, you’ll start to notice when you’ve had enough: when you are satiated or no longer enjoying. It often takes some work to retrain ourselves and recognize cues, but every person can learn to trust themselves around food. And when you do, you’ll discover that you will intuitively choose a balanced diet that provides just the right amount of calories for your body. What does learning to trust yourself look like? There are three components to becoming a mindful and intuitive eater: Granting yourself unconditional permission to eat: The default setting is I am allowed to eat this if I want it. This neutralizes the physiological responses to restriction and deprivation. Listening to your body: Retraining yourself to hear what your body is telling you about hunger and fullness. The key here is to learn how to be an unbiased observer: to notice, without judgement, how you eat in various circumstances, what you are thinking when you reach for food, etc. When you can do this, you are much more likely to make necessary changes without getting stuck in shame, guilt and frustration. Managing emotional eating: My experience, both personal and professional, has shown me that it is not a lack of knowledge that makes people fail to eat healthfully; the huge challenge that so many face is how to manage themselves around food when emotions are running high. I help clients develop alternative skills to coping with emotions so they don’t have to turn to food.

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Health & Wellness I Naomi Vision Boutique

Behind the Frame, Beyond the Eyes Not everyone knows how to wink but we all know how to blink. Have you ever stopped to think if you’re doing it right? Optometrist Naomi London specializes in prevention and treatment of Dry Eye Disease, a disorder that’s becoming increasingly prevalent simply because we lack awareness.

ptometrists. They still make you wear those ridiculous, awkward glasses while you guess the numbers that are projected on the opposite wall. They make you rest your chin on a plastic strap, lean your forehead against a curved arch and ask you to stare, unblinking, at the colored image at the end of a little tunnel, that recedes and expands, focuses and blurs. And you’re never sure if you did it right. Optical tests might not have changed much in the last twenty years, but the world has evolved and today our vision is facing new demands. While thirty years ago, people held newspapers at arms’ length, or watched television a few feet away, today our lives are ruled by compact hand-held devices and, paradoxically, increasingly gargantuan TV screens. Naomi London, specialist optometrist and owner of Naomi Vision Boutique, has witnessed the change in how we use our eyes and firmly believes that no technological advancement (or online refracting app) can ever replace the human component in eye and optical health. In 1986, a young Naomi made Aliya with her family to Jerusalem, and always envisioned herself working with people and making a real difference in their lives. “After searching for a profession for almost a year, I decided to pursue optometry. It might sound like a dreary job, but optom-

ABOUT NAOMI Naomi graduated from the Optometry College at Bar Ilan University in 1998. She performs eye examinations for all ages and offers services for glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy and dry eye therapy. Naomi Vision Boutique is located at Even Israel 5 in the center of Jerusalem. They can be reached at 02-500-4333, store@naomi-vb.com, or www.naomi-vb.com.

etry is much more than just getting the numbers right. It’s direct interaction with people and helping them to maintain the gift of sight!” Naomi Vision Boutique sits on a quaint alley in Jerusalem’s city center and has been designed to make you feel at home. As you walk in, the layout and ingenious coffee and jellybean corner make you feel welcome and at ease (clearly this is not a dentist’s office). Naomi has made sure that the human touch is reflected even in the ambience of the place.

INSIGHTS FROM THE INSIDE Naomi specializes in various eye care services including vision therapy and treatment for an increasing number of eye syndromes. One of the hot topics in the field over the past few years is Dry Eye Disease, or DED, which manifests in symptoms that include itchy or burning eyes, fluctuating vision, foreign body sensation, redness or lid inflammation. There has been an explosion in the number of patients suffering from various stages and symptoms of the disease. And while doctors usually prescribe classic eye drops—artificial tears—Naomi has joined the academic and research community to try and understand the causes and progression of the disease, and provide comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation solutions. Individual tailoring of treatment is essential for maximum efficacy and success. Here too, the same objective data collected from two different people will result in a unique solution for each. “We’re starting to understand the irreversible damage that can result if DED is misdiagnosed, ignored, underestimated or handled with palliative solutions only,” says Naomi. “Blinking is a protective mechanism for our eyes, but about 30% of my patients have an ‘incomplete blink.’ It might sound obvious, but when you blink, make sure both lids touch. Just a fraction of a second of a complete blink is enough to benefit from all a blink can offer!” FASHION OR VISION? Glasses are a popular accessory and Naomi wants her clients to look good behind their frames. But her main objective is to understand each client and their individual needs. “The prescription is just one piece of the puzzle. We guide clients in choosing a frame that sits properly on their nose and ears and is the right size for their face. We evaluate a client’s individual lifestyle when we choose the lens, material and coating. We even need to consider a client’s natural head posture and cut the lenses accordingly. We train clients how to utilize their lenses to full capacity which helps the brain adjust as quickly as possible. And we follow up to fine tune and adjust if needed.” “If you think about human sight and the mechanics of vision, it’s truly mind-blowing,” Naomi’s eyes light up, “But more than simply healing the body, my job is to treat people. To look beyond the eyes and see the person behind the frame. That’s my vision.”

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Health & Wellness I Freyda Weis Al- Peh

Not Just Talking the Talk:

Al-Peh’s Movement to Promote Oral Motor Speech Therapy in Israel From Aristotle to Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi, philosophers have long hailed speech capability as the skill that separates humans from animals. Clear, eloquent speech is a powerful skill, crucial in our society.

t’s easier for some than for others. There are myriad reasons why a child might develop a speech impediment or pathology. Some children mispronounce sounds because of a hearing or auditory processing issue. Other children have cognitive or psychological issues that affect their ability to speak clearly and confidently. Most speech therapists in Israel tend to work with clients on the cognitive-linguistic level—practicing language skills with their clients, enriching vocabulary, etc. The problem is that there is another, very common reason why children have trouble speaking clearly—a reason often ignored or neglected in Israeli institutions. Speaking is a complex fine motor skill. It requires around 100 muscles in the face, lips, neck, chest and tongue to make very precise movements in perfect harmony. Some children, particularly those who suffer from other disorders that affect muscle tone and fine motor movement (such as Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy), have trouble speaking clearly due to a challenge that is strictly physiological—not cognitive or linguistic. Freyda Weis (MSci) is a speech pathologist who specializes in oral motor therapy. Trained in the USA, she was dismayed to discover how little regard speech pathologists had for this field in the clinics where she worked.

She witnessed countless patients coming in once or twice a week and making very little progress as their therapists addressed only the linguistic aspects of speech and neglected the motor aspect. She saw the same issue in rehabilitative preschools and daycares where children received speech therapy as part of their normal curriculum. “Kids can acquire linguistic skills in so many other contexts,” says Freyda. “If it’s just a matter of listening and practicing speech, they can do that with their teachers or with their parents. Speech therapists are supposed to be able to identify and address the root cause of the pathology.” Seeing the dire need for more information and tools in this field, Freyda founded Al- Peh as a resource for all oral motor therapy in

ABOUT FREYDA WEIS Freyda Weis is a Jerusalem-based speech therapist and one of Israel’s few experts on Oral Facial Myology. Freyda offers treatment of speech and swallowing disorders to individuals of all ages in the Jerusalem area. She can be reached at 052-5287-726.

Israel. “The way I see it, it’s not just a business—it’s a movement,” she says, “to promote the study and practice of oral sensory motor therapy in Israel.” Aside from her clinical work with patients, she imports dozens of oral sensory tools unavailable anywhere else in Israel, and offers workshops, training courses and other resources to therapists and clients. Therapists also call or email to consult her on this area of expertise. Some of the courses and workshops she teaches herself; for some, she flies in experts from the US. Originally, the workshops were intended for therapists only, but parents of children with speech issues started coming as well—because the therapists treating their children were not addressing the motor aspect of their child’s problem. Oral motor therapy isn’t just about speech. Individuals with motor-related speech pathologies often experience difficulty feeding, chewing and swallowing. For this reason, oral motor therapy can also be beneficial to children who aren’t even close to speaking age yet. Infants who experience digestive discomfort or low weight gain are often diagnosed with colic, allergies or other digestive issues, when in fact, the problem might be caused by a motor problem—weak suck reflex, for example. Freyda is one of only two speech therapists in Israel trained in NOMAS (Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale), and one of the only therapists qualified to work with preemies on feeding issues. Freyda is also a trained lactation coach. Freyda points out that in the United States, speech pathologists need to take a certain number of CEUs (continuing education units) to maintain their licenses. This is not true in Israel. “This is a field where you need to constantly update and enrich your knowledge,” she says. “Our job is to help people. How can we help them if we don’t have the skills?” In light of this, Freyda urges parents to learn about their child’s problem and find a therapist who has the right specialization. Not all speech therapists available through HMOs or institutions specialize in the relevant fields. Sometimes what the HMO or institution will offer is also helpful to the child, but oral motor therapy is necessary for clear speech and for safe and efficient swallowing. Freyda is happy to offer private supplementary therapy in such cases. Freyda also urges parents to take an active role in their child’s speech therapy, continuing the work at home.

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Health & Wellness I Udi Rothstein

The Magic Touch A mother’s loving touch has the power to work wonders for her baby’s health and wellbeing.

aby massage is a practice that has been used for centuries in many diverse cultures for healing and development. We often think of massage in terms of physical therapy or as a pampering experience, but it’s much more than that. The benefits of skin contact for the brain— especially in infants—is remarkable. In fact, you could say it is vital. And the science backs this up. Jerusalem-based massage therapist Udi Rothstein tells us more. THE BRAIN-BODY CONNECTION Drawing on the findings of scores of scientists and psychologists, Ashley Montagu demonstrates the importance of tactile experience (or the lack of) for the healthy behavioral development of the individual. In his book Touching: The Human Significance of the Skin, he shows that many adult health and wellbeing problems originate in the lack of proper skin stimulation by parents during the child’s early years. Udi elaborates: “Skin sensitivity is one of the earliest developed and most fundamental functions of the body and the first means of communication between parent and child. It develops synchrony—the shared interaction between mother and infant— which allows us to create, and later in life identify, healthy social attachments.” Touch creates actual chemical changes in the infant and parent. Skin contact involves the immune system, the stress system and the oxytocin system. Sensory stimulation speeds the process of coating the nerves, enhancing rapid neural firing and improving brain-body communication. Many OTs say that baby massage therefore reduces the necessity of therapies when older. A recent study performed by Dr. Ruth

Feldman at the Center for Developmental, Social and Relationship Neuroscience in Herzliya demonstrated the importance of touch for human infants. Here, preemies who received “kangaroo” or skin-to-skin care from their mothers had a better connection with their mother, better adjustment abilities, lower cortisol levels and lower ADD rates as measured at seven points in time—over the following ten years! AIDING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM There is a plethora of health benefits associated specifically with infant massage, too. Research conducted by Miami’s Touch Research Institute shows that massage stimulates the immune system, in turn increasing an infant’s resistance to infection. Massage also results in enhanced growth in preemies (an average of 47% greater weight gain per day!), decreased autoimmune problems, increased lung function, and decreased glucose levels in infants with diabetes. In addition, hospital stay averaged six days less. It is argued that in earlier times before there was a pill available for every ailment, massage functioned as an immunity booster for infants. Today, in our medication-centric world, massage has been underused, but it remains an effective and powerful—not to

ABOUT UDI ROTHSTEIN Udi Rothstein is a Jerusalem-based massage therapist who specializes in baby massage. She offers workshops for mothers to give them the confidence and techniques to effectively massage their babies themselves. Udi can be reached at 050-417-0907.

mention natural—technique for harnessing the body’s own defences against disease. DEVELOPMENTAL BOOST Who doesn’t want their infant to be the next child genius? We wait eagerly for every milestone in our child’s development and spend hundreds if not thousands of shekels on toys that claim to develop babies’ brains. But massage is proven to be one of the most effective techniques for boosting child development. This is why the kupot cholim have started subsidizing massage and why they now offer it in hospitals. Research neuroscientist Dr. Lise Eliot writes that “regular, early massage may have important cognitive benefits for babies of all gestational ages…. Children show lower anxiety and stress levels, better mood, improved sleep patterns, and higher levels of attentiveness when treated to a daily massage by their parents.” Udi agrees: “The outcomes are astounding in terms of bonding, communication, and development. The child requires fewer therapies in the long and short term, and develops better and faster. I witnessed this in my own children that I did massage with – they reached developmental milestones much more quickly.” STARTING EARLY The loving interaction between parent and child—particularly touch, our very first developed sense—is essential for our babies’ brains to develop. Most brain growth and development occurs after birth, particularly in the regions controlling language, emotion and abstract thought. Synapses develop extremely quickly during a child’s early years; cells connect through new experiences and the amount of stimulation received by age three dictates the amount of growth in each region of the brain. Udi explains: “A signal is sent to our baby’s brain when his or her skin is touched, telling it to make connections and grow. Therefore it’s so important to start as early as possible. With massage, a baby gets the right stimulation, input and interaction for optimal brain development.” When you watch baby massage being practiced, you’ll see the baby’s tension being instantly released. Massage communicates strength, maternal confidence and love with just enough pressure to be comfortable, soothing, and stimulating.

FEBRUARY 2019

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Health & Wellness I Dr. Zalman Medwed Chiropractor

Improve your posture: The Master Key to Back Pain Prevention and Spinal Health Good posture not only prevents back pain and promotes spinal health, it also helps us breathe, think and look better; and be more positive, confident, and productive. By Dr. Zalman Medwed with Shaina Medwed

ust as the spine is the foundation of our body’s structure, good posture is the foundation of spinal health. Yet, poor posture and its damaging effects on the spine and overall health are epidemic. This is due primarily to a lack of awareness of how sedentary lifestyles both at home and work, combined with prolonged sitting in ways that produce spinal slumping, cause harm and increased risk of injury. In fact, back pain is the second- leading reason for visits to family doctors in the USA. This article briefly presents four simple steps to help you begin to achieve good sitting posture— even as you read this! Step 1 Understanding Our Form Our spine is formed with three curves. From the side, these curves look like an elongated “S,” with the head aligned directly above the shoulders and hips. In a healthy spine, these curves bend forward at the neck, backward at the upper back and forward again at the lower back. They serve as shock absorbers that allow us to carry the heavy weight of our bodies effortlessly. They also protect the health and function of our spines. We achieve good posture by developing the habit of maintaining these curves in correct alignment during the course of our day, whether we are sitting, standing or performing our daily activities. Step 2 Awareness: The Foundation of Good Posture At this moment, while sitting, bring your awareness to your posture. Is your lower

back slumped, head lurching forward from your shoulders, shoulders tight? Do you feel any discomfort, tension or “creakiness?” Do you sit for hours hunched over a computer? Are you concerned about your appearance or an increased spinal curvature in years to come? Now, let’s create an experience of good sitting posture. Reposition yourself so that you’re sitting safely but close to the edge of your seat, feet on the floor, slightly pulled in from your knees. If your head is bent in front of your shoulders, become aware of the realignment of your spine as you raise your head and position it directly above

ABOUT DR. MEDWED Dr. Zalman Medwed, DC, developer of Light Touch Chiropractic Methodologies and The Posture Improvement Program, is an American trained chiropractor with 35+ years of experience. Dr. Medwed receives patients locally, nationally and internationally. His unique, non-force, exceptionally gentle protocols are particularly suited for delicate and difficult conditions and offer pain relief, healing and restorative movement to people of all ages. This article has introduced you to a “Posture Improvement Program.” For more free information in this series and to find out about Dr. Medwed’s posture seminars, send your email to zalmanmedwed@gmail.com. Dr. Medwed can be contacted at 050-415-4317, 02-654-0246 or www.jerusalemlighttouchchiropractic.com

your shoulders. If your lower back was sagging backwards, it will have realigned forwards. Now, take a deep breath. Visualize an imaginary string attached to the back of the crown of your head, gently stretching you up towards the sky, lengthening the back of your neck and your entire spine. Allow your shoulders to relax down and slightly back. Feel the balance. This elongated feeling gives height, form and health to your spine and always accompanies good posture. To recall this experience, imagine the string and say to yourself: “Sit tall!” Congratulations on your first encounter with good sitting posture! Step 3 Support Good Sitting Posture If you are currently in pain, avoid any exercise that makes it worse and consult a specialist. “Sitting tall” is the model form of good sitting posture. You do not, however, always have to sit on the edge of your seat. To achieve good alignment, proper pillow support of the curve of your lower back will prevent spinal sagging and allow you to maintain the ease and comfort of “sitting tall”. This means that the pillow must have a shape and thickness that will produce a feeling of good support, comfort and ease. Experiment with a variety of chairs and pillows in your home to find the combination that gives the best support. Couches always need more than one pillow. Step 4 Posture Reminders Integrating new habits requires repetition and reinforcement. Post notes and set your phone to remind you to “sit tall” once per hour.

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