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M A G A Z I N E HELPING YOU ACHIEVE THE MIRACLE OF SUCCESS CHAGIM 2014
www.biznessmag.com
Bet Shemesh - Jerusalem Circulation: 21,000 copies
ER P X
TS
N CAL A C U YO
Helen Abelesz Meir Amber Shimon Cohen David Drutman Rachel Factor Dr. Eliyahu Gherman
L NO W
Dr. Edo Lavi Tzvi Lefkowitz Ariel Levy Yossi Lipsh Dr. Bo Rosenblat Moshe Wilshinsky
Welcome
Rachel Factor OCD Specialist Meir Amber CEO of Group 7
Real Painters Advice Mold Prevention for New Homes
to our Team of Experts
Shmuel Bergin Plumbing
We deal with your most important worldly possession Don’t miss the Swingball Competition One of the Top Ten Best-Selling Sport “Toys”
Dr. Avraham Levy
Journey from conventional medicine to herbalism
Richard Gussow
Advisor to the huge investment funds
Nagila Vegetarian Restaurant
Our natural vegan hamburger is an additional hit
Disclosing unreported foreign assets to avoid criminal prosecution Yaniv Smadar Luxurious Renovations for Overseas and Local Clients
CIRCULATION NOW
21,000COPIES!!! Bizness Magazine is now online WWW.BIZNESSMAG.COM
Exclusive interview with Professional Chef
Yaakov Frager of Creative Catering Har Nof Rehavia Shaarei Chesed German Colony
Ramat Eshkol Arzei Habira Maalot Dafna Minhat Yitzchak
Ganei Geula Ramat Bet Shemesh Sheinfeld Nofei Aviv
Choose from our selection of mosaic lamps, paper mache, wood furniture, fine embroidery shawls, pure pashmina shawls, unique chain stitched carpets, leather bags and more. Yad Harutzim 10, Talpiot (across from Zmora and Gilad Ceramika) Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10:00 - 18:45, Fridays 9:30 - 13:30 Tel: 02-648-5772 www.jerusalemhomestore.com
contents
M A G A Z I N E HELPING YOU ACHIEVE THE MIRACLE OF SUCCESS
CHAGIM 2014
MAIN FEATURE
38 I nterview with Yaakov Frager “Cooking is in my blood. Catering is not just about the food and the display of the food”
FEATURES 08 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Phobias 10 What are You Doing to Prevent Mold from Growing in your New Home? 12 Why I hate my Wig? 14 Luxurious Renovations for Overseas and Local Clients with High Expectations 16 Reconnecting to Nature 18 Interview with Sammy Bergin 22 Buying an Apartment “On Paper” FAQ 24 Mayim Chayim Water the Way it’s Meant to be 26 Swingball now in Israel Officially One of the Top Ten Best-Selling Sport “Toys” in the UK over the Last Ten Years 30 Imagine getting the advisor to the huge global investment funds to advise you instead 32 The Truth about Investing in U.S. Real Estate from Israel 36 “Our chefs are all licensed sushi chefs from the Orient” 40 Renewed Israeli Voluntary Disclosure Program for Unreported Foreign Assets 42 A Tzimmer to Never Forget 44 Meuhedet’s Professional Series 46 Is there a Jewish Connection to Herbal Medicine? 50 “Hashem has blessed me with a keen ear” 54 If You are Going to be Framed, Let it be by the Right People 55 Iaron Zaken’s Ancient Simanim Family Recipes
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62 Your Memories are about to Vanish! 66 Kupa Shel Tzedaka of RBS A The Address for Every Crisis 68 How is it possible they have no teinas to G-D? 70 Over 400 Classes Per Month on 22 Moshavim
Editor in Chief Ariel Topf Business Development Yisroel Meir Simon Contributing Editors Roberta Bienenfeld, Sivia Sekula Chief Designer Adam Ram Contributing Writers Helen Abelesz, Meir Amber, Haim Averbuch, Shimon Cohen, David Drutman, Eliyahu Gherman, Daniel Ginensky, Edo Lavi, Yossi Lipsh, Bo Rosenblat, Oded Shachor, Nachum Shore, Eva Topf, Moshe Wilshinsky, Dave Wolf Advertising Bayla Gamliel, Chaya Hyams, Helena Topf Graphic Artists Aliza Sokol, Yael Ita Photography Yael Ita How to reach Bizness Magazine Advertising
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34 DEPARTMENTS 20 In The Know With Dr. Bo: Your Guide to Weight Loss and Nutrition 28 The Value of your Property’s Valuation and What is at Risk 29 Some Fun & Interesting Car Trivia 34 Cheshbon Hanefesh 48 Your Lawyer’s Work in Real Estate Purchases 52 Time for Change 63 The Health Benefits of Smiling
In every issue 06 Letter from the Editor 72 10 Experts you can call
Bizness Magazine
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Bizness Magazine is published by Bizness Magazine Ltd. Bizness Magazine considers its sources reliable. However, reporting inaccuracies can occur, consequently readers using this information do so at their own risk. Each business opportunity and/or investment inherently contains certain risks. It is suggested that prospective business people, potential patients and clients, and all readers consult their doctors, attorneys and/or financial advisors before applying any of the information that is publish in this magazine. Bizness Magazine makes content available with the understanding that the publisher is not rendering legal services or financial advice, business advice, medical advice or any other type of advice. 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 assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Manuscripts, artwork and photographs must be accompanied by stamped, self-addressed envelopes. 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 magazine 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 magazine, or are caused by any failure of performance, error, omission, interruption, defect or delay in printing. 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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Letter from the Editor
Many times we like a product or a company, identify with its mission and want to be part of its success. I’m constantly approached by readers who share with me how much they like the magazine: how it’s unique in the industry, the tremendous difference it makes to the businesses that are featured, how they use it as a resource for information and for shopping, how they keep every issue, and many other wonderful and very welcomed comments. Many of these readers have taken upon themselves to show the magazine to professionals and businesses they deal with on a regular basis, such as their dentists, restaurants, retail stores, accountants, medical professionals, etc. This has resulted in a growing number of businesses calling us for the opportunity to advertise in the magazine. We always felt we wanted to thank these readers for their support but we did not know how to do it until the idea of the “Inner Circle” came about. The Inner Circle is a new fun and exciting club with rewards and prizes such as trips, get-away weekends, electrical appliances, etc. to those readers who love the magazine and want to be an integral part of our development team. Inner Circle members will be invited to special events and will be part of an advisory panel to contribute to our constant improvement and development of new products. I invite you to be part of our new Inner Circle. It will be fun, exciting and will give you a sense of belonging and accomplishment. Look further inside the magazine for information on how to join. On behalf of our entire office team and our advertisers, we thank you for another year of amazing support and we wish you a happy, productive and meaningful New Year! Ariel Topf ariel@biznessmag.com Ariel has built several companies in three continents in the fields of internet, retail, wholesale, franchising, direct sales, high-tech, employment, food manufacturing, food supplements, clothing manufacturing, pet nutrition, personal development, restaurant, advertising and publishing. In this process, Ariel has headhunted, hired, trained, managed and/or mentored over 20,000 individuals. Ariel heads BiznessPro, a business consulting firm dedicated to help entrepreneurs who are serious about success (www.biznesspro.com)
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Phobias
Interview with
Rachel Factor, LCSW
W
e are delighted to welcome Rachel Factor to our team of experts. Rachel made aliyah with her family leaving a successful practice in Monsey, New York. She brings many years of expertise in the fields of obsessive compulsive and anxiety disorders offering relief to children, adolescents and adults. What is OCD? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder where a person experiences unwanted thoughts which are extremely bothersome or frightening to him. So much so, that he feels a need to engage in a form of repetitive behaviour to alleviate the uncomfortable or threatening thoughts. For example, a person may be getting ready for bed and suddenly think that maybe he forgot to lock the door. This thought is extremely threatening as he imagines an intruder breaking in to burglarize his home. So he gets dressed again and goes to check that the door is truly locked. He may lock and unlock the door several times until he feels comfortable that it is really locked. In the end, he will retire to bed often without the sense of satisfaction that the door is actually locked. There are different forms of OCD. This example is called “checking.” People may repeatedly check that the oven is off or that they have not accidentally hit someone while driving or that their children are breathing in their beds. The anxious mind says, “As long as I don’t know for sure that my feared consequence won’t happen, it probably will.” This is in
contrast to the non-anxious mind which says, “There is probably nothing to worry about unless I’m provided with sufficient evidence that there is.” Individuals with OCD are not nervous about everything; rather, each person has a specific area which threatens them. What are Generalized Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Phobias? Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This is when a person regularly worries excessively about day-to-day stuff. There is a general feeling of dread and that the worst is sure to happen. Besides being an uncomfortable way to live, it robs an individual of his ability to live in the present. One’s brain is always somewhere else and never in the current experience. Panic Attacks: These are sudden waves of intense anxiety and fear. They are often combined with a rapid heart-beat, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and/or a feeling that one is losing his mind and going crazy. While these symptoms are not dangerous, the individual finds them awful and frightening and may avoid any activities associated with them. Furthermore, a person may begin living in dread of when the next panic attack will strike. Almost every panic attack sufferer has a story of shopping in a supermarket with a cart full of groceries when a panic attack strikes and they leave the cart with the groceries and race to safety. Phobia: A phobia is an overwhelming fear of something that poses little or no danger. The individual usually realizes that the fear is irrational. However, the distress is so great that a person will avoid it at all costs. Common phobias that I have seen are driving, flying, elevators, bugs and insects. What is your formal education? I received my Masters Degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and then my certification and license to practice social work. My first job in the field was at Monsey’s Bikur Cholim Mental Health Clinic where I had started my second year field placement. They helped me attend the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation’s nationwide conference where I met top OCD therapists and learned about effective treatments. I also met a significant number of frum Jews suffering from OCD, as well as a rabbi looking for more options to help frum people with OCD. Several months later, the rabbi invited me to attend a training session for treating OCD with two top professionals in the field. I was strongly encouraged to attend as I was told that there was a tremendous need for a frum professional in the field -- especially for a woman. Following the training, I developed an interest in the work of Dr. Jonathan Grayson, author of Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I sought him out as a teacher and he taught me how to help people gain freedom from OCD and anxiety disorders. I was amazed at the results. Individuals gradually got back everything they had given up in their lives and more. People began doing things they hadn’t done for 5, 10 and 20 years! They thanked me for giving them their lives back. Tell us about your private practice in Monsey. After the very positive experience working at Bikur Cholim, I opened a private practice in Monsey, N.Y. where I treated children, adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders. I worked with all
types of Jews — secular, modern, Yeshivish and Chassidic. Most sessions took place in my office but if a person had a particular fear that I felt could be better treated in its actual environment, I took that into consideration. For example, if an individual was afraid of elevators or high places, we would find such a place to practice. If a child was afraid to go upstairs at home by himself, we might practice in the child’s own home. Did you find many instances of OCD interfaced with Judaism? I work a lot with religious OCD. Men and women alike obsess whether each word of tefilla is said correctly. Have they touched fleishig with hands that may have had milk on them? Have they heard every word in the megillah? Have they checked food well enough for bugs? And so forth. I work a lot with local rabbanim to establish guidelines for my work. The rabbanim are very supportive of my work as they understand that this is really an anxiety disorder and not a religious issue. These people only want to serve Hashem in the best way possible. Religious OCD can also manifest itself in unwanted negative thoughts about Hashem or doubts regarding the existence of Hashem. Many clients have told me that they have read every sefer possible regarding emunah and bitachon and nevertheless can’t rid themselves of their doubts. When I asked one seminary student if she had discussed this with any of her rebbeim, she looked at me incredulously. She said, “Last week I discussed with my rebbe whether or not I should marry a kollel boy. Today I’m going to tell him that I’m having doubts about the existence of Hashem? What’s he going to think?” Sometimes it goes further and the individual coming for help is a rebbe or rebbetzin to whom others turn to for guidance with emunah. They feel hypocritical giving advice in emunah when they themselves have these uncomfortable thoughts. Working with OCD, I’ve learned that the intrusive thoughts that individuals get are usually quite the opposite of what they believe and what they truly value. It is because they value a certain idea so much that they get nervous when thoughts creep up that may suggest the opposite. This is just one of the many forms of OCD that I have treated. I’ve heard that people with anxiety are often quite talented. With no exception, the clients I treat are bright, imaginative and creative. You need to be bright and creative to be able to wonder “what if?” Most are quite successful, holding it all together while experiencing extreme pain and suffering. Jonathan Grayson describes this as “competence.” Competence is the ability to feel very stressed on the inside yet continue to function very well on the outside. It’s only when the suffering gets too much that people come in for treatment. For the most part, my typical client is a respected member of the community, someone who is kind, warm-hearted and who you’d want to be your friend. The kids who come for treatment are unbelievable as well. They are extremely talented and have many great ideas. They often have perfectionist standards which are not attainable. Sometimes they are carrying guilt. Kids take very well to treatment. They even start giving advice to friends and siblings on how to face their fears. What is your therapeutic approach or methodology? The cornerstone of treatment is “Exposure and Response Prevention.” This falls under the umbrella of cognitive behavioral therapy. If an individual is avoiding certain situations, we want to gradually expose them to them without them performing their unhelpful
safety behavior. The individual then gets to learn that although our bodies may sometimes become anxious, our bodies are also programmed to calm themselves down. Before treatment a person will feel that he cannot tolerate the anxiety and look for a shortcut out. The problem is that their bodies never learn to tolerate the uncomfortable feeling and they stay perpetually stuck in this cycle. There are a couple of themes that run through anxiety. The anxious person always wants to feel just right and exhibits extreme discomfort in the face of uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. The way anxiety works is: The harder you try to push it away, the longer it lingers. I work with my clients on accepting the anxious feelings. Often a client will tell me that if he lets his anxiety stay, he won’t be able to get through the busy day. I ask him to look at his anxiety in the same way as he would look at a bad cold or a headache. You prefer not to have it, but you let it be there. I tell my clients to do the best that they can with how they are feeling on that given day. I compare it to playing a game of cards. You do the best you can with the hand you’ve been dealt. The more we stop fighting anxiety and let it be, the more it is free to pass. The truth is, people accomplish an incredible amount – even with their anxiety. Another common theme is the inability to live with uncertainty. With OCD a person wants to know for sure that his worst fear and bad thoughts won’t materialize. He wants to know with certainty that his bad thoughts don’t mean that he is a bad person. A person experiencing a panic attack wants to know for sure that nothing will happen to him and that he won’t embarrass himself publicly. A person with a phobia wants to know that if he faces his fear everything will be O.K. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in life for any of us. Our job is to take a good guess and live with the results. I like to focus on how Hashem created us strong. If life doesn’t go the way we plan, we will find a way to cope. It may take some time and we might need some extra help, but we can learn to cope with whatever comes our way. Limiting ourselves because of our fears? Now that’s something I like to avoid. My therapy is short- term. My goal is for my clients to learn the techniques and graduate to become their own therapists. After a few sessions, clients tell me that they ask themselves what I would say and then go on to face the anxiety provoking situation with confidence. What is your professional experience in Israel so far? Since coming to Israel, I’ve been working in private practice with children, adolescents and adults suffering from anxiety. I find working with my clients rewarding and I feel privileged to be able to utilize my talents in Eretz Yisrael. I also work with clients over the telephone and Skype which enables clients to work with me from all over the country and from around the globe. I’ve also worked closely with Nitza, an organization helping women with mental health issues during pregnancy and post-partum. There I facilitated CBT groups and worked individually with women experiencing OCD and depression. In addition, I’ve given talks in different communities on various topics related to stress and anxiety. How Can You Be Reached? I can be reached in Israel at: 052-713-4130. My American line is: 845-510-4169 or by e-mail at: Rachel@OCDsolutions.com I currently practice in Ramat Bet Shemesh and Jerusalem. My website is www.OCDsolutions.com
What are You Doing to Prevent Mold from Growing in your New Home?
Tips and Tricks
for mold prevention from Nachum Shore of Real Painters
Y
our home is almost finished. You are getting ready to settle in. Now is the critical time to take the necessary steps to prevent mold damage and ensure lasting beauty. We spoke with Nachum Shore, owner of Real Painters, to get an expert opinion about mold prevention. Why should I worry about mold in my brand new apartment? Even when buildings are built to code, apartments are still vulnerable to mold damage. In fact, almost all of the hundreds of apartments I have worked in have some degree of water and/or mold problems. The vast majority of these could have been prevented. The standard building practice is to finish the walls with a product called sid. This is a synthetic lime coat which is ideal for the cement walls here in Israel. However, the porous nature of this product has potential drawbacks. Sid rubs off walls easily. Although sid may look fine initially, it is easily scuffed, not washable at all and cannot match the lasting beauty of paint. Furthermore, it is an ideal breeding ground for mold. So, why not just paint? While paint gives a beautiful finish to walls and ceilings and is far more durable, care and expertise are necessary to ensure a good end result. Paint does not naturally stick to sid. To ensure longevity, a quality primer is absolutely crucial. Whether you are doing it yourself, hiring a high-end painter or anything in between, making sure the walls will be properly prepared is the most important part of any paint job. Homeowners often ask me about paint brushes, rollers, colors and clean-up. But, inquiring about a painter’s prep work is actually more important. OK, the walls will be primed and painted. Does this mean we will never get mold? The best way to prevent mold is to use paint that contains a fungicide to inhibit mold growth. Mold is especially common in bathrooms and any area exposed to moisture without proper ventilation. But, it can appear anywhere. In my experience, the best product on the market is an anti-mold paint that is imported from America, which is the gold standard when it comes to mold prevention. The paint comes in a satin white base and can be used as is or customized to the color of your choice. When should the walls be painted? “Prevention is the best medicine.” Ideally, new walls that are coated with sid should be primed and painted using anti-mold paint before the first winter. However, someone on a budget may want to prime and paint using regular paint, reserving the antimold variety for the most vulnerable rooms. 10
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CHAGIM 2014
What if the walls are already moldy, is there anything you can do to get rid of it? Mold damage is common and I deal with it all the time. Before beginning the painting process, it is wise to identify and fix any active leaks. Water coming from behind the wall is likely to cause your paint to bubble up and peel off, bringing you back to square one. The first step is to remove as much of the mold as possible. While a mixture of household bleach and water works pretty well, the most effective chemical is a spray which is available at specialty paint stores. Once the walls are mold-free, all peeling paint needs to be scraped off meticulously and sealed with a water-resistant primer. Then the walls will be ready to be spackled, sanded and finished with anti-mold paint. Real Painters has extensive experience with mold prevention and repair. Many happy customers in and around Jerusalem and Bet Shemesh will attest to the courteous and thorough service provided by Real Painters. Call Nachum Shore for your free estimate today at: 054-738-6570 or e-mail at: nachum@therealpainters.com.
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Why I hate my wig? Interview with Yaniv of AG Wigs
Women bring their wigs to you to fix. What is usually the problem with their wigs? I have clients coming to me from all over the world with wigs which they simply don’t wear because something is not right and they didn’t receive good service from the person they bought it from. I find that most of the problems are with the color, cut or style. Sometimes a wig can be problematic because there isn’t enough hair, the skin isn’t sewn on in the right way, or the type of hair is wrong for the woman. Why do so many women purchase a wig only to discover that it’s not right for them? There are many talented wig artists who produce fine quality wigs. But there are also sheitel-machers who may know how to build wigs but don’t necessarily understand much about other important aspects of a wig, such as hair type, color and cut. This is why some wigs just end up looking wrong. How come there’s such a huge range of prices on the wig market? Making wigs is an extremely delicate task and good quality hair is very expensive. Some sheitel-machers seek to cut costs by using less hair. They build the wig with more hair on top and less hair at the bottom which means that it doesn’t sit correctly on the head. Other sheitel-machers use hair of lesser quality. Usually, the higher-end wigs have not been compromised on. Also, some wigs are actually mass-produced in China, which makes them very cheap in price but also cheap in quality. To what extent does the origin of the hair make a difference to the quality of the wig? European hair is of better quality than Asian hair for a number of reasons. Asian hair is naturally thin and straight so lacks in body and doesn’t hold curls or waves. Most women want natural movement, and they also want to be able to dress up their wigs with curls for Shabbat and special occasions. European hair holds up much better than Asian hair. Another thing to consider about Asian hair is that if it’s light-colored then it has most likely been bleached. Bleaching damages and weakens hair so the wig probably won’t last very long. European hair is usually completely natural. What kind of wigs do you have at AG Wigs? We make custom wigs to suit our clients’ requirements and taste. We often sit and talk with clients for hours before we make their wigs. This way we are sure we have understood exactly what they want. We also sell pre-cuts which are cheaper than custommade but still made from the finest European hair. In your opinion what makes a good sheitel-macher? A good price is very important, but if the price is too low then it can signal that the product is not good quality. A reliable sheitelmacher will offer a guarantee so that clients know they can always
AG Wigs studio is located at the shops arcade in the Leonardo Plaza hotel (formerly Sheraton) in Jerusalem. You can contact Yaniv at 02 6251018 or Ayala at 052 654 3500.
Come join us at AG Wigs
on Monday 29th September from 8pm until midnight for a special treat in honor of the chag. Take advantage of a mini shopping experience at the salon complete with wine and refreshments, designer clothing from Michal Salomon of Petach Tikva, hair accessories and express manicures at just 30NIS, and wigs at an amazing 30% off. Plus, get an express manicure for free with every wig purchase!
return to fix something. It’s also helpful if the sheitel-macher advises clients on how to care for their wigs at home, especially for young women who are buying wigs for the first time. What do you and Ayala bring to the wig-making industry? Ayala and I make a winning combination. I have 15 years of experience as a hairstylist so I know just how a wig should look on a client’s head. Ayala is a professional wig maker. We create the wigs together; Ayala makes sure that the wig contains the right amount of hair in the right places and I check the hair-type, color and length. When a client comes to AG Wigs to purchase a custom wig she’s getting a team of experts who are dedicated to making sure that the end product is fabulous. And after the wig is finished our clients know that they can come back to us as many times as necessary until their wig is absolutely perfect. That’s our motto: ‘Perfect wig, perfect cut.’
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Luxurious Renovations for Overseas and Local Clients with High Expectations
Y
aniv Building and Renovation, founded by Yaniv Smadar in 2002, specializes in luxury renovations for overseas clients with property in Israel, as well as for local clients with high renovation standards and expectations. How did you get started in the construction industry and how long have you been in it? In the year 1993, when I finished my army service in the framework of the Hesder Yeshivot, I was about to get married and needed to find work immediately. The Department of Labor convinced newly released soldiers to work in the building field as they would get financial help and subsidized night school. That is how I found myself in the field. I said to myself that this was for a limited time only and was only due to the need to have an immediate income. And yet, here I am, still in the field, thank God. As the years passed by, I received my certification as a work manager in the building field from the Ministry of Labor and afterwards as a registered contractor to carry out actual building (and not just repairs) from the Ministry of Housing. Later on, I learned how to manage projects at the Technion in Haifa. What type of projects do you do? My experience is divided into two parts. In the period in which I worked as a salaried manager for building companies, I was responsible for the carrying out of large and complicated projects such as the Jordan Valley College on the beach of the Sea of Gali14
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CHAGIM 2014
Interview with Yaniv Smadar
lee, a two-lane bridge at the entrance to Nazareth-Elite, an IDF army base after the withdrawal from Lebanon, industrial buildings and private homes. Since 2002, after becoming an independent contractor and going into private practice, the majority of my business has been and is in the full renovation of private homes and other living places. I do not do partial renovations such as bathrooms or plaster walls but only full renovations. I specialize in carrying out only residential and not commercial renovations. I get a lot more satisfaction in building an additional house in Israel. The house is intended for the spirit of a man while a business is, in most cases, a means to earn money and materialism. What is your philosophy in building a home? I believe that a house should fill two main functions. The first is practical and the second is esthetic. I believe in a philosophy of finding a balance between the two. This differs from client to client as the balance point changes. Do you have permanent staff or do you hire sub-contractors by project? I have a permanent staff of workers but this does not include electricians, whom I hire as needed (only certified electricians) or people to break down walls and remove debris. I prefer this way as over the years I have learned that sub-contractors prefer speed over quality, as their income is based on the speed in which they do the job. When one works with a team of seasoned employees
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(like mine) who have learned to recognize my demands and who receive a salary according to a day’s work, they have no reason to shortcuts that affect the quality of the job. How many homes do you build a year? Every year I do a full renovation on about three houses and ten apartments. What are you known as in the market? I am known as a trustworthy contractor, straight and pleasant, who tries the best he can for his clients and one who returns to fix problems if they appear, even after a long time. How often is an architect involved? Most of my jobs have architects involved. Most of the renovations that I carry out are complicated and include design. It is very important for an architect to be a part of them. I try, as part of my job, to comment on things as needed in order to prevent any sad and costly mistakes which many times can cause a lot of bitter disappointment for clients who didn’t see the problems in time. What format is your contract? My contracts include full details and the prices of every part and portion of the renovation, a time line and a period of warranty. Who will be on-site and in charge of my job each day? I will be there every day and I will supervise. Every day I visit each of my projects (I carry out about three projects simultaneously) and I personally manage each of them. In addition to this, I use an additional person to connect and supervise between the client and the sub-contractors who have been hired by my clients. (Many times clients prefer to work directly with suppliers of doors, windows, air conditioners, etc. I see it as my job to coordinate these sub-contractors within the framework of the project.) How do you handle client changes in the middle of a project? This is no problem. All of my contracts contain very detailed pricing for every type and level of work that is needed. Thus, in the case of additional work, there is no need for arguments as we have the base price list in front of us. On the basis of these prices, it is easy to cost out the price of the additional work. Do clients bring in their own project supervisors? Is there an advantage to this?
In my humble opinion, a good architect and a good contractor are enough in order to carry out a successful project. Many times, when they are both good, a supervisor turns out to be unnecessary. A well-known supervisor once whispered to me that a good contractor has no reason for a supervisor and with a bad contractor, not even a good supervisor will help. What is the worst building experience that has ever happened to you? Unfortunately, two years ago, during the summer, I built an attic apartment in an apartment building in Modiin. In order to build the addition we had to take apart the sealing system in the existing roof. During the casting of the new concrete roof we needed to wet down the concrete for a number of days, a process that significantly improves the strength of the cement. But, because I had gone on vacation, the owners of the apartment agreed to water the concrete instead of me. In order to make their work easier, they opened up a pipe and left it open on the new concrete casting! After two days, I received an hysterical phone call from one of the residents of a lower apartment — her whole ceiling was leaking water…and the rest is history. Is there any job that you do not do such as putting in a pool, landscaping, etc.? In general, I can recommend and help clients in regard to every type of work that is needed, even if I do not do it myself. From the great amount of experience that I have gained and from the many sub-contractors that I know, this is no problem. On the other hand, I also recommend to my clients that they should supply the contractors with the materials needed on their account in order to save them distress and excessive arguments later on regarding the quality of the product that they expected to receive in relationship to what the contractor planned to give them such as doors, windows, air conditioners, sanitary appliances, tiles, coverings, kitchens, marble etc. Is working for Anglos different than other groups? I enjoy working with the Anglo-Saxon population very much. They are clients who know how to value good work, work that is invested. Satisfied clients in this population represent the best ambassadors for my future work. What insurances does your firm carry? I give them third party insurance and take out employer insurance for my workers and the sub-contractors at the site. It is important to know that the majority of insurance companies are willing to insure only registered contractors. Non-registered contractors may find out that the insurance companies will not pay out on a claim for damage in the case of an incident. What are the three most important questions to ask a kablan before hiring him? References. References. References. In the end I can talk about myself as much as I want but it is my clients who give the references about me. What are your business ambitions? I love my work very much and get satisfaction from it. The larger the project and the more complicated it is, the more I enjoy it and the more professional satisfaction I get. How can someone contact you? Tel: From overseas:+972-505-798-536; locally: 050-579-8536; by e-mail: 100yaniv@gmail.com; website: www.Yanivsite.com www.BIZNESSMAG.com
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An interview with Gila, owner of Nagila What made you open a restaurant which is vegetarian? I have a background in sport and used to practice shiatsu, so I’m fairly health-minded. The vegetarian way of life is simply healthier. It’s important to eat foods which sustain the body. It’s important to connect to nature. For me, meals are made up of lots of salads and colors. Each color has a different nutritional value and contains different vitamins which are essential for the body. How challenging was it to set up a vegetarian menu for Nagila? It wasn’t at all simple. We have been through some challenging times. But slowly the menu is expanding to suit our customers’ tastes. The menu also changes according to the seasonal produce available in the shuk. We find delight in reinventing food and exciting our customers’ taste buds. What is your favourite dish on the menu at Nagila? It’s a tough choice. Everything is delicious and homemade. I am very connected to the salads in the restaurant. I love quinoa salad or Nagila salad. An additional hit is our natural vegan hamburger; it is just wonderful, presented in a roll that has been baked on the premises and with strips of sweet potato. I highly recommend that you get to know them from close up. Do you also serve fish? Yes, there are vegetarians who eat fish. That’s why we offer two alternatives, fish dishes or fresh fish, which customers may order in advance. What is the biggest fear you face when in the kitchen? That people won’t enjoy something I’ve made. How important is it for people to understand vegetarian cuisine?
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Reconnecting to Nature
Nagila Vegetarian Restaurant
People should be more conscious about what they’re putting into their mouths. Our food is our fuel – it’s what builds us. Eating unhealthy is like filling your car with low-quality gas – in the end, the car breaks down. Unfortunately, we see more and more people suffering from heart attacks and other illnesses at a very young age. Why did you choose the location near the Machne Yehuda shuk? I came to Jerusalem 30 years ago on a visit and ended up falling in love with the city. It was the same thing with the restaurant – I fell in love with the vaulted ceiling and arches. The location was chosen because it’s beautiful. Nagila is located in the ‘Even Yisrael’ neighborhood, which was one of the first neighborhoods to be established
outside the walls of the Old City. The atmosphere here is so authentic and traditional. And the close proximity to the shuk means that all the fruits and vegetables which I buy daily are very fresh. How did you succeed in creating such an alluring atmosphere? Maybe it’s because everyone is able to find himself in the restaurant. My husband Yonatan redecorated and transformed the restaurant into a charming place. The entrance is bright and cheerful, the lighting is soft and pleasant, there are lots of flowers, and bamboo partitions create private niches. In the center, there is a cocktails bar made from natural wood. It gives the feeling that this place is something beyond just food. But the most magical place,
where I go to relax with coffee and cake, is behind the restaurant opposite the amphitheater in ‘Kikar Even Yisrael’. Surrounded by olive trees, it’s fascinating and mysterious. Here I can find peace and quiet and allow my thoughts to wander. Did you intend to create a homey restaurant? Certainly. It was important for me to be able to give others a taste of the things I make at home. And the best way to do that is by having a family-run restaurant. This way, my daughter Chana and I cook, my husband decorates, and – I’ll let you in on a secret – sometimes even my 14-year-old daughter Meshi helps out. From where do you get inspiration for your recipes? I’ll give you an example: ‘Majadra La J’ahdana’ is named after my grandmother. (Majadra is a Middle-Eastern dish of lentils and rice.) My brothers and I used to eat by her often. There was nothing she cooked more than majadra. All our dishes are authentic and homemade. Chana’s pastry which is similar to an empanada but with a unique filling. The vegan moussaka is a dish which we created here. Every day we learn new things and we are always open to change. Online, Nagila is ranked among the top restaurants in Jerusalem. To what do you attribute its tremendous success? I produce good food which is fresh and healthy. I always keep my finger on the pulse, constantly checking that customers are satisfied. We treat our customers with a lot of love. Our customers help us develop and improve our menu and they tell their friends about us. And so many of our customers come back with smiling faces. Nagila is located on Mashiach Barukhof 5, Shuk area, Jerusalem | Tel. 02-622 3331.
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“… in the plumbing trade, we deal with someone’s most important worldly possession - their home!” Interview with Sammy Bergin, owner of Shmuel Bergin Plumbing
B
elieve it or not, not all plumbers are created equal. Some are trustworthy, some are experienced, some are clean, some are efficient, some are fair, some are a pleasure to deal with. So how do you find a plumber with all of the attributes you are looking for? Sammy, where are you from? I am originally from Manchester, England where I had my own plumbing and kitchen fitting business. Since making aliyah three years ago, I worked for a top plumbing company in Bet Shemesh. I recently decided to set up my own business here. What got you into the plumbing business? I always liked working with my hands. As a child, I was always doing “DIY” around the house. I decided to channel that into a specific trade. Add to that the appeal of job satisfaction — you enter a home under crisis and leave with the problem solved. What’s the worse advice you have ever received? Someone once told me that the best way to succeed in the plumbing business is to get the job done “as quickly as possible, as cheaply as possible and move on to the next one. The customer will love that you were in and out so quickly and that it didn’t cost them a fortune!” How is your approach different than the advice you received? While this last statement might sound true, it’s not. There may well be situations where a job can be done quickly and might not cost nearly as much as what the customer thought it would – and that’s great! However, in the plumbing trade as well as many others, the most important thing to remember is that you are dealing with someone’s most important worldly possession - their home! In my experience, a customer does not want a “chick chack” or “cheap and cheerful” job done in their home. They want a thorough and professional assessment of what needs to done, and for the job to be carried out in a thoughtful and proficient way - both in quality of work and cost efficiency. That is what I believe is the best way to succeed in business. What type of services do you provide? I cover all aspects of plumbing, from that annoying dripping tap to hot water solar and electric systems, sink blockages to full bathroom suit installations and plumbing for kitchens. We also provide a whole range of water filter systems. My most recent projects include converting a living room into a kitchen and installing the bathrooms in a new local shul. What’s the most difficult job you have done? Difficult? I prefer the term challenging. One that springs to mind is a Friday afternoon where I had to change a burnt out heating 18
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element for a dud on the roof of a house. It was raining so hard that the rain was bouncing up off the roof into my face while I was trying to safely connect electrical wires. (I just kept saying to myself over and over, “L’kovod Shabbos kodesh, l’kovod Shabbos kodesh.”) How would you advise a young man who is thinking about getting into this field? The answer is the same as in any field. There are many pros as well as cons in plumbing. The most important thing at the beginning is to be prepared for the long term. Plumbing is a technical profession that requires a high level of expertise and that is something that doesn’t come overnight. It requires training and gaining experience in the field and building up skills needed to diagnose and carry out any job that comes your way. But the rewards are more than worth it. Flexible hours, respectable salary, getting to meet a variety of people and building a trusting relationship with them. And best of all, as mentioned earlier, is the job satisfaction of providing a service and a solution for a customer’s plumbing issue. Which areas do you service? I am based primarily in Ramat Bet Shemesh, but I also service Modi’in, Yad Binyamin and all the surrounding area. I am currently also servicing Jerusalem and pretty much anywhere in between. Sammy can be contacted at: 058-795-8815 or by e-mail at: berginplumbing@gmail.com or you can visit their website at www.sberginplumbing.com
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Weight Loss
In The Know With Dr. Bo:
Your Guide to Weight Loss & Nutrition By Dr. Bo Rosenblat, Chief Physician for Dr. Bo’s Diet
Dear Dr. Bo, At the start of the children’s new school year I made a resolution to lose weight. But, I want to make sure that I incorporate changes that I can stick to. I have lost weight in the past but I always seem to gain it back. Can you tell me where I may have been going wrong and how I can get on a healthier plan? M.H. Har Nof, Jerusalem Dear M.H., We face many challenges when trying to lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle. We can become overwhelmed, discouraged or even resentful of the process. Here are the top five most common problems and how you can have success in the face of challenges: • Not Eating on a Schedule or Skipping Meals Altogether: This is one habit that exists across the board in both men and women of all age ranges. “I’m too busy to eat,” is one of the most common things people say. Only it’s not entirely true. We always find the time, eventually, but the decisions we make at that point aren’t usually the best. We become so wrapped up in our day, that we often go hours without fueling our bodies. When we do eventually eat, we often make the wrong choices at that point. It’s easy to make poor choices when you’re starving. Our brains run on glucose, a simple sugar produced by the breakdown of food. When you skip meals, your brain doesn’t have the glucose needed to make good decisions -- like choosing a healthy snack or meal option. People who eat on a schedule throughout the day generally eat less and weigh less overall. • Dieting with the Purpose of Losing Weight, Not Changing Habits: Most of the time when people “go on a diet,” it is with very short-term goals. “I want to get skinny for so and so’s wedding” or “I need to lose 20 pounds before this holiday.” While shortsighted goals are great motivators, they are just that, shortsighted. If you lose ten pounds to fit into a dress or tuxedo for an occasion, you are probably going to overindulge at that very affair now that the goal is behind you. If, 20
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however, you make real and manageable lifestyle changes and have a true understanding of your long-term as well as your short-term goals, you will be more likely to use your small successes as the push you need to continue. • Depriving, Depriving, Depriving and then Binging. When dieting, people often feel that they have to get rid of every “bad” food. While it is true that you cannot lose weight or maintain a healthy weight eating whatever you want, whenever you want, depriving yourself of everything you crave will lead to one thing and one thing only -- binging. We all have some level of self-control and some have more than others but we are also human and at a certain point we usually give in to temptation. If you are prepared for that eventuality, you are more likely to treat yourself with one serving size of cookies rather than an entire box! • Thinking that You Know How Much You Consume. Everyone generally feels that they have a good handle on what they consume throughout the day. A recent study concluded that people actually consume between 30-50% more calories in a given day than they had guesstimated. Keeping a food journal, even for a short while, will give you a better understanding of what you are eating, how much you’re eating and when you’re eating, as well as how it affects you on the scale. • Comparing Yourself to Others. If you look around, you will see that no two people look quite the same -- even when from the same family. The amount of calories we need per day and the way in which we each break down foods is also different. Comparing your weight loss to that of a friend will only be setting you up for disappointment. Focus on yourself and learning your specific caloric needs -- how your body reacts to the types of food you choose and the way in which your foods are prepared. If you do this, you will be less likely to become discouraged in your weight loss journey. When creating Dr. Bo’s Diet, I had the five aforementioned pitfalls in mind. Specifically, I wanted to create a customizable program with rapid results and long-term sustainability. I want my patients to leave my office with the tools necessary for living in a real world, eating real food and maintaining a healthy weight. About the Author Dr. Bo Rosenblatt is a Board Certified Medical Doctor who has served in many leadership positions in hospitals and clinics and has lectured for physician organizations all across the United States. For more information call 077-228-5877 or e-mail at: details@drbosdiet.com
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makeup
To put on
A new line for Charedi women
In Israel, it is now possible to get cosmetic products which are permissible for use on Shabbos, with the approval of Badatz Bet Yosef. The Makeup for Shabbos company explains exactly which issues constitute a problem in the production of Shabbos-approved makeup, and why the company’s line of cosmetics do not include these issues. Shabbos morning. You’re getting ready for your nephew’s Bar Mitzvah. You organize the kids, dressing them in their freshlyironed Shabbos clothes. You tie the shoelaces of Moishy’s shiny shoes and tie a pretty bow in Chani’s golden hair, and you warn them a thousand times not to get themselves dirty. Now that they’re ready you finally have the time to take care of yourself. Then you realize that your face shows no vestige of the makeup which you so carefully applied on Erev Shabbos. When you’re talking about chagim which fall around Shabbos or whenever there are two or three consecutive days on which you can’t use makeup, the problem becomes even bigger. So many women are disappointed that davka on Shabbos and Yom Tov, when they expend so much money and effort on clothing, jewellery and shoes in honor of the chag, the main player – makeup – is absent from the stage. While certain companies guarantee cosmetic products which will last up to 24 hours, in reality they do not hold well, disappearing over the course of Shabbos. Additionally, sleeping with makeup on is not healthy for skin since it is unable to breathe. This problem was identified by Shabbos Brushups, a company in the USA, and they began to produce a line of Shabbos-approved cosmetics for Shomer Shabbos women. The halachic leniency for the makeup is according to the guidelines of HaRav Ovadia Yosef zt’’l, HaRav Fishels shlita, the son-in-law of HaRav Dovid Feinstein shlita and HaRav Chanoch Eherentrau shlita, Rosh Beis Din in London. There are additional Rabbonim who gave their approval for the unique makeup, on condition that consumers use it according to the package’s instructions.
What is unique about Makeup for Shabbos?
Makeup for Shabbos, which has exclusive import right to the products, explains that there are three halachic problems with using regular makeup on Shabbos: 1) Tzoveya, since the makeup lasts for many hours, 2) Memareyach, since it involves smearing lotions and creams, 3) Memachek. The makeup of Shabbos Brushups solves all these problems. Since the products are free of oils and cream there is no prohibition of Memareyach. Also, the makeup does not last for many hours so there is no prohibition of Tzoveya, and since it is a powder which dissolves on its own there is also no prohibition of Memachek. According to some poskim, this is what makes it permissible for use on Shabbos. The fact that the products carry the approval of Badatz Bet Yosef is news which was very well-received by the Shomrei Shabbos community. Thanks to these unique products one can now look refreshed without transgressing serious prohibitions, chalilah. The company emphasises that a venerable Rav visited the factories in chutz l’aretz on behalf of the Badatz, and he also did extensive research on the topic. He is happy to answer any halachic questions on the product which a customer may have.
Many women mistakenly assume that cosmetics which are in powder
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f al o ov pr
Shabbos ma
How is it possible to use makeup on Shabbos?
form are permissible for use on Shabbos. They are not aware that by using such cosmetics they may be mechalel Shabbos, chas veshalom, since most powders, like eye shadow and blush, consist of binding materials, such as silicon, oils and creams, which changes the act of application to Memareyach and Tzoveya. The cosmetics of Makeup for Shabbos:
Are created from natural minerals and are oil- and fragrance-free, allowing the skin to breathe Create a natural, dignified and gentle look Include a wide selection of fashionable and unique products And most importantly, they are the only line of cosmetics for Shabbos with certified approval It is important to stress that the company’s makeup is very high quality, yet the products do not last for many hours so as to avoid the prohibition of Tzoveya. According to the poskim one may reapply the makeup as often as required.
ls shlita
v FisheHarav Dovid HaRa-la w of (son-in instein shlita) trau Fe Ehren hanochDin, London) C av aR H Beis h os (R shlita
You’re invited to try out the cosmetics in the comfort of your own home! For more information contact your local representative.
Jerusalem: Bayit Vegan - Hadar: 054-2563570 Geula - @HĂ„[ *VZTL[PJZ! Miriam Cohen: Romema - 9HJOLSP =PUK! Ramot - 6KLS ([PHZ! Neve Yaakov - 5LJOHTH Bet Shemesh: :[`SPZO! @\RYH ZOLS 0W\Y!
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Buying an Apartment
“On Paper” FAQ
By Yossi Lipsh
I
n our previous article, we presented a general overview of all the new developments under construction in and around RBS. We discussed Gimmel, Mishkafayim, Mem3 and “The Ma”ar.” In this article, we’d like to zoom in closer and talk “tachlis” about all of the practical details. Why buy now? In the past, unit prices have risen dramatically over the course of construction and especially at completion and after occupancy. In certain cases, the “after completion” price of units has been 50% higher than the “on paper” price. In addition, early purchase means a better choice of units and a greater flexibility in ordering changes and additions. Another advantage of early purchase is the opportunity to spread the payments over an extended period. What is included in the price and what is not? The price includes the 18% Value Added Tax. If VAT goes up or down, the unpaid balance is automatically adjusted accordingly. The price also includes all of the items in the standard specs as detailed in the contract. The price does not include legal fees which run between 1-2%, depending on the project. What other costs will I have? There are several additional costs: 1. All purchasers of real estate in Israel are required to pay “mas rechisha,” the real estate purchase tax. At present, first-time Israeli buyers enjoy an exemption on the first 1,517,210 NIS of the purchase price and pay 3.5% of the amount above this up to 1,799,605 NIS. Second time Israeli buyers and first or second-time non-Israeli buyers are required to pay 5% on the first 1,123,910 NIS and 6%+ on the amount above this sum. 2. Your own attorney’s fees. 3. Deposits on utility meters (water, gas and electric. This amount should not exceed 2,000 NIS. 4. Real estate agent’s fees of 2% of the cost
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of the unit. 5. Fee for costs involved in the registration of the unit in your name in the land registry (tabu), approximately 2,500 NIS. Any other expenses? Obviously, the cost of furnishing the unit is an “additional” cost. This includes the cost of major appliances (fridge, washer, dryer, stove top, oven, etc.) and wall closets which are not included in the specs. If you decide to upgrade the kitchen cabinetry and counter tops, you will incur extra costs. Air conditioning is not included in the specs and will incur extra cost. The estimated costs of the above for a four-room unit are as follows: 1. Appliances: 20,000 NIS 2. Wall Closets: 15,000 NIS 3. A/C: 15,000 NIS The price is “linked to the cost of building index.” What does this mean? The Government Statistics Bureau publishes a monthly index of residential construction costs known as “madad hab’niyah” (BCI=Building Cost Index). This index reflects the increase and/or decrease in the actual costs of residential construction based on a wide variety of factors including the cost of materials, labor, taxes, etc. Almost all developers in Israel link their contracts with purchasers to this index to protect themselves against the increasing costs of construction. In practical terms, this means that each payment you make is adjusted according to the changes in the index from contract signing to the date of payment. If, for example, a payment is due in the amount of 200,000 NIS and the index has risen 2% from the contract signing, the actual payment due will be 204,000 NIS. What is the procedure for purchasing a unit? The first step is to choose the unit you want based on the plans and the prices. The next step is to sign a “request to purchase” form which details the unit, its cost and the standard payment plan. The unit is officially reserved when a 1.5% non-
Bizness Magazine
refundable deposit is received with the signed request-to-purchase form. What comes next? We will submit a draft contract to your attorney who will negotiate with the contractor company’s attorney regarding changes and additions that he/she requests. When the final draft is ready, a date will be set for signing. What is the standard payment plan? At contract signing, 15% of the price is payable. This is “set in stone” since the bank, which is financing the project and providing the guarantees (see the question on this below), will not approve a sale unless 15% is paid at contract. An additional 25% is due within 30 days of the contract. The remaining 55% is divided into several payments (typically five or six) which are defined by both a date and a stage of construction, whichever comes later, so that payments do not accrue unless construction continues at the site. The final payment is 5% at completion. There is some flexibility in regard to the payments. Are my payments guaranteed? Yes, of course. Each payment is deposited directly by the purchaser into the special project account administered by the bank financing the project. Upon receipt of each payment, the bank instructs the insurance company backing the project to issue a policy guaranteeing the payments in the case of insolvency or bankruptcy of the developer, chas v’chalilla. We would like to wish you much success when purchasing your new property. We are here for you and will be happy to provide you with any additional information that you may need. K’tiva V’chatima Tova Have a happy and sweet New Year! Yossi Lipsh Realty is located at 38 Nachal Dolev, Ramat Bet Shemesh: Tel: 02-999-4466; 052-396-0551; e-mail: info@yossilipshrealty.com Website: www.rbs-realty.com Facebook: RBS-Realty
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Mayim Chayim 8
Water the Way it’s
By Haim Averbuch
T
ap water is polluted with toxins which enter the water as a result of industrial waste. The problem with most water filters is that while getting rid of the dangerous chemicals, many filters also filter out most of the essential minerals present in the water. This means that to remain healthy we need to supplement ourselves with synthetic vitamins and minerals. This is very expensive. While bottled water might seem like a healthy alternative, extensive testing has shown that there is a significant level of contamination some of which is caused by the plastic bottle. The Mayim Chayim 8 system is installed at the water main so that purified water comes out of every faucet in your home, not just for drinking. The Mayim Chayim 8 system works like a centrifuge. The high-speed spinning causes the different parts of the water to separate which results in the minerals being detached from the toxins. The spinning also breaks up the toxins into minuscule pieces, effectively deactivating them so that they can no longer do any harm to the body. Tests on people who drink water filtered by Mayim Chayim 8 indicate that there are high levels of toxins present in their secretions. This means that instead of being absorbed into the body, as would otherwise occur, the toxins are successfully expelled from the body through the natural secretion system. Another benefit of the centrifuge system is that the water becomes enriched with liquid oxygen and high energy. This in turn assists the body’s red blood cells which are responsible for distributing oxygen to every part of the body. Liquid
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Meant to be
oxygen in particular is critical in helping the immune system fight various diseases. The digestive and immune systems have also been shown to work better because of the higher oxygen content of Mayim Chayim 8 water. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of Mayim Chayim 8 water is its effect on a large variety of skin diseases including psoriasis, eczema and acne. Before tap water reaches our homes, it is treated with artificial chemicals to destroy bacteria and viruses. Chlorine damages hair and causes the skin to become dry and in some instances to flake. Mayim Chayim 8 centrifuged water is soft and gentle on the skin and hair, allowing the skin cells to breathe. The soft water prevents lime scale from building up inside kettles, pipes, washing machines, dishwashers and heaters so they work better for longer. Mayim Chayim 8 is also more cost-efficient than common filters and it is guaranteed to operate perfectly for at least twenty years without requiring any costly filter-changing or replacement of parts.
Bizness Magazine
Installing the Mayim Chayim 8 system is quick and can be done by any plumber. The system has been approved by the Israeli Standards Institute and the Ministry of Health. Mayim Chayim 8 carries a warranty of ten years, although so far not a single customer has complained. The amazing benefits of Mayim Chayim 8: • Water in its tastiest, purest form • Full of essential minerals ready to be absorbed by the cells • Facilitates excretion of toxins from the body • No bacteria and free of harmful toxins • Skin conditions disappear • Reduced lime scale in electrical appliances • Very cost-efficient – no expensive maintenance • No filter replacements For more information, visit www.mayim-chayim8.co.il or contact Haim Averbuch at: 052-863-6974; 02-6796781 or by e-mail at: averbuch136@gmail.com
02 999 3939
Kosher
Bais Yosef meat
Pasha’s Food Takeout Restaurant
s Ordere can bin made ce advan
Festive meals for Rosh Hashana Pasha Restaurant invites you to enjoy more than 100 types of dishes for Shabbat and Chagim
Special opening hours:
Tuesday, 23.9.14, 16:00-21:00 Wednesday Erev Rosh Hashana, 24.9.14, 8:30-15:00 Friday Erev Yom Kipur, 3.10.14, 8:30-13:00 Erev Succot Wednesday 8.10.14 08:30-15:00 Friday 10.10.14 08:30-15:00 Erev Simchat Torah Wednesday 15.10.14 08:30-15:00
The restaurant is open every Friday and Erev chag 8:30-15:00 Pierre kenig 28, Talpiot, 02-6482220 | Parking at Hadar mall Catering for all occasions
A Now in Israel Officially One of the Top Ten Best-Selling
SPORT
“Toys”
in the UK over the Last Ten Years Interview with
Gershon Schneider,
Distributor of the Original Swingball Game
• • • • •
Fun Educational Active Quality Value
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CHAGIM 2014
n increasing amount of children rarely participate in any physical activity at or after school. But, using Swingball, you can perform simple exercises at home with your children to boost their fitness levels and have unlimited fun at the same time. What is Swingball? Swingball (better known to Yanks as tetherball) is a classic game with a history of over 40 years in Commonwealth countries. It is now officially one of the top ten best-selling sports “toys” in the UK over the last ten years! Most of us old-timers remember that during the long summer holidays we hit a tennis ball on a string which was tethered to a pole which was spiked into the ground in our back gardens. Now, our children can enjoy the same experience and gain all the benefits that we did. The manufacturers of Swingball have stayed up-to-date and have recently released a top quality, new and improved version of the game which they hope will cash in on the current fever for 80s’ nostalgia. There is also a specific children’s version for younger players. Today’s version of the game has all the interconnected pieces neatly stored in the strong but light plastic base and is ready for easy assembly. (Each set has clear user instructions in English with diagrams.) Swingball is either a solo game or it can be played in pairs. The real tennis ball is connected to a 1.5 meter tethered string (looped at the other end) which is loosely fitted over the spiral piece at the top of the metal pole. The non-slip bat is used to hit the ball which swings around from forehand to backhand or vice versa. With each successive hit, the tether loop moves either up or down the spiral for a GAME, SET and MATCH experience. What ages can play with Swingball? The Swingball “All Surface with X Base Set” is ideally suitable for players from 6-106 years of age. It can also be quickly moderated, with adult supervision, for potential champions as young as three who will enjoy making ball contact. The “Regular” and “Pro” sets are perfect for younger and older children and adults who enjoy hitting and hearing the swoosh sound of a tennis ball. Where can it be played? Swingball isn’t just for the back garden; it’s a perfect game for outdoor or indoor events and it’s fun, interactive and great for all age-groups and genders...but be warned - it tends to bring out that competitive spirit in even the most unlikely players. With five registered patents in UK and US the Swingball All Surface with X Base enables play on all flat and safe surfaces including grass, sand, deck, concrete, astroturf and more. Fill the base with water or sand - no holes, no hassles, no mess. How does it benefit children’s health? By learning to hit the ball, children develop hand and eye co-ordination. Their brains become quicker at responding to stimuli and react faster. It also gives them an upper-body workout as they constantly need to hit the ball. Swingball also helps increase spine flexibility in children’s and helps develop core muscles which aid balance and tighten stomachs. The benefits of active sports are well-documented and are known to have positive effects on learning and social and physical development. Teens benefit from the competition, learning fair play and sportsmanship. I have seen this especially in my kids who range in age from 5-18. Since we have had the game at home, either in the garden or on the patio, they have developed social skills by greater interaction with family, neighbors and friends than before. They love to go outside and play for hours at a time. Swingball has helped them promote their self-expression and general interest in sporting activities. Now I can take them to play tennis or even baseball whereas before they would just
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shrug their shoulders. I see improvement from one game to the next. They go out to practice their Swingball almost everyday as it is at home and there is no need for either them or us to shlepp anywhere. What I really enjoy, and this is also the feedback I receive from other parents, is that we now have a game that we can play together and use to bond with our children -- each at their own level. Are there different models? What are the differences between them? Yes. I import and distribute two different models -- the Regular Swingball and the Pro Swingball models. The Pro set is more of a challenge for competition play with more spiral for a longer game. The pole is thicker, stronger and higher with a deeper base. Can an adult get a real workout? Yes. Fifteen to twenty minutes of solo play builds up a real sweat which is great as a cardio vascular workout. It also firms up arms, shoulders, back and leg muscles. How is the original Swingball different from its “copycats?” As far as I am aware, there are no similar games in Israel or even in the rest of the world. It just is not economically viable to create a version that is cheaper and thus of lower quality. The design and manufacture of this product is precise and carefully measured for long-lasting durability as well as value for money. How did you come up with the idea to bring it to Israel? When we came on aliyah 20 years ago, we brought with us the older version of Swingball with the spike. However, the ground is not as firm and therefore the pole was not stable. No one enjoyed the game which really upset me as I have fond memories of playing Swingball while growing up. Then, three years ago, on a visit to my parents in South Africa, I was elated to find the new and improved Swingball All Surface set that would now allow us to play under our conditions. After bringing the set to Israel and experiencing the renewed enthusiasm for the game, I knew this was right for other families in Israel. Bli Ayin Hara, our communities are blessed with many children of all ages. There is a huge lack of sporting facilities for the boys and girls as well as their parents. There are very few places for them to exert positive energy and exercise which aids in the building of strong and healthy bodies and minds. I said to myself that now families all over the country who live in apartment buildings with large entrance areas or mirpasot (verandas) as well as those in private homes whose garden area is grass, wooden deck, sand, concrete or astroturf can set up and benefit from this important game. Baruch Hashem, since I started importing and distributing the Swingball sets over two years ago, I have distributed and sold many units impacting thousands of lives all over the country. Whether to private homes or to community centers (matnasim) and yeshivot, I continue to receive orders from family and friends of those who ordered and recommended me to others not only because of the game itself but also for the value of a top quality product. Tell us about the Swingball Israel Home Video and Swingball Israel 2015 ATP World Tour Finals Competition and prizes? I decided to hold two competitions - one for the fun of it and the other with serious prizes. • The Home Video Competition: Upload to YouTube and
send me the link to a two-minute video of your family playing Swingball in a unique and original way. The best video received by Chanukah 5775 will win a prize of 250 shekels cash. • The Swingball Israel 2015 ATP World Tour Finals Competition: Each unit of Swingball purchased between September 1, 2014 and May, 1 2015 automatically enters the draw. Once 2015 units have been sold, there will be a drawing. The top prize is an all expenses ticket for two for a week to the ATP World Tennis Tour Finals in London, UK or 15,000 shekels cash!! Second prize is an LG 50 Inch HD TV or 3,000 shekels in cash. Third prize is an iPad or 1,500 shekels in cash. Are Djokovic and Federer using Swingball to practice their forehand? Could be. You can ask them yourself if you win the Swingball Israel 2015 ATP World Tour Finals competition. Are families buying it as a chagim present? Yes. Many families buy Swingball as chagim presents. This is a unique present that the whole family enjoys and that can be played outside near your Sukkah wherever it may be and even taken with you on a tiyul as the base set doesn’t take up much space. We know Swingball is sold at the largest toy and game stores in the US, how about here? It was decided to offer a fair competitive price and a unique service experience reaching all potential buyers around the country. We therefore distribute Swingball using our own reliable door to door delivery system endeavoring to deliver within three working days from the time of order either online, by SMS or phone - While Stocks Last. Orders can be made by visiting our product specific website at: www.swingball.co.il. All prices quoted include V.A.T and delivery costs. We also offer group discounts for purchases of five units or more. Those interested should e-mail me from the site or call/ SMS me for details at: 052-287-6475. We accept VISA, PayPal and Bank Transfer as well as by check or cash that can be given to the shaliach at the time of the delivery.
Classical Swingball is currently available in Israel. Our unique service will have your ordered set hand-delivered directly to your door. Each set comes with our personal importer’s warranty -- three months on the base set and one month on the ball and string. We also have replacement ball and string sets for purchase at nominal cost. Swingball meets all international standards.
www.BIZNESSMAG.com
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27
Mortgage
The Value of your Property’s Valuation and
What is at Risk
I
t is important to remember that one of the most important factors in determining your loan amount is your property’s value. The percentage of the property value to the loan is called a loan-to-value-ratio. This is also known as the LTV. The LTV affects, both the maximum loan amount allowed by the Bank of Israel (BOI) as well as the interest rate on the loan. For example, if a borrower is not an Israeli citizen, the Bank of Israel will only let a mortgage bank loan up to 50% of the value, regardless how qualified the borrower is. The same is true for an Israeli borrower, who borrows money for any other purpose than buying a new home or building either a new home or adding on to an existing home. (Building means that there is a heter bniyah or building permit which authorizes the number of square meters to be built.) In Hebrew this category of loan is called l’kol matara or a loan for any purpose. The maximum LTV allowed by the BOI is 50%. Interest rates are based on what is called a “risk weighting” also known as “risk-based pricing.” This comes from a BOI regulation based on an international regulation that I have written about before called the Basel Accord AKA Basel III. Due to the BOI regulations based on Basel III, the interest rate is affected by the LTV. An Israeli citizen who buys a property (assuming they do not own another property), will get a lower interest rate for a loan with a 58% LTV vs. a 75% LTV, regardless of the financial strength of the borrower. This is because Basel III requires that the regulators (in our case BOI) require banks to do something called a “set aside” based on a methodology based on standard metrics of which one is the LTV. The mortgage bank’s business is to lend money. Set asides effectively increase their cost of making the loan. The way they compensate for this is by increasing the interest rate. Now we need to define the value in the LTV. Property value is determined by either the value determined by an appraiser or, in the case of a purchase, the purchase price -- whichever is lower. This same principle has been used in the US for decades as well. Appraisers do not have a divining rod or a mystical 6th sense regarding values (although every now and then you meet that appraiser who thinks that he does). Due to regulations, directives from banks and best practices there is a world of difference
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CHAGIM 2014
By Moshe Wilshinsky
between how an appraiser views value vs how a buyer or seller would. For example an appraiser has to use the value of sold properties in the area not what sellers are currently asking. This means the appraiser is using a value that was set in a contract that is months or even a year prior. This can result in real value differences, especially in a “hot” market, one where property values are increasing at a high rate. For the Mortgage Market this issue is exasperated when you have the combination of two factors, the “Hot” Market is about to be taken off the fire and the mortgage industry (banks, regulator and appraisers) are concerned about how quickly it will cool. The banks and regulator need to worry about a deep freeze. (O.K., sorry for the over-use of the analogy but you get the idea). Whether or not the market is in this state yet, I will not know until that appraiser I mentioned above delivers the diving rod he sold me. (OK., as noted above I am in finance and you can see why my livelihood is not in comedy or journalism.) From being in markets that were as I described above, I can tell you my impression now is that some banks and appraisers are taking the possibility into account. There are objective factors that set the appraised value -- the value of average square meter of comparable properties that recently sold in the immediate area around the property. Yes, those adjectives above are very subjective and that is one of the areas that can cause a difference of opinions of value, but if you use the value of a square meter to comparable properties in a close radios as a reference you will have a point of reference to discuss value. If you have stayed with me this far in the article, what I want you to take away with you and be conscious of is that depending on the transaction, the appraisal is paramount. Just because your brother-in-law, friends, cousins, an uncle who used to be a builder say that your property is worth much more than your neighbor who just sold his as they saw, you can’t go to the bank with it. About the Author Moshe Wilshinsky is the CEO of Moville Mortgage & Finance Ltd. Contact information: Israel: Dial: 073-796-2226 and then press the special 711 Bizness Magazine extension. In the U.S., dial: 201-377-3418; in the U.K., dial 208-596-4501. Website is at: www.movillefinance.com
Bizness Magazine
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Car Garage Daniel Ginensky (left) is the service manager at AutoKING. AutoKING is an Angloowned, English (and Hebrew) speaking repair shop. The mechanics at AutoKING are experts in all types of auto repairs and service. Ariel (right) is the head mechanic. He is a master at quickly diagnosing problems. Daniel and his team provide exceptional customer service at very fair prices. AutoKING is located across the parking lot from the BIG Fashion Mall in Bet Shemesh. It is open Sun-Thurs from 8:00 - 19:00 and Fridays until 12:00.
http://youtu.be/f2jASHRIoLc
By Daniel Ginensky, Service Manager at AutoKING
Some Fun &
Interesting Car Trivia
N
ow that the summer holiday season is over, everyone is a bit tense getting back to school and work. So I made this month’s article more fun to read. Hope you are OK with my sense of humor. As we all know, Americans have a huge “car” culture. In Israel, we, too, are starting to develop our own “car” culture as we all seem to spend countless hours driving the kids from place to place or just generally sitting in traffic. Perhaps, one day some young, eager Israeli statistician will come up with some interesting Israeli car trivia but for now, let me share some fun American stats with you -- and you can have fun filling in the blanks about Israeli drivers like I did. 1. In 1972, the average speed driven by cars in Los Angeles was 60 m.p.h. By 1982, that number had dropped to 17 m.p.h. They call this progress? In Israel, the average speed for trucks driving on Highway 1 is probably the same speed as today’s American NASCAR drivers! 2. The most expensive car ever sold was the 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe which, in 1987, sold for a whopping $8,700,000. The most expensive car ever sold in Israel was a 1982 Toyota Corolla which sold last week for a whopping 23,000 shekels -- however it was only worth 230 shekels! 3. On average, every American spends approximately two whole weeks of their life stopped at red lights. In Beit Shemesh, there are only a couple of lights so that leaves more time for honking at each other. 4. The first speeding ticket ever issued was in 1902 when most cars could barely reach 45 m.p.h. The good news is that most people in Israel don’t even know what a speeding ticket looks like! (I hope the police aren’t reading this article!) 5. The first cars didn’t have steering wheels. Drivers had to steer with a lever! This surely led to the gaming console that is
in most homes today. In Israel, it seems that the preferred method of steering is using your knees while you hold a coffee in one hand and a cell phone in the other. 6. Sixty-two percent of car owners believe that a car’s appearance is essential. However, 53% wash their cars less than once a month and 16% never wash their cars at all! To top that off, 61% of survey respondents admitted to leaving garbage in their cars and 27% say their car just stinks. If there was a contest for the dirtiest cars in the world, Israelis would definitely win the GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE medals. 7. The Bugatti Veyron takes ten seconds to stop from its top speed of 253 m.p.h. Thus, the term “stops on a dime.”Some cars that come to our shop have brake pads so old and worn down that the car can barely stop. Only in Israel can you call this “stops on a prayer.” 8. The best-selling car of all time is the Toyota Corolla which sold a staggering 30 million before its replacement by the Toyota Yaris in 2007. The best-selling car in Israel is also a Toyota. Why? Because we got all the leftovers that didn’t make it to America. 9. The Rolls Royce hood ornament is called the Spirit of Ecstasy. There are no hood ornaments on any Israeli cars -- they have all been stolen! 10. Most American car horns beep in the key of F. Make sure that your mechanic tunes it correctly! Why don’t you make your own comment about Israeli horns. I think we have every key covered! Drive safely. And please watch our new video. It should give you a smile.
http://youtu.be/f2jASHRIoLc
Wishing you and your families a chag Kasher v’sameach! www.BIZNESSMAG.com
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29
Imagine
Interview with Richard Gussow
W
30
•
getting the advisor to the huge global investment funds to advise you instead
ould you consider it to be an unfair advantage to get financial advice from the very same experts that advise the huge global investments funds? It is not too often that individuals have this opportunity nor is it too often that this advice is available to the average person at an affordable price. Richard, tell us about your background. I’m originally from Brooklyn but I made aliyah from North Miami Beach, Florida. My family just celebrated 20 years in Israel, the last 17 in Modiin. I earned my CPA in the US and worked at at Deloitte and Touche -- one of the Big Four global accounting firms. After making aliyah, I switched careers and became an investment analyst, advising large foreign institutions such as Fidelity, T. Rowe Price and others on investing in Israel. I worked for both Israeli investment houses and foreign institutions such as ING Barings, Lehman Brothers and Deutsche Bank. After doing that for 18 years, I decided to become a personal financial planner and I founded my own firm. Why the switch? I had been planning this for over 20 years but I had not been in a position to take a risk and go off on my own. I much prefer talking to people rather than banks. While I was indirectly helping individuals by advising their investment funds, what I really wanted was to talk directly to individuals and help them with their finances and investments. I wanted to give individuals the chance to benefit from the services that I gave the large financial institutions, at an affordable price. Who is your typical client? In a word, anyone. I am the only Israeli member of the Garrett Planning Network, an international organization of fee-only personal financial planners. Garrett’s philosophy is that everyone should have access to professional financial advice. All members are committed to not requiring clients to have minimum investment amounts. This allows middleincome as well as wealthy individuals to benefit from our advice. What does fee-only mean? It means that I am only compensated by my clients and I receive no compensation from the sale of products or anything else. Therefore, my advice is objective and independent. My fees are normally based on a per-project basis. How is fee-only better for your clients? Many financial advisors receive commisCHAGIM 2014
sions on the sale of financial products. This creates the possibility that your advisor is not acting in your best interests. Your advisor may be selling investment products that generate high commissions for the advisor at the client’s expense. The client may not even notice the commissions and fees because they are taken out of the account directly. That’s not to say that all commission-based advisors are not acting in their clients’ best interests. Most do. But, the chances of a conflict of interest are still there. A fee-only advisor such as myself receives the same compensation whether I recommend Product A or Product B. Thus, my only incentive is to provide advice that best suits the client. And it is usually less expensive so you get objective advice at lower cost. What types of services do you provide? I provide advice on investment allocation, retirement planning, insurance needs, Israeli pension advice and other areas. Financial advice is only the means – my goal is to improve the lives of my clients. So it’s not all about the numbers? Not at all. Certain advice may make perfect financial sense, but would actually be detrimental to a particular individual’s lifestyle. For example, a colleague of mine in the US had a client who was an executive at a large corporation. He received a generous offer for early retirement and he wanted to know if it made sense. It did, financially. My colleague though sensed something and was astute enough to ask the right questions. By the end of the meeting, the client got up and thanked my colleague for making him realize what he really wanted. And what he really wanted was to remain in the social and professional atmosphere that his work provided. He turned down the offer and never regretted it. What are the biggest concerns of your clients? Everyone wants to improve their lives. Concerns vary with life’s stages. Younger people in their 20s and 30s tend to want to make ends meet while saving toward both near-term goals (such as purchasing a home) and longer-term goals (retirement). Many middle-aged people have already purchased homes and seek advice on retirement savings as well as helping their children financially. They may also have to help support their elderly parents. Retirees focus on preserving their nest eggs while trying to generate enough income in today’s low interest rate environment to cover their living expenses. I can design strategies that address all of these issues.
Richard Gussow
Personal Financial Planning Office: (08) 970-7627, Mobile: 052-806-6690 richard@richardgussow.com Website: www.richardgussow.com
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Wedding Dresses for All Brides
BeauƟful and Elegant Dresses
Custom designed dresses for each bride world catalogs available - bring your own! Professional designer and seamstress on premises
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The Truth about Investing in U.S. Real Estate from Israel
The Braun family in Chicago has been involved in real estate brokering, acquisitions and management for more than 30 years. In 01/2013, Steve Braun, who Gary Spund lives in Karnei Shomron, decided Steve Braun the time was right to establish the Israeli branch of American Eagle Equity LLC. Together with Gary Spund, who comes to this field from diverse, global management and business development positions, they have transformed American Eagle Equity into the premier Turnkey “Passive-Investment” Real Estate company serving the Anglo community in Israel.
Interview with Steve Braun & Gary Spund Q: Why is there such interest lately in investing in U.S. real estate (R.E.)? Steve: In one word, Profit! The infamous “Sub-Prime Bubble Bust” of 2008 created an unprecedented opportunity for R.E. investing in the U.S. Over 14 million homes were foreclosed and the banks are selling them at drastically under valued prices. In short, home prices across the U.S. plumeted, rents increased and an unprecedented opportunity for investors was created. Gary: That’s right. Today you can actually buy a single family, three-bedroom home on an acre of land for as little as $50,000 and earn between a 10%-12% net annual return from the rent it generates. It’s really amazing! Q: But why not R.E. in Israel? Steve: Unfortunately, R.E. prices in Israel are exorbitant. Last week Globes reported best case scenarios in the north return 5.1%. The country average is only 3.6% ROI. Q: Why is this called “Passive Income” investing? Gary: Passive Income is an investment where your involvement is passive or, in clearer terms, minimal. However, it also has to meet the criteria of passing a certain threshhold of security/stability. Returns are paid monthly (hence the word “Income”). The volatility of the stock market and the uncertainty of steady returns do not make the stock market a passive investment even though the investor’s involvment is minimal. Q: Investors in Israel are so far away. How do they manage their property? Isn’t it a lot of work? Steve: Yes, but not for the investor. We have professional, local property management companies that manage the property for you. They are our strategic partners and have a vested interest in maintaining long-term relationships with our investors. They take care of everything including finding and vetting tenants, collecting your rents, all property maintenance, making sure that you receive your money and pretty much anything else that might come up. This is how we make your investment cash-flow positive. Q: What kind of returns can an investor expect and how much does it cost? Gary: Our investors earn a typical NET ROI (after expenses) of 10%-12%! While the U.S. market is now recuperating, not all states, cities or neighborhoods are recuperating at the same pace. The East and West Coasts bounced back three years ago and while 32
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CHAGIM 2014
they are what I call “cool” places to invest, it’s in the rest of the country where you will make serious money with very minimal risk. Our “sweet-spot” is in the $45-$65,000 range. This price range opens the door for a lot of people who never dreamed that they could afford to invest in R.E. It offers them homes in communities that meet our investment standards and will return 10%-12% NET. Q: We have all heard of people who lost their money in such investments or were sold “a bag of goods.” Can you comment on that? Gary: Of course. We all know that there are “choppers” in every field who prey on unsuspecting people who believe their “sales pitch.” Unfortunately, this also exists in our industry. But the really amazing thing about R.E. in the U.S. is that everything is totally transparent. There are numerous websites that allow an investor to find everything he needs about any property in the U.S. including when it was built, sold, to whom, for how much, size, tax assessment, taxes paid and current owner. There is also information on the city and neighborhood, employment, industry, school ratings, crime ratings, etc. We not only urge our investors to conduct their own due diligence but we insist on it and show them how. No one should take anything for granted, not even what we tell them. Q: Can non-U.S. citizens invest? Steve: Yes, easily. Over four million U.S. homes have been purchased by foreigners. Investors from Israel are the third largest foreign group investing there. Q: What’s the single most important aspect in U.S. R.E. investing? Steve: Work with a professional investment company which will guide you with integrity. Q: How can interested readers get more information? E-mail: info@americaneagleequity.us, Phone: Gary at: 054-920-0555; or Steve at: 052-420-0404. To receive our Free e-book: “HOW TO INVEST IN, AND PROFIT FROM U.S. REAL ESTATE WITHOUT RISK,” just go to this page: http://americaneagleequity.ravpage.co.il/Englishguide Check us out on American Eagle Equity.
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Insurance
Cheshbon
Hanefesh
I
t’s that time of year again. As you begin your spiritual cheshbon hanefesh, allow us to present this insurance and financial cheshbon hanefesh: • Have you made a will? (1) • If chalilla (God forbid), something were to happen to you as parents, have you left clear written instructions regarding your kids? • Have you reviewed your life insurance recently? (Have your agent give you a full list of the amounts that you and your spouse carry.) (2) • Disability Insurance: Sometimes this is needed even more than life insurance (i.e., if you lose the ability to work for the next 25 years, who fills that financial gap?) • Are you a sachir (salaried employee)? Ask your employer’s insurance agent to give you a break-down of your bituach minahalim. Then ask your personal agent if you are getting the best deal. • Supplementary Health Insurance: If, for example, your child needs a complicated eye operation which can be done best in the U.S. or if someone needs rare, expensive medicines that are not in the sal briut, a private, supplementary health
policy would be of great benefit. It is relatively inexpensive. Check it out. (3) • Car Insurance: Make sure that your car is insured for all drivers who use it (i.e. young/new /temporary/visitor). Always let your agent know if someone else is taking it for a short spin. (4) • Home Insurance: Do you have an assessor’s report for your contents? If you live in an apartment, have you looked into buying erech karka—the value of the land? In other words, if the whole building is damaged and not everyone is insured, at least you will receive the full value of your apartment. (5) • Travel Insurance: Don’t ever travel without it! (6) • Student / Tourist Insurance. Is your nephew coming to Israel to study? Do your elderly parents want to visit but can’t get cover from the U.S.? (7) May you and your families be blessed with good health, prosperity and true Simcha! Egert & Cohen – We’re here when you need us! Shimon: 050-548-2192 Office: 02-623-2546
Notes 1. As insurance agents, we have unfortunately seen the problems that can arise when a spouse dies, chalilla, without leaving a will. Even available financial resources are frozen until the courts decide. 2. Everyone should at least have risk insurance. A few examples: Coverage (quoted in NIS) 1,000,000 Life cover Premium (for non smokers) per month: Men age 25 = 80 Women age 25 = 65 Men age 35 = 84 Women age 35 = 74 Men age 40 = 115 Women age 40 = 94 3. Cover in the basic policy is for transplants, overseas operations and medi34
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cines not in the sal briut. Examples of cost: Family – 35,36 (parents age) + 2 kids = NIS 81 per month 40,43 + 5 kids = NIS 124 per month 50,56 + 5 kids = NIS 138 per month 4. There is now an option to add on all drivers for up to four days at a time for an additional 90 NIS premium. Ask about this. Maybe this is a better option for you instead of permanently insuring your young driver on your policy, which is very expensive (as we all know!). 5. Most mortgage banks only require you to insure for the “rebuilding value” of your
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apartment which is much lower than the actual value. Therefore, in an extreme case when the whole building is damaged, you might not be able to “rebuild” if not everyone is insured. 6. We cover pregnancy up to week 32, cover even after recent heart surgery, annual policies, cover for lap-tops, cell phones. (And we deal personally with all claims!) 7. This is our specialty! Call us for anything to do with insurance coverage in Israel, from students to 85 year old tourists. Egert and Cohen Insurance – we’re here when you need us! Shimon Cohen, 050-548-2192
02 999 3939
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Kosher L’mehadrin Badatz Beit Yoseph
“Our chefs are all licensed sushi chefs from the Orient” Interview with Erez,
owner of Atza Sushi Bar in Bet Shemesh Why did you choose to join the Atza franchise? We chose Atza primarily because of the chain’s delicious food and famous sushi. After a thorough review of a range of restaurant franchises we decided that Atza is the most suited to our target audience in Bet Shemesh. Tell us about Atza Sushi Bar. The chain was established in 2006 with the first branch on the corner of Ben Yehuda Street and Ben Gurion Street in Tel Aviv. It began with small branches and expanded with delivery and take-away. In recent years the chain has begun to establish large restaurants across the country, each a place of enjoyment for the entire family with a wideranging menu including Atza’s famous sushi. Today, the Atza Sushi Bar chain has around 20 branches, from Be’er Sheva in the south to Kiryat Shemona in the north. Which population in Bet Shemesh likes sushi most? In our opinion the assortment of dishes and the reasonable prices that the chain offers meet the demands of Bet Shemesh’s diverse population 36
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and Asian food fans. At Atza, you’ll find something for the entire family. What is your take on sushi? I view sushi, not as junk food or fast food, but rather with the honor it deserves as food that is aesthetic and clean. That’s why it is most suited to be served in a restaurant rather than at all sorts of counters. What does Atza offer other than sushi? We offer a wide range of Thai and Chinese main courses, assorted roasted noodles, salads, soups and appetizers. In October the chain is launching a new and refreshing menu in addition to the existing menu. There’s a lot to look forward to. Besides for the amazing atmosphere, what else is different here from other sushi restaurants? The difference between us and all the others is that we are first and foremost an enjoyable experience for the diner, not simply a sushi bar. We offer a wide range of dishes and to complete the experience, we have an attractive bar with alcoholic drinks at reasonable prices. We can also host events at our location. Our gallery
was purpose-built for private functions, birthday parties, recruitment parties, Bat Mitzva parties, etc. Additionally we offer catering for events and parties, which can be ordered in advance. Who are your chefs? Our chefs are all licensed sushi chefs from the Orient. After we had them tested in a sushi academy in Shanghai, they underwent training in the requirements of the restaurant. There are many experts in the field, and as we know they come from the East with tips and secrets on Asian cuisine, and they contribute a lot from the knowledge they’ve amassed over the years. Where did you learn the catering business? My family own an event hall so I’ve been involved in catering for as long as I can remember. Immediately after I finished army service I flew to Miami, where I worked in the Chef Chen Chinese restaurant. When I returned home I became very involved in the hall. Because of my familiarity with the area I recognized the need for an Asian restaurant which would cater to the entire population.
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What tips can you give to those who enjoy preparing Asian food at home? It is vital to work with only the best quality ingredients and fresh fish. What is the key to success in the restaurant industry? Service awareness and customer satisfaction should be put above all else. It’s important to give generous portions and to be particular about using the best quality ingredients. And of course one should always have faith in Hashem. To which areas do you deliver? In Bet Shemesh we do deliveries in Rama Aleph, Bet and Gimmel, to Zanoach, Machsiya, Eshtaol, Mesilat Zion, Taoz, Tarom and Nacham. The restaurant is under the supervision of Badatz Atara Bet Yosef. The vegetables are Mehadrin all year round. Atza is located in the Big Center in Bet Shemesh. For deliveries and reservations call *382 or 02-6482778. For online orders visit www.atza.co.il Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:0023:00 Fri 11:00-15:00 Motsei Shabbat until midnight.
02 999 3939
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Interview with
Yaakov Frager
W
“Cooking is in my blood.
Catering is not just about the food and the display of the food”
e had the pleasure of interviewing Yaakov Frager, a certified culinary and pastry chef with over ten years of professional catering and food service experience working alongside talented chefs all over the United States’ eastern seaboard. How did you decide to become a professional chef? Cooking is in my blood. My bubby had several professional kitchens and my mother has done catering as well. I am the youngest of six, five of them boys. As a young kid I got to spend time in the kitchen experimenting with different types of “original” recipes. My brothers were always happy to try them. I quickly learned what flavors pair together well. I came up with a fantastic baked ziti recipe at the age of eight. At 15, I started working for a local catering company, Catering by Yaffa, in Baltimore. I worked there throughout high school and even did some jobs during yeshiva. At that point, I realized that I was interested not only in presenting and serving the food but also preparing it. After I got married, I took a cooking job at a university. It was then that I decided that if I wanted to make a career out of cooking I needed professional training. Where did you learn the trade? I went to CKCA — Center for Kosher Culinary Arts in Brooklyn New York. I became certified in “Culinary and Pastry Arts.” These certifications have given me the science and skill set for working in a professional kitchen. It’s said that, “Experience is the best teacher.” Luckily, I have worked in many professional kitchens before I even attended culinary school, from
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very fancy to very heimishe, all across the United States’ eastern seaboard. I have learned many tricks and skills in every kitchen that I worked. What is the key to a successful event? Planning. Catering is not just about the food and the display of the food. It’s also about making sure that an event runs smoothly. Therefore, everything should be thought out very well, down to the smallest detail. For example, remembering to bring a plate for the mothers of the chatan and kallah to break at a wedding or to bringing matches to light candles on a birthday cake. The more and more you do events, the less time you need to spend on the planning of the smallest details since it becomes second nature. Additionally, because costumer service is so important to us, having a polite wait staff makes all the difference to the host and guests at any event. And of course: Daven! What type of events do you do? We do all types of events—from britot, kiddushim, bar and bat mitzvot, weddings, sheva brachot, family gatherings, business meetings, Chinese takeout and takeout for Shabbat and Chaggim. If people are getting together and want food, we’ll be there. We have just opened a store underneath Yesh in the Ramat Beit Shemesh shopping area. We will be selling our food for Shabbos and weekdays.
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What do you focus on to guarantee the perfect event? I talk with my wife (who doubles as my business partner) and managers regarding upcoming events. I try to have everyone involved so a menu is never foreign to my employees. Before a wedding, we sit down and go through the event in our heads about five times from start to finish. That way we can visualize how an event will progress. We also discuss with clients details before an event, like clearing time—do they prefer waiters to clear during speeches or after speeches. It’s these types of specifics that we put into planning an event. What are your all-time favorite menu items? I love anything Italian. I like dishes that express vegetables in their own flavors and are not masqueraded by unnecessary spices. I like to push customers to try my Chicken Marsala. It is a chicken cutlet with a mushroom sauce that is cooked with red wine. I find that it gives a more sophisticated touch to any event. I like to pair Risotto with it which is creamy Arborio rice. Then
I would suggest to the customer Green Beans Forrester. I prefer using fresh green beans that I blanch and finish off with roasted shallots and garlic. I would finish the meal with Chocolate Lava Cake a-la-Mode. We like to make our own ice cream. Or a cannoli which is a hard pastry shell in the shape of a tube filled with cream. Is there a difference between catering here and in the US? Expectations are very different here as my wife and I have learned. There seems to be more of an emphasis on salatim. I have had customers tell us that they are used to having ten salatim at every meal. In the US, most people choose a very nice appetizer with a salad to accompany it. Some flavor profiles are different, but I have found that most Anglos are looking for food that resembles what they are used to from where they came. But they also want something that will satisfy their Israeli guests. How is the menu for an event typically decided? What’s the process? When we talk to clients, we send them the simcha package that is relevant (bris, bar mitzvah, wedding, etc.). It includes prices and our basic menu. Then the client looks at our menu list and can fill in a customized menu. Each client chooses the items they want to see at their event. If we don’t have it on our list, we gladly add it. We are always looking to expand our menu items. We also send clients sample menus to give ideas. We offer taste-testings to our serious customers. Typically, we get a booking after our customers taste our food. Is there a food that you hate? I do not appreciate canned tuna. I don’t care much for the flavor of foods cooked with soup mix. I find that a simple soup stock goes miles above any soup mix. That’s why we do not use MSG in our food. What kinds of ethnic food do you think are underrated right now? In the Jewish world, I find that French, Italian and Spanish are very much underestimated. I am still trying to get customers to choose items outside the Jewish cultural food realm. Has there ever been an ingredient that you weren’t able to master and have given up on? Only the ingredient with which I have yet to cook. There are some ingredients I can’t use because our hashgacha does not allow it, seaweed for example. I never had much experience with sushi. These types of limitations only encourage me to get creative! I am always continuing my culinary education by reading about ingredients. Do you shout in the kitchen? It’s very hard not to shout in a professional kitchen. However, we have had observers comment about how calm our kitchen is during an event. I try hard to maintain calm through all ordeals, but there are plenty of times when I have yelled in the kitchen. I always make sure to apologize after an event just to let everyone know that it is not personal. I am also quick to compliment and encourage originality with my workers. Creative Catering: 058-622-8227 | 02-627-7484 libi@creativecateringisrael.com www.creativecateringisrael.com
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Renewed Israeli Voluntary Disclosure Program for
Unreported Foreign Assets
A
By Mirit Reif, Adv. and Dave Wolf, Adv.
s of January 1, 2003, Israel taxes its citizens and residents on the basis of a system called “personal taxation.” This means that Israeli tax residents have to report all income from any asset or account regardless of its geographical source. An exemption exists for those who made aliyah or are considered to be a toshev chozer vatik (i.e., a returning resident who resided outside of Israel for at least ten years), who are exempt from reporting and paying taxes on their income outside of Israel. As part of the increasing efforts of the Israeli Tax Authorities (ITA) to detect tax evaders and to expose unreported worldwide income of Israeli tax residents, the ITA, on September 7, 2014, published, a new Voluntary Disclosure Program which will be in effect until December 31, 2016. The objective of this new program is to encourage non-compliant tax payers to come forward, disclose their unreported income and pay taxes, thus avoiding criminal prosecution. According to the new program, the taxpayer can disclose the unreported income and pay the taxes due in the event that all conditions of the program are met, before the ITA has started conducting an investigation or questioning the tax issues of the applicant. This includes a full and complete voluntary disclosure made out of a good faith effort detailing all the unreported income. Taxpayers who are accepted into the program will still have to pay all taxes due, (including interest, linkage and fines), but, in return, the ITA, with the approval of the Criminal State Attorney, will not recommend criminal prosecution against these taxpayers. Therefore, the ITA is highly recommending that this “window of opportunity” be used and that people should come forward before an investigation is initiated against taxpayers. It should be noted that the ITA can turn down an application in the event that the information disclosed was known either directly or even indirectly, either by the ITA themselves or by any other governmental authority, the media, or though any civil or criminal court documentation either in Israel or abroad. Each taxpayer may use this program only once and the program does not apply to any income derived from illegal sources. In addition, and as part of the new program, there are two temporary provisions which have been added for the limited period of one year only: 40
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1. An Anonymous Track: This track enables the taxpayer to come forward anonymously in order to check out his tax liability and upon which the taxpayer has a limited time frame to expose his name and his full details in order to participate in the program. If he does not meet the time frame (which is 90 days that may be extended for a further 90 days), the application will be rejected. 2. A Fast Track: This is when the total unreported capital included in the voluntary request does not exceed NIS 2,000,000 and the unreported taxable income derived from it does not exceed NIS 500,000. The taxpayer can submit his request using this “Fast Track” together with his amended returns. If the request is approved, the taxpayer will receive a payment voucher. Once this voucher is fully paid by the time limit indicated on it, the taxpayer will receive notification stating that no criminal investigation will be opened regarding the information he had disclosed. The ITA’S effort to expose unreported capital and income is just one example of the global tendency towards exposing and implementing ways to grasp unpaid taxes. The OECD recently published its “Standard for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information in Tax Matters.” Over 60 countries committed to swiftly implement the new standard and will be exchanging tax information. This will obviously be a major concern for many immigrants. We will elaborate on this new trend to exchange tax information, FATCA and the U.S. different tax amnesty programs in our next articles. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and is not a substitute for legal consultation. Specific legal advice should be sought in accordance with the particular circumstances. About the Author Dave Wolf is a U.S. and Israeli tax attorney and a partner at Hacohen Wolf Law Offices. Mirit Reif is an Israeli tax attorney and a senior associate at the firm. They can both be reached at 02-622-2335. Hacohen Wolf is a law firm specializing in real estate, taxation, wealth management and commercial law with offices in Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv and New York and affiliate offices in Greater China, London and Amsterdam.
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A Tzimmer to Never Forget W e interviewed Gilgi Hauser, the owner of what is possibly the most amazing tzimmer in the country for couples. She is originally from London and her background in the arts, teaching and yoga are certainly reflected in the luxury and comfort of the facilities of Cinema Suite. How in the world did you build such an amazing place? I bought a house in Kfar Vardim in 2011. There was a small unused “granny flat” downstairs. I was curious as to what was behind a wall there. A builder and I knocked a hole and climbed through. I just stood there -- yes, there was a real cave underneath the structure of my house. So I dreamed, “I can create something amazing here.” My engineer said, “Go for it, it’s structurally sound!” We lived through the hard and frustrating time of builders, architect and permits and we built a real cinema inside a cave. For whom is your suite designed? For one couple only! I offer my guests peace of mind and fun! To bring back the romance in life that sometimes gets hidden when raising a family and working hard. A couple has an area of 180 meters facing a wadi all to themselves. Inside the suite is an elegant romantic bedroom, two bathrooms, a complete kitchen (with a Shabbat platter), a lounge with a stone indoor Jacuzzi corner and a kamin (fire place) for winter months. There is also a Finnish sauna and the cinema. Everything is designed for privacy and comfort! The deck is 80 meters with a private heated swimming pool and jets and a gas BBQ. What’s the biggest attraction of Cinema Suite? Well, everything!!! No, seriously. I guess the unique cave cinema auditorium. It’s the only suite (tzimmer) in Israel to offer a
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real private cinema with a wooden floor, designer lighting, velvet sofas, a huge screen and the most state of the art multi-media equipment. Tell us the most important features of the suite. The privacy and peace and quiet. The view. To float in the heated pool and look out at the wadi. To sit in the indoor Jacuzzi overlooking the wadi. To relax tight muscles in the sauna. To watch a good movie reclining on a velvet sofa munching on fresh popcorn and sipping a drink. At night it’s amazing with all the twinkling lights about a kilometer away. We hear that you really spoil your guests. Tell us how. I am just there if they need me. I welcome them and show them how everything works, and I listen to their requests. Each guest is unique and deserves the best. Guests come to Cinema Suite to relax -- and to be alone with each other. What do people say when they come in and see the place? “Wow! It’s better than in the pictures!” What do they say when they leave? They never want to leave! What amazes me is how they look--relaxed and smiling. This brings me great joy. What type of attractions are in the area in case any guest decides to leave your “paradise?” Thank you. Yes, it is a ”paradise.” On the coffee table is a book of all attractions and restaurants in the area. The main synagogue is a drive away. I am happy to be a chauffeur but usually guests don’t leave my suite. Cinema Suite, 14 Kaziv Street, Kfar Vradim 25147, Tel. 052551-7644. Find us on Facebook .
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Pictures courtesy of Arnold Beer - Hapisga.co.il
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Bizness Magazine
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Family Medical Center with Dr. Shalhevet Roness. Dr. Roness is board cerƟed in family medicine and is a great asset to the RBS Medical Center.
What’s the focus of your Private Clinic? The focus of our clinic is to provide excellent medical care and service. The clinic is open for many hours: From 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays to Thursdays and on Fridays unƟl 11 a.m. The walk-in clinic (appointments are not necessary), which operates from 8 to 9 a.m., is for urgent problems. We encourage conƟnuing care with the same physician. However, we aƩend to each other’s paƟents when one doctor is away. Our secretaries and nurses complement our service by providing assistance in all areas. PrescripƟons are prepared almost immediately; all phone calls are returned and we contact paƟents with lab and x-ray results. We work closely with Meuhedet which collects our lab tests and provides the necessary documentation for hospitals or specialist services. Our staī is both Hebrew and English-speaking so that all our paƟents feel comfortable in our clinic. We spend Ɵme with our Anglo paƟents to facilitate their understanding of the Israeli health system.
What’s your approach to Family Medicine? We have a holisƟc approach to medicine. We use natural approaches when they are appropriate. We do our utmost to follow up with paƟents who are at home or even in the hospital. We call all paƟents with signicant issues that require aƩenƟon or monitoring. In many cases, we treat the whole family. Awareness of the general family dynamic and any issues enables us to provide comprehensive medical care.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a doctor? The most challenging aspect of being a doctor is keeping up with medical progress. Not only have modern technology and science resulted in constantly changing medical treatments and approaches but paƟents have become very educated so that one has to keep ahead. This is both exciƟng and challenging.
What is the most saƟsfying aspect of medicine for you? Undoubtedly, the ability to help people. To diagnose an illness early and to ensure that the correct treatment is administered. To achieve this, one needs to keep up with modern medicine but also to daven for Hashem’s help every day.
Which Kupat Cholim is the largest that you work with and what are the advantages of that Kupa? Meuhedet is the largest Kupa that we work with and it is also the largest in Bet Shemesh. Due to its size, the services are superior. There are excellent specialists in all elds including ophthalmologists, neurologists, dermatologists, plasƟc surgeons, surgeons and endocrinologists. Many of them are from the U.S., England, Australia and South Africa. There are excellent pediatricians and an outstanding women’s clinic with top-class gynecologists which provides a comprehensive service for women’s health including ultra sound, monitors, highly-trained nurses and many other
essenƟal services for women. X-ray and ultra sound faciliƟes are readily available. There is an excellent physical therapy department. Meuhedet’s laboratory facility is outstanding and provides same-day results for most tests. Any urgent result will be aƩended to immediately by the lab and the doctor. There is also the most sophisƟcated computer system for physicians. PrevenƟve services, run by the nurses, are excellent and are of the highest quality, maybe in the world.
What are the three most important things people should do to look aŌer their health? Firstly, be sure to schedule Ɵmely, prevenƟve screening tests as this can save your life. Secondly, healthy nutriƟon. Thirdly, exercise and stress management.
Tell us about AnƟ-Aging medicine. One of the highlights in my medical career has been compleƟng a fellowship in “anƟ-aging” medicine in the US. I now combine my experƟse in this with family pracƟce. I completed exams in “anti-aging” or “age management” medicine in the US three years ago. It has provided an extremely exciting and useful addition to my medical knowledge. The course is provided by top physicians in the US and this field of medicine is on the cutting edge. AnƟ-aging medicine is based on evaluaƟng and detecƟng areas of a paƟent’s health which will contribute to the eīects of aging or the beginnings of chronic illness. The physician can then insƟtute treatments early on that will strengthen the weak areas and thereby contribute to a longer disease-free life (b’ezrat Hashem). AnƟ-aging makes an age print for each paƟent and then provides soluƟons to prevent their parƟcular weaknesses. We cover areas like balancing hormones with bio-idenƟcal hormones (healthy hormones), prevenƟng illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, GI problems, osteoporosis, eīects of chronic stress and adrenal faƟgue. We provide the opƟmal nutriƟon and tness programs and work with a top nutriƟonist and exercise coaches.
What are bio-idenƟcal hormones? These are natural hormones that have the idenƟcal structure to human hormones. They are provided in the correct raƟos and amounts in order to gain posiƟve eīects and prevent negaƟve eīects. They have a major posiƟve eīect on health and anƟ-aging.
What do you see as the future direcƟons in medicine? I think there will be many exciƟng innovaƟons in the next decade or two. More specic treatments are being developed for cancer, and stem cell will be used to treat many degeneraƟve condiƟons like Parkinson’s disease, heart disease and MS. I think many natural treatments will become part of the prescripƟon of most doctors. I think the family doctor will play an increasingly important role in managing peoples’ health. Finally, I wish everyone a healthy and successful new year. Clinic contact informaƟon: The clinic is located in the corner of Nachal Ayalon and Nachal Kishon in RBS A. People call us at 02-995-3330 or e-mail us at rbsaclinic@gmail.com.
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Is there a Jewish Connection
to Herbal Medicine?
Interview with
Dr. Avraham Levy, MB ChB BSc MNIMH
Herbalist and Doctor Dr. Avraham Levy, who was a family doctor in England for 20 years and describes himself as a wisdom seeker, tells us about his exciting journey from conventional medicine to joining the remarkable renaissance of herbalism. How did you come to move from orthodox medicine to herbal medicine? Like many people, I discovered alternative medicine through illness. When I was about 30, I felt really ill and I got better using alternative methods. As a result, I spent many years studying different approaches to medicine. Eventually I began treating people with acupuncture and was often surprised by the dramatic results, changes that were simply impossible to achieve with my normal medical tools. After leaving my medical practice, I completed a degree course in herbal medicine and qualified as a professional herbalist. We came to Israel because I wanted to develop my career as an herbalist here. How do you describe yourself? I would describe myself as a seeker of wisdom. Why is herbal medicine “the people’s medicine?” That’s a lovely phrase and accurate too. Herbal medicine does not rely on huge factories churning out complex chemical drugs or hospitals with teams of doctors and amazing technology. It is about using plants that grow all around us which are prepared with simple tools — truly a medicine of the common man. Can you make herbal medicines at home and is it difficult? Herbal medicines are easily made at home. If you can prepare food, then you can make herbal medicines. How safe are herbal medicines? Safer than orthodox drugs. Of course 46
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they can do harm, as can anything that has power. However, there is a long history of using herbs and the potential problems are well-known. Projecting herbal medicines as harmful is one of the propaganda weapons of the medical profession. One prominent English medical journal asserted that herbs had no effect. Then, in about 1990, they switched to the story that herbs were dangerous. What are some guidelines for using herbs effectively? Follow the tradition! One herb is banned today because a drug company sold parts of the plant that are never used by herbalists owing to known toxicity. Of course it caused problems! How do you combine traditional medicine with herbal medicine? You have to put practicality above theory. Look at the patient in front of you and think: What treatment will be useful in this particular situation? Antibiotics have saved millions of lives, and there is no herbal alternative to that. Are herbal medicines meant to be alternatives or complements to conventional medicine? It depends on the situation. Sometimes, herbs are best used to support someone who is having conventional treatment. At other times, they will do a better job than conventional treatment. In many situations there is no conventional treatment available. Tell us about your healing philosophy. Perhaps the most important thing that I discovered as a doctor was how conventional medicine is so limited by its philosophy. It is built on the idea that a person is an animated piece of flesh. Illness is an attack, causing malfunction, of this chemical machine. Medicine uses chemicals to treat these malfunctions – you ‘fight’ disease. Healing is a war. When I grasped this point, I was able to see why the system gets the results it does and why I couldn’t continue to work within it. The truth is that people are spiritual beings who inhabit a physical body and disease has an inner dimension. Underlying all traditional systems of medicine is the idea
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that disturbed emotions cause physical disease. So you need a set of tools that can help, and herbal medicine is just that. Can you offer some suggestions to the readers about taking care of their own health? Two very simple ones: Take regular exercise and minimize your sugar intake. What conditions are suitable for treatment by herbal medicine? The more a problem is functional rather than physical — say a migraine or skin problems that come and go, compared to an acute infection - the more likely it is to respond to herbal medicine. These problems are likely being driven by inner emotional issues and cannot be resolved by a purely physical approach. What is the future of herbal medicine in a pharmaceutically dominated world? The medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry have tried hard to destroy herbal medicine, and very nearly succeeded. But an increasing number of people are realizing the limits of drug treatment, and turning to alternative forms of medicine. Over the past 30 years there has been a real renaissance of herbalism in the US and England. I hope Israel is next! Is there a Jewish connection to herbal medicine? There is a long history of Jewish involvement in herbal medicine. Remember, until not too long ago, almost all medicine was herbal and, at one point, half the doctors in Europe were Jews. There are many Hebrew manuscripts and books dealing with herbal remedies. And we must not forget the most famous Jewish herbalist of all — the Rambam. Consultations are available in Jerusalem (Har Nof) and Bet Shemesh. For an appointment call: 054-849-1659 or send an e-mail to: DrAishHerb@gmail.com www.jeruherbs.com
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Legal
Your Lawyer’s Work
in Real Estate Purchases
A General Guide (for specific advice, contact your attorney)
By David Drutman, B.Com LLB MBA, Dip Trust Law, TEP Legal Audit before Signing Title Check: The most important item to check. Municipality: Make sure that there are no large outstanding accounts, e.g., building improvement taxes outstanding. Outstanding Mortgage: Make sure that selling price will cover this. Pledges (Mashkonot): Make sure that there are no prior liens on the property by seller’s creditors. Zichron Devarim: A Memorandum of the Main Points of an Agreement before Contract: Lawyers do not recommend that you sign this as it is binding but vague. Also, not all points are covered, it starts tax liability running, etc. These items have led to litigation re: unwritten terms. Certainly don’t sign anything without consulting a lawyer. Contract Standard Contract: No standard form exists. Each lawyer has his own contract. These need careful checking for what is NOT said as well as what is said. Specify What is included: In Israel, in a sale, it is not standard to get a stove, bedroom cupboards, etc., only basic fixtures like kitchen cupboards. Everything else must be specified such as an air-conditioner, window bars, etc. Seller’s Duties: This should include such items as a guarantee that no building has been carried out without a permit. Even a pergola requires a permit! Payment Schedule: This must meet the cash flow of the buyer and seller. Buyers should allow, say two months, for the mortgage paperwork, especially if you are not here. There are usually three basic payments: • Deposit: 15% – 20% • Payment of Seller’s Mortgage: This should be paid directly into the seller’s bank and the seller must then furnish a “clean title” before he gets any more. • Balance: May be made in two installments. 48
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Occupation Date: This date is before the date of the transfer of “ownership.” Make sure to specify the transfer of ownership date as well as the occupation date in the agreement. PLEASE NOTE: At the signing you will be expected to pay the deposit (usually 15% – 20% of the purchase price) directly to the seller (with the protections as indicated below), as well as your lawyer and the estate agent’s fees. Protection of investment: Money is not usually held in escrow/trust by attorneys except for the last payment – protection is: • Registration of warning note (he’erat azhara) against the title. • Registration of the “pledge” (mashkon). (If a property is registered with a title company and not in the Land Registry/ Deeds Office (tabu). • Irrevocable power of attorney (yipui koach bilti chozer): To transfer ownership given to the seller’s lawyer in trust and handed to the buyer’s lawyer when the last payment is made. The paperwork for these first three items is obtained on payment of the deposit. I recommend that the deposit be held in trust until you can register the first two items, and allow, say two working days, to do this. Extra Costs • Property Purchase Tax “Transfer Duty (Mas Rechisah): Nothing is certain except for death and taxes. If you are resident of Israel, even if not a citizen and this is your only residential property in Israel, a large amount of the purchase price is exempt from this tax. If you are not a resident, even if you have a teudat zehut (citizenship), you are not entitled to the exemption. Your lawyer can advise on property tax and exemptions. • Municipal Rates and Taxes (Arnona): You will have to pay your share from the occupation date as the seller needs to get a “rates clearance certificate”
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(“ishur le’tabu”) from the municipality but only up to the time they are in occupation of the property. Buying from a Building Contractor (kablan): • Lawyer Costs: You must provide an extra +- 1.5% of the price plus VAT for their lawyer. This will eventually cover the registering of the title in your name. Installments: Installments are linked to any increase in the building inflation index published by the Department of Statistics. You need to budget for an increase in payments for such changes — say 3% more for installments after the deposit. The selling price is fixed at a “base rate.” When you pay an installment, say three months later, if the inflation rate is 2% per annum, instead of paying 100,000 NIS you should pay (3/12*2%= 0.5%) 100,500 NIS. Extras: You need to pay for electrical, gas and water meters and municipal garbage bins. Building Guarantee: There is a period of a building guarantee by a contractor according to law: Pipes 2 years Dampness 3 years Cracks in walls or ceiling 5 years Do Not be afraid to ask questions beforehand. It is much easier to have matters clarified beforehand than finding out that something is detrimental after the fact! Don’t be put off by any problems such as the ones listed above. There is every reason to buy property in Israel and with a good team, every reason to expect success. About the Author: David Drutman has been a lawyer for 36 years. He specializes in transactions (property, estates, contracts, commercial matters, etc.), family law and notary work. He can be contacted at 02-995-1877; 052-763-5947 or by e-mail at drutlaw@gmail.com
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“Hashem has blessed me with a keen ear” Is there a story behind the Durango Studios name? The studio name comes from the street in Los Angeles where the studio started in the year 2000. What is your formal education related to electronics? I received my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University where I studied digital signal and sound processing. What’s your formal education in music? At first I was a voice major at Carnegie-Mellon. I studied music theory, harmony, rhythm, guitar, piano and opera performance. Then I transferred to engineering with a minor in music. Share with us the highlights of your music career. I was in several working bands playing out in New Jersey where I grew up. I once performed with Clarence Clemens, the late saxophone player from Bruce Springsteen. I performed in an opera at Carnegie Hall. Before aliyah, I was a lead singer with the Simcha Orchestra in Los Angeles. What services does Durango offer? Our services include recording vocals and instruments, music arrangements, editing, mixing and mastering. These services are offered for movie soundtracks, backing tracks for live performances, professional CD production, voice-overs for film and radio, choir recordings, school and camp productions and much more. The studio also records lectures and audio-books. We have recently begun to offer live sound and recording and video editing. Tell us about the recording studio. The studio recording room has a very nicely balanced sound which is excellent for recording anything from live drums to vocals. The walls are acoustically treated to reduce reflections. The room is surrounded by very thick concrete so there is no penetration of outside noise into the room. The control room is separated by two layers of triplex glass and a custom-designed door. The studio has high quality active condenser microphones. The recording, editing and mixing is done using Cubase which is the best professional digital audio work station available. Recording can be done from an audio source such as voice or guitar or can be done using MIDI. The recording system has the capability to produce realistic sounding drums and other virtual instruments from a huge bank of available sounds. The advanced editing system gives us the ability to perform pitch corrections and to manufacture harmonies from recorded tracks. The control room console and cabinetry was custom designed and built by master craftsman Yossi Galano. It is a masterpiece for the eye to behold as well as functional. Who is your market? Our clients include independent movie producers, professional choir directors, music producers, artists, schools, local amateur musicians and songwriters. 50
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Interview with Baruch Bergenfeld
of Durango Studios
Who are some of your clients? We recently finished recording the recently released 5th album of Nachman Seltzer’s Shira Chadasha Boys Choir. We also recorded many of the tracks for the latest album of Shalsheles, “Connections.” Other clients include music producers Yitzi Berry, Yossi Tyberg and Yitzchak Rosenthal. What’s your competitive advantage? We offer the best professional quality sound and a comfortable recording experience conveniently located in Ramat Bet Shemesh A. The prices are very affordable, especially considering the high level of quality. How does your music performance and engineering background help you understand your clients’ needs and the production industry in particular? My experience helps me anticipate what clients need before they get to the studio. I know what questions to ask in order to make sure that the studio and the client are best prepared to make the most effective use of the studio session. My vocal performance background enables me to help singers get the best out of their vocal performance. My engineering background helps me to understand what is going on “under the hood” with the recording, editing and mixing gear. Besides what my experience has given me, Hashem has blessed me with a keen ear to be able to hear and understand how to blend the sounds together in space and time to make the music sound the best it can. Durango Studios: Tel: 077-350-0341 | Cell: 050-650-1872 www.durangostudios.com | info@durangostudios.com
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We accept credit cards www.BIZNESSMAG.com
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Life Coaching
Time for Change By Helen Abelesz
R
osh Hashanah is an excellent opportunity for us to think about where we are in life. We can reflect on the previous year and take note of what we have achieved. We can also set new goals for the coming year. For mothers, this time of year is additionally important. The long summer has come to an end and the children are finally back in their routine of school and gan. Mothers now have more time for themselves and can start thinking about what they want to achieve in the coming year. Hannah* is a mother of four children. She focuses all of her energies on them. It is very important to her that they eat only healthy food and that they read every day. They have to look neat and tidy all the time and have good manners. She spent much time and effort keeping her children up to these high standards. It was the beginning of the school year and Hannah finally had the mornings to herself. She began to reflect on the previous year. Rather than being relieved, she suddenly felt exhausted, low and not in control. She realized that the summer months had, at times, been overwhelming. Despite all the focus on her children and their schedules, she found their behavior difficult to deal with and had shouted at them far too much. Now that she was on her own, she felt lost so she gave me a call. When I first met Hannah, she just kept apologizing. She didn’t understand what was wrong with her and why her children were not doing what she wanted them to do. She felt that she was a bad mother. We worked hard figuring out what it meant to be a good mother. She had many things to say about this but most of them were about how the children should turn out if they had a good mother. When we focused on allowing the children to have fun 52
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and for them to work things out for themselves, she just burst into tears. Special Tip She said that her home was not a fun for the New Year: home. It was far too tense and strucI keep a special notebook tured. She was too busy telling them for Elul. I write all the things what to do and that there wasn’t much that I am grateful for, the room for fun. goals I want to work on in the We looked at how she could bring coming year and the things fun into the children’s routine. We that I hope for in the year to examined Hannah’s schedule – where come. In this way, I can look she could be more flexible, where back each year and see how there was time for them to play and I have grown and what areas when they could be allowed to break need more focus. I find this the rules. inspiring for the year ahead. Hannah began to learn that being a good mother is not about fashioning perfectly behaved children but rather about allowing them to be happy and becoming good, valuable members of society. This was a big paradigm shift for Hannah. It took her some time, but by working through the issues on a weekly basis, Hannah slowly began to change her expectations of herself and her children. The next stage was for Hannah to discover her identity. Who was she besides being a mother and a wife? This was another challenge for her to work out but with successful life-coaching, Hannah was able to get there. If you, like Hannah, are reflecting on the previous year and want to make some real changes for the coming year, give me a call for a free first consultation. Call Helen Abelesz, Life Coach at: 054-482-9815. *not her real name and all identifying features have been changed.
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If You are Going to be Framed, Let it be by the Right People Interview with Rachel Arbeter,
owner of Picture Perfect What prompted you to open up a framing shop in Ramat Bet Shemesh? We saw a gap in the market, and the means to fill it were available to us. I have always enjoyed seeing the results of a well-chosen frame on a picture and the over-all effect on the room where it is hung. In my youth, I learned the art of color, texture combination and which blends produced the best interior design results from my father’s furniture business. In the framing business I get to use my artistic side while saving people money and making a living at the same time. It gives me great pleasure when I see the expression on the face of a satisfied customer who comes to collect his framed picture. You can see them almost shocked at how beautiful the results are. Why is it that your clients will be able to save money with you? We have excellent relationships directly with the biggest and best suppliers and producers so we order directly from the factory. Furthermore, we keep our overhead as low as possible so that the customer gets the best at the best price. And we are not greedy. Give us some examples of great prices and tell us how you compare to other places. We recently framed a huge magnificent oil painting for an artist who had been given a quote of over 1,800 NIS for a thick beautiful frame. We were able to frame it at a third of the price. Our customers tell us that we are at least half the price of others. On larger frames we are even a third or a quarter of the price. We also frame mirrors at unbeatable prices. What do you want people to know about your business? We are old fashioned. We actually care. Our world view is: Jews love doing chessed for fellow Jews. Why should money ruin the desire to give and help? We charge for our service, but just because we are making a profit, that doesn’t have to make me into a profit animal. I want you to profit too. I want to save you money. I want you to be satisfied and happy. And most of all, I want to know that I have done the best for you that I could do. Why is high-quality framing so important? As with most things in life the truth comes through - some of it right away, some of it later on. If you go for a cheap east-Asian standard frame for a picture, it will look 200% better than if you stick it on your fridge but only about half as good as if you had selected the correct custom frame for the picture and the room. 54
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Furthermore, within a year or two or three, you will begin to suffer the ailments of the cheap, easy and instant, when colors begin to fade and joints begin to loosen.. This is besides what you can gain from things like matting on the borders of the picture and nonreflective glass. What are some of the most interesting pieces you have framed? We framed a puzzle which was so large that it required a delivery vehicle. It took up the entire area of the large heat press that we use for securing puzzles. And the frame had to be very thick to hold the weight of the glass. We were brought a thick African antique beaded cloth with dangling thick colorful bead work. This needed to be framed in a manner that would allow the hanging bead work to hang freely. We handconstructed a special inlay and used a mildly African looking frame which didn’t contradict the African theme but also didn’t detract from the feature by being too bold and overbearing. How do you determine how to design a frame for someone who doesn’t know which frame is best? Our policy is to help the customer choose. The majority of customers know what they want when they see it, so it is our job to show and emphasize what is relevant, taking into account any budgetary constraints. We never try to get a customer to buy beyond his means. We try not to offer unwanted advice, but when a customer is open to it we will help create a beautiful combination of picture, frame and interior design. Sometimes people will bring a photo of the wall and room where it is going to hang. The frame should never be visually disturbing in its location within its setting. Sometimes it should blend with the themes in the room but other times there is room for a touch of contrast. We use the matting in bordering the picture to bring out the colors using a slight contrast. What’s the big dream? We are ready to begin to get our name out there now that we have the operation running smoothly and seamlessly. My dream for this business is to provide the Bet Shemesh area with the great service that this great community deserves, and then move on to Jerusalem. Picture Perfect is located on Nachal Lachish 13b, RBS A. Tel: 054-846-5056. By appointment.
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Shanah Tovah & Chag Sameach!
Yaron Zaken’ s Ancient Simanim
O
Family Recipes
n Rosh HaShana, everything we do is inspired with extreme significance. We stand in judgment before the Heavenly Court while each of our actions, words, and thoughts are probed. To assist our efforts in hastening Divine mercy, we employ various customs transmitted by our ancient tradition. Among them is the procedure of the simanim, literally signs or omens. These are the foods that we bring to the table at the beginning of the two evening meals as auspicious indications of a sweet and propitious year to come. Many of these foods were specifically chosen because their Hebrew names are related to other Hebrew words that convey our wishes for the coming year. An accompanying prayer is recited while holding the particular food in the right hand, immediately before it is eaten, expressing our wishes inherent in these words and foods.
Y
aron Zaken, the owner of Yaron Fruits (the new exquisite fruit and vegetable store in the RBS A shopping center), shares with us ancient family recipes for the Rosh Hashana simanim. Make sure to stop by and tell him how much you enjoyed them!
RoshHashanaSimanim: Dates Apple in honey Pomegranate Seeds Fenugreek or Carrots Leek Gourd Beets Head of a sheep or fish
The following fruits are available at Yaron Fruits for the Shehecheyanu Brachah. Enjoy! Dates | Pomegranate | Guava | Persimmon Kiwi | Quince | Pomelo Nachal Nitzanim 8, Mercaz RBS A
Tel. 02-645-5311
Sun: 10:00-20:00; Mon, Tue, Wed: 8:00-21:00; Thur: 8:00-22:00 and Fri: 8:00-15:00
Leek
- Parsley Directions: Chop leeks, green onion and parsley. Then season with pepper, salt and chicken soup powder. Then add eggs and 3 tablespoons flour. Fry or bake as a pie.
Ingredients: - 1 large green onion - 5 leeks - 5 eggs - Salt - Flour - Black Pepper - Vegetarian Chicken Soup Powder
Green Beets Ingredients: - 2 green beets - 1 crushed head of - 1/2 cup lemon juicegarlic - 2 tablespoons papr - 1 tablespoon cum ika in - Salt
Red Beets
Directions: Wash the green beet steam in microwav s, chop and and add beets. Sease. Fr y garlic and cumin. Add pa on with salt prika and lemon juice.
Directions: Boil beets until softened. Cut into cubes. Fry garlic with celery. Add beets. Season with salt, pepper, cumin and paprika.
Ingredients: - 1 kg. beets - 1 chopped head of garlic - 1 celery - Salt - Black Pepper - Cumin - Paprika
Gourd Ingredients: - 2 large onions - 1 gourd - 1 pumpkin - 1 cup raisins - Cinnamon - Sugar
Directions: Fr y onions in pot. Cu and pumpkin into cut gourd then add to onions bes and cinnamon and suga. Add raisins, with water (until co r. Fill pot vers) and let it cook.
Fenugreek Ingredients: -Fenugreek
Directions: salt Boil in water and until softens.
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CHAG SAMEACH FROM SUPER-PHARM BET SHEMESH YIGAL ALON 1, BIG FASHION MALL, BET SHEMESH TEL. 077-8880930 HOURS: SUN-THU 08:00-23:00, FRI 08:00-16:00, HALF AN HOUR AFTER SHABBAT UNTIL 24:00
A CELEBRATION OF GIFTS FOR ROSH HASHANA Perfume is the favorite gift for the Holiday. SuperPharm offers a range of perfumes and stylish and indulgent gift packages, starting from just 99NIS. A new year with new fragrances. Rosh Hashana is the time to regenerate with
perfume and it’s the perfect opportunity to buy gifts for our loved ones. Super-Pharm is announcing a fantastic celebration of the holiday. Dozens of brand-name perfumes starting at just 99NIS, exclusive gift boxes, coupons and offers on a range of products, and stylish gift sets which will transform every gift into a unique experience.
71% buy perfume for a gift A recent survey by Super-Pharm found that 71% of participants purchased perfume for a gift in the past year alone, and around 50% said that they received perfume as a gift in the past year. It’s an especially popular gift between couples, mainly among men who buy perfume for their wives (25% of participants said they received perfume from their partner) as well as among family members. ‘Perfume is perceived as a nice gift, expensive and useful, and at Super-Pharm you can buy perfume at great prices. Ranging from 99-299NIS, one can find dozens of perfumes,’ says Herzliya Ashkenazi, Trade Marketing Manager of Cosmetics at Super-Pharm. ‘Additionally, with our new gift sets it will be possible to select a range of products from the cosmetics department to create an indulgent gift package’. A gift for ourselves In Israel, most perfume purchases – around 60% – are made during the holiday season. Many people treat themselves to a new scent from their favorite brand. ‘Perfume is our personal trademark, as is the fragrance we choose to define ourselves with,’ adds Ashkenazi. Israelis buy an average of 3 perfumes per year, and they switch between 2 or 3 fragrances daily. Special launches for the holiday In honor of the New Year, Super-Pharm is launching a range of perfumes from leading brands: Estee Lauder, Donna Karen, BOSS, Givenchy, Nautica and more, as well as exclusive Limited Edition gift sets of leading perfumes packaged together with a bonus item such as body cream, deodorant or shower gel. Among the brands which are included in the holiday offer are Lady Million, One Million, Carolina Herrera, Prada and more.
Most popular perfumes Women 1. Icon 2. Lady Million 3. Versace Bright Crystal 4. Coco mademoiselle chanel 5. La vie est belle
Men 1. One Million 2. Invictus 3. Silver Scent 4. 212 VIP 5. Mont Blanc
A COMPLETE RANGE TO BRIGHTEN YOUR SMILE
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It ensures greater, non-abrasive cleaning effectiveness and restores the natural whiteness of teeth. Rigorous testing has shown the effectiveness of this toothpaste against dental discoloration: it protects the integrity of the enamel while preventing plaque adhesion and ďŹ ghting tooth yellowing.
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Its unique formula removes stains and pigmentation due to smoking, food, beverages and plaque deposits.
Step into the New Year
Pain Free! For over 35 years, Dr. Avraham Zimberg, DPM has been treating all types of foot problems, in the US and in Israel. As a podiatrist, (physician and surgeon of the foot), he helps children, teens, adults and seniors relieve and prevent foot problems. Bio-mechanical foot faults, (such as an excessively high or low arch), can cause painful joints, bursitis, hammer toes, bunions, lower back pain or knee pain. Orthotics (midrasim) are insoles/inserts that are placed in shoes to help control imbalances in foot structure.
Ser ving Beit Shemes h, Jerusalem an d area, for over 13 years.
Dr. Zimberg can assess your gait and determine whether custom-made, biomechanical orthotics are right for you. He can prescribe, and provide top quality, American Footmaxx orthotics, at very competitive prices.
For further information, call:
Dr. Avraham Zimberg, DPM 054-5437775
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Hebrew Language Coaching FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN
Improve your Hebrew conversaĆ&#x;on, reading & wriĆ&#x;ng skills. Study program speciďƒžcally designed to suit your needs/pace of learning. hebrew language coaching can help you with:
Daily conversaĆ&#x;on in shops, kupat cholim or with tradespeople‌ CommunicaĆ&#x;ng with your children’s teachers FacilitaĆ&#x;ng the transiĆ&#x;on to Hebrew in your professional ďƒželd Filling out forms, documents & other Hebrew language correspondence NavigaĆ&#x;ng your way through typical jargon in school/higher studies & submiĆŤng course work One-on-one or small groups.
Please call Aviva on 054-632-2777 or e-mail hebrewcoaching@gmail.com
Lindy Funkelstein classical ballet teacher CertiďŹ ed by the Royal Academy of Dancing in England and Australia. Extensive experience in studio management and teaching.
Quality and individualised teaching, combined with the enjoyment and love of dance.
Suitable for ages 4 & up (Small classes tailored to age & level)
Two Performances during the year
Encouraging Creativity, Style, Elegance and Strength Classes in Ramat Bet Shemesh A Contact Lindy: 0525758419 Lindy_gar@yahoo.com
Free trial lesson
W IN ISRAEL O N IT H T S E USA LAT
CE GAME EROBICS DAN A & E IS C ER HOME EX TURE FOR ALL FUN & ADVEN
• Wide variety of different programs • Wide variety of Chasidic music to enrich the activities • Choices for starters & advanced users • Option to personal profile set ups & calorie burning • Option to put two mats for competing • Includes USB plug for the computer
SPECIAL LAUNCH PRICE!
lds and i It fo t
sy to put awa ea y ’s
Available at:
Office Dyo - Shopping Center RBS A Gal Paz - Malchei Israel 5, Geula
paneach1@gmail.com
Available at your favorite stores
Live Stream Simch a Relatives can’t travel to your wedding? Your family can watch the simcha
ONLINE LIVE from home or work!!!
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www.LiveStreamSimcha.com LiveStreamSimcha@gmail.com 058 538 1902 | U.S.A. +1 647 495 9493 | U.K. +44 207 048 7028
Gifts for the Chagim Gifts for the
Chagim
are bought at
Smiley.
Our service is a dream Our selection is tasteful and affordable starting at only 25nis
We specialize in Bat/Bar Mitzvah gifts | Gift certificates available
Large selection of “Lily” glass art supplies, Art Judaica, Karshi, Emanuel & more!
Etrog boxes, shofar cases, variety of honey dishes.
Nachal Sorek 36, RBS A shopping center
Tel. 9923599
Hours: Sun-Thur 10:30-2:00 and afternoons 17:00-20:00 Friday 10:00-12:30
Park Center Mall, Nachal Dolev 19, 3rd Floor Tel/Fax 02- 9919374
smiley.dolev@gmail.com Sun - Thus 9:00 - 20:00 Fri 9:00 - 13:00
crystal artworks
Fabulous Custom Jewelry - Custom Orders
Swarovski crystals | Japanese beads | Precious stones | Pearls | Goldfield | Silver
Come and design your own jewelry and enjoy an interesting workshop experience
Limousine Service New cars up to 8 seats Buses & shuttle services to all parts of the country Transportation to & from Ben Gurion airport - VIP service Luxurious vehicles- television, free Wi-Fi, water cooler Reliable and courteous service
052-2403141 | 057-2403141 Dayannissim@gmail.com
Located under Shefa Shuk
Sun - Thr 10:30 - 19:00 Wed 10:30 - 20:30
Tel. 052 243 1419
Your Memories are about
to Vanish! Why can’t I stay with my old VHS player? If you still have a quality deck available to you, it would likely need some work to make it sound like it was intended. A deck that has been sitting for an extended time may experience a variety of issues -- including the potential of “eating your tapes.” But the most important thing is not the player but the cassettes themselves. What are magnetic-based tapes? Audio cassette tapes have been used for many purposes over the years. Many people used home cassette tape recorders (regular audio cassettes, VHS and old movie reels) to capture precious memories such as music, birthday parties, bar/bat mitzvot, weddings, etc. Magnetic-based tapes need to be captured digitally before they are lost, damaged or degraded to a point in which they cannot be saved. What has to be done to save our memories? The most important thing is to enjoy the moment. But, if the moment has passed, I recommend that you transfer your memories into a digital format. Although one can transfer to DVDs, I definitely recommend that you transfer them into high quality computer files. You can then store them wherever you want; you can edit them for any purpose and you can make as many copies you want. They will never get scratched like a DVD could. What’s your background and what prompted to get into this business? this? I studied film at the “Sam Spiegel” film school. For one of my films I needed a few minutes from an old video cassette. I looked all over for a professional lab that could convert the cassette and I paid a lot of money but wasn’t pleased with the results. They all used DVD recorders and I got bad quality. I thought to myself, people should be able to watch their most precious moments with the best quality, a sharp picture and clear sound. Is it expensive to convert your old cassettes/tapes into digital? Not really. The price depends on the quantity but the most important thing is that it’s a fixed price. This means that even if there are five hours on a cassette, you won’t pay anything extra. What are the advantages? First of all, the digital format doesn’t lose any qual62
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ity with time. You can also make as many copies as you want and they will all have the same original quality. Second of all — space. You can put a room full of video cassettes in an external hard drive the size of a notebook. Third of all, when you have everything all digitized, you can use it to make movies for weddings, bat/bar mitzvah presentations or anything else. What can you expect in terms of the quality of the digital files? We use the most advanced technology so that we can get the highest quality for the client. We don’t use DVD recorders like other places. All the materials are digitized and encoded directly to the computer so that you get the highest quality possible with no jumps, stripes or audio problems. It’s a real pleasure to watch the old family memories that way. Can you mention any clients that our readers may recognize? Sure. We have done projects for Yad Vashem, The Hebrew University, The National Insurance Institute, The National Library of Israel and many others. I plan to put all our family cassettes, tapes and DVDs into external drives and give one full set to each of my children to take with them after they marry. Is that a good idea? It’s a wonderful idea. You can also edit a special childhood clip for each one. What other services do you offer? You should know that FlashBack is not a photocopy store that makes some video conversions along the way. Media conversions are the only thing we do! That’s why we’re doing it so well. We convert all types of old media: Video cassettes of all kinds (video cameras cassettes as well) and 8mm and 16mm reels. We also convert audio cassettes and vinyl records and make high resolution scans of slides, negatives and old photos. Which areas do you service? We are based in Jerusalem but we serve all over Israel with our special delivery services. Contact information: 077-330-5313. E-mail: info@fb-hamarot.com; Website: www.fb-hamarot.com
Bizness Magazine
Interview with
Nadav,
Owner of Flashback Media
Converting
• Do you have boxes with old video cassette, audio tapes and photos of your wedding and other important events? • Did you know that with time they will all vanish? • All information kept on magnetic strips dissipates and eventually gets damaged by dust, scratches or temperature. Your saved memories will be gone: Video cassettes, audio cassette tapes, reel-to-reel tape and other forms of magnetic tape degrade over time. • Only once you have converted your old media to a digital format can you feel safe that your precious memories will be here to stay.
02 999 3939
Orthodontics
Bring in the New Year with a Smile
The Health Benefits
of Smiling
By Dr. Eliyahu Gherman and Dr. Edo Lavi
M
ost of us know that there is something magical about a smile. However, what many of us do not know is how beneficial a smile can be. As orthodontists, we see people all the time who come into our office with their lips sealed tightly or with a hand in front of their mouth trying to hide their crooked, spaced or buck teeth. They often say, “Doc, I haven’t smiled in years!” One of the most rewarding aspects of orthodontics is seeing the same patients after their braces come off. We hand them the mirror and they break out in a big radiant smile. The patients may not know it but not only do they now have a beautiful smile, they have just added years to their life! Researchers at Wayne State University in Michigan found that the broader and more authentic your smile, the longer you will live! This study, along with others published in Psychological Science, is in line with a host of other studies that correlate smiling with many benefits. Here are a few: • Smiling can reduce your chances of getting sick because it releases endorphins that make your immune system work better. • Smiling relieves stress and depression. • Smiling can reduce your blood pressure. • Smiling helps tone facial muscles and makes you look younger. • Smiling can relieve headaches. Finally, smiling is contagious. When you smile at someone, they usually smile back and everyone is happier and healthier. So, stop by our office for a free consultation and take a step towards smiling more in the new year. Wishing all of our patients a sweet and healthy New Year filled with many smiles. Dr. Gherman is located at 15 Ibn Gevirol Street in Rechavia. The numbers are: 02-561-9770 and 02-561-9780. Dr. Lavi and Dr. Gherman practice together in Ramat Bet Shemesh The phone number is 02-992-3363.
Dr. Lavi graduated from the AAO accredited program at New York University Orthodontic School.
Dr. Gherman graduated from the AAO accredited orthodontic program at Montefiore Medical Center.
Drs. Lavi and Gherman are certified in Aerodentis, an amazing new technology that straightens your teeth while you sleep! During the day you are braces and aligner free! Call to schedule your appointment at one of our Aerodentis centers and see if the Aerodentis system is right for you. Aerodentis Center in Jerusalem: 15 Ibn Gevirol St Rechavia, Jerusalem (02)561-9780 (02)561-9770 Aerodentis Center in Bet Shemesh Nachal Tamar 1 Ramat Bet Shemesh A (02) 992-3363 www.BIZNESSMAG.com
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From now on, Maccabi members won’t need to go far to get the most advanced health services
A new medical center in Ramat Bet Shemesh Gimmel
In the new center, a range of advanced health services will be provided: Family medicine Pediatrics OB/GYN ENT Orthopedics Children’s dietician Nurses clinic
Breastfeeding consultation Women’s health nurse 24-hour nurse advice Prenatal ultrasound Laboratory services Administrative services Health promotion workshops
33 Chavakuk Hanavi Street, Tel: 02 506 0500
Our Community Communications Representative is at your service at all times: Aharon Guvner: 052 769 6861
There are health plans And then there’s Maccabi
Information intended for Mac
ccabi members
Other health centers in Bet Shemesh:
19 Nachal Dolev 02 506 1999
6 Shderot Nachal Tzealim 02 990 6333
2 Derech Yitzchak Rabin 02 991 7587
Kupa Shel Tzedaka of RBS A –The Address for Every Crisis
T
By RBS Residents for RBS Residents
he Kupa Shel Tzedaka of RBS A has been active on behalf of the community since the neighborhood’s inception. From its modest beginnings as a grass-roots organization providing basic financial assistance for needy families, the Kupa has grown together with the neighborhood’s expansion, quickly becoming a highly professional comprehensive social welfare organization of the highest caliber. One thing, however, has never changed at the Kupa. The Kupa is, and always will be, the arm of the community’s residents, acting on their behalf to bring relief into the lives of hundreds of families throughout the neighborhood. The Kupa is the first to learn of families in distress, through its dedicated network of volunteer representatives strategically placed within all of the diverse communities that comprise RBS. Each case is handled with utmost discretion, with the families’ dignity and privacy paramount in the eyes of the Kupa’s devoted staff and volunteers. In many cases, the recipients of assistance will never even know the source of the aid that they have received. Additionally, the Kupa has staff on call 24 hours daily in order to ensure that no request for aid goes unheeded. Professionalism The Kupa is managed by consummate professionals who ensure that the day-to-day operations are conducted with utmost efficiency. With most of the office overhead covered by earmarked donations and with heavy reliance on the services of selfless vol-
unteers, donors can be assured that their funds are indeed reaching the needy families of our neighborhood. Our fundraising staff has created unique partnerships with other organizations and philanthropists, with exclusive matching grants based on local donations creating a strong financial backing for the Kupa’s activities. Multifaceted Rehabilitation Experience has shown that handouts are not the solution. The vast experience and broad perspective of the Kupa’s leadership places an emphasis on the multifaceted rehabilitation of families. In some instances, the Kupa can use its connections with governmental agencies and financial institutions to untangle the webs of debt that threaten a family’s solvency. These and other creditors rely on the Kupa’s reputation of professionalism and integrity, knowing that the Kupa is a reliable partner who will stand behind the payment plans that they negotiate. In other instances, ignorance of the social benefits and government entitlements available to persons with disabilities or families with special-needs children has led families into dire straits. With the Kupa’s knowledge and connections at Bituach Leumi, and with the help of dedicated volunteers who are familiar with the bureaucracy, these families can attain financial stability by exercising their rights, so they are no longer in need of the Kupa’s financial aid. The realization that many families reach a state of financial dependency for lack of proper financial management skills led to the founding of Maazanim, now an independent entity specializing in financial guidance for orthodox families which is active on the national scale. Hundreds of families have regained self-sufficiency after receiving proper guidance and education on home economics. In addition, the Kupa provides vocational counseling that helps people transform their knowledge and skills into a monthly paycheck. The Kupa also uses the services of business consultants to help floundering business owners create feasible recovery plans that will get them back in the black. 5774: A Year of Renewal The outpouring of support shown by the community during the 5774 Yomim Noraim campaigns was channeled into addressing the needs of many families in the neighborhood who had been hard hit by government budget cuts in child subsidies and other important social programs. Monthly food packages have enabled many families who needed just that extra boost to keep their heads above the waters of privation. Our focus on rehabilitation, as opposed to long-term support, has been enhanced by the recruitment of an experienced manager to lead the Temicha and Shikum Department. Each family in need of assistance now benefits from a more comprehensive – yet sensitive and confidential – review of their financial, educational, social and emotional needs. This ensures that each family can receive the assistance necessary in order to rise above their individual challenges and extricate themselves from a cycle of dependence. In addition, we were able to provide families undergoing temporary financial crises with more substantial sums in the short-term, which saved them from going under in turbulent times. With your continued support, 5775 will be a year in which we can reach even more of our neighbors who are waiting for a helping hand. For more information, please call: Kupa Shel Tzedaka – The RBS A Tzedaka Fund 02-995-1111 Email: rbstzedaka@gmail.com. www.rbstzedaka.com
Clean House
Insects and pests! PARENT COUNSELING MAINSTREAMING STUDENTS PLAY THERAPY
Specializing in School Aged Children, ADHD/ADD, Anger Management, OCD, Social Integration, And Parent/Sibling Relationships
IRA A. GROTSKY M.S. E.d., S.A.S SPECIAL EDUCATION THERAPIST
Kobi Exterminator
Do the Cleaning and Polishing with the experts! *Control of all types of pests: cockroaches, ants, rats, mice, eas, ticks, termites, weeds and removal of pigeons * Upholstery & carpet cleaning * Tile & crystal polishing by a Professional team and modern tools * Control of pests based on routine maintenance * Maintenance of the Azrieli Mall, factories, public buildings, halls, Hospitals, restaurants and cafes * All permits and licensed including ISO 9001:2008
054-441-0256 iragrotsky@yahoo.com
TRUST • FOLLOW-UP • ONTIME FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS • FLEXIBLE PAYMENTS • GENERAL DENTISTRY • WHITENING • COSMETIC RESTORATIONS THE “OLDESTâ€? DENTAL PRACTICE IN RBS A ... THE “NEWESTâ€? DIGITAL EQUIPMENT.
To book your session call:
054-5316734 Rivka.
Dr. Ari Stern 02-999-6046
DOCTOR OF DENTAL MEDICINE GENTLE DENTISTRY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
drstern@neto.net.il
Let us pray that this yea r we will see an end to sickness among Am Yisroel, so that b’ezras Ha shem we will be able to dis band the Toy Fund. Please pass this email to all the volunteers, and to any family who you think will get chizuk fro m this message. Thank You. Shana Tova, Robbie and Judy
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Bizness Magazine
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Gut Voch, It has been two weeks since I was at Camp Simcha for a Shabbos and I still can’t forget all the personal stories I heard fro m Isr aeli children who suffer from cancer. There are two stories in particula r which resonate in my mind. Two of the boys com e from totally different cultural backgrounds to each other yet they bo th ended off their stories in exa ctly the same way. They just said simply, wi thout any hesitations or res erv ations, that they have no complaints to the Ribbono Shel Olam. It is probably the best pie ce of mussar I have heard. How is it possible they hav e no teinas to G-D? After some thinking I rea lized that I have heard the se words once before. My father, who endured such atrocities during the ho locaust, always told us the same thing: ‘I hav e no teinas to the Ribbo no Shel Olam’. I used to ask him, ‘How can yo u say that after you witne ssed your father being murdered in cold blood and your brother dying in your own hands?’ He would answer,,‘I don’t un derstand why those terrib le things happened or why I was saved, but the fact that I am alive is eno ugh for me not to have teinas to G-D. How can I have tienas if after 55 yea rs I am still around and am blessed with children and grandchildren who are frum?’ I guess it’s appropriate tha t the Chanukah Toy Fund should be named after my father zt’’l. He understood children and knew how to relate to them on their level but mo st of all he understood abo ut emunah peshuta. I hope and pray that com ing up to Rosh Hashana we all take to heart this lesson from these bra ve and special children. I know I was humbled and inspired by them. It has once again been a life -changing experience for me. Lastly, I cannot say enoug h about the volunteers wh o spend their time with these children. The compassion, love, sensiti vit y and strength they show is something I can never put into words. Th ey say that our Chanukah project gives the voluntee rs, the cancer kids and the ir families tremendous strength all year. The tru th is that we get even mo re from them than they do from us.
-M
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This is a letter I received from Robbie Schonfeld (OSSIES Fish) from Woodmere, NY, the man behind the Chanukah Toy Drive for Chaiyanu. He raises the money, buys the gifts, ships them to Israel and helps deliver them throughout the country. Yaakov Pinsky, Director of Chaiyanu
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ale
How is it possible they have no teinas to G-D?
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A Camper with Cancer I never thought I would be able to go with Chaiyanu to Camp Simcha, not just because of my cancer but because I’m very weak most of the time, eating is a big issue and I’m in a wheelchair. Who would want to take a teenager with a ton of problems besides cancer? But it seems that I was really off the mark. Chaiyanu said that they would take care of all my needs, no matter what they were. And they did. Big time. I needed a break from the place I was in which was why I wanted to go to camp, and of course to have fun. It was the best summer I ever had! The greatest day in Camp Simcha was when they brought racing cars. This was a dream come true for me. I think I was the happiest kid there! When you’re at Camp Simcha you really forget you’re sick. We were so busy with activities, boating, swimming and eating a lot, that we just forgot we’re sick. Also, because all the kids there have cancer everyone is alike. At Camp Simcha I was a normal kid! It was an unforgettable experience and when I came back home to Israel, I felt stronger than ever. I feel that now I have the energy to keep going and get rid of my cancer. Since 1999, Chaiyanu’s mission has been to restore the light of childhood to children whose innocence ended when life-threatening or lifelong illness was diagnosed. With over 20 programs Chaiyanu addresses the emotional, social, and financial needs of seriously ill children, their families, and communities. This enables us to restore normalcy to family life, and better enables families to withstand the crises and challenges of serious pediatric illness. Join the Chaiyanu Family. Seize an opportunity to volunteer or provide a service for children with cancer and their families. Please e-mail us at: ypinsky@chailifeline.org or at: info@chaiyanu.org.il or call 1-800-222211.
02 999 3939
DIRECTLY FROM OUR FACTORY IN THE DIAMOND DISTRICT Wholesale & Retail Professional jewelry repair & restore - Ring resize in 24 hours
ZVI HAGER DIAMOND & JEWELRY
MANUFACTURERS
054-499-9402 054-499-9402
appointment only by by appointment only
Rings Pendants Earrings Bracelets Necklaces Solitaires Rings Pendants Earrings Bracelets Necklaces Solitaires hagerjewelry@gmail.com
B
elev Echad was founded sixteen years ago by Rabbi Nosson Kohn. Upon moving to Bet Shemesh, R’ Nosson found a generation of Israelis who had strayed far away from the original Torah observance and traditions of their religious forefathers who had made aliyah two and three generations earlier. R’ Nosson, had a vision -- to take the many newcomers settling in Bet Shemesh and train them to become educators, advisers and social workers in the surrounding moshavim. Today, that vision has become a successful reality. R’ Nosson recounts many stories of young and old alike who have been turned on to Torah observance through the efforts of his caring and dedicated team. Today, over 400 classes per month are offered in 22 moshavim surrounding Bet Shemesh and Ramat Bet Shemesh, reaching thousands of people who had previously lost their connection to Judaism. R’ Nosson’s unique method of approaching each community as a whole has enabled him to make significant inroads into entire neighborhoods. Yet,
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Over 400 Classes Per Month on 22 Moshavim at the same time, he succeeds because of the personal and dynamic relationship with individuals and families. Every day, Belev Echad delivers a variety of Jewish educational programs to all age groups including men, women, boys, girls and teenagers. Besides the on-going evening classes, inspirational and festive events are held to coincide with the Jewish calendar, thereby ensuring that Jewish tradition will continue on to the next generation. In addition, there are trips and summer camps. The staff can often be seen at weddings or, unfortunately, funerals. Much emphasis is placed on teaching the boys derech eretz, tolerance and caring. This could be the reason why they are constantly being approached to run more programs. Shalom bayit, parental education and the “Jewish Home” are also popular courses run in the moshavim. Shul memberships have grown due to boys who have married and joined the ranks. Belev Echad gets involved in chesed activites by delivering food parcels to needy families before Pesach and Sukkot,
showing love and care to the local inhabitants. The madrichim and moshav boys help in arranging and delivering these parcels. This month, Belev Echad held two parlor meetings, one in Ramat Bet Shemesh and the other in Sheinfeld, where attendees heard first-hand from the recipients about Belev Echad’s activities who shared their personal stories and the success they’ve seen through the work of Belev Echad. They shared how the immense emunah and bitachon that they acquired helped them in their day-to-day lives, at home, in school, at work and, most recently, in their active service in the IDF. Rav Gad, Rabbi of Moshav Kfar Uria explained how Belev Echad transformed indifferent secular boys into boys ready to play an active part of the Jewish life of the moshav by attending minyanim, lectures and religious events. Pinchas Koven, ex-Attorney General for the Matte Yehuda Municipality for over 17 years, now a partner in the Ramat Bet Shemesh law firm of Greiff & Koven, explained that Belev Echad’s success, which he saw
first-hand during his tenure, stems from recognizing the specific needs of the families and communities living on the moshavim. Continuing last year’s success of ”Adopt a Moshav,” where individuals and shuls became partners with Belev Echad by choosing to sponsor Belev Echad’s activites on a moshav, with the satisfaction their tzedaka funds working to make a real difference. Belev Echad’s activites are supported by a wide spectrum of rabbanim including Rabbi Zev Leff, shlita of Moshav Matityahu. In order for an individual or group to invest in adopting their own Belev Echad moshav and have the zechus of all the Torah learning which develops, an investment starting at 1,800 NIS is required. This sponsors a children’s shiur for three months. You can contact R’ Nosson at nossonkohn1@gmail.com to find out more about how you, too, can be a part of sponsoring a moshav. He will be happy to take you to see first-hand how your tzedaka can make a difference to the lives of an entire community.
Insurance is always on our mind so it doesn’t have to be on yours!
Enjoy your summer!
INSURING YOUR: Home | Health | Life | Auto | Business | Travel Egert & Cohen. Always by your side.
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12 Experts
Ask Any Questions
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Life Coach
Real Estate Law
Helen Abelesz Background: Helen is a life coach who specializes in working with women who are feeling overwhelmed, lack selfconfidence, dealing with stress or not achieving their potential. Helen will help you pinpoint your insecurities, set goals for you to achieve and empower you to take control of your life. She works in both Hebrew and English. Call her today. 02 992 0263, 054 482 9815.
DAVID DRUTMAN Background: David Drutman has been a lawyer for 36 years, including the last 13 years in Israel. He has sound experience in a broad spectrum of work in both professional and commercial environments. He is widely respected for creative, goal orientated legal work. He specializes in transactions (property, estates, contracts, commercial matters etc), family law and notarial work. He can because be contacted at 02-995-1877 or drutlaw@gmail.com
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You Can Call
3 Technical Services TZVI LEFKOWITZ Background: Handyman Tzvi has many years of experience in general contracting and home renovations. He made aliya from New York where he built multi-unit projects and custom homes. Air conditioning happens to be one of his passions. Tzvi is a licensed Electra technician who provides care and maintenance service as well as sales for all major brands. He can be contacted at 054-498-5298, www.HandymanTzvi.com
you never know INSURING YOUR: Home | Health | Life | Auto | Business | Travel
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Egert & Cohen. Always by your side. t XXX FHFSUDPIFO DP JM t FHFSU!FHFSUDPIFO DP JM
4 Orthodontics Dr. Eli Gherman Dr. Edo Lavi Background: Both Drs Gherman and Lavi are American trained orthodontists, and are active members in the American Association of Orthodontists. Dr Gherman attended NYU Dental on full scholarship, and Montefiore Medical Center for his orthodontic residency. Dr Lavi graduated from UMDNJ, was chief resident of general dentistry and received his orthodontic degree from NYU College of Dentistry. Dr Gherman’s clinic is in Rechavia, 02561-9770 Dr. Lavi’s clinic is in RBShemesh, 02992- 3363
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Weight Loss
Mortgage
Insurance
Real Estate
Dr. Bo’s Team Background: Dr. Bo Rosenblat is a nationally recognized, boardcertified physician with more than 15 years of experience. Together with his team of Nutritionists, Dietitians, and Counselors, Dr. Bo is constantly researching the latest scientific advancements for obesityrelated disease and weight management. Contact info: 077-228-5877, details@drbosdiet.com www.drbosdiet.com
Moshe Wilshinsky Background: A 27-year veteran in the mortgage industry, Moshe is the CEO of Moville Mortgage and Finance LTD. To contact Moshe, call their main line at 073 796 2226 and press their special 711 Bizness extension. For US callers dial 201 377 3418 and UK 208 596 4501. Email him at questions@ movillefinance.com or visit their website at www.movillefinance.com
Egert-Cohen Insurance Background: Egert-Cohen is a Jerusalem-based brokerage that specializes in helping Englishspeaking Olim with personal family insurance solutions. They are also experts in travel insurance and incoming tourism. Contact Shimon Cohen at 050-5482192 or Yona Egert at 050-5363897 or visit their website at www.egertcohen.co.il
YOSSI LIPSH Background: Yossi Lipsh is one of the most experienced realtors in Bet Shemesh. He is the founder of Yossi Lipsh Realty. They specialize in buying, selling and managing properties in Ramat Bet Shemesh. Their office is located on Nachal Dolev 38, RBS A. Contact information: 02-999-4466; 052-396-0551. E-mail: info@ yossilipshrealty.com Website: www.rbs-realty.com Facebook: RBS-Realty
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Car Mechanics
Anxiety Disorder
Ariel Levy Background: With over 15 years of experience, Ariel is the head mechanic of AutoKING, a full service car garage in the Industrial area in Bet Shemesh. They service all makes and models and specialize in French and Japanese cars. The garage is across the parking of the Big Fashion Mall in Bet Shemesh. Call 02 626 1613 or 054 205 0389 for any consultations.
Rachel Factor LCSW Background: Large private practice in Monsey, NY. Made Aliyah in 2009 and has now a private practice in Ramat Bet Shemesh and Yerushalayim. Her expertise is in providing relief from OCD and anxiety disorders for Adults, Children and Adolescents. Contact: 052 713 4130, Rachel@ OCDSolutions.com or Skype: Rachel-Factor
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11 Website Design & Development Meir Amber Background: Meir is the CEO of Group7. They specialize in designing and developing functional and beautiful websites as well as mobile applications. They can be reached at 02 625 1007, request@group7designs.com or through their website www.group7designs.com
Bizness Magazine
12 Business Growth Ariel Topf Company: Bizness Magazine Background: Ariel has built several companies in 3 continents in the fields of Internet, High-Tech, Retail, Franchising, Food Manufacturing, Clothing Manufacturing, Direct Sales, Wholesale, Personal Development, Restaurant, Advertising and Publishing. In this process Ariel has headhunted, hired, trained, managed and/or mentored over 20,000 individuals. He can be contacted at ariel@biznessmag.com
02 999 3939
Song: ª£²¥ Bm
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Em
Em
ĨĤĤĢğ ijįĬĜ ĠīĤĜĵĦĠ D
C
Em
ĨĤĤĢ ĨĤIJĠħě ĥīĭĩħ Bm
D
C
Em
ĨĤĤĢğ ijįĬĜ ĠīĤĜĵĦĠ
Em
D
C
ĨĤĤĢ ĨĤIJĠħě ĥīĭĩħ
(C D)
//// G
//// Em
// Em
// C
// D
//// C
// G
// Em
// C
//// D
//// G
//// Em
// Em
// C
//// C
//// D
// C
// D
/ ( C
/ D )
// D
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// D //// Em
// Bm
// Bm
G
ĨĤĤĢħ ĠīĤijĦĠġ D
G
C
ĨĤĤĢĜ İįĢ ĥħĩ İįĢ ĥħĩ Em
G
ĨĤĤĢħ ĠīĤijĦĠġ D
C
ĨĤĤĢĜ İįĢ ĥħĩ
Manufacturing and kitchen design Shanah Tovah to all of our satisfied customers and to all Klal Israel
Shanah Tovah A year of Brachah andHatzlachah
-from your Kitchens Team
Your dream kitchen at a price you can afford Tchelet Mordechai 1, Bet Shemesh Tel. 02-6243773 Fax. 02-6253773
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Tel 02-5402957
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