Bizness Magazine September 2017

THE RESOURCE FOR THE ANGLO COMMUNITY

www.biznessmagazine.com SEPTEMBER 2017

E XC LU S I V E INTERVIEW

D AV I D D U E K

D W E L L R E A L E S TAT E SERVICES AND ARCHITECTURE

T H E

A L L

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B I Z N E S S

M A G A Z I N E

02-655-8847 4 Zeev Vilnai Street, Kiryat Moshe

Nof Hayarden,

the beautiful spacious event venue just 15 minutes outside of Jerusalem, is the perfect Kosher L’Mehadrin choice for your upcoming simcha.

Overlooking Midbar Yehuda and the Dead Sea, this exciting location has some of the the most breathtaking views in the country.

Contact us today for your personal consultation!

02-563-6464 • 058-690-3030

www.nofhayarden.com

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THE FUSION - REAL ESTATE & ARCHITECTURE David Duek Director of Dwell Real Estate

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Services and Architecture Ltd.

HOME

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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SIMCHAS

Shmuel Rosenblum Rosenblum Holtzman CPA Firm

Tzvi Lefkowitz Air Conditioning & Heating

Family Business – In the Eye of the Storm

Why it Pays to Replace Your Old Central Air Conditioning With a Modern VRF System 26

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EXPERT

EXPERT

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Simchas

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Real Estate

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Glass Fusion Fusing Art with Healing

Element Woodworks Pergolas&Decks

Dovid Preil Founder and Manager of Citadel Holdings

Yael Szlaifsztein’s Glass Fusion Workshops 08

How to Refresh Your Home for the New Year

Real Estate Investments for Everyone: Citadel 52-53 Holdings

Caliber 3

Benzion Cheirif 3D printing

Mrs. Sarah Sacks

3D Printing The future is here E X P E R T 13

New Oleh, We're Here for You!

Bureaucratic Adviser of Chaim V’Chessed

Home

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EXPERT

Awaken Your Israeli 10 Fighting Spirit

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Oren Levy Si Harahit Furniture

Karen Hirshfeld KH Properties

Straight from the Furniture Factory

How to Get Your Property Sold

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Keeper The well-known hostess trolley

Michael Decker Real Estate Law

It's a keeper: Serve your meals in luxury this succot 30

The Fair Rental Law: Will it Really Make Things Fair?

EXPERT

Roni Ratzabi Roni Holdings

Shimon Cohen Insurance

Yitzi Feld Feldteam Realty

Things to know before starting construction

Insurance Introspection

Inside Tips on Buying and Renting Property in Israel

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EXPERT

Jennifer Ungar Interior Designer

Moshe Wilshinsky Mortgages

Making a Silk Purse from a Sow’s Ear

ON THIS DATE IN 2022:

EXPERT

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Health & Wellness

You will be getting ready for a new year with your new Mortgage Index

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EXPERT

Avraham Mizrachi

Professor Rael Strous

Furnishing Your Home to Last

A Quiet Revolution in Mental Health

Yoel Zirah CMO & Co-Founder of Zabilo Ltd

Dr. Sara Genstil, PhD Psychology

Shmuel Katz Auto Mechanics

Zabilo – Israel’s New eCommerce Market

Feast or Fast – Not What You Think

When the Price Isn’t Always Right

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Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center

HaMemadef Construction Company

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Automobiles

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Miles Hartog Architecture

Dr. Daniel Kaszovitz DDS, FAGD Dentistry

Miki Goldenberg Sigma Motors

How to Make the Most of the Space You Have

Repair or Remodel?

The best way to achieve the perfect smile E X P E R T 42

Seventh Heaven

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Letter from the Editor

EDITOR IN CHIEF CHIEF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGING EDITOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Ariel Topf Yisroel Meir Simon Aviva Sapir Binyamin Simon Gila Block Yael Khan Estie Lindner Chaya Hyams

CHIEF DESIGNER

Matt Mildinovick

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Ilana Brown Shoshana Lepon Daniella Levy Batya Shevach Heidi Tapnack

HOW TO REACH US

Advertising 02-999-3939 info@biznessmag.com

DISTRIBUTION AREAS JERUSALEM: Har Nof, Rehavia, Talbieh, Katamon, Baka, German Colony, Shaarei Chesed, Ramat Eshkol, Givat Hamivtar, Maalot Daphna, Arzei Habira, Minhat Yitzchak, Ganei Geula, Romema, Beltz, Mem Gimmel, Sanhedria, Sanhedria Murchevet, Sorotzkin, Gush Shmonim I BET SHEMESH: Ramat Bet Shemesh A, Ramat Bet Shemesh Gimmel, Ramat Shilo, Sheinfeld, Nofei Aviv, Nofei Hashemesh, Ramat Neria I GUSH ETZION: Efrat, Neve Daniel I TELSTONE I BEITAR

Bizness Magazine is published by Bizness Magazine Ltd. Bizness Magazine considers its sources reliable. However, reporting inaccuracies can occur, consequently readers using this information do so at their own risk. Editorial content, articles and interviews may be paid advertising.

Bizness Magazine does not endorse or recommend any products or professionals. Although persons and companies mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither Bizness Magazine or its publisher, parent company, nor any of its employees, sales executives or contributors accept any responsibility whatsoever for their activities. We reserve the right to publish in whole or in part all letters received by us. All letters, sent to Bizness Magazine will be considered the property of the Magazine. All remarks, suggestions, ideas, creative concepts, graphics, or other information communicated through this publication or otherwise sent to its publisher (together the ‘Submission’) will forever be the exclusive property of Bizness Magazine., who will not be required to treat the Submission as confidential, and will not be liable for any use or disclosure of the Submission, and need not provide any compensation or acknowledgement for the Submission. Under no circumstances shall Bizness Magazine, or its affiliates, subsidiaries, or related companies and web sites, be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to direct, incidental, consequential, indirect or punitive damages), harm, or injury that relate to, arise out of, or result from the use of, or access to, or the inability to use, any of the materials of this publication. Bizness Magazine is printed in Israel and all rights are reserved.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher

Will the New Year be a Year of Excuses or a Year of Results?

I was inspired by Gila at our office to write these lines. While some others in the business development department expressed their concern about making calls on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, saying things like, “Who‘s going to answer the phone today?” or “No one wants to hear about business before the chagim,” Gila went to work and doubled her regular results. After that she wisely asked, “Can I go home early?” She got a big fat YES as an answer.

The secret to success is becoming accountable to yourself and to those you work with. If you don’t focus on your goals and commit to do the activities that produce results - e.g. if I make 40 phone calls I’ll make 8 appointments, you will have missed the opportunity that was put before you. Consistently failing to produce results ends up in closing your business or getting fired. And you will attribute the lack of results to anything but your own lack of commitment to succeed. And there it goes: your dream evaporates and you’re back at square one looking for another opportunity that you will also waste.

You do not need more ideas, more strategies or better plans. You just need to make your phone calls or do whatever it is that produces results. So the message is clear, if you want great achievements this year, put yourself in a place of accountability. Remember: this new year will end 12 months from now. What will you have to show for it?

For every excuse a person can give for failing, there is a real reason that points back to something they did or didn’t do.

This coming year you can make excuses or you can produce results.

You cannot do both.

Wishing you a sweet new year full of results, Ariel Topf ariel@biznesssmag.com

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Finance I Accounting I Expert

Family Business – In the Eye of the Storm In my line of work, I often guide family businesses. Usually, the family patriarch is the founder of such a business, and the term “business” can range from manufacturing facilities and law firms, to private schools and more. A few years down the line, father recruits son and they manage the business together. In time, father recruits daughter to join the management team, and so a “family business” is born, with the “founding father” at the helm. But is blood really thicker than water?

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By Shmuel Rosenblum, Founding Partner and Manager, Rosenblum Holtzman CPA Firm

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hen I interview such founders, they usually sing the many praises of running a family business: “I only trust family.”

“Our business is based on professional secrets, a unique bond, nurturing special relationships with clients and maintaining our integrity with various authorities.There’s no way I could trust a stranger with all that.”

“My children would never do anything to hurt the business.They’re my own flesh and blood.”

It’s a disaster waiting to happen!!

Instead of implementing a system to monitor proper business conduct, founding fathers rely on the ties that bind – a strategy they believe guarantees financial integrity.

“Managing a business with family is easy and simple.”

Founding founders believe that family members contribute to smooth and efficient running of a business. Why? Because children have to do whatever their parents say.

(Honor your father and mother, right?)

[After biting my tongue for what seems like forever, I ask founders if – when they were grown men of 55 – they would have liked to be at the mercy of their father, still obeying their father’s every command. But more about that later on.]

“When I reach the end of my days, I’ll know I left a fine business for the next generation.”

The official mantra of all founding fathers says that if they don’t involve their children and grandchildren in the family business, the family will be deprived of a valuable asset!

I’ve accumulated quite a cache of family business cases, and while there may be advantages to running a family business, I’ve witnessed numerous businesses (and warm family relations) come to a tragic end.

Let’s touch on some of the disadvantages and risks of running a family business: ● WHAT’S THERE TO TALK ABOUT AT THE SHABBOS TABLE? Businesses have their ups and downs, and that usually means that any after-business-hours family gathering soon evolves into a brain trust or business meeting. Conflicts from work continue at home.

This phenomenon can damage a fam-

SEPTEMBER 2017

ily business. No one can ever speak their mind or focus on anything other than the business! ● TRANSITIONING THE BUSINESS FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT – WHAT IF IT GOES AWRY? What happens when the founder is no longer competent to manage the business?

Would any son, daughter, brother-in-law or grandchild dare to show up at his office and announce: “It’s time for you to retire, for the sake of the business”?

Similarly, the elevated status of one family member in the business could harm the business. (No one would feel comfortable pointing out their mistakes.)

Future disputes between second generation family members are bound to arise. This is an incontestable fact. ● EQUALITY AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS IS ECONOMIC SUICIDE FOR A BUSINESS Family involved in a business usually demand that compensation for each member be identical – a demand that completely contradicts judicious economics! In family businesses, it’s difficult to apply a mechanism for

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remuneration according to each individual’s contribution. This leads to jealousy and rivalry, and impaired motivation amongst employees (who are all family members). ● SETS THE STAGE FOR FUTURE DISPUTES Future disputes between second generation family members are bound to arise.This is an incontestable fact. Family not involved in the business feel their relatives “were handed a thriving business without lifting a finger,” and refuse to acknowledge that the success of the business could be due to diligence and hard work. Meanwhile, family members who poured their heart and soul into a business feel that they are the reason the business even exists! A dispute with no foreseeable conclusion. ● G-D CREATED MAN INHERENTLY HONEST This is true. But financial anomalies can crop up even among family members. Monitoring, however, could prove problematic. It’s just not possible for family members to audit their own relatives.

With all the obstacles involved in running a family business, can it actually work? The answer is yes.

More than any large corporation, family businesses require prudent planning and advice from various professionals including accountants, economists and lawyers. More on making a success of your family business – in the next edition of Bizness Magazine!

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Rosenblum Holtzman, CPA was founded in 1981. The firm provides a wide range of services to corporations, kibbutzim, non-proft organizations and private clients.

These services include auditing annual financial statements, representing clients before the tax authorities, tax planning, internal auditing, information systems, risk management, information security, financial consulting, Sarbanes Oxley implementation, and evaluating corporate governance. The firm has special expertise in forensic auditing and assisting in legal proceedings involving accounting and financial evaluations. With over 100 employees, Rosenblum Holtzman provides a top tier professional service, while simultaneously allowing clients to receive personal attention from the partners.

Rosenblum Holtzman CPAs can be reached at 03-609-20-20 or through their website www.rhcpa.co.il.

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Glass Fusion Workshops I Interview I Yael Szlaifsztein

Fusing Art with Healing: Yael Szlaifsztein’s Glass Fusion Workshops

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ave you ever seen those beautiful bowls or jars adorned with decorative elements fused into glass, and wondered how those objects got there?

Yael Szlaifsztein did, and her curiosity led her to become a glass fusion artist and teacher. We interviewed her about this unique art form, how it has impacted her life, and how it impacts the lives of her students.

How did you get involved in glass fusion?

I was always drawn to art, and when my oldest daughter was born, I signed up for a ceramics course. That’s how my art career began.

We made Aliyah from Uruguay 17 years ago.

Around 10 years ago, we went back to Uruguay on shlichut. We taught in the Jewish community school and hosted many guests in our home during Shabbat and the rest of the week.

I was so overwhelmed with the tasks at hand that I was unable to make time for the things I really loved to do—including creating art, and I missed it. So I decided to return to ceramics, since that was what I was familiar with at the time.

One day, while guests at a family in the community, I noticed that the host had set the table with plates and bowls made of glass. I was stunned by their simple beauty; it was love at first sight! I immediately asked my host, “What are these lovely things?” and “Where do you learn to make them?” and she directed me to a studio. Ever prompt and practical, I signed up for my first course the very next day—and the rest is history.

Other than the joy of creating art, what benefits do you experience from glass fusion?

I decided to call my studio “Artesana Glass.”

“Artesana” is a play on words in Spanish; its plain meaning is “artisan,” but “arte” means “art” and “sana” also means “healing.” I believe that art can heal; not physical ailments, but ailments of the heart and soul. When we are unhappy, art give us an opportunity to make space for healing, self-love, and tranquility.

I see this in practice in my classes: as soon as my students enter my studio, they step away from their hectic, stressful lives and give themselves permission to play, to explore, to breathe. I had one student

who was very artistic, but because of a family trauma she had experienced, she hadn’t dared to create anything for thirteen years. When she arrived at my workshop, something opened up within her. Since then, she hasn’t stopped creating art. Her heart has found peace.

The healing power of art is the aspect I find most fulfilling in my work.

What is glass fusion?

Glass fusion is the craft of decorating glass by infusing it with various elements, such as powders, paints, beads and other odds and ends, even air bubbles. The elements are incorporated into the glass by melting it down in a very hot oven, where it becomes fluid and absorbs them, for about 20 hours. I’m always surprised and delighted to discover what comes out when I open the oven!

Who would enjoy your workshops?

My workshops are perfect for anyone who wants to experience an art class that is new and different. You’ll come out with a beautiful result, of course, but you will also enjoy the process. The workshop is wonderful as a family activity, a bat mitzvah or other birthday party, a bonding activity for friends, couples, or

Yael can be reached at 052-388-1654, yael.artesana@gmail.com, www.artesanaglass.co.il

co-workers, and much more. You don’t need any artistic background; just come and have fun.

What options do you offer?

You can sign up for a one-time, hour-and-ahalf-long workshop to create the item of your choice; or you can join a more long-term course that consists of four to twelve weekly meetings, also an hour and a half each. These take place at my studio in Mevo Choron (next to Modiin).

Additionally, I offer workshops for groups of up to 40 people, either at my studio or at any other appropriate venue. For a bat mitzvah, for example, I’ll come to the event hall and run the workshop there.

What do you teach your students during classes?

I teach the craft from A to Z and give my students all the knowledge I have. I want my students to be satisfied and enjoy quality time together—and of course, to enjoy their creations. I believe the only way to be capable of receiving is to give everything you have, so I don’t keep any secrets—I tell my students everything I know!

Do you sell your pieces?

Absolutely! You can purchase my pieces from me at the studio, or place an order through my website and have it shipped to you. I also take custom orders and create pieces tailored to the client’s preferences.

What do you love most about teaching glass fusion?

The thing I love most about this work is the contact with other people. I love meeting new people from different cultures, and I’m always deeply moved to watch the amazing connections that form between people during the workshop: mothers and daughters, grandparents and grandchildren, couples, etc.

I feel a great sense of mission in my work. I wish to help others feel good and create more unity and love, respect, self-expression, and giving in the world.

This is what happens in my workshops.

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Caliber 3 I Anti-Terror and Security Training

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ne of the things that characterizes the typical Israeli response to terrorism is their fighting spirit.

Israelis don’t run and hide; they fight back with whatever they have. A pizza pan recently joined the umbrella, the selfie stick, the guitar and the nunchaku on the list of unconventional weapons used by Israeli civilians to ward off terrorists in recent years! That’s why Caliber 3—the leading terror and security training academy in Israel—offers counter-terror training programs to civilians.

Founded in 2003 by IDF Colonel Sharon Gat (Res.), Caliber 3 provides security and tactical training to the world’s top military, law enforcement, government and security agencies, including the IDF, the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the Israeli Police Force, and the Israeli Ministry of Homeland Security. It also offers one-of-a-kind terror preparedness programs to tourists who want to get a taste of life in Israel, and to civilians who want to feel safe as they go about their daily lives.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING The most common type of terror attack is one we rarely hear about on the news: car stonings. Jews (and sometimes Arabs) driving through Arab villages or neighborhoods in the West Bank or East Jerusalem are frequently attacked by Arab youth throwing rocks or cement blocks. During periods of political unrest, the dangers on the roads can increase, including violent riots or protests, roadblocks, ambushes and Molotov cocktails. The key to surviving an attack like this is knowing how to stay in control of the vehicle. Caliber 3 offers a three-hour course that helps drivers prepare for these scenarios: how to back out of dangerous and impassible situations, remove an injured passenger from a vehicle, swerve around obstacles in the road (both forwards and in reverse), drive through fire or bombardment with heavy objects and change a tire quickly. Students practice these skills at Caliber 3’s unique vehicle training facility with safe simulations of the dangerous situations they might face.

IDF-STYLE COMBAT TRAINING FOR LAYPEOPLE & TOURISTS There may be other places in the world that offer military-style recreational activities or shooting ranges, but there’s nothing like Caliber 3. Tourists of any age can get a taste of Israeli firing and combat methods with the Ultimate Shooting Adventure, which includes a tour of the facility, training with Israeli security professionals, practice with assault rifles and a participate in a shooting tournament. You may have played paintball, but you’ve never played it like this: Caliber 3 offers an Urban Combat Paintball program that includes instruction by the finest experts in close-quarter battle and urban combat. Participants learn

Awaken Your Israeli Fighting Spirit at Caliber 3 Living in Israel has its challenges and quirks. Unfortunately, coping with local terror attacks is no longer that unique to Israel; with the recent terror attacks in London, Paris and Barcelona, Israel is becoming the envy of the world’s security forces for its unmatched military, counter-terror and security capabilities.

various room entry and clearing techniques, how to enter a battle, and how to fight in a complex urban terrain—and then practice their skills in a fun, team-building game of paintball!

Every wondered how special forces scale down walls and mountains—and shoot while on the move? Now you can try it yourself with Caliber 3’s Combat Rappelling program.

Caliber 3 also offers clay target shooting, survival and navigation, and Krav Maga training programs—all with the top Israeli experts.

FIRING RANGE & FIREARM TRAINING Caliber 3 boasts seven state-of-the-art firing ranges that can be custom-configured to meet your training needs. Trainees can practice with various types of firearms, including pistols, revolvers, assault rifles, and shotguns. Israeli citizens who are eligible for a weapons license can receive their mandatory training at Caliber 3.

Caliber 3’s main branch is located in the Gush Etzion Industrial Park near the southern entrance to Efrat, with two additional facilities in Carmiel and Genigar. For more information or to book an activity, call 02673-4334 or e-mail: sharon@caliber-3.com

Courses range from short half-day training to 6-day intensive programs, and instruction focuses on key techniques such as the “Israeli point and shoot” method, tactical magazine changes, combat tactics and much more.

KRAV MAGA Krav Maga is an aggressive hand-to-hand combat system developed in Israel and used by security forces in Israel and abroad. It takes advantage of natural human reflexes to counter threats, utilizing the simplest, most effective techniques to neutralize the opponent. Caliber 3 offers Krav Maga training sessions to tourists, civilians and security professionals that focus on practical techniques to ward off a variety of attacks, both armed and unarmed. Krav Maga increases your confidence and your ability to defend yourself in all types of confrontations.

TAILOR-MADE SECURITY PERSONNEL TRAINING COURSES Caliber 3 also offers, of course, a wide range of training courses adapted to the needs of various security personnel, including urban warfare, maritime security and protection, infantry training (for army units only), survival and navigation, VIP protection/bodyguard training, and SWAT team/rapid response team training.

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

THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES WILL USE THE 2017-2018 HOME GUIDE FOR PLANNING, REPAIRING AND DECORATING THEIR HOMES. MAKE SURE YOUR NAME REACHES THEM! The HOME Guide will be distributed directly to homes in most of the English speaking communities in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh and will be available through our website.

TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE, CALL 052-761-1177 INTERIOR DESIGNERS & ARCHITECTS ACA Design Studio 02-993-4471 Archi & Design Office 058-650-9213 hannaoik@gmail.com Chaya Vorhand Organization Coach 052-711-7815 Estie Schulgasser Architect 052-336-8299 estieschulgasser@gmail.com Jennifer Ungar Interior Designer 052-448-7050 jenungar@gmail.com Leah Irenstein Architect 053-317-7450 leahirenstein@gmail.com Miller Design Architecture 052-765-9508 dm@mdarch.co.il Revital Reich Architect 054-729-1127 revitalreich@gmail.com Rivka Porush Architect 054-843-9991 rivpor@gmail.com Shifra Fogel Architect 053-313-7231 S.F5373975@gmail.com Shira Fabian Architect 052-769-9170 arc99170@gmail.com Space Design 050-591-5005 simiz7@walla.com CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATIONS & ALUMINUM A. B. Menachem Aluminium 052-381-4744

Aderet Aluminium 02-671-9048 arik@aderetalum.co.il Ariel Yegudayev Kablan 050-919-9227 arielconstruction@gmail.com Avi Israel Renovations 054-882-0086, 052-260-8086 aviisrael7965@gmail.com Avi Pave Project Manager 054-805-8072 agpave@gmail.com Avishai Tsalisher Renovations 052-432-7872, 052-434-5299 avishaitsalisher@gmail.com BCS Israel Building Care Services 02-678-6234, 054-242-7613 Dror Barazani Renovation and Construction 054-237-7390 indoor32.co.il Element Wood I Expert I 050-676-3222 netanelahb@gmail.com Gur Aryeh Yehuda Renovation and Project Management 052-768-8382 bitonariel3@gmail.com Harel Construction 052-607-8797 info.azoulay@gmail.com Kola Meter Construction and Renovation 050-263-3383 Mountain Air - Construction Work through Rappelling 054-314-4542 liran.sn.@gmail.com Olam Hanadlan V'hashkaot 054-234-4347 Yaniv Smadar Renovation

and Construction 050-579-8536 100yaniv@gmail.com Zacai and Sons Sealing and Renovation 050-906-6713, 050-260-4621 zacai.banav@gmail.com EXTERMINATION, WATERPROOFING, PLUMBING & MORE Ahavat Yisroel Movers 050-865-4666 Ariel Zacai Waterproofing 050-906-6709 arielzacai@gmail.com David Barak Exterminator & Waterproofing 055-660-0965, 052-377-6879 davidbarak879@gmail.com Handymench 052-342-7429 dave@handymench.co Itamar Strauss Waterproofing 052-668-7785 Moshe Cohen Exterminator & Waterproofing 052-799-7411 mosheydi1@gmail.com My Handyman 054-846-2185 AIR CONDITIONING, SECURITY, LOCKSMITHS & ELECTRICIANS Efes Takalot I Expert I 02-648-2340 apps6482340@gmail.com Elram Air Conditioning 02-640-3000

KBT Security 058-551-5200 MDAI Security Solutions 02-651-3999 mdai@zahav.net.il Moti Arush Air Conditioning 052-630-3060 Pinchas Locksmith 054-226-8637, 054-605-0210 Polar Air 08-976-1140, 052-240-5063 www.polarair.biz Security Solutions 058-403-5800 office@securitysolutions.co.il Tzvi Air I Expert I 02-826-2828 info@tzviair.com Weitz Air 077-791-2671, 050-221-9444 weitzair@gmail.com Yaakov Alkalai Electrician 052-665-8559 Yitzchak Cohen Locksmith 052-487-5656, 054-921-6525 CARPENTERS, KITCHENS, APPLIANCES & DECOR David Revivo Drapery & Linens 058-320-4971 drevivo@gmail.com Dennis Goldman Decorations 052-238-1544 agid@012.net.il Elit Doors 050-577-2055 ilancanada@windowslive.com Etz Ladaat Kitchens 050-878-8443 etzladat@gmail.com Exceptional Windows 052-607-8797 info.azoulay@gmail.com

Mistriel Carpenters 08-932-8295 gallery@mistriel.org Nisha Kitchens 050-539-0791 www.‫נישה‬-‫מטבחי‬.co.il Olam Hamizronim I Expert I 02-537-8888 Outlet Furniture 054-911-7838 Panet Electrical Appliances 02-537-7903 panetelectric@gmail.com Paramount Paints 054-527-9356 josh@paramaountpaints.com Restorno Furniture Restoration I Expert I 02-650-8777 office@restorno.co.il Salon Yerushalaim Appliances 02-624-2535, 02-624-5537 Vilon Yashir 050-402-0017 vilon.yashir@gmail.com MISC. Egert Cohen Insurance I Expert I 02-623-2546 egert@egertcohen.co.il FFG Funding Mortgage Broker 050-419-9976 9994094@gmail.com Fresh & Clean Dry Cleaning 054-721-3016, 077-350-0241 MasterPools 09-774-5125 N-Z Water Filters 054-761-7242 jack@n-z.co.il

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Home I Interview I Roni Ratzabi I Roni Holdings High-End Construction & Renovations

Photograph from the Stimmler House Project in Shaarei Chessed, Jerusalem. Interior design by Jerusalem Design

Insights from a Professional:

Things to know before starting construction Anglos in Israel are always searching for reliable contractors.

Whether you are building your dream home or renovating your office, here are some insights into the field from Roni Ratzabi, a favorite contractor among the Anglo community.

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hat type of projects do you do?

Roni Holdings performs renovation and finishing projects in many different types of properties, including apartments, private homes, villas, commercials buildings, cafes and restaurants.

We do both basic and high-end projects down to the finishing touches, according to the specifications of the architects, designers, or clients.

What is your background in the field, and how did you get started?

I worked as a project manager in finishing and renovation for 13 years, learning a tremendous amount about team management and problem solving. I am a licensed electrician and a certified plumber with many years of experience in the field.

I founded Roni Holdings in 2004, after work-

ing as an electrician and technician in a large company. In 2006, I started working as the head maintenance contractor with the “Si Espresso” chain of coffee shops, while continuing to work with my own private clients simultaneously. During this time, I acquired

significant operational and management experience with building contractors who provide high level renovation services.

In 2011, I expanded my business to work specifically with the Anglo community, paying close attention to their unique preferences. Over the years, I have developed a thorough understanding of their style and expectations, and we have worked on many beautiful projects that have left everyone satisfied.

What are some of the projects that you enjoyed the most?

I love all my projects as if they were my own children, so it’s difficult to choose one over another. Each project has its own character and style, based on the preferences of the designer, architect or client, but the most important thing is that each client is completely satisfied with the results.

What was one of the greatest challenges you were presented with, and how did you solve it?

One of the most complicated challenges I encountered was the construction of hundreds of meters of magnetic walls in an art gallery in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv called “Matsart.” Because the scope of the project was unprecedented in Israel, we were forced to find a creative solution. Ultimately, we put tin paneling on the walls that could hold magnets supporting up to forty kilograms, but we processed them to look like regular walls. It was a challenging project, especially because it required a high level of execution in a limited timeframe, but we succeeded.

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Americans tend to be very suspicious of contractors. How can one be sure that everything will be done honestly and correctly?

Unfortunately, there are many unprofessional contractors who rely on inexperienced labor they are looking for. Approximately 70% of the contractors claiming to be experts in both structural construction and interior finishing do not meet Anglo standards in the latter. Of the 30% who are true professionals in both fields, only 15% know how to work with Anglo clients.

Another issue is pricing. In many cases, contractors give low price quotes to get new clients, but once they are in the midst of a project they realize that the price is far too low for the amount of work required. Since it is too late to raise the price, they simply cover up the problems from the client in order to save themselves money and avoid dealing with the issues. Unfortunately, this creates a very bad reputation for all contractors.

To avoid this, always examine how price quotes are calculated, making sure that figures are typed into the computer in an organized fashion, rather than simply scribbled down on scraps of paper. Although there can be a difference of up to 15% among professional contractors, one must always be suspicious if the price quote is too low. In Israel, “cheaper is more expensive,” and if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!

I also recommend thoroughly surveying a contractor’s portfolio of projects, not by simply looking at pictures, but by speaking with previous clients about their experiences with the contractor and workers.

To ensure professional work, insist that there always be a project manager on site to deal with any issues that may come up, rather than a bunch of people working without any guidance. The entire team must work from clear plans, which will prevent unnecessary problems down the road.

The Anglo population tends to work with architectural firms or designers that combine project management, planning and design all together. In these types of arrangements, the contractor chooses an architectural firm based on the amount of profit he will make, and he handpicks all other service and material providers based on commission. This leads to a far more expensive and less professional project, because everyone is looking for maximum profit instead of how to best meet the clients’ needs.

The American architecture firms may speak their language, but this simply provides a false sense of security, because they may have the same issues. When clients begin to see these problems throughout the project, they are often hesitant to confront the contractors, so they simply remain silent and pay the price.

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Therefore, I recommend that people go with a totally neutral independent architect or designer, choose a contractor based on the trusted recommendations of the Anglo community, and always work with official contracts.

Have you noticed a difference in the styles and expectations of Israelis and Americans?

The difference between the Israeli and American style stems from the type of architecture and design they are used to. In Israel, new homes tend to have a “cold” modern design, characterized by straight, sharp lines. The American style has a much higher level of wall processing, paint and finishing, a unique style of kitchens and bedroom, as well as beautiful woodwork and mosaics. Anglos tend to invest in their homes far more than Israelis, especially the final design aspects, and they know how to appreciate high-quality, professional work.

Do you also offer interior design and architect services? If not, how do you work with all of the different professionals involved in a project?

We generally join a project once there is already a design or architectural plan, but part of our job is to mediate between all of the different professionals. We communicate and coordinate with everyone through the project manager, and so far everything has always worked smoothly. We often continue to collaborate in the future - this is just part of the profession.

Are you on site of every project?

As CEO, I often find myself at the site from the beginning of a project until the end, but sometimes I cannot be physically present because I need to take care of the complicated logistics that keep the project moving efficiently. However, there is a professional project manager on site at all times, and we are in constant contact to discuss any issues.

In your opinion, what qualities characterize good construction work?

Site management is one of the most important characteristics of professional work. A higher level of order and organization leads to a higher quality of work. There should be clear, detailed

ABOUT RONI RATZABI Roni Ratzabi is the founder of Roni Holdings, a high-end construction and renovation company that specializes in working with Anglos.

They can be reached at 052-555-3223 or through their website www.ronih.net.

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plans hung on the walls for all the different workers to see, and the project manager should fully understand all of the work plans so that he can answer all questions professionally.

Laborers should work with lasers to ensure exact measurements, and they must organize the site at the end of the working day, including making order of the equipment and adequately covering the site. Although this may seem like a small thing, the entire labor staff should always wear official uniforms with the business logo, demonstrating a degree of professionalism, which will ultimately lead to the best results.

What turns a “regular” project into a “high-end” project? Is the only difference in the final design touches?

In order to achieve a high-end result, there needs to be thorough, high quality labor throughout every step of the construction or renovation process. For example, in order to end up with the most beautifully finished floors, every step of the project needs to be geared toward this goal. This level of execution can only be carried out by a properly trained professional who will pay attention to all the small details. This level of work takes more time, and therefore, is more expensive.

Is there a difference in the construction methods used for private and commercial building?

Commercial construction is generally much simpler than private construction, because it is usually large, open spaces that are simply closed off to create offices or stores. In order to meet the technical specifications of villas or homes, teams need to provide detailed, focused work down to the finishing touches.

What factors determine the cost in construction work? Are more expensive materials really more reliable?

Building costs are determined by the quality of materials, the level of professionalism of the workers and craftsman, and the location of the project, in terms of the accessibility of cranes and containers, site protection, and whether or not there is a need for demolitions.

High-quality materials and products will always yield better and more long lasting results, whether it is a faucet, electrical panel or tile.

That being said, there are some things that are unjustifiably expensive. There is no reason to spend 3000 NIS on a faucet when you can buy one of the same quality for 1500 NIS that will do the job just as well. To get the best value, you need to know where to go. We are here to provide recommendations and guidance.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

When the client finally sees the finished project and loves it, it is worth all the effort. I’m satisfied when my clients are satisfied. This proves that I met—and oftentimes exceeded— their expectations.

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Home I Interview I Jennifer Ungar Interior Designer I Expert

Making a Silk Purse from a Sow’s Ear How interior design can transform any space into one you’ll love

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hen doing any construction or remodeling, an interior designer will be an essential part of achieving the results you want. We were fortunate to speak with Jennifer Ungar, an interior designer with 25 years of experience, for some insight into her field.

What inspired you to enter the field of interior design?

My mother and grandmother. Each was involved in the design industry, albeit in different eras and different segments of the industry. My grandmother was the Creative Director for the Geilich Tanning Company, which she and my grandfather owned. They produced luxury leathers for upscale fashion houses. For example, she was instrumental in designing the now ubiquitous Jack Rogers sandal and was often written up in Women’s Wear Daily. My mother is also very fashion

forward and design conscious. She had her own interior design company, importing objets d’art from Europe.

What type of projects do you do?

Mostly interior renovations of homes, apartments and offices – taking old space and transforming it. Making a silk purse from a sow’s ear, as they say.

Homeowners become excited when planning a renovation, but getting to the finished product can be challenging and frustrating.

One of the specialty services I offer is to take the hassle off the client’s back by becoming the Project Manager and taking full responsibility for the project. I have experience working with contractors and tradesmen in Israel and can anticipate and solve problems that most homeowners would overlook, particularly chutznikim who are not familiar with how things are done here. In addition, even for someone who does not need a full Project Manager, a professional interior designer can

find and implement solutions that ultimately save clients money and keep them from making costly mistakes.

What’s the difference between an architect, an interior designer and an interior decorator, and how do they complement each other?

I am so glad you asked. While there are definitely overlaps, we each have our own specialties and backgrounds. Generally, building architects design structures, for example, a house, hotel, apartment or office building. They lay out each floor, design the structure, choose materials, decide on the technical details for electrical wiring, plumbing, lighting, etc., and bring in specialists as necessary, such as structural engineers, electrical engineers, lighting consultants, etc.

One of these specialists is usually an interior designer, as well. Some architects will do their own interior design. However, since it is not their specialty, they will not provide the attention to decorative and design detail that a good interior designer will.

Interior designers, as the name implies, usually work on interior spaces. They have been trained to understand and read architectural drawings and professionally lay out and design architectural drawings for the interior space. This is important because the interior designer must know, for example, which walls are structural and can’t be moved with-

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out an engineer’s involvement and which are non-structural and can be moved. Similarly, it is often critical to know how,where and if it is realistic and cost-efficient to relocate plumbing lines so that kitchens and bathrooms can be rebuilt in new places. An interior designer also assists with paint colors, furniture placement and reupholstery, fabric choices, window treatments and choosing, framing and hanging art.

An interior decorator is usually someone who has a knack for design but no formal training. Most of the time they cannot draw up a written design from which a contractor can work, but they can make suggestions and help someone choose furniture and decorate their space.

What should someone discuss with an interior designer before hiring?

Here are some of the most important issues to clarify: • Explain why things are laid out in your space the way they are, what you want to change and why.

• What is your overall goal with the renovation?

• What is your budget?

• Show her photos of the kind of look you imagine for each room.

• Does she think you can accomplish your goals within your budget? If not, does she have other ideas for you to consider?

• Can she give you references?

• How does she charge?

• Is there a written contract between you and the designer?

• Does she have contractors she can recommend with whom she has worked?

• If you already have a contractor, has she ever worked with him? Is she willing to work with him on this project?

• What are the stages of the project and how long does she think it will take?

Is there a noticeable difference in interior design in Israel and abroad?

I have never worked in Europe, but between here and US the differences are tremendous, which makes the need for an interior designer here that much more critical. Let me explain. There are many more choices across the board in the States – from furniture styles to housing styles. It’s much more challenging here. Not only are the choices more limited, but, for example, it is also often difficult to get samples of anything – tiles, paint, fabric swatches, etc. In the States, those things are taken for granted. Every supplier has samples that you can take home. So here you need to work with someone who has good relationships with suppliers so that they will lend

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samples—even if only on a one-day basis— or someone who has enough experience to be able to see different things—one fabric here, one fabric there—and know that they will or won’t look good together. As anyone who has made Aliyah knows, doing business in Israel is not the same as doing business abroad. Having the relationships in place and knowing where to shop could be the difference between success and disaster.

What do you think is your strongest skill that comes across in your work?

My husband says that it is uncanny how I can walk into a room and notice every detail.

And more than that, he says, I can intuitively envision what can be done to that room or space. One of my clients described it another way. She said, “Jennifer can see through walls!” meaning, I can see the end result even while the current walls are in place. This is a critical skill when working to revamp a space, make it more spacious, lighter, airier, etc. Most clients need this assistance while planning and shopping. When the project is done, what I most often hear is, “Now I see what you meant! You were so right!”

Any creative angles when dealing with a lower-budget project?

Absolutely. It is imperative to know how you can get the best bang for your buck or shekel.

Sometimes people think they have to do x. But when I look at the whole picture, I may be able to suggest something far less expensive which would accomplish the same goal. ObviousABOUT JENNIFER UNGAR Jennifer Ungar has been designing beautiful spaces for 25 years and has worked on large and small residential projects in New York, New Jersey, Miami and Ramat Beit Shemesh. By listening closely to her clients’ needs and desires, Jennifer transforms their concepts and vision into a design reality. Her specialty is creating interiors that are comfortably sophisticated, yet, relaxed and inviting; interiors that turn your space into your home.

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

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ly, the first thing is to try to use or repurpose furniture and things one already owns. But I have many other secrets too!

How do you try to keep impartial to your own tastes and opinions when working with someone else’s?

It’s not a problem. I try to zero in on exactly what my clients want and focus accordingly.

Even if their taste is not my own, I can still help them create the home or office they are hoping for. In fact, due to the many kinds of design ideas I am able to share with my clients, they find it easier to develop their own look.

How do you advise that your clients get inspiration on what they would like in their home?

That’s a great question because many clients don’t always know what they want and, if they do, they have trouble explaining it.

I always refer people to the website: houzz. com. It’s an incredible resource. The best I’ve ever seen.

What comes first, planning or shopping? (i.e. sometimes you may not know what to do with a corner until you find the perfect piece of furniture or accent for the wall.)

Definitely planning. If you want to achieve a certain look and feel, you need a plan. There are times when a client has a particular piece of furniture they want to use as a centerpiece and that is never a problem. It just becomes part of the plan. If, later, the client gets a new idea or finds something spectacular she wants to include, we find a way. It may mean changing the plan. But there’s always a way.

Any specific project that you really enjoyed or that stands out in your mind?

Yes, the White House. My husband has known Donald Trump for years. Soon after the election, President-Elect Trump called to ask for some ideas for the White House.

In particular, he was concerned about the Oval Office, the main banquet hall and the bowling alley in the basement. I agreed with him that the Oval Office wallpaper should be changed to the color gold since that was always his signature look, but I nixed the big T logo on the wall behind his desk. He had the White House Chief Butler forward photos to me of the banquet hall. It was beautiful. It just really needed new wallpaper. And President Trump hates bowling so I suggested he take out the bowling alley and turn it back into a pool as it was under President Kennedy.

We talked about some concepts he liked and I developed a plan for him.

The White House? Are you serious?

No, but you can always dream ;-)

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Home I Interview I Avraham Mizrachi Co-founder of HaMemadef Construction Company

Furnishing Your Home to Last

With so many contractors and shiputznikim out there, it’s hard to know who to call and who to trust. We had the opportunity to speak with Avraham Mizrachi about his company and how to acquire and maintain high-quality, long-lasting furniture

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ow did you get started, and what makes your construction business unique?

We started out as contract woodworkers. Some people saw our work and commissioned us privately for some projects. They were so happy with the quality of our work and so enthusiastic in their feedback, that we decided to specialize in this field.

What’s special about us is that we can suggest multiple creative solutions for every problem. We also customize each project to the tastes, wishes and needs of the client. We surround ourselves with professionals with a great deal of knowledge and experience. Our motto is, “Don’t be afraid to dream—someone will be able to make it reality.”

What disadvantages are there to buying shelving or other furniture from a furniture store?

Furniture stores offer products that are mass-produced, designed to be sold in large quantities. This means you are less likely to find pieces that are just right for your space and intended use. The quality of the construction and material of mass-produced furniture tends to be lower. Furthermore, when you ask a salesperson at a store for information, he will provide information that relates only to the product he wants to sell you—for example, he might tell you which type of wood was used to build

a particular piece, but he won’t be able to tell you about the differences between the types of wood, their characteristics, and which ones are most recommended for your intended use.

What materials do you use to build your pieces, and how do you choose when to use them?

The material we work with most is wood. We also work with glass, plaster, plastic, aluminum and other types of metals.

The client decides which materials to use.

We present him with information on the advantages and disadvantages of each material

ABOUT THE COMPANY HaMemadef is a unique construction company that specializes in woodwork, decorative construction and high-level finishing work for individuals, businesses and institutions. Founded by Avraham Mizrachi and Shimon Uliel, Hamemadef serves clients in the Jerusalem area. They partner with carpenters, architects, interior designers, plasterwork specialists and more.

They can be reached at 052-831-2423 or 052-558-5528.

for a particular project, but once he has that information, the decision is his.

Can you describe the process from beginning to end?

First, we meet with the client and discuss his wants and needs. Then, we suggest a number of options, and we decide together which one is ideal. We then get to work on the project, and implement our plan to the client’s satisfaction.

What are some ways to keep wardrobes and cabinets in good condition for many years?

First of all, the most important thing is to start out with a high-quality, well-built product. Ensuring that the product is built with its intended use in mind is an important factor in maintaining the condition of cabinets and shelves. The more often you take the piece apart and put it back together, so make sure to do it properly and carefully. Also, pay close attention to the more delicate spots that tend to get worn down more easily, such as hinges, tracks, handles, feet, etc.

What creative ideas can you offer for furnishing a home?

Ideas are a product of the imagination, and therefore there are endless possibilities! We come up with creative solutions to all kinds of situations. Our goal is to make the most of the space that’s available while maintaining aesthetics and a sense of décor—ensuring that the space doesn’t seem crowded or closed in. For example, we can design beds that fold up into a closet (and open into a couch as well); tables that can be folded up to the wall so they stay out of the way when not in use; a hinged bookshelf that’s attached to a door; a double-sided bookshelf; and much more.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve built?

We took the empty, unused space under a staircase and transformed it into a combination storage room and dressing room, including a triangular door and a mirror. The result was stunning: a room inside a room, all tucked neatly under the stairs.

This project required a great deal of thought and planning, and it was very satisfying.

What happens if a client is unhappy with the project?

I can’t emphasize this enough: from our perspective, the client deserves the best service possible, and if he’s unhappy, that means we have failed in our mission. Since we involve the client so actively in the planning and execution of the project, we don’t see a reason why the client would be disappointed. But if that happens, we will work together to find a satisfactory solution.

We will do everything we can to give our customers the best and most efficient service possible.

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Home I Interview I Yoel Zirah CMO & Co-Founder of Zabilo Ltd

Zabilo – Israel’s New eCommerce Market In the footsteps of global ecommerce giant Amazon, Israel’s first ever multi-language ecommerce platform, Zabilo, is pioneering a revolution in online shopping for Israelis, and specifically for olim from English and French-speaking countries.

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hat is Zabilo and how did you begin?

Zabilo is a marketplace specializing in home appliances. As longtime ecommerce consumers, my co-founders and I were disappointed, when we moved to Israel, to find out how far behind Israel is in this industry compared to cities like San Francisco, New York, Paris, Sydney, London, Hong Kong and Bangkok, where we had lived or visited. The absence in Israel of large platforms like Amazon condemns Israelis to being at least ten years behind in their purchasing options. Our love for Israel and our determination to improve the lifestyle here inspired us to develop an authentic ecommerce experience with Zabilo.

The ease of purchasing online with services such as Amazon, has dramatically

transformed the shopping experience in other countries. How are you planning to incorporate this phenomenon into the Israeli marketplace?

Like Amazon, our approach is “to start with the customer and work backwards.” Zabilo’s number one rule is: “The shopping experience has to be greater than the item bought.”

It took time for Amazon to become the success it is today and it taught us the importance of placing the customer at the center.

Moreover, our childhoods in Paris taught us a certain “art-de-vivre.” Israel is a country of immigrants, uniting people from all over the world under one flag. As we olim adapt to Israeli infrastructures that are different from what we know in the USA or Europe, we also make an impact on the society around us.

What products do you sell?

We specialize in home appliances. We provide our customers with a large range of: TV screens, washing machines, fridges, ACs, ovens, food processors and more. We give thorough guidance by phone or chat explaining everything they need to know when buying a new item.

Where do you source your products?

Many top stores are excited about doing business on Zabilo.com. This enables Zabilo.com to offer some of the best products available at the best market prices, while giving our own service in English, Hebrew or French. We only sell products with the warranty of an official importers. We put all our efforts into providing our customers with the service and respect they deserve.

How satisfied are your clients so far?

We are very proud to see on our Facebook Reviews that 99% of our customers report being “very satisfied” by Zabilo.com after our first two years of trade.

Any plans to expand your service?

We’re ambitious and our goal is to create a service culture here in Israel. To that end, we would like to offer everyone the chance to sell on Zabilo. Our priority is to continue guaranteeing our customers a high level of service and fostering a long-term relationship with both our customers and suppliers.

Zabilo.com wishes Bizness Magazine readers a Shana Tova

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Home I Architecture

How to Make the Most of the Space You Have Often clients come to me with a grand vision, but daunted by the realities imposed by their budget, space, or deadline. They hope to get everything they want, but understand that they may have to settle for less. The first thing I try to do is show them that there are more solutions than they might imagine.

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By Miles Hartog

Technique Four: Place Rooms and Windows Strategically

Decide with your architect how to strategically place your rooms. Do you really need windows in your bathroom or laundry room? What if you moved the service rooms to the inner core of your house, ventilated them differently, and used the extra outer room for another bedroom, larger living room or a bay window for your kitchen? This will lend your home a more airy and spacious feel and give you better access to the exterior façade, where you will most enjoy the view.

Technique Five: Maximize Your Use of Kitchen Space

ne way to get the most out of your home is efficient use of space. Whether you have 60 or 350 square meters, your architect can help you figure out how to maximize every centimeter.

Often, we conceptualize the space we have as rectangular with straight walls. This may be convenient for placing Ikea-bought bookshelves, but if you’re creative, changing the shape of the space you have can create more options. For example, a curved wall can be used to accommodate a rounded table on one side,while opening space for a closet in the adjacent room.

You want more counter space in your kitchen, but you also want a kitchen table. You want privacy in the kitchen, but not to feel cut off from what’s going on in the dining room. A bar island or peninsula can create counter-height working space; placing bar stools or chairs around it transform it into a breakfast or homework table. For more privacy, you can build a shelf high enough to cut the line of sight; for a more roomy, open feel, leave the counter top lower and let the space flow between the rooms. Not sure? No problem: install sliding doors or latticed windows that can be opened for more space and closed for more privacy.

Technique Two: Use Specialty Staircases

Technique Six: Fill the Dead Corners

Technique One: Break the Box

If a full staircase would take too much space, consider some less conventional options. Spiral staircases, for example, use minimal floorspace.

Another creative solution is alternating tread stairs: a staircase that’s split lengthwise with the treads realigned so each ascending stair is on an alternate side; this design saves half the floorspace. It doesn’t always meet building codes, so you won’t find it in public buildings, but alternating tread stairs are perfectly usable for your home – especially for access to an attic.

Another great option is ladders: the fastest way to gain height without losing floorspace! Good architectural design takes the vertical dimension of your space into account.

Technique Three: Save Rooms; Embrace Nooks

Okay, so you need to do laundry; but do you really need to dedicate a space for it? Instead, consider building a laundry closet off the hall, with louvered doors to allow ventilation, a vent to the outside and sufficient space for your washer, dryer, and other laundry necessities. That way, your laundry nook is tucked out of the way and your guests will never know it’s there.

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

Miles can be reached at 054-436-4492 or through his website www.mileshartog.com.

Corners in kitchens or bedrooms can go to waste as dead space, unreachable from either side. If that dead corner is accessible from an adjacent room, flip it around and install a closet facing the other way. If not, utilize specialty hardware like a “magic corner” to allow you to pull out shelving that’s tucked away around a 90-degree turn.

Technique Seven: Use Smart Furniture

If you have a small apartment and can’t fit enough rooms for all your needs, consider multiple-use furniture. You can install a desk and shelving unit that converts into a double bed without a need to remove anything from the shelves or unmake the bed. If you need an extra bunk bed but don’t have the room width, try a folding bunk bed with a removable collapsible ladder. Add a trundle bed that stores beneath the bottom bunk for a third bed. If you have a studio that needs a bed, a sofa, and a desk in the same space – it can be done! These solutions aren’t cheap, but they’re still cheaper than adding a room on your house – which isn’t always an option anyway.

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Home I Air Conditioning & Heating I Expert

Why it Pays to Replace Your Old Central Air Conditioning With a Modern VRF System

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By Tzvi Lefkowitz of Tzvi Air

high-tech inverter VRF system will make your home more comfortable and reduce your electric bill by as much as 70 percent! These energy-efficient systems have been used to heat and cool luxury homes and hotels for decades.

As is often the case with new technologies, the cost for VRF systems has dropped considerably over the past five years.They are now affordable and pay for themselves in as little as two years!

WHAT IS A VRF SYSTEM? VRF stands for Variable Refrigerant Flow.A VRF system has one main outdoor condenser unit that serves multiple indoor room units. These are available in many different types from fully concealed with architectural grade grills to wall mounted units. The flow of refrigerant from the compressor is carefully controlled so that each indoor unit receives only what it needs to maintain the perfect temperature in that specific room.The variable-speed outdoor compressor works only as hard as it needs to, which saves energy and money.

The VRF system can maintain different temperatures in different rooms by setting each room’s thermostat. These systems give you ultimate control and save you money.At night, do you like the master bedroom a little cooler than the children’s rooms? Just set the thermostat accordingly. No need to waste money by heating or cooling a rarely-used room. You can keep the unit off in the guest room until you have compa-

ABOUT THE COMPANY TzviAir is a leading Air Conditioning and Heating company in the Jerusalem area. The precision of their professional work, accompanied by wonderful customer service, has earned them thousands of satisfied clients.

TzviAir can be reached at 02-628-8282 or through their website www.tzviair.com.

Realistic Comparison for a Typical 5 Room (4 Bedroom) Apartment Cooling Power

42,000 BTu/H (4.7 HP)

Type of System

Old Fixed-Speed Central Air System

VRF System with Inverter Technology

COP

2.5

3.8

Annual Cost to Operate

₪9,126

₪2,261*

Cost to Install

₪20,000

₪28,000

Electricity Savings per Year

₪6,865*

Years to Break Even

Just over a year!

The COP rating reflects the efficiency of a cooling or heating system. That number is determined by dividing the capacity in KW by its power consumption in KW. For example, a cooling system with a cooling capacity of 42,000 BTu/H (which is 12.3 KW) and a rated power consumption of 3.36 KW has a COP of 3.8. The higher the COP, the more efficient the system. Newer and more sophisticated systems have higher COP ratings.

You will recoup the additional ₪8,000 system cost in just over a year by cutting your energy costs by ₪6,865 a year with a 3.8 EER VRF system. * Based on 35 percent of system usage at any given time.

Actual savings will vary based on the percentage of usage.

ny. In addition, a VRF system only outputs what is needed. So, during the day when you are using the living room and the kitchen,you are not paying to cool the bedrooms; at night, you only pay to cool some or all of the bedrooms while the living room and kitchen are turned off. How often do you need to cool the living room, kitchen and all bedrooms at the same time?!

STANDARD CENTRAL AIR SYSTEMS Central air systems are very inefficient for a few reasons: (1) With central air, the entire system is either on or off, so even if you are using just one room, you are paying to cool/heat the entire home. This is like using an entire bus to transport two passengers.

(2) Central air systems take a lot of energy to power up and then run at full power till they cool the home. Then, they shut down until the temperature rises again.This fast burst of energy many times an hour is extremely inefficient and expensive.

(3) Temperatures fluctuate widely. You may be too cold while the cool air is blasting, and then, five minutes later, too warm while the system shuts down.

(4) Temperatures around the home are not uniform because there is only one thermostat in a central place.This means that some rooms are too cold while others are too warm — and there is no way to control this.

(5) The air is pumped through many meters of ducts until it reaches each room. “Typical duct systems lose 25 to 40 percent of the heating or cooling energy put out by the central furnace, heat pump or air conditioner” as per the U.S. Department of Energy.

AIR QUALITY Central air systems pull in dust and pollutants through the air-return ducts and end up blowing much of it right back into the home. Take off your grille and look inside with a flashlight.

You’ll be sickened by what you see!

VRF systems keep the air cleaner than your central air system because there’s no duct work and there’s a filter in each room.The air is kept at a constant, comfortable temperature and contains fewer allergens and pollutants.

WHY VRF PAYS While the initial cost of the VRF system will be higher than replacing your old central air system with a similar one, the amount of money you save on energy will let you recoup the cost difference within two to three years.

You can reasonably expect to save 30 to 70 percent on your energy costs with a VRF inverter HVAC system.*

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Home I Pergolas & Decks I Expert

HOW TO REFRESH YOUR HOME FOR THE NEW YEAR It’s such a wonderful feeling to begin the new year with a sense of renewal—inside and out. Dedicating some thought to the design and aesthetics of our home can help us start off the year with fresh energy.

By Netanel Buta of Element Woodworks

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f you enjoy hosting, an outdoor pergola might be the perfect solution for you.

The wood adds an earthy, retro aesthetic to the design of your yard, and having a covered area outside helps you remove the clutter from your home and allows you and your guests to enjoy the fresh air.You can even build a pergola that can be converted into a kosher succah, ensuring a sturdy, beautiful succah that’s a snap to set up every year.

If you have a garden, adding even one single element can bring it up a level.You can up-

grade your garden by adding wooden planters with colorful flowers, a decorative fence in a variety of colors, a little path or a fish pond.

Just one small touch can make a big difference to the look and feel of your garden.

Another change we recommend, this time inside the home—installing wood flooring in your shower. This gives the room a sophisticated look and makes every shower or 050-6763222 netanelahb@gmail.com Moshav Eshtaol, Nachal Shemesh 29 www.wooden-pergolas.co.il

bath a wonderful aesthetic experience: the comforting aroma of wood and the warm, earthy color create a tranquil atmosphere that transforms every shower into a vacation. Renewal is always a blessing, but it’s certainly a pleasure to make some refreshing changes in honor of the new year.

Shana Tova from Element Omanut Ba’Etz.

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

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Home I Interview I Oren Levy Si Harahit Furniture

Straight from the Furniture Factory

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any people preparing for Aliyah deliberate about whether it’s worthwhile bring their furniture with them, or better to sell it and buy new furniture in Israel. The possibly lower cost of furniture in the US and the comfort of familiarity can make bringing your old things an attractive option. However, many new olim are dismayed to discover that the furniture they brought doesn’t fit or function quite right in their new home in Israel. Living spaces are much smaller in Israel, and furniture that was well-loved and practical in “the old country” may prove completely useless here.

Beyond that, of course, is the question of customer service and repair. If you bring a chest of drawers on your lift and one of the drawers breaks, you have no way of contacting the manufacturer to repair it or order replacement parts, and you might end up having to get rid of it anyway.

For these reasons, it’s worth considering starting over with new, Israeli-made furniture.

Si HaRahit is a furniture manufacturer and retailer located in the heart of Jerusalem. Opened in 1988, Si HaRahit saw a need to remove the middlemen between manufacturers and clients. To that end, they built a display room near the factory where they

market their products directly to customers.

They boast that they are still the only local furniture company that uses this model.

We met with Si HaRahit’s manager, Oren Levy, and learned about about their business and their insight on furnishing a home in Israel.

What’s the advantage of selling furniture directly from the factory to customers?

There are many advantages. We control how long it will take to fill each client’s order so we don’t get into that uncomfortable situation of having our hands tied by a third party. By being our own manufacturers, it’s much easier for us to cater to the needs and requests of our clients – we can custom make furniture however our clients would like. Additionally, we have spare parts on hand for quick repairs and don’t need to order from anywhere. We are also able to take custom orders directly from clients.

What type of furniture do you sell?

We offer every type of home furnishing: bedroom and children’s room furniture, sofa beds, wardrobes, TV stands, bookshelves, dining room sets, living room sets, couches, armchairs, etc. Our display room is divided into departments with samples of all the furniture we have available.

Where is the furniture manufactured?

We create our furniture at our factory, which is one street over from our display room. Some of our materials are imported from abroad, some are sourced here in Israel.

How would you describe the style of your furniture?

We combine different styles according to the needs and wishes of our customers. We cater to young couples, families buying new homes, and people living out in Judea and Samaria as well as older, more established and local customers, so we respond to every request and fashion trend.

How long should a good couch last?

A high-quality couch should last a good few years, and of course, more than that if it’s being used with care. Our customers report that couches they bought from us 20 years ago still look new.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of bunk beds?

The main advantage is the economic use of space: you can fit up to 3 kids in a room using a bunk bed. The main disadvantage is the inconvenience of climbing up to and down from the top bunk.

What’s your approach to customer service?

Our most important goal is satisfied customers. We employ two secretaries who respond to any question or request our customers may have. We are committed to excellent service before, during, and after purchase.

You can be in touch with us immediately or even a few years later, and it will be our pleasure to help you.

Do you offer warranties?

Yes. We at Si HaRahit guarantee the quality of our furniture, and we offer repair services even after the warranty has expired.

In which type of furniture do you think it’s especially important to invest?

I don’t think you should invest in only one type of furniture. For example, you won’t want to invest in a fancy, sturdy living room set and have a simple, low-quality dining room set. At Si HaRahit we are very strict about the quality of our products, and we do our utmost to supply top-quality furniture at a reasonable price.

Si HaRahit is located at HaTnufa 15 Talpiot, Jerusalem. They can be reached at 02-673-3555 or www.si-rahit.co.il. For a consultation and to view the collection, please contact Yahav Sebag at 052-561-5122.

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• What if you could actually sit down and enjoy your holiday meals instead of constantly running back and forth to the kitchen?

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• What if you didn’t have to schlep hot dishes up and down the stairs to your Succah this year?

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• What if you didn’t have to set up a motley collection of platas, wasting precious counter space, to warm food for a large crowd of guests?

IT'S A KEEPER: SERVE YOUR MEALS IN LUXURY THIS SUCCOT The well-known hostess trolley from the UK is available in Israel!

STORAGE CABINET DURING THE WEEK… HOSTESS TROLLEY & PLATA ON SHABBAT OR YOM TOV!

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he Keeper Food Warmer looks like an ordinary two-door storage cabinet, available in a range of attractive styles and colors, from stainless steel or laminated paneling to mahogany wood veneer.

Inside, it hides a delicious secret: three warming shelves that keep food at a safe temperature of 67-73o C. Open the doors and discover a roomy interior with two shelves; slide the top panels to each side to reveal another warming shelf, now flanked by two convenient surfaces where you can place items that don’t need to be warmed – or keep whatever you were storing on top of the cabinet during the week without needing to clear it away.

The Keeper is manufactured in the UK by Crosslee and imported to Israel exclusively by Fridman Import.

eat, but low enough that your meal won’t burn or dry out even if it’s left in the Keeper for several hours. You’ll even receive a set of heatproof glass serving vessels perfect for use on the top warming shelf – completely free with your purchase of the Keeper!

● PERFECT FOR SHABBAT AND HOLIDAYS The Keeper is approved for use on Shabbat and Yom Tov by the Orthodox Union and the Tzomet Institute. It’s also portable and can be easily wheeled from one room to another. You can leave the Keeper on for up to 72 consecutive hours – or put it on a timer to save electricity. It maintains a temperature that’s high enough to keep the food scrumptiously warm and safe to

● SAFE AND KID-FRIENDLY Invite the whole family and don’t worry about the little ones running around! The Keeper meets the strictest requirements for fire safety and is completely safe to use around children.

The exterior becomes mildly warm to the touch even when it’s on full heat, and the heating elements inside don’t get hot enough to cause burns.

● ENJOY THIS HOLIDAY! It’s a mitzvah to be joyful on Shabbat and Yom Tov – during Succot in particular. Thanks to the Keeper, you won’t need to worry about the logistics of carrying all the hot food out to the Succah. You’ll wow your guests and gift yourself with a luxurious, hassle-free holiday with this ingenious and elegant serving solution.

For more information and to place an order: 02-995-6433 / www.keeperisrael.co.il

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Home I Insurance I Expert

Insurance Introspection It’s that time of year again – a time for introspection and checking in with yourself

By Shimon Cohen

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ow about this insurance Cheshbon Ha’Nefesh?

1. Have you made a will?

2. If something were to happen to you, as parents – have you left clear written instructions regarding your children?

3. Do you have life insurance? Have you reviewed it recently? (Have your agent give you a full list of the amounts that you and your spouse carry.)

4. Disability – sometimes this is needed even more than life insurance. For example, if you lose the ability to work for next 25 years, who fills that financial gap?

Make sure that your life insurance has a rider including this, or for professionals, a separate policy.

5. Are you a sachir (salaried employee)? Ask your employer’s insurance agent to give you a break-down of your Bituach Minhalim. Then ask your personal agent if you are getting the best deal.

6. Supplementary Health Insurance – A child needs a complicated eye operation and the highest success rate is in the United States; or you need a hernia operation, but prefer to go to someone who is not in your kupa; or someone needs major surgery and you want a second opinion – in all these cases, a private, supplementary health insurance policy would be of great benefit. It is relatively inexpensive and worth checking out.

7. Car Insurance – make sure that your car is insured for all drivers who use it (i.e. young/new/temporary/visitors). Always let your agent know even if someone takes it for a short spin.

8. Home Insurance – Do you have an assessor’s report for your contents? Have you looked into switching your building insurance (which comes with your mortgage) from the bank to a private insurance company?

The past is history The future – a mystery What happens is a gift and that is why it is called “the present”!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shimon Cohen is the manager of Egert Cohen Insurance. Egert Cohen is a family business that specializes in serving the Anglo and new olim populations.

They provide a friendly and professional onestop-shop for all your insurance needs.

Egert Cohen can be reached at 02-622-7999 or through website www.egertcohen.co.il.

CLAIM OF THE YEAR! Our client had a large amount of jewelry. The requirement of the insurance company was a safe and an alarm connected to two cell phones. Our client had a safe, but the alarm was not working!

One day, when the family had all left for school/work, burglars broke into the house and simply removed the entire 65 kg safe.

The insurance company’s assessor investigated the circumstances and came to the conclusion that the protection requirements had not been met (which was technically true!). They turned down the claim of 180,000 NIS. We, as the agents, tried to find any way to prove that the insurance company should at least pay some of the money. Our clients did have a heavy safe, even though their alarm was not working. We searched for insurance claims and we found a classic case in Israel (Slutzky v. Chatamei Lloyds). This case, which went to the Supreme Court, laid down the following rule: If the insurance company had insured other clients in the same area

It wasn’t 100 percent clear, but it was enough to get an initial payment of 92,000 NIS! with a similar amount of contents they could not require different levels of protection. In other words, even if our client’s particular policy stated clearly that both a safe and an alarm were required, if there were similar clients in the area that were required to have a safe only, the insurance company would have to pay the claim. We frantically began searching for other clients in the same area with similar contents, and we found some who were required to have a safe only and some who needed both the safe and an alarm. It wasn’t 100 percent clear, but it was enough to get an initial payment of 92,000 NIS! (We are still attempting to increase the reimbursement).

Moral: Don’t ever despair – not in insurance and not in life!

We would like to wish a Shana Tova to all our client and Bizness Magazine readers!

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Beit Shemesh branch: Ha Charash 9,

(opposite to the parking lot of Big fashion mall)

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RBS A branch: Park Center Mall, Timna 19

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 9 AM- 9 PM Fri/Erev Chag: 9 AM- 1 PM

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

Dr. Claude Hayat Periodontics 02 566 0436 Dr. Daniel Fruchter 02 536 2244 HEALTH Dr. Eliezer Rosenblum Chiropractor 052-662-4658 PlayAttention Solution for ADHD 054 794 3797 Get Fit with Karen Personal trainer 054 572 1651 Rochel Geller Weight loss 02 992-1821 Dr. Reuven Rosenberg Chiropractor / Complementary Medicine 052-761-6793 Bioresonance Alternative Clinic 077-212-7567

Rochel Rubinoff Massage Therapist 054-3355-289 Dr. Tova Goldfine Chiropractor 052 420 1201 Donna Abrahams Craniosacral Therapy 054 648 0667 Michael Freedman Personal Trainer 054 843 9541 Gyrotonics Personal Training System 054 908 0886 Natan Feit Reflexology 053 763 4820 Shoshana Grotsky Lice Removal 050 207 1781 Michael Berezin Personal Trainer 054 625 0269

Gavriel Tornek Meditation 054 652 1770 Miriam Maslin Bioresonance Therapy 052-324-4604 Dr. Rina Granot Health & Nutrition 052 674 3838 Dr. Chaim Pinchuck Neurofeedback 050 303 0939 Sara Shaposhnik Energy Healer 050 229 2316 Jerry Hyman Personal Trainer 050 779 8886 Jordana Staiman Speech Therapy 053 311 3916 Dr. Kerry Bar Cohn Chiropractor 052-659-4488

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

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Health & Wellness I Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center THE REVOLUTION Mayanei Hayeshua’s Mental Health Wing – named “Marbe Daat” by the leading rabbinical authority, Rav Chaim Kanievsky - has been stirring a silent but powerful revolution within the Orthodox community.

The men’s short-term inpatient ward opened one year ago, and two additional inpatient wards, one for women and one for pediatrics, will open shortly. These new departments will join the other services currently offered at the center: outpatient clinics, a Day Care floor and a unique Family Therapy Unit designed like an apartment. All the wards will offer gender-segregated inpatient services for a few weeks, after

Both as far as the medical team and the physical conditions, there is nothing that comes even close to what is offered here.

A Quiet Revolution in Mental Health Professor Rael Strous, world renowned psychiatrist and Director of the Psychiatry Wing of the Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center in Bnei Brak, describes the groundbreaking revolution that defines the establishment of a psychiatric inpatient facility specifically adapted to the Torah-observant community: “Both in regards to the medical team and the physical conditions, there is nothing that comes even close to what is being offered here.”

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he previous issue of Bizness Magazine featured a fascinating interview with Dr. Moshe Rothschild, founder and director of Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center in Bnei Brak. During the interview, Dr. Rothschild mentioned his revolutionary new project: a psychiatric inpatient facility that is specially adapted to the Torah-observant community. It is the first mental health center of its kind in the world.

Unfortunately, despite the high prevalence of mental illness, there is often a stigma of

shame surrounding it, which can lead those affected to conceal or deny it. This is especially true in the Orthodox community. The paralyzing fear of “what people will say” prevents many from seeking treatment which could potentially allow them to lead a normal – or mostly normal – life.

Over the last few years, however, awareness of the need to treat mental disorders has grown, along with the understanding that this will assist not only the suffering patient, but also his family members. This awareness has led more and more patients to seek treatment.

which patients can return home to continue their journeys toward mental health.

The new seven-story building is meticulously designed to combine visual aesthetics with technological function and utility. Some of the greatest experts in relevant fields serve as managers in the center. The cornerstone for the new building was laid in 2011, and despite tight deadlines and serious limitations, the massive building was erected over the following five years. Three of its floors are already in service.

THE DILEMMA Rabbi Dr. Moshe Rothchild, founder and president of Mayanei Hayeshua, describes what led him to open the center: “The mental illnesses so prevalent nowadays are related, among other things, to the stresses of life. In the past decade, since we began providing professional treatment to people who struggle with mental illness, we have treated over 23,000 individuals, some of them receive ongoing support to this day. 10% of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression. There are hundreds of thousands of people who need treatment.

The public is not aware of the extent of the problems, which exist in all the educational institutions, from elementary schools to yeshivahs, high schools and higher education institutions. Sometimes, emotional damage caused by classmates or the educational staff can haunt patients for years. The need is tremendous… and there was not one medical center or hospital in the world that met the needs of a Torah-observant patient.”

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served as the department head and then as deputy director of the hospital. Prof. Strous’s specializations include psychiatric medication (psycho-pharmacology), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, anxiety and much more.

STATE-OF-THE-ART ACCOMMODATIONS Professor Strous proudly declares: “Mayanei Hayeshua’s Mental Health Wing offers the best accommodations in Israel. Both as far as the medical team and the physical conditions, there is nothing that comes even close to what is offered here. It’s like a five-star hotel in comparison to other facilities. There are twenty-four beds (12 rooms) in the ward. Each spacious room has a full private bathroom and shower. Our dedicated, highly trained professional staff includes psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, doctors, nurses and social workers. In addition to standard treatments, every department offers occupational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, gardening therapy and pet therapy. There is also a computer room and a gym staffed with fitness instructors. There is an extraordinary atmosphere here. Another important factor is that we never engage in coercion. Everything is done with the patient’s consent, and the rooms are always open.”

MEET PROFESSOR STROUS 50-year old Prof. Rael Strous, born and educated in South Africa, serves as the director of Mayanei Hayeshua’s Mental Health Wing. He studied psychiatry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and then at the Harvard Medical School in Boston.

In 1998 Strous moved to Israel, spent a year studying Torah and then began to work at the psychiatric medical center in Beer Yaakov. He

The need is tremendous… and there was not one medical center or hospital in the world that met the needs of a Torah-observant patient.

Professor Rael Strous

Director of Mayanei Hayeshua’s Mental Health Wing

For more information about Mayanei Hayeshua, visit their website at www.afmhmc.org.

SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE Mayanei Hayeshua’s Mental Health Wing is open to everyone, but the atmosphere and schedule follow Jewish law, and varied programming is available for Torah observant patients. According to Prof. Strous, Torah study sessions are often beneficial to the healing process.

The professor is effusive in his assertion that the Mental Health Wing constitutes exciting news to the Orthodox community. “The new wards enable patients to receive appropriate treatment in a familiar atmosphere. Because of this, we have welcomed patients from abroad.

There is a huge demand, and thankfully we are already seeing excellent results in the 12 months since the Wing opened.”

The high-caliber team of doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists is in constant contact with Mayanei Hayeshua’s halachic committee, which includes some of the most respected names in the Orthodox Jewish community: Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky; Rabbi Nissim Karelitz; Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein - who serves as Chairman of the committee - and other important rabbinic figures such as Rabbi Moshe Shaul Klein and Rabbi Sriel Rosenberg. The rabbi of the Medical Center, Rabbi Yosef Baruch Hoffner, also serves as the intermediary and executive halachic authority.

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Health & Wellness I Psychology I Expert

Feast or Fast – Not What You Think Food, like the air we breathe, is a basic need for life on Earth. As human beings, food is our fuel. Our source of energy. If we don’t eat, we can’t live. Simple equation. But as Jews, Shabbos, chagim and various mitzvot involve food as a central component, such that food is not just for physical sustenance.

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ny joyous life milestone—a bris, bar mitzvah, chalakeh, wedding and the week-long sheva brachot, chanukat habayit and more—is celebrated with a seudat mitzvah. Furthermore, food is highly regulated within halacha: brachot before and after meals, netilat yadayim before bread and the laws of kashrus. Conversely, abstention from eating on fast days is commanded and commended.

While there are many food-related reasons that make the chagim season challenging, it is even more complex for those with an eating disorder. We’re not talking about people who have one too many helpings of dessert at a Rosh Hashana meal because there’s just nothing like Mom’s homemade honey cake and, you know, it’s a tradition. People with an eating disorder like anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating, consume or avoid food neither for physical sustenance nor spiritual purity, and generally don’t enjoy what they’re eating.The feasts and fasts, laws and customs that pepper the Jewish calendar are not the cause of the disorder but the culinary rituals and abundance of food can lead to a negative association with the chagim and exacerbate the problem.

With the mass of misinformation about eating disorders, it is common for these serious illnesses to be misunderstood, oversimplified or greatly generalized. “Each individual’s perception of the world is based on experiences from early infancy and throughout life, which shape their individual world view – defined as their ‘organizing principles’.” Dr. Sara Genstil, Ph.D. in Psychology, explains her Eating Disorders Treatment Model, based on Intersubjective Systems Theory. The model helps clients investigate how past and present life experiences led to their eating disorder. It also helps them work through the various emotions that triggered this harmful coping mechanism. “An individual with an eating disorder is part of various systems, such that the degree to which these systems are healthy or unhealthy has af-

fected their coping mechanisms and behavior.”

Though the exact cause of eating disorders is unknown, it is generally believed to be a combination of biological (genetics, hormones, etc.), psychological (negative body image, low-self-esteem, etc.) and environmental.

Family or childhood trauma, abuse, peer pressure among friends or within a community, and stressful transitions or life changes— such as making Aliyah or leaving home for the first time to attend a seminary or yeshiva —are some examples.

Despite education in Orthodox circles that focuses on tzniut, inner beauty and middot, eating disorders are as prevalent in this sector as they are in the general adolescent population. Teens experiencing puberty naturally have heightened self-awareness and begin to learn about their imminent adulthood, which together with genetic or environmental factors, can manifest as unhealthy organizing principles and an eating disorder.

“Individuals with eating disorders often lack the skills to tolerate negative experiences or major life changes,” says Dr. Genstil. Girls approaching marital age might feel they are not ready to assume responsibilities of rearing their own children or might fear physical intimacy with their future spouse.They might feel pressure to be slim in order to find a shidduch, having been told that men prefer thin brides.

Feeling that they cannot challenge parental expectations, they might instead rebel by trying to control their bodies.

In the absence of more positive coping skills, food becomes an emotional outlet and provides a temporary sense of control and comfort. “Eating disorder behaviors may provide acute relief from distress but quickly lead to more physical and psychological harm. In order to break the dangerous cycle, we need to identify the perceptions that serve as a basis for unhealthy organizing principles. Experiences from both the distant and recent past can cause negative, maladaptive coping techniques and these techniques must be changed.”

Stressful or chaotic family situations may intersect with other triggers to exacerbate or perpetuate the illness, but family dynamics or parenting style may actually develop as a response to a family member’s struggle with an eating disorder. Having a full understanding of the input from the various systems that shape an individual’s world view—including family and community—is essential for change.

“Family are vital members of the treatment team since they constitute one of an individual’s central systems. No one is to blame for an eating disorder but everyone can assist in recovery,” Dr. Genstil explains. “A healthy system can only be established by each individual examining their behavior within the system.

Change one factor in the system—such as one individual’s belief about their family’s perception of their disorder or the expectations a family has of their children—and the entire system will change as a result.”

Dr. Genstil’s Eating Disorder Treatment Model gives clients an opportunity to master powerful emotions previously untapped. “Once clients are freed from the organizing principles tying them down and coloring their perception of reality, they’re able to appreciate food’s most fundamental function: fuel for life on Earth – and eventually enjoy every bite.”

ABOUT Dr. SARA GENSTIL, PHD Dr. Sara Genstil, PhD, is a seasoned psychologist with over 35 years of clinical experience. Dr. Genstil provides counseling for individuals, couples and families. She has experience working with clients both privately and through organizations such as The Ministry of Defense and National Insurance, working with terror victims and their bereaved families.

Dr. Genstil is a member and presenter for the International Association for Psychoanalytic Self- Psychology.

Dr. Sara Genstil can be reached at 052-260-9087 or through her website www.therapistjerusalem.com.

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Health & Wellness I Dentistry I Expert

Repair or Remodel?

The best way to achieve the perfect smile

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ver the years people do a lot of quick patch up jobs in their homes.

For instance, when your kitchen countertop cracks you fill it in and when your cabinet starts coming away from the wall you put in additional screws to hold it up. As the patches and fixes add up, what was once a house by design has become a patchwork of temporary fixes. Over time the question of repair or remodel becomes more relevant.

By Dr. Daniel Kaszovitz DDS, FAGD “Repair or remodel?” isn’t just a question about home décor, however. Surprising as it may seem, it can also be a question for your dentist.

Over the years most people get cavities or have teeth wear down unevenly. While a competent dentist can take care of different dental problems as they occur, after a few decades the patient may be left with a mouthful of teeth that are not harmonious.

They don’t look like they belong in the same mouth, and often no longer follow the natural lines of the smile.

The most common cause is years of patchwork tooth repair. Each time the dentist fills a tooth or places a crown he matches the size and color of the repaired tooth to the adjacent teeth. However, as other teeth continue to wear down and change color over the ensuing years, the patient may ultimately wind up with a mouthful of teeth of various colors and heights. What was once a beautiful harmonious smile may now be uneven and unbalanced.

Another common problem occurs when one is missing a tooth for an extended period of time and the opposing or adjacent tooth drifts to partially close in the space. When the dentist puts in a new tooth, he will fit it to the size of the smaller opening. Over time this can lead to a roller coaster type of bite where the teeth do not follow the smile line but ride up and down across the jaw.

An uneven bite can also occur when tooth enamel erodes. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, much harder

than bone, and seven times harder than the underlying dentin. Once the enamel has been worn down, the softer dentin will wear down much faster. Since the dentin is the inner layer which protects the nerves, it is important to make sure to treat the condition before it progresses too far. Look at your mouth in the mirror. If you see small yellow circles on the edges of the chewing surfaces of your teeth you have already worn ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Kaszovitz graduated from New York University (NYU) Dental School in 1996.

He then completed a two-year residency in dental and oral surgery at Brookdale University Medical Hospital and earned his fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Kaszovitz completed a one-year joint NYU-Brookdale hospital program in implantology, as well as traveling overseas to complete the “All on Four” certification course in Lisbon. He continues to take courses regularly to improve his expertise in both general and specialized areas of dentistry, including aesthetic dentistry.

Rechavia Dental Center is a full service American dental and orthodontic clinic in Jerusalem.

Rechavia Dental can be reached at 02-561-9770 or through their website www.rechaviadental.co.il.

through your enamel and, if you notice it on one tooth, there are probably others like it that you may not be able to see. Porcelain or other modern materials like zirconium that not only mimic the look of, but are actually harder than enamel, are used in making the crowns to replace the enamel and protect the remaining dentin and nerves.

The length of your teeth also determines the height of your face. Over the years, as the teeth become shorter through wear, the face can also become shorter and wrinkles become more pronounced. In severe cases people no longer show any top teeth when they talk, giving the impression that they are missing teeth. Restoring the teeth to their original height can make for a more youthful and healthy smile. An additional benefit is that as the face is restored to its proper height, facial lines may smooth out slightly.

If you are concerned about your smile or bite, it may be time for you to consider remodeling. Today’s cutting-edge equipment and techniques offer many options for dental restoration and remodeling. In addition, patients who have been previously told that they do not have enough bone for an implant can now take advantage of new methods of placing implants. These new procedures are often quicker and less invasive then those of the past.

After a thorough exam, including digital x-rays and a functional and aesthetic analysis, your dentist should be able to offer a variety of solutions for your particular dental concerns and help you choose those that best suit your needs and desires.

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Benzion Cheirif Photographer 052-552-1961 bcheirif@gmail.com Dinner Video Productions 052-717-4200 dinnervids@gmail.com Herschel Gutman Photography 052-740-9287 h@herschelgutmanphotography.com

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

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Ruach Hakodesh Band 054-943-6343 israelweddingband@gmail.com Yosef Chaim Shwekey Music 052-433-9353 WEDDING GOWNS & FASHION Bellisima Boutique 02-500-4603 Demiss Designer Hat Store 052-713-0185 Einit Eyewear 02-500-2050, 02-991-8111 Eti Melar Gown Rentals 050-419-4374 Lili Sock Shop 02-999-7454 One of a Kind Elegant Wedding Collection 02-537-7679 Salon Nurit Bridal Boutique 02-999-1564, 050-410-4422 Sari Greenblat Wedding Gowns 052-712-0617 BEAUTY & WIGS Sipora Baron Professional Makeup Artist Specializing in Bridal & Event Makeup 052-514-4600 sipora.makeup@gmail.com Ahuva Rubin Wigs 02-992-1974, 058-666-9447 ahuvawigs@gmail.com Amir Moyal Hair & Wigs 02-999-4829, 054-666-1826 amirmoyal2011@gmail.com Elianna Gasner Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist 052-362-8463 Hair Removal by Rachel Leah Dubovick 02-999-5925, 050-275-5567

Ita Fischer Wigs 02-581-6562 office@fischerwigs.co.il Or Barashi Bridal & Evening Makeup 050-925-4106 Princess Spa & Cosmetics 072-222-4022 sarit472@gmail.com Ralph Wigs 054-578-8523 Shaindy Wigs 02-652-3010, 052-763-7425 Tagless Wigs Consignment Shop & Wig Outlet 058-402-4200 taglesswigs@gmail.com Tova Rena Makeup Artist 052-768-3629 Wigs by Ali 058-445-6476 JEWELRY, HOUSEWARES & GIFTS Aria Diamonds 02-500-4450 Ben Barber Linens 03-618-9837 Brilliant Gifts & Fine Houseware 02-650-0369, 02-626-1295 Chen Vakesef Judaica 02-537-4894 Eisenbach Tefillin 02-581-4031, 058-710-7200 Feinstein Jewelry 03-574-1382 Furniture Outlet 054-911-7838 Gal Hachashmal Appliances 02-651-3383, 050-866-9910 galelectric1@gmail.com Ilan Perel Watches 02-625-4256 Jewelry Studio 02-500-0797, 054-596-3408 Vagshel Publishing 02-590-2616 v5354345@gmail.com Zvi Hager Jewelry 054-499-9402

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Aria – Crafting Your Dreams into Jewelry

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ucked away in a historic building at the heart of Jerusalem, you will find Aria: an extraordinary gallery of high-end jewelry specializing in diamonds, precious stones and gold. Aria Diamonds and Jewelry was established in 2015 by gemologist, diamond manufacturer and dealer Tommy Baruch. Tommy has been cutting and selling diamonds at Israel’s Diamond Exchange in Ramat Gan, one of the world’s leading diamond districts, for 17 years. His diamonds are bought by top dealers in the USA, who distribute them to some of the greatest jewelers in the world.

Aria is Tommy’s labor of love: a highstandard concept gallery offering highend, affordable jewelry that is crafted by Israeli designers and jewelers at Aria’s workshop.

Here Tommy concentrates all the skills he has mastered throughout his years of experience: designing spectacular

jewelry by selecting stones, setting, polishing and finishing each piece to perfection. Each piece at Aria is his creation, from rough stone to sparkling final product.

Tommy developed this business model as a response to a growing demand for customized diamond jewelry.

Throughout his years of experience, Tommy noted that his clients prefer to choose their own diamonds, and request rings, earrings and bracelets designed specially to match their unique taste and style.

For this reason, alongside his impressive display of exquisite, pre-designed jewelry, Tommy and his team of talented and creative designers create personalized pieces for customers. They encourage clients to bring photographs of pieces they like, and, working with photographs and sketches, create a blueprint for the piece of each client’s dreams.

Tommy personally selects the perfect diamond or colored stone, working within each client’s specific budget.

Since he personally cuts the stones and manufactures the jewelry at Aria’s workshop, Aria can offer the best prices available. All stones sold at Aria have gemological certification (GIA) and all jewelry has undergone stringent quality control. Even after you complete your purchase, Aria offers assistance with tips and information on jewelry care.

Aria warmly invites you to book an appointment at their showroom in the upscale neighborhood of Rechavia. Let our expert designers help you build a unique piece of jewlery to shine for many years to come.

Stop dreaming and start creating at Aria.

FOR AN APPOINTMENT PLEASE CALL :

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YERUSHALAYIM Alef Nadlan 052-681-9320 Angel Realty 052-458-8716 Babayoff Realty 052-620-1986 Beit Hillel Agency 054-770-1142 Divine Realty 050-367-2527 Gabbai Real Estate 052-614-1442 Galia Real Estate 054-446-3831

Goldreich Realty 050-382-0610 Home Run Properties 054-577-7509 Igud Nadlan 054-737-1333 J-Realty 050-989-4078 Jerusalem Luxury Rentals 054-546-7330 Judith Ben Avi Real Estate 050-440-9999 King Properties Jerusalem 054-203-8300 Nechasim Massets 050-960-0488

Reshet Tivuch 054-216-0203 Ruben's Real Estate 054-634-5582 Simcha Realty 050-414-2824 Sotheby's Realty Israel 058-626-6426 Tehilla Agency 054-844-3004, 052-545-1040 Tzion Apartments and Vacation Rentals 054-546-7330 Yam Nadlan Real Estate 02-678-1717

BEIT SHEMESH Alon Central 054-758-7673 Century 21 054-572-0391 Gila Gershenfeld Real Estate 058-766-1653 Hagefen Realty 054-639-3924 I.L.A.N Estates & Investments 077-410-8011 JS Realty 054-451-3847 Lemkin Realty 052-644-4588

Mishkenot Realty 052-760-3000 Nadlantown Realty 052-896-6807 Neria Real Estate 050-294-4486 Psagot Nadlan 050-414-0996 Rachel Realty 052-761-7468 Rimon Realty 02-999-1000 Shoshana Weis Realty 050-436-7797 Yossi Lipsh Realty 052-396-0551

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Real Estate I Interview I David Duek Director of Dwell Real Estate Services and Architecture Ltd.

The Fusion - Real Estate & Architecture Architect David Duek, Director of Dwell Real Estate Services and Architecture Ltd., Shares His Expertise on Israeli Real Estate

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avid S. Duek is the founder and director of Dwell Group, a stateof-the art firm that offers a wide spectrum of real estate and architectural services. Specializing in high-end properties in the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv areas, his team offers a unique and unmatched range of skills, experience, and expertise, giving clients easy and convenient access to the best investment opportunities on the real estate market.

In this interview, David S. Duek shares about his complex background, his business, and his unique insight into architecture and real estate.

Tell us a little about your background.

I was born in Argentina. When I was a child, my family was forced to flee to the USA due to the threats from the military government in my home country, and I became fluent in English there. My family later moved to Mexico City, from where I finally made Aliyah in 1995. After being in Kibbutz Yotvata, I settled in Jerusalem, where I have lived ever since.

I am an architect by trade, a graduate of Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem. I served as the sole independent exterior advisor for the Building Permission Department in the Jerusalem Municipality, revising all the new

Building Permission Plans from an aesthetic architectural perspective.

I have served as public architect and planner for three of the community councils during a period of massive change in various layers of urban planning in Jerusalem: Lev Ha-Ir (Jerusalem’s city center and surrounding neighborhoods), the Jewish Quarter of the Old City and Morasha (Musrara), a beautiful old neighborhood bordering the Old City and Geula.

I have also been active in the private sector, doing boutique architectural renovations in Jerusalem’s inner-city neighborhoods.

How did you get involved in real estate?

Real estate and architecture have been an esteemed trade and tradition in my family for more than 55 years; my father was an important architect in Buenos Aires,Argentina, and I was influenced by him.

As I worked on the aforementioned architectural projects, I realized that there is a lot to be done in real estate, so I began dabbling in that in addition to my work as an architect.

I started out at Century 21, where I learned the ropes of the trade, and after 3.5 years I decided to start a firm that would integrate both architecture and real estate services. That’s how Dwell crystallized.

So throughout the 10 years that we’ve existed, we have been providing architectural services, including project management ,renovation, licensing permits, consulting, planning, extensions, and design, and now we are going into the TAMA 38 field—that is, structural strengthening for buildings that don’t meet earthquake or security regulations—a unique opportunity to revitalize and update the city’s worn out old buildings as well as correct architectural failures of the past.

The firm itself was established as a “one-stop shop” for any client’s real estate needs.

What is your vision as a company?

Our vision is to become a pivotal hub in the Israeli real estate sector for local and foreign investors by taking full advantage of our track record and potential in the fields of architecture, real estate, development and real estate technology.

What are the areas and properties you specialize in?

We mostly work with high end properties in the Jerusalem and the Gush Dan areas, but we’ve also completed transactions in various cities throughout Israel and abroad. Our properties range from 1 – 10 million dollars. Normally, our exclusive listings include 50-60 million dollars in properties. In Jerusalem, we specialize in the inner neighborhoods, from Baka to the city center: Talbiyeh, old Katamon and Rechavia; but we also work in areas of Metropolitan Tel Aviv and Hertzliya.

What do you find the most satisfying about your job, and what do you find most challenging?

Of course, closing the perfect deal is a wonderful feeling, but I also get a great deal of satisfaction when clients take my advice and suc-

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ceed because of it. The most challenging thing for me is when I try to help a client understand that they have a unique opportunity, and they just don’t see it. We know the market, we know what is available and how often things come up, and our ultimate goal is to help our clients, so it’s very frustrating for me when they are not willing to accept our help.

What services and benefits do your clients enjoy?

Since we also provide the architectural range of real estate services, we’ve taken on projects from beginning to end, even if they needed new zoning or building permits. We help clients by providing trustworthy and reputable legal, financial, engineering, and mortgage advice to whoever wants or needs it.

We expose our clients to hand-selected, exclusive, solid, and attractive investments in the real estate market both in Israel and abroad.

Our clients can participate in investment portfolio exhibitions and receive notifications tailored to their preferences. Every deal comes with a free advisor packet. Our raison d’être is to provide our clients with the most promising opportunities and benefit them in any way we can.

What distinguishes Dwell Group from other companies?

Our trademark throughout our decade of activity has been a boutique approach to our clients and investors, providing them with a uniquely broad spectrum of services mentioned above, exposing our clients to exclusive and pre-market alternatives, and giving them the personal attention they deserve.

A good example of this occurred naturally when several clients who don’t live permanently in Israel but had recently purchased properties through us, asked if we could manage their properties for them. That’s how we started that service, which also came to include short term vacation rentals—an addition that has made their investments even better.

Why do you think it is valuable to provide a single address for all these services?

Because it is really the same clientele that needs all these different services at some point.

Instead of dealing with a few different companies, they can come to Dwell, and everything is in house. That makes it so much easier for clients to manage lengthy and complex projects.

They don’t have to invest the energy and take the risk of building relationships with multiple companies: they have one company they know they can trust. We always have the customer’s best interest in mind.

What are some exciting projects you’ve been involved in?

We have managed to organize and complete two different group purchases, one in the Old Katamon area and one in Givat Hamatos, both in Jerusalem.

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The planning and project managing of a 400sqm private home’s full renovation in Old Katamon Jerusalem from A to Z, within only six months. We stuck strictly to the proposed schedule, including furniture design and an extension to the existing building.

We have also been involved with investments outside of Israel: we are associated with Blue Rock Group, with which we sold a 23 million Euro commercial building to our clients, and have been involved in significant commercial building transactions with existing clients of ours thanks to maintaining excellent lasting relationships. We have very attractive and solid real estate investments in Israel as well in Europe and USA. What is unique about your staff?

Most of them are olim or children of olim from all over the world, and that already equips them with courage in their genes or deeds (essential in the business). Moreover, it gives us a close relationship with the communities that we left.

We have people from Brazil, USA, England, Israel, Belgium and Argentina, all with outstanding academic education. I personally speak fluent English, Hebrew, Spanish and French. We have a high-quality, small “commando” team that we want to expand. At the moment, we are looking for highly motivated, skilled, hard-working people that want to make a long-term career in real estate. We train people in our own system, based entirely on our own experience.

What is your firm’s approach to architecture?

At Dwell, we relate to architecture not only as an art, but as an art at the service of man—the most functional of arts. Our work focuses on the needs of the city dweller, or, to be more precise, the residents of the inner cities, wherever they may be, and traditional neighborhoods that would like a new twist. We base our design on functional criteria, blending harmony, aesthetics, comfort, and warmth, but we tap on the uniqueness of every project for originality and vitality. Our inclination and tendency is

SPECIAL NOTE

Many thanks to David for lending his marketing expertise and business savvy to help us conceive the new design of Bizness Magazine.

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to work with high-quality, natural building materials whenever possible, and we specialize in making the most of every square meter available without compromising a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. Thanks to our broad understanding of the urban space, we can offer our clients a comprehensive vision, down to the smallest details of interior decoration.

Is now a good time to invest in Israeli real estate?

It’s definitely a great time to invest in Israeli real estate. Israel is in the midst of a building boom due to multiple factors: the tremendous housing demand due to high birth rates and immigration, Israel’s reputation as the second most important innovation hotspot in the world after Silicon Valley, government concerns about earthquake regulations and low interest rates. Most importantly, Israel’s real estate market—and economy in general—has a reputation for remarkable stability. The effects of the 2008 financial crisis were hardly felt in Israel; demand for real estate decreased only for short periods of time and prices did not decline even in one city. The world’s leading investment banks, pension funds, insurance companies, and major tech companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Intel have all invested in Israel.

What new developments are you planning for your firm in the near future?

I’m glad you asked! We are currently in the process of building a state-of-the-art, interactive website, dwell.co.il, that should be up and running in 2.5 months. In the long term, we are envisioning an intelligent transition into the technological sector, blending technology and real estate. It will be a smarter way to search for properties. We’re also preparing a platform to make our deal opportunities abroad accessible to young and smaller investors through crowdfunding.

As mentioned, we’re involved in 2 TAMA-38-related projects. These projects offer significant fiscal incentives to potential investors/entrepreneurs—with some risk, but significantly less equity than in normal real estate developments. That’s an unprecedented investment opportunity, and we are helping our clients take advantage of it while it lasts.

In your opinion, what makes the difference between a good real estate agent and a great one?

First of all, a great agent is trustworthy, an outstanding negotiator, is 100% receptive of clients needs and most of all—works hard. He does everything he can for the client (beyond his task)—and when he has done everything, he tries to find out what more he can do. That’s what we try to do for our clients.

Where are you located and how can potential clients reach you?

Our offices are located at 18 Diskin Street in the heart of Rechavia, Jerusalem. Give us a call at 02-567-0607 or e-mail us: dwell@dwell.co.il

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Real Estate I Interview I Dovid Preil Founder and Manager of Citadel Holdings

Real Estate Investments for Everyone: Citadel Holdings Citadel Holdings is a real estate investment firm formed to help people of all means build a diversified real estate investment portfolio, with quality assets and designed to match their needs and goals.

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e asked founder Dovid Preil what motivated him to start this firm and for advice from his vast experience with real estate investment.

What unique need does Citadel Holdings address?

After working for several years as a mortgage broker, I met a lot of people who either had equity in their apartment and didn’t know how to use it, or who had a significant sum of money, but not enough for a down payment, and were forced to sit on their savings as the cost of buying a home kept rising. After researching many investment options, I settled on real estate investments.

These provide strong downside protection and excellent opportunities for growth and income generation. However, after reviewing many companies and investments, it was clear that the quality investments were, typically, reserved for HNWI (high net worth individuals) and the deals being made available to the average investor were unacceptably risky and all too often poorly structured, which only served to exacerbate the risk profile. Citadel Holdings was created to fill this need.

Can you tell us about your background and your team?

As I mentioned, my professional background is in Israeli real estate. Additionally, I have been active in the US equity markets since 2009. Most of my investment philosophy comes from the world of stocks and bonds. Therefore, we focus on working with a range of local partners (ten of them, to date) rather than running just a few deals a year entirely on our own. This way we can bring a range of options and help people build a strong portfolio with broad diversification in a relatively short time frame.

I have two active partners in the com-

pany. Amit Fix is a twenty-year veteran of real estate investments and has been active in the US, Israel and Germany. Yaakov Lehrfeld is the Senior Analyst for David Garfunkel and Associates, with close to fifteen years of experience. Collectively, we have closed over $150,000,000 in real estate transactions.

What are the advantages of investing in real estate over other forms of investment?

In the words of Andrew Carnegie: “Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate. More money has been made in real estate than in all industrial investments combined. The wise young man or wage earner of today invests his money in real estate.”

Even those that get by and can put aside for the future face a daunting task in helping their married children purchase a home.

Or, as Mark Twain quipped: “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.”

Real estate markets, while cyclical, provide a downside cushion, because the investor owns something real. Additionally, the returns, historically, have been excellent.

This is not to say that someone cannot lose money in real estate. One needs to have the right partners, diversify carefully and not overleverage.

Another reason I like real estate investments is that they are easy to understand.

All too often, people invest in stocks or other options without fully understanding the business structure of the underlying company and the market in which they compete.

Real estate is, mostly, very simple. We bought a retail center with three tenants who pay rent every month and have leases in place for the next eight to ten years. We purchased a house in Brooklyn with the intention of adding two floors, converting it to condos and selling them off. The expertise is in the selection and execution, but the basic business plan is simple enough for anyone to understand.

As I mentioned, the tricky part is picking the right property, understanding the risks and executing properly. To this end, we only partner with highly experienced local operators who are experts in their local markets and sectors. For example, I mentioned that we work with David Garfunkel and Assoc., who have been operating in the retail market for over 100 years. We have a partner who has been doing small to medium development in the NY and NJ area for over twenty years. We have a partner who, in the last four years, has purchased over 2 million sq. feet of commercial space and always has unique deals with excellent returns.

What pitfalls should potential investors look out for?

It’s really all about the people. You need to find someone honest who you trust to do the job right. Just the other day, I gave a ride to a neighbor. He mentioned that his brother’s father-in-law invested in twelve units in the US. As it turned out, he owned none of them, and lost his entire investment. I have a friend who is a US attorney who lives here, and he told me of a fellow who was buying a house in Philadelphia (free advice: don’t do this!) and had him review the contract. In

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the contract, they listed this Israeli fellow as residing in some US address. If he had gone through with the purchase, the title inconsistency would have made it very difficult to sell the property. Unfortunately, situations like these are quite common.

Almost everyone knows someone who lost money because they trusted honest people who didn’t know what they were doing. We work with a US Securities Lawyer, an Israeli Securities Lawyer, a US CPA and an Israeli accountant to ensure that our deals provide actual ownership of the purchased properties and proper tax compliance.

Additionally, one should be extra cautious of people who only do single resident deals.

These are the easiest deals to do, because anyone can buy a house. Someone who can place a commercial property, particularly a large one, under contract is in a different league than someone who can only purchase single residences.

Is it better to invest when the market is high or low?

Obviously it is better to buy low and sell high, but, interestingly enough, most people are hard-wired to buy high and sell low.

Chasing the crowd is a common investing fallacy which results in entering a trend as it is cresting. A great recent example is the multifamily (apartment buildings) market.

We have felt for quite a while that there has been a strong investor bias in favor of this market. Our research has confirmed that in most major markets the multifamily sector is reaching, or has reached, a point where the supply of available units coming to market is outstripping demand. This does not bode well for the valuations. Because of this, we currently favor office, retail and industrial properties for purchase and rental.

Office and industrial properties have been playing catch up and haven’t covered as much ground as multifamily has since the crash. Retail is very much behind the curve, as a general fear of the entire sector being eliminated by Amazon and Alibaba has held valuations low. Every market has its ups and downs. With the right guidance, these fluctuations can be navigated, and with patience (and proper structuring) most deals can be winners.

How much capital is needed to make a serious investment?

As I mentioned, our mission is to bring quality investment opportunities to all investors. To that end, we have brought as little as $20,000 into deals and try to bring smaller investments into as many deals as is reasonable while properly funding the deal and

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maintaining compliance with Israeli and US regulations. However, for someone to build a full portfolio with access to all deals, he or she will likely need a minimum of $150,000 to $200,000.

How do you define a “minimum risk” investment?

When we use the phrase “minimum risk” we are referring to the overall portfolio profile and not any single investment. No one

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When meeting a new couple or individual, we usually spend a good portion of the conversation discussing their income, spending and future needs. This allows us to offer investments that best suit them. For example, a young couple with a few kids who are bringing in more than they need would be better served to invest in a few growth deals, which offer higher overall returns but no monthly payout. If this young couple is looking to work less, we would offer deals Ninety percent of all that yield a nice quarmillionaires become so terly return and will lighten their income through owning real estate. burden. This is just a More money has been made in simple example, but real estate than in all industrial due to our model of working with many investments combined. local partners we are usually able to find can know exactly what is going to happen the right deals for people that are consistent in the markets, and any given investment, with their financial goals. no matter how good it looks on paper, may Why did you choose to provide fifail. The simplest and time-proven meth- nancial solutions for people of limited od to balance one’s risk is to diversify one’s income and savings instead of the lucapital into a range of properties. That way, crative market servicing the “rich and even if some underperform or fail, there is famous”? still income from the other properties. We First of all, we service everyone. Our encourage our investors to diversify both by client base includes a family office and a type of deal (industrial, retail, multifamily, growing base of HNWI. That said, when office, development) as well as by geography the deal permits it, we keep our minimum (we currently have properties in New York, investment low (usually $50,000) and allow New Jersey, Oklahoma, Florida and South a limited number of individuals to invest Carolina). even less.

Additionally, we are very selective. We One of the defining character traits of Jews have declined more partnership opportu- is that we are “Gomlei Chasadim,” doers of nities than we have accepted and our deal lovingkindness (Yevamot 79a). I spent years acceptance rate is below 33%. reviewing personal finances with enough To whom do you offer strong yields families to have lost patience with the financompared to capital appreciation? cial difficulties that so many Jews, particularly in Israel, suffer. Even those that get by and can put aside for the future, face a dauntABOUT DOVID PREIL ing task in helping their married children purchase a home. This is no longer only a Chareidi problem. Fewer young couples of all Dovid Preil is denominations are able to come up with 30% the founder for a down payment on a simple apartment, and manager of Citadel Holdings, which can equal years of salary. Some people just need another income stream (paran international ticularly pensioners from abroad who have real estate watched the USD and GBP lose value against investment firm. the NIS in recent years). Citadel Holdings is, in part, our solution to this problem. By either helping parents build their nest egg for the next generation, providing young families an alternative to sitting on their savings, or setting people up with a new diversified He can be reached at 054-844-1578 or at income stream, we offer a solution to these dovid@citadelholdings.ch challenges.

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Trying to sell your home in Israel does not have to be a dreaded task. The process can be made as easy as possible when you bring the right real estate agent on board. So how should you go about finding the right agent to suit your needs?

By Karen Hirshfeld of KH Properties

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electing the right real estate agent to represent your interests is the first critical step in selling your property.

This guide will provide a general outline for choosing your agent.

What Makes a Great Real Estate Agent?

I think an ideal agent should be: ● Honest and trustworthy ● Assertive ● An excellent negotiator ● Readily available by phone or e-mail ● Level-headed and calm during stressful situations ● Friendly, and a good communicator ● Intuitive, with good instincts regarding the sincerity of buyers So, how can you find out whether a potential agent has these qualities?

Get a first impression: Give her a call and pay attention to phone presence. Remember, much of the future communication between you and your buyers with the agent will be conducted by phone. If you feel comfortable, it is likely that buyers will as well. Selecting an agent with whom you have good rapport will make the sales process much easier.

Ask questions: Don’t be shy about asking questions and interviewing the agent. Communication should be open and comfortable.

Request references: Request a list of sellers with whom the agent has worked in the past, and call a few of them. Ask about their experiences with the agent and how satisfied they were with her service.

Consider experience: Managing personal and professional issues that tend to arise during a real estate transaction require creativity and skill. No two deals are identical, and whether an agent is equipped to provide feasible and creative solutions for issues that arise depends heavily on how experienced she is.

SETTING UP A MEETING When you have decided on the agent you want to use, call her back to set up a meeting. The agent should ask for some basic information about the property; size, outdoor space, the condition of the property and the ownership of the land (i.e.: private land, Israel Land Authority, church land). It is to your advantage to provide as much information as you have during this first conversation.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN INITIAL MEETING Ideally, a first meeting takes place at the property so the agent can take a look and begin to familiarize herself with it. When I see a property for the first time, I walk through it with the owners and begin forming a profile for a potential buyer.

After the agent has a good idea of the characteristics of your property, she should be able to show you a document called a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) which lists comparable properties that have recently sold in the area and their typical price range. This will give you an idea of how to position your property in the market. The agent should also provide you with a general marketing plan in writing and be familiar with services in the area (i.e.: schools, transportation, shopping, synagogues, etc).

If you plan to purchase another property with the funds received from the sale or have already purchased another property and need the funds to meet a payment schedule, this is the time to discuss your needs with your agent.

Should you require legal, financial or other types of assistance, your agent should be able to recommend real estate lawyers, mortgage brokers, building engineers and interior designers.

SHOULD WE GO EXCLUSIVE? Exclusivity enables the agent to advertise with photos, work cooperatively with other agents

and efficiently monitor the market reaction to your property. Non-exclusivity would tie the agent’s hands significantly, and therefore, the professionals work exclusively only. Listing your property with a reputable agent exclusively guarantees that someone has a vested interest in selling your home at the maximum price in a reasonable amount of time.

Working non-exclusively has many pitfalls.

While it may seem that allowing multiple agents to work on your property will increase the number of buyers viewing the property, the opposite is true. By choosing the non-exclusive route, expect the following: ● Agents are not required to advertise. ● The same buyers will show up with multiple agents and waste the sellers’ time. ● Agents rush to try and sell the property and beat other agents to the punch, often at the expense of the final selling price. ● Agent loyalty lies with buyers, with no obligation to report back to sellers.

WHAT IS THE BEST MARKETING PLAN OR STRATEGY FOR YOUR NEEDS? Exposure is essential to selling a property at the highest price possible. Your agent should be advertising online, in print and via multi listing services. Advertising should appear in Hebrew, English and possibly French, if relevant to your neighborhood. Photos of the property are a must.

CAN I SELL A PROPERTY IF I AM NOT IN ISRAEL? Absolutely! Today, communication couldn’t be easier, and selling a property does not require the owner to be in Israel. I have executed deals for clients whom I’ve never met face to face. Every aspect of the transaction can be managed remotely including power of attorney for final signing purposes.

ABOUT KAREN HIRSHFELD Karen Hirshfeld of KH Properties resides in Jerusalem and has been in the field of residential and commercial real estate in Jerusalem for the past 10 years. She harnesses her dynamic marketing skills, vast experience, excellent people skills, and high professional standards to get her clients the best possible offers for their properties.

Karen can be reached at 052-850-5344 or karen.hirshfeld@gmail.com.

‫פרונט‬

How to Get Your Property Sold

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Real Estate I Karen Hirshfeld KH Properties

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Real Estate I Interview I Real Estate Law I Expert

The Fair Rental Law: Will it Really Make Things Fair?

In the last issue, we spoke with attorney Michael Decker about the real estate market in Israel and what to look out for when signing a rental contract. We’re happy to have him back to discuss the recently passed “Fair Rental” law, which comes into effect on September 17. This law seeks to ensure fair rental standards, quality of rental housing and contract regulation.

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he population of apartment renters is often younger, poorer and less established than that of apartment owners. The olim chadashim population constitutes a major portion of the renters in Israel.

Will the Fair Rental law help control rent prices and prevent unfair rental practices?

The Fair Rental law is the result of a compromise between Knesset members concerned with social justice and the government’s economic policy, which emphasizes marketplace over regulation in determining rent prices. The result has eliminated rent control and the “rent registrar,” which compiled and disseminated information about rent prices and practices.

Also, the law only applies to “standard” rental properties, excluding short-term and luxury apartments, as well as those rented to family members or protected tenants.

So those hoping for hard limits on rent prices and increases will be disappointed?

Yes, and rightly so. The law of supply and demand determines rent. More housing projects, whether state-sponsored or private, are the best way to lower rent costs.

What the state law DOES try to ensure is a minimal standard of amenities in rental properties and a certain standard of fairness in rental contracts, such as: All rental properties must conform to minimal standards of health and safety, have running water, electricity, ventilation and a lockable front door. No mention is made of the state of repair, gas, furniture, water heating, central heating/AC or overall condition (these topics were removed from the initial drafts).

The property must be delivered in the agreed-upon condition and the property owner is responsible for flaws discovered during occupancy. Any glaring flaws that the renter fixes (beyond routine maintenance and wear and tear) can be documented and deducted from the rent payment. Any attempts to avoid this obligation

by transferring it to the renter in the contract are specifically declared legally null and void.

The property owner must pay for property insurance. If the owner employed the services of a real estate broker, expenses are paid entirely by him. Any other third-party services the owner undertook are also his to pay. The renter’s responsibility remains: utility bills, vaad bayit, municipal taxes and so on.

Both sides can terminate the rental contract before the agreed date – the property owner within 90 days, and the renter within 60.

These all seem like fairly common-sense provisions.

There were not many rental properties fail-

Cohen, Decker, Pex & Brosh Law Office Since its establishment in 2012, Cohen, Decker, Pex & Brosh Law Office has grown exponentially in reputation, staff and clientele.

They practice in all civil law areas, including litigation, commercial law, contracts, labor law and legal consultation, with a specialization in Israeli real estate and immigration law. They can be reached at 02-624-4499 or through their website www.lawoffice.org.il.

ing to provide the minimal conditions and the new landlord responsibilities are not overly onerous. The only drastic changes are those governing securities.

The guarantee can cover up to one third of the projected rental period or three months, whichever is lower. Guarantees can only be redeemed in the event of non-payment (of the rent or other pre-agreed payments), damage to the property or refusal to vacate the premises.

That does seem a game changer compared to the previous status-quo.

It would be, if the law had any enforcement mechanisms. This is the main point of criticism regarding the law. It’s toothless by design – property owners can ignore it at will, with zero repercussions. So this law, which applies only to a specific sub-set of rental properties, demands the most common sense standards and is a far cry from the government takeover of the rental market we’ve been warned about and doesn’t have any real effect.

So at best, this is a first step in dealing with the rental crisis?

Not even that. There’s no reason to assume any actionable legal proposals in the future will rely on the Fair Rental law or incorporate it in any way whatsoever.

What would you like to see in future legal efforts?

I thought the rents registrar was an interesting proposal, even as a way to compile information about the housing market, without any regulatory authority. It would provide an impartial way to document trends and prices and would have been immensely helpful for property owners and renters alike. One provision that didn’t even make it into the preliminary, more expansive, drafts of the law, was for the protection of non-native speakers dealing with complicated legalese. As mentioned in my previous article, consultation with a real estate lawyer remains the best way to avoid “gotcha” clauses, but better legislation on the subject would offer genuine protection of vulnerable renters, without infringing on the rights of honest property owners.

ABOUT MICHAEL DECKER Jerusalemite Michael Decker is a partner in Cohen, Decker, Pex & Brosh and a member of the Israeli Bar Association since 2008. Decker serves as chief legal counsel for several leading commercial firms, with areas of expertise including real estate, business, commercial, nonprofit and Israeli immigration law, and significant litigation experience. He is a Co-Founder of IJA, Israeli Justice Alliance whose aim is to fight anti Semitism on an international level and protect the religious freedom of minority groups in Israel while maintaining Israel’s character as a Jewish state with a Jewish majority.

His involvement in several petitions before the Israeli Supreme Court of Justice has had a real impact on Israeli legislation.

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Real Estate I Interview I Yitzi Feld Feldteam Realty

Inside Tips on Buying and Renting Property in Israel

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itzi Feld is different.

He has quickly built a name for himself in the competitive field of real estate due to his Western approach to customer service and his Middle Eastern bargaining mindset which gives him the upper hand when it comes to getting the best deals in Israel. His upbringing and the unsavory things he saw taking place in the real estate market influenced him to want to help people looking to purchase or rent a property. We met with Yitzi to discuss his niche in the market.

When did you first get interested in the real estate business?

From the time I was a teen, I worked as an apprentice in building and renovation. I accumulated much knowledge and experience in construction. I liked the fields of home design and property management.

What is unique about the way you work?

As I learned more and more about constructions, floor plans and building, I learned what was properly built and what was shoddy or sub-standard with inferior materials. This included apartments and other structures. I came across many Anglos (and Israelis) who had been victims of unscrupulous contractors, real estate agents and other business people.

My parents are Americans and they too experienced this, until I got involved and was able to protect them. I saved them a lot of money… and future headaches! I decided that I wanted to help other people too. I got my license in real estate and after a short stint with a large firm, opened up my own office.

Big companies have an attitude of sell, sell, sell. I wanted out of that. My greatest joy is the knowledge that I really helped someone. I empower my clients so they can avoid becoming another ‘frier’ (sucker) in Israel. I know I can save them money and keep them from being taken advantage of.

Ask my clients. I often get them something they never knew they could ask for, or ‘demand’, with their purchase or rental.

Even local Israelis who work in different professions and don’t know the housing market can get fooled by something that looks good externally. From my construction experience, I can spot problems and warn my client that the home they think they want may not even be worth bargaining for.

What special services have you provided for your clients to date?

I often do extra work that people’s lawyers should do. I have gone to government offices to determine the legal owners of a property, whether it has liens on it, whether building permits have been attained, etc. My goal is to find problems before a deal is closed, as opposed to having the clients discover them only after completing the purchase or rental process. I know of cases where hidden issues prevented buyers from being able to re-sell their property.

One woman I helped wanted to buy a beautiful little apartment by the sea. She even made an offer on it on her own, but after asking me to come and look at it, I saw that though it had a nice cosmetic look, the floor-plan wasn’t prac-

ABOUT YITZI FELD Yitzi Feld at Feldteam specializes in Jerusalem as well as other selected areas of Israel.

He can be reached at 054-883-6328 or yitzi@feldteam.com.

tical and there were construction and legal ownership problems. I suggested she buy an apartment in a building that was under construction, nearby. In less than one year, the value of her new home went up $100,000, while the first apartment remained on the market for some time.

How much time and effort do you devote to each real estate search?

When I was in the army, I was a paratrooper.

There are very high standards, and every soldier is expected to make the maximum effort to achieve maximum results. Also, in order to be a good soldier, you must be very organized and keep all your equipment within reach at all times. As a realtor, I do the same. I have my mission, I organize, and I get my goals accomplished. I had one client in the U.S. that couldn’t make a trip to Israel, but wanted to purchase an apartment in Jerusalem within walking distance of the Old City. He was on a tight budget. I searched around and called my contacts and found him a lovely renovated apartment within his budget. Before someone else could snatch it, we sent him pictures and videos of the apartment, the building and the street so he could see everything. I also discovered that the apartment had approval from city hall to add another room. It immediately rose in value and he was ecstatic. We sent everything to his lawyer who signed for the apartment and got the keys, all without the buyer having to come here. I now manage it for him and he gets thousands of shekels each month while sitting in the USA. What is your secret to getting new customers?

I recently got a call from an older client who needed help in dealing with bureaucracy. I went to her house and spent over an hour on the phone, sorting out her issue. The extra help and service my clients receive makes them really enthusiastic to recommend me to their friends!

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Real Estate I Mortgages I Expert ON THIS DATE IN 2022:

You will be getting ready for a new year with your new Mortgage Index

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By Moshe Wilshinsky

have written many times about adjustable rate mortgages and how the interest rate (and thereby the monthly payment) on those mortgages by definition can change, and how important it is to understand how and why they change, so you can better match your needs and be cognizant of potential increases in your monthly payment.The index (or ogen in Hebrew) used by the bank for that portion of your mortgage is the key factor to understand how and when your interest rate and thereby your monthly payment will change.The London Interbank Offered Rate, more commonly known by the acronym LIBOR, has been a commonly used index for residential mortgages in Israel, especially for mortgages in shekels linked to the US$. The LIBOR index as we know it today will cease to exist in 2021.

Before 2010, many borrowers—both Israeli and foreign—borrowed the entire sum of their mortgage linked to the US$ or other foreign currency (later regulation by Bank of Israel limit it to only a partial sum of the mortgage). For those readers who have a mortgage in which part or all of it is LIBOR-based, it is still uncertain how in the year 2022 your mortgage bank will set the interest rate you need to pay.

While the LIBOR rate was initially set up as a common denominator enabling cross-border loans, cross border meaning lender and borrower are each in a different country. LIBOR ended up to be much more, opening up vast markets far beyond anyone’s imagination. In a sense, the way it is used in

residential mortgages in Israel has similar attributes to a cross-border loan: The borrower who may live in the US or in Israel but has significant US income, is able to borrow in shekels linked to the US$ at a LIBOR rate, thereby eliminating the currency risk that has affected many families living in Israel dependent on foreign income over the last number years as the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) has grown stronger.

LIBOR was created in 1969 in London for what would turn out to be a historic cross-border transaction. After that, it grew in use globally, while the rate continued to be set in London by the British Bankers Association through what was meant to be an impartial method. The problem arose after an investigation by authorities in the UK and US; it turns out that the index being set at that time was anything but impartial. Explaining what happened is beyond the scope ABOUT THE AUTHOR Moshe Wilshinsky is the CEO of Moville Mortgage & Finance Ltd. Moville Mortgages can found on the web at www.movillefinance.com.

They can be reached at 073-796-2226 ext. 711.

In the US, dial 201-377-3418; in the UK, dial 208-596-4501.

of this article. What is pertinent is that LIBOR, will cease to exist internationally as well as in Israel.

I noticed in the 1990s that US mortgage documents included wording that if the LIBOR index was no longer available, something similar would be used by the lender.

Eventually similar language was used in Israel.

So how will the interest rate be set for the dollar linked portion of your mortgage in 2022? Consider how widely LIBOR is used today. Globally, the amount of money that has been borrowed, invested, hedged, structured, etc. that reference LIBOR is staggering in scale. In US$, it is in the hundreds of trillions (according to one source, US$ 350 trillion for a single type of instrument). My point is finding an equitable, fair replacement is important to many financial parties, from major corporations to governments around the globe.

In 2022 how will the interest rate be set for the dollar-linked portion of your mortgage So if you have all or part of your mortgage based on LIBOR, even though the LIBOR index as we know it will cease to exist by 2022, and you don’t know yet how your bank will set the interest rate, there is no need to panic.

There are literally trillions of dollars riding on it so many eyes are watching and have been thinking of this. Due to the amount of US mortgages tied to the 3 Month US$ LIBOR, the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is talking about extending the 3-month US$ LIBOR (and certain others) beyond 2022. Here in Israel I am sure the Bank of Israel will be involved in finding a solution and preserving Israeli mortgage borrowers’ rights.

If you have any questions about the above feel free to email me at libor@movillefinance.com I hope I have enlightened you a bit and alleviated any fear of 2022 in regards to your LIBOR-based mortgage.

From the Moville Mortgage and Finance LTD family to yours, wishing you a healthy and happy New Year!

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Automobiles I Auto Mechanics I Experts

When the Price Isn’t Always Right What’s really behind the price tag in the Israeli auto industry?

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By Shmuel Katz, Auto King Car Garage

hink back to when you were first considering Aliyah. One of the pros of coming to Israel was that the cost of living was more reasonable. Sure, Israeli salaries were lower than in the Anglo countries, but the money went much further.

And then you got here. And yes, your rent was cheaper. Your medical insurance premiums practically disappeared. If you had kids (or were yourself college-aged), you were astounded at the reduction in your tuition costs. And then you went to buy a car.

When you buy a new car in Israel the prices are ridiculously high, especially when you realize that the same car is being sold elsewhere for much, much less. The same holds true for service and supplies. We are routinely asked why it is all so much more expensive in Israel than in America and many other countries.

There are a few reasons for this. One is that there are only a couple of companies supplying the Israeli auto market, creating a monopoly and allowing them to charge whatever they wish. Another is that for shops like ours,which only use Jewish (and mostly local) labor, labor costs are much higher than you would find overseas (or in Israel using non-Jewish workers).

But one of the biggest reasons is TAXES. We tend to think of taxes as something added on

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shmuel Katz is the general manager and owner of Auto King Car Garage. Auto King is an American-run car garage in Beit Shemesh. Auto King provides top mechanical service, with customer service and transparency to match—a rarity in the industry.

Auto King is located across from the Big Fashion Mall and can be reached at 02-626-1613 or through their website www.autoking.co.il.

to a sale price or charged against our incomes.

But here in Israel, there are less transparent taxes charged throughout the economy.

A significant portion of the price you pay for your car and its parts goes straight to the government. Be it import duties or other taxes, the government has its hand out throughout the supply process, including charging you VAT (MAM) on your bill. And this is not just about the parts, themselves.

When you buy gas for your car, between 60%-65% of the price is tax (including VAT).

You might think the tax is limited to the 17% VAT. But no, there are special gasoline taxes imposed by the government to help fill the treasury’s coffers. You are essentially paying taxes upon surcharges upon taxes. Remember that the next time you fill up.

Also, unless you order original manufacturer parts, many of the disposable parts (filters and spark plugs, etc.) sold both here and in the USA are made in the same place – China. The shipping costs are probably comparable. So the two basic differences are the taxes we pay in Israel and Israel’s less competitive market.

Even labor is taxed here. Think about it.

Your local garage has to pay its staff. A significant part of their labor cost is—you guessed it—income taxes. Both those withheld from the employee as well as the employer’s contribution. All this ultimately is passed over to the consumer.

Even the sale of a used car is affected by taxes. Remember, the original price of the car may have had 100% import tax built into the price. When selling the car, the market prices reflect things like value, depreciation, etc., but must also factor in the cost of a new car, which obviously includes the tax. So even though the sale of a used car might not actually be taxed – someone, somewhere, paid a tax on the car and must recoup some of this investment.

At the end of the day, the basic goods and services related to our cars are not actually as high as they seem to be. If we had free trade agreements and moderate import taxes, our costs would not be so out of line.

It’s really not the auto-related expenses that are so high, it’s the government-related ones!

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Automobiles I Sigma Motors

Seventh Heaven Which seven seater is best for your family?

y Miki Goldenberg of Sigma Motors, B Chevrolet Dealers

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bout twenty years ago, if you needed a car with more than five seats, you had a choice between a good old station wagon (with that rear-facing hard-asa-board bench in the trunk) or a VW bus (with a sliding door only on the sidewalk side). They both did the job, but one had you fighting nausea with every turn, while the other offered passengers a great view but not much in terms of human engineering on the inside.

Today, seven and eight seater vehicles are all over the road, with various three-row seating formats and a wide range of specifications inside and out. The numerous choices out there—including MPVs, SUVs, minivans, microbuses and even traditional estate cars (the station wagon reincarnated)—make it difficult to know which one is right for your mishpacha beruchat yeladim.

Sigma Motors, leading Chevrolet dealer in Talpiot, Jerusalem, recommends that before taking any car for a test drive, it’s worthwhile to add a few points to your checklist.

SAFETY FIRST It’s not enough to assume that because a car has seven seats, it must be safe to transport children.

Some seven-seaters are just that: seven seats with an engine and wheels. If you’re going to be using your seven-seater to transport the most precious cargo in the world, be sure to check for the highest possible safety rating, including airbag protection that extends all the way to the rearmost row and other safety features.

BIGGER IS BETTER, FOR SOME Consider how often you take everyone out at the same time. Families in frum communities often have four or five children below the age of six! This means that you’re probably going to pack everyone into the car just to pick up some milk and bread from the supermarket.

Sigma Motors recommends looking for a full-

size MPV like the Chevrolet Traverse (available in both seven- and eight-seater versions). Not only because you might need to fit three booster seats side-by-side but also because you’ll be grateful for the extra elbow room when you have to buckle and unbuckle those little people a few times a day. When you go to view a car, take your car seats with you to see if they actually fit.

Another pro of having a full-size MPV is the extra trunk space. If you have an infant, a toddler and some elementary school kids, you’re going to need space for all the trappings – and you don’t want to have to tie a stroller or two onto the roof every time you go out.

If you’re out and about, carting a busload of kids on carpool every day, full-size MPVs are definitely more convenient. You’ll be making numerous stops along your route, and you’ll be glad your passengers can alight easily without you having to go out and open the trunk at every stop. (Note the walk-through access of middle-row seats that swivel, slide back and forth at the pull of a lever or even come out altogether.)

DYNAMITE IN SMALL PACKAGES If you catch yourself peering into the tinted back windows of every minivan you see, you’re not alone. You and other owners-to-be of a seven-seater will notice that it’s hard to tell some five- and seven-seaters apart. The truth is that some seven-seaters are really just five-seaters with an option for a third row of seats in the trunk for “sha’at had’chak” (rare occasions). Usually, the rearmost seats have thin bases and not much lateral support. Others only have two usable middle-row seats. That makes many of them uncomfortable for adults on all but short journeys, while some will only be able to accommodate smaller children.

If you make most trips without older children who are in yeshiva or seminary most of the

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week or old enough to use public transportation, compact MPVs like the Chevrolet Orlando are a good option. These have benefits when it comes to running costs and maneuverability, making them the best value for money option. What you lose in terms of leg and headroom, you gain in flexibility. The back row can remain collapsed most of the time (or you can collapse just one of the two seats if you have five passengers), giving you a huge trunk for grocery shopping.

CROSSING OVER INTO 4X4 TERRITORY Recent years have seen an explosion in the number of seven-seat 4x4s and SUVs. Actually, the modern day 4x4s are really 2x4s serving the same purpose. Drivers in Israel rarely use the 4x4 function, and it therefore adds an unnecessary expense. The 2x4 will give you the same look and general effect but at a more affordable price.

Despite their off-road terrain capabilities, these seven-seaters are still designed for passenger comfort, although the usefulness of their rearmost row of seats can be compromised. Compact crossover SUVs are a great choice for families who need seven seats for day-to-day trips around town but want to enjoy the great outdoors when they get together for vacation.

EIGHT SEATS AND COUNTING Sometimes seven seats just aren’t enough. Today there are a few options with eight or even nine seats. These tend to be either large vans converted for passenger-carrying duties or super-size MPVs with all the bells and whistles, including modular seating, overhead reading lights for each seat and individual air-conditioning vents to ensure comfortable climate control of the large cabin space.

As with anything in life, it may seem daunting to make a decision when there are so many options. So prioritize what’s most important: your budget and your family’s real medium-term needs (be honest, you’re not going to have the same car for more than ten years), and then say a silent Tefillat HaDerech that your seven or eight passengers let you get safely from point A to point B with your sanity intact!

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Interview I Mrs. Sarah Sacks Bureaucratic Adviser of Chaim V’Chessed

New Oleh, We're Here for You! Aliyah isn't always quite as picturesque as it looks on the Nefesh B'Nefesh pamphlets, is it? When the magic of being in Israel wears off, a lot of new olim experience a great deal of difficulty adapting to Israeli life. But whether you're knee-deep in bureaucracy or stumbling through the medical system, don't despair; there is someone to turn to for any issue you may have.

W

hat is Chaim V’Chessed?

Chaim V’Chessed is the one-stop address for English speakers in Israel experiencing any form of crisis or difficulty.

Founded in 2015 by CEO Rabbi Paysach Freedman, a veteran Oleh, Chaim V’Chessed aims to advise, help and really be there for English speakers in all aspects of life.

Which services do you provide?

We have numerous departments at Chaim V’Chessed: hospital and medical, women’s health, special education, mental health, geriatrics, bereavement and bureaucratic guidance. Our departments are staffed by experts in each field. We open around 50 new cases every day, and sometimes up to 70.

How does each department work?

Every case begins with a phone call, email or online submission from a client. We record all details in our confidential database to ensure proper follow up. Some cases, such as, “What is Bituach Leumi?” or “How can I get to Hadassah Ein Kerem?” are dealt with on the spot. Others, such as, “My child needs therapy,” or “Can you help me get an earlier appointment for an urgent CT scan?” can become long-term, involving more effort and communication.

Zevi and Aralla Weingarten, our hospital representatives, circulate daily through Jerusalem hospitals, checking in on patients, ensuring they are cared for and clearing up miscommunications when necessary. They also work with hospital staff to solve billing issues and expedite appointments for Chaim V’Chessed callers. In our office, medical coordinator Mrs. Nechama Nulman takes new calls, does research and acts as the liaison between on-site Chaim V’Chessed staffers, healthcare providers and hospital staff.

Our women’s health and mental health experts offer personalized advice, guidance and

referrals. These are very personal areas, and we deal with them with sensitivity and total confidentiality, even among staff members.

The special education department is led by Mrs. D’vora Grossbaum, a renowned professional who revolutionized special education in Jerusalem, and Mrs. Faigie Gugenheim, a highly qualified and experienced special educator. They go above and beyond in helping parents through every step of their unique process, whether their child needs speech therapy, genetic testing, psychological evaluations, occupational therapy or anything else.

The geriatrics department offers the elderly and their caregivers advice on care options and information on rights and benefits. Bereavement deals with burials, police intervention, bureaucratic complications and funeral arrangements for bereaved families.

We have three staff members who respond to emergency messages. Callers in crisis can leave a message and receive a prompt response at all hours of day or night.

What is your role in Chaim V’Chessed?

As one of Chaim V’Chessed’s bureaucratic advisers, I deal with the infamous tribABOUT CHAIM V’CHESSED Chaim V’Chessed is a non-profit organization that helps English speakers navigate all areas of crisis or difficulty in Israel.

Their phone hotline operates 9-5, Sunday through Thursday, with an emergency notification system that operates 24/6. Learn more at www.chaimvchessed.com.

Chaim V’Chessed can be reached at 072-CHESSED (243-7733), by email at support@chaimvchessed.com or online at www.chaimvchessed.com/contact-us.

ulations of Bituach Leumi, visas, Arnona, banks, driver’s licenses and passports. We also frequently advise on various workplace and employment issues. I and my coworkers offer guidance on navigating these encounters and maintain a database of guides that explain numerous subjects.

If you both help Olim, what is the difference between Chaim V’Chessed and Nefesh B’Nefesh?

Nefesh B’Nefesh does an amazing job in making Aliyah happen. They help Olim through the entire Aliyah process and even offer assistance with the logistics of integration.

Chaim V’Chessed steps in the day after.

Olim face a lifetime of navigating day-today life in Israel. For English speakers who are struggling to adjust to a new culture and language usually without the nearby support of family and old friends, difficulties become crises much faster.

Chaim V’Chessed provides assistance, advice, guidance, advocacy and intervention in numerous areas. When we cannot offer the help that someone needs, we provide referrals to other appropriate organizations and professionals.

In short, if you are stuck for hours in the ER or need help understanding your water bill, you won’t call Nefesh B’Nefesh, but you can call Chaim V’Chessed.

What is Chaim V’Chessed’s greatest success so far?

Rabbi Freedman and the rest of the Chaim V’Chessed team have literally changed people’s lives -- from saving tourists tens of thousands of shekels on medical procedures to obtaining approvals for life-altering pain medications. In an effort to help the community at large, Chaim V’Chessed also lobbies government officials with requests for change -- we have succeeded in obtaining transportation discounts for children of foreign yeshiva students, stopped banks from closing down the accounts of non-Israelis and more. Further change is on the horizon.

But the greatest success is when we hear the feedback we love most: that people feel we are here for them like no one else. Each staff member truly cares and does the utmost for our callers.

Living in Israel is a national dream and we take pride in enabling its realization. To me, it is so inspiring to hear that as much as Chaim V’Chessed has accomplished, Rabbi Freedman only wants to “help more people and help people more!”

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They’re getting used to everything new about married life – like figuring out which laundry detergent to use, which products will work best with her recipes, and how to pay their bills on time – all in a strange country.

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The Growing Fa mily

They didn’t dream they’d stay so long…or they just made aliya. Now they have to purchase a home, take out a mortgage, lease a car, sign up for health insurance, and open a bank account.

The Golden Agers

Most of their children made aliya, and now they’re coming to join them. To ease the transition, their family and friends in Israel introduce them to all the goods and services they’ve enjoyed over the years, many of which they are familiar with from their frequent visits.

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