The Holy Land

T H E H OLY L A N D

Published in 2018

THE essential guide to living in Israel

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 3

The Holy Land The Essential Guide to Living in Israel

ISRAEL BRIEF

MOVING TO ISRAEL

GETTING SETTLED

JUDAISM

GETTING AROUND CHRISTIANITY

OTHER RELIGIONS

mUC H T H A N K Y OU F O R Y OU R S U P P O R T I truly appreciate you all

GERARD W. MAGEE Jr. ANGELA Simonson-Hijarunguru Joshua Hendricks JONATHAN SCHOOLS KELLY LISSOLO sTELA sEARS William clark hOLLY mARTIN DEW Tiantawach Marla clark MICHAEL PEPPLE MICHELLE HELLER David Meadows nona azimov

Thank you so much for your time, support, words of encouragement, ideas or constructive criticism. I am so grateful!

Love, Catalina Magee, Force Protection Detachment Executive Assistant

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FOREWORD Audience - Unofficial for American Embassy in Israel

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission of Force Protection Detachment`s Chief.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this book was correct at the time of going to press. However, some details, such as telephone numbers, opening hours, prices, websites and travel information, are liable to change.

Map references have been included, and are as accurate as possible, but it is always advisable to consult the website, Google maps or contact the listing direct to be certain of the exact location.

The author of this publication, Catalina Magee, is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this book, nor for any material or any third party websites, and hereby disclaim any liability, cost or expense suffered in connection with the use of this book caused by errors, omissions or misleading information resulting from negligence, accident or any cause.

The publication had no proofreaders; therefore, please excuse any misspells or grammar errors.

This book has been put together by Force Protection Detachment Admin.

Assistant Catalina Magee, specifically for the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, as a gift of appreciation for our great community.

This publication contains tried-andtested information, personal recommendations and first-hand advice compiled by expats who live in Tel Aviv.

If you are new to Israel, chances are, this essential guide to living here will become your ‘go-to’ resource for everything as you navigate your way around this fantastic country.

If you have been here for a while, it offers you updated recommendations on the latest expat haunts, including shops, sporting venues, classes, networks, getting settled and volunteering opportunities.

Countless volunteering hours and sleepless nights have been invested in this project.

The core project team have worked tirelessly to keep this project moving forward and to make it a success. We extend our grateful thanks to everyone who contributed, even if only with words of encouragement.

It has been a wonderful opportunity to be given the chance to make a difference in someone`s life and their experience of the Holy Land. This place means so much to me, and I hope you`ll love it just as much.

Everyone that has worked on this project hopes that you will find this essential guide to living in Israel a source of support, encouragement and confidence, as you find a way around this incredible and everchanging country. I am so excited for you, and wishing you the best assignment of your life.

ISRAEL BRIEF

WELCOME The State of Israel was established on May 14, 1948.

The name Israel means “one who struggles with God” and is rooted in the Biblical passage 32.:28 where Jacob is renamed Israel after struggling with an unnamed assailant.

Israel has a total area of 20,770 sq km -approximately the same size as the U.S. state of New Jersey.

Israel is bordered by Lebanon and Syria in the north, Jordan and the West Bank in the east, and Egypt and the Gaza Strip in the south-west, and has coastlines on the Mediterranean in the west and the Gulf of Eilat (also known as the Gulf of Aqaba) in the south.

The highest point in Israel is Mt. Meron (3,692 ft/1,125 m) near Safed. The lowest point (on land) on the earth is at the Dead Sea, on the border of Jordan and Israel. The Dead Sea lies at 1,312 feet (400 meters) below sea level.

The most important river in Israel is the Jordan. Other bodies of water include the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea (part of which belongs to neighboring Jordan).

Owing to interior drainage and a high rate of evaporation, the waters of the Dead Sea contain about eight times as much salt as the ocean.

Standard time: 3 hours ahead of GMT Israel operates Daylight Saving Time, when the clocks are 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). Daylight Saving Time starts at 02:00 a.m. on the Friday before the last Sunday of March and ends at 02:00 a.m. on the last Sunday of October.

Israel enjoys long, warm summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November-March), with cooler weather in hilly region such as Jerusalem and Safed.

Rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center of the country with much less in the northern Negev desert and negligible amounts in the southern areas.

Weather extremes range from occasional winter snowfall in the mountain regions to periodic oppressively hot dry winds that send temperatures soaring, particularly in the summer .

The design of the flag of the State of Israel was inspired by the Jewish prayer shawl (tallit). The Star (or Shield) of David is a common symbol of the people of Israel dating from Biblical times. The flag was adopted officially on October 28, 1948.

The Hebrew calendar is based on the semi- lunar year; therefore Jewish holidays fall on different Gregorian dates each year .

Some say that the Jewish year represents the number of years since creation, calculated by adding up the ages of people in the Bible back to the time of creation.

However, this doesn’t mean the universe has existed for only 5,700 years as we understand years. Many Orthodox Jews acknowledge that the first 6 "days" of creation aren’t necessarily 24-hour days (indeed, a 24-hour day would be meaningless until the creation of the sun on the 4th "day").

Israel is home to a diverse population from many ethnic, religious, cultural and social backgrounds.

Of its more than 8.5 million inhabitants, over 75% are Jews (over half are nativeborn and mostly first and second generation) while the rest come from some 80 countries around the world; about 20% are Arabs of whom the majority are Muslim and the remaining 5% are Christians, Druze and Circassian .

Recommended Reading: The Israelis, Donna Rosenthal (Amazon.com)

As long as in the heart, within, A Jewish soul still yearns, And onward toward the East, An eye still watches toward Zion.

Our hope has not yet been lost, The two thousand year old hope, To be a free nation in our own homeland, The land of Zion and Jerusalem.

Kol 'od balevav P'nimah Nefesh Yehudi homiyah Ulfa'atey mizrach kadimah Ayin l'tzion tzofiyah.

Od lo avdah tikvatenu Hatikvah bat shnot alpayim: Li'hyot am chofshi b'artzenu Eretz Tzion Virushalayim.

The title of the national anthem, HATIKVA, means "The Hope." It was written by Naftali Herz Imber (1856-1909), who moved to Palestine in 1882 from Galicia.

The melody was arranged by Samuel Cohen, an immigrant from Moldavia, from a musical theme in Smetana's "Moldau" that is partly based on a Scandinavian folk song. Hatikva expresses the hope of the Jewish people that they would someday return to the land (Zion) of their forefathers as prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. The Jewish people were exiled from Israel in 70 C.E. by the Roman army led by Titus who destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. During the two thousand years of exile, the Jewish people said special daily prayers for return to Israel while facing the East in the direction of Jerusalem. Zion is synonymous with Israel and Jerusalem.

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Within generations, the Israelites went from being sons of the same person, Jacob, to a kingdom with some of the greatest rulers in history. This lesson details how that transformation happened.

Jacob's Sons to Exodus While the Jews may consider Abraham to be their patriarch, or founding father, it is really with the story of Jacob and his sons that the nation of Israel finds its beginning. After being sold into slavery in Egypt, Jacob's favorite son, Joseph, manages to convince the pharaoh of his use as an advisor, and wins the right for his family, including Jacob and Joseph's 11 brothers, to come to Egypt to live.

However, within a few generations, the relationship between the Israelites, as they were known at this point, and the Egyptians sours because it seems that the Egyptians are losing control of their country to so many immigrants. They are forced into servitude until a Jew by the name of Moses appears quite literally from the pharaoh's own palace and demands their freedom.

The Egyptians suffer a number of plagues before finally the Israelites get their freedom and leave Egypt in a move known as the Exodus. However, this move itself was not without serious issues.

The Egyptians tried to pursue the Israelites, leading to Moses parting the seas to allow his people to safely pass while trapping the pursuing Egyptians. Alone in the desert, having balked at the suggestion to conquer their Promised Land, where God had guaranteed them a life, the Israelites have to wander for 40 years for the entire generation that came out of Egypt to pass away.

For Want of a King With guidance from God, the Israelites manage to conquer much of the Promised Land, a region that is still disputed today between Israelis and Palestinians, and build a society around their 12 tribes.

The 12 tribes were based on the 12 sons of Jacob, and each was given a duty, whether to cultivate land or serve as priests for the whole nation. The tribe that served as priests was known as the Levites and were forbidden from owning territory as a tribe, unlike the other groups.

For some time, the Israelites existed in this theocracy, living according to the laws of their religion, Judaism, as interpreted by the Levite priests. However, with time, the Israelites yearned for a king to unite them as one nation against their enemies. This was especially necessarily given the fact that the judges who settled disputes within Israel were drawn from the Levites, and the next in line to become judges were sons of the prophet Samuel. Samuel's sons were dishonest, wicked men, and the Israelites desperately wanted a way around their authority. With time, God chose to give them a king.

Three Kings and a Split Unfortunately, for the Israelites, the man given as king is Saul, who becomes a living embodiment for the need for checks on kingly authority. Primarily, he disobeys God's order, via Samuel, to kill all the Amalekites, a group that the Israelites had been at war with. Saul not only fails to execute the order, but then lies about it. Samuel lets Saul know that he is no longer favored by God and abandons him.

About this time, the boy who would be the greatest king in Jewish history, David, arrives. Born a shepherd, he offers to slay the Philistine giant Goliath using only a sling and stones. David becomes close friends with Saul's son, Jonathan, yet Saul grows jealous of David, sending him on riskier and riskier missions.

However, it is Saul and Jonathan who are destined to die at a great battle, leaving David as king. David proves his worth by following the commandments, expanding the kingdom, and even writes the Psalms.

However, with time, he gets too cocky. Soon, he lusts after married women, sending their husbands on impossible missions of their own. Eventually, David is too old to rule, and the crown is passed to one of his sons, Solomon.

If David is remembered in Jewish tradition for the blessings and punishments of following God's law, then Solomon is remembered for making the smartest request possible of any king. In a dream, God asks him what he wants, and Solomon states that his one desire is for wisdom by which to rule better. The stories of Solomon's wisdom fill the holy texts of Abrahamic religions.

Most famously, two women arguing over a baby come to his court. Both claim to be the mother, so Solomon says since no easy solution is possible, just cut the baby in half and give each woman half. The real mother falls to her knees in tears, saying that the other woman can have the child, just not to hurt it.

Solomon recognizes immediately who the real mother is and awards her custody.

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"ISRAEL HAS ITS ATTRACTIONS. IT'S THE MOST DRAMATIC COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. EVERYBODY'S ENGAGED. EVERYBODY ARGUES. WHEN I LEAVE ISRAEL, I GET A LITTLE BIT BORED, YOU KNOW?" - Shimon Peres

Israel is a parliamentary democracy based on universal suffrage and proportional representation. Israel's legislative branch is a 120-member parliament known as the Knesset.

Membership in the Knesset is allocated to parties based on their proportion of the vote. Elections to the Knesset are normally held every four years, but the Knesset can decide to dissolve itself ahead of time by a simple majority, known as a vote of no-confidence. As of this writing, in the 20th Knesset, there are 11 Arab and Druze and 27 female members.

Israel's legal system is a mixed system, influenced by Anglo-American, Continental and Jewish law principles. As for the Anglo-American influence, the Israeli legal system is based on the principle of stare-decisis (precedent). It is an adversarial system, not an inquisitorial one, in the sense that the parties (e.g. plaintiff and defendant) are the ones that bring the evidence before the court. The court does not conduct any independent investigation on the case.

There is no jury in Israeli courts, and cases are decided upon by professional judges.

The Judiciary branch of Israel is made of a 3-tier system of courts: at the lowest level are the Magistrate Courts, situated in most cities. Above them, serving both as an appellate court and as a court of first instance are the District Courts (6 of them, situated in the 6 judicial districts of Jerusalem, Page 6 of 38 South, Tel Aviv, Centre, Haifa and Nazareth). At the top of the judicial pyramid is the Supreme Court seated in Jerusalem.

Religious tribunals (Jewish, Islamic Sharia'a, Druze and Christian) have exclusive jurisdiction on annulment of marriages.

While the Israel Declaration of Independence describes the country as a "Jewish state," freedom of religion and the inviolability of the holy places and centers of worship for all religions are guaranteed by law. Israeli Arabs and other non-Jews are generally free to practice their religions.

The Old City in Jerusalem reflects this diversity perhaps better than any other area of Israel, with its four quarters: Armenian, Christian, Muslim and Jewish.

Communities carried over from the British Mandate include Eastern Orthodox, Latin, Greek, Armenian and Syrian (Catholic), Gregorian, Chaldean (Uniate), Melkite, Maronite, Syrian Orthodox, and Jewish. Three more religious communities have since been recognized - the Druze, the Evangelical Episcopals, and Baha'i. The Bah’ai Center in Haifa is world renown.

Relations among different religious groups--between Jews and non-Jews, between Christians and Muslims, and among the different streams of Judaism-often are strained. Many Jewish citizens object to the exclusive control the Orthodox Jewish authorities have over Jewish marriages, divorces, and most burials.

This has been, at times, a source of serious controversy in society. Tensions between Jews and non-Jews are the result of historical grievances, cultural and religious differences, and are compounded by governmental and societal discrimination against IsraeliArabs.

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Education is a priority in Israel. A quarter of Israel's workforce holds university degrees ranking third in the industrialized world, after the United States and Holland - and 12 percent hold advanced degrees. Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to the population in the world.

The multicultural nature of Israel's society is accommodated within the framework of the education system.

Accordingly, schools are divided into four groups: state schools, attended by the majority of pupils; state religious schools, which emphasize Jewish studies, tradition and observance; Arab and Druze schools, with instruction in Arabic and special focus on Arab and Druze history, religion and culture and private schools, which operate under various religious and international auspices. Education is compulsory from age 6 to 16 and is free up to the age 18.

The Israeli school system is organized into kindergartens, 6-year primary schools, 3-year junior secondary schools, and 3-year senior secondary schools, after which a comprehensive examination is offered for university admissions. There are seven university-level institutions in Israel, a number of regional colleges, and an Open University program.

University Students by Field of Study (2011) (Total 120,552 students in 7 universities) Humanities 21.5% Social Sciences 23.3% Science and mathematics 15.6% Engineering 14.9% Medicine 10.9% Page 8 of 38 Law 7.8% Business & Administration 4.7% Agriculture

Israel's military consists of a unified Israel Defense Forces (IDF), known in Hebrew by the acronym Tzahal.

Historically, there have been no separate Israeli military services; the Navy and Air Force are subordinate to the Army. There are other paramilitary government agencies which deal with different aspects of Israel's security (such as MAGAV and the Shin Bet).

The IDF is considered one of the strongest military forces in the Middle East and ranks among the most battle-trained armed forces in the world, having had to defend the country in five major wars.

The IDF's main resource is the training quality of its soldiers, but it also relies heavily on hightech weapons systems (both developed and manufactured in Israel for its specific needs, and also largely imported from the United States), and expert manpower, rather than possession of overwhelming manpower.

Most Israelis, males and females, are drafted into the military at the age of 18. Exceptions are Israeli Arabs, confirmed pacifists, and women who declare themselves religiously observant.

Compulsory service is three years for men, and 24 months for women.

Circassians and (Muslim) Bedouin actively enlist in the IDF. Since 1956, Druze men have been conscripted in the same way as Jewish men, at the request of the Druze community.

Following compulsory service, Israeli men become part of the IDF reserve forces, and are usually required to serve several weeks every year as reservists, until their 40's.

Recommended Viewing: Claude Lanzman directed a documentary called “Tzahal”, number 3 in a trilogy. He was provided extraordinary access to facilities and personnel making for a very interesting film.

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The IDF operates air, ground and naval forces in order to protect Israel against foreign armies and terrorists. The IDF elite units are called Sayeret. The most famous Sayeret units are Sayeret Matkal and Shayetet-13 (Navy Seals). � THE INTELLIGENCE BRANCH (AMAN) � INFANTRY BRIGADES (Paratroopers, Golani, Givati, Nahal, Mechanics Infantry) � ARMORED CORPS AND ARTILLERY CORPS � ENGINEERING CORPS � AIR FORCE � NAVY ISRAELI POLICE: a civilian force. As most other police forces in the world, their duties include crime fighting, traffic control and maintaining public safety.

BORDER POLICE ("MAGAV"): the combat arm of the Israeli Police. Border Police troops are trained by the IDF in high infantry level but serve under the police. They are deployed in the disputed territories and in the countryside. They are also deployed on the borders of Israel.

YAMAM is the elite civilian counter-terrorism unit of Israel.

MASHAZ (Civilian Guard): a volunteer organization of citizens which assists in daily police work. Members are trained to provide the initial response to a security situation until the police arrive. MASHAZ volunteers are armed with M1 Carbine and personal handguns. The MASHAZ also have special units, but their members require additional training and a higher level of commitment.

SHABAS - Prison service: the SHABAS is responsible for guarding Israeli prisons and making sure that the prisoners do not escape.

The SHABAS elite unit is called "Metzada" and is specialized for hostage situations inside prisons.

SHIN BET/SHABAK (Israel Internal Security Service): Shin-Bet's duties are to protect ministers and high public officials (such as the president or the head of police), to prevent the violent insurrection, to gather intelligence, to pinpoint terrorist cells and prevent them from causing damage. Shin-Bet activities are classified.

MOSSAD (Hebrew: "Institute for Intelligence and Special Tasks"): the Mossad is an Israeli intelligence agency. It is responsible for intelligence collection, covert action (including paramilitary activities and assassinations) and counter-terrorism. Its focus is on Arab nations and organizations throughout the world.

LOTAR Eilat: a special reserve unit for counterterror which based in Eilat.

KABATs (Security Officers): public officials trained in combat and able to handle terrorist threats. The KABATs, besides supplying an initial response to threats, are experts in security issues. When they are deployed in a small town or village, they are responsible for that town or village's defense.

MAGEN DAVID ADOM: Israeli first aid organization responsible for emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank services. The name means "Red Star of David".

MECHABEY ESH (Fire department): Israeli firefighters. They are responsible for extinguishing fires and extracting people trapped in structures (ranging from stuck elevators to collapsed buildings).

PIKUD HAOREF RESCUE TEAM: a military rescue team which handles large-scale civilian disasters such as earthquakes, collapsing buildings and missile attacks on cities.

ZAKA - Hessed Shel Emet ("True Grace"): a volunteer organization mostly comprised of Haredi Jews who assume the duty of collecting human remains following a disaster, to provide those remains a proper Jewish burial. ZAKA has gained much positive publicity for its efforts in handling remains of victims of suicide bombings.

Local Rescue teams: A rescue team on each of the Galil, the Golan Heights and the Negev rescues lost travelers and tourists. (We hope you don’t require their assistance on the Tour!)

Recently, a team of professors, commanders and former judges, led by Tel Aviv University head of Ethics cathedra, Professor Assa Kasher, developed a code of conduct which emphasizes the right behavior in low intensity warfare against terrorists, where soldiers must operate within a civilian population. Reserve units and regular units alike are taught the following eleven rules of conduct, which are an addition to the more general IDF Spirit: Military action can only be taken against military targets. � The use of force must be proportional. � Soldiers may only use weaponry they were issued by the IDF. � Anyone who surrenders cannot be attacked. � Only those who are properly trained can interrogate prisoners. � Soldiers must accord dignity and respect to the Palestinian population and those arrested. � Soldiers must give appropriate medical care, when conditions allow, to oneself and one's enemy. � Pillaging is absolutely and totally illegal. � Soldiers must show proper respect for religious and cultural sites and artifacts. � Soldiers must protect international aid workers, including their property and vehicles. � Soldiers must report all violations of this code.

The Israeli strategy, its expertise in counterterrorism is naturally at the heart of the Chameleon Security Tour. Boaz Ganor of the Institute for Counter Terrorism writes that, “since its establishment, the state of Israel has had to cope with waves of terrorism and terrorist activity at its borders, inside Israel itself and in the Territories. These terror attacks have necessitated the swift and consistent development of technological means, military doctrines, and general policy for counter terrorism. Many years of experience in dealing with terror and terrorist activity has crystallized into accepted Israeli strategy.”

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The Mossad is one of the world's most wellknown intelligence agencies, and is often viewed in the same regard as the CIA and MI6. It is known for its efficiency, and many believe it has made a large contribution to the stability and security of Israel.

Mossad was formed in December 1949 as the "Central Institute for Coordination", at the recommendation of Reuven Shiloah to Prime Minister David Ben Gurion. Shiloah desired a central body to coordinate and improve cooperation between the existing security services - the Army's Intelligence Department (AMAN), the General Security Service (GSS or "Shabak") and the Foreign Office's "political department". In March 1951 it was reorganized, and made a part of the Prime Minister's Office, reporting directly to the Prime Minister. Its current staff is estimated at approximately 1,200.

The Mossad is headquartered in Tel Aviv and has eight departments: � Collections Department is the largest, with responsibility for espionage operations. � Political Action and Liaison Department conducts political activities and liaison with friendly foreign intelligence services and with nations with which Israel does not have normal diplomatic relations. � Special Operations Division (Metsada) conducts assassination, sabotage, and paramilitary projects. � LAP (Lohamah Psichlogit) Department is responsible for psychological warfare, propaganda and deception operations. � Research Department is responsible for intelligence synthesis. � Technology Department is responsible for development of technologies to support Mossad operations.

Mossad is a civilian service, and does not use military ranks, although most of the Mossad's staff have served in the Israeli Defense Force.

The assassination of the Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouhin in Dubai by a Mossad hit squad (the Mossad has never publically admitted to the hit) in January 2010 captured world headlines.

Controversy also swirls around Stuxnet, the computer worm responsible for partially disabling Iran’s Natanz nuclear plant. Some analysts are certain Stuxnet is the product of an Israel-U.S. cooperative effort, others point to a China connection. UNIT 8200, an elite technology intel unit of the IDF Intelligence Corps, is the largest unit of the IDF, analogous to the NSA in the United States, and described as a “hot bed for the best brains in Israel.” UNIT 8200 was allegedly responsible for disabling Syrian anti aircraft defenses as part of the September 2007 attack by the IAF that destroyed a nuclear reactor in northern Syria.

The YAMAM is self-dependent, training its own operators in all fields, such as sniping, recon, dog operating, bomb disposal, etc. As a result, the YAMAM has a very rapid deployment time and high coordination between various squads (sniping squad, entry team, engagement force, etc.). The YAMAM's primary duties are: � Hostage rescue (terrorist events). � Hostage rescue (criminal events). � Counter terrorism (preventative operations). � SWAT duties - handling dangerous criminals. � Undercover police operations. � VIP security.

Most of the YAMAM's activity is classified, and published YAMAM operations are often credited to other units. Nevertheless, the YAMAM enjoys a high reputation among SF professionals and the Israeli public.

The YAMAM was established after the Maalot massacre, where a failed operation by military special forces units ended with 21 children murdered before the terrorists were killed. Since hostage rescue in friendly territory is different from counter-terrorism in hostile areas, it was decided to establish an elite civilian force, which develops and practices a special CQB (Close Quarters Battles) doctrine for counter-terrorism operations in friendly territory and hostage rescue. In late 1974 the YAMAM was established and falls under the direct jurisdiction of a special forces counter-terrorism unit of the MAGAV — the combat arm of the police.

Israel's economy is larger than all of its immediate neighbors combined. Israel is a technologically advanced market economy with a highly skilled and well-educated workforce.

Cultural life is vibrant, restaurants and beaches are crowded, and there is a lot of business being conducted. The United States is Israel's largest trading partner, and there are opportunities for U.S. exporters. In 2010, Israel was granted membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the OECD. A recognized leader in high-tech industries, Israel's investment in research and development is higher than any single OECD country.

Some basic statistics from 2012: Gross Domestic Product $387 billion (nominal 2017) Exports US$ 62.5 B Imports US$ 70.2 B Tourists Arriving 3.6 million (2017) $5.8 Billion revenue Air Freight 275,870 tons Electricity Productions 61 B kilowatt hours Private automobiles 7.2 million Unemployment 4.0% Electric Car Grid Project The California-based company Better Place constructed an extensive grid of electric car recharge stations across Israel in the hope to launch it into oil independecy. Although the company eventually filed for bankruptcy, the grid is active and there are rumors that Tesla may bring its electric car to Israel.

Gas Reserve Discoveries In 2009, 60 miles off the Mediterranean coast of Haifa, the Tamar field was discovered, with 8.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. In 2010, the Leviathan was discovered also off the coast of Haifa, the largest gas find of the decade with 16 trillion cu ft of gas estimated to be worth some $95 billion. The expectation is that these gas finds will support Israel’s gas needs for the next 100 years and transform the nation into an energy exporter.

Securities trading in Israel dates back to 1935, when the Anglo-Palestine Bank Ltd., together with pre-state Israel's leading banks and brokerage firms, founded the Exchange Bureau for Securities, which acted as an unofficial stock exchange.

Trading and listings increased over the next decade, and when Israel was founded in 1948, the authorities made an effort to establish an official bourse. The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange was incorporated and began operations in 1953. A decade later, a group of bourse members established the TASE Clearing House Ltd. In 1968, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, enacted the Securities Law, which created a solid regulatory framework for the TASE operations. In 1983, the Exchange moved to its current location at Ahad Ha'Am Street in Tel Aviv.

Among the members of the TASE are 12 Israeli banks and 14 brokerage firms. The Bank of Israel is also an Exchange member and nominates one of its senior officials as a member of the TASE's board of directors.

The TASE trades shares of more than 650 listed companies in a range of industries, offering a broad opportunity for international investors. More than 20 TASE-listed companies are also listed on exchanges in other countries, mostly on the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange. Foreign entities invested more than $3 billion in the TASE, over 5% of the total market value of stocks traded on the TASE. Outside the United States and Canada, Israel has the largest number of NASDAQ listed companies. The credit rating assigned to Israel by Moody's for 2010 is A-1, and its shortterm credit rating is P1, their highest rating available for short-term credit.

In absolute terms, Israel has the largest number of startup companies than any other country in the world, except the US (3,500 companies mostly in hi-tech). And Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right behind the US with 70 active VCs and 220 international investing in Israel.

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"ISRAEL WAS NOT CREATED IN ORDER TO DISAPPEAR - ISRAEL WILL ENDURE AND FLOURISH. IT IS THE CHILD OF HOPE AND HOME OF THE BRAVE. IT CAN NEITHER BE BROKEN BY ADVERSITY NOR DEMORALIZED BY SUCCESS. IT CARRIES THE SHIELD OF DEMOCRACY AND IT HONORS THE SWORD OF FREEDOM." -John Kennedy

The business environment and style in Israel will seem familiar to American businesses, but personal relationships can play a relatively larger role within Israel's tight-knit population than in the United States (see article below).

Appointments can be made on fairly short notice, but punctuality is desired. Usually, Israelis arrive well prepared for meetings and are very direct.

Israelis are familiar with the fact that most U.S. businesspeople dress formally for meetings.

However, this does not mean they will be dressed formally, especially in the summer months when short shirts and no ties are the norm. Business suits are appropriate for meetings with VIPs, some private sector companies, and senior government officials.

Most businesses and government offices are open 40-45 hours/week, Sunday thru Thursday.

It may be possible to schedule business appointments for Friday morning, but no appointments or business are done on Saturdays. Common office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Israelis, Americans, Europeans and Asians all view space, time and values from a different place.

If we are all to expect the Israeli, or the Japanese or the French to act, to behave in the exact manner - then we will be greatly disappointed!

Many business people from the States come to Israel expecting to do business as if they were still in New York, California or Texas. The smiles and handshakes look the same, even the suits and ties, but after a few minutes have passed, both sides, which have come together with great respect and mutual admiration - feel something is not right!

The Israeli, who is often perceived as being arrogant, aggressive and pushy, is actually being direct and honest. And the American, European and Asian, who are seen by the Israeli as being artificial, phony and weak - are actually displaying politeness and respect.

If both sides are to go into a commercial venture, without taking the time to understand each other’s cultural traits - they are heading for disaster!To be successful in business with an Israeli, you must understand how they see you and where they come from. Israeli society is what is referred to as a polychronic culture (relationship-oriented), in contrast to American, British or German culture which is monochronic (rule-oriented). The Israeli culture is relationshiporiented, and emotions are primary.

Taken from: http://www.israelmarketing.com/doingbusiness. html)

Aviation & Aerospace Medical Device and Supplies Automotive Agrotechnology Software Environmental Technology Cosmetics & Toiletries Safety & Security Electronics Optics Telecommunications Hardware & D.I.Y Biotechnology Subcontracting Film Industry High-Tech Start Ups Packaging Fashion & Textiles Tourism Office Supplies On December 10, 2005 Robert J. Aumann of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem received the Nobel Prize in Economics for 2005 with Thomas C. Schelling of the University of Maryland "for having enhanced our understanding of conflict and cooperation through game-theory analysis."

Professor Aumann is the eighth Israeli to win a Nobel Prize.

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ISRAEL21c is a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of California that works with existing institutions and the media to inform Americans about 21st century Israel, its people, its institutions and its contributions to global society.

Israel leads the world in the number of scientists and technicians in the workforce, with 145 per 10,000, as opposed to 85 in the U.S., over 70 in Japan, and less than 60 in Germany. With over 25% of its work force employed in technical professions.

Israel places first in this category as well. Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation by a large margin -109 per 10,000 people - as well as one of the highest per capita rates of patents filed. � The first PC anti-virus was developed in Israel in 1979 by the same company that developed the Melissa anti-virus program. � The world's most predominant company in internet firewall safety systems is Check Point, an Israeli company that controls 40% of the world's market. � AOL's instant message program was designed by an Israeli software company. � Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only R&D facilities outside the U.S. in Israel. � Motorola built its largest development center worldwide in Israel. � Windows NT software was developed by Microsoft-Israel. � The Pentium MMX Chip technology was designed in Israel at Intel.

The Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI) was established in 1953 and is today Israel’s largest aerospace and defense company, with a wide range of products from UAVs, satellites, aircraft, missile systems and more. Its close relationship with the IDF affords it battle tested experience for R&D efforts.

The Tavor bullpup 5.56mm assault rifle was developed by IWI in cooperation with IDF to be reliable and accurate under extreme conditions.

Designs with ergonomics in mind, it is lighter and shorter than the AK-47 and has built in laser sight.

Corner shot is an innovative grenade launcher and handgun designed for urban combat that can as its name implies shoot around corners.

Many countries produce and use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)s and Israel is no exception.

In 2007, IAI debuted the Heron or Eitan, the largest UAV on the market with a wingspan of a Boeing 737. Link to news video.

There are five major medical centers in Israel, in addition to numerous local hospitals, laboratories and clinics. The best known centers are Sourasky Medical Centre/Tel Aviv, Hadassah/Jerusalem, Rambam/Haifa and Shaare Zedek/Jerusalem.

These centers serve the entire population, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Some say that the Israeli ER is the great equalizer…

There are joint committees between the Israel Ministry of Health (IMOH) and the Palestinian Health Authority (PHA) with an aim of cooperation on the various issues in the fields of health. These include issues of public health, preventive medicine, exchange of medical statistics; drug and pharmaceutical as regards quality and safety of drugs produced in Israel and in the Palestinian authority, regulations for transportation of drugs between Gaza, Judea-Samaria and Israel, regulations regarding donations and import of drugs; training programs for health and medical personnel and referral of Palestinian patients to Israeli hospitals for hospitalization and ambulatory care. Such complementary medical service in Israel is needed because of the lack of certain facilities in areas of the Palestinian autonomy. About 4,000 patients from JudeaSamaria and Gaza are referred yearly for hospitalization and about 8,600 patients from both areas are referred yearly for ambulatory procedures and therapeutic care.

Cooperation between Magen David Adam of Israel and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Palestinian ambulance drivers get their training in first aid and emergency medicine from Magen David Adam instructors.

Magen David Adom (MDA) was organized in 1930 in Tel Aviv as a volunteer, "shoestring" operation by a group of seven Israeli doctors, as a oneroom emergency medical service.

1998 Nairobi, Kenya US Embassy Explosion Blood units, paramedics 1995 Egio-Greece Earthquake Sheets and blankets 1994 December Djibouti Floods Medical aid, medical corps, complete field hospital July Rwanda Medical aid, medical corps, complete field hospital.

In July of 1950, the Knesset (Israel's Parliament) ratified the Magen David Adom Law, which charged MDA with responsibility for: � Providing auxiliary service to Israel's Army Medical Corps in wartime, including providing emergency medical care for the wounded and war refugees � Providing civilian emergency, medical, and first-aid services and temporary shelter in emergency situations � Maintaining a blood bank for civilian use.

Highlights of International Aid (as of 2010) 2010 - Haiti Earthquake Israel set up full field hospital within two days, flying in 220 medical specialists, a search and rescue team with canine units, security, construction crews, and communications and logistics experts.

2004 - 2005 S.E. Asia Tsunami Medical relief team, medical supplies, and food supplies Kenya Terrorist attack Blood units 7 Paramedics Congo Volcanic eruption Distribution of medical supplies; Two tons donated by Israel United Kibbutz Movement 2001 USA Terrorist Attack Blood Units; India Earthquake Paramedic Crew 2000 Ethiopia Starvation Donated food (including baby food and flour), water, and medication. A bank account for donations setup. Eritrea Refugee Relief Food and basic medical equipment 1999 Indonesia/Bali Blood Bank Fire Disaster 2400 Empty Single Blood Bags 55 Bottles of AntiAB Sera (Ortho and Gamma) A serum detecting Hepatitis C and B Kosovo Refugee Relief Paramedics, Mobile Field Hospitals, Blood Units, Clothing Donations Turkey Earthquake 12 paramedics sent for Search and Rescue efforts Kosovo Aid Rebuilding Blood Services MDA Blood Bank Supervisor sent to provide technical assistance Greece Earthquake Paramedics and blood supplies;

Israeli scientists developed the first fully computerized, no-radiation, diagnostic instrumentation for breast cancer. � An Israeli company developed a computerized system for ensuring proper administration of medications, thus minimizing human error from medical treatment. Every year in U.S. hospitals 7,000 patients die from treatment mistakes. � Israel's Givun imaging developed the first ingestible video camera, so small it fits inside a pill. Used to view the small intestine from the inside, the camera helps doctors diagnose cancer and digestive disorders. � Researchers in Israel developed a new device that directly helps the heart pump blood, an innovation with the potential to save lives among those with congestive heart failure. The new device is synchronized with the heart's mechanical operations through a sophisticated system of sensors.

Historically, the Ministry of Communications was a division within the Ministry of Transportation in charge of postal delivery as well as oversight of the telephone and telegraph facilities that had existed since the British Mandate period (19221948). This division became the Ministry of Posts in 1952, and the Ministry of Communications was established in 1971. The Postal Authority began to operate outside of the Ministry in 1987; and Bezeq, the Israeli Telecommunications Company, was founded in 1982.

There are 2.1 mobile cellular phones per household in Israel, and 5.3 million (2010) Internet users: Israel has the highest number of home computers in the world, and ranks 2nd after Canada, in internet users.

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Israel has two official languages: Hebrew and Arabic. English is very widely spoken as a second language, and with a recent influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe (Romanians being a large part), Russian has also become commonplace. Three dozen languages are spoken in Israel …including Bulgarian, Czech, Egyptian Spoken Arabic (25,000), French (40,000), Italian (7,249), Levantine Bedawi Spoken Arabic (50,000), Malayalam (8,000), Marathi (8,000), North Levantine Spoken Arabic (100,000), Northern Uzbek, Samaritan, Samaritan Aramaic, Spanish (60,000), Standard German (200,000), Turkish (30,000), Western Farsi, Western Yiddish, many other languages.

Hebrew is a linguistic cousin to Arabic, written from right to left in printed and cursive forms. It is not at all the same as Yiddish, which like English, is a Germanic language in the IndoEuropean language family.

The most famous work originally written in Hebrew is the Tanakh, though the time at which it was written is a matter of dispute (see dating the Bible for details). The earliest extant copies were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, written between the 2nd century BCE and the 1st century CE. After the depletion of the Jewish population of parts of Roman occupied Judea, it is believed that Hebrew gradually ceased to be a spoken language roughly around 200 CE, but has stayed as the major written language throughout the centuries. Not only religious, but texts for a large variety of purposes: letters and contracts, science, philosophy, medicine, poetry, protocols of courts—all resorted to Hebrew, which thus adapted itself to various new fields and terminologies by borrowings and new inventions.

The revival of Hebrew as a mother tongue was initiated by the efforts of Eliezer Ben-Yehuda (1858-1922). He joined the Jewish national movement and in 1881 emigrated to Eretz Israel, then a province of the Ottoman Empire.

Motivated by the surrounding ideals of renovation and rejection of the Diaspora "shtetl" lifestyle, Ben-Yehuda set out to develop tools for making the literary and liturgical language into everyday spoken language.

The literacy rate in Israel is 97.1% (2009) and it boasts the world’s second highest per capita of new books published. Israelis are avid newspaper readers, with more than 90% of Israeli adults reading a newspaper at least once a week. Major daily papers are in Hebrew; others are in Arabic, English, French, Polish, Yiddish, Russian, Romanian, Hungarian, and German.

Israel has several professional ballet and modern dance companies, and folk dancing, which draws upon the cultural heritage of many immigrant groups, continues to be very popular. There is great public interest in the theater; the repertoire covers the entire range of classical and contemporary drama in translation as well as plays by Israeli authors. Of the three major repertory companies, the most famous, Habimah, was founded in 1917.

The arts are actively encouraged and supported by the government. The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra performs throughout the country and frequently tours abroad.

The Jerusalem Symphony and the New Israel Opera also tour frequently, as do other musical ensembles. Almost every municipality has a chamber orchestra or ensemble, many boasting the talents of gifted performers from the countries of the former Soviet Union.

The origins of the Philharmonic are interesting. In 1935, all Jewish musicians in Germany were dismissed from their jobs by the Nazi government.

Bronislaw Huberman a Polish-born concert violinist from Vienna, recruited 75 instrumentalists from throughout Europe to immigrate to Palestine with him to form a new Jewish orchestra.

Arturo Toscanini conducted the Palestine Symphony's first concert, in Tel Aviv on Dec. 26, 1936. The Italian maestro refused any payment, declaring, "I am doing this for humanity."

With its 120 museums, Israel has more museums per capita than any other country.

These include the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls along with an extensive collection of regional archaeological artifacts, art, and Jewish religious and folk exhibits. Israel's museums are relatively new, innovative, and interactive.

They display the discoveries of the past, of the self, and of nationhood that are happening so intensively every day in Israeli society.

Israel Museum (Jerusalem): Although it only opened in 1965, in 3 decades the Israel Museum has made its place on the world museum map.

Its greatest treasures, beautifully exhibited, include a number of the Dead Sea Scrolls; a dazzling, all-encompassing collection of archaeological finds from Israel; a vast treasury of world Judaica and costumes, including reconstructions of the interiors of synagogues brought to Israel from Italy, Germany, and Cochin, India; and excellent collections of primitive, pre-Colombian, European, and modern art.

L. A. Mayer Memorial Museum of Islamic Art (Jerusalem): The Museum was founded by the late Mrs. Vera Bryce Salomons, realizing her long-standing idea of giving expression to the impressive artistic achievements of Israel's Muslim neighbors. Many scholars of international renown took part in the establishment of the Museum, attracted to both its research activities and to the challenge of bridging the gap between the two cultures.

Bet Hatfutzot, The Diaspora Museum (Tel Aviv): Not a museum in terms of displaying actual genuine artifacts, Bet Hatfutzot is rather a state-of-the-art multimedia exhibit that illustrates the histories of Jewish communities throughout the world.

Eretz Israel Museum (Tel Aviv): This museum covers many aspects of the land of Israel, including its natural history, flora and fauna, archaeology, folklore, and traditional crafts. Highlights include a bazaar filled with craftspeople demonstrating such skills from antiquity as glass blowing, olive pressing, weaving, and pottery making; an extraordinary collection of ancient glass; and excavations of a tell (an ancient mound) located on the grounds of the museum.

Tel Aviv Museum of Art: Notable for strong collections of Israeli and contemporary European art, the museum has just begun to exhibit its newest gift: the Jaglom Collection of Impressionist and PostImpressionist Art. Active artist colonies thrive in Safed, Jaffa, and Ein Hod, and Israeli painters and sculptors exhibit works worldwide.

Yad VaShem Memorial (Jerusalem): This large complex is a memorial to the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during World War II. Part of the museum is a teaching experience, with films, photographs, and documents pertaining to the Holocaust; part is an archive in which information about each individual victim will be gathered and kept. A third part of the complex consists of memorial structures, gardens, and installations such as the Avenue of the Righteous, in memory of those who risked their lives to shelter Jews.

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The most pervasive culinary influences in Israel are the cooking styles of the Middle-East, North Africa, the Mediterranean basin, and Central and Eastern Europe. So devoted are many to the food of their origins that there has been little crossfertilization between these varied styles. Of all these styles, probably the best-known throughout Israel is that of the Middle-East.

Because most Middle-Eastern inhabitants are Moslems and are, like Jews, forbidden to eat pork, Israelis have been readily able to adopt these culinary styles to their own tables. In addition to the indigenous cookery of Israeli Arabs (themselves influenced by the sophisticated cookery of Lebanon and Syria as well as the country-style cuisine of the Palestinians), Jews from Iran, Iraq, Kurdistan, Syria, Egypt, Libya and Yemen have each made unique contributions to the national table.

A major influence on Israeli cuisine comes from the peoples of the Maghreb, the North African nations of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Among the most renowned dishes of these countries is couscous. Originally devised by wandering Berber tribesmen some 4,000 years ago, couscous is a stew based on hard wheat semolina, topped with simple-to-prepare meats and a variety of vegetables and accompanied by side dishes. As with nearly any stew, couscous comes in an infinite number of varieties.

Algerian versions invariably include tomatoes; Moroccan offerings rely on saffron; and Tunisian couscous is highly spiced.

Also important to Middle-Eastern cookery is the lavish use of herbs, spices and various members of the onion family, including garlic.

In addition to the herbs and spices ordinarily found on most Western tables, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, coriander, cumin, and mint make their way into many dishes. Salads served without parsley are considered barbaric, and olives are considered such essential fare that they are deemed equally appropriate at breakfast or lunch as at dinner.

The cooking style of Central and Eastern Europe that has made itself most evident in the Israeli kitchen is that of the Yiddish kitchen.

Diverse but rarely subtle, these are the foods that most Americans and Europeans consider to be typically "Jewish". Much in evidence are dishes like gefilte fish (fish balls made of finely minced carp, pike or a mixture of both, generally served in their own jelly and often accompanied by horseradish).

From Hungary, whose cookery is marked by the liberal use of dozens of types of paprika, have come goulash soup and stew. Polish cooking, from which Israelis have adopted freely, features the heavy use of sour cream and dill as main cooking ingredients.

Dishes from Poland include czarnina (duck soup); cold fruit soups; krupnik (barley, potato and sour cream soup); and a variety of stuffed cabbage rolls.

From Russia has come borscht, the famous beet based soup that can be red or clear, cold or hot and may contain meats, vegetables and sour cream.

From the Caucasian republics of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan have come barbecue specialties such as skewered lamb shishlik and tabaka, pressed fried whole chicken served with a walnut-based sauce.

From Greece and Turkey have come such popular dishes as moussaka (a baked eggplant, cheese and meat pie); dolmas (stuffed grape leaves similar to the Kurdish yaprah) and the incredibly light, honeysoaked baklava pastries.

If any group of people have raised stand-up dining to an art form it is the Israelis. It is not so much that people are in too much of a rush to sit down as that it is that wherever one wanders, a feast of Middle-Eastern treats are being hawked from street-side stands, and moveable carts. The two most popular foods for stand-up dining are felafel and shawarma. Felafel, deepfried balls of chickpeas and seasonings, may be of dubious nutritional value but when well made they are delicious and fun to eat.

Shawarma, which is made from small, thin pieces of lamb (not all that different than Turkish donner-kebab) , beef or turkey meat that are built up on a skewer in cylindrical form to a height of about two feet (50 centimeters) and then cooked on vertically rotating grills, is no less a pleasure.

The felafel or shawarma are then placed in a pita bread (nearly everything considered edible in Israel eventually makes its way into a pita) and seasoned with tchina, humous, a variety of salads and seasonings. One of the "tricks" to master is managing to put as much as is possible into the pita and then to avoid having the contents of your sandwich drip on your clothing. This sounds easy enough until one realizes that the number of condiments available includes such diverse treats as sauerkraut, red cabbage, marinated sweet and hot peppers, an assortment of olives, pickles made out of cucumbers, onions, tomatoes and carrots and at least five different preparations of eggplant. Some purists will put only tchina and one salad on their felafel or shawarma. (source Daniel Rogov) Is There an "Israeli Cuisine"?

Although several food writers have praised what they call "Israeli cuisine", the truth is that the country has not developed a unique cuisine.

What those visitors are praising are the varied styles of Mediterranean cookery, many of which have reached high points within Israel but none of which have come together to form what one might call a "true" cuisine.

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MOVING TO ISRAEL

15 Things You Need To Know Before You Travel To Israel : Source: http://www.traveltomtom.net/destinations/middle-east/israel/17-things-you-need-to-know-before-you-travel-to-israel Country of hummus You might not expect a dip to be healthy but hummus is actually pretty healthy and originates from Israel. With every meal you will get a plate of hummus either as a starter or as a main dish. It is pretty normal for Israeli’s to have a Hummus lunch, just some bread and a bowl of hummus. There is even a popular Instagram account called Hot Dudes And Hummus, check it out if you are into it before your trip to Israel so you know what to expect.

Sharing food A trip to Israel is not complete if you didn’t try 281 dishes in 1 week! I am a big fan of 9 small plates on the table and dipping your bread or vegetable in all of them. A good thing to know before you travel to Israel because ordering a main dish for yourself is weird! :) Israelis love to share food and expect them to order a lot of different things and just try everything. Ordering a main dish just for your self will frown eyebrows.

Kosher Food has rules in Israel as far as that counts for religious people. You will often find restaurants stating that they offer ‘kosher’ food, which basically means they stick to the rules of the religion, It is something like Halal food for Muslims. Main rule is: don’t mix dairy with meat. In reality most young Israeli’s don’t care at all, but it is good to know when you are planning a trip to Israel.

Fight for your right Living in Israel is unlike in any other country and some expats explained me that they really had to get used to some Israeli habits when they moved here. From your 18th almost everyone in Israel has to join the army for at least 2 years, boys and girls. I saw kids walking around with a big gun in their hand who looked half my age, but on the contrary also cute girls flirting with me in their uniform. The military service is compulsory but it will definitely form you as a person. Israeli’s have a getting things done mentality and can be super direct! Get used to it, this hands-on mentality is how they have been raised.

Safety issues Israel will always be a country with issues and yes there are always people that will have their opinions about the conflicts going on here. But I did not go to Israel to discuss this or to find out more about it. I was there to see the beauty, the crazy and the holy! But of course I can understand that safety issues are important visiting Israel tips. But just because Israel is a place of conflict that does not mean it isn’t safe. I have walked around on the streets at night and during the day and went to remote areas in the South and visit the Dead Sea, but didn’t stumble upon anything that made me feel unsafe. Security is so tight that it actually annoyed me like crazy sometimes. Expect long lines at the airport security. I waited 40 minutes to go through security, got questioned 20 minutes before entering Israel and 10 minutes when I left. Why? I assume it contributes to make Israel a safe place, which it definitely is nowadays. Safety issues? No worries…

Expensive This is may be one of the most important things to know before you travel to Israel. Wow Israel you really surprised me with your price levels! I did not expect anything like this at all. I just came from Sydney and was used to pay $7 for a beer, but a beer in Tel Aviv can easily cost $10. Damn it! Groceries are not cheap either. Apparently the salaries are not outrageous like in Australia so respect for those who are living here and have to deal with it. Streetfood $6 - $11, mid range hotel room $130, car rental $70 per day, meal at the beach $35. Damn I wish you were cheaper Israel!

Tel Aviv looks better at night When I walked around my first time in Tel Aviv I was not really impressed by its beauty. From my friends balcony I could overlook the city and that didn’t really help either. Don’t expect stunning historical cities with beautiful squares like in Europe, during the day just go to the beach. The best Israel travel tip is to see the this city at night. Tel Aviv’s beauty comes out at night and wow the stories are true! Damn what an epic nightlife has this city! Unlimited bars and clubs and restaurants and the cool thing is that it is bustling everywhere. Inside the bars and outside on the patio.

There are so many people hanging around in the streets. Don’t get disappointed walking around Tel Aviv by day, wait till the sun goes down! ;) Smoking in bars It felt like I was stepping back in time when I entered a bar for the first time. Even in Thailand there are places where there is a strict law against smoking in bars, but everywhere I went in Israel people were smoking cigarettes. For the die-hard smokers this will be paradise, but for me it was hell. My clothes smelled so awful and my hair even worse. Every time I went out I had to take a shower when I came home in the middle of the night! I felt like those nights back when I was 20. Well, there was no escaping I had to get used to it…

Bedouin culture still exists The South of Israel is covered in sand, this is the playground of the Negev Desert. There is hardly any life possible and obviously there are not that many places of interest but there are some oasis’ and since I had never been to any of them it was cool to stay overnight at one of these places. The Bedouin culture is still alive here and drinking tea and eating there the local food is a great experience. Want to experience this on your trip to Israel? Check out the following Facebook Page: KfarHanokdim.il Second biggest Burning Man Festival: MidBurn The desert can be fierce with temperatures touching 40 degrees during the day and getting as low as 10 degrees at night, but somehow this environment once a year lures 14,000 people to the middle of nowhere. Israel is home to the second biggest Burning Man festival after the original one in Nevada, USA. I was lucky enough to get tickets (with a foreign passport it is easy to get tickets for this sold-out festival) and to go wild in the desert for 4 days straight. Put this festival in your agenda when you are planning to to visit Israel. What an unbelievable experience, one of the most amazing festivals I have ever been to. It is like CrazyLand, everything imaginable is possible! People come to Burning Man to explore what is beyond their borders in terms of sexuality, drugs, meeting people, giving, taking, caring. I am not a virgin anymore, I am a Burner! Midburn I will be back… Read here more about how I experienced the 10 principles of Burning Man at Mid Burn.

Themed beaches Tel Aviv is a beach destination and that means the city center is only footsteps away from the ocean. But before you walk to the beach make sure to ask someone where to go. This is one of those things to know before you travel to Israel or things can get awkward. LOL! A lot of beaches are specifically catered for a group of people whether religious, gay, families and even a beach where dogs are running around freely. Totally in line with the crazy contrasts in this country the gay beach is next to the religious beach.

Second biggest Gay Pride With all those gay people living in Tel Aviv it is no wonder that the city hosts the second biggest Gay Pride in the world. A massive parade will roam the city streets of Tel Aviv in the early morning and end up on the beach with a crazy party. Around 200.000 people witness the parade and party all day long. I was lucky to be part of it, although totally straight I loved it to bits and pieces, what an epic party! When possible try to squeeze this into your itinerary.

Craziest city in the world Keeping up with the contrasts lets talk about Jerusalem! One of the best Israel travel tips: Tel Aviv plays, Jerusalem prays. This city is a place you have never seen before. Why oh why did those religious people all chose this city to be holy? The Western Wall is the most holy place in the world for Jews, only a stone throw away from Jezus’ tomb for the Christians and the third most holy place for Muslims is just across the street. Damn it can you make it even more complicated? Walking around here as a non-religious tourist you will definitely feel the Holy Spirit. After a day strolling through the spectacular old city I ended up in a gay bar, can there be any more contrasts? In need of a great guide? Check out Da’at Travel on Facebook.

Lowest point on earth We all know about the highest point on earth, but not that many people realize that the Dead Sea on the border of Israel and Jordan is the lowest point on earth; a crazy landscape to discover and for sure worth the drive downhill. Enjoy the spectacular views from up top or jump in the only boat that drives on the Dead Sea apart from a research vessel. How to arrange this boat ride on the Dead Sea? Click here to get connected with Abraham Hostels as they are the unique seller of this tour.

Planning a trip to Israel I was lucky enough to be chosen by Vibe Israel to join their yearly returning travel blogging press trip and therefore I did not need to plan my trip to Israel. I wish though I had known a couple things before I traveled to Israel and therefore I hope this list was helpful to you. I sincerely hope you will consider this country to be your next destination and that my blogs about this controversial country convinced you that it is an amazing place to travel and to experience its great contrasts. In the next link you will find unusual things to do in Israel, not just the standard stuff but some epic adventures.

Find out what!

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Importing Your Pet DOGS – Breed restrictions Under the Regulations for the Control of Dogs (Imports of Dangerous Dogs), 5765 – 2004, it is prohibited to import a dog belonging to a dangerous breed, as well as a dog that is the result of a cross with a dangerous breed and that exhibits behavior patterns and physical traits similar to those of a dangerous breed. Excluding exceptional instances, accompanied by a license from the director as set out in the said regulation.

The prohibited dangerous breeds are: • American Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Amstaff) • Bull Terrier • Argentinean Dogo • Japanese Tosa • Staffordshire Bull Terrier (English Staff) • Pitt Bull Terrier • Brazilian Fila and Rottweiler ________________________________________ Age Restrictions The dog/cat shall be no less than 4 months of age upon arrival in Israel, with the exception of arrivals from Oceania, Great Britain, Japan, and Cyprus, from which the pet can be imported at 3 months of age. Dogs coming from those exceptional countries, if they were not vaccinated, must be vaccinated against rabies within 5 days of their arrival in Israel. ________________________________________ Microchip Requirements All dogs and cats must be tagged with a subcutaneous electronic chip that transmits on a frequency of 134.2 kilohertz and can be read with a chip reader that conforms to the provisions of the ISO Standard No. 11784 or of Annex A of ISO Standard 11785. If the chip does not conform to these standards, the importer or the importer’s representative is required to be in possession of another means to read it.

Import Licenses According to the Israeli Veterinary Services & Animal Health, dogs and cats imported to Israel ONLY require an import license issued by the Director of the Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development IF: • The pet HAS NOT been with you (the owner) for the last 90 days before arrival into Israel; • You are importing MORE THAN TWO PETS at one time; and • The pet is NOT TRAVELING WITH YOU. If you are shipping your pet as cargo, you need an import license.

Regardless of these rules indicated above, the U.S. Embassy recommends that you place a request for an import license, just in case.

To request an import license, use the following form REQUEST FOR VETERINARY PERMIT FOR IMPORT, attach it an email, and send the request to rachelaf@moag.gov.il (Atten: Rachel | Tel: (+972) 3-968-8987 / 3-968-8986.

The request should include the animal species, sex, breed, age, expected date of arrival in Israel, and country of origin.

The license request may be submitted prior to obtaining the official health certificates.

For more information, contact: Dr. Shlomo Garazi Chief Import & Export Veterinary Officer Veterinary Services and Animal Health Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Kimron St., Rishon Le Tzion Email: Vs-airport@moag.gov.il Tel.: (+972) 3-968-1649 For import licenses: Vs-airport@moag.gov.il Vaccinations & Immunizations Rabies Vaccination: Your pet is required to have been vaccinated against rabies no more than one year and no less than 30 days prior to their arrival in Israel. (With the exception of arrivals from Oceania, Great Britain, Japan, and Cyprus; such dogs, if they were not vaccinated, must be vaccinated against rabies within 5 days of their arrival in Israel.)

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Rabies titer blood test A rabies titer blood test must be done not less than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. The titer test does not need to be done if the pet is coming from a rabies free country. This serological test for the animal, carried out on a sample taken by an approved veterinarian and tested in an OIE-approved laboratory, must state that the rabies neutralizing antibody titer was equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml. Allow 4 to 6 weeks to get the results back. The titer test needs to be sent to the U.S. government lab in Kansas (check with your vet). ________________________________________ THE FIRST FORM The U.S. Official Health Certificate/Health Form The official U.S. veterinary health certificate (which you obtain from your vet) should be issued and signed not more than 10 calendar days prior to arrival. You can find the USDAapproved health certificate online (APHIS 7001). Schedule a visit with your veterinarian (with animal for examination) and he/she will complete the form and sign it. The form will provide information on your pet’s vaccinations. However, please note that in a letter (read letter) from USDA-APHIS, the 7001 form is not always required unless stipulated by the airline. Check with the airline and work with your vet to verify exactly which type of health certificate is required for transport of your pet.

THE SECOND FORM The Israeli-Required Health Certificate The Israeli “Veterinary Certificate for Domestic Dogs, Cats and Ferrets Entering Israel” is in the Import Packet for Israel for Dogs / Cats / Ferrets (page 2 and 3). This must be filled out by your vet. It is required for entrance into Israel. This form should be issued and signed not more than 10 calendar days prior to arrival. Send the Israeli-required health certificate to the USDA-APHIS government veterinarian for signature and approval.

Form Endorsement: This health certificate must be submitted to and signed by a government veterinarian of the country of origin.

In the United States, the USDA-APHIS office closest to the Washington, D.C. area and covers DC, MD, DE, and VA is: U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) Veterinary Services Federal Building 400 N. 8th St, Rm. 726 Richmond, VA 23219-4824 Tel: (804) 343-2567 / Fax: (804) 343-2599 Alternatively, try 301-851-3300 and press option #2 / If a staff member does not answer directly, you may leave a phone message. However, this office advises that pet owners send an email to vspsva@usda.gov and they will respond.

Not located in the Washington, DC area?

Use this website to find a USDA-APHIS government vet nearest you: www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/servicecenters-endorsement-offices THERE IS A FEE FOR OBTAINING A SIGNATURE FROM THE USDA-APHIS VETERINARIAN. ________________________________________ Notification of Pet Arrival The Israeli authorities require that you submit (via email or via FAX) Annex B “Notification on Pet Travel” (located in the packet at the top of this page) and a photocopy of all veterinary certificates.

The email must be sent two working days prior to putting your animal on a plane. Your pet may not be released at the airport if they do not have this paperwork upon your arrival.

Dogs and cats that are healthy on arrival and accompanied by the required documentation, will not require a period of quarantine in Israel.

Remember: The paperwork for shipping your pet must include the official veterinary health certificates, which were issued not more than 10 days prior to arrival and signed by a government accredited veterinarian (USDA-APHIS) of the country of origin. The health certificates must be attached to the import permit (if you are required to use an import permit). Please submit all of this papework with your Notification of Pet Arrival email.

Send the Notification of Pet Arrival paperwork to:

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 33

Send the Notification of Pet Arrival paperwork to: Dr. Shlomo Garazi Chief Import & Export Veterinary Officer Veterinary Services and Animal Health Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Kimron St., Rishon Le Tzion Email: Vs-airport@moag.gov.il Tel.: (+972) 3-968-1649 | FAX: (+972) 3-977-2033 The most common port of entry is Ben Gurion Airport, email Vs-airport@moag.gov.il and FAX: (+972) 3-977-2033 (as noted above). If you enter Israel via another port, the FAXES are: Haifa (+972) 4-862-2455; Ashdod (+972) 8-856-5673; and Eilat (+972) 8-632-3054. ________________________________________ Method of Transportation Please check with the airline on any restrictions on the method of transport. We recommend checking with the airline on the maximum allowed crate size for all legs of the itinerary.

If you plan on using a pet shipper, we ask that you obtain a listing of pet shippers from the Department of State’s Overseas Briefing Center by emailing FSIOBCInfoCenter@state.gov.

Be sure that all your pet paperwork is attached to the pet carrier. Normally the airlines will do this for you. In addition, keep copies of everything ________________________________________ Temperature Restrictions We recommend checking with the airline on any temperature restrictions, particularly when traveling during the summer months. ________________________________________ Arrival Planning GSO MotorPool can assist with picking up your pet ONLY IF your pet arrives on the same plane as you.

If you use a pet shipper to transport your pet to Israel (not arriving on the same plane as you), it is your responsibility to arrange for pickup of the animal at the airport. You may seek the help of a local pet shipper for pick up (services noted on the next page).

• Terminal4Pets – http://terminal4pets.com – 1-800-220-555 or (+972) 8-926-4554 • Vets4Pets – http://vets4pets.co.il • The Dog Farm – www.dogfarm.co.il/english.asp • Globespeed via Pets Flying Home – www.globespeed.com/ | www.petsflyinghome.com | Contact: Tal at tal@globespeed.com • Bivas Bros – www.bivasbros.co.il | Dudi@bivas.bros | (+972) 52-229-2985 | Avi at (+972) 54-4280-999 | avi@bivasbros.com • Pet Passport – www.petpassport.co.il/en ________________________________________ Quarantine Dogs and cats that are healthy on arrival and accompanied by the required documentation, will not require a period of quarantine in Israel. ________________________________________ Israeli Contact for Additional Pet Questions It is highly recommended that you contact either Dr. Shlomo Garazi or Dr. Ziv Avni of the Israeli Veterinary Services and Animal Health with questions regarding importing pets to Israeli. They both communicate in excellent English and will respond to your email quickly.

Dr. Shlomo Garazi Chief Import & Export Veterinary Officer Veterinary Services and Animal Health Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Kimron St., Rishon Le Tzion Email: shlomoga@moag.gov.il Tel.: (+972) 3-968-1649 FAX for import licenses: (+972) 3-968-8963 Dr. Ziv Avni – 050-624-1657 Ben Gurion Airport, quarantine station chief veterinary officer.

P.O.B 12 Beit Dagan 50250.

Tel: (+972) 3-979-2240 Fax: (+972) 3-977-2033 Email: zviav@moag.gov.il Updated February 17, 2017 The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 35

Kennels & Boarding Below, please find a list of kennels and boarding houses in the greater Tel Aviv area.

Please note that we do not recommend a certain kennel or boarding house over another; rather, this list was provided by community members and could contain outdated information.

For the most accurate results, please consult the US Embassy community on the CLO Tel Aviv Facebook page.

Randel Family Home Dog Pension Located on Tchernihovski street in central Tel-Aviv, adjacent to dog friendly Gan Meir 052-242-5784 or 03-525-7166 / dovran@gmail.com / randelfamilyhomedogpension.yolasite.com Uncle Moshe’s Farm Located in Kfar Truman (near Ben Gurion airport) 03-971-1111 / info@dodmoshe.com / www.dodmoshe.com/en/ Cat Pensions (Sponsored by Vets4Pets) 32 Yehuda Hayamit St / 03-683-3396 Howlywood Located in Rananna off Givat Chen / 050-844-6568 / Jonyreider@gmail.com / www.howlywood.co.il The Dog Farm Moshav Beit Halevi (Near Natanya) / 09-898-6381 / dogfarm.bh@gmail.com www.dogfarm.co.il/english.asp The Dog’s Lounge 1 David Hamelech St / 054-913-6035 / TheDogsLounge@gmail.com / KelevLand KelevLand.com Afikim Kennels 04-675-4572 or 050-539-5242 / www.afikimdogs.co.il (In Hebrew) / Afikimenglish.livecity.me Pet Taxi – Michal 24-hour number: 050-522-2265 Michal is a vet tech with 15 years’ experience and her vehicle is equipped as an ambulance for dogs.

How can you

apply for an internship in Israel?

Studying abroad not only offers your career a boost but also gives you a new and improved perspective towards education and life in general. After graduating from High School many individuals choose to opt for an internship with a reputable company abroad. Owing to the versatility and diversity of the country and its people, internships in Israel are an excellent option to consider. However, you could easily become overwhelmed by the number of available opportunities and the differences between the various internship programs offered and how to apply to them. Below are two important tips that can help you head in the right direction: Choosing the field Before applying for an internship, you need to decide which field (or fields) you are interested in, and opt for the appropriate internship program accordingly. Ideally, internships are the first step to an exciting and fruitful career of your choice. The value of gaining experience in a relevant field cannot be overstated and embodies the essence of any internship program. Many interns eventually become indispensable to the organization they are working for, which can lead to paid, long-term position offers. But competition can get intense for many of the top internship positions companies and organizations offer every year, So make sure to put your good foot forward and present yourself in the best possible light when applying.

The Various Sources of Internships Some of the best-rated universities in Israel offer Internship support programs that are designed to help students apply for various Internship programs in Israel. If you are a student of one of these universities, be sure to inquire about Internship related services.

For those who are not currently enrolled in a University in Israel, there are various organizations that offer a variety of Internships in Israel. You can also apply for financial aid and scholarships that can help you finance your way through the program and gain valuable experience in the relevant field of your choice. While most entry-level Interns don’t get paid for their work, the value of gaining hands-on experience in any field through an internship program with a professional, established company is one of the best long terms investments anyone can make for their career. https://www.ramah.org.il/scholarships/ Most communities offer Israel travel scholarships through their local Jewish Federation or through other Jewish agencies. In most cases, these community funds are available only for the teens in the areas that they serve.

If you do not find your hometown in the list below, check out the National Federation Directory (in the United States) or the Jewish Federations of Canada – UIA (in Canada).

More programs at the link below: https://seminar.ramah.org.il/asiyah-internships/

What to Wear Clothing on Shabbat is a notch more formal and festive than on a weekday, so if you think “dinner party,” you will likely strike the right note. Men will fit right in with a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt (coat and tie optional) and kippah, and women with a modest dress or a modest top and skirt.

What to Expect?

After everyone has arrived and indulged in a few minutes of chit-chat, family and friends will move to the table and find their seats.

At this point on a Friday night, your host (often accompanied by others) will sing two hymns: The “Shalom Aleichem” hymn, with which we welcome the angels who visit every home at the start of Shabbat, request their blessing and bid them farewell.

The song of “Eishet Chayil,” which is a tribute to the Jewish woman, written by King Solomon, extolling her for the wisdom and hard work with which she makes her home the lovely and nurturing place it is.

Typically everyone stands for the singing of these hymns, but if it is difficult for you for any reason, you may certainly sit down.

At the Shabbat day meal, we begin immediately with kiddush.

Kiddush Your host will recite kiddush holding a cup of wine, and everyone will receive a few sips of wine to drink. The recitation of this blessing over a cup of wine is a way of fulfilling the mitzvah of sanctifying the day of rest (the word kiddush translates as “sanctification”).

On Friday night all typically stand for the recitation of kiddush, while on Shabbat day some people sit. Take your cues from those around you.

Challah Immediately following kiddush, everyone will leave their chairs and go to the sink for the ritual hand-washing for bread. If you are not familiar with this procedure, your hosts will be happy to guide you through it and help you recite the blessing.

After washing hands, we don’t speak until after we’ve eaten some challah, so just return to your chair and wait quietly. Hand motions and facial expressions are often used for necessary communication at this point. When everyone is seated again, your host will recite the blessing over bread and then distribute challah, first dipping each piece in salt.

After you’ve eaten a bite, feel free to talk again.

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 37

GETTING SETTLED

Welcome to Tel Aviv Congratulations on your assignment to Embassy Jerusalem! The Embassy Community is very happy to welcome you to Israel Our Embassy is one of the most exciting, high profile embassies in the world. It hosts frequent visits by the President, Secretary of State, other Cabinet Members, Congressional Delegations, Flag Officers, and Naval Ships.

Please review this cable in its entirety, as it contains essential information about your upcoming tour.

NEW

HOME

You will receive emails with additional information from the Community Liaison Office (CLO), General Services Office (GSO) Shipping, GSO Housing, and the Human Resources (HR) Office.

Please also refer to the Israel Post Report and the Overseas Briefing Center’s Israel Post Info to Go page; these resources contain a wealth of information to help make your transition a smooth one.

For employees of non-State agencies, please let the Community Liaison Office know of your assignment and arrival plans, so we may best support your needs. We understand that assignments can happen on short notice and strive to coordinate with all Embassy sections for a smooth transition. We look forward to your arrival, and wish you a rewarding tour in Israel!

Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

1. Embassy Office Locations

and the Open Source Enterprise are located in Herzliya Pituach, approximately 10 miles north The address of the Embassy Branch Office is 71 of Tel Aviv. The Mission hours are 8:00 a.m. to Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 6343229, Israel. The 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. DCAA and Embassy Brach Office phone number is +972-3- some employees of USACE operate on the 519-7575 and the fax number is +972-3-517- regular Israeli workweek of Sunday through 3227.

Thursday.

Most Mission employees work in the Chancery, but employees of the U.S. Agency for Interna2. Your Travel Plans, Visas, and Diplomatic tional Development (USAID), the U.S. Commercial Service, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Passports Please advise your agency/section Department of Homeland Security, and the Pub- representative ASAP of your firm travel plans, lic Diplomacy Section work in separate facilities including the flight number, date, and time of in Tel Aviv. The EBO Warehouse and Annex, arrival (and copy the CLO at CLOTelAviv@state. which includes most of the GSO and Faciligov). Your office sponsor will make the ties Maintenance (FAC) offices, along with the necessary transportation arrangements from Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), the airport, to include arranging for an expedithe Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), the tor to greet you at the airport and escort you to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), your new home.

In accordance with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) instructions, all official travelers MUST use diplomatic or official passports, with the appropriate visa, to enter Israel.

The traveler MUST obtain a visa for Israel in advance. Dependents of diplomats who do not have diplomatic/official passports must have a visa issued in their national passports prior to arrival in Israel. Visas are not issued at the airport upon arrival.

The MFA has informed us that they will not issue visas for newly arrived diplomats entering Israel on tourist passports. Please ensure your passports are valid for at least six months.

Spouses and family members holding Israeli passports will not receive diplomatic visas or MFA Identification Cards.

Other foreign-born spouses and family members who do not have an American diplomatic passport should enter Israel following the visa requirements in place for their country of citizenship. Upon check-in with HR, we will assist with extending or obtaining a long-term visa. Foreign-born spouses must bring a copy of their marriage certificate in order to obtain accreditation and a MFA ID Card. Foreign-born dependents, other than spouses, will need to provide a copy of their birth certificate. The MFA also requires a statement from the diplomat documenting the relationship between the diplomat and the foreign-born dependent. Please note that the MFA has advised that dependents who will not reside at Post permanently, such as students, will not be issued a MFA ID Card. Please contact the Tel Aviv HR Office (TelAvivHRO@state.gov) for more information.

3. Mandatory FACT Training The State Department has updated the training requirements for the Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) and High Threat Security Overseas Seminar (HTSOS) courses and, effective January 1, 2017, FACT is mandatory for all USDH transferring to Mission Israel. Eligible Family Members (EFMs) who receive an offer of employment or expect to work while at Post are also required to complete FACT. For EFMs who do not plan to work, HTSOS is required although FACT is strongly encouraged.

Validity: A training completion certificate for those who have taken FACT or HTSOS is considered valid for five years. Employees or employed EFMs assigned to a FACTmandatory post will be required to have a certificate valid at minimum through the date of arrival at post for their tour of duty. Employees and employed EFMs are strongly encouraged to ensure their certificate is valid through the tour of duty. Employees and employed EFMs will otherwise be required to complete FACT during their next official travel to Washington, DC if their FACT certification expires during the tour of duty and they have at least 180 days remaining in their assignment.

The HTSOS (HT401) course can be accessed from the following internet link: http://fsitraining.state.gov/ or intranet link: http://reg.fsi.state.gov/dstc/CourseCatalog. aspx?EventId=HT401.

The FACT (OT611) course can be accessed from the following internet link: http://fsitraining.state.gov/or intranet link: http://reg.fsi.state.gov/dstc/CourseCatalog. aspx?EventId=OT611.

For more details, please see 14 State 83174. Questions may also be sent to the DSTC Registrar at DSTCRegistrarOffice@state.gov.

3. CLO Pre-Arrival Information and Sponsors The Community Liaison Office (CLO) will assign a community sponsor, who will assist you in acclimating to your new neighborhood and home. Your agency/section head will assign an office sponsor, who is responsible for many of the administrative details prior to your arrival.

The CLO will introduce you via email to your sponsors.

Prior to your arrival, the CLO team will send you a welcome email, which will include a link to a CLO questionnaire to help tailor subsequent correspondence to your specific needs. They also will add you and any adult family members to the distribution list of the Embassy CLO newsletter. In addition, the Tel Aviv Post video, available at the Overseas Briefing Center, will give you a visual tour of the Mission, housing, schools, city, and country.

The CLO is available to offer guidance and answer any questions you may have. If you do not hear from the CLO after your assignment notification, you are encouraged to contact the CLO directly at CLOTelAviv@state. gov or by telephone at +972-3-519-7389/7682. The CLO website, https://clotelaviv.wordpress.com, and closed Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/clotelaviv, also contain information for newcomers.

4. Human Resources In-Processing Your first stop at the EBO (Embassy Branch Office) will likely be the HR Office. They will arrange with your office sponsor to meet you on your first workday to in-process and to apply for your MFA ID card(s). All employees must bring their completed biographic information sheet, which will be sent via email prior to arrival. Please also bring four (4) passport-sized photos for yourself and your dependents over the age of 10, as well as all diplomatic passports. Note: For Department of State employees, you will need your employee ID number.

5. The Health Unit The EBO maintains a Health Unit at the Chancery. A Medical Provider (MP), locally hired Nurse Practitioner (NP) and RNs, as well as an Administrative Assistant staff the unit. The unit treats acute illnesses and chronic medical problems, provides immunizations and preventive health care, and refers patients to local specialists.

Israel has excellent medical facilities and standards are generally very high, but the health care system is often confusing to newcomers. The Health Unit can provide guidance in navigating the Israeli health care system.

Post recommends that you bring a six month supply of prescription medications. Most prescription medications are available locally, but require being seen by an Israeli physician to get a prescription filled at a local pharmacy. The MP can write prescriptions for medications from U.S. mail order pharmacies, for delivery to your DPO address.

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 39

Many U.S. equivalent over-the-counter medications are available in Israel.

Israel does not have adequate fluoride in the water, and the Health Unit staff can provide you with information for your children. The tap water in major cities in Israel is safe to drink, though may have a different taste due to high mineral content.

Unless you are active duty military, you are required to obtain your Medical Clearance from MED Washington PRIOR to arriving at Post. If you have children with special needs or other medical concerns, please contact the Health Unit at +9723-519-7323 or the Office of Medical Services in Washington, prior to arrival.

6. Customs and Shipping (UAB, HHE, and POV) Comprehensive shipping information is available on EBO’s intranet site under GSO Shipping.

GSO Shipping will email you complete information on shipping your personal effects and POV; this will include a detailed newcomers’ shipping information handout. If you have not received it, please contact the Shipping Office as soon as possible, as the shipping instructions are vital to ensuring the smooth shipment of your HHE, UAB, and POV. The GSO Shipping Office can be reached by email at TelAvivGSOShipping@state.gov or by fax at +972-9-955-5802.

Be sure to check with Post to ensure your vehicle conforms to Israeli import regulations, which differ from American vehicle specifications.

Please note that vehicle registration requires the sponsor to have a MFA ID card. A second vehicle can be registered only for the spouse of the sponsor, provided the spouse has also registered for a MFA card and holds a valid driver’s license. Please also contact GSO Shipping before sending food and drink contents in your shipments. Remember to hand carry the packing lists for your HHE and UAB shipments, as well as your POV registration/title, so we can institute customs clearance without delay.

Smith Training Driver Safety Requirement All employees and long-term TDY staff are required to complete this training if they plan to self-drive a vehicle in Israel on official business.

This includes official, leased, or personal vehicles. Employees must schedule the training with GSO Motorpool (Eyal Nitzan or Iris Ben Ezra) before they can selfdrive a vehicle, unless the employee can provide a training certificate verifying completion of training within the last two years. There are no substitutes for the Smith course.

10 miles to the north of Tel Aviv. Traffic conditions vary greatly, and the drive time to the Chancery typically takes between 20 to 40 minutes. These neighborhoods are 25 to 45 minutes from Walworth Barbour American International School (WBAIS), located in Even Yehuda.

7. Housing

The Embassy Jerusalem makes every effort to have permanent housing ready for employees and families upon arrival at post. However, some employees may be assigned temporary quarters, until permanent quarters become available.

Late assignments, significant changes to the arrival date, and new requirements from the employee increase the odds of a temporary housing assignment. Temporary housing is usually in an embassyleased or embassy-owned property; temporary housing assignments generally last for a few weeks, but can be longer.

GSO Housing provides detailed information on Tel Aviv’s housing program, along with photos and a copy of Post’s Housing Handbook, on the GSO Housing section of Tel Aviv’s intranet site. All Mission members in the greater Tel Aviv area live in fully furnished housing. Agencies with housing needs outside of the greater Tel Aviv area may not participate in the pooled furnishings program. Please consult you agency if you will reside outside the greater Tel Aviv area.

Incoming employees should complete the housing questionnaire, which GSO Housing will email to you, as soon as possible.

If you have not received the questionnaire or have other housing questions, please email GSO Housing at TelAvivGSOHousing@state.gov.

Prior to the employee’s arrival, an interagency housing board assigns quarters, based on position rank, family size, and the projected arrival date. After considering these primary factors, the board will make every effort to accommodate employee preferences, based on the available housing pool at the time of the employee’s projected arrival. Housing options are generally divided between apartments in Tel Aviv and houses in the northern suburbs.

Downtown Tel Aviv is a desirable place to live for many people, with apartments ranging from walking distance to a 15-20 minute drive to the Chancery.

The apartments are generally small with limited storage. Although the Department authorizes the normal limited shipment of 7200lbs (net) for HHEs to Tel Aviv, Post recommends limiting it to 2500-4000lbs for those assigned to live in Tel Aviv apartments.

Families with children usually live in single-family houses or townhouses in the suburbs, which are approximately

Temporary Quarters

Embassy Shuttle Service Due to the security situation in Israel, U.S. Government personnel and their dependents are prohibited from using the public bus system. For this reason, an Embassy shuttle service for home-to-office transportation of American direct-hire employees is authorized, at a cost to employees of $2.70 each way, for transportation to and from the EBO’s downtown facilities only (i.e., Chancery, Hamared Trade Tower, and Migdalor Building).

8. Pets Comprehensive information on shipping your pet(s) – as well as information on housing restrictions, veterinary services, and local attitudes towards pets – is available in the Tel Aviv OBC Pet Survey.

Additionally, GSO Shipping will email you information on shipping your pet. Please note: All pets must have a Rabies Titer test for entrance into Israel. Results take time so please plan accordingly.

Please note that under Israel’s Regulations for the Control of Dogs (Imports of Dangerous Dogs), 5765 – 2004, it is prohibited to import a dog belonging to a dangerous breed, as well as a dog that is the result of a cross with a dangerous breed and that exhibits behavior patterns and physical traits similar to those of a dangerous breed.

The dangerous breeds are: American Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Amstaff), Bull Terrier, Argentinean Dogo, Japanese Tosa, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (English Staff), Pit Bull Terrier, Brazilian Fila and Rottweiler.

9. Firearms Post policy states importation or acquisition of personally owned firearms is not permitted. For information on importing official firearms, please coordinate through the Regional Security Office (RSO).

10. Mail Tel Aviv is a Diplomatic Post Office (DPO) post. Please contact your office sponsor for your correct personal mailbox number, prior to forwarding mail to this post. You may also email the DPO at TelAvivMailroom@state.gov. Please check in with the DPO mailroom staff immediately upon arrival to ensure your mail has been arriving and is properly addressed.

Never include “Tel Aviv” or “Israel” in your personal or official addresses. Doing so could significantly delay your mail transit times. The following examples are the correct address formats: Personal Mail: (Your Name) UNIT 9700, Box XXXX (XXXX = Assigned personal box number) DPO AE 09830XXXX (XXXX = Assigned personal box number) Official mail: (Your Section) Attn: (Your Name) 9700 Tel Aviv PL Washington DC 20521-9700 Sending any items other than documents through an international courier service is not recommended. From Post’s experience, sending goods through such services has proven costly to the individual, due to airport storage and paperwork fees. Use of DPO is both faster and less expensive.

Enrollment at WBAIS is contingent upon the student’s ability to meet the academic standards set forth by WBAIS. ATTENTION for families with children with special needs: WBAIS has limited services available for assisting children with special needs. It is in your best interest to contact the school as soon as possible to discuss your child’s needs.

Please make sure you have all records available when contacting the school.

WBAIS also offers a half day preschool program and an organized after school program for children ages 3-5.

The preschool has two classes, one for 3-4 year old students (maximum class size is 14) and one for 4-5 year old students (maximum class size is 16).

Children must be 3 years of age before September 1 to enter the 3 year old class and 4 years of age before September 1 to enter the 4 year old class. To ensure priority consideration, applications must be received no later than April 15th of the year of enrollment.

Other English-language preschools are available in the Tel Aviv and Herzliya areas, as are Hebrew-speaking preschools.

For additional information on preschools, please contact the CLO. Walworth Barbour American International School (WBAIS) P.O. Box 484 64 Hashomron Street Even Yehuda 40500, Israel Tel: +972-9-890-1000 Fax: +972-9-890-1001 Email: registrar@wbais.net Website: www.wbais.net Admission Process: www.wbais.net/ admissions/admiss ions-process/childrenlivingoutside-israel For information on other K-12 educational options, please refer to Tel Aviv School Options, available at the Overseas Briefing Center. Please contact the CLO with any questions.

11. Schools 12. Family Member Employment Most Mission children attend the Walworth Barbour American International School (WBAIS), preschool- grade 12, in Even Yehuda, Israel. Requests for enrollment applications and specific questions about the program should be directed to the school.

There are a variety of eligible family member (EFM) positions within the EBO, including Consular positions, as well as HR Assistant, Housing Coordinator, ESTH Assistant, and Roving Administrative Assistant positions.

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 41

The Bilateral Work Agreement between Israel and the United States allows EFMs to obtain unrestricted work permits to work for any employer in Israel.

compliance with local laws and Department of State regulations, and provide medical and national (work accident) insurance.

The work permit application process is initiated at Post and normally takes 4months.

When hiring a third country national (TCN) from abroad or locally, three forms are required: an undertaking form, completed by the sponsor; a visa application form, completed by the domestic employee; and, a declaration form, completed by both parties. The HR Office can provide details. The MFA approves all requests for TCN domestic hires.

The work permit is issued for one year at a time and can be extended up to 63 months.

The local job market is highly competitive, as many Israelis are university educated and speak English fluently.

However, Israel’s large tech industry offers job opportunities in positions such as IT, marketing, sales/customer service, technical writing, social network coordination, and others that may not require Hebrew fluency. Intel, HP, IBM, Cisco and other multinational corporations have established research centers in Israel and may seek computer programmers and engineers.

There is also a demand for English teachers, particularly in international schools, such as WBAIS, and private language institutes, such as Berlitz or The Wall Street Institute. Although lawyers and accountants will encounter steep competition in Israel, there are private firms and international organizations that seek professionals with U.S. training.

Salaries in Israel are generally lower than in the United States, particularly for entry-level positions. Local taxes will be deducted from the salary.

Family members must have Chief of Mission approval before accepting outside employment or engaging in a home-based business or other outside activities.

Please contact the HR Office for details on that process.

13. Domestic Employees Domestic employees can be hired locally or from abroad.

In either case, a sponsor must complete a contract agreement with the domestic employee, complete a declaration of

There are strict guidelines on domestic employee salaries and benefits, as well as length of time TCN domestic employees may remain in Israel. If you are interested in sponsoring a domestic employee in Israel, please contact the HR Office at TelAvivHRO@state.gov.

14. OpenNet and ClassNet Migration For State Department employees, in order to have your existing OpenNet and ClassNet user accounts migrated to Tel Aviv, you will need to do the following: Provide your current OpenNet and ClassNet systems administrators (and complete the applicable bureau/post specific forms, if required) with the following information before you leave: a. Departure date b. Onward assignment to Tel Aviv c. Reporting date d. State Department email addresses (example: doejx@state.gov and doejx@state.sgov.gov) Ask them to open tickets with the IT Service Center (ITServiceCenter@state. gov) in order to coordinate your account moves.

To successfully transfer your account to your gaining post, your Outlook folder size (including subfolders) MUST be 100MB or less.

Once this is completed, notify your new supervisor or section that you will be arriving and request that they submit an OpenNet access request to the Tel Aviv ISC and a ClassNet access request to the IPC.

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 43

DistrictHospitals NORTH DISTRICT Baruch Padeh Medical Center Route 768, Ramat-Poria Tiberias, Israel 15208 Medical Administration#: +972-4- 665-2206 Emergency Department #: +972-4- 665-2803 Website: http://www.poria.health.gov.il Emek Medical Center Afula 18101, Israel Hospital Director #: +972-4- 649-4417 Hospital Contact #: +972 4-649- 4000 Website: https://hospitals.clalit.co.il Ziv Medical Center Derech HaRambam Tsfat, 13100, Israel Hospital Contact #: +972-4- 682-8811 Emergency Department #: +972-4- 682-8429 Website: http://www.ziv.org.il

HAIFA DISTRICT Bnai Zion Medical Center 47 Golomb St. Haifa, 31048 Israel Hospital Contact #: + 972-4- 837-1973 Website: http://www.b-zion.org.il Hillel Yaffe Medical Center Ha-Shalom St, Hadera, 38100 Medical Administration #: +972-4- 630-4281 Emergency Department #: +972-4- 630-4396 Website: http://hy.health.gov.il/eng/ Rambam Health Care Campus HaAliya HaShniya St 8 Haifa, 3109601, Israel Medical Administration #: +972-4- 777-1300 Emergency Department #: +972-4- 777-2308 Website: https://www.rambam.org.il

HOPITALS AROUND

CENTRAL DISTRICT Assaf HaRofeh Medical Center Tzrifin, 70300, Israel Hospital Contact #: +972-8-977-9999 Website: http://www.assafh.org Kaplan Medical Center Pasternak St., POB 1 Rehovot, 76100, Israel Hospital Contact #: +972-8-944-1211 Website: http://afkmc.org/ Rabin Medical Center Ze’ev Jabotinsky Rd 39 Petah Tikva, 49100, Israel Main Operator #:+972-3-937-7377 Emergency Department Beilinson #: +972-3937-7300 Emergency Department Hasharon #: +972-3937-2345 Website: http://hospitals.clalit.co.il/Hospitals/ Rabin/en-us/Pages/Homepage.aspx Sanz Medical Center/Laniado Hospital 16 Divrei Khayim St. Netanya, 42150 Israel Emergency Department #: +972-9-860-4624 Website: http://www.en.laniado.org.il

TEL AVIV DISTRICT The Chaim Sheba Medical Center Emek HaEla St 1 Ramat Gan, Israel Medical Administration #: +972-3-530-2306 Emergency Department #: +972-3-530-3101 Website: https://eng.sheba.co.il/

Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital) 6 Weizmann Street Tel Aviv 64239, Israel Management #: +972-3-697-3491 Emergency Department #: +972-3-697-3686 *(The Emergency Department is located in the Sourasky Building, Basement Floor -1, Wings B and C) Website: http://www.tasmc.org.il/sites/en/ Pages/default.aspx

SOUTHERN DISTRICT Barzilai Medical Center Hahistadrout St 2, Ashkelon, Israel 7830604 Medical Administration #: +972-86745600 Emergency Department #: +972-86745100 Website: http://www.barzilaimc.org.il Soroka Medical Center Rager Boulevard, P.O.B 151 Beer Sheva 85025, Israel Medical Administration #: +972-86400309 Emergency Department #: +972-86400589 Website: http://hospitals.clalit.co.il/hospitals/Soroka/en-us/Pages/Home.aspx Yoseftal Medical Center Derekh Yotam 2 Eilat, 88104, Israel Hospital Contact #: +972 8-635-8011 Website: https://hospitals.clalit.co.il/joseftal/he/Pages/default.aspx

JERUSALEM DISTRICT Hadassah Medical Center Ein Kerem Jerusalem, 91120, Israel Hospital Contact #: +972-2-6779111 Ein Kerem Emergency Department #: +9722-677-1200 Website: http://www.hadassah-med.com/ Shaare Zedek Medical Center 12 Shmuel Bait St. Jerusalem 9103102 Hospital Contact #: + 972-2-6666666 Emergency Department #: + 972-26555509

Must-See Museums in Israel The Israel Museum, Jerusalem Among the world’s leading

10) Tower of David Museum, Jerusalem Depicts 4,000

Art and Archeology museums. Located at Ruppin

Years or Jerusalem’s history. Located near the Jaffa Gate

Boulevard, near the Knesset. Call 02-670-8811 or visit

in the Old City, Jerusalem. Call 02-626-5333 or visit

www.english.imjnet.org.il for more information.

www.towerofdavid.org.il for more information. For Reservations call 02-626-2884.

2) Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv Amazing historical and archeological museum. Located at 2 Haim Levanon St.,

11) The Negev Museum of Art, Beersheba Collection

Ramat Aviv. Call 03-641-5244 or visit

includes local and regional artworks of all media.

www.eretzmuseum.org.il/ for more information.

Located at 60 Ha’atzmaut St., Beersheba. Call 08-6993535 or visit www.negev-museum.org.il/index_e.php for

3) Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Tel Aviv Houses the best of

more information.

Israeli art from Rubin and Tumarkin to Weinstein and Rovner. Located at 27 Shaul Hamelech Blvd., Tel Aviv.

12) Israeli Children’s Museum, Holon An educational and

Call 03-607-7020 or Visit www.tamuseum.com for more

cultural institution providing experiences far different

information.

than any other Israeli museum. Located at Mifratz Shlomo St., Peres Park, Holon. Call 03-650-3001 or visit

4) Yad Vashem, Jerusalem Israel’s living memorial to the

www.holon.muni.il/English/culture/pages/childrenmuse

millions murdered in the Holocaust. Located in Her

um.aspx for more information.

Hazikaron, Jerusalem. Call 02-644-3600 or Visit www.yadvashem.org for more information.

13) Olymic Experience Museum, Tel Aviv Focusing on the historical background, this museum highlights sporting

5) MadaTech, Israel’s National Museum of Science,

achievements at the Olympic Games. Located at 6 Shitrit

Technology and Space, Haifa Israel’s best location for

St., Hadar Yosef, Tel-Aviv. Call 03-795-5900 or visit

making science fun. Located at 25 Shmaryahu Levin St. /

www.olympic.one.co.il for more information.

12 Balfour St, Hadar Hacarmel. Call 04-861-4444 or visit www.madatech.org.il for more information.

14) Israel Railway Museum, Haifa Provides a historical overview of railways in the Holy

6) Design Museum Holon, Holon One of the world’s

Land and their part in the development of the country.

leading museums of design and contemporary culture.

Located at 1 Hativat Golani St., Haifa. Call 04-856-4180 or

Located at 8 Sha’ar Ha’arayot st., Holon. Call 073-215-1515

04-856-4293 or visit

or Visit www.dmh.org.il for more information.

http://rail.co.il/EN/Fun/Museum/Pages/default.aspx for more information.

7) Tikotin—The Museum of Japanese Art, Haifa The only museum of its kind in Israel, housing thousands of pieces of Japanese art. Located at 89 Hanassi Ave., Haifa. Call 04-838-3554 or visit www.tmja.org.il for more information.

8) L.A. Mayer Museum for Islamic Art Houses permanent collections among the most important exhibitions of Islamic art in the world. Located at 2 Hapalmah St., Jerusalem. Call 02-566-1291 or visit www.islamicart.co.il for more information.

9) Museum of Art, Ein Harod Highlights Israeli art from the 17th Century onwards. Call 04-648-5701 or Visit www.museumeinharod.org.il for more information.

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SHOPPING Insider Tips to Shopping Almost all grocery store chains in Israel have discount/membership programs. Most stores are closed on Shabbat and some close as early as 2 p.m. on Fridays. Here is a list of some of the best known ones.

Stop Market Location: Top floor of the Arena Mall in Herzliya Marina. Open: 24/7 Features: Carts are unlocked, international foods section Bonus Program: Pick up a Discount card at the Help Desk. For every 200 NIS you spend, you earn bonus points (receive a stamp in the discount card). Once the card is full, hand it in at the checkout for a 100 NIS discount on your groceries!

Sunday-Tuesday: 3 NIS/kilo on selected fresh fruits and vegetables when spending at least 150NIS on other items. No more than one kilo of each item at the sale price.

Wednesday-Tuesday: Buy one, get one ½ off on cleaning supplies.

Teva Markets (Natural Food Stores) Location: Herzliya Pituach and Netanya (see below) Bonus Program: They provide a 5% member discount card. Each location only honors their own card. Eden market in Netanya: This location is much larger and is more reasonably priced than the other store. This market has a fresh fish counter, as well as hormone and antibiotic free meats.

Closes at 3 pm on Fridays and stays closed through Shabbat. The market in Herzliya Pituach: Open on Shabbat while the other closes at 3 on Friday and stays closed through Shabbat.

Half Free Super Stores Location: There are many large discount super stores in the area. The biggest and best is located east off of Route 5, take the 2nd Petah Tikva exit (just past Route 4).

No Bonus Program, but: This store offers incredible savings and there is no membership required.

Tiv Ta’am Location: Behind the Ikea, off Route 2 North, in Netanya. Another is located near the EBO, and near the MigDalor building.

Bonus Program: The membership card gives you sale prices and discounts on large orders. They are also open on Shabbat. Features: This market has Asian food, pork products and fine spirits. Most of the employees are Russian. They are open on Shabbat.

Mega Location: Seven Stars Mall in Herzliya. Bonus Program: Their discount card can also be used at Pizza Hut, KFC and a dozen other retail stores that have the “YOU” sign posted.

AM/PM Location: At the Karen Hayesod roundabout on Hanassi Street in Hertzlya Pituach. Bonus Program: This is a pricey mini market but if you open an account with them, they offer a 10% discount at the end of each month.

follow Rd. 554 to Tira. There will be a line of shops and the butcher is 3 shops up from the Asado de Tira. Directions: Put “Tira, Israel” in Waze. As soon as you enter the town, the butcher is on the right with automatic sliding glass doors. For a definite address or more info you can call Joseph at 09-793-6670. Features: Great selection of meats at very reasonable prices. They speak English and offer a Heshbonit Mas. Closed on Fridays, but open Saturdays! There’s a vegetable vendor next door.

Fish Market in Netanya Location: Exit of Route 2 North at the 3rd Netanya exit onto Hwy 57. Turn right at the first light, then right at the next light. There will be a fish sign on the left.

Features: Excellent smoked salmon at a reasonable price. The place is frequented by caterers.

Yoggi Butcher in Kfar Shmaryahu

Meat Land Location: Ra’anana on Bar Ilan Street.

Features: Offers a decent variety of imported American goods.

Vegetable Stands Locations: You will find vegetable stands located around the city and in the suburbs. There are two in Kfar Shmaryahu and one located off Route 2, near Cinema City Mall.

Location: Kfar Schmaryahu offeres a small selection of stores just off of Route 2.

This butcher is located on the parking lot side. Features: Great selection of meats and cheeses. Here, you can also find cuts of pork, homemade pork sausage and bacon! The staff is very friendly and speaks English fluently. They also offer deli-style egg salad and other prepared foods.

The Home Center

Open Air Markets Locations:  Herzliya Farmer’s Market: Open every Thursday from 3-9 pm in the Industrial Zone.  Carmel Market in Tel Aviv: Open Sunday-Thursday. Friday it closes early and is closed all day Saturday. On Tuesdays and Fridays, also visit the crafts market on the adjacent street.

The top of the market starts off of Allenby Street.  Tel Aviv Port: Fresh produce every Tuesday and Friday.  Kfar Netter: Located near WBAIS (school), this market has cheap produce every Friday. Left at the first light after the train station exit.

Straight until the street turns 90 degrees and park. Walk up the drive way of the first house and find seasonal produce.

Arab Butcher in Tira Location: On the East side of Ra’anana,

Location: At the Gash exit, off Route 2 (when heading north of Kfar Shmaryahu).

Follow the road back under Route 2 to the large selection of stores. Features: Home goods, gardening equipment, automotive items.

Artisan Bread Store Location: Across the street from Ikea in Netanya. Take Route 2 North and take the exit for Netanya South. Features: Wonderful breads and baked goods.

AT CHECK OUT, REMEMBER TO REQUEST A HESHBONIT MAS!!

SHOPPING

Hard to Find and Expensive Items in Israel This list is designed to give you an idea, prior to your arrival to Tel Aviv, as to what to expect when shopping, and/or what to consider adding to your Household Goods shipment.

Keep in mind, this list is comprised of community opinions, and it’s all relative! While one person may consider an item to be expensive or difficult to find, others may not. Like anything, it’s one person’s opinion, and it’s what they’re willing to pay (or not!)

Hard to Find Items

Expensive Items

American wines (available at Duty Free store)  Frozen berries  Bisquick (waffle & pancake mixes in general) Broths & Stocks  Cake, cookie & muffin mixes  Candy – US brands & holiday  Canned green chilis & jalapenos  Canned pie fillings  Canned pumpkin  Christmas decorations  Christmas trees  Christmas tree stands  Cold medicine  Cranberries (frozen available) and cranberry sauce  Crisco  Graham crackers  Holiday paper products (Valentine’s Day, Easter, Patriotic, Thanksgiving, Christmas) Lint rollers  Limes (only available June- Oct)  Mini marshmallows  Mexican food items  Mops (American style)  Muffin cups  Pork products  Premade pie crust  Rubber cement  Skim milk  Solid white tuna  Special occasion cards in English  Spices for special occasion food (pumpkin pie, oriental)  Tuxedo  Tylenol “meltaways”  Water chestnuts  Wrapping paper Shredded turkey cans Chicken Masala Sauce Snoring patches Thanksgiving stuffing and ornaments

Alternative grain flower  Band-aids  Cereal  Canned goods  Canned shrimp & crab  Children’s gifts  Children’s shoes  Children’s school supplies  Chocolate chips (especially dairy)  Contact lens solution  Cosmetics  Car tires and other car parts  Deodorants  Feminine hygiene products  Gluten-free products  Maple syrup  Oil filters for cars  Paper towels  Pet food & litter  Plastic wrap (the quality is not good here) Pudding mix  Razor blades  Shaving cream  Steel cut oats  Soy sauce  Sunblock  Tortillas  Vitamins & Supplements  Ziplock bags Sleeping pills Large Gift Bags Aluminum Foil Shoes Clothes Jewelry Kitchenware Chili powder Cranberry sauce Table cloths A decent wine Gouda cheese Electronics

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Duty Free

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Mail & Post Offices All diplomatic American personnel at post receive their mail through the Diplomatic Post Office (DPO).

YOUR NAME Unit 9700, Box XXXX DPO, AE 09830 Wondering about wait times? Below are the most common online stores used by our community and an estimate of how long packages will take to reach Tel Aviv from the United States.

Amazon 10 Days Walmart 9 Days Drugstore.com 8 Days 1800 Pet Meds 8 Days AAFES 9 Days NetGrocer.com 8 Days Target 8 Days Please note that these are calendar days from the date of notification of shipment from the vendor, not the date the order was placed online – although most either sent them out on the same day or the next day.

Note: NetGrocer.com usually ships 3-4 days after the order is placed.

Diplomatic Pouch Regulations (and 14 FAM 711) state that authorized users may not use the DPO to mail any item(s) intended for resale, personal business goods, or items for charitable organizations. This resale prohibition applies whether sale is to authorized DPO users or not, and regardless of the beneficiary of the proceeds, (e.g., charitable organizations or schools).

Pouch For items that cannot be shipped to the DPO, you can use the diplomatic pouch. The pouch address is: YOUR NAME 9700 Tel Aviv Place Dulles, VA 20189 Remember that there are certain restrictions regarding what can and cannot be shipped through the pouch. See State Department regulations.

Israeli Postal Services airmail-envelope-163625_640Public Post offices are open Sundays through Thursday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm on Fridays, and the day before a holiday. Post offices are closed on Saturdays.

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ISRAELI DRIVER`S LICENSE

‫איטל אופטיק‬ ‫קניון איילון‬

‫רמת גן‬

‫קניון ערים‬

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 67

Public Transportation Driving in Israel can be quite the adventure. Though we

LINES ON THE ROAD

could start a never-ending (and very entertaining)

• Double yellow lines forming a separate lane are

dialogue on the subject, we will limit ourselves to the

exclusive lanes for public transportation such as buses

bare essentials:

and taxies. In some cases, a fully occupied vehicle can use the lane as well.

Discounted Gas Cards and How to Pump Gas

• A yellow line on the road marks the side margin.

Traffic Rules

• A solid white line is a separation line between two way

Parking

traffic. It is strictly forbidden to cross a white center

Paying your Route 6 Bill.

line, under any circumstances (including turning left into a parking lot).

TRAFFIC RULES

________________________________________ SIGNAGE

Diplomatic license plates do not give you impunity from

• A “no stopping” sign is marked by two parallel lines.

following the laws of Israel. If you receive a traffic or

• A stop sign is a red octagonal sign displaying a hand

parking violation it is your responsibility to pay it.

facing the driver. The word “STOP” or “HALT” is not

________________________________________

written on the sign.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS

________________________________________

• Prior to turning red, the green light on the traffic light

OTHER IMPORTANT RULES OF THE ROAD

blinks three times (one blink per-second) and then turns

• Police vehicles and ambulances always travel with

amber for another 3 seconds. Only then does it turn red.

flashing blue and red lights on top of the vehicle. Only if

• When a traffic light in a junction is blinking amber, the

their siren is sounding do drivers have to merge to the

crossing road also has a blinking amber light.

right, making way for the emergency vehicles.

• When a traffic light is out of order and the amber light

• All vehicles must have its headlights turned on at any

is blinking, the driver is obliged to obey the road signs

time of day between November 1st and March 31st. This

posted at the junction (such as STOP or YEILD RIGHT OF

makes it easier to be seen in the winter.

WAY).

• It is prohibited to use a cellular phone while driving

• It is strictly forbidden to make a right turn on red.

unless it is attached to a microphone installed in the

• Pedestrian crossing lights display only green or red.

vehicle.

Green permits crossing the road only in the crosswalk,

• In a traffic circle, the vehicles in the circle have the

while red means no crossing.

right of way. ________________________________________ DRIVING RESTRICTIONS FOR US EMBASSY EMPLOYEES • Route 90 North from Allenby Border Crossing is offlimits during hours of darkness.

• Case specific or as things develop. Check with RSO for latest restrictions.

PARKING Returning to your car to find a ticket can be extremely frustrating. In order to avoid getting a ticket, please be sure to follow the parking laws in Israel. Please remember, your diplomatic plates do not exempt you from following the parking rules!

How to know if it is safe to park

3. Keep driving down the left-hand side until you see CD parking signs. Parking is back-in only. There are some

White Stripes: No Parking

police parking spots there as well, so make sure you do

Yellow Stripes: Public Transportation Zone. No stopping

not park in one of those.

or parking. However, you can park in this area during

You can park here for up to 24 hours.

Shabbat (1 hour after sundown Friday to an hour before sundown Saturday)

CAR RENTALS

Red & Grey Stripes: Residential Parking. Signs will indicate specific times that residential parking is

Living downtown and just need a car for an hour or two

enforced.

to run errands? Similar to Zip Car, Car2Go offers hourly

Blue & White Stripes: Parking is allowed, but payment

car rentals at locations throughout the city. Learn all

may be required.

about membership costs, car availability, car pick up locations, etc. on their website:

• Parking Meters: Can be hard to find, but are by far the

https://www.car2go.co.il/en/

easiest to use. Put the money in and press the green

If you need to rent a car longer term, the resources

button. Put the ticket on your dashboard. Typically

available are similar to those in the States and in Europe.

costs about 5NIS per hour.

Rental prices vary between companies and plans. Rates

• Easy Park: Electronic parking card which can be

are comparable to those charged in the US. Please also be

purchased at a post office. It is valid throughout the

sure to contact Gai Stier in the Travel office for

country (each city has its own code). You can load up to

additional information on discounts available to

300NIS and payment is debited depending on the time

Diplomats.

you are parked. You can recharge your card at some post offices and some convenient stores.

Avis Tel Aviv 03-559-6743

• Parking Scratch Card: Cards can be purchased at the

Ben Gurion 03-977-3200

post office and news stands for 6NIS per hour. You

Budget Tel Aviv 03-638-9999

attach the card to your car window after scratching off

Eldan Tel Aviv 03-527-1166

the date and time of when you park.

Ben Gurion 03-977-3400

• Cellopark: This is a service by telephone (dial *6452).

Hertz Tel Aviv 03-527-9821

There is a monthly fee (7NIS) for the months you use the service. You must register a credit card and license plate

Route 6 Bills

number prior to using the service. You just dial the number when you park and then again when you return

Here in Israel you do not need to stop and queue to

to your vehicle.

deposit the necessary coins or tokens at a toll both.

Highway 6 uses state-of-the-art technology to record

FREE CD PARKING AT BEN GURION AIRPORT

your car’s license plate number, then computes the correct toll for the number of sections you have traveled.

Did you know the airport has free short-term parking for

You are then sent a bill in the mail.

diplomatic CD numbered plates?

Since Highway 6 billing works on a monthly basis, it will take some time until you receive your bill. Make sure to

1. Proceed through security check gate and follow signs

keep records of your trips to ensure that the bills are

for TERMINAL 3. DO NOT take either of the exits that

accurate and that you are not missing your payment

indicate “Short-term or Long-term Parking” – continue

deadline. Highway 6 will charge high interest fees for

straight following signs to TERMINAL 3 as if you are

late payment.

dropping someone off. Stay in the right lane.

________________________________________ There are several ways to pay your bill:

2. When you see the signs for ARRIVALS and

1. Online with a credit card

DEPARTURES, take the exit on the far right, toward

2. At commercial bank branches (for example Leumi)

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. After you take the exit, you

3. Over the phone with a credit card – Call 03-908-1111

will see a small white sign for “CD Parking.” Stay to the

4. At Alonit or Dor Alon gas stations

far left. The right lane is for taxis and buses.

5. At Mega, City Mega and Mega Bull supermarkets.

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 69

Sheruts

AIRPORT- JERUSALEM WITH THE SHERUT

Sheruts (shared taxis) usually carry about ten-12

A reasonably priced way to get to Jerusalem from Ben-

passengers and follow set routes…but unlike buses can

Gurion Airport is by sherut (shay-root), a van shared by

stop for you anywhere along the route. They offer a less

eight passengers with a fixed per-person rate. The

expensive alternative to a special taxi. They are also the

current fare is NIS 75 per person, baggage included. The

only mode of cheap travel on Shabbat and public

sherut stand, run by Nesher Taxi, is to the left as you exit

holidays.

the arrivals area of the terminal building. Confirm that

Sheruts are good for traveling around the city and

the destination of the Nether van is Jerusalem, give your

between cities, but not always great for getting to

luggage to the driver, and climb in. When all the seats

specific places. You can find sheruts in Herzliya that run

are claimed, the van will take off: The driver must,

South to Tel Aviv and north to Natanya. Sheruts do not

without charging an extra agora (a single small-

come into the suburban neighborhoods. They only run

denomination coin), take you from the airport to the

along the main roads, usually following standard bus

hotel or residential address of your choice anywhere in

routes. In Herzliya, you can pick up a sherut along Route

Jerusalem. If you're lucky, you'll be the first in your

2 (Namir Rd/Coastal Highway). They do not take you

group to be dropped off at your destination. If not, you`ll

directly to the Embassy, but you could connect to a

find yourself on an odyssey through parts of Jerusalem

different sherut once in Tel Aviv and get as close as Ben

you would never normally see.

Yehuda and Shalom Alechem. Once you are in Tel Aviv, there are more sheruts available that can take you closer

For the return trip to the airport, your hotel will be glad

to other locations in the city. Sheruts in the city are

to call in advance (reserve about 2 days before your

numbered to match the bus system.

departure) and make an appointment for a sherut to pick you up. If you want to make your sherut reservation in

Sherut Tips

person, the office of Nesher Taxis and Sheruts (it 02162572n, known for its extremely reliable airport service, is

Popular lines in Tel Aviv are 4, 5 and 66. Maps of the

upstairs at 23 Ben-Yehuda St., near King George Street.

routes can be found at: http://www.dan.co.il/eng/lines/

The company will pick up around the clock, 7 days a

Rates for routes within Tel Aviv are generally 6.5-7 NIS.

week, but if you need transport to the airport on the

For routes between cities, ask the driver for the rate.

Sabbath, you must make your reservation by Thursday—

Getting On:

the Nesher office is closed on Shabbat.

1. Raise your arm – If the sherut is full, it will pass by.

2. Get on & sit down – Most drivers pull away quickly.

Pass your money to the front and change will be returned to you.

3. Ask the driver to stop – You can ask to stop anywhere along the route.

Tips: 1. Ask when you get on to verify that the sherut goes where you think it does.

2. Numbered routes will have the number prominently displayed in the windshield.

3. Sheruts from Netanya to Tel Aviv (found on Route 2) have the destination in Hebrew in the window.

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Charities and Volunteer Opportunities Embassy staff, both Israeli and American, are a generous bunch. They get involved in local efforts and look for ways to contribute to those less fortunate.

There are dozens of charities and organizations throughout Israel that provide education, health services, meals, clothing, furniture and housing to the poor or disenfranchised. To get started, take a look at the list provided on this page. Though lengthy, the list is not comprehensive.

Please note that the CLO are doing their best to keep this list updated, but acknowledge that they are not always informed of changes in hours or contact information. If you have a favorite charity that you don’t see here, please let them know by emailing CLOTelAviv@state.gov and they will add them to the list.

Blue Bins Blue bins are placed throughout Herzliya neighborhoods. These blue plastic bins have pictures of shirts, shoes, and other clothing, to easily identify that it is a drop box for your clean and good quality clothing donations. Although Herzliyya Municipality doesn’t list locations, there is one we know of on HaMesila St. Herzliya. Bins are also located around the Tel Aviv Municipality.

ARDC – African Refugee Development Center ARDC works to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are free from persecution, live in dignity and have opportunities. At this time, they are collecting baby care products (new diapers, wipes, formula, diaper rash cream and soap/shampoo); adult toiletries (new); and non-perishable food (canned beans, tomatoes, tuna and pasta, rice, oil and flour.) Please contact Iris Kat at iris@ardc-israel.org, to arrange.

Tel Aviv Mothers Make a Difference This group collects donations for: Invisible Kids, ASSAF, Eritrean Women’s Community Centre, Forgotten People’s Fund, Kuchinate, UNITAF, Mesila, Pitchon Lev, Tel Aviv Centre for the Blind, Terem, WIZO. Organizers specifically request the following items for babies and toddlers: cribs, strollers, baby furniture, clean clothing, diapers & supplies, developmental toys. They also take donations of packaged food. They can arrange for large items to be picked up at your home. Best way to contact the many wonderful volunteers for TAMMAD is by messaging them through their Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/mothersmakeadifference UNITAF In the last two decades, Israel has experienced a rapid influx of foreign residents. A significant number of these are refugees from Sudan, Eritrea, Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of the Congo who fled civil war, armed conflict and persecution in their native countries.

Today, it is estimated that some 40,000 refugees reside in Israel, primarily in the Greater Tel Aviv area. To respond to the needs of this community, the municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo created Mesila, a municipal agency mandated to deal exclusively with foreign worker and refugee issues. The attainment of proper daycare became one of Mesila’s prime goals because until recently, there were few alternatives available for the children of working refugee parents. In 2005, together with the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo and a private donor, Mesila established UNITAF, the first state-of-the-art daycare center for refugee and foreign workers’ children. In 2008, a second UNITAF Center was opened, and in 2010, an after- school program for children aged 3-6 was added. In 2011, the third UNITAF Center was opened.

UNITAF constitutes a unique work model that stresses what is common between Israeli culture and that of the immigrants and refugees, and tries to bridge the differences through educational-therapeutic discussions. At the UNITAF centers, children are cared for by women from the foreign community, who have been especially trained by Israeli educators to run the daycare facilities in a professional and compassionate manner, while still preserving the cultural heritage of the children. The environment is pleasant and learning-conducive.

Each child receives three nutritious meals a day, individual attention, mental stimulation and emotional support. Experts are on hand to diagnose potential developmental problems and to arrange treatment if necessary and give especial attention to the children that arrived recently from Sinai. Care is given to create a pluralistic atmosphere where children from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds can spend long hours together and flourish. The trained nannies run the business independently, but are obliged to meet up with Israeli standards and criteria, and the Israeli social worker that maintain the logistics as well as the individual treatment of each child and family keep a frequent dialogue with the nanny in order to make sure they are kept.Today, 350 children are being cared for in all of UNITAF brunches. Over the last ten years, more than 1600 children have benefitted from the services of UNITAF. There are still hundreds of children on waiting lists for Unitaf’s day care centers and many babysitters are eager to work with the organization. But for now, the group’s budget – aside from the municipality-donated locations – is entirely dependent on private donations and there is no money to open new centers.

•To donate or volunteer for UNITAF, visit www.unitaf.org.il •Email info@unitaf.org.il •Their main offices are located at 108 Levinsky Street, Tel Aviv

Elifelet – Citizens for Refugee Children Elifelet was founded in the Spring of 2012, following a hate crime in Tel Aviv, when ‘Molotov cocktails’ (glass bottles containing explosives) were thrown into a daycare center at night, while 21 refugee children were asleep (miraculously, they were physically unhurt). Immediately following the attack, they raised funds and drafted friends who volunteered to rebuild the burnt center. They realized the extent of the physical and emotional distress faced by approximately 3,000 refugee children whose parents fled from Eritrea and Sudan and are now living in South Tel Aviv under extremely difficult conditions. With the help of about 200 volunteers and many donors, Elifelet has adopted one daycare center after another, built therapeutic afternoon clubs for older children and rescued hundreds of children from a vicious cycle of ongoing physical and emotional distress.

•Visit http://www.elifelet.org/en for more information.

•Volunteer to help or ask if donations can be made!

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Tzimaon – The Good People Fund Inspired by the Jewish concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world), The Good People Fund was founded in 2008 to respond to significant problems such as poverty, disability, trauma and social isolation, primarily in the United States and Israel. Tzimaon provides financial support, guidance and mentoring to charitable activities of modest proportions that are undertaken by Good People acting singly or in small groups. Target endeavors are those that, by their personal scale and often-unusual nature, might otherwise find it difficult to attract sufficient support. To donate or volunteer, write to naomi@goodpeoplefund.org Shanti House The Shanti House serves as temporary housing and as a long-term framework for runaway and street youth, ages 14-21, regardless of religion, race, sex or gender. At Shanti House we take in youth who are in immediate danger or are on the brink of becoming victims of physical violence, sexual abuse, crime, prostitution and the like. We also have prevention programs for at-risk youth throughout the country. You can donate in several ways: •Donations of equipment and miscellaneous: If you would like to donate, equipment, clothing or furniture, we will be pleased to coordinate with you via our email address: office@shanti.org.il •Purchase Shanti House merchandise including wide range of art, books, CDs, cookbook •Financial contribution via Bank Transfer; see http://shanti-il.info/english ESRA (English Speaking Residents Association) A group of English Speaking residents of Herzliya and Kfar Shmaryahu formed ESRA in 1979, primarily to fulfill a social need and assist their integration into Israeli society.

One of ESRA’s aims is to encourage English speakers to volunteer in the community, thereby helping others and at the same time becoming a useful part of Israeli society. The ESRA Community Fund (E.C.F.) aids immigrants from distressed countries and other disadvantaged sectors of Israeli society. The donated goods shop in Ra’anana, and the ESRA “Vintage” shop in Kfar Saba, both accept clean, good quality, re-saleable clothing and household goods.

•ESRA Vintage, 45 Rothschild St. Kfar Saba, Tel: 09-765 4652 •Ra’anana Shop, 100 Ahuza St., (Entry for cars at Hanegev St. 29), Tel: 09-741 2631.

•For pick-up of large items at your residence, please call Ed at 050-535-4884.

Yad Eliezer Yad Eliezer helps families cope with financial difficulties and empowers them to break through the cycle of poverty and achieve self-sufficiency, with food programs, job training and other assistance. The efficient management of a large volunteer effort (96% of funds raised goes directly to needy families) earned Yad Eliezer a “4-Star Exceptional” rating from Charity Navigator, which rates organizations based on how effectively and responsibly they utilize donations, and to what extent the charity is growing in terms of programs and services. To arrange donations or volunteer, contact: •Email: meira@yadeliezer.org •Telephone: 02 591 2200

Naamat The Movement for the Advancement of the Status of Women in Israel works to prevent the phenomena of violence against women within the family and in society. NA`AMAT operates two centers for the prevention and treatment of violence,–the Glickman Center in Tel Aviv , under one roof, serves as a shelter for battered women and their children, and a counseling and treatment center for battered women, violent men, and children exposed to violence. It houses Jewish and Arab Women, veterans and new immigrants, secular and traditionally observant.

The Lone Soldier Center The Lone Soldier Center was established in memory of Michael Levin as a grass-roots, Israeli non-profit organization created by former lone soldiers in order to assist the next generation of lone soldiers in all aspects of life, in the military and out. A “lone soldier” is a soldier in the IDF with no family in Israel to support him or her: a new immigrant, a volunteer from abroad, an orphan or an individual from a broken home. Lone Soldiers don’t always have the basic items necessary for their military service, or families living in Israel that can support them. Lone Soldier Centers, throughout the country, serve as their back-up homes.

Items needed: The Centers supply lone soldiers with personal care items, donated by you, that they need while on duty.

Items needed include Leatherman utility tools, black watches, protective sunglasses, dried fruits, nuts and energy bars, flip flops, underwear, sports bras, active wear, gloves, winter socks and hats, new toiletries.

•Call (or stop in—they are across the street from the Embassy Branch Office •Address: Hayarkon 74 (entrance by Embassy Hotel, 1st floor), Tel-Aviv •Office Hours: Sun-Thurs 9:00-16:00; Fri 9:00-15:00 •Tel: 03-560-1931 DSI Second Hand Stores DSI works with four, area second hand shops, as a way to raise funds for their charity projects. Your donated items are sold at the stores, and proceeds from sales are split between the shop owner and a DSI-designated charity. If your items to do not sell, they are donated to charity.

•Past and Present – Haparsa 7, Nof Yam. Call owner Tzippi, 09-956-1283, for details. Open daily.

•Etcetera – Harishonim 3 or 7 in Kfar Shmaryahu (near the dentist and frame shop). Call owner Adrian, 09 951 4008, for details. Closed Tuesdays.

•Golda Second Hand – Hanadiv 69, Herzylia (next to Fresh Market Supermarket). Call owner Golda 054-200-6111, for details. Closed Tuesdays. Note: If you are with DSI, use the code 300 to designate your donated item.

•Scandal – Nordau 9, Herzylia Bet (down the road from Garlic Pizza). Call owner Naomi, 09-950-6151, for details. Closed Saturdays.

Koach La Tet – Power of Giving Koach La Tet provides basic amenities for the home such as electrical appliances, baby carriages, furniture, toys, clothes and more.

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 79

The organization will pick up items from donors’ homes and transport them to warehouses located throughout Israel, where they undergo a process of cataloguing, repair and cleaning by volunteers. In order to receive the household merchandise, persons in need are required to produce documentation from the Department of Welfare, stating a level of need. The product is “sold” for a nominal price, and transported for free as quickly as possible by Koach la Tet trucks. Call *3656 to make a donation of furniture or equipment.

•Email: office@meirpanim.org •Website: www.mifalchaim.org/eng/koach.htm Lasova Lasova House, a multi–service center for needy persons, is located at 18 Tzelnov Street in Tel Aviv near the old central bus station. The center, a first of its type in Israel, merges many services under one roof –a soup kitchen, 19 youth centers, 3 homeless shelters, the Egged Beged mobile distribution center for clothing to hospitals and geriatric centers, and collection of surplus food for delivery to the needy. For further information, to review of our balance sheets and to set up a meeting, please call our offices: 03-7520002, Fax: 03-7519991. For information on volunteering, please refer to: Ergun.kadima@gmail.com •Website: www.lasova.org.il •General Email: mankal.lasova@gmail.com

Table-to-Table Various locations around Israel Serving as Israel’s umbrella organization for “food-rescue”, Table to Table collects excess, unsold food from catered events, corporate cafeterias, army bases, food manufacturers, grocers, farms, and packing houses and delivers the food to nonprofit agencies throughout Israel that serve those in need. Table-to-Table was a Diplomatic Spouses’ Club Israel (DSCI) designated charity in the past.

Volunteers fuel success today. Everyone volunteers for the same reason–they want to help people in need.

Join the front lines of the fight against hunger – become a Table-to-Table volunteer. There are many ways to put your talents to use. You determine your own time commitment. What can you do as a volunteer? There are a number of ways: Morning hours -prepare sandwiches; during the day – harvest fruits and vegetables; at night – collect excess food from catered events.

Anytime – perform administrative and computer-based tasks from our office or from your home. Contact Table to Table if you would like to help.

•Tel: 02-972 4157 •Email: infor@tabletotable.org.il •Website: www.tabletotable.org.il •http://www.ivolunteer.org.il/Eng/Index.asp?ArticleID=73&CategoryID=128 Leket Israel, the National Food Bank Leket Israel works to alleviate the problem of nutritional insecurity amongst the growing numbers of Israel’s poor. Among volunteer opportunities are Rescue & Redeliver, and Project Leket.

In both projects, individual or group volunteers rescue prepared meal surpluses from restaurants and catering facilities; or, in the case of Project Leket, rescue thousands of tons of agricultural crops left to rot each season. Foods are quickly brought to a logistics center in Ra’anana, where food parcels are repackaged and prepared by volunteers, and delivered to food agencies, soup kitchens, shelters, IDF soldiers, needy families and non-profits throughout the country. To volunteer as an individual or a group, contact: •Tel: 0 9 744 1757 •Email: info@leket.org •See more at: http://www.leket.org.il/english/text/309.aspx#sthash.hAnHtG9Z.dpuf

Hand in Hand Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel Hand in Hand brings together Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel through a growing network of bilingual schools and shared communities. After the arson attack last November, both communities, as well as the international community in Israel and even President Obama in Washington, rallied to defend the school as a shining light in the darkness.

Their success depends on the support of many individuals who care about creating a safer and more peaceful environment for all children in Israel. Refurbishing damaged classrooms and intensifying security are immediate needs. But the most significant response to this attack, in the long term, is to expand the school network to 10 – 15 bilingual schools, as planned, over the coming decade. All contributions are welcome.

Please join us now. https://www.handinhandk12.org/engage/donate-now _____________________________________________________________________________ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY IN KUCHINATE Kuchinate is a collective of African asylum seeking women living in Tel Aviv, Israel. The aim of the Kuchinate is to produce beautifully designed crocheted baskets, poufs and carpets for your pleasure and use. This collective is unique in that it is an income generating as well as a psycho social project providing economic, social and psychological empowerment to over 70 women.

There are many ways to volunteer: Transport fabric from cutter in Jaffa to the Kuchinate shop (approx 15 mins away from each other) Work a sale and transport women and baskets Keep the Diplomatic community and the US Embassy vendor sales open and flowing by finding home sales and working these sales.

With US Embassy clearance badge.

Transport women that cannot take the bus to the shop for them to work (one way, as they can taxi back).

Please contact Ruth – Sale Manager at 052-638-8790 or Kuchinate at 054-976-5667 Email – Kuchinate@gmail.com

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RELIGIOUS SERVICES

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GETTING AROUND

E M E RG E NCY CON TAC T LIS T Police: 100 Ambul ance: 101 F i r e D E P AR T M E N T: 1 0 2

U . S . E m b a s s y BRANC H O F F IC E P o s t O n e : 03 -5 19 -75 5 1 ( 2 4 / 7 ) U . S . E MBASSY J e r u s a l e m P o s t O n e : 02- 6 2 2-7 2 5 0 ( 2 4 / 7 )

F P D Off i c e : 0 3 - 5 1 9 - 7 5 0 2 (dut y hrs) DAO Off i c e : 0 3 - 5 1 9 - 7 3 3 3 (dut y hrs) RSO Off i c e : 0 3 - 5 1 9 - 7 4 0 0 (dut y hrs)

TRAVEL TIPS

COOLAPPS

A Safe Trip Starts With This

A E

S

https://www.life360.com/ No more endless texts and calls wondering, did Sarah make it home? Has Dad left the office?

When will Mom arrive to pick me up? With Life360, just open the app and instantly see everyone in your private Circle on the map.

You can also message the whole group at once or privately.

CellMapper 5.1.2 App https://www.cellmapper.net/map

Satsig

http://www.satsig.net/ Helpful details about VSAT services, cell signal (where you can find it and which areas to avoid due to not having cell signal), beam coverages, antenna pointing and how it works. This web site is here to promote legitimate, satcom access for people in all locations, who are unable to gain access using terrestrial ADSL via copper or optical fibre phone lines or using cable modems. Satcom is an alternative and provides independent small-dish two-way access from anywhere except the extreme polar regions.

TRAVELResources

App - Smart Traveler App

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/smarttraveler.html

Ever since company founders Tony and Maureen Wheeler stapled together their first guidebook after an epic trip across Asia, Lonely Planet has put travellers at the heart of everything they do, informing and inspiring them with trusted content for print and digital from experts who visit every destination.

The app was first launched in June 2011. It is the official State Department app for U.S. travelers.

The app invites you to see the world with easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel alerts, travel warnings, maps, U.S. embassy locations, and more.

F

- Displays low level cellular network information data along with frequency band calculations (for some providers.)

- Frequency calculator (GSM ARFCN, UMTS UARFCN, LTE EARFCN, CDMA, and iDEN.) - Displays a map of both coverage and individual tower sector coverage and bands.

https://www.fodors.com/

Family Contact from Overseas https://www.rebtel.com/en/

Skype and Whatsapp will always be staples when it comes to international calling and messaging, but a wifi connection is needed to use them. To make cheap calls around the world without the internet (or faffing around with phonecards), the app to choose is Rebtel. By “hijacking” local phonelines, it gets the best available calling rates.

Recently launched, it is currently offering a “Rebel calling” deal, which means friends or family can be called for free if they are also using the app (until 2018).

Eliminate Internet Vulnerability Ghostery isn’t just for travel. It’s an app that blocks trackers in your browser, stopping the likes of Facebook from following you around the internet. That’s reason enough to have the Ghostery extension installed and running on your Mac at all times. But because Ghostery blocks all that tracking code from being downloaded in the first place, it saves you a ton of bandwidth. If you are using a tethered connection from your iPhone when you travel, this is a real boon.

Cloak is easy to use and works on all your devices — Mac, iOS and Android — using the same account. That is, you pay once, and use as much as you like. A VPN overlays a private network onto the internet, kind of like a network of private tunnels through public spaces. This means that you can use insecure public Wi-Fi without worrying.

VPNs aren’t 100 percent secure, but they are way, way better than using public internet unprotected.

For 80 years, Fodor’s Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel advice for every stage of a traveler’s trip. They hire local writers who know their destinations better than anyone else, allowing them to provide the best travel recommendations for all tastes and budget in over 7,500 worldwide destinations. https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ Home.aspx Get prepared on specific things and find all the below info before arriving: - crime and safety in the specific country, -areas to avoid in a specific city; -news and reports, -emergency “Warden” messages. https://1password.com/ You should already be using a password manager like 1Password, which is infinitely more secure than using the name of your dog to log into your bank account.

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LIST 1 2 3 4 15 of the best travel apps

The

Google Trips: for itineraries

Free, iOS and Android, get.google.com

Are you the kind of person who prepares for every trip by getting a manila folder and filling it with every bit of your travel itinerary? Well Google Trips is like that folder, but without the annoyance of maintaining a tatty pile of paper printouts; the app gathers all your travel information from Gmail and Inbox and organises it automatically.

Hopper: for flight booking

Free, iOS and Android, hopper.com

What sets Hopper apart from other flight-booking apps such as Skyscanner and Cheapflights is that it not only lets you book flights on your phone, it tells you when to do it, and how to get the best price and the biggest savings.

Once you’ve searched for a flight, the app will let you know whether to wait or buy.

Tunnel Bear: for security

Free, iOS and Android, tunnelbear.com

If you want to stream things such as iPlayer or 4oD, as well as keep your internet connection secure while abroad - which is worth it if you connect to lots of random wifi spots - then you’ll need to use a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs hide your IP address and location and can “tunnel” you to another country.

App in the Air

5

Free, iOS and Android, appintheair.mobi

Packpoint: for packing

• Free, iOS and Android, packpnt.com Packpoint automatically generates a bespoke packing list for your trip: you just enter the destination, date of travel and length of stay along with some details about the activities you are planning. In the event that the app has misjudged your desire to have a different outfit for every evening, it’s easiest to tweak the list once it has been generated.

Tripit

7

• Free, iOS and Android, tripit.com

6

A bit like a pocket travel agent, Tripit pulls together travel information from your confirmation emails for flights, hotels, rental cars, events bookings and converts it into a single itinerary. Just forward your emails to the app and it will do the rest.

Not exactly slick by name, though certainly slick by nature, App in the Air is a smart, straightforward, flight tracking app that has the best coverage of airlines and airports. It will keep you updated about flight status – even if you don’t have internet coverage – and helps you manage your time at the airport, breaking down each flight into four stages; check in, boarding, takeoff and landing time. It also integrates with Tripit (#6) allowing you to import all your flights.

Splittr

splittrapp.com

Price: £1.49 There is a selection of apps out there to help you split bills (Tipulator, Splitwise etc), but Splittr is geared up for travelling, providing a simple platform to share costs between friends. You can enter expenses as you go, including who paid what and the app will do the rest. A nice touch for longer, multi-destination trips is that all currencies are supported and you can mix currencies without having to do the conversion yourself.

9

Google Translate

Free, iOS and Android- Google Translate This translator can be a useful tool to support your own, more serious language learning, but realistically, it’s most useful on a practical level quickly translating day-to-day words you come across on your travels. For example, you can hold your camera up to text – such as a sign, or a menu – and Google will translate it for you instantly. It’s an essential app for any traveller.

Wolfram Sun Exposure

on iOS only - Price: £0.79

11 12

There are a few apps out there that help you manage your time in the sun safely, but this one offers the most detailed information to keep you informed. You enter your skin type and it calculates how long you can spend sunning yourself before getting burned, based on the time of day, where you are and the strength of sun cream you’re wearing.

It also provides UV forecasts for your location.

8

LiveTrekker

Free, iOS and Android, livetrekker.com

This ambitious app creates a digital journal of your travels so you can look back on your trips on an interactive map. The app tracks you as you go, marking a red line along a map on the exact route you take; the app also monitors your speed and altitude, making it great for adventure travellers, though it’s just as fun to look back at your route around a city.

You can add pictures, video, audio and text along the way, creating a multimedia travel diary you can share.

10

Tipulator

• Free, iOS and Android

The standard tip in Israel is 10% at a restaurant, which is pretty easy to calculate, but this app makes it even easier!!

Get Taxi

• Free, iOS and Android

If you need to get somewhere much faster, this app is exactly like Uber for Israel.

13

Red Alert

• Free, iOS and Android

Just to be extra cautious, you can get real time alerts from this app to receive security updates from all over the country.

14

Israeli News

• Free, iOS and Android

Even though you might be learning about it in school or seeing it on T.V. anyway, this is another way to stay on top of what’s going on around the country!

15

Israel App

• Free, iOS and Android

Be your own personal tour guide and get tips on everything, from places to travel to on weekends and how you can spend afternoons off.

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THE MONEY

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 89

CURRENCY, VAT, AND BANKS

‫מקור‬

‫חשבונית מס‬

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Jerusalem: an introduction to the Holy City What springs to mind when you hear the word Jerusalem?

Is it ancient stone alleyways brimming with Jews and Arabs on their way to prayer? Or perhaps a picture postcard vista of the Western (Wailing) Wall? Or perhaps the hustle and bustle of a Jerusalem market, with market traders howling out their latest prices and bargains in Hebrew and Arabic?

What you feel for Jerusalem will, of course, depend on your faith. But forget that for a second, because however much you might convince yourself that you’re a nonbeliever, there’s something raw and empowering about being in the Holy City that it makes you want to start to believe…in whatever.

Jerusalem is a fascinating city; a city where old meets new, holy meets secular, and where nature and beautiful architecture merge into a melting pot of smells, sounds and sights. I will never forget my first visit to Jerusalem and the Old City, many moons ago, it was amazingly inspiring!

Jerusalem is, of course, the meeting point of the three main faiths: for centuries, Jerusalem has played a significant role in Christianity as the place of Christ’s crucifixion, while for Jews Jerusalem is the place of David’s ancient throne, and the indivisible capital of modern Israel. To Moslems the city is a sacred place of worship, centered on the Dome of the Rock.

Located in the Judean Mountains, just north of the Dead Sea, Jerusalem is home to some 747,600 residents over an area of 125 square kilometers (including the disputed East Jerusalem). Out of that 125 km it is, in fact, one square kilometer which holds incredible importance to so many over the world – the area known as the Old City.

The Old City is home to sites of key religious significance, including the Temple Mount, the Western Wall (a remnant of the supporting wall of the Second Temple), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque. The old walled city, has been traditionally divided into four quarters — the Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Quarters, and as you can imagine, tensions and squabbles often break out: you might not be surprised to hear that the Old City is historically the world’s most fought over city….

So, yes, we highly recommend you check out the Old City. The places listed above should all be visited, though some may be off-limits, depending a little on your faith and the security situation (which very occasionally takes a turn for the worse). Also check out the narrow streets of the Old City, which are lined with shops where merchants sell foodstuffs and traditional handicrafts (TIP: bargain ferociously – what starts at 50 shekels can often be bought for 5 shekels!).

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Dead Sea Facts

10 things you didn’t know about the lowest place on Earth We love the Dead Sea round these parts, we really do. And if you’ve never been, it really has to be on your list of must sees when visiting Israel.

We’re guessing (OK, presuming) you might have picked up a few bits and bobs about the Dead Sea along your Internet travels, like the amazing ability to float on your back and the health benefits associated with the area, but we have a feeling you don’t know the really good stuff, so…

HOT READ

1

3 5 7

2

Water never flows out of Dead Sea because it is surrounded by land on three sides. The only open side is actually the route through which water enters Dead Sea from rivers and streams. Water flows into the Dead Sea (the Jordan River is the main source of water), but it doesn’t flow out! Why the heck not, I hear you cry…Well, largely due to evaporation as it’s very hot in this area.

4

The minerals in the Dead Sea all naturally occur within our bodies – yes, you could become your own health resort!

Aristotle used to scribble things about the Dead Sea in his renowned writings.

Maybe somebody before her spotted the potential (some say Herod the Great), but it was Cleopatra who first loved and thus promoted the Dead Sea, even ordering cosmetic factories and resorts be built along its shores.

6

Many centuries ago, one of the popular names of the Dead Sea was “The Stinky Sea”.

And it had nothing to do with Cleopatra’s fondness for hummus.

The Dead Sea is a dinosaur – it’s 3 million years old!

You can take a spin along Road 90, the world’s lowest road, which runs along the shores of the Dead Sea at 393 meters below sea level.

It is called Dead Sea but the truth is that it is not a sea. It is actually a salt water lake.

If we are to measure the depth of Dead Sea with respect to sea level of this planet, it becomes even deeper. Its shores and the water surface are located 1,401 feet or 427 meters below sea level, making it a water body on Earth’s lowest elevation of land.

8 9

Oh Mummy! Egyptians used to splash some of that Dead Sea mud and asphalt all over in their mummification process of the deceased. Dead Sea has a very unusual phenomenon. It spits out asphalt almost constantly. Asphalt used in ancient Egypt for mummification was imported from Dead Sea. Because of this unusual asphalt spitting phenomenon, the Greeks named the Dead Sea as Lake Asphaltites.

Yes, Dead Sea cannot support life but it is useful in several healthcare and treatment types. The pollen content of this lake is extremely low. It is also free of other allergens. On top of it, it is the home of different types of minerals. Also, solar UV radiation is greatly reduced near Dead Sea. Additionally, atmospheric pressure near this lake is high because of its low elevation. These factors together make it beneficial for human health.

Rain is very rare in the Dead Sea – less than 10cm of rain falls in the area every year (an average winter temp of 20-23C might give you a clue as why).

10

This hypersaline lake is one of the most salty lakes in this world. The salt concentration of Dead Sea is 33.7%. But this does not make it the saltiest water body because Caspian Sea’s Lagoon Garabogazköl has 35% salinity, Lake Assal in central-western Djibouti has 34.8% salinity, Antarctica’s Lake Vanda has 35% salinity and Don Juan Pond located in Antarctica’s McMurdo Dry Valleys has 44% salinity!

It is world’s deepest salt water lake to exist on this planet. It is 1,004 feet or 306 meters deep.

Source: https://igoogledisrael.com/dead-sea-facts-10-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-lowest-place-on-earth/ http://factslegend.org/25-interesting-dead-sea-facts/ The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 95

CAESAREA MARITIMA H A R B O R A N D H E R O D `S C I T Y

Herod, the ancient world’s master builder, constructed a magnificent port city on the Mediterranean coast of Palestine. He called it Caesarea in honor of his Roman patron Augustus Caesar. Maritima distinguished it from the many other cities that bore this much honored name, notably Caesarea Philippa, another city in Herod’s kingdom, located inland at the source of the Jordan River.

According to the first century historian Josephus, who left us a detailed description, the port of Caesarea Maritima was as large as Piraeus, the port of Athens. If so, Caesarea was one of the two or three largest ports on the Mediterranean, indeed in the world.

The town was part of the territory that Herod received from Octavian (Augustus Caesar) after the battle of Actium in 31 B. C.E., when Octavian reconfirmed Herod as king of Judea and increased the size of his kingdom. Herod rebuilt Straton's Tower as a showcase Greco-Roman port city and renamed it Caesarea.

The port of Caesarea was all the more remarkable because it was located on a 40-mile length of the Mediterranean shore that had no natural harbor, bay or inlet. The Mediterranean coast in the area of Caesarea is an uninterrupted line of sand and cliffs.

Herod's establishment of Caesarea followed the precedent of Alexander the Great and his Hellenistic successors, but instead of naming it after himself he named it in honor of Octavian — a brilliant move that demonstrated Herod's loyalty to his new patron.

Here, for the first time in history, Herod constructed a port on the open sea without benefit of any natural features.

The small town of Straton's Tower was established during the Persian period, when the Palestinian coast was governed by the Phoenician kings of Tyre and Sidon.

Herod's city of Caesarea had two components: the settlement (on land), called Caesarea Maritima, and the harbor, called Sebaste (Sebastos is Greek for Augustus).

A glance at a map of Palestine reveals that the coastline is relatively even and lacks large natural harbors and anchorages.

Herod's new harbor filled this gap, and the city quickly became Palestine's major port city.

Caesarea had a long history and flourished for centuries. Its importance increased after Herod Archelaus was removed from rule in 6 C. E., when it became the seat of the local Roman governor (prefect or procurator) in Palestine (although Herod had a palace at Caesarea, Jerusalem was the capital of his kingdom). After Paul was arrested, he was imprisoned in the Roman governor's palace at Caesarea for two years before being shipped off to Rome for trial and (presumably) execution (Acts 23:23—24, 33). Caesarea was a Greco-Roman city.

With a large Gentile population and a minority of Jews. By Paul's time, the inhabitants also included some members of the early church: “The next day we left and came to Caesarea; and we went into the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven, and stayed with him. . . . After these days we got ready and started to go up to Jerusalem. Some of the disciples from Caesarea also came along and brought us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, and early disciple, with whom we were to stay" (Acts 21:8, 15—16). Tensions between Jews and Gentiles at Caesarea contributed to the outbreak of the First Jewish Revolt in 66 C. E., when a pagan ceremony conducted on the Sabbath near the entrance to a synagogue sparked riots.

Vespasian made Caesarea the headquarters of his operations during the First Revolt. After the revolt, Vespasian raised Caesarea to the rank of a Roman colony, a status that conveyed certain benefits to the population, which now included Roman military veterans. In the centuries that followed, Caesarea continued to grow, reaching its maximum extent during the fifth and sixth centuries C. E. (the Byzantine period). Caesarea was the last major city in Palestine to fall to the Muslims, surrendering in 640 C. E. after a seven-month-long siege. Although Caesarea contracted in size after the Muslim conquest, it continued to be an important commercial hub, as indicated by large quantities of imported pottery from around the Mediterranean. Caesarea was conquered during the First Crusade (1101) and became a key stronghold of the Crusader kingdom in the Holy Land. The Genoese found a green-colored glass vessel in the city and declared it to be the Holy Grail, the goblet used by Jesus at the Last Supper. It was taken to Genoa and placed in the Church of San Lorenzo. Caesarea fell to Saladin in 1187 and was retaken by the Crusaders in 1191.

When the Mamluke ruler Baybars conquered Caesarea in 1265, he razed it to the ground, bringing to an end the city's long history. In the 1870s and 1880s, the Ottomans settled Bosnian refugees at Caesarea (Kaisariyeh).

This settlement existed until the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948; some descendants of the Bosnian families still live in the nearby Israeli town of Hadera. After 1948, the Israeli authorities cleared and restored the Crusader fortification walls and moat.

We hear first of Caesarea as the final destination of the wandering Philip the Evangelist (8:40), who, besides a modest missionary range, also had four prophesying daughters living with him (21:8-9). When in Jerusalem certain Hellenists wanted to kill Paul, the brethren spirited him away to Tarsus via Caesarea (9:30).

Also in Caesarea, the centurion Cornelius saw a vision in which he was told to sent for Peter, who was in Joppa at the time (10:1). Peter too saw a vision, the famous Great Sheet via which the Lord explained Peter that the gospel was also for the gentiles, and the first of those to receive the gospel and the Holy Spirit was Cornelius of Caesarea (11:24-48).

Some while later, Peter was arrested in Jerusalem but miraculously freed from prison. When Herod (Herod Agrippa I) couldn't find him, he had the guards executed and took off to his Roman buddies in Caesarea himself, and there he died rather spectacularly (12:19-23, also Josephus Ant.19.8.2).

On his way from Greece to Antioch, Paul came ashore in Caesarea (18:22), and later on his way to Jerusalem, did the same (21:8) and even picked up some Caesarean disciples who accompanied him for untold reasons to Mnason of Cyprus (21:16).

Finally in Jerusalem, Paul was arrested and after some ado, toted back to Caesarea, to be tried by Felix the governor (23:23, 23:33).

After two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, whose inquiries into the Pauline situation took him to Jerusalem from Caesarea (25:1), while Paul stayed in Caesarea (25:4), where he joined him after eight or ten days (25:6). Several days later, King Agrippa (Herod Agrippa II) and Bernice arrived at Caesarea (25:13), and joined their host Festus in hearing Paul.

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 97

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The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 111

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The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 123

JUDAISM

101 COOLFACTS

Judaism Judaism is a lively and diverse monotheistic world religion that shares characteristics with both Christianity and Islam. Its creative contribution to cultural history is immense. Jewish Holy Scripture, the Torah, is fundamental for the organization of Jewish life across the whole world. Various Jewish communities can today be found in all parts of the world. The Jewish religion is closely linked with the history of all Israelites.

Tigris rivers. The nation of Israel in the Bible originates with Abraham of Ur, who worshipped a unique God that permeates everything. Six generations later, descendants of Abraham lived in Egypt as slaves. Moses rose up as a leader among them, taking his people across the Red Sea and back toward the

- During the time of the judges, many prophets like Jeremiah arose to interpret God`s Commandments.

“promised land”. During the Exodus, Moses received the Ten Commandments, a set of laws central to the Jewish religion. These laws are considered by the Jews as a gift of God and as the holy path.

Solomon served as powerful leaders, building the temple of Jerusalem, considered the most important altar of the God Jehovah and the spiritual center of the Jewish religion. After the death of Solomon, the Israelite nation split in two. Israel, the northern kingdom, was captured by the Assyrians while the southern kingdom was taken over by the Babylonian king Nebuchadrezzar in 597 B.C. Ten years later, he destroyed the temple of Jerusalem and deported large portions of the upper and middle classes to Mesopotamia. This period of time, called the Exile, unified Jews in their belief in Jehovah and their return to the Promised Land.

The Promised Land After the Persians (538 B.C.) captured Babylon, many Jews returned to Israel and reconstructed the temple in Jerusalem. The country was the tributary province of the Persian kingdom and remained so even after the victory of Alexander The Great over the Persians in 333 B.C. With this, the Hellenistic culture reached Judaism. When the Seleucid king Antiochus IV banned the temple culture in 168 B.C., a Jewish resistance movement arose. Four years later, they, under the leadership of the Maccabees, drove out the occupy-

Holy Scriptures The Jewish Bible or “Tanakh” is the product of more than 1,000 years of history.

During the rabbinic period (ca 70 A.D. –sixth century), the tripartite canon (traditionally counted as 24 books) was created.

Those holy Hebrew Scriptures are considered inspired and consistent, and include the five books of Moses (Torah), prophetic writings (Nevi`im) and hagiographies or writings, (Ketuvim), which include the Psalms.

The organization of the books into chapters can be traced back to the Middle Ages; the numbering of the verses to the 16th century.

ing forces and newly consecrated the temple. The Romans, called to settle a dispute between the Maccabee brothers, captured Jerusalem in 63 B.C. Later, Herod was made Judah`s vassal king, during whose rule Jesus of Nazareth was born.

- The Torah is the primary holy book of Judaism, making up the first five chapters of both the Hebrew Bible and Christianity`s Old Testament.

- God`s covenant with Israel made them His chosen people. The promise was conveyed by the agreement with Noah after the flood, the promise of children to Abraham, and the transmission of the Torah to Moses.

According to ancient tradition, Judaism emerged between the Euphrates and

nation under Saul, who ruled from 884 to 882 B.C. After him, David, then

- A common Jewish faith first emerged in the Babylonian exile.

- Devotion to God and a lineage reaching back to Abraham unite Jews all over the world.

The Origin and Beginning of “God`s Chosen People”

Settled in the Promised Land, the 12 tribes of Israelites finally unite as a single

- Judaism is the oldest monotheistic religion in the old.

Above: Jewish scripts often contain magnificent artistic images.

- The diversity of modern Judaism can be traced to the different interpretations of the Torah. Orthodox Jews adhere strictly to the commandments; meanwhile in the liberal Judaism there are even female rabbis.

- There were pogroms against the Jews during the Crusades.

- The National Socialists (Nazis) murdered over six million Jews.

- Today, Anti-Semitism is growing in the Arab world.

- The “Judensau” was ridiculing propaganda against the Jewish religion in the Middle Ages.

- Since antiquity, Jews have been living in Palestine.

- The ancient city of Jerusalem is the holy city for three world religions. In 1980, it was made the lawful national territory of Israel.

- Over 5 million Jews live in Israel. It is the only country in the world in which Jews hold the majority.

Jewish Learning

The Classic versus The Modern Judaism

The theological-legal structure of classical Judaism shows that the Old Testament easily reveals historical views that could be interpreted wrong, as of Judaism being a monotheistic religion with unmistakable traces of polytheism. However, before considering this to be an oxymoron, we need to consider the fact that many misconceptions came from “the Judeo-Christian tradition” (the non-Hebrew), where like in almost all the foreign-language religions, have been interpreted in different ways.

The most popular delusions and interpretations mentions are that in most books of the Old Testament there is an existence of “other gods”. This having been said, it is true that “other gods” have been acknowledged, but Yahweh (Jehovah), being the most powerful of all the gods forbids his people to worship them. Some Jews believe that these writings have been mentioned on purpose, to point out the fact that no” other gods” exist before Yahweh and that the meaning of “other gods” could also be interpreted as “other religions”. Some other Jews believe that the existence of the “other gods” is to accentuate the importance of those characters in their Old Testaments, like the first god, also called “Father” and the first goddess also called “Mother”. In Christian religions, these characters are called Adam and Eve. In some of the later prophets in the Bible, the existence of all gods other than Yahweh is denied; therefore everything became quite clear that Judaism is far from pure monotheism, even for the non- Hebrew believers. The doctrines dominant in present-day Orthodox Judaism, which is a direct continuation of the classical Judaism has a strong influence of the cabbala. Cabbala is a mystical tradition based on the interpretations of the Old Testament. According to Cabbala, the universe is ruled by several deities, of many characteristics and originated from a First Cause.

From the First Cause, we see a male god called “Wisdom” or “Father” and a female goddess called “Knowledge” or Mother”. The “Wisdom” god and the “Knowledge” goddess gave birth to “Son” (also called “Small Face” or “The Holy Blessed One”) and Daughter (also called “Lady”), to “Queen” and many others. Satan has an important personage in the Hebrew Old Testament, because he managed to break the union of the first two sons and also came very closely to the divine Daughter. The Satan not only ruined the divine union, but he also destruction of the Temples, the exile of the Jews from the Holy Land and the “whoring after strange gods”. The knowledge and comprehending of the Old Testament is important for the Classic Jews for many reasons. The Classic Judaism is the foundation of the Modern Judaism (that got developed in the 12th and 13th centuries) and it plays an important contemporary political role in the system of beliefs on many religious politicians. It contains many traditions, festivities, prayers and religious acts that (as they believe) could help to bring back the perfect divine unity (in the form of sexual union between the male and female deities) and to deceive various angels (that are independent minor deities) or to trick Satan. Classic Judaism also celebrates each stage of life: the circumcision of male infants on their eight day; the 13th year coming of age (in Reform Judaism females hold a similar celebration, the “Bar Mitzvah”); both the proposal and act of marriage, and then finally the death. Important annual festivals are: Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Hanukkah, and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

Many points of view have been revealed regarding the cabbalistic system and its importance. Even though the Classic Judaism and its present political involvement in the Zionist practice have contradicting theories, one should never ignore the past and its influences, because only by knowing it can one rise above its sightless power.

Israel Shahak notes that:” whatever can be said about this cabbalistic system, it cannot be regarded as monotheistic, unless one is also prepared to regard Hinduism, the late Graeco-Roman religion, or even the religion of ancient Egypt, as “monotheistic.”

The Torah The Torah scrolls, which are read out during services

competence. The authority granted to rabbis by the

of the synagogue, are held within the ark. The prayer

Jewish community was restricted to questions per-

leader stands upon a raised platform and begins

taining to the interpretation and application of the

recitations of consecutive sections of the Torah.

Torah to everyday life, but held no religious functions. From the High Middle Ages, rabbis acted in the

During the main religious services on the Sabbath

service of the Jewish community and were expected

and holidays, chapters from the books of the proph-

to deal completely with all questions regarding

ets are also read. Local liturgical customs, prayers,

religious laws. By the modern ages they received a

and hymns continue to play an important role in the

position of increasing importance as the religious

synagogues. Traditional Judaism insists upon women

and moral authority representative of the Jewish

being seated in a separate gallery.

community, especially when faced with non-Jewish

Learning and Teaching The foundation of the Jewish faith is the Torah. Within these scriptures are the Ten Commandments, expanded by the rabbinical tradition of scriptural interpretation.

They are the sources of the Halakha – the Jewish code of religious law.

authorities. In modern Judaism, duties of the rabbi Synagogues always face eastward. The ark, which

came to include pastoral duties such as leading wor-

encases the Torah, is on the eastern wall.

ship services. Since the 19th century, the majority of traditional Talmudic schools have become academic

The Rabbi

rabbinical seminaries. As a result of the progressive

The rabbi was primarily a scholar of the Torah who

Jewish reform movement going on since the 20th

was revered by virtue of his charisma and

century, even women have been ordained as rabbis.

Synagogues symbolize the preservation of the collective Jewish way of life and often house social, cultural, and administrative facilities.

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 125

Who is a Jew?

by Rebecca Weiner

Judaism is a religion as well as a nation and culture. Approximately 13.75 million people worldwide indentify as Jewish, with the vast majority living in either the United States or Israel.

Jews come in all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and nationalities. There are black Jews from Ethiopia, Chinese Jews from Shanghai and Indian Jews. There are Jews from Morocco and Iran, Jews from South America and Oceania. The practices and beliefs held by Jews range from those who openly identify as Orthodox and strictly observe ancient precepts to those that have nothing to do with the religion or culture.

Images Courtesy of Unsplash

Origins of the Words “Jew” & “Judaism”

Today, Judaism is comprised of four major movements: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist. Most Israelis are often described as “secular,” but the majority observe Jewish holidays and are very knowledgeable about Jewish history and culture, which is taught in public school. The Conservative and Reform movements are particularly strong in the United States, but have yet to make significant inroads in Israel.

Reconstructionism is a small and relatively new movement. Orthodoxy has grown in recent years in the United States and remains the strongest movement in Israel. The Orthodox, more so than the other movements, are also divided among different sects.

The Jewish movements have different interpretations of the Torah, which lead to different rituals, spiritual practices and beliefs. The diversity of beliefs and practices has led to different definitions of “Who is a Jew.” This question is not just philosophical, it has political and legal ramifications. In Israel, questions of Jewishness have implications for immigration, conversion, marriage, divorce and the allocation of government money.

The original name for the people we now call Jews was Hebrews. The word “Hebrew” (in Hebrew, “Ivri”) is first used in the Torah to describe Abraham (Gen. 14:13). The word is apparently derived from the name Eber, one of Abraham’s ancestors. Another tradition teaches that the word comes from the word “eyver,” which means “the other side,” referring to the fact that Abraham came from the other side of the Euphrates, or referring to the fact Abraham was separated from the other nations morally and spiritually.

Another name used for the people is Children of Israel or Israelites, which refers to the fact that the people are descendants of Jacob, who was also called Israel.

The word “Jew” (in Hebrew, “Yehudi”) is derived from the name Judah, which was the name of one of Jacob’s twelve sons. Judah was the ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel, which was named after him. Likewise, the word Judaism literally means “Judah-ism,” that is, the religion of the Yehudim.

Originally, the term Yehudi referred specifically to members of the tribe of Judah, as distinguished from the other tribes of Israel. However, after the death of King Solomon, the nation of Israel was split into two kingdoms: the kingdom of Judah and the kingdom of Israel (I Kings 12; II Chronicles 10). After that time, the word Yehudi could properly be used to describe anyone from the kingdom of Judah, which included the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and Levi, as well as scattered settlements from other tribes. The most obvious biblical example of this usage is in Esther 2:5, where Mordecai is referred to as both a Yehudi and a member of the tribe of Benjamin.

In approximately 722 B.C.E., the kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria and the ten tribes were exiled from the land (II Kings 17), which left only the tribes in Judah’s kingdom to carry on Abraham’s heritage. The people of Judah’s kingdom called themselves and were known to other nations as Yehudim(Jews), a name still used today.

In common speech, the word “Jew” is used to refer to all of the physical and spiritual descendants of Jacob/Israel, as well as to the patriarchs Abraham and Isaac and their wives, and the word “Judaism” is used to refer to their beliefs. Technically, this usage is inaccurate, just as it is technically inaccurate to use the word “Indian” to refer to the original inhabitants of the Americas.

However, this technically inaccurate usage is common both within the Jewish community and outside of it, and is therefore used throughout this site.

Who is a Jew according to halakhah (Jewish Religious Law)?

According to Jewish law, a child born to a Jewish mother or an adult who has converted to Judaism is considered a Jew; one does not have to reaffirm their Jewishness or practice any of the laws of the Torah to be Jewish. According to Reform Judaism, a person is a Jew if they were born to either a Jewish mother or a Jewish father. Also, Reform Judaism stresses the importance of being raised Jewish; if a child is born to Jewish parents and was not raised Jewish then the child is not considered Jewish. According to the Orthodox movement, the father’s religion and whether the person practices is immaterial. No affirmation or upbringing is needed, as long as the mother was Jewish.

Besides for differing opinions on patrilineal descent, the various streams also have different conversion practices. Conversion done under the auspices of an Orthodox rabbi, entails Jewish study, brit milah (for men), mikvah (for both men and women) and a stated commitment to follow the laws of the Torah. Conservative conversions use the same requirements as the Orthodox do; Trend Privé Magazine 126

however, conversions by the Reform movement and other streams do not have the same requirements. Since the conversion practices are not uniform, many Orthodox Jews do not recognize Reform or Conservative conversions as valid and, hence, do not consider the converts Jews. Once a person has converted to Judaism, he is not referred to by any special term; he is as much a Jew as anyone born Jewish.

About Matrilineal Descent Many people have asked why traditional Judaism uses matrilineal descent to determine Jewish status, especially because for tribal affiliation, priestly status and royalty, patrilineal descent determines membership.

The Torah does not specifically state anywhere that matrilineal descent should be used; however, there are several passages in the Torah where the child of a Jewish woman and a non-Jewish man is considered a Jew, and several other passages where the child of a non-Jewish woman and a Jewish man is not considered a Jew. In Deuteronomy 7:1-5, G-d prohibits intermarriage, saying “he [ie, the non-Jewish male spouse] will cause your child to turn away from Me and they will worship the gods of others.” The Torah does not include a similar concern is for the child of a non-Jewish female spouse. From this, one can infer that a child of a non-Jewish male spouse is Jewish and can be turned away from Judaism, but the child of a non-Jewish female spouse is not Jewish andturning away is not an issue. Also, Leviticus 24:10 speaks about the son of an Israelite woman and an Egyptian man as “among the community of Israel” (i.e., a Jew).

On the other hand, in Ezra 10:2-3, the Jews returning to Israel vowed to put aside their non-Jewish wives and the children born to those wives. They could not have put aside those children if those children were Jews.

Several people have asked how King David could be a Jew given that one of his female ancestors, Ruth, was not a Jew. However Ruth converted to Judaism before marrying Boaz and bearing Obed. (In Ruth 1:16 she states her intention to convert.) After she converted, Ruth was Jewish, and her children born after the conversion were Jewish as well. Even so, Ruth is David’s paternal ancestor, so Ruth’s Jewish identity or lack thereof would not impact King David’s status as a Jew because King David’s Jewish status is determined matrilineally.

Implications on Israeli Society Immigration: In 1950, the Law of Return was passed in Israel stating that every Jew has the right to immigrate to Israel, and granting automatic citizenship and benefits to any Jew who makes aliyah. Jewish immigrants receive better benefits than non-Jewish immigrants, including guaranteed housing, ulpan (Hebrew language study), full tuition for graduate degrees, and other benefits including discounts on major purchases, such as cars and appliances. The absorption process is more arduous for non-Jews and may take many years, during which they might not have health insurance and other government services.

Three famous cases tested the Law of Return and a Jew’s right to immediate citizenship. The first example involved Brother Daniel (born Oswald Rufeisen), a Jew who converted to Christianity during the Holocaust and had become a Carmelite Monk. During his youth, Rufeisen was active in a Zionist youth movement and fled to Vilna, Lithuania at the start of World War II. There he worked as a slave laborer and escaped to Mir where he worked for the police as a translator. Rufeisen took advantage of his position and smuggled arms to his Jewish friends and helped drive the police out from Mir before it was liquidated, saving nearly 300 Jews. Rufeisen hid in the forest and later a convent, where he decided to convert to Christianity. In 1962, Rufeisen, now Brother Daniel, applied to immigrate to Israel and, after being denied, he appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruled that despite the fact he was born to a Jewish mother, he had since converted and should not be recognized as a Jew by the State of Israel.

Following the Brother Daniel case, a new regulation was adopted stating that individuals registered as Jews for the “nationality” and ‘religion” section of their identity cards must be Jews according to halakhah and they must not practice another religion. The Shalit case challenged this new ruling.

Benjamin Shalit married a non-Jewish Scottish woman. Since he was an Israeli, she and their children automatically received Israeli citizenship. The two considered themselves atheists, but part of a Jewish nation and wanted their children’s identity cards to state Jewish for the nationality designation and to remain blank for religion. The Ministry of Interior wanted to keep both designations blank, so the case was appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruled in the Shalits’ favor.

The decision sparked controversy and, in 1970, an amendment to the Law of Return passed stating that only persons born to a Jewish mother or who had converted to Judaism were allowed to immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return. This amendment did not specify what type of conversion is needed, thereby allowing different interpretations.

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127

Since the amendment was passed, religious parties in the Knesset have tried to change it to apply only to Orthodoxconversions, a move that angered the Reform and Conservative movements in the United States, which felt that it was an attempt to delegitimize their movements.

The Shoshanna Miller Case in 1980 tested the new amendment. She applied for citizenship under the Law of Return as a Reform convert. Initially her petition was refused and she appealed to the Supreme Court, which ruled that she should be granted citizenship, in what became known as the Miller precedent.

Conversion: Non-orthodox conversions done outside Israel are allowed; however, in Israel, only Orthodox conversions are accepted by the government and the Rabbinate. While the issue of conversion had sparked controversy in Israel for many years, the need for a comprehensive conversion policy was heightened after the arrival of 800,000 Russian immigrants in the late 1980’s. They immigrated under the Law of Return, however, about 200,000 -300,000 were not Jewish according to halakhah. To find a solution acceptable to Orthodox and non-Orthodox streams, the Neeman Committee was formed. In February 1998, Finance Minister Yaakov Neeman recommended that conversions should be done according to halakhah through a special Conversion Court, and that a special institute would be created to prepare applicants for conversion, in which they could take courses offered by all streams of Judaism. The Neeman Committee’s proposal was endorsed by the Cabinet and the Knesset, however it was not accepted by the Chief Rabbinate. Lacking the support of the Rabbinate, the Neeman Committee’s proposals were never implemented.

In December 1998, Jerusalem District Court Judge Vardi Zeiler ruled that Conservative and Reform converts are allowed to be registered at the Interior Ministry as Jews, regardless of where the conversion took place. Following this case, appeals were expected and legislation has been proposed to allow only Orthodox conversions. The conversion issue has yet to be resolved.

The issue of conversion also became controversial after the arrival of thousands of Jews from Ethiopia. Ethiopian Jews did not practice any rituals or laws pertaining to the Oral Torah and, instead, practice a purer form of Biblical Judaism, which is different than mainstream Ashkenazic and Sephardic Judaism. Because of these differences and for other ritual purposes, the Rabbinate proposed a symbolic conversion of all Ethiopian Jews to be done before they married. The Ethiopians refused stating that it delegitimized them as Jews. Eventually the issue was circumvented as a rabbi sympathetic to their cause was able to register their marriages. Ethiopian rabbis still have difficulty gaining legitimacy for their marriages and divorces performed in Israel.

Marriage and Divorce: Marriage ceremonies and divorce proceedings are not allowed to be performed or issued by Conservative or Reform rabbis in Israel. In fact, only Orthodoxrabbis are allowed to marry Jews and many secular Israelis travel to Cyprus and other foreign countries to have a civil ceremony, which they can not receive in Israel. Israel does recognize marriages performed abroad by the Conservative and Reform movements; however, divorces issued abroad by rabbis from these movements are not recognized by the Rabbinate in Israel.

One of the reasons why issues of conversion, marriage and divorce are so important to religious Jews is because of the possibility of mamzerim (illegitimates). In a Jewish divorce, a get must be signed by the husband. If he does not sign, then the divorce is not official and the couple is still legally married according to Jewish law. If the get is not issued, the woman is not free to remarry and have children, and if she does remarry and have children, then those children are considered to be bastards according to Jewish law. (There is no biblical injunction against multiple wives, however, it has been ruled illegal according to the Rabbis.) The bastard child cannot be issued a Jewish identity card and will not be permitted to marry another Jew in Israel. The illegitimate child is only permitted to marry other illegitimate children. Hence, many Orthodox Rabbis claim the reason they want to retain control over conversions, marriage and divorce is to avoid the problem of mamzerim.

Allocation of Funding: In Israel, another political implication for the “Who is a Jew” question is the allocation of government funds. The government of Israel sets aside part of their annual budget for religious purposes, much of these funds are then distributed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. In 1994, the High Court of Justice ordered the allocation of funds to non-Orthodox institutions in Israel. The Ministry of Religious Affairs agreed to abide by the ruling of the court, however, officials decided that they would not earmark funds for non-Orthodox supplementary religious education or for non-Orthodox Torah culture funds.

In 1995, the Ministry of Religious Affairs gave less than a half of a percent of the available funds to Hebrew Union College (HUC), the Reform Rabbinical Institute in Israel. Angered by the poor funding, petitions were sent to High Court to request increased funding for HUC and other Reform institutions.

Funding is also determined by local religious councils. Until recently, nonOrthodox rabbis were unable to sit in religious councils, which control funds to local institutions.

Alternative sources of funding have been found by the Conservative and Reform movements for their schools and programs. Funding for non-Orthodox schools, such as the Tali schools (run by the Masorti movement in Israel) has received funds from foundations, non-governmental organizations and the Jewish Agency.

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What is Aliyah?

Aliyah in Judaism Aliyah is the immigration of Jews from the diaspora to the Land of Israel (Eretz Israel in Hebrew). Also defined as “the act of going up”—that is, towards Jerusalem—”making Aliyah” by moving to the Land of Israel is one of the most basic tenets of Zionism.

For much of Jewish history most Jews have lived in the diaspora where aliyah was developed as a national aspiration for the Jewish people, although it was not usually fulfilled until the development of the Zionist movement in the late nineteenth century.

Aliyah is an important Jewish cultural concept and a fundamental component of Zionism. It is enshrined in Israel’s Law of Return, which accords any Jew (deemed as such by halakha and/or Israeli secular law) and eligible non-Jews (a child and a grandchild of a Jew, the spouse of a Jew, the spouse of a child of a Jew and the spouse of a grandchild of a Jew), the legal right to assisted immigration and settlement in Israel, as well as Israeli citizenship. Someone who “makes aliyah” is called an oleh (m.; pl. olim) or olah (f.; pl. olot). Many religious Jews espouse aliyah as a return to the Promised land, and regard it as the fulfillment of God’s biblical promise to the descendants of the Hebrew patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Nachmanides (the Ramban) includes making aliyah in his enumeration of the 613 commandments.

The discussion on this passage in the Mishnah emphasizes the importance of living in Israel: “One should always live in the Land of Israel, even in a town most of whose inhabitants are idolaters, but let no one live outside the Land, even in a town most of whose inhabitants are Israelites; for whoever lives in the Land of Israel may be considered to have a God, but whoever lives outside the Land may be regarded as one who has no God.” Sifre says that the mitzvah (commandment) of living in Eretz Yisrael is as important as all the other mitzvot put together. There are many mitzvot such as shmita, the sabbatical year for farming, which can only be performed in Israel.

According to the traditional Jewish ordering of books of the Tanakh (Old Testament), the very last word of the last book in the original Hebrew (2 Chronicles 36:23) is veya‘al, a jussive verb form derived from the same root asaliyah, meaning “and let him go up” (to Jerusalem in Judah).

2 Chronicles 36:23 (KJV) Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. Who[is there] among you of all his people? The LORD his God [be] with him, and let him go up.

Return to the land of Israel is a recurring theme in Jewish prayers recited every day, three times a day, and holiday services on Passover and Yom Kippur traditionally conclude with the words “Next year in Jerusalem”. Because Jewish lineage can provide a right to Israeli citizenship, aliyah (returning to Israel) has both a secular and a religious significance.

For generations of religious Jews, aliyah was associated with the coming of the Jewish Messiah. Jews prayed for their Messiah to come, who was to redeem the land of Israel from gentile rule and return world Jewry to the land under a Halachic theocracy.

The number of Jews migrating to the land of Israel rose significantly between the 13th and 19th centuries, mainly due to a general decline in the status of Jews across Europe and an increase in religious persecution. The expulsion of Jews from England (1290), France (1391), Austria (1421), and Spain (the Alhambradecree of 1492) were seen by many as a sign of approaching redemption and contributed greatly to the messianic spirit of the time.

Aliyah was also spurred during this period by the resurgence of messianic fervor among the Jews of France, Italy, the Germanic states, Poland, Russia, and North Africa. The belief in the imminent coming of the Jewish Messiah, the ingathering of the exiles and the re-establishment of the kingdom of Israel encouraged many who had few other options to make the perilous journey to the land of Israel.

Aliyah in the Modern Era In Zionist history, the different waves of aliyah, beginning with the arrival of the Biluim from Russia in 1882, are categorized by date and the country of origin of the immigrants.

The first modern period of immigration to receive a number in common speech was the Third Aliya, which in the World War I period was referred to as the successor to the First and Second Aliyot from Babylonia in the Biblical period. Reference to earlier modern periods as the First and Second Aliyot appeared first in 1919 and took a while to catch on.

Between 1882 and 1903, approximately 35,000 Jews immigrated to the southwestern area of Syria, then a province of the Ottoman Empire.

The majority, belonging to the Hovevei Zion and Bilu movements, came from the Russian Empire with a smaller number arriving from Yemen.

Many established agricultural communities. Among the towns that these individuals established are Petah Tikva (already in 1878), Rishon LeZion, Rosh Pinna, and Zikhron Ya’akov. In 1882 the Yemenite Jews settled in the Arab village of Silwan located south-east of the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem on the slopes of The Mount of Olives.

Between 1904 and 1914, 40,000 Jews immigrated mainly from Russia to southwestern Syria following pogroms and outbreaks of antiSemitism in that country. This group, greatly influenced by socialist ideals, established the first kibbutz, Degania Alef, in 1909 and formed self-defense organizations, such as Hashomer, to counter increasing Arab hostility and to help Jews to protect their communities from Arab marauders. Ahuzat Bayit, a new suburb of Jaffa established in 1909, eventually grew to become the city of Tel Aviv.

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During this period, some of the underpinnings of an independent nation-state arose: Hebrew, the ancient national language, was revived as a spoken language; newspapers and literature written in Hebrew were published; political parties and workers organizations were established. The First World War effectively ended the period of the Second Aliyah.

Between 1919 and 1923, 40,000 Jews, mainly from Eastern Europe arrived in the wake of World War I. The British occupation of Palestine and the establishment of the British Mandate created the conditions for the implementation of the promises contained in the Balfour Declaration of 1917. Many of the Jewish immigrants were ideologically driven pioneers, known as halutzim, trained in agriculture and capable of establishing self-sustaining economies. In spite of immigration quotas established by the British administration, the Jewish population reached 90,000 by the end of this period. The Jezreel Valley and the Hefer Plain marshes were drained and converted to agricultural use. Additional national institutions arose such as the Histradut (General Labor Federation); an elected assembly; national council; and the Haganah, the forerunner of the Israel Defense Forces.

Between 1924 and 1929, 82,000 Jews arrived, many as a result of anti-Semitism in Poland and Hungary. The immigration quotas of the United States kept Jews out. This group contained many middle-class families that moved to the growing towns, establishing small businesses, and light industry. Of these approximately 23,000 left the country.

Between 1929 and 1939, with the rise of Nazism in Germany, a new wave of 250,000 immigrants arrived; the majority of these, 174,000, arrived between 1933 and 1936, after which increasing restrictions on immigration by the British made immigration clandestine and illegal, called Aliyah Bet. The Fifth Aliyah was again driven almost entirely from Europe, mostly from Eastern Europe (particularly from Poland, Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia), but also from Greece. A small number of Jewish immigrants also came from Yemen. The Fifth Aliyah contained large numbers of professionals, doctors, lawyers, and professors, from Germany. Refugee architects and musicians introduced the Bauhaus style (the White City of Tel Aviv has the highest concentration of International Style architecture in the world with a strong element of Bauhaus) and founded the Palestine Philharmonic Orchestra. With the completion of the port at Haifa and its oil refineries, significant industry was added to the predominantly agricultural economy. The Jewish population reached 450,000 by 1940.

At the same time, tensions between Arabs and Jews grew during this period, leading to a series of Arab riots against the Jews in 1929 that left many dead and resulted in the depopulation of the Jewish community in Hebron. This was followed by more violence during the “Great Uprising” of 1936–1939. In response to the ever-increasing tension between the Arabic and Jewish communities married with the various commitments the British faced at the dawn of World War II, the British issued the White Paper of 1939, which severely restricted Jewish immigration to 75,000 people for five years. This served to create a relatively peaceful eight years in Palestine while the Holocaust unfolded in Europe.

Shortly after their rise to power, the Nazis negotiated the Ha’avarot or “Transfer” Agreement with the Jewish Agency under which 50,000 German Jews and $100 million worth of their assets would be moved to Palestine.

The British government limited Jewish immigration to Mandatory Palestine with quotas, and following the rise of Nazism to power in Germany, illegal immigration to Mandatory Palestine commenced. The illegal immigration was known as Aliyah Bet (“secondary immigration”), or Ha’apalah, and was organized by the Mossad Le’aliyah Bet, as well as by the Irgun. Immigration was done mainly by sea, and to a lesser extent overland through Iraq and Syria. During World War II and the years that followed until independence, Aliyah Bet became the main form of Jewish immigration to Mandatory Palestine.

Following the war, Berihah (“escape”), an organization of former partisans and ghetto fighters was primarily responsible for smuggling Jews from Poland and Eastern Europe to the Italian ports from which they traveled to Mandatory Palestine. Despite British efforts to curb the illegal immigration, during the 14 years of its operation, 110,000 Jews immigrated to Palestine. In 1945 reports of the Holocaust with its 6 million Jewish killed, caused many Jews in Palestine to turn openly against the British Mandate, and illegal immigration escalated rapidly as many Holocaust survivors joined the Aliyah.

At the beginning of the immigration wave, most of the immigrants to reach Israel were Holocaust survivors from Europe, including many from displacedpersons camps in Germany, Austria, and Italy, and from British detention camps on Cyprus. Large sections of shattered Jewish communities throughout Europe, such as those from Poland and Romania also immigrated to Israel, with some communities, such as those from Bulgaria and Yugoslavia, being almost entirely transferred. At the same time, the number of immigrants from Arab and Muslim countries increased.

Special operations were undertaken to evacuate Jewish communities perceived to be in serious danger, such as Operation Magic Carpet, which evacuated almost the entire Jewish population of Yemen, and Operation Ezra and Nehemiah, which airlifted most of the Jews of Iraq to Israel. Nearly the entire Jewish population of Libya left for Israel around this time.

This resulted in a period of austerity. To ensure that Israel, which at that time had a small economy and scant foreign currency reserves, could provide for the immigrants, a strict regime of rationing was put in place. Measures were enacted to ensure that all Israeli citizens had access to adequate food, housing, and clothing. Austerity was very restrictive until 1953; the previous year, Israel had signed a reparations agreement with West Germany, in which the West German government would pay Israel as compensation for the Holocaust, due to Israel’s taking in a large number of Holocaust survivors. The resulting influx of foreign capital boosted the Israeli economy and allowed for the relaxing of most restrictions. The remaining austerity measures were gradually phased out throughout the following years. When new immigrants arrived in Israel, they were sprayed with DDT, underwent a medical examination, were inoculated against diseases, and were given food. The earliest immigrants received desirable homes in established urban areas, but most of the immigrants were then sent to transit camps, known initially as immigrant camps, and later as Ma’abarot. Many were also initially housed in reception centers in military barracks. By the end of 1950, some 93,000 immigrants were housed in 62 transit camps. The Israeli government’s goal was to get the immigrants out of refugee housing and into society as speedily as possible. Immigrants who left the camps received a ration card, an identity card, a mattress, a pair of blankets, and $21 to $36 in cash. They settled either in established cities and towns, or in kibbutzim and moshavim.Many others stayed in the Ma’abarot as they were gradually turned into permanent cities and towns, which became known as development towns, or were absorbed as neighborhoods of the towns they were attached to, and the tin dwellings were replaced with permanent housing.

In the early 1950s, the immigration wave subsided, and emigration increased; ultimately, some 10% of the immigrants would leave Israel for other countries in the following years.

In 1953, immigration to Israel averaged 1,200 a month, while emigration averaged 700 a month. The end of the period of mass immigration gave Israel a critical opportunity to more rapidly absorb the immigrants still living in transit camps. The Israeli government built 260 new settlements and 78,000 housing units to accommodate the immigrants, and by the mid-1950s, almost all were in permanent housing. The last ma’abarot closed in 1963.

In the mid-1950s, a smaller wave of immigration began from North African countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt, many of which were in the midst of nationalist struggles. Between 1952 and 1964, some 240,000 North African Jews came to Israel. During this period, smaller but significant numbers arrived from other places such as Europe, Iran, India, and Latin America. In particular, a small immigration wave from Poland, known as the “Gomulka Aliyah”, took place during this period. From 1956 to 1960, Poland permitted free Jewish emigration, and some 50,000 Polish Jews immigrated to Israel.

Since the founding of the State of Israel, the Jewish Agency for Israel was mandated as the organization responsible for aliyah in the diaspora.

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Jewish

Piety and Festivities COOLFACTS

Jewish piety is determined by the Commandments of the Torah and by centuries of “midrash,”or scholarly interpretation of the Torah and its meaning. They seek to live a life in accordance with the will of God and provide structure and significance for day-to-day life and celebration days.

T O R A H

The Torah The Torah brings salvation and orientation in all aspects of Jewish life. Fundamental aspects of the Torah Commandments include circumcision, observation of the Sabbath, purity provisions, and dietary laws. The purity of people reflects upon the sanctity of God. Impurities include types of skin diseases, bodily excretions, blood, and above all, contact with the dead. People can retain purity by immersion within a ritual bath (mikvah) while impure objects also can be made fit for use through a method of purification.

Laws of Everyday Life

Dietary laws include avoiding certain types of meat, such as pork, as well as prohibiting the common storage and consumption of meat and dairy products together. All foods that are permissible to eat by the Commandments of the Torah are referred as “kosher.” Every week Jews observe the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, as a day off from work.

Shabbath Celebrated in the home or synagogue, it is permissible to break the Commandment of the Sabbath only when danger is perceived to life and body. (On Sabbath day, doctors will only operate on those that are near death. If you`re not about to die, don`t even bother going to the emergency room on a Friday night.) In addition, personal piety involves prayers, fasts, and good works.

Worship Services and Festivities The public ceremonies of Judaism are celebrated in the synagogue. According to the Orthodox Judaism, ten adult Jewish males must be present during sermon. As common prayer and reading of the Torah are the focal points of service, within a one year (three years within Reform communities) the entire text is recited. Today, the Hebrew Torah is commonly recited within a sermon held in the local language. Main prayers of the Jewish service are the “Shema” (“Hear Israel”) and the “Amidah” (“18 Blessings”). In Orthodox Judaism, a “tefillin”(prayer belt and jacket), a “tallit” (prayer cloak or shawl), and a “kipa” (cap) are worn during the prayer.

The annual Jewish festivals and customs were mostly linked with luminary movements and the vegetative cycle. They were first established as celebrations of the actions of God such as the Exodus from Egypt.

Community rituals celebrate each stage of life: The circumcision of male infants on their eight day; the religious ceremony (“Bar Mitzvah”) associated with males in their 13th year coming of age (in Reform Judaism females hold a similar celebration, the “Bat Mitzvah”); both the proposal and act of marriage, and then finally death. Important annual festivities are Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Hanukkah, and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

- Zionism Due to widespread anti-Semitism, Jewish scholars since the late 19th century have hope for the modernization of the Jewish people through the establishment of Israel as a nation.

Theodor Herzl (also an important street in Tel Aviv named after him) is considered as the founder of the Zionist movement with his work “The Jewish State” (1896).

The seventh World Zionist Organization in Basel voted for the establishment of Palestine as the homeland for Jews throughout the world. In May 1948, the Israeli Declaration of Independence was publicly read in Tel Aviv.

The ascent to power by the National Socialists in Germany overshadowed the 18th Zionist Congress in Prague in 1933.

Middle Ages to the Early Modern Period -

Judaism achieved a cultural period of bloom in the Middle Ages, primarily on the Iberian Peninsula and the German cities. However, it also experienced persecutions and expulsions.

High points of terror came with the Crusades, which were increasingly accompanied by pogroms – organized persecution- of the Jews as well as their expulsion from England (1290) and Spain (1492). Around 12,000 Jews lived in Germany at the start of the Early Modern period.

The first Jews settled in North America in 1646.

Enlightenment to the Foundation of Israel -

Different branches of Judaism began developing from the 19th century onward in Western Europe and the U.S. as a reaction to the Enlightenment. While Orthodox Jews chose a more isolationist position, others sought assimilation.

More than ever before, Jews strove to gain equal rights within societies in which they were a minority.

This was first achieved in France following the French Revolution.

The Nazi ascension to power in Germany in 1933, resulted in unprecedented anti-Semitic actions.

With the Wannsee conference in January 20, 1942, the systematic mass murder of Jews living in the German-controlled regions was decided.

On May 14, 1948, David Ben Gurion proclaimed the state of Israel, which was successfully established.

Israel`s main airport is named after David Ben Gurion.

How to study theTorah?

In Jewish practice, Torah study often takes on a ritualized role similar to that of prayer. A specific place — the beit midrash, or “house of study” — is a designated room set aside in many Jewish communal buildings. Many Jews carve out set times during the day or week for Torah study. Torah study may begin with the recitation of a prayer thanking God for “commanding us to occupy ourselves with the words of Torah” and another asking God to enable us and our descendants to enjoy knowledge of God through the study of Torah. The Talmud even records specific prayers for entering and leaving a beit midrash.

Jewish study focuses not on simple absorption of material, but on a dialogue among students and between students and text. This dialogical mode of study is exemplified by the standard page layout of many classical texts. Generally, the focus text — which may be Talmud, Bible, midrash, or a law code — stands at the center of the page and is surrounded by two or more levels of commentary: one or more commentaries on the text, and sometimes a later commentary on those commentaries.

A page of Babylonian Talmud, for instance, includes the commentary of Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo ben Yitzchak), an eleventh-century rabbi and the pre-eminent talmudic commentator, and of his grandchildren, collectively known as the Ba’alei Tosafot, or colloquially, Tosafot (“Additions”). While Rashi is primarily interested in explaining the text at hand, the Tosafot attempt to reconcile disparate sections of Talmud.

In the course of their discussions, they often expand on and/or challenge Rashi’s explanations. Later commentators, in turn, expand on and challenge the Tosafot.

The traditional mode of Jewish study maintains an emphasis on dialogue and disagreement. Jews often study in havruta — in pairs — with each member of the havruta challenging and asking questions of the other. A person who walks into a traditional beit midrash is struck immediately by the noise level — havrutot (plural of havruta) read the text aloud and often argue at some volume, pushing one another to come to a better understanding of the text at hand.

The placement of Talmud and law codes at the center of the curriculum of the traditional yeshiva (study institution) reflects an emphasis on halakha — Jewish law — as the core of Jewish knowledge. The study of Bible and midrash was, for many centuries, viewed as the domain of women, and not the province of the exclusively male yeshiva. Today, as the boundaries of Jewish knowledge have expanded, and as both women and men have gained greater access to the areas previously assigned to the other, the parameters of Torah study have expanded to include the study of all types of classical texts, as well as the study of philosophy, literature and other non-legal works.

Regardless of what one chooses to study, the emphasis on questioning and dialogue marks the process of talmud torah or sacred Jewish learning. While it is certainly possible to study on one’s own, studying with a partner or in a group facilitates this questioning process.

In approaching a text, one may first try to understand the plain meaning, or the p’shat, of the text: What is the text trying to say in its original context? What do the individual words mean? Why are certain words and phrases used rather than others?

One might then ask broader questions about the meaning of the text and about its relation to other texts: What are the hidden meanings of the text? Why does the text speak as it does? How do we relate to the text? In what ways does the text reflect or conflict with our own beliefs and values? What about the text do we find problematic or challenging? How does this text compare with other Jewish texts, or with the contemporary practice of Judaism?

Asking these types of questions may rarely lead to a definitive resolution, but will certainly contribute to a deeper understanding of the texts at hand and of one’s companions in study. Ultimately, it is the process of study, with its emphasis on questions and dialogue, which distinguishes talmud Torah from other forms of study.

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What Is the Temple Mount?

The Temple Mount refers to the elevated plaza above the Western Wall in Jerusalem that was the site of both of Judaism’s ancient temples. The site is also the third holiest in Islam (after Mecca and Medina) and has been a focal point of inter-religious tension for decades. At present, the site is under Israeli sovereignty but is administered by the Muslim Waqf (religious trust). Jews and other nonMuslims are permitted to visit, but Jewish prayer is forbidden there — a provision long contested by a small number of Israeli Jews who oppose Muslim control over the site. Violence has flared at the site on numerous occasions, and Israeli forces sometimes restrict access to Muslims at times of elevated tensions.

Why is the Temple Mount holy to Jews?

What is Israel’s policy on access to the Mount?

The Temple Mount, known in Hebrew as Har Habayit, is traditionally said to be the site where Abraham demonstrated his devotion to God by taking his son Isaac to be sacrificed. The mount is also the site of both ancient Jewish temples.

The first, built by King Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The second was built in the sixth century BCE and stood for nearly 600 years before it was destroyed and the Jewish people exiled in 70 CE by the Roman Empire. Jews continue to mourn the destruction on the fast day of Tisha B’Av. According to Jewish tradition, a third temple will be built on the site during the messianic age.

The Temple Mount may be accessed by anyone, but entry to the Dome of the Rock is restricted to Muslims. Though there are multiple gates to access the site, non-Muslims must enter through the Mughrabi Gate, located near the Western Wall plaza. Israeli security controls the entry points. At moments of elevated tensions, Israel has occasionally closed the site to visitors, including Muslim worshippers.

Why is the Temple Mount holy to Muslims?

The Temple Mount is known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) and, according to Islamic tradition, is the site of Muhammad’s ascent to heaven in the seventh century.

Today, the mount is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, and the gold-topped Dome of the Rock, one of the most recognized symbols of Jerusalem.

Are Jews permitted to visit the mount?

Yes. However, traditional Jewish law has been understood to bar entry to the the site. Jewish tradition regards entry to the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctum of the temple where God’s presence dwells, as strictly forbidden, and as a result Jews traditionally did not enter the Temple Mount at all for fear of treading on sacred ground. (The exact location of the Holy of Holies is not known.) Though some have challenged this ruling, in 2005 a group of prominent Israeli rabbis,

including both the Ashkenazi and Sephardic chief rabbis, reiterated an earlier religious edict that “no man nor woman should set foot in the entire area of the Temple Mount.” The Western Wall, the last standing retaining wall of the Temple Mount, is the closest to the mount that Jews are traditionally permitted to pray.

Who controls the Temple Mount?

Since Israeli forces regained control of the Old City of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel has extended its sovereignty over the site, though most of the world regards Israeli authority in all of eastern Jerusalem to be illegitimate. Day-to-day authority over the site rests with the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf. A waqf is a charitable trust recognized by Islamic law. Jordan, which had controlled eastern Jerusalem and the Islamic holy sites prior to 1967, continued to exercise a special guardianship over the mount, an arrangement later codified in the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty, under which Israel “respects the present special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Muslim Holy shrines in Jerusalem.” Overall security for the site, including entry to visitors and worshippers, rests with Israeli security forces.

Why are some Israeli Jews pushing for greater access to the site?

Efforts to secure Jewish prayer rights at the Temple Mount have gained traction in recent years, despite the mainstream rabbinic opinion that Jews should not set foot there. A number of rabbis have issued contrary rulings, saying that visitation and prayer should be permitted, and by some estimates the number of Jewish visitors has vastly increased. Among the most prominent activists is Yehuda Glick, an American-born rabbi and current member of the Israeli Knesset . Glick is a leading figure in efforts to secure Jewish prayer rights on the mount, framing his campaign in the language of civil rights.

In 2014, he survived an assassination attempt by a suspected member of Islamic Jihad.

Who is King David?

The biblical King David of Israel was known for his diverse skills as both a warrior and a writer of psalms. In his 40 years as ruler, between approximately 1010 and 970 B.C.E., he united the people of Israel, led them to victory in battle, conquered land and paved the way for his son, Solomon, to build the Holy Temple. Almost all knowledge of him is derived from the books of the Prophets and Writings: Samuel I and II, Kings I and Chronicles I. David was the eighth and youngest son of Jesse from the kingly tribe of Judah. He was also a direct descendent of Ruth the Moabite. David began his life as a shepherd in Bethlehem. One day, the prophet Samuel called him out of the field and anointed him without the knowledge of the current king, Saul. David simply returned to his sheep. His first interaction with Saul came when the king was looking for someone to play music for him, and the king’s attendant summoned the skilled David to play for him. Saul was pleased with David and kept him in his service as a musician.

The first time David publicly displayed his courage was when, as an inexperienced boy armed with only a stick and a few stones, he confronted the nine-foot, bronze armored Philistine giant, Goliath of Gath. After skilled warriors had cowered in fear for 40 days, David made a slingshot, invoked God’s name, and killed the giant. After this, Saul took David on as commander of his troops and David formed a close friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan.

David was successful in battle against the Philistines and this aroused the jealousy of Saul, who tried to kill David by throwing a spear at him. David stayed with Saul, however, and Saul offered him his own daughter, Merav, as a wife. He later reneged on his promise, but offered David his second daughter, Michal, in exchange for the foreskins of 100 Philistines, a price that David paid.

Saul’s jealousy of David grew and he asked his son Jonathan to kill David. Jonathan was a friend of David’s, however, and hid David instead. He then went to his father and convinced Saul to promise not to kill David. Saul promised, and David returned to his service. This promise did not last and, after Saul attempted to kill David a second time, Michal helped David run away to the prophet Samuel in Ramah. David returned briefly to make a pact of peace with Jonathan and to verify that Saul was still planning to kill him. He then continued his flight from Saul, finding refuge with the king of Moab. On the way, the priest Ahimelech of Nob gave David a weapon. When Saul heard this, he sent Doeg the Edomite to kill 85 of the city’s priests.

In the course of his flight, David gained the support of 600 men, and he and his band traveled from city to city. At one point, in Ein Gedi, David crept up on Saul while he was in a cave, but instead of killing him, cut a piece from his cloak and confronted Saul. Saul broke down and admitted that David would one day be king and asked David to swear that he would not destroy Saul’s descendants or wipe out Saul’s name. David swore to this, but it did not stop Saul from continuing to pursue him. Finally, David and his supporters joined the service of Achish, the Philistine king of Gath who entrusted David with control of the city of Ziklag. Under Achish’s employ, David raided the cities of nomads who harassed the Jews and gave the spoils as gifts to the leaders of Judah to win their support for him against Saul.

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Eventually, while David was out battling a tribe called the Amalekites, Saul and Jonathan were killed on Mt. Gilboa in a fight with the Philistines. David mourned, and then began a new stage in his life, as king of Judah. He moved to Hebron, along with his wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, and his followers. The people of Judea were grateful to David for saving them from desert raiders while he was in Ziklag, and they appointed David king.

Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner crowned Ish-Boshet son of Saul king over the tribes of Israel. The kingdoms of Judah and Israel fought, with David’s dynasty growing stronger as Saul’s grew weaker. Finally, after Abner had a fight with Ish-Boshet, Abner approached David and made a pact with him, which allowed David to unite the two kingdoms and rule over all of Israel. As Abner was leaving David, however, David’s advisor and army commander, Joab, killed Abner without David’s knowledge. Soon, Ish-Boshet was also killed and the tribes of Israel anointed David as their king. David was 30 years old at the time, and had ruled over Judah for seven years and six months. Over the years, he had taken more wives and had many children.

He had also made pacts with kings of various surrounding countries.

David’s first action as king was to capture what is now the City of David in Jerusalem, fortify it and build himself a palace.

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king and was threatening their hegemony over all of Palestine, they attacked, spread out over the Valley of Raphaim and captured Bethlehem. David retaliated and, in three battles, forced the Philistines out of Israel.

Once David had established the safety of his kingdom, he brought the Holy Ark, which had been passed from city to city, to Jerusalem. He then wanted to build a temple to God and consulted Natan the prophet. Natan replied to David that God would always be with David, but it would be up to David’s son to build the Temple because David had been a warrior and shed blood.

David then began fighting wars against Israel’s neighbors on the east bank of the Jordan. He defeated the Moabites, the Edomites, the Ammonites and the Arameans. These wars began as defensive wars, but ended with the establishment of a Davidic empire that extended over both sides of the Jordan River, as far as the Mediterranean Sea.

David enforced justice in his empire and established civil and military administrations in Jerusalem, modeled after those of the Canaanites and Egyptians. He divided the country into twelve districts, each with its own civil, military and religious institutions. He also established Jerusalem as the secular and religious center of the country. Each district paid taxes to Jerusalem and the people began to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem each year on the holidays of Passover, Shavout and Sukkot.

Despite this flawless reign on a national level, David had many problems in his personal life. One day while the men were at war, David spied a beautiful woman, Bathsheba, from his rooftop. He discovered that she was married to Uriah the Hittite, but this did not stop him from sending for her and getting her pregnant. He then recalled Uriah from battle and pretended that Uriah was the father of Bathsheba’s baby. Uriah refused to go home to his wife, so David sent Uriah to the front lines of battle, where he was killed. David then married Bathsheba. When confronted by Natan the prophet, David admitted his sin. In punishment, Bathsheba’s child died and David was cursed with the promise of a rebellion from within his own house.

Bathsheba and David soon conceived a second son, Solomon.

David’s personal strife continued when his son Amnon raped Tamar, Amnon’s half-sister. Absalom, who was David’s son and Tamar’s brother, then killed Amnon.

Absalom fled, but David could not stop thinking about him. Finally, Joab convinced David to allow Absalom to return.

Absalom was a handsome man and became popular with the people of Israel.

Then, 40 years after Samuel had anointed David king, Absalom, along with 200 men, journeyed to Hebron with the intention of rebelling against his father and taking over his kingdom. He had the support of the men of Hebron who were insulted by the removal of the kingdom from Hebron to Jerusalem, the elders whose status was undermined by parts of David’s policy and the Benjamites who wanted to avenge Saul’s family.

David feared that Absalom would return and conquer Jerusalem, so he and all his followers fled the city, leaving only 10 concubines to guard the palace. David told the priests Zadok and Abiathar to remain in the city along with his friend and now spy Hushai the Archite.

Meanwhile, Absalom reached Jerusalem, took over the city and slept with David’s concubines. Hushai befriended Absalom, advised him, and told the priests to send messengers informing David of Absalom’s plans. David gathered his troops and then killed 20,000 of Absalom’s Israelite soldiers, including Absalom himself. David returned to power. A second revolt broke out at the hands of Sheba son of Bichri, but with the help of Joab, David succeeded in crushing this rebellion as well, and in killing Sheba.

Eventually David grew old and had to stop fighting. He constantly felt cold and could not get warm. At this point, Adonijah, David’s oldest son, declared himself king. David, however, had promised Bathsheba that her son Solomon would be king, and publicly anointed Solomon. Fearful of retribution Adonijah ran to the altar in Jerusalem, but Solomon pardoned him and sent him home.

David delivered a last set of instructions to his son, telling him to follow the words of God and to repay in kind specific people that had either wronged David or helped him. David then died after 40 years as king, 33 of those in Jerusalem. He was buried in the City of David.

David was a poet and the rabbis believe that David wrote the Book of Psalms, or at least edited it. Throughout his life, David prepared for the construction of the Holy Temple by setting aside the necessary physical materials, commanding the Levites and others in their duties for the Temple, and giving the plan for the Temple to Solomon. It is then fitting that according to tradition, the Messiah, who will build the third temple, will be from the Davidic dynasty. Today, Jews pray daily for the coming of the “Messiah, son of David.”

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The Western Wall of the fourth century. Upon the defeat of the emperor of the east, Licinius, at Chrysopolis on September 18, 324 C.E., Constantine became ruler of the Holy Land.

Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning and despair, but within the sadness of the day there is also a message of hope.

That message being that despite much suffering, the Jews will survive and be redeemed as promised by the prophets of old. That message of Tisha B’Av is conveyed in the history of the Western Wall.

Constantine built churches throughout the land and strongly encouraged the proselytism of Jews. It is theorized that Constantine enacted anti-Jewish laws.(See The Jews Under Roman and Byzantine Rule: A Political History of Palestine from the Bar Kochba Revolt to the Arab Conquest , page 165.) He also reinstated legislation of the Roman emperor Hadrian 117-138 C.E. Following his suppression of the Bar Kochba Revolt (132-135 C.E.), Hadrian enacted laws that prohibited the entry of Jews into Jerusalem or the surrounding region of Judea. Over time those laws remained on the books but were not enforced by all emperors; many allowed Jewish pilgrimages on the holidays. Constantine reinstated those laws, but with some changes.

Jews were again permitted to reside in Judea. In addition, he also allowed the Jews to enter Jerusalem and pray at the Western Wall on one day annually — Tisha B’Av.

The Byzantine emperor Constantine adopted Christianity in the early part of the fourth century. Upon the defeat of the emperor of the east, Licinius, at Chrysopolis on September 18, 324 C.E., Constantine became ruler of the Holy Land.

Constantine built churches throughout the land and strongly encouraged the proselytism of Jews. It is theorized that Constantine enacted anti-Jewish laws.(See The Jews Under Roman and Byzantine Rule: A Political History of Palestine from the Bar Kochba Revolt to the Arab Conquest , page 165.) He also reinstated legislation of the Roman emperor Hadrian 117-138 C.E.

Being the last standing wall surrounding the Temple, the Western Wall already possessed a special significance to the Jews. Perhaps the emperor permitted the Jews access to the Western Wall on Tisha B’Av so they could revel in their sufferings and misery; maybe he had the notion that such thoughts would lead them to apostasy. But the sight of the remnant of the Temple gave the Jews hope and a sense of resolve rather than weakening them.

They saw it as a sign of strength and took solace upon their annual opportunity to visit the site of their beloved Temple.

The Byzantine emperor Constantine adopted Christianity in the early part

The Talmudic sages of that era spoke of the special and eternal nature of

the Wall. Rabbi Acha stated that the Shekhinah, special Divine Presence of God, will never depart from the Temple’s Western Wall. The Midrash cites a quote from Solomon’s Song of Songs, “Behold, He stands behind our wall” (Midrash Tanhuma Exodus, 10; Song of Songs; Exodus Raba 2:2).

T

he Temple was destroyed, but a part remained. The Western Wall served as a reminder that the Temple could never be totally destroyed.

The hope for its rebuilding remained strong in that era and over the centuries. The seemingly minor changes in the laws by Constantine allowed the Jews some solace and inspiration on their day of mourning.

The Kotel (Western Wall) is the setting in which the annual cycle, individual and communal histories, and consecrated space come together.

In ancient times, the Temple was the focus of mass pilgrimages, three times during the year, as prescribed by biblical law. Pilgrims from all over the land came to the spot chosen by God to “place His name there” (Deuteronomy 16), and during the Second Commonwealth both pilgrims and contributions reached the Temple from the Diaspora.

Although the Temple has not been standing for close to two millennia, the memory of these events has been preserved in the synagogue liturgy, particularly in the “additional prayer” of the festivals, which recalls the former sacrifices and the ascent to the Temple.

The fact that the pilgrimage festivals are a major occasion for present-day visitors to the Kotel places ancient expressions of collective memory in metonymic relation to a contemporary “place of memory,” creating a sense of continuity, and perhaps even identity, between their devotional visit and that of their ancestors.

Each festival attracts thousands to the Wall, but each takes on a special atmosphere reflecting the requirements of the holiday. The first night of Passover represents the most intense ingathering of the family during the ritual year, and travel to the Kotel later in the week is preceded by careful preparations to bring food from home that has been made according to the strict Passover rules. Even when the Wall is not the focus of celebration, as during Lag B’Omer, 33 days after Passover, when more than 100,000 Israelis flock to Meron, it stays in contact with the ritual pace of the people. It also accommodates, easily, modern festivities and solemnities; the sameness of place provides a persuasive link between the

old and the new.

The Kotel thus appears to be the natural setting for modern celebrations such as Israeli Independence Day or Holocaust Remembrance Day, even as the forms of these recently established celebrations evolve amid debates over their significance. In some of these ceremonies religious themes are given prominence, while in others the national component clearly dominates.

In the energetic Friday evening dance to the Kotel from the Jewish quarter on the part of young male yeshiva students, it is difficult to untangle the political overtones from the religious commitment. The meshing of modern Israeli identity and traditional religious symbols is salient at military swearing-in ceremonies, which have become more frequent at the Wall since the previous favorite site, Masada, has relinquished its primacy. In these ceremonies the recruit, after his basic training, holds a Bible in one hand, a rifle in the other, and is told that without the Book he is nothing but a murderer.

Other ceremonies reflect current political events as in the case of demonstrations concerning distressed Jewish groups in Russia, Syria, or Ethiopia. A particularly impressive event takes place on the eve of the anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, when thousands of yeshiva students from all over the country, stirred by the ideology of the Gush Emunimmovement, come to the Kotel carrying torches.

Observing Tisha B’Av Tisha B’Av, which falls in midsummer when the sun has dried up vegetation everywhere, is a Fast Day that commemorates the destruction of both the First and

Second Temples and has become a fundamental observance at the Kotel. Dressed in slippers, sneakers, or other footwear without leather, observant Jews come to spend part of the day and night at the Wall.

Heightened solemnity intermingles with pronounced intimacy. Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, boyfriends and girlfriends, yeshiva students share mats or blankets spread out both inside and outside the synagogue plaza.

On this night (and day) all the Jewish communities and ethnic groups, all the religious tendencies–including the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic “mitzvah tank,” which provides phylacteries (tefillin ) for the afternoon prayers — are present. Individual and collective, communal and national, can be found, compounded with one another.

The police guard the area all night long. Ultra-national groups may try to reach the Temple Mount, while pseudo-messiahs and would-be prophets both lament the existence of the Diaspora and announce the imminent reunification of the people. Inside the synagogue area and outside, pilgrims read the biblical Book of Lamentations, chant dirges, or fraternize in this unique setting of a foodless picnic in which daily needs are hardly a distraction.

A mourning ceremony animated by a pervasive but disorganized sociality, Tisha B’Av, since the retaking of the Wall, has emerged as a point in time and space in which the meeting of messianic aspiration and national sentiment has been crystallized.

This process is reminiscent of the famous conceit of the Talmud ic sage, Rabbi Akiva. When asked why he laughed upon seeing a fox running through the Temple ruins, Akiva assured his puzzled colleagues that his mirth stemmed from his witnessing the evidence of the prophecies of destruction and the implicit certainty that this guarantees the fulfillment of the prophecies of redemption.

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The HiddenWall For centuries the small stretch of the Western Wall of the Temple Mount used for Jewish prayers was the only part of the Herodian Temple Mount complex non-Muslims could actually approach and touch. The once-important southern wall of the Temple Mount was largely hidden by accumulated earth and debris, and by later buildings that rose and fell with each successive wave of history.

Now excavations have made the southern wall and extreme southern part of the Western Wall accessible all the way down to the Herodian street level. At a quiet time of day, when no tour groups are trudging through, you can sit in the shade of an ancient shop doorway and contemplate the charisma and enormity of the Herodian ashlars. Wild capers grow out of the monumental walls.

If you look up near the extreme southern end of the Western Wall where the level of earth would have been centuries ago, you can see a large ashlar on which, probably in the Byzantine era (before Islamic times), archaeologists believe a Jewish pilgrim to the ruined Temple Mount carved the Hebrew words from Isaiah 66:14: ”And when you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb.” For 1,500 years, this visitor‘s message lay hidden in the earth.

Islamic palace uncovered by archaeologists at the foot of the Temple Mount, the Davidson Center contains a small museum with artifacts found at the site, as well as videos and computer information on the Temple Mount history.

The video and digital recreatlon of the Herodian Temple Mount are interesting, but there are a number of anachronistic and questionable details. See if you can spot them!

There are 1-hour tours available of the Davidson Center (which is already relatively self-explanatory) and also of the Archeological Park (worthwhile for those who want to understand all the details of the site). Each tour is $32 per person.

But a map and recorded audio tour of the site, available at the Davidson Center, is sufficient for most visitors.

Entrance from near inside of Dung Gate. @ 02/627-7550. www.archpark.org.il. NIS 30 ($6.60) adults; NIS 16 ($3.40) students, children, and seniors. Sun—Thurs 8am—5pm; Fri 8am—2pm.

Closed Sat.

What is a Hamsa?

Although it may derive from Islamic or pagan culture, the hamsa today has become a Jewish and Israeli symbol.

This symbol of an eye embedded in the palm of an open hand has had numerous other names throughout the ages, including the eye of Fatima, the hand of Fatima, and the hand of Miriam. The form is sometimes rendered naturally and other times symmetrically with a second thumb replacing the little finger.

The hamsa has been variously interpreted by scholars as a Jewish, Christian, or Islamic amulet, and as a pagan fertility symbol. Yet even as the magical form remains shrouded in mystery and scholars debate nearly every aspect of its emergence, it is recognized today as a kabbalistic amulet and as an important symbol in Jewish art.

Hamsa Origins As the references to Fatima (Mohammed’s daughter) and to Miriam (Moses’ sister) suggest, the amulet carries significance to both Jews and Muslims. One of the most prominent early appearances of the hamsa is the image of a large open hand that appears on the Puerta Judiciaria (Gate of Judgment) of the Alhambra, a 14th-century Islamic fortress in southern Spain. The Alhambra hand of Fatima seems to draw upon the Arabic word “khamsa,” which means “five,” a number that itself is identified with fighting the Evil Eye. The Alhambra motif, as well as other Spanish and Moorish hand images, hints at the five pillars of Islam (faith, fasting, pilgrimage, prayer, and tax) in the five fingers of the hand.

According to Islamic folklore, Fatima’s hand became a symbol of faith after her husband Ali came home with a new wife one day. Fatima, who at the time had been cooking, dropped the soup ladle she had been using. Yet she was so preoccupied by the new arrival that she continued stirring using her bare hand, hardly noticing that she was burning herself.

It would not be unusual for an Islamic symbol to find its way into Sephardic Jewish culture, which flourished alongside Islam. However, amulets are somewhat problematic in Judaism because the Bible prohibits magic and divination.

Still, the Talmud refers on several occasions to amulets, or kamiyot, which might come from the Hebrew meaning “to bind.” One law allows for carrying an approved amulet on the Sabbath, which suggests that amulets were common amongst Jews at some points in history. (Shabbat 53a, 61a). Art historian Walter Leo Hildburgh also raises the possibility that the hamsa has Christian roots, and might be influenced by the Christian artistic form where Mary often carries her hands in a”fig” pose, or a configuration where the thumb is tucked under the index finger beside the middle finger. According to University of Chicago professor Ahmed Achrati, the hamsa did not necessarily arise in a religious context. The form of the open hand appears in Paleolithic caves in France, Spain, Argentina, and Australia, including one site in Algeria that earned the name The Cave of the Hands.

In Egyptian art, the human spirit (called ka) is represented by two arms reaching upward (forming a horseshoe shape), albeit with only two fingers on each hand. The symbol of the Phoenician lunar goddess Tanit resembles a woman raising her hands, and hands also found their way into tomb decorations. Etruscans painted hands with horns on their tombs, and some Jewish burial practices featured images of hands (suggesting the priestly blessing) on stone markers of Levite graves. All of these could be considered very early precursors to the hamsa.

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TIPS FOR AN EASIER FAST

Usually, the questions have to do with the last basic element, the complete separation of milk and meat products. The use of different sets of dishes and pots and pans, developed in order to ensure a greater separation between milk and meat foods.

This is also the basis of waiting several hours after eating a meat dish before eating a dairy product, so that the two types of food shouldn’t even mix together in our stomachs!

Israel produces 93% of its own food requirements; however most of the country’s wheat is imported.

Kosher Food: What Makes Food Kosher or Not The word “kosher” literally means “fit” or “appropriate.”

Ask an average person to describe food and they might say it is food “blessed by a rabbi.”

The word “kosher,” however, is Hebrew for “fit” or “appropriate” and describes the food that is suitable for a Jew to eat. With its roots in the Hebrew Bible, the system of defining which foods are kosher was developed by the rabbis of late antiquity. Its application to changing realities has been the work of subsequent generations, including our own.

Confused why kosher food is categorized as dairy, meat or pareve (neither meat nor dairy)?

Kashrut’s Biblical and Talmudic Origins Close readers of the Torah might notice that according to the book of Genesis, vegetarianism was commanded by God as the ideal diet (see Genesis 1:29). However, in the course of the biblical narratives, this changed to include a variety of different animals.

According to the Torah (Leviticus 11), only certain kinds of animals are considered inherently kosher. For land animals, any creature that both chews its cud and has split hooves is kosher. For sea creatures, any fish that has both fins and scales is acceptable, and for birds, only those birds approved by the Torah (or others that later authorities have judged to be like them, a list that excludes scavengers and birds of prey). In addition, it is repeated three times in the Torah that it is forbidden to cook a baby goat in its own mother’s milk.

The rabbis in the Talmud further developed these principles of kashrut (Pronounced: kahsh-ROOT, Origin: Hebrew, the Jewish dietary laws.). In order to consume kosher land animals and birds, it is necessary to slaughter them in a prescribed way, in a manner that has been described as a more humane method than is practiced commercially. In addition, the prohibition of cooking a baby goat in its own mother’s milk is the basis for the complete, physical, hermetic separation of all milk and meat products. These are the fundamental elements of kashrut.

Keeping Kosher Today All questions, problems or issues about keeping kosher ultimately revolve around the basic principles of kashrut described above.

Whether a particular food is considered kosher or not usually has to do with whether any substance or product used in its manufacture was derived from a non-kosher animal or even an animal that is kosher but was not slaughtered in the prescribed manner. Rabbinic supervision of the production of food (a practice called hashgacha) enables it to carry a “seal of approval” (but no, it is not “blessed by a rabbi”).

The 3 Categories of Kosher Foods Dairy Often described with the Yiddish word milchig (Pronounced: MILL-khig, Origin: Yiddish, dairy, as an adjective to describe food containing dairy, or dishes used for foods containing dairy. (Kosher laws prohibit serving meat and dairy together.), these are foods, such as cheese, milk, yogurt, ice cream, etc.

Meat Often referred to with the Yiddish word fleischig, this includes all kosher animals and fowl slaughtered in the prescribed manner, and their derivative products.

Pareve A Yiddish word meaning “neutral,” this describes foods that are neither dairy nor meat, such as eggs and fish, tofu, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, and the like, provided they are not prepared with any milk or meat products.

In keeping kosher, it is necessary to keep all dairy and meat foods completely separate — which, unless one is vegetarian, necessitates separate sets of dishes and cooking utensils. Pareve foods, however, may be mixed in and served with either category of food since these foods are neither milk nor meat.

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Kosher Symbols:

How to decode the different kosher labels.

Question: I’ve noticed that there are a lot of different symbols that indicate something is kosher (Pronounced: KOH-sher, Origin: Hebrew, adhering to kashrut, the traditional Jewish dietary laws.) An OU, a triangle K, a cRc in a triangle, etc. One of my friends only eats things with some of the symbols, and not others. What’s the difference?

–Pam, Austin Answer: You’re right that there are dozens of different symbols that indicate something is kosher. Each symbol, known as a hechsher (Pronounced: HEK-sher, Origin: Hebrew, kosher certification for foods, and some other items, identifies product as complying with Jewish law),comes from a different organization or rabbi.

Arguably, the best known and most widely available one in North America is the Orthodox Union’s, which looks like this:

only, which look like this:

Here is an example of a kosher-for-Passover label on a product:

When shopping for kosher products, it is important to remember that just because some items produced by a company are kosher does not mean all of the company’s products are kosher.

Why So Many Different Symbols and Agencies?

If all products with kosher symbols on them have been certified as kosher by someone, then why do we need so many symbols? Well, because some people only trust certain organizations to do a good job of making sure something is kosher.

The Hebrew spelling of “kosher,” which appears on certain seals and certificates, looks like this:

Since kosher laws require keeping meat and dairy separate, kosher products always specify whether or not they are meat (also known as fleishig - Pronounced: FLAYshug, Origin: Yiddish, meaty, an adjective to identify foods containing meat or dishes that are used for meat. Jewish dietary laws prohibit combining meat and dairy foods, -) dairy (also known as milchig - Pronounced: MILL-khig, Origin: Yiddish, dairy, as an adjective to describe food containing dairy, or dishes used for foods containing dairy. Kosher laws prohibit serving meat and dairy together.- or chalavi), or pareve (Pronounced: PAHRV or pah-REV, Origin: Hebrew, an adjective to describe a food or dish that is neither meat nor dairy. Kosher laws prohibit serving meat and dairy together), (containing neither meat nor dairy).

Foods certified as kosher for Passover get a separate label that says “kosher for Passover” or “kasher l’Pesach.”

Sometimes the label has the Hebrew words

For this reason, if you are buying something to bring to the home of a friend who keeps kosher — maybe as a hostess gift or because you are making a shiva (visiting a mourner) call — it is a good idea first to find out which certifications they trust.

To help explain why people don’t all trust the same labels, I consulted with Rabbi Asher Lopatin, president of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah (Pronunced: TORE-uh, Origin: Hebrew, the Five Books of Moses.) Rabbinical School. He said that sometimes a rabbi or organization will accept a halachic (Pronounced: huh-LAKH-ic, Origin: Hebrew, according to Jewish law, complying with Jewish law. ) (or Jewish legal) leniency regarding food that others take issue with.

What’s a good example?

“While there have been some lenient opinions over the centuries regarding gelatin,” Rabbi Lopatin said, “current Orthodox practice, at least in the Diaspora, is to not accept gelatin from non-kosher animals.

Therefore, supervisions which do accept the leniencies of gelatin from non-kosher animals are not acceptable to (Orthodox) community standards.” And once you have an organization that allows for gelatin from a non-kosher animal, the community might be nervous accepting that organization’s supervision on any food, even if it doesn’t contain gelatin.

Think of it like hiring a babysitter. If you find out that your babysitter has been giving your kids ice cream for dinner, you might decide not to trust that babysitter to be in charge of your kids ever, even if you ensure that there’s no ice cream in the house.

Rabbi Lopatin brought up other concerns a community might have: “The second issue might be that while the rabbi giving the supervision might be a great scholar, he might not have the expertise to supervise a complicated system which requires expertise in modern machinery and processing systems. The third issue is that sometimes a supervision is just not seen as rigorous enough in really watching what is going on. There are some supervisions — local and national — where people have seen first hand that the mashgiach [the person in charge of supervising the facility for its kashrut (Pronounced: kahshROOT, Origin: Hebrew, the Jewish dietary laws.) is not around and that things are going on that might make the products non-kosher.”

Ensuring that a product is kosher is something many people take very seriously, so they want to be positive that the people charged with that duty know what they’re doing, and are present consistently enough to be sure that nothing improper is going on.

There are two more factors that differentiate among the kosher symbols. One is money. In order for a product to be certified kosher, the company has to pay a rabbi or kosher supervision organization to come in and supervise. This can be very expensive, and it’s fair to assume that when a company decides which organization they want to bring in to certify their product, they will choose a certification that fits within their budget.

Finally, it’s worthwhile to note that all of the kosher certification bodies are competitors with each other, and so it behooves them to maintain firmly that their own hashgacha (supervision) is the most trustworthy.

As you might expect, a rabbi whose brother is the head of a kosher certification body might be inclined to tell his community that his brother’s organization is the best one out there. There can be (and have been) all kinds of political shenanigans related to kashrut and kosher supervision, but it’s difficult to know exactly if and when this is going on. Most people come up with a standard policy about which symbols they’ll accept in conjunction with their rabbi and/or community.

All this talk of food supervision is making me hungry. I think it’s high time that I supervise the making of some cookies.

You can look up all the symbols and their organizations at the link below: http://www.kashrut.com/agencies/

Kosher Details: Waiting Between Meals How much time is required between eating meat and dairy?

Because those observing kashrut cannot eat meat and dairy foods together, this means that a meal is either a meat meal or a dairy meal (or a pareve meal for that matter). You cannot even have meat and dairy at the same table; that is, one person can’t eat a bagel with cream cheese at the same table where someone is eating fried chicken.

To clarify further, you can’t have a piece of steak on one plate, prepared without any dairy, then turn to a second plate and chomp down on a piece of cheese, even if you’ve swallowed the steak.

To ensure that meat and milk not be eaten together in any way, it is customary to wait a certain amount of time between meals. After eating meat, the wait time varies, but the generally accepted amount of time to wait is six hours.

Different Traditions Different traditions developed as to the exact amount of time that must pass between meat and dairy meals. Wait time is required because of the nature of meat.

In The Laws of Kashrus, Binyomin Forst explains that the sages give two primary reasons: Meat leaves behind a fatty residue in the throat, and particles of meat might remain between your teeth. Time is necessary for the digestive powers of saliva to break down both that fatty residue and the meat particles.

For Orthodox Jews, the most common wait time is six hours. According to Sephardic (Pronounced: seh-FAR-dik, Origin: Hebrew, describing Jews descending from the Jews of Spain.) tradition, six hours is not merely tradition, but halakhah, required by Jewish law. Ashke­nazic tradition says that more lenient options are also halakhically correct. Most agree that the meat meal should be concluded with appropriate blessings, signifying the meal is over. You should then clean and rinse your mouth and wash your hands.

Some say one hour is sufficient time, and this has been the accepted tradition of Dutch Jews.

German Jews follow a tradition of waiting three hours. Forst says this may be based on the idea that in winter the time between meals is shorter; therefore, it is acceptable to wait a shorter amount of time year round.

These are three generally accepted waittime traditions. However, even today, I’ve encountered people who’ve developed their own traditions within their communities. Some wait four hours after eating chicken, five hours after meat. Some start counting the wait time after saying blessings, some start counting as soon as they’ve swallowed the last bite of meat.

With dairy foods, the wait time between dairy and meat is minimal. This is based on [the talmudic tractate] Chullin 105a, where it says, “How long must one wait between cheese and flesh? And he replied, Nothing at all.” Still, you should eat something like bread to effectively wipe your mouth of any milky taste, and you should rinse your mouth and wash your hands.

Hard cheese, described as cheese that has aged over six months, such as Swiss cheese, has a stronger flavor and is thought to leave a fatty residue, so it requires a six-hour wait.

Chullin 105a Rather, Bait Shammai say: wipe and the same is true for rinse and Bait Hillel say: rinse and the same is true for wipe. one said this and one said that but they don’t disagree. The statement itself: Rabbe Zayra said: wiping the mouth is only with bread.

This is only with wheat bread but not barley bread. and wheat bread is only if it is cold, but if it is hot it becomes pasty. and this is only if it soft but not if it hard. However, the Halacha is ... with all things can be used to wipe [the mouth] besides for flour, dates and vegetables. Rav Asi asked Rabbi Yochanan How long should one wait between [eating] meat and cheese? He said, “Not at all.” Really? But Rav Chisda said, One who eats meat isn’t allowed to eat cheese, [one who eats] cheese is allowed to eat meat.

Rather [Rav Asi must have asked] How long should one wait between [eating] cheese and meat?... He said, “Not at all.” Regarding what we quoted above“Rav Chisda said,

One who eats meat isn’t allowed to eat cheese, [one who eats] cheese is allowed to eat meat.” Rav Aha bar Yosef said to Rav Chisda, “The meat this is between the teeth, what do we make of it?” We reference the verse, “The meat was still between their teeth” (Numbers 11:33) Mar Ukva says, In comparison to my father, regarding this matter, I am vinegar the son of wine. My father, when he ate meat, would not eat cheese until the same time the next day. But I, even if I won’t eat it at this meal, I’ll eat it at the next meal.

What It Means to Keep Kosher for Passover Keeping Kosher for Passover means abstaining from hametz, the fermented products of five principal grains: wheat, rye, spelt, barley and oats. Though matzah, the unleavened bread eaten on Passover, is made from grain, it is considered acceptable because it is produced under highly controlled conditions to ensure that it does not ferment.

Ashkenazi (Pronounced: AHSH-ken-AH-zee, Origin: Hebrew, Jews of Central and Eastern European origin.) Jews who keep kosher for Passover have also traditionally avoided eating kitniyot, a category of foods that includes corn, rice, beans and lentils, though the Conservative movement’s rabbinic authorities overturned the kitniyot prohibition in 2015.

Sephardi Jews do not abstain from kitniyot (Pronounced: kit-nee-YOTE, Origin: Hebrew, meaning “little things,” the term here refers to legumes, corn, rice and other non-hametz foods prohibited for use on Passover by some Ashkenazic rabbis in the medieval period. Many Sephardic Jews (and Conservative Jews) do allow them on Passover.)

A minority of Jews add an additional stringency by avoiding “gebrochts” — unleavened matzah products that become wet, such as matzah balls or matzah meal.

Some products that are kosher year-round are modified slightly to be kosher for Passover — most famously Coca-Cola, which substitutes cane sugar for corn syrup in some regions over the holiday and is marked by a distinctive yellow cap.

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 147

JEWISH HOLIDAYS

Shabbat Shabbat is considered the most important of all Jewish holidays. It is the day of rest and weekly observance of God’s completion of creation. Starting on Friday night an hour before sunset, it lasts for 25 hours until sunset on Saturday night.

Yom Kippur Yom Kippur is the most solemn and introspective day on the Jewish calendar. It emphasizes personal responsibility for one’s actions. Jewish tradition teaches that to atone for deeds committed against another person you must approach that person directly and apologize.

The 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is the traditional time to ask forgiveness from one’s friends and neighbors, so that on Yom Kippur one can attain forgiveness and purification for all misdeeds. The act of atonement makes the claim that as human beings we are able to change and improve ourselves.

On Yom Kippur we strive to improve our relationships both with other human beings and with God. The most prominent tradition of the Yom Kippur holiday is a 25-hour fast from all food and drink from sunset to sundown the next day. Many spend the entire day in synagogue engaged in study and prayer. The holiday ends with a festive break-the-fast meal.

Tu B’Shevat This is the Jewish New Year of the Trees. Observances include planting of trees, purchasing trees to be planted in Israel, and a mystical Tu B’Shevat ritual meal that includes different colored wine (from white to red) and different kinds of fruits and nuts.

“The Feast of the Rejoicing of the Law at the Synagogue in Leghorn” (Solomon Alexander Hart/The Jewish Museum)

Shemini Atzeret This holiday literally means the “8th day of assembly.” It is a festive day after the weeklong festival of Sukkot, and is marked by the annual prayer for rain recited in synagogue. In Israel and in liberal (Reform, Reconstructionist, Renewal) communities outside of Israel it is combined with the holiday of Simchat Torah.

Sukkot This seven–day festival celebrates the fall harvest and also commemorates the time when the Jews dwelt in the Sinai wilderness on their way to the Promised Land of Israel. The holiday is celebrated by building (and then dwelling in) ceremonial huts called Sukkot, waving of four different plant species (palm, myrtle, willow and citron), and many foodfilled festive gatherings in the Sukkah.

The night before Sukkot, Jewish people sleep outside in the nature (in their yards and in tents). On the day of Sukkot, Jewish families have a big feast. If you get invited to one, it`s an honor to attend. As a Jewish host, inviting people to your feast is considered one of the things you`d have to do in order to get to Heaven.

Rosh Hashanah During the fall when the days begin to shorten and the leaves begin to change, Jewish tradition encourages us to look inward as we prepare for the New Year ahead. The Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is a holiday marked by festive meals with foods symbolizing our hopes for the new year—such as apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year and pomegranates for a year of plenty—and a day spent in prayer or quiet meditation.

Simchat Torah Simchat Torah marks the end and the beginning of the annual Torah reading cycle. Every week all over the world, the same Torah portion is read in Jewish communities. On Simchat Torah the cycle ends and begins again.

This is accompanied by parading the Torah scrolls about and with singing and dancing.

Hanukkah This beloved 8–day Jewish winter festival celebrates the miracle of a small cruse of oil when it burned for 8 days, instead of only one. It also celebrates the military victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the powerful Syrian Greek army in 167 BCE. The victory was followed by a rededication (Hanukkah) of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. It is from this act that the holiday gets its name.

The holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the miraculous replenishment of the lanterns of the temple in 164 B.C. Each day one candle is lit within a “menorah.”

Passover This seven or eight day festival of freedom marks the Hebrew exodus from Egypt long ago. The story is told during a festive ritual meal called a “Seder.” During the festival, it is traditional to abstain from all foods containing leaven; that is, foods made from grain that have not been prepared according to a strict Passover cooking procedure. Among the grain foods that are permitted is matzah, an unleavened bread that is baked before it has a chance to rise. Jews celebrate Passover as a commemoration of their liberation by God from slavery in ancient Egypt and their freedom as a nation under the leadership of Moses.

Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) On this Memorial Day, we commemorate the soldiers who have fallen fighting for Israel’s independence and defending its security.

This holiday falls the day before Israel’s Independence Day.

Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) This holiday celebrates the independence of the Modern State of Israel. In Israel this day is marked with fireworks, barbeques, and outdoor revelry.

Purim The name of this holiday means “lots”, so named for the lots that were drawn to determine a dark day in Jewish history. As luck would have it, those dark days never arrived, as the evil villian’s plans were thwarted by the clever Jewish Queen Esther, whose story is recounted in the Biblical Scroll of Esther.

Celebrations include a public reading of the scroll, giving gifts to friends and to the needy, dressing up in costume, eating a special triangle-shaped pastry, the hamantaschen, and the drinking of alcohol for those of drinking age.

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) Jews all over the world mourn the loss of six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust as part of Hitler’s genocidal “Final Solution.”

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Lag B’Omer This holiday marks the 33rd day of the 49-day “Omer” period between Passover and Shavuot.

This 7 week period called “the Omer” is traditionally a quiet time on the Jewish calendar, but Lag B’Omer, which occurs on the 33rd day is an exception. Bonfires, outdoor parties and revelry rule the day, which is also a popular Jewish wedding date.

Tisha B’Av An important fast day in the Jewish calendar is Tisha B’Av, the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av. The day commemorates the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and 70 CE.

Shavuot Shavuot is the holiday celebration of the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. The celebration of Shavuot is also the Festival of First Fruits and Grains, a fulfillment of the promise of spring. The name means “weeks”, so named for the 7-week period from Passover to Shavuot.

Tu B’Av Held six days after the fast day of Tisha B’Av comes a festival of love! A popular wedding date, the day is celebrated in the best way possible with wine, chocolate and roses! In modern-day Israel, it is celebrated as a holiday of love, similar to Valentine’s Day.

What to Expect at a Shabbat Dinner

What to Do And Not to Do!

Shabbat is a day of rest that lasts from sundown on Friday evening through nightfall on Saturday night. In addition to a plethora of things that observant Jews will famously not do on Shabbat (such as driving, working, or turning on a light switch), there are a host of things we do do in order to “make the Shabbat a delight” (in the words of Isaiah 58:13). A big part of the “delight” of Shabbat is the enjoyment of three Shabbat meals, mainly the first two—Friday night dinner and Shabbat lunch—that are elegantly prepared, preceded by the sipping of ceremonial kiddush wine and the breaking of traditional challah bread, and lingered over with songs, inspiring thoughts and camaraderie. (The third meal, eaten late on Shabbat afternoon, is normally lighter.)

If you are joining as a guest, the first thing for you to know is that guests are considered an integral part of any Shabbat meal. Your hosts are very happy to have you—their meal just would not feel right otherwise!

When to Come Confirm with your hosts what time they would like you to show up, and make sure you have good directions, as they will not be answering their phones starting at sundown on Friday night. The timeframe given may be loose—“sometime between 12 and 1”—and so you can be flexible in your arrival.

If you are a woman attending a Friday night meal, your hostess may invite you to come early, before Shabbat starts at sundown, so that you can join her for candle-lighting. If you do this, the time spent between candlelighting and eating will likely be filled with a combination of chatting, preparing for the meal, or just simply relaxing on the couch. Your help setting up or reading to restive children will likely be appreciated.

Both the Friday night meal and the Shabbat day meal are preceded by services in the synagogue. Even if you don’t generally attend synagogue, or don’t attend the same one as your hosts, you can consider joining them this week, and then simply go home with them afterwards.

What to Bring Though not necessary, a small hostess gift is appropriate. If the gift is a food item, such as wine or chocolate, make sure that it is kosher (and if it is wine, that you see the word mevushal on the label). The world of kosher certification can be complicated. When in doubt, flowers always make a good gift (except for in Israel, where agricultural rituals make that complicated as well).

Avoid giving a dairy dessert, even a kosher one, as most Shabbat meals feature chicken or meat, and they do not serve dairy in the same meal as chicken or meat.

If you do choose to give a gift, bring it to your hosts’ home before Shabbat starts. This may seem strange, but is actually quite normal in observant circles, since Torah does not allow us to carry or conduct transactions—including the giving or receiving of gifts—on Shabbat. Please don’t bring your gift when you come for the meal, as your hosts will not be able to receive it then. (If it feels very awkward to you to skip a gift altogether, you can always follow up with a thank-you note and a gift after Shabbat has ended . . . but rest assured that your hosts are absolutely not expecting you to do so.)

What to Wear Clothing on Shabbat is a notch more formal and festive than on a weekday, so if you think “dinner party,” you will likely strike the right note. Men will fit right in with a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt (coat and tie optional) and kippah, and women with a modest dress or a modest top and skirt.

What to Expect?

After everyone has arrived and indulged in a few minutes of chit-chat, family and friends will move to the table and find their seats.

At this point on a Friday night, your host (often accompanied by others) will sing two hymns: The “Shalom Aleichem” hymn, with which we welcome the angels who visit every home at the start of Shabbat, request their blessing and bid them farewell.

The song of “Eishet Chayil,” which is a tribute to the Jewish woman, written by King Solomon, extolling her for the wisdom and hard work with which she makes her home the lovely and nurturing place it is.

Typically everyone stands for the singing of these hymns, but if it is difficult for you for any reason, you may certainly sit down.

At the Shabbat day meal, we begin immediately with kiddush.

Kiddush Your host will recite kiddush holding a cup of wine, and everyone will receive a few sips of wine to drink. The recitation of this blessing over a cup of wine is a way of fulfilling the mitzvah of sanctifying the day of rest (the word kiddush translates as “sanctification”).

On Friday night all typically stand for the recitation of kiddush, while on Shabbat day some people sit. Take your cues from those around you.

Challah Immediately following kiddush, everyone will leave their chairs and go to the sink for the ritual hand-washing for bread. If you are not familiar with this procedure, your hosts will be happy to guide you through it and help you recite the blessing.

After washing hands, we don’t speak until after we’ve eaten some challah, so just return to your chair and wait quietly. Hand motions and facial expressions are often used for necessary communication at this point. When everyone is seated again, your host will recite the blessing over bread and then distribute challah, first dipping each piece in salt.

After you’ve eaten a bite, feel free to talk again.

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What Not to Do When you come, don’t ring the doorbell.

Knock instead.

Don’t take pictures.

Don’t use your phone.

The Food The traditional Friday night Shabbat meal features a fish course (with gefilte fish as an Eastern European classic, often nowadays accompanied by salads inspired by Israeli cuisine), followed by a soup course (most classic is chicken soup), and then a meat or chicken course.

Shabbat day generally features a fish course and then a meat course containing a hot stew called tcholent. Since it is forbidden to cook food on Shabbat, the tcholent has been slowly cooking since Friday afternoon before sundown, either on the stovetop or in a crockpot. (Tcholent is the Eastern European term; in Sephardic parlance, the equivalent, often spicier, dish is known as chameen.)

These multi-course menus are traditional but not mandatory, and it is increasingly common to serve a one-course Shabbat meal, but be prepared . . . what seems like an entire meal may be just the first course.

All that, of course, followed by dessert!

When using the bathroom, avail yourself of the tissues or pre-torn toilet paper, rather than tearing toilet paper.

Important: Please don’t turn off any lights, as there will be no Shabbat-permissible way to turn them back on. (If you have already mistakenly turned off the light in the bathroom, you can at least know that you are not the first one to have made this mistake . . . even those who have observed Shabbat for many years may unthinkingly do this.)

Don’t worry, there is no problem at all with flushing the toilet.

Grace After Meals As the meal is winding down, someone will suggest bentching. This Yiddish word means “blessing,” and is a reference to the Grace After Meals. Small booklets will be brought to the table containing the text of the Grace After Meals. There are sure to be some booklets with an English translation, so you can read it comfortably yourself.

What to Do

You can feel comfortable discussing all the usual topics that might be discussed a dinner party—politics, recent experiences, the weather . . . and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If anything seems mystifying or unclear to you, don’t be shy.

Your hosts or fellow guests will be happy to explain.

If you lend a hand with clearing plates or carrying serving dishes, it will likely be appreciated.

2. I really appreciate the fact that you didn’t park in my driveway. When you parked around the block and walked, you may have felt like an imposter but I viewed it as a respectful act of not wishing to disturb the Shabbat atmosphere that exists in the neighborhood. Thank you!

And if you really did walk all the way – double thank you!

You’ve honored your hosts and Shabbat, all in one.

3. So the flowers you brought to dinner, and I kinda left them hanging out on the counter? You’re so sweet to bring them… but I can’t put flowers into water on Shabbos. It’s part of the creative process of growing plants.

I felt uncomfortable, but didn’t want to make you feel worse about not knowing, so I just decided to hope you didn’t notice. (More suggestions here for what guests can bring.)

4. It’s really OK with me that your kids are coloring and playing piano, activities that are not allowed on Shabbat.

I know you don’t observe Shabbos the way I do. They’re only kids. My kids do that too, and I overlook it because they’re only kids, even though mine ARE brought up with Shabbos. Don’t worry.

5. Yes, you’re allowed to flush the toilet on Shabbos.

Don’t worry, you are not obligated to eat or even taste everything.

Enjoy the food and the company! In addition to table talk, we make sure to include words of Torah at our Shabbat tables, and at some point someone will probably take the floor for a few minutes to present a Torah thought. If your hosts have children, they may share their knowledge of the weekly Torah portion and enjoy some positive attention. There will also likely be some singing, of traditional Shabbat hymns as well as other Jewish songs of a joyful or spiritual nature.

1. I know you may have driven to my home. It’s a little awkward, because I don’t drive on Shabbos, and you do. The question of whether a Shabbat-observant Jew is allowed to invite a fellow Jew over on Shabbat, when it’s obvious that he will drive, is actually the subject of intense halachic debate. On the one hand, better to drive to celebrate Shabbat than to drive to the mall – no? On the other hand, may I be the instrument of the drive? So “don’t ask, don’t tell” is the way we deal with it. Because even if I follow the opinion that I can invite you despite the drive, it’s much better if I don’t have to give explicit permission. Which is why I try to avoid the topic!

Help! I’m invited to an Orthodox Shabbat. Now what??

For those of you that are not familiar, Shabbat-observant folks do not activate electricity or cook or a host of other creative activities, many of which may be surprising to you, on Shabbat. They have dinner that also involves singing (not kumbaya), “washing” (not with soap), “benching” (that doesn’t involve a bench) and some other quasi-freaky stuff. To be sure, the dinner is usually delicious, the atmosphere divine (assuming the kids don’t fight too much and the guests don’t radically disagree about politics and you haven’t mistakenly seated a doctor and attorney directly across the table from one another), the guests and hosts well-meaning, etc. Nevertheless some clarity is in order, as expectations and assumptions on either side may well be…. insanely divergent.

6. I’m a little hesitant to ask you if you’d like help with lighting candles or “washing” hands before challah. See, if these customs are familiar to you, I don’t want it to seem like I think you’re ignorant. But if they’re not, I don’t want to be a bad host and not offer you info and help. It’s hard for me to know how to strike the balance. I’m not clairvoyant, so I don’t know how much you know. I hope you’ll be OK with my mistakes.

7. If anything seems unusual, please ask! It’s not rude or disrespectful and it makes me so happy that you are asking so the lines of communication can be open. I don’t want my life to be inscrutable to you. Please feel free to ask. Really.

8. It’s great when you involve my kids in the conversation.

See, I’m trying to strike the balance between paying attention to them and paying attention to you, so if you pay attention to them, it’s win-win-win.

9. It’s so sweet when you offer to bring something. I know you don’t keep kosher so please don’t feel bad if I just ask you to bring flowers or dessert from a kosher bakery. You might want to check with me which bakery is kosher because “Farbstein’s Kosher Rugeleh Shop” may not, in fact, be kosher. Also, many people serve meat or chicken at Shabbos dinner and therefore would not serve dairy at dessert, even if it’s not together. Just good to know.

Here are 10 things I’d like MY Shabbos guests to know:

10. What we really want is for you to have a nice time.

Relax, don’t worry so much about the rules, and just try to have fun. We know you may not be familiar with the customs and that’s OK! We like you and that’s what matters.

(As an aside: I use the terms Shabbat and Shabbos interchangeably; both refer to the Jewish Sabbath as it is observed according to Jewish law from sundown on Friday or even a bit earlier, to nightfall on Saturday night.)

11. I know I said ten but I couldn’t resist. If you’ve spent time avoiding my invitation, deleting my email, ignoring my voicemail, and pretending you didn’t check Facebook, please know that if you do, indeed, accept my invitation, you may actually have a very nice time.

How to Make

Challah

Make perfect, fluffy challah every time with this classic recipe.

Classic challah is almost as sacred as Shabbat itself, and we know how gratifying and delicious it is to prepare homemade challah at home.

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/8 cups lukewarm water 1 Tbs dry yeast 1 tsp sugar 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 eggs, beaten, plus 1 whole egg for glazing 1/2 Tbs salt 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup vegetable oil Poppy or sesame seeds (optional) DIRECTIONS: 1. Dissolve the yeast in the water with 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Beat well and leave 10 minutes, until it froths.

2. In a very large bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Then add the salt, sugar, and oil and beat again. Add the frothy yeast mixture and beat well. Now add the flour gradually, and just enough to make a soft dough that holds together, mixing well, first with a large spoon, then working it in with your hands.

3. Knead vigorously for about 15 minutes, until it is very smooth and elastic, adding flour if the dough is too sticky.

4. Pour a little oil in the bowl and turn the dough, so that it is greased all over.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and put it in a warm place to rise for 2‑3 hours, or until it has doubled in bulk. Punch the dough down and knead again, then divide into 2 pieces to make 2 loaves.

6. Braid challah into desired shape and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, leaving plenty of room for them to expand. Allow them to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.

7. Now brush gently with the beaten egg, or if you want to sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds, brush first with the whole beaten egg.(The seeds stick better if the white is there too.)

8. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 25-30 minutes or until the loaves are beautifully golden-brown. They are done if they sound hollow when you tap the bottoms.

The Difference Between Halvah and Tahini Halvah is a sweet treat that is almost universally beloved by Jews from around the world.

Even in many American grocery stores you can find packaged halvah, and Israel is well known for the rows upon rows of beautiful and varied halvah flavors featured in its many outdoor markets.

What is tahini?

Tahini is quite simple: It is ground sesame seeds. Just like ground peanuts create peanut butter, ground sesame seeds creates a rich, sweet and savory paste that is delicious and versatile.

Not all sesame seeds are created equal, and, the best-quality tahini is made from Ethiopian sesame seeds. When ground, they have a delicious nuttiness with a natural sweetness.

What should you look for when you buy

strongly recommend storing it in the fridge for sanitary reasons. And when the tahini fibers and oil do separate over time (which they will), just give it a good stir before using.

What can you do with tahini?

The question is really: What can’t you do with tahini? It can be savory, or sweet. It can be simply drizzled over roasted vegetables, made into a salad dressing or even added to baked goods like gluten-free tahini and halvah brownies and tahini tahini?

Let’s say you want to buy tahini at the grocery chocolate breakfast buns. It can also be drizzled on top of ice cream. store, you should check for freshness. While tahini has a long shelf life (it can remain in your So, what is halvah? pantry for 2-3 years), if you see that the tahini Halvah, which literally means “sweet” in Arabic, has already separated, with a thick layer of oil is made by mixing tahini and sugar at a high temon top, it is not fresh and not ideal to purchase. perature. Other flavors are often added, including coffee, marble, pistachio, cardamom and white Where should you store tahini?

While you can store it at room temperature, we chocolate.

OldTestament Abraham’s Blended Family The relationship between Sarah and Hagar — and their two sons — is more complicated than you think.

Commentary on Parashat Chayei Sara, Genesis 23:1-25:18 Sarah’s lifetime—the span of Sarah’s life—came to one hundred and twenty-seven years. Sarah died in Kiriath-arba—now Hebron—in the land of Canaan; and Abraham proceeded to mourn for Sarah and to bewail her. Then Abraham rose from beside his dead, and spoke to the Hittites, saying, “I am a resident alien among you............These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names by their villages and by their encampments: twelve chieftains of as many tribes.— These were the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred and thirty-seven years; then he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his kin.— They dwelt from Havilah, by Shur, which is close to Egypt, all the way to Asshur; they camped alongside all their kinsmen.

ABRAHAM, SARAH and HAGAR Hebrew for “the life of Sarah.” That’s in spite of the fact that it opens with Sarah’s death and then proceeds to detail Abraham’s mourning, him finding her a burial plot and then selecting a wife for their son, Isaac. But to understand what’s happening here, I think it’s best to look back.

Just prior to this Torah portion is the binding of Isaac, when Abraham almost sacrifices Isaac. Two things happen after Isaac’s life is spared by God. First, he flees to his mother’s former handmaid, Hagar, and older brother, Ishmael. Then, his mother, Sarah, dies. She dies, perhaps, of heartbreak at not only the potential loss of her son in the sacrifice but the physical loss of her son to Hagar, a woman with whom she has a strained relationship to say the least. It is at this juncture in the lives of our forebears that Chayei Sara opens.

In this Torah portion, which is so much more about Isaac than about Sarah, we don’t actually see Isaac until after he’s returned from Beer-lahai-roi, which the passage says he “settled in the region of the Negev.” If you recall from earlier in Genesis, Beerlahai-roi roughly translated means “the well of he who sees me. “ This same place to which Hagar retreated after being cast out by Sarah is where Isaac goes to find comfort after the betrayal of his father and death of his mother.

I first noticed the complexity of the familial relationship of Isaac, Ishmael, Sarah, Hagar and Abraham while studying at Pardes, a coed pluralistic yeshiva in Jerusalem, in the summer of 2015. Our forebears lived in a time of complicated family structures.

It was not unheard of for a man to have several wives, each with several children. These women and children often go unnamed.

Sarah and Hagar are different. These sisterwives not only are each beloved by God (he makes great nations, 12 chieftains from them both) and Abraham (he is twice distressed by Sarah’s treatment of Hagar and Ishmael), but by the sons they share. I find it hard to believe that the strife we read about between Hagar and Sarah is ongoing; instead, I think the two Torah mentions of Sarah treating Hagar harshly are extreme events. It is through this lens that it makes sense for Isaac to seek refuge, safety and a piece of home with Hagar after these two terrible events — almost being murdered by his father and then losing his mother. He grew up with both these women as his caretakers, his mothers. He grew up with Ishmael as his playmate, his brother. With Hagar and Ishmael sent away and his mother dead, he was left alone.

It’s only after Sarah has been buried and a wife, Rebecca, is selected for Isaac that we see him again.

We read that Isaac loves Rebecca and takes her to his mother’s tent, where he is finally comforted after Sarah’s death. It seems that Abraham, too, finds comfort after his wife’s death and his son’s marriage, because in the next chapter we

learn that Abraham takes a second wife called Keturah. There are some scholars who believe that Keturah is a new figure, while others believe that Keturah is merely a new name for Hagar who returns to the family after the death of Sarah. I tend to place myself in this column.

I have never viewed Hagar as a mere handmaiden or servant of Sarah, but rather a woman who Abraham loved as a wife. A woman who possibly loved Sarah with a complex intimacy because of their shared husband. A woman who loved her children, both the son she bore and the son she helped to raise. It may seem uncomfortable to reconcile, but if we look at the way the story plays out, Hagar is the Jewish people’s stepmother and her son, Ishmael, our brother.

To me the connection of Hagar as Keturah is evident by the fact that the sons of Keturah are named as well as the names of their descendants. Naming of people in the Torah is often a sign of significance. The text tells us that children of Abraham’s other concubines are given gifts while he is alive and sent to the east. But these children aren’t named, indicating a lack of importance.

This idea of Keturah as Hagar is also supported by how the text ends, with the death of Abraham. When Abraham dies we read that both of his sons bury their father in the same cave where Sarah is buried. We close with a recitation of the 12 sons of Ishmael, the grandchildren of Hagar/Keturah and Abraham.

Some pieces of Midrash (Pronounced: MIDDrash, Origin: Hebrew, the process of interpretation by which the rabbis filled in “gaps” found in the Torah.) argue that this recitation of Ishmael’s children is proof of the promise that God makes to both Abraham and Sarah and Abraham and Hagar; that his descendants will be as numerous as grains of sand and stars in the sky. God fulfills his promise to Abraham not just through Isaac, but also through Ishmael. And therefore through Hagar.

These lessons of Torah push us to think beyond our comfort and encourage us to consider the nuances of identity, peoplehood and family. I think God’s lesson is to lean into that complexity, because it’s evident that we prosper only together.

Did You Know?

1. Bamba, Israel’s favorite snack food, is

modern world.

national tongue.

made exclusively here. First produced in

18. The largest known dog cemetery in the

38. Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives is the

1964 as cheese-flavored, two years later it

ancient world was discovered in the coastal

world’s oldest continuously used ceme-

acquired its famous peanut butter taste.

city of Ashkelon.

tery.

2. Israelis, per capita, are the world’s

19. There’s a rollerblading party that hap-

39. El Al, Israel’s national airline, set the

biggest consumers of fruits and vegetables.

pens every Tuesday night in Tel Aviv.

world record for the most passengers on

3. Israelis, per capita, are the world’s

20. Out Magazine names Israel “the gay cap-

a commercial flight.

biggest consumers of chicken?

ital of the Middle East.”

40. The world’s largest pepper was

3. Israeli cows produce more milk per cow

21. The country has the most Bauhaus

grown in Israel’s Moshav Ein Yahav, as

than almost any country in the world.

buildings in the world.

recorded by The Guinness Book of World

4. Cherry tomatoes were originally

22. Israel has 137 official beaches (but only

Records in 2013.

engineered in Israel in 1973.

273 km of coastline).

41. Life expectancy in Israel is at 82 years

5. Breeding and raising pigs in Israel is

23. In regards to its population, Israel has

(two years more than the OECD average).

illegal for Jews.

the highest ratio of college degrees.

42. Eilat and the Hula Valley Reserve are

6. The glue on Israeli stamps is kosher.

24. The same goes for the ratio of its muse-

some of the best bird-watching sites in

7. There are over 100 sushi restaurants in

ums, and startup companies!

the world. Israel’s national bird is the

Tel Aviv…making it the city with the most

25. Motorola developed the cell phone in

hoopoe.

sushi restaurants per capita after Tokyo

Israel.

43. Heart tissue regeneration is possi-

and NYC.

26. Voicemail technology was developed in

ble in the U.S. thanks to Israeli stem-cell

8. At a shop in Jaffa you can buy hummus

Israel.

technology.

flavored ice cream.

27. The first antivirus software for comput-

44. A cooking oil developed in Israel is

9. The diet of the animals at Jerusalem’s

ers was created in Israel in 1979.

capable of breaking up cholesterol and

Biblical Zoo is altered annually so it’s

28. Israel has two official languages: He-

other blood fats.

kosher for Passover?

brew and Arabic.

45. An Israeli company has developed

10. In 2012 Israelis began the Cottage

29. Israel published more books translated

the world’s first jellyfish repellent.

Cheese Revolution. These were national

from other languages than any other na-

46. Israel is one of only nine countries in

demonstrations launched against the high

tion in the world.

the world that can launch its own satel-

cost of living prompted by sharp increases

30. The city of Beersheba has the highest

lites into space.

in the price of cottage cheese.

number of chess grandmasters per capita

47. AOL Instant Messaging was designed

11. Israel has the third highest rate of en-

in the world.

by an Israeli software company.

trepreneurship in the world.

31. Only two countries began the 21st

48. Yityish Aynaw became Israel’s first

12. Israel has the highest rate of entrepre-

century with a net gain in their number of

Ethiopian Miss Israel in 2013.

neurship among women and people over

trees; Israel was one of them.

49. Israeli scientists have discovered the

55 in the world.

32. The opening scene of the Al Pacino film

cause of chronic bad breath and an easy

13. Israel was the first country to ban

The Insider was shot in Israel.

way to fix it.

underweight models.

33. Haifa, Israel has one of the smallest

50. More than 44% of all lawyers regis-

14. Israeli banknotes have braille markings

subway systems in the world with a 1.8-km

tered in Israel are women.

on them.

track and only four carriages — how cute!

51. Israel chose its first woman presi-

15. Israel won the Eurovision song competi-

34. Israel is one of only three democracies

dent of the Supreme Court, Dorit

tion three times.

in the world without a codified constitution.

Beinisch, who served from 2006-2012.

16. The last time they won, they were rep-

The other two are New Zealand and Britain.

52. Israel has the world’s second highest

resented by a transgender pop star, Dana

35. The Sea of Galilee — located .212 km

per capita of new books.

International. The only other time that’s

below sea level — is the lowest freshwater

53. A group of Israeli artists have started

happened is this year’s winner, Conchita

lake in the world (and the largest in Israel).

bus stop libraries that are available free

Wurst, from Austria.

36. The Dead Sea is the lowest place on

of charge to commuters traveling across

17. When Golda Meir became prime minis-

Earth.

Israel.

ter of Israel in 1969, she was only the third

37. Israel is the only country to revive an

54. Israel’s national flower is the

woman elected to lead a country in the

unspoken language and establish it as its

Cyclamen persicum.

101

CHRISTIANITY

COOLFACTS Christianity Christianity is one of the most significant monotheistic religions in the world. Its beliefs are closely linked to Judaism, from which it originated.

The central focus of the Christian faith is based upon the belief of salvation made possible through the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the son of God. “Christ” corresponds to the Jewish sovereign of “Messiah” or in Hebrew, “The Anointed One”.

• Jesus is the Greek form of the Aramaic name Joshua.

• The life and actions of Jesus rooted within the Jewish tradition.

• The Gospels describe the life and teachings of Jesus, which act as the constituents of faith.

• Early versions of the Bible record an ox and donkey at the Nativity scene.

• The apostles Peter and Paul emerged as the primary preachers within early Christianity. With his letters, Paul provided the basis of Christian theology for new communities.

The Roots of Christianity The inspiration for Christianity is Jesus of Nazareth, whose birth marks the start of the Western era. Central beliefs and the teaching of Jesus, deemed

• During the period of Christian persecution by the Roman Empire, the Christians buried their dead underground in catacombs that were often painted with Christian motifs.

the son of God, and interpretations of his death and resurrection.

Located in the New Testament of the Bible, the Gospels, of

which the Gospel of Mark is the oldest, describe the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth.

Christian beliefs were promoted after Jesus` death by retelling his parables and lessons within the emerging Christian communities. Initially retold orally, Jesus` ministry was later collected and organized within a literary format. The beliefs of early Christian authors are reflected in the stories of Jesus` birth and life as a young man.

The main message of Jesus was the renewal of Judaism in accordance with the kingdom of God. As the preachings of Jesus were often portrayed through allegories of rural life, stories of Him healing the sick and helping the fringe groups of ancient Jewish society conveyed the Christianity message to His mainly agrarian audience. The Sermon on the Mount (found in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew) compiled these teachings.

Their primary theme was love, both for God and for one another. This message responds to intensely restrictive commandments in the Jewish Torah, which places limits on behavior and promised exacting punishment for wrongdoing. Jesus instead encouraged inclusive love and charity as a guide to behavior and social organization.

By addressing God as “Father,” Jesus relayed a remarkably close relationship. Arriving in Jerusalem, the religious and political center of Judaism, this provocative claim was bound to trigger conflict between Jesus and the temple aristocracy, working under the law of the Romans. Arrested on charges of blasphemy, Jesus was executed.

The descriptions of his death in the Gospels emphasize the fulfillment of

The Christian Bible contains both, an Old and a New Testament.

The Old Testament corresponds to the collections of Jewish Holy Scriptures.

• Since the 11th Century, a pope has chosen his own papal name.

Christians read in the Old Testament prophecies and predictions that foretell of the coming of Jesus Christ, as expressed in the New Testament.

• The title of the pope is “holy father,” his self-designated name is “servant of God`s servants.”

The canon of the 27 New Testament scriptures evolved from the third century. It consists of the Gospels, stories of the apostles, letters (primarily by Paul) and the revelation of John.

• During the Crusades, the concept of a pilgrimage was associated with the idea of a “just war” against pagans.

In 1546, the canon of the Catholic Church – the official list of contents of the Holy Bible- was decreed at the Council of Trent.

prophecies of a Messiah, sent by God to redeem humankind, found in the Old Testament.

• Regular communion services were characteristic of the collective lifestyle of Early Christians.

Above: Guttenberg Bible, printed ca 1455

• The pope is selected by the cardinals.

• In the 21rst century, Christianity is increasingly disassociating itself from its Europecentered character.

• Martin Luther initiated the greatest change in the history of the Western Church with his shocking assault on traditional Christianity. In 1517, Martin Luther sparked the Reformation in Wittenberg with his 95 theses against the sale of indulgences by the papacy.

CHRISTIANITY The Emerge of Christianity The early Christians formed a local community that was attractive to many people. From its start as a small Jewish sect, Christianity soon exploded into an expansive religious movement.

The early Christians believed that Jesus was the Messiah and had been resurrected following his crucifixion.

In the Hebrew version of the Bible, the Messiah (Hebrew: “The Anointed One”) came to represent one who was chosen by God as the rightful ruler of the Israelites descending from the line of King David. The Christian concept of the Messiah as the apocalyptic bringer of salvation was expressed in the prophetic books of the Bible.

As early Christians reflected on the meaning of the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus, they came to identify Him as the Messiah and Christ (Greek:”The Annointed One”). This identification of Jesus as the Christ is the central point of the Christian faith.

Within the early Christian society, all men were equal while women were also allowed to take on important communal positions.

In Antioch, they were joined by followers of the Hellenistic-Roman cults. Christian communities often exempted their members, whether converted Jews or Gentiles (non-Jews), from strict Jewish laws including circumcision, cleanliness requirements, and food restrictions. Christian leaders believed in baptism as the symbolic ritual of cleanliness and, after that, purity of the spirit and actions as the way to follow in the path of Jesus.

Soon the followers of Christ were accused of heresy and threatened by the majority of population who held other religious beliefs. Many fled to Samaria and a few to Antioch, where they were first referred as “Christians”.

Success and Propagation

acceptance of Christianity during the second and third centuries A.D.

The transmission of the new religion saw increased influence over the following decades. Overall, the remarkable lifestyle of the Christians aroused interest to join. Entire households, including both families and their slaves, made the decision to convert.

Christianity spread rapidly from the Middle East, attracting both the educated and wealthy as well as

Differences between Denominations According to the Catholic understanding of faith the teachings of the Church are based on the Bible and Christian tradition. The word of God is explained

the poor and enslaved.

through Church doctrines.

The main reason for the success of Christianity was

alone was sufficient for the promulgation of faith,

the promise of salvation and resurrection. Furthermore, the solidarity of early Christian communities was attractive as wealthy Christians made donations to the poor, the elderly, and the sick. The community saw to the burial of its members, trans-migratory Christians were housed, and healers worked without payment. Once it was recognized that the end of the world would not occur as soon as had been expected, gradually more importance was attached to the Christian lifestyle. As the communities came to adapt to the norms and values of their environment, hierarchies emerged, the social structures that would later become the foundation of the organized

The Reformers stressed their belief that the Bible thus contesting the Church’s traditional domination over religious interpretation. While the Church assumes that a person “pays dues” in the process of receiving God’s salvation, Luther contended that God’s grace was passive; thus faith alone was sufficient. The hierarchically structured Church was considered to be the sole mediator between God and humanity; however, Luther emphasized a “priesthood of all believers”. Luther accepted only the first three of the Church’s seven sacraments

We are raised in the Church so that we already know of Christ’s triumph over death through the Cross. Our resistance is not based on a lack of knowledge, but of a real human dread of pain and suffering. It may be difficult to us to “see” the joy that comes through the Cross until we find ourselves “on the other side,” for “now we see in a glass darkly, but then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). It is our hope and the “certainty” of our faith that Christ has indeed triumphed over death, “even death on a Cross” (Philippians 2:8).

-By Fr. Steven Kostoff

(baptism, Eucharist, penance, confirmation, matrimony, priesthood and unction). Zwingli, on the other hand, considered baptism and the Eucharist to be

Church.

mere symbols of faith.

Christian Persecution

even more and many Protestant denominations

The Christian Church in the 20th Century expanded developed and grew in membership.

Affirming the Christian faith did harbor risk for fol-

Fundamentalist and Evangelical religious move-

lowers, in 64 A.D., the Roman Emperor Nero decreed

ments emerged throughout the developed and the

the imprisonment and execution of Christians on

developing worlds. Highly emotive communal expe-

charges of alleged arson. Many in the Roman Empire

riences, such as the trancelike practice of “speaking

refused to concede in the face of public sacrifice.

in tongues”, often characterized these new religious

Their resistance and persecution saw the eventual

expressions.

• The Ressurenction of Jesus is the central event of Christianity, represented here in the “Isenheim Altar” by Matthias Grunewald.

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 157

The central focus of the Christian faith is

The central focus of the Christian faith is

The central focus of the Christian faith is

based upon the belief of salvation made

based upon the belief of salvation made

based upon the belief of salvation made

possible through the crucifixion and

possible through the crucifixion and

possible through the crucifixion and

Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the son

Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the son

Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the son

of God. “Christ” corresponds to the Jewish

of God. “Christ” corresponds to the Jewish

of God. “Christ” corresponds to the Jewish

sovereign of “Messiah” or in Hebrew, “The

sovereign of “Messiah” or in Hebrew, “The

sovereign of “Messiah” or in Hebrew, “The

Anointed One”.

Anointed One”.

Anointed One”.

The central focus of the Christian faith is based upon the belief of salvation made possible through the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the son of God. “Christ” corresponds to the Jewish sovereign of “Messiah” or in Hebrew, “The Anointed One”.

The central focus of the Christian faith is based upon the belief of salvation made possible through the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the son of God. “Christ” corresponds to the Jewish sovereign of “Messiah” or in Hebrew, “The Anointed One”.

The Holy Land - The Essential Guide to Living in Israel 159

The central focus of the Christian faith is based upon the belief of salvation made possible through the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the son of God. “Christ” corresponds to the Jewish sovereign of “Messiah” or in Hebrew, “The Anointed One”.

The central focus of the Christian faith is based upon the belief of salvation made possible through the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the son of God. “Christ” corresponds to the Jewish sovereign of “Messiah” or in Hebrew, “The Anointed One”.

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ISLAM 101 "Allah says in the Qur'an not to despise one another. So the criterion in Islam is not color or social status. It's who is most righteous. If I go to a mosque - and I'm a basketball player with money and prestige - if I go to a mosque and see an imam, I feel inferior. He's better than me. It's about knowledge." Hakeem Olajuwon

‫‪ḥ‬‬

‫‪ʾ‬‬

‫أﺳﻤﺎء اﻟﻠﻪ اﻟﺤﺴﻨﻰ‬

‫‪ʾ‬‬

‫اﻟﻠﻪ‬

‫‪ʾ‬‬ ‫زﺑﻮر‬

‫اﻟﻘﺮآن‬ ‫‪ʔ ː‬‬

‫‪ɔː ˈɑː‬‬

‫‪ʾ‬‬

Bahá'í Faith The Bahá'í Faith (/bəˈhɑːiː, -ˈhaɪ/; Persian: ‫ بهائی‬Bahā'i) is a religion teaching the essential worth of all religions, and the unity and equality of all people.

Established by Bahá'u'lláh in 1863, it initially grew in Iran and parts of the Middle East, where it has faced ongoing persecution since its inception. Currently it has between 5 and 8 million adherents, known as Bahá'ís, spread out into most of the world's countries and territories.

It grew from the mid-19th-century Bábí religion, whose founder taught that God would soon send a prophet in the same way of Jesus or Muhammad.

In 1863, after being banished from his native Iran, Bahá'u'lláh announced that he was this prophet. He was further exiled, spending over a decade in the prison city of Akka in Ottoman Palestine. Following Bahá'u'lláh's death in 1892, leadership of the religion fell to his son `Abdu'lBahá (1844–1921), and later his great-grandson Shoghi Effendi (1897–1957). Bahá'ís around the world annually elect local, regional, and national Spiritual Assemblies that govern the affairs of the religion, and every five years the members of all National Spiritual Assemblies elect the Universal House of Justice, the nine-member supreme governing institution of the worldwide Bahá'í community, which sits in Haifa, Israel, near the Shrine of the Báb.

Bahá'í teachings are in some ways similar to other monotheistic faiths: God is considered single and allpowerful.

However, Bahá'u'lláh taught that religion is orderly and progressively revealed by one God through Manifestations of God who are the founders of major world religions throughout history; Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad being the most recent in the period before the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh. Bahá'ís regard the major religions as fundamentally unified in purpose, though varied in social practices and interpretations. There is a similar emphasis on the unity of all people, openly rejecting notions of racism and nationalism. At the heart of Bahá'í teachings is the goal of a unified world order that ensures the prosperity of all nations, races, creeds, and classes.

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