The Golan: eshkoli vs. dayan
Tips: Tu B’Av
special
Aliyah 2008 WELCOME HOME... Make Your Dreams Reality Olim in the Job Market: The Real Story
Real Estate Insights from the Experts Rabbeinu Avraham: Time for Pious Heroes
Aliyah for the Elderly Spotlight on Tunisian Jews Classifieds Inside
Tish’a B’Av: National Eulogy AUSTRALIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00 CANADA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00 europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €3.00 iSRAEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .nis 15 sOUTH aFRICA. . . . . . . . . . . . r20 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £ 2.50 U.S.a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.00
VOL. 2, ISSUE NO. 20 August 2008
Masei, Aug 2, 2008 BET SHEMESH GUSH ETZION JERUSALEM MODI'IN TEL AVIV NEW YORK LONDON
LIGHT
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Dvarim, Aug 9, 2008 LIGHT
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Va’etchanan, Aug 16, 2008 LIGHT
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Ekev, Aug 23, 2008 LIGHT
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Re’eh, Aug 30, 2008 LIGHT
6:28 PM 6:45 PM 6:27 PM 6:38 PM 6:47 PM 7:15 PM 7:35 PM
END
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| August 2008
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aUGUsT 2008
B
ESIDES THE WELL-WORN IDEOLOGICAL ZIONIST REASONS THAT COMPELLED MANY OF US TO MAKE ALIYAH FROM ADVANCED, CIVILIZED, DEMOCRATIC, ORGANIZED, CALM, TIDY, CLEAN AND POLITE WESTERN COUNTRIES, THERE ARE A FEW NOT-SO-WELL RECOGNIZED BUT IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT DIASPORA JEWS MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER:
the short yom kiPPur EVERY YEAR ON THE SATURDAY NIGHT BEFORE YOM KIPPUR, ISRAEL TURNS THE CLOCK BACK AN HOUR TO SHORTEN THE FAST. THIS YEAR, WHEN THE DAY OF ATONEMENT FALLS IN MID-OCTOBER, IT MAKES FOR A PARTICULARLY SHORT DAY. THE FAST IS OVER IN JERUSALEM AT 5:46PM, A WHOLE THREE HOURS SHORTER THAN THE MID-SUMMER TISH’A B’AV FAST DAY.
the one-Day yom toV ROSH HASHANA IS THE ONLY TIME IN THE ENTIRE YEAR THAT ISRAELIS ALSO HAVE A TWO-DAY YOM TOV. EVERY OTHER HOLIDAY IS OBSERVED IN ISRAEL FOR ONLY ONE DAY— SUKKOT, SHAVUOT, PESACH (JUST ONE SEDER, THANK YOU).WE CELEBRATE AND ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS, BUT DON’ T GO OVERBOARD INTO NO-SHOWER AND FOOD-COMAOVERLOAD-LAND FOR 2-3 DAYS AT A TIME.
FORTHCOMING ISSUE.
Day school tuition DESPITE THE SORRY STATE OF OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, WE
EXCHANGING CALIFORNIA, TORONTO, OR LONDON FOR BEIT
STILL SAVE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EVERY YEAR IN EDUCATION IF OUR KIDS ATTENDED JEWISH DAY SCHOOLS IN THE DIASPORA. SO, WHEN THEY OFFER YOU THAT RIDICULOUS
SALARY AT YOUR FIRST JOB IN ISRAEL, THINK OF ALL THE TUITION YOU’RE SAVING.
Finally, there’s the one-Degree oF seParation Phenomenon. HERE IN ISRAEL YOU CAN MEET ABSOLUTELY ANYONE, IF YOU HAVE THE CHUTZPA. LAST WEEK I BUMPED INTO BIBI NETANYAHU HAVING COFFEE WITH HIS WIFE. I EVEN GOT THE PHONE NUMBER OF GADI GAYDAMAK FROM A FRIEND! WHO KNOWS? IF HE IS NOT IN JAIL BY THEN, YOU MIGHT READ A PERSONAL INTERVIEW WITH HIM IN A
SO WHEN THE ALIYAH SHALIACH/AH ASKS YOU WHY YOU’RE
SHEMESH
OR
MODIIN
JUST TELL HIM/HER THAT YOU LIKE
SHORT FAST DAYS, SPEEDY FESTIVALS, NO TUITION, AND HAVE A YEN FOR MEETING AND HOSTING FAMOUS PEOPLE....
welcome home
to all the aliyah 2008 newcomers!
elie ruBin, PuBlisher
Tragic Ending
After two years of wondering and worrying, the families of Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser can now be at peace, as their bodies were finally returned and laid to rest on July 17th, 2008. Their return came as part of a prisoner exchange, as Israel gave five prisoners and 200 bodies back to Hezbollah. May the families suffer no more tzarot and may they be comforted with all the mourners of Zion.
August 2008 8 Tidbits 10 Pain in the Back by Dr. Simcha Shapiro
12 The Israeli & the Dollar by Avichai Snir
14 Reaching the Unreachable by Tali Field Berman
16 Music by Ben Bresky
17 A Greener World by Douglas Goldstein, CFP
18 Aliyah: Never Say Never by Barbara Brown
20 The Three Weeks by Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister
22 Aliyah: Olim in the Job Market by Miriam Braun
24 Eicha Revolution by Rabbi Yaacov Haber
26 Dreams vs. Reality by Miriam Rubin
30 Judea Captiva: Eulogy by Rabbi Francis Nataf
31 Comprehending the Elusive by Rabbi Avi Poupko
32 Community Profile by Ilene Bloch-Levy
34 In Our Mind and in Our Hearts
36 No Mercy by Mois Navon
37 Real Estate: Insight from Experts by Michael Bloom & Jacob Lichter
38 Travel by Rabbi Mordechai Weiss
40 Conquering the Golan by David Bedein
42 Classifieds 48 Edah Spotlight by David Druce
48 Recipe
Tu B’Av is on the way!
7 Letters to the Editor
On the cover: Nefesh B’Nefesh flight arriving, July 2008. Photograph by T. Sasson.
49 Last Laugh 50 Contributors
by Rabbi Jason Demant Second Year, No. 20 August © 2008 by ShiurTimes, Inc., 1 Ben Yehuda Street. All rights reserved. To contact one of the staff with your questions, concerns, or subscription inquiries, please call (02)625-6225 For advertising needs, please call: (02)625-6227 or e-mail: staff editors@shiurtimes com Managing publisher & editor-in Chief: Elie Rubin editor: Yehudit Singer Marketing Manager: Hillie Roth Art Director: Deb Houben Classifieds & Marketing: David Hirschfield, Yoel Almog Summer Interns: Miriam Braun, Miriam Rubin, Estee Wertentheil Studio Rubin & Co: (054)723-4520 Stock photography: istockphoto.com, Flickr. Copyrighting laws apply to all articles, and nothing may be reprinted without express permission from the Publisher. ShiurTimes is not responsible for the content of the advertisements. The Opinions of the articles within the ShiurTimes rest solely upon the authors. Reproduction of any parts of the ShiurTimes is forbidden without permission. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM READING THE SHIURTIMES IN THE BEIT KNESSET DURING TIMES OF TEFILLA. Please make sure to recycle your copy of ShiurTimes when you finish reading!
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| augusT 2008
leTTers To The ediTor Current Events last week there were two guests absent from my daughter’s wedding in Jerusalem. one had been barbarically murdered in the attack the day before on Jaffa st. The other was her husband, who was sitting shiva for her. he was left to care for their six month-old baby daughter who will never know her mother—a kinder person one could not find. The prime Minister and his appeasement government as well as the security services have all failed in their duty to protect the Jewish citizens of the state. There have been too many sacrifices on the altar of the “peace” process and non-implemented agreements by the pa. enough of this nonsense. prime Minister olmert and his cabinet have failed in their mandate and should go now— no more sacrifices. We must stand defiant and strong, not weak and defeatist. it is time to restore our emunah and we must not remain silent any longer.
The huge phalanx of security personnel surrounding government ministers would better be employed to protect the citizens instead! Father of the kallah
“D”-ficient? While the importance of protecting ourselves and our families from the sun cannot be overstated, no mention was made of the vitamin D deficiency issue in sara Wolf’s informative article, “protect Your skin.” since there is a worldwide vitamin D deficiency epidemic, it would be remiss not to mention this topic.
90% of our vitamin D comes from our skin being exposed to the sun. The requirement is for hands and legs to be in the sun WiThoUT sun block for 5-30 minutes, twice a week between 10am and 3 pm. after this amount of exposure sun block should be used to protect the skin from UV rays. Food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, egg yolks, fortified breakfast cereals and/or vitamin supplements. To “D” or not to “D”? Get tested at kupat cholim, to find out if you’re “D”ficient. Tamar Schriger, Clinical Dietician Efrat
Vitamin D plays a vital role in numerous body mechanisms in addition to mineralization of bone such as insulin resistance, prevention of colo-rectal cancer and lowering risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Tidbits After being held by Farc rebels for more than six years, French-Colombian politician Ingrid Bertancourt was freed, along with fourteen other hostages, after a successful rescue operation. Ms. Betancourt described her release as ‘a miracle.’
Twins were born on July 3rd to 70 year-old Omkari Panwar, resident of Uttar Pradesh in Northern India. Panwar and her husband have two daughters and five grandchildren, but always longed for a male heir, so with a combination of loans and their savings, they paid for IVF treatment that allowed Panwar to become pregnant. Omkari Panwar is the oldest woman documented to birth a healthy child.
The number of South African immigrants to Israel has nearly doubled in the past year, the Jewish Agency said.
“This is partially due to the current political situation in South Africa and the rise in crime and violence,” said Michael Jankelowitz, a Jewish Agency spokesman.
According to agency data released this week, 300 South African Jews are expected to have made aliyah by the end of 2008, compared to 178 last year.
Machon Hamikdash Temple Institute in the Old City of Jerusalem has started to undertake another exciting task- the Bigdai Kehunah (priestly garments.) It’s been 2000 years since these clothes have been worn as they were gone with the destruction of the second Beit HaMikdash, but this groundbreaking movement is allowing Kohanim to be adorned again.
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A huge algae bloom off Qindao is threatening the site for the Beijing Games’ water sports. Over 10,000 troops and nearly 100,000 volunteers are attempting to clear the algae in time for the Olympics.
Political analysts believe that recent upheavals in Zimbabwe, which like South Africa emerged from white rule but remains unstable, have contributed to Jewish emigration.
Iran has test-fired new missiles which have a range of 2000 km. One of the Supreme Leader’s advisers stated that Iran would respond to any military attack by hitting Tel Aviv.
On the 21st of July, Gordon Brown became the first British Prime Minister to address the Knesset, where he spoke of the ‘unbreakable partnership between Britain and Tel Aviv.’ Following this he met with Mahmoud Abbas, where he declared the need for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and spoke of his desire to see ‘a freeze on settlements.’ | August 2008
Tidbits Sderot-based Mifram, has developed the world’s first remote controlled armored tractor called “Memugan.” This remote controlled armored tractor is capable of withstanding a full-armed strike by the qassam rockets and mortar shells that are used by the terrorists in Gaza.
24.3
Discount on tax Rate (%) for car purchased by new immigrant, regardless of engine size.
1950
Year the Law of Return was legislated.
11,290
Olim living in absorption centers in June 2008.
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Aliyah Numbers
% of Israelis from the FSU.
0
Cost of a taxi to anywhere in the country from Ben Gurion upon making aliyah.
3
Number of months recommended to prepare one’s pet for aliyah.
Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the United States instituted a stricter immigrant policy and Israel became the No. 2 destination of Jews from South Africa behind Australia.
6,425
New olim between January and June 2008.
Source: JTA
The Jewish community of South Africa is a close-knit, Zionist community numbering approximately 65,000. After the fall of apartheid in the 1990s, upheaval in the community led to the emigration of many of its members to Australia, the United States, Britain and Israel.
97
Age of oldest Oleh from B’nai Menashe tribe, India.
15,000
Olim who have made aliyah through Nefesh B’Nefesh.
14
Olim from Morocco since January 2008.
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51,844
The holiest country in the world is also economically on top. More than 100 Israeli companies are traded on the New York and London Stock Exchanges and the NASDAQ. After signing agreements with both LSE and the Nasdaq, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange recently signed an agreement to increase the “cross listing of trading”, in hopes of stimulating the globalization of the Israeli markets. www.shiurtimes.com
Approximate amount of NIS a family of five receives for Sal Klitah— the absorption basket.
27 Cabinet Secretary Ovad Yehezkel recently issued a controversial new proposal that would standardize the process of issuing marriage licenses throughout Israel. He said the point is to speak to the secular community, and that he is “just improving the services…not dealing in halacha [Jewish law].” This fact raises concerns in the religious community, and Yehezkel expects to face opposition among the Charedim.
Maximum age for an Oleh/ah to receive financial assistance for a BA.
5/5/5
Months/ Days per week/ Hours per day: ulpan entitlement for Olim.
50
$$ cost for one-way ticket to Israel when making aliyah.
9
(Based on information from http://www.jewishagency.org/ and www.nbn.org.il)
Maximum age to do mandatory 2-year army service for Olot Chadashot.
Healthy Living
Health Q&A With Dr. Simcha Shapiro Pain in the Back Q: Dear Dr. Shapiro, I have suffered from back pain for many years. It is especially bad after standing in the kitchen for long periods of time. All my doctor offers me are pills for the pain, or a comment like “That’s just part of getting older.” Isn’t there something else I can do? —Suffering A: Dear Suffering, Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people visit doctors. Back pain has many possible causes, and there
are many things that can be done to help it, but there is one cardinal rule: pay attention to your body! You are the only one who lives in there, and if it hurts, your body is telling you to back off (no pun intended). Here are some tips to help you feel better: 1. Wear supportive shoes—Not always the most stylish, but they help to absorb the shock of walking and standing. 2. Sit for what you can—Do all of your cooking prep work while sitting at a table. 3. Stand on something with some bounce— When you know that you will be doing some work in the kitchen, put a spongy mat (a yoga mat works great for this) in front of the sink or stove. (This also works great for davening on the chagim!) 4. Moist heat—A hot water bottle over a damp towel can do wonders. 5. Exercise—Helps to strengthen your back. I recommend swimming. 6. Stretch—Helps to keep you flexible so that you can react dynamically to your environment. I recommend yoga.
massage helps to loosen up tight muscles. Not all back pain, however, is harmless. There are some red flags that should have you looking for a good orthopedist just to make sure that you do not need urgent surgery. Remember—orthopedists are surgeons. If they recommend surgery, that’s their job. The key word here is urgent. If surgery is not urgent, try something else in the meantime. If it is urgent, make sure to get a second opinion. Watch out for any of the following in one of your legs: ° Numbness ° Weakness ° Shooting, electric pain ° Loss of bowel or bladder control Having back pain is not a sentence to suffer through. There are many things that you can do to help start feeling better. °
7. Get treated— Osteopathy puts bones and muscles back in proper alignment;
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| August 2008
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Economy
The Israeli and the Dollar The roller coaster ride of dollar/ shekel has changed the way Israelis do business.
by Avichai Snir
B
etween August 2007 and July 2008 the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Israeli shekel dropped from 4.35 NIS/$ to about 3.2 NIS/$. This has significant consequences for Israel; consequences that spread beyond the markets for imports and exports.
Stanley Fisher, current Governor of the Bank of Israel
The exchange rate between two currencies represents the price of goods that are produced and consumed in one country relative to the prices of goods that are produced and consumed in the other country. Thus, the drop in the value of the dollar (and almost all other
currencies) relative to the shekel implies that Israelis pay less for products that are produced abroad. This encourages
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them to import more. For example, in 2007 Israelis bought many more cars and electric machines than in any other year in the past. The strong shekel also makes it cheaper for Israelis to fly abroad, meaning that in 2007 the lines in BenGurion airport were longer than ever. The drop in the value of foreign currencies also had an effect on the inflation rate.
‘‘
The dollar became a significant political issue, and it is likely to remain so as long as its value stays low and the inflation rate high.” Although the prices of many imported commodities such as rice, wheat and energy increased significantly all over the world since the summer of 2007, the inflation rate in Israel started to increase only in the second quarter of 2008. At the same time, the strong shekel also implies that the prices of goods produced in Israel are higher for consumers abroad. Thus, Israeli firms find it harder to export their products. Since the Israeli industry sells a large share of its output abroad, this has a large effect on the growth rate of the Israeli economy. For example, 40% of the Israeli export firms reported that they sold less in 2007 and only 28% reported that they sold more. Especially vulnerable
to the drop in the value of the dollar are firms that produce low tech products such as clothing and foods. Many of them are forced to reduce the production rate, close, or move their factories out of Israel. This has a negative effect on the unemployment rate. It also increases the inequality in Israel because most of the affected factories are located in the periphery and employ relatively old and unskilled workers. This damage to the industry led the labor organizations and the industrialists to join forces in a campaign aimed at the government. The head of the strongest labor organization even threatened a general strike unless the Bank of Israel made sure that the exchange rate of the dollar did not drop too much. The Bank of Israel refused, but the political tumult and public outcry forced the Bank of Israel to buy dollars and lower the interest rates— actions that had a negative impact on the inflation rate that started to increase in the summer of 2008. Thus, the dollar became a significant political issue, and it is likely to remain so as long as its value stays low and the inflation rate high. The most surprising effect of the drop in the value of the dollar is on the way that Israelis do business. Ever since the great inflation in the 1970’s and 1980’s, Israelis mistrusted the shekel. Thus, until recently, contracts involving houses, rents and other long term commitments were often pegged to the dollar exchange rate. The recent strengthening of the shekel has made many Israelis understand that the inflation in Israel is actually very low and that signing contracts in dollars is not profitable any more. Thus, the recent drop in the exchange rate makes many Israelis change their beliefs about the shekel, and consequently they trade with each other. °
| August 2008
Parenting
Reaching the Seemingly Unreachable Building a relationship with your autistic child is challenging, but achievable. by Tali Field Berman
I
have been working with children with special needs and their families for over ten years, using a unique and powerful method called The Son-Rise Program. I have helped parents with a variety of their concerns, such as how to help their children talk, take showers more easily, or handle stimulating environments more effectively. However, parents often stop, take a breath, and ask pleadingly, “How can we have a deeper relationship with our child, and help him/her want to have a deeper relationship with us?” I learned the answer to this question when I first began working with Jeffrey in his home-based Son-Rise Program ten years ago. What I discovered there has turned out to be some of the most powerful knowledge I could ever gain. Jeffrey was a four year-old diagnosed on the autistic spectrum. When I first met him, he rarely looked at anyone. He mostly recited movies and books that he had memorized from beginning to end. When he spoke, he quoted lines from his favorite Barney movie. He had very little interest in the other kids. In a playground full of children, Jeffrey played alone. I began the process of learning how to create a relationship with this special child and inspire him to have a relationship with me. Two of the many basic concepts I learned were particularly powerful. One explains the purposefulness of self-stimulating behaviors— repetitive and exclusive in nature— like lining up toys in a row over and over again or talking about the same topic for hours on end which are common in autistic children. “Typical” people are able to organize and filter the stimulation constantly facing us, so most people can easily focus on a phone conversation while the television is playing. For many children on the autistic spectrum, this is
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much more challenging, if not impossible. The constant stimulation can be like a sensory bombardment and seem very overwhelming. As a way to cope, people with autism create repetitious behaviors to handle this kind of stimulation overload. They create order in a world that may seem chaotic. So how do
‘‘
As a way to cope, people with autism create repetitious behaviors to handle stimulation overload. They create order in a world that may seem chaotic.”
we develop a relationship with children who have created such a separate and yet purposeful world for themselves? This brings me to the second concept: the core challenge for any child with autism is the challenge of having relationships with other people. Therefore, if I want to help inspire an autistic child to have a relationship with me, the last thing that I want to do is try to get him to stop doing the very behavior he has created to care of himself. That would simply give him an additional reason to move even further away.
up his Thomas the Tank Engine trains, I did too. What I witnessed was remarkable. When I joined Jeffrey, he began to look at me more, move towards me more, and he became interested in what I was doing. It was in these moments that a relationship began and developed as time went on. This is how our first games were played and our first conversations began. And so, what do I say to parents, who above all else, are desperate to have a deeper relationship with their child? I tell them to take the very behaviors that most people are trying to extinguish, and instead of trying to get him/her to stop those behaviors, join in. Flap your hands. Spin in circles. Don’t just imitate— engage. Do it with an intention to understand, to be together and to reach the seemingly unreachable. °
Instead, I learned to use Jeffrey’s repetitious behavior as a way to build a relationship by joining him in his activities. This way, I showed him that I accepted what he was doing so much that I was willing to do it with him. I made myself predictable to him and created a common ground. And so, when Jeffrey recited movies from beginning to end, I did too. When Jeffrey spent hours lining | August 2008
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Music by Ben Bresky
YLove & DJ Handler
Jewish Rapper Releases A Capella CD music, keeping it really modern in the clubs while staying true to the tradition of Sephardic music. Let’s talk about the a capella Sefira album. Y-Love: It’s just me and a beatboxer, kosher for all weeks of the year, because between Pesach and Shavuot you’re not supposed to listen to musical instruments. So we wanted to make a CD that everybody could appreciate. We got the sickest beatboxer, Yuri Lane. Basically, if you give me 28 minutes, I give you the year. I go through all of the different chagim (holidays) and do songs based on each.
L
ast year, Yitz Jordan, know by his stage name “Y-Love,” released the world’s first vocals-only hip-hop album. He recently released his eagerly anticipated full-length debut CD, This Is Babylon. He and his producer/ chevruta (Torah-study partner) DJ Handler spoke with Israel National Radio’s Ben Bresky.
What are you doing here in Israel? Y-Love: We are here partially to spread the word about Jewish hip-hop here “ba’aretz,” and we’re also participating in the ROI 120 Conference going on in Yerushalayim. That’s a Jewish leadership conference speaking about making programming for Jewish youth.
Y-Love: And how substantial it is to your career… DJ Handler: And who your rabbi is. Y-Love: If it’s just like, you know, a hobby that you do with your friends, you can wait three weeks to do that. How do you think up the lyrics? Do you sit down with a pen and write?
What has been the reaction to that
Y-Love: It’s the whole freestyle aspect. You freestyle and wait until something really hot comes out.
DJ Handler: The press has loved it because it’s the first a capella hip-hop album of Jewish themes.
DJ Handler: He really just goes into a cave for thirty days and then he’s like, “OK, I’m done!”
Y-Love: And as far as the religious community is concerned, most albums that are a capella sound almost like dirges or like barbershop quartets, so this was the first venture into urban music for that market. People tell me that because of my CD, they could listen to a capella music during sefirah, because otherwise they would just listen to regular music. So I feel like I did a good thing for the community.
Y-Love: Yeah, I go into the mikvah a few times [jokingly]. The concepts were drawn directly from text. I quote a lot from the Zohar, I quote a lot from Tekunei Zohar. So I was literally up until two in the morning learning.
CD?
And that applies to the Three Weeks before Tish’a B’Av as well? Y-Love: Right.
What’s your take on being in Israel and music in Israel?
Do you have any trouble performing during the 3 weeks or the Omer? I know for some religious musicians performing is a halachic dilemma because it’s their job.
DJ Handler: I think the hip-hop scene is pretty progressive in Israel and is doing some interesting things. They incorporate live instruments and samples really well with live music. They mix in Mizrachi
DJ Handler: Right. I think that different people have different heterim (religious permission). If you’re a performer who does a lot of shows then you’re going to perform, since it’s your parnassa
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(livelihood). If you’re not somebody who performs a lot then your heter (permission) will probably be that you can rehearse, but not play shows. So I think it just depends on how often you’re playing.
Anything you want you add about music or Israel or anything else? Y-Love: My whole message is to use hiphop to elevate and not to tranquilize. I make music to try and get people to realize that they are part of a bigger picture; to realize that they have spiritual elements. Because the hip-hop market is not necessarily always known for being very spiritual, I hope to change the sound of hip-hop. DJ Handler: Yeah, what he said. For more information on Y-Love visit www.ylovemusic.com. °
| August 2008
Finance
A Greener World for Your Wallet & Environment Practical tips on budgeting to get more for your income. pushing the limits. At all levels, there is a human predilection to spend, even if the wallet is empty. From governments, to businesses, to the person on the street— everyone always wants more.
by Douglas Goldstein, cfp
“
It’s hard to cut expenses,” a father of four who earns $10,000 per month, told me last week. That same afternoon, a couple with four kids, whose total monthly income runs at about $3,500, said, “It’s hard to cut expenses.” They both used the same language to describe their sense of not having enough money to make it through the month. After people cover the bare requirements of survival, it seems that their spending expands like gas in a balloon. It keeps
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One tool that can help prevent overspending is creating a budget. A properly created budget can monitor the balance of income vs. outflow—if it’s followed. Budgets are like pills: even the most powerful medication won’t help if it’s not taken at the proper times and in the proper dosages. One way to make budgeting more palatable is to link it to something that’s important to you, outside of profit-andloss spreadsheets. For example, if you object to the carbon footprint left by industrial society, do your part and buy local. Why should strawberries picked in South America have to fly around the world just so you can eat fresh strawberry shortcake? Do you really need to eat
Hershey’s chocolate when you can buy Elite produced here in Israel? The added cost of imports should also help you make the decision to buy local—try eating in-season fruits and vegetables. Remember when you were young and you asked your mother for watermelon, and she said, “It’s out of season, dear,” and you survived! Then when it was in season, it was so cheap that you ate it three times a day! Even though we live in an “I want it now” society, it’s OK to adopt a “retro” attitude. By purchasing the lower-priced local items, you help local businesses, reduce your expenses, teach a valuable lesson to your family about the rotation of the seasons, enjoy the health benefits of fresher food, and save the environment. Explore how personal budgeting can impact many aspects of your life; not just your bottom line. You’ll find that adjusting it does not simply have to be an act of belt-tightening, but it can also help to improve the world around you. °
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Aliyah
Never Say Never: Aliyah & the Elderly For those always dreaming of aliyah, it’s never too late. by Barbara Brown
“
Never say never” were the words my mother used to say when I was despairing that it seemed she might never join my family and that of my sister. Two out of our three siblings had made aliyah with our families years ago. My mother did eventually come on aliyah, a few years after my father had suddenly passed away. My brother also announced that he could no longer stay away from Eretz Yisrael, since the desire to live here was passed onto us by our dear parents. Although I am a Geriatric Social Worker, it was no less anxiety-provoking for my mother and our family to try to do the best to make sure that she would be happy in her new home in Israel. We had to research the best possible options that would suit our mother’s social, religious, medical, language, and spiritual needs. We investigated, and she visited a few options that we felt were suitable for her. Our mother finally settled into a lovely retirement home in Jerusalem, but not without some initial trepidation.
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The key is to do your homework and involve the elderly person in the research and the final decision-making process as much as you can.”
A few years down the road, I can say that there are many suitable options for a variety of people, and that they can live a full and happy life here in Israel. The key is to do your homework and involve the elderly person in the research and the final decision-making process as much as you can. Visiting assisted living, retirement, and nursing homes will help you get a feel for
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the atmosphere, and the way the place is run. Meeting with the management of every place is very important as well. Each one has its own style to appeal or to deter. Having the potential resident check out the place is also very helpful in determining if this is a good “fit” (if and when they are cognitively and/or physically able). Israel today has a growing assortment of residential settings from exclusive retirement villages (replete with swimming pools and exercise rooms) to retirement homes where there are activities from morning until evening. There are also sheltered living residential services for the frail (or as they are referred to in Hebrew, “Tshushim”- the infirmed), and there are nursing homes and hospitals for special medical needs requiring special complex care (“Siyudi Murkav”). Independent elderly persons can usually make the trip from overseas, but even those who are infirmed can be helped by companies such as Isracare, who provide medical services and care in conjunction with airlines. In many cases, they can even help those with restrictive medical conditions by arranging for medicallysupervised plane trips. It is an amazing service that can help bring loved ones together for happy occasions and for aliyah, even when you thought they could never travel to be with you. Elderly people, when making aliyah, get Kupat Cholim (Sick Funds/Clinics and Medical Services) coverage. In fact, one nursing home director advised that the elderly person should try to arrange to register for Kupat Cholim before arriving in Israel (consult with Nefesh B’Nefesh and/or your local Aliyah Center for assistance). This way, when s/he arrives in Israel, should there be any medical emergency, s/he is completely covered, and will have no problem getting insured medical assistance, and/or getting into a nursing ward once out of hospital. Like all Israelis, either the family or patient will pay privately or if
they lack funds, once they are assessed as requiring nursing care, they will be able to apply (with the help of a hospital or social services social worker) for a government code. (Some people choose to hire help at home to care for the elderly person.) Many Olim retirees are doing great in retirement home settings and I always encourage people whose parents have toyed with the idea of joining them in Israel to encourage them to take the step to explore this option. It can be a dream come true to make aliyah for senior citizens, just as it has been for the young families amongst us. Why not for them as well? Never say never. “If you will it....” Well, you know the end of that expression, and the fruits of that dream. In summary, if a family, individual, or elderly couple is entertaining thoughts about making aliyah, know that there are many options today— from exclusive and elegant five star retirement villages, to “heimishe” residences, sheltered living residences, or nursing care. Of course, some senior citizens choose to rent or purchase apartments, which is also a great option. Hoping that this helps families reunite in Eretz Yisrael! °
| August 2008
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Halacha
During the Three Weeks... A concise, practical guide to the laws of mourning during the Three Weeks. by Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister
T
he Gemara in Ta’anit tells us that only a Jew who properly mourns the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash—the Temple— will be zoche (will merit) to see its rebuilding. Similarly to an Avel (a mourner) who mourns the loss of a close family member, we all have to both internalize the distress and express the sorrow for the loss of the Beit HaMikdash by refraining from certain activities and pleasures. Even though we remember the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple on a daily basis, our Rabbis established special days during which these laws of mourning apply. For Ashkenazim, the yearly mourning period for the destruction extends
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Nowadays, due to the relaxed and tolerant dress code in all western societies, it is very questionable if appearing unshaven would ever incur a financial loss.”
throughout the three weeks from the 17th of Tammuz until Tish’a B’Av (the 9th of Av), also known as Bein HaMetzarim. According to most Sephardic authorities, these halachot apply only from the day following Rosh Chodesh Av until Tish’a B’Av itself. Some have the custom however, to apply these laws exclusively during the week in which Tish’a B’Av occurs. During this time there are no weddings, we don’t listen to music, we don’t wear or purchase new clothing, we don’t say Shehecheyanu, and we don’t eat any kind
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of meat—with the exception of Shabbat or any other Seudat Mitzvah. Ashkenazim of eastern-European origin, who generally follow the Rema, keep most of these halachot throughout the Three Weeks, but abstain from eating meat only from Rosh Chodesh Av until Tish’a B’Av. Ashkenazim of western-European origin follow the Maharam and don’t eat meat throughout the Three Weeks. In addition to the above, just as during the Omer period between Pesach and Shavuot, it is forbidden for men and women alike to take a haircut or to shave. Shaving and cutting one’s hair is only permissible on the day of a Bris for the father, the Sandek and the Mohel. Women may not take a haircut during the Three Weeks, however, they may pluck their eyebrows and remove other body hair in preparation for the Mikvah. Since this prohibition applies even to small children, the chassidish custom of “Upscheren” (cutting the hair of a boy for the first time on his third birthday), which has recently also been practiced by many non-chassidish communities of easternEuropean origin, must therefore either take place before the 17th of Tammuz or be postponed until after Tish’a B’Av. It has become the accepted practice in certain communities of western-European origin for men to shave or to trim their beards on Friday afternoon during the Three Weeks, in honor of Shabbat. The halachic basis for this leniency is taught by the Chatam Sofer who argues, based on a Magen Avraham teaching, that for men who shave on a daily basis or at least several times a week, shaving is not comparable to haircutting, but
to laundering clothes which the Rabbis did allow under pressing circumstances during the Three Weeks. While it is perfectly fine for Ashkenazim of German and French origin to rely on this opinion, just as with all established customs, others may not deviate from their traditional minhag on an individual basis and therefore cannot rely on this leniency.
A heter for shaving or trimming one’s beard during the Three Weeks for professional reasons is mentioned by Rav Moshe Feinstein. Unfortunately this leniency has been widely misquoted, wrongly relied upon, and often used as a blank permit to shave throughout the Three Weeks. According to Rav Moshe Feinstein, it is permissible for professionals to shave during the Three Weeks. However, on the week that Tish’a B’Av occurs, if refraining from shaving would actually incur a loss of job or money, only on the specific day of the professional obligation is one allowed to shave. Nowadays, due to the relaxed and tolerant dress code in all western societies, it is very questionable if appearing unshaven would ever incur a financial loss and if this heter does apply at all. Every person should carefully evaluate his own situation and be honest with himself. May we appreciate and internalize the depth, the importance, and the necessity of these halachot. May The Kodosh Boruch Hu strengthen us in our Achdut, Derech Eretz and Ahavat Yisrael. May we merit to see the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash—speedily, in our days. °
| August 2008
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aliyah
Olim in Israel’s Job Market:
Do We Stand a Chance? executives from israel’s top employment agencies tell us what companies today really want. by miriam Braun
I
sraeli companies have been feeling the economic stress that is currently reverberating around the world. The dollar’s fall has affected the hi-tech fields in israel in particular, and firms around the country (and the world, for that matter) are trying hard to maintain stability. “stability” in the job market usually translates into a hiring freeze, as opposed to hiring newcomers. This comes at a time when many new, highly qualified olim are arriving— this summer alone over 900 are expected— and the idea of companies halting their hiring is quite unsettling. after all, every family needs a means of financial support, and as a newcomer, the thought of finding a job can often be stressful and daunting. as educated professionals young and old, what puts an englishspeaking newcomer ahead? What sets one apart in the israeli market? interviews with the Ceo of hever, ayelet Varshaviak, and the General Manager of shiluv, Yossi aroeste (top executives at two of israel’s leading employment agencies), shed light on the ins and outs of the job market in israel. overall, they concur that despite the unstable economy, israel-based firms are looking for native english speakers with one caveat: they must also speak hebrew at a functioning level. “Speak the Language of the Hebrew Man” it’s not a surprise that the world is getting increasingly smaller, and english is becoming more of an international language. israeli employers want employees who will be able to communicate effectively with international clients. in addition to the
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language issue, firms want employees who can relate to international clients culturally and professionally. anglos would certainly have an advantage, “but being a native english speaker is not the advantage,” shiluv tells us. Both executives couldn’t stress it enough: to be considered for a good job in israel, you must have an excellent grasp of the hebrew language. it seems obvious, but imagine working and not being able to send or read an email, not understanding what’s going on at a staff meeting, not being able to communicate with co-workers, other departments in your company, or other companies in your field. Therefore, first and foremost, an ability to speak Modern hebrew is a prerequisite to any job in israel. Rebecca Zauer, who places candidates primarily in hi-tech and bio-tech companies at shiluv says, “speaking hebrew is very important in order to integrate into israeli society, otherwise you remain isolated.” Skills in Demand aroeste offered that the optimal time to find a job as an ole/ah hadash/ah is after one has gained some experience working professionally, after getting a university degree. Fields such as computer programming, engineering, bio-tech and hi-tech will only consider candidates with at least two years professional experience. For those in the world of computers, “hot jobs” in the government and public sectors currently seek skills in sap and eRp. engineers should
have a specialty. “it seems to me that companies don’t want a little of this and a little of that,” Zauer tells us. professional development courses are a sensitive issue. While they are helpful in terms of learning a new trade completely (technical writing, for example), they don’t take the place of experience. one may in fact be better off starting at the lower end of a big company and working one’s way up, rather than waiting to land a job that fits one’s credentials perfectly. “everyone has to compromise a little. living in israel teaches us not to be spoiled, and this applies to employment, as well,” says Zauer. according to hever, the more professional experience one has in a specific field (i.e. a more senior-level candidate), the more leverage one has to negotiate the terms of employment such as a salary and benefits package. To increase the odds of finding employment, hever actually instituted the “45 Club” which finds jobs for people 45 years of age and older. The “45 Club” is a great innovation for law firms, financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and other firms who look for senior-level employees with years of experience. trends per Location Jobs in the Merkaz (i.e. Tel aviv, herziliya, Raanana, etc.), can yield 50-60% more than the same position in Jerusalem or “in the periphery.” This is not to say that job options are limited to the Merkaz, where living expenses are typically higher. a number of hi-tech companies are increasingly moving their factories and offices to areas further away from the cities, areas such as Yokneam (near haifa) and Kiryat Gat (near Beer sheva). These areas—small towns—offer much more affordable living options, a slowerpaced lifestyle, and sometimes include continued on page 24 | augusT 2008
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parshaT d’varim
The Eicha Revolution loneliness and tragedy in a vibrant city full of Torah and people. by raBBi yaacov haBer
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alk into a wedding or a Bar Mitzvah— everyone is eating, dancing, and singing. Who would think that loneliness is even possible in this room? But if you are a stranger in that room, or if you feel unseen or unknown, it can be a desert island; the loneliest place in the world. Today we are privileged to see big crowds. Thousands gather at the Kotel, thousands come together to pray for israel, thousands demonstrate, thousands attend a Siyum HaShas, thousands celebrate and communicate on the internet. Can anyone feel isolated anymore? sadly, yes, and as the Kotzker Rebbe said, “There is no place lonelier than a room full of people.” loneliness is possibly one of the most painful human experiences. loneliness is not the same as being alone. Many people have times when they are alone by choice or because of circumstances. Being alone can be experienced as positive, pleasurable, and even emotionally refreshing if it is under the individual’s control. When Moshe received his prophecies, he was alone in solitude. loneliness is unwilling solitude that is forced upon a person. We always read Parshat D’varim on the shabbat preceding Tish’a B’Av, in part because of the connection between our parsha and Tish’a B’ Av signaled by the word “eicha.” Moshe asked, “how [eicha] can i carry your burdens alone?”
(1:12) and in the Book of lamentations that we read on Tish’a B ‘Av, Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) asks in astonishment, “how [eicha] could Jerusalem sit alone?” But it’s not just the word “eicha.” The Vilna Gaon explains that the “alone” of Moshe and Jerusalem is the essence of national tragedy.
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Jerusalem was a gathering place for all Jews–how could Jerusalem possibly feel alone?”
Moshe and Jerusalem were reflections of the condition of the Jewish people. Moshe was a lonely person and Jerusalem was a lonely city. our people became isolated—not just from the world, but from each other. There was polarization, elitism, and arrogance. Moshe felt isolated and so did Jerusalem, and they both exclaimed: “Eicha?!” Moshe Rabbeinu was the most important and well-known figure in his generation! Who would have thought that he could possibly feel isolated? Jerusalem was a gathering place for all Jews—how could Jerusalem possibly feel alone? The answer is: “There is no place lonelier than a room full of people!” We need an “Eicha” revolution. There are too many lonely places amongst our people, and too many lonely people. There are too many distinctions, too many partitions, and too many Jews that aren’t allowed in. Jerusalem is lonely. There is destruction, insecurity and danger in Jerusalem when Jews stand aloof, apart and alone. let us find ways to come together, and may the streets of Jerusalem resound with joy and security, as they overflow with holiness. °
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...Job Market continued from page 22 governmental incentives in an effort to develop these “periphery” areas. aroeste forecasts that the bio-tech field will be growing substantially in Jerusalem, as hadassa and Teva set out to develop a large bio-tech district. he envisions that within the next five years, there will be increasing options for educated, qualified english-speaking professionals in the industries of health, pharmaceuticals and chemistry, in addition to positions working on the production lines. above and beyond these future options, Jerusalem’s main industries are government, nonprofits, education, and health. as Yossi aroeste explained, “There is a high demand to live here [in Jerusalem], but a lack of housing, and available jobs. The government is not investing in entrepreneurship in the city.” as a result, people are moving out and working in Tel aviv, Modiin, herziliya and haifa, where there is a “Gan Technology,” the common phrase used to describe a technological district. he also states that the security situation will have a great impact on the job openings in Jerusalem. “once there is peace, tourism will flourish and create many more jobs,” he said. Varshaviak focused more on the Merkaz, where there is a growing number of jobs for english speakers as administrative assistants, in law firms, tourism, and at customer service centers. “They actually are hiring senior citizens for these centers,” she said. she also specifically mentioned a demand for qualified people in banking and investments (although they obviously feel the stress of the collapsing market and are currently on a hiring pause). Cultural Differences one must also understand when making aliyah that working in this country is different from what the typical anglo-ole/ah is used to. For example, work-casual clothing in israel is literally casual, more jeans and a shirt and less suit and tie, “but they should obviously be nice jeans, not rundown-looking jeans,” we were told. Resumés should not include any hobbies, but personal information is expected to appear (date of birth, marital status, and number of kids). “if this information doesn’t appear, the employer will wonder why,” Varshaviak says, “but if the person continued on page 39 | augusT 2008
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in Focus
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hen israel Zangwill first coined the phrase ‘melting pot’ for the title of his early 20th-century play, he referred to
the influx of immigrants to the United states. it was not only america’s ability to absorb these immigrants that impressed him, but her willingness to blossom from their contributions and skills. The english-born writer and political activist had once aligned himself with herzl’s vision of Zionism, but saw such urgency in the emigration of the Jews that he was willing to take any location available. Compared to the “melting pot” of america, modernday israel is a full-fledged cholent. With all of the summertime hype about hundreds of incoming anglo immigrants, we wanted to investigate the personalities behind the numbers. as a staff made of both olim in various stages of aliyah and klitah, and some children of olim, we asked our summer interns to delve into different perspectives of the aliyah experience: Olim in Israel’s Job Market: Do We Stand a Chance? (found on page 22) and Dreams vs. Reality (next page). These two features aim to give a realistic look into the experience of today’s anglo olim, and to offer some practical tips for newcomers to empower themselves and make it successfully in the socio-cultural cholent— the state of israel—that we all cherish.
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| augusT 2008
in Focus
Dreams vs. Reality When it comes to aliyah are we being delusional? Can we cope with reality? 1
by miriam ruBin
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3
1 Zacks family, Maalot www.shiurtimes.com
2 Yossi Tal ohr
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3 aaron Tal ohr
4 pinchas & penina Tal ohr
5 efrat Benn
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in Focus
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here the balance lies between optimism and pragmatism in the aliyah process is arguable. While anglo immigrants come to israel full of hopes and dreams, many people come under-prepared, and some even become disillusioned. however, with constantly improving online communications intertwined with the growing success of private organizations like nefesh B’nefesh, anglo immigrants are coming to israel much more informed and increasingly often. even for the most prepared and knowledgeable immigrant, aliyah can be challenging and eye-opening. a recent article in HaareTz reports that between 1961 and 1972, following the success of the six Day War, israel experienced a surge in american aliyah, yet when faced with the harsh actuality of life in israel, nearly 60% returned to america. since then, the resources in israel have improved dramatically, and yeridah has significantly reduced. according to nefesh B’nefesh only 2% of the anglo olim that the organization assists make yeridah. Today, not only are fewer people returning to their countries of birth, but more people are making aliyah. in fact in the first six months of this year, anglo aliyah increased by 17% in comparison with the same period last year. israel today unambiguously surpasses what it was in the 1970s with regards to quality of life. Yet olim are still faced with a plethora of problems. successful ,intelligent people thrown into a foreign language and culture become confused and unconfident. suddenly, paying a bill or going grocery shopping can become an overwhelming experience. one elderly lady spoke of how a simple trip to the bank left her broken-down in tears. however, whether one desires to live in an anglo area or to fully integrate into israeli society, it seems that everyone has their own personal method of coping with tough aliyah experiences. sixty-five year old Barbara Roff made aliyah three years ago. her husband
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passed away several years ago and she decided to move closer to her daughter’s family. envisioning a joyous time spent with her family, she admits it was ‘harder than i realized.’ she has found the language, food, heat, and social situation difficult. Moreover, she experienced problems that never crossed her mind, such as having her jewellery and a check stolen. however, for Barbara, her family is her coping mechanism. Thirty year-old office manager and Tel aviv resident Keren sigenblat describes her own aliyah as ‘very lucky.’ she had volunteered in the iDF when she was 18 and made aliyah last year. similar to Barbara, she says it was her extensive network of family and friends who helped her deal with troublesome times. Barbara and Keren highlight two sides of the aliyah spectrum. There are those who come to enjoy life within the framework they already know, and those who come to fully integrate into israeli society. For efrat Benn, a thirty-one year-old from Washington, D.C., the aliyah goal was ‘to be an ordinary person living in israel.’ after successfully completing the highest level of ulpan, she refused to settle with
Lessons from the Aliyah Veterans ° Make an effort to learn Hebrew. Even after you’ve finished ulpan, keep learning. Set up a book club. This will help to improve conversational skills, reading skills and cultivate a support group. (Efrat Benn) ° Keep a journal before and during aliyah. You can re-read essays and journal entries about your reasons for making aliyah during challenging moments. (Penina Tal Ohr) ° Make social and professional connections while you are still abroad. Seek out Israeli experts in particular fields, speak to representatives at conferences and keep in touch. Building a network of Israelis in your profession may just in fact lead to jobs. (Efrat Benn) ° Figure out your comfort level. If you want to fully integrate move to an Israeli area. If your Hebrew is lacking and you want to be comfortable move to an Anglo area before considering your options. (Sim & Golda Zacks)
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language skills that she did not consider being up to snuff with the natives. Thus, regardless of her fluency, she currently coordinates a book club co-established by students from her ulpan class; they hired their ulpan teacher and now meet bi-weekly to discuss contemporary israeli fiction. The club enables them constantly to enhance their language skills on both spoken and literary levels. While efrat spoke hebrew before she arrived, she took other steps to get herself settled here professionally. as a school psychologist, with a few years experience and state and national certifications, she attended international conferences and actively sought out israeli contacts. Consequently, by the time she made aliyah, she had a host of connections in her field which helped her to secure a job as a school psychologist in the public school system. she now works for a quasigovernmental research firm conducting national special education. seemingly, by taking matters into your own hands and trying out new ideas you can ease the aliyah and integration process.
h
ebrew-speaking young professionals find themselves in easier situations compared to those who make the jump later in life and/or with little hebrew knowledge. penina Tal ohr made aliyah at this life stage with her husband and two of her four children in 2006. a lack of hebrew and cultural confusion were just some of the difficulties she encountered. her husband had difficulty finding a job and she made aliyah with two teenaged children who also did not speak hebrew. They wanted their family to integrate into israeli society and therefore chose to live in Kochav Yaakov, a small yishuv | augusT 2008
in Focus outside of Jerusalem which is not largely anglo. however, their lack of hebrew skills and seeing their children struggle to make friends made them decide to move to Beit shemesh, a more anglo area.
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To some, these ethnic enclaves defy the essence of aliyah and craft a segregated society.” Despite all of these difficulties, penina has managed to build up an impressive career in israel. her anti-missionary work has led her to help successfully establish and become director of the Jerusalem branch of the non-profit organisation Jews for Judaism. her aliyah has certainly been scattered with obstacles, but she says that she kept her spirits up by re-reading an essay she wrote about why she wanted to make aliyah. according to the Tal ohr family, you have to understand the reasons behind your aliyah, and return to that when you get stuck to give you hope and support.
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he Tal ohr family’s move from Kochav Yaakov to Beit shemesh may appear to be a step backwards to some. This move itself addresses another important facet of the aliyah route: the choice between living in an anglo or israeli community. according to recent research, those who take longer to prepare their aliyah are more likely to decide to live in an anglicized area. To some, these ethnic enclaves defy the essence of aliyah and craft a segregated society. But surely for teenagers, the elderly, and the middle-aged, being settled and comfortable is far more important. For young families, it is often a different story. sim and Golda Zacks made aliyah in 2003 with four small children. They moved to Maalot, a diverse and not distinctly anglo area, which they felt
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They chose the Maalot area due to personal recommendations and their desire to live up north. Both sim and Golda describe their plush northern town as being “gorgeous, warm and friendly.” They told us, “everyone mixes with everyone here; it’s like being in a small town.” Feeling at home in Maalot, they felt comfortable enough to speak in their broken hebrew enabling them to improve their language skills. Golda further enhanced her hebrew by chatting to the teachers and mothers at her children’s gan. sim on the other hand, made an effort to buy newspapers on Friday and painstakingly went through them. after nine months of searching for a job, sim found a position as an iT Manager for an engineering company in haifa, where he has been working for the past four years. sim and Golda’s aliyah story reflects how making an effort and being adventurous can make for an exciting and uncomplicated aliyah. That aliyah is easier for toddlers, young parents and professionals, and harder for the elderly, middle-aged, and teenagers is not unexpected. Many people spoke of their rose-tinted glasses, and how the reality of aliyah is harsher than the dream. There clearly appears to be a conflict between the idealistic aspirations of aliyah and the difficult actuality of life in israel. For every lucky Keren sigenblat there is someone facing numerous obstacles. But despite this, every person i interviewed said they would do it all over again. it seems that living in a Jewish homeland with the emotional and spiritual connection we feel towards it counterbalances the practical difficulties. Moreover, the quality of life and general feeling of satisfaction outweighs the challenges and occasional frustrations. although many admit to having unrealistic expectations, it is our very dreams and delusions which enable us to actually make the big jump, and which are the necessities of aliyah. in the words of herzl, “if you will it, it is no dream.” °
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Tish’a B’Av
Judea Captiva: Eulogy Take a day to recall an awe-inspiring nucleus of the world that was.
P
ersonal mourning is often defined by the hesped (eulogy), an explanation of why we miss a departed individual. Similarly, during the “Three weeks,” we should speak in terms of national hesped. National, because the destruction of the Temple—the Beit haMikdash—is first and foremost, a national tragedy. Thus, we need to explain what the Jewish nation has lost. The Jewish nation impacted the world most strongly before the Temple was destroyed. Judaism changed the way people thought throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, planting the seeds for Christianity and Islam. These two religions continue to be the greatest influence on a large percentage of the world’s inhabitants, and compared to the ancient pagan world, this is clearly for the good. From this point of view, we were not far from the messianic goal of bringing the world to Malkhut Shek`ai, to being a Divine kingdom. The Jewish nation almost succeeded in bringing a rather barbarian, cynical world to a state of noble morality. This was an incredible feat— the culmination of a long road leading from Mount Sinai, spanning
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We have lost our national identity as a major living spiritual force.” many centuries. It was a road of protest against pagan values; of insisting on the need to elevate humankind to emulate G-d. During these three weeks, we recall that we have lost the power and drive to change and inspire the world. More importantly, we have lost the power and drive to bring humankind to communion
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with G-d. The source of this drive was likely the intense spiritual experience provided by the Temple service, which was at the epicenter of our national culture. Today, it is difficult to understand what made this service so awe-inspiring. Nonetheless, we can see that there must have been something that made the Jews’ world truly G-d-centered. And this is really what made the Jew Jewish. Without intense interaction with G-d, it is difficult to truly speak of a Jewish national culture. This is a great tragedy for the Jews, but even more so, it is a great tragedy for the world. With the destruction of the Beit haMikdash, then, we have lost much more than a central facility to enhance our Divine service. We have lost our national identity as a major living spiritual force. Kohelet 7:2 (Ecclesiastes) reminds us that it is better (meaning more productive), to go to the house of mourning than to a celebration. Focusing on what we lack is one of the greatest ways to know what is still possible. When the rabbis tell us that only one who mourns the destruction of Jerusalem will merit seeing the joy of its rebuilding (Taanit 30b), they remind us of a paradox in another sphere: a person who repents has the opportunity to turn his sins into actual merits (Yoma 86b). This is because the truly penitent is able to learn from the mistakes of the past. By studying his/her actions, s/he can reach a level unattainable for someone who does not have these experiences from which to learn. It is only the person who properly mourns Jerusalem who understands what defines her rebuilding. It is that person who understands that Jerusalem has not been rebuilt, despite its large Jewish population and its beautiful
“The people mourning over the ruins of Jerusalem”
by Rabbi Francis Nataf
buildings. If you do not know what you are missing, you will never seek it. Not all is lost. The State of Israel can still be a great moral force. Granted, we are without the important influence of the Beit haMikdash. Nonetheless, the large concentration of Jews living as a nation in our holy land is something that carries an undeniable power. There is a potential to rekindle the fire that moved world history in a way that nothing else has, before or since. It is only with a renewed sense of national consciousness however, that we can start to change the world once again; to begin where we left off so long ago. Without this consciousness, we will sink into the depravity that is a natural consequence of focusing only on self. Let us then resolve as individuals to recommit ourselves to our great national destiny; to focus on what our nation accomplished in the past and what it can still accomplish in the future. If we do this, we will actually be able to reap sweet fruits of our mourning. °
| August 2008
perspecTive
Comprehending the Elusive The fusion between piety and social activism meets at the crossroads of mysticism and cognition.
by raBBi avi poupko
P
iety is not a word we think of when we think of being progressive. people who question current structures and try to push societies towards unseen and possibly better horizons are often those of the irreverent type. They in fact, use their irreverence as their greatest strength and for good reason. piety often can lead to a disproportionate amount of reverence for the present, which when coupled with general societal inertia, can often stifle important and necessary change. Rabbi avraham, the son of the great Maimonides, or as he is simply known in traditional circles, “Rabbeinu avraham”—our Master abraham, is one Jewish figure who disrupts this merger between piety and inertia. a new Feldheim translation of Rabbeinu avraham’s (1186-1237) HaMasPiK l’oVDei HasHeM (A Comprehensive Guide for the Worshippers of G-d), from its original arabic into hebrew, provides us with a much needed reminder of the possibility for piety, and spiritual devotion to join forces with activism and change. a leader of the egyptian Jewish community at a very young age, Rabbeinu avraham, in many ways followed in his father’s footsteps. he balanced rigorous philosophical inquiry and an elite spiritual path, with a great love for his community and for every single Jew. in particular, elitism and populism—a unique Maimonidean blend. Yet like any good son, Rabbeinu avraham blazed his own path. Most unique, was his great love for islam and for the spiritual, mystical path of sufism, in particular. Rabbeinu avraham strongly encouraged prostration during prayer, praising the Muslims in their adherence to this ancient biblical practice, and stressed its benefits in www.shiurtimes.com
helping one to reach the proper mindset needed during prayer. Rabbis at the time were of course outraged at this apparent “innovation.” Rabbeinu avraham defended his position, citing both the origins of this practice in Judaism and that if it did indeed help create an atmosphere of prayer, how could it be prohibited?
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He balanced rigorous philosophical inquiry and an elite spiritual path, with a great love for his community and for every single Jew.” Unfortunately, due to the fact that most of his writings have been lost, it is difficult to create a full picture of Rabbeinu avraham’s philosophy. of his writings which are still extant, most of them have been compiled in the new Feldheim edition, which is basically an anthology of the works of Rabbeinu avraham. The bulk of the book is essentially a fragment of a larger work, dedicated to putting forth a detailed roadmap for one wishing to engage in a superior religious path. along with the usual asceticism and the cultivation of traits such as humility and faith one would expect from this kind of work, there are several elements that make this book truly unique and perhaps quite relevant for the contemporary Jewish conversation. one of central themes running throughout the book is the drive towards achieving a state of Pegiah, literally, touching G-d. here, Rabbeinu avraham reveals his true mystical colors. Whereas Maimonidies leaned towards a colder aristotelian contemplative state of knowing G-d, his
son, influenced by the sufis, desired a more dynamic and vibrant relationship with G-d, though it could only be of the mystical flavor (mystical meaning, not cognitive). For, if Maimonides stood for anything, it was his fight against any anthropomorphic ideas of G-d. as he stresses in the GuiDe for THe PerPleXeD, Moses attained his level of prophecy because he knew, more than anyone else, how truly impossible it is to know G-d. Rabbeinu avraham, like his father, knew that one could never fully know G-d. however, one could achieve a spiritual state after a strict regiment of piety where one could experience a mystical union with God. paradoxically, the unknown is touched. To put it simply: Rabbeinu avraham sees a strict and pious regiment as a means to experiencing the divine as something that opens rather than closes the person. The path doesn’t lead to a reinforcement of already-held beliefs or to a recommitment to the objective norms of Jewish life. Rather, it begs one to question and wonder about one’s life. To paraphrase the first words ever spoken between G-d and a Jew, “Go forth, on a journey to yourself, leave what is familiar and head off to a land that i will show you.” The land that is never named; the land that remains forever elusive...the utopian dream that many of us would call universal justice and peace. This is the path that Rabbeinu avraham the son of Maimonides, lays out in his writings, and i believe that for Jews who are active in the progressive, social justice movements, it could prove to be very useful. let’s have some pious heroes for change. °
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Community Profile
Haifa: Sea, Mountains, & Tech The coastal city offers picturesque scenery, employment options, and a high quality of life. by Ilene Bloch-Levy
A
t first glance, Haifa offers the ideal setting for vacationers— towering mountains overlooking an azure sea and miles of pristine beaches. True, Haifa is a wonderful tourist spot, but it is also a wonderful place to live. The capital of the North and Israel’s third largest city, Haifa touts itself as a “friendly, family-oriented city.” The city sits on three tiers of the Carmel Mountains. The lowest level is the center of commerce and industry, while the middle and upper levels are residential neighborhoods boasting a population of 280,000 and a magnificent view of the Western Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea. Industry In the two years since the Second Lebanon War Haifa has made enormous strides in bringing new life, new industry and new bustle to the city’s hub. Downtown districts, beaches, and new parks have been redeveloped. Massive sums of money have been invested in infrastructure: digging a tunnel under the Carmel, building the Matronit mass transportation line, renovating the seaport, and adding to its already massive industrial base. Not only is Haifa home to the largest hi-tech industrial park in Israel which
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In the two years since the Second Lebanon War, Haifa has made enormous strides in bringing new life, new industry and new bustle to the city’s hub.” 32
concentrates on developing the nano-, bio-, and clean-tech industries, but will soon also house the largest biotechnology center in Israel. Culture About an hour and a half north of Tel Aviv, Haifa’s cultural life comfortably competes with the country’s center. There are museums, concert halls, a symphony orchestra, theaters, public libraries, a zoo and community centers. Haifa also is home to two academic universities (Technion and Haifa, which have combined populations of some 35,000) and a number of private colleges and teacher seminaries. For English speakers, Haifa is a veritable haven. Ten percent of the population identifies as English speakers, and the community hosts English poetry readings, theater groups, an excellent English library, choir, and an English Parshat HaShavua group for women. There are active branches of AACI and local chapters of English-speaking national women’s organizations. Religious Life Religious life in Haifa is strong and growing. Large concentrations of religious Anglos live in Neve She’enan, Ahuza, Kiryat Shmuel, and in the Ultra-Orthodox Hadar neighborhood as well. The world famous Rav Sha’ar Yashuv Hacohen is the Chief Rabbi of Haifa, but the local neighborhoods also have their own rabbis such as Rav Haim Naftali Weissblum of Neve She’enan, Rav Professor Daniel Hershkowitz of Ahuza, and Rabbi Hazani of the “Garin Torani” (a group of young, religious families and individuals) in Ahuza.
For religious youth, there are three branches of Bnei Akiva, one of Ariel and an excellent educational network. Schools include seven mamlachti-dati (statereligious) elementary schools, four high schools for religious girls, one ulpana, three high schools for religious boys, three Kollelim and one Hesder Yeshiva. Aliyah In recent years, there has been a major effort among community groups to galvanize their resources to make Haifa even more hospitable and welcoming for new immigrants. Haifa is officially part of the Jewish Agency’s Communal Aliyah & Absorption Program, so that in addition to the ‘standard’ basket of aid and services new immigrants are entitled to, choosing Haifa as your first home means that you receive additional incentives. On top of that, the newest “welcome wagon” group, made up of representatives from several synagogues, who cooperate with the municipality, liaise with individual olim and relevant government bodies to help them through their initial absorption. Haifa offers reasonably priced housing, excellent public transportation services (buses, train and even a cable car), and just plain “down-home” hospitality. °
| August 2008
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Parshat Va’etchanan
In Our Eyes and in Our Hearts Why anthropomorphism is necessary. by Rabbi Jason Demant
G-d because G-d “took us out of the Land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery?” Surely creating the world and giving us life—acts universally recognizable by all— are far more impressive evidence of the Almighty’s power and majesty?
class. Though I spoke to the students in an angry fashion, I really was calm and in control. The pupils on the receiving end thought they saw anger, but little did they know that on the inside, I was really as cool as a cucumber!
T
The Exodus from Egypt whilst indeed extraordinary, was only really experienced by Bnei Yisrael. So why does the Torah instruct us to believe in G-d because G-d redeemed us from Egypt, rather than for the more universal gifts of creating the world and life itself?
Both Rabbi Yehudah HaLevi, author of the famous Kuzari and Rabbi Avraham Ibn Ezra saw a fundamental question leap out of the phraseology of this imperative. Why, asked these two great thinkers, would the Torah instruct us to believe in
The Torah describes G-d as having many characteristics: we hear G-d speaking, remembering, being merciful, and even showing anger. However, in truth, G-d is far beyond our grasp and comprehension. Only we mortals— finite creatures with hormones and emotions— could really
So too with the Almighty; if we perceive G-d acting as an angry or jealous person would, we automatically refer to G-d as being angry or jealous— a demonstration in order to teach us something. Such depictions of G-d may not express what G-d really is but can help us to relate and feel close to G-d.
I am the Lord your G-d who took you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. (D’varim 5:6) hese words begin the most famous passage of the Torah: the Aseret haDibrot, the Ten Commandments. They are understood by many, including the Rambam, to be commanding us to believe in the existence of the creator.
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have the capacity to hate or be angry; G-d does not suffer from these human mood swings! If so, why does the Torah describe G-d in ways that do not signify who G-d really is? To me, the reason is clear. We all have a strong human need to feel that G-d is similar to us. For this reason, the Torah describes G-d anthropomorphically— as if G-d acts like a person and demonstrates emotions, when in truth G-d possesses no emotions at all. Describing G-d in this way helps us to relate to and connect with G-d more easily. We all, from time to time, need to act in this way. On many occasions, as a teacher, I have unfortunately needed to tell students off for bad behaviour in
The Aseret Hadibrot ask us to relate and connect to the Divine first and foremost in G-d’s role as our Redeemer from slavery in Egypt. Belief, according to the Torah, is not simply how we view G-d, but really the very character of the relationship between us. If we relate to G-d only as the creator of the world, then G-d would be to us the first cause of existence, the un-moved mover; an intellectual idea to grasp with our minds through the pages of a textbook. We would have turned Judaism into a philosophy class and lost the living relationship! How different is the Almighty when we connect to G-d as our devoted parent who liberated us from Egypt. G-d is now not only the creator of the world, but has lovingly entered human affairs for our good. Belief, the Torah tells us, is a living, meaningful, and real experience of relationship; not a cold, unemotional philosophy. The G-d of creation is found only in our intellect; the G-d of the Ten Commandments, the G-d who redeemed us from slavery to reveal the law on Sinai— is seen with our eyes and felt in our hearts. °
| August 2008
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35
Parshat Ekev
No Mercy One’s own definition of right and wrong is tantamount to idol-worship when the goal is destroying enemy nations. by Mois Navon
P
arshat Ekev opens with a parsha stuma— a single section which encapsulates a conceptually coherent idea. To summarize the section, following our due obedience to G-d’s will, G-d, for G-d’s part, will fulfill the patriarchal covenant. The blessings to be bestowed are then enumerated in poetic detail and include all manner of goodness: physical health, economic prosperity, national security. But then the blessings in the last verse take an unexpected turn: And you will destroy all the people that G-d, your G-d, gives you; your eye shall not pity them, and you shall not serve their gods, for that will be a snare unto you. (professional, thy name be elie)
Whereas all the previous blessings were phrased in terms of what G-d will do, here the blessing is framed in what we must do. Some explain that this is a positive commandment, the neglect of which is rejection of G-d’s gift of the land of Israel. Nevertheless, in keeping with the theme of this parsha stuma, the mitzvah can be seen to have a dimension of blessing. That is, it is a blessing from G-d that we will succeed in destroying our enemies (R. Bachyeh). Thus, though we pray to G-d for help, ever-careful not to fall into the trap of thinking, “My strength and the vigor of my hand have achieved for me this great victory” (Deuteronomy 8:17), we must be ever vigilant to stop ourselves from thinking it best that G-d fight our battles while we sit on the sidelines. That was the situation when the Jews left Egypt, “G-d will fight for you while you stay still” (Exodus 14:14), when the nation was in its infancy. It is a far greater level of maturity to fight our own battles, ever mindful that we do so with G-d’s blessing. Indeed, in the verses following the blessings, Moshe assuages Israel’s apprehension of not being able to fight
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the inhabitants of the land by explaining that G-d will fight for us; however, the battle itself is to be waged by the hand of Israel, “He will deliver their kings into your hand and you will annihilate their name…” (Deuteronomy 7:24). Stranger than the blessing that we ourselves destroy the people that lay claim to our land, is that we not take pity on them— “your eye shall not pity them.” Though pity, or “mercy,” is an essential characteristic in the religious/ moral personality, it is detrimental when applied to an external enemy (Ohr HaHayim 7:16).
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We must be ever vigilant not to fall into the trap of thinking it best that G-d fight our battles while we sit on the sidelines.” When fighting a war, the nation must be convinced of its righteousness in wielding the force necessary to win. This conviction is sometimes termed “moral clarity” without which the nation becomes mired in divisive arguments that sap it of its power and will to fight and win. By getting wound up in arguments based on “pity,” “mercy” and trying to “understand” the other side, we undermine or own cause and risk our own safety.
moral clarity to fight its enemies decisively, and “without pity.” The verse ends, “and you shall not serve their gods, for that will be a snare unto you.” The Ohr HaHayim writes that “mercy in this matter will give birth to the sense of idol worship, and that is why it states, ‘for it is a snare to you’; the ‘it’ [that snares] means ‘the other nation’, such that when you pity them you are being brutal toward yourself....” From here we learn that the very expression of pity towards the enemy nation is tantamount to idol-worship. Idol worship here is seen for what it really is: an act which is the result of not accepting G-d’s authority.) The blessing that the people will not worship idols is that they will not lose their moral compass: of G-d and G-d’s Torah, that they will not be “ensnared” by the “idol worship” of worshiping one’s own definition of right and wrong in contradistinction to that of G-d. In conclusion, all the blessings mentioned in the initial parsha stuma are the result of our unwavering acceptance and application of G-d’s Torah on a national level. They are gifts bequeathed upon a nation who takes action, ever aware from whence the help cometh. The blessing of destroying our enemies, without mercy, comes by reaching that ultimate relationship with G-d, whereby we put aside our own moral compass for that of G-d’s. May we indeed merit these blessings and with them the Righteous Redeemer who will bring the whole world to its peaceful fulfillment. °
This verse can be understood as teaching that it is a blessing from G-d, a gift as great as physical health and material success, that the nation manifests the | August 2008
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Many new immigrants are inexperienced with the technicalities and culture of the israeli real estate market. Therefore we suggest that they first conduct some internet research by using key words like “israel real estate” and look for websites that work in the particular region where they are looking to buy. They should also research specific building contractors who are constructing new developments that might be of interest. The next step would be to discuss with friends and relatives who have already made aliyah, and ask them for suggestions and about the pitfalls and problems that they experienced. They will most likely be able to recommend good real estate agents and lawyers, or at least tell you who noT to use! pilot trips can be very useful when looking into communities, and good real estate agents will be happy to meet with potential new immigrants on their visit, whilst also offering helpful advice by phone or email. The first major challenge we believe is to decide where you actually want to live. Do you want to live in a city or a more suburban or agricultural area? Do you want to live in a particular community? even in a city like Modi’in for example, there are many different neighborhoods suitable for different religious needs and cultures pending on one’s background and upbringing while some others are more populated with anglos. if you are unsure of the location in which you’d like to live, it is often advisable to rent first before purchasing. organizations like Tehilla and nefesh B’nefesh can also advise on various communities and housing options across the country. The next issue is in regards to employment. First of all, what are the employment options in that particular area? secondly, you don’t want to spend hours commuting to your office, so it is important to find out about the transport facilities in each area. are there trains and bus stops close by? how often does public transport run in that area? What types of roads are there, and what are the traveling times to get around from place to place? Buying property in israel requires finding the best lawyer who speaks your language, is experienced in doing real estate contracts and working with anglos. a good lawyer can make or
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Travel
The Talmudic Village
in Katzrin by raBBi mordechai weiss
N
estled among the Kibbutzim and Moshavim of the Golan heights is the town of Katzrin. With a total population size of some 7,000 people, almost half of the Jewish population of the Golan heights resides here. Katzrin is the administrative center of the Golan. When the six-Day War ended, archaeologists surveyed various sites in the Golan. While touring the Bedouin village of Katzrin, shemaryahu Gutman came upon an ornate doorway made of basalt stone. it turned out to be the entrance to a 1500 year-old synagogue; the name of the town from that time is unknown.
The main industry in this region seems to have been the manufacturing of olive oil. olive oil had many uses in antiquity: it was used for nutrition, lighting fuel, medicine, and for body lubrication. The sages recount the following: olive oil is beneficial for the health. Thus it is told of Rabbi Chanina aged eighty: he could stand on one leg, remove his shoe and put it back on. Rabbi Chanina said: hot water with oil anointed upon me by my mother at childhood has upheld me during my years of old age. (Talmud Bavli Chulin 24b)
one olive press per town indicates that enough olive oil is produced just for local use. Three to five presses indicates that the townspeople were producing for export.
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on display in Katzrin are life-sized dioramas of homes from the Mishnaic period, as well as an elaborate town layout. all the utensils and tools are modeled after actual remnants found at the site. one of the most fascinating features of these homes are how the roofs were built. Branches were strewn on top of oak, cypress, and cedar beams. Then, to keep out rain and snow, soil was mixed with water and used to seal the holes in the roof. in the summertime, when the mud dried and cracked, it needed to be repaired. To fix leaky roofs, a roof-roller, or “ma’agela” was used. “Choni ha’Me’agel,”
the name of the very popular Talmudic figure, is usually translated as “Choni the Circle Maker.” if you pronounce the word “ma’agal” as “me’agel,” “Choni the circle-maker” becomest “Choni the roofroller.” and so, in Tractate Taanit, there are quite a few aggadot about how Choni would pray for rain for his community when there was a drought. The more rain, the more roof rolling required! The synagogue, as a community building, was built in the center of the town. its two rows of pillars, with decorative capitals, give it both height and a sense of grandeur. it faces Jerusalem and inside there are menorot carved on the stones. When a synagogue is discovered in an ancient town, it usually means that between 1000-5000 people lived there. in the Golan and beyond the border of the Golan into syria of today we have ruins of about forty ancient Jewish synagogues. Multiply that by only 1000 and we have a minimum of 40,000 Jews living in this area in Mishnaic times. it seems that the synagogue ceased functioning in 749 Ce after a massive earthquake. This area is replete with fascinating historical sites from ancient times. Definitely a beautiful place for the entire family, especially during the summer season. The park is open daily, from 9-4. There is an admission fee. For more information call 04 696-1412 or email park@golan.org.il °
| augusT 2008
...Real Estate continued from page 37
in conclusion, speaking to fellow olim who have been through the process, gathering lots of info, using a good real estate agent, and hiring an experienced lawyer will make purchasing a home in Eretz Yisrael a great and uplifting experience. °
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עבריתAugust 13 English August 14 &16
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You can buy property directly from the Moshe Kasher & Danny Cohen contractor (“kablan”) or second-hand Tel Aviv- July 16 (also known as a “re-sell”.) although buying straight from the kablan can Jerusalem- July 19 be cheaper, it can be a big headache and can turn out differently from your expectations. The advantage to buying second- hand is that you can actually see ...Job Market continued from page 24 what you are buying, but it will be more expensive than buying from the kablan. Getting reliable advice about mortgages has the qualifications they are looking for, is also vital in most property purchases the personal information won’t matter.” and israel is no different. a real estate bestTOpieces of advice that new olim agent can normally offer good contacts of The LEARN BE FUNNY THIS SUMMER experts that can direct you on mortgage can receive when facing the israeli job w/ instructor David Kilimnick issues. Most banks have representatives market is to come with a degree and who specialize in mortgages for new experience, preferably from a well-known 'Lenny Solomon: Shlock Rock (2 shows) August 12' immigrants. Moreover, new immigrants university and a well-known company. are entitled to receive a grant from the government specifically meant to help The most important and perhaps the with mortgages. ask your mortgage most unsettling piece of guidance for banker to calculate your “zaka’ut” new olim is that one must be willing to compromise and take a step down from (eligibility) as a new immigrant. what they are used to. There is room We also recommend hiring an engineer/ to move up the professional ladder, but surveyor (“mehandess” or “shamai”) don’t expect to win that great job right to inspect the property before signing away. aroeste explained that the job any contract. While this is not such a search in israel typically lasts between common practice in israel, a reputable three months to a year, or more. “if engineer or surveyor will give you a someone finds a job within a month, s/ detailed report regarding defects and he’s a genius. if s/he finds a job within repairs needed, and will save you any three months— superman. Most people take six months to a year. if it takes unexpected heartache. longer than that, obviously it is very Buying real estate in israel can be a very frustrating.” tough challenge. You will be given a price quote in dollars, yet you are buying With all the positives that come with a in israeli shekels, which is usually index- new life in israel, there are realities that related. The vendor may raise the asking are less than perfect. That doesn’t mean price due to the dollar-shekel index that getting a job is impossible here, but a just before signing the contract, so be little extra insight and some perseverance are needed. prepared.
English Stand-Up
& Shlock Rock (2 shows) August 12 Lenny Solomon:
34 Ben Yehuda (corner of King George) down the stairs near the Mashbir
(see website for schedule)
www.israelcomedy.com
David Kilimnick JERUSALEM’S COMEDIAN
B’Av
טו
&
American Comedians
break a deal whilst making sure that your interests are looked after. some people chose to use a family friend instead of hiring a reliable lawyer. others may go after someone who is inexperienced or long-retired. Cutting corners on good legal representation can often lead to misery and long drawn-out negotiations that often cause the vendors to get fed up and pull out of the deal. if you do have a good lawyer, check if you should give him/her power of attorney so that the lawyer can sign the contract on your behalf if you are away from israel. a good lawyer will know to advise you on the specifics of buying outside the Green line for example, and on any hidden taxes that you would have to pay etc.
By law, real estate agents receive their fees immediately when a contract is signed. Fees are normally 2% plus tax from each side.
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1967: “Take the Golan” At a time of renewed Golan talks between Syria and Israel, most people forget why Israel took the Golan in the first place.
T
he demand that Israel take the Golan did not come from people who wanted to move their homes to the Golan, nor did it come from those who wanted to settle another part of the land of Israel. Rather, the move to take the Golan emanated from resident farmers of the Upper Galilee, organized by the regional Mayor of the Upper Galilee, Yaakov (Yankela) Eshkoli, who served in that position, 1955-1971. Indeed, on the fourth day of the 1967 War, Eshkoli organized Upper Galilee residents to meet Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol and the Israeli government. Eshkoli’s mission: to convince Eshkol to take the Golan and to remove the Syrian threat from the Galilee. Ten years ago, I met Eshkoli on his porch on Kibbutz Kfar Giladi. Eshkoli related the saga of his successful mission. Israel had defeated Jordan and Egypt. That left
‘‘
‘The words of Eshkoli have pierced the heart of Eshkol.’” Syria, which had been raining a steady stream of missiles on the thirty-one settlements in the Upper Galilee, forcing the entire region into bunkers, glued to their transistor radios. Eshkoli called Deputy Prime Minister Yigal Allon from his bunker on the Kibbutz, asking for action on the Golan. Allon, the 1948 war hero who liberated the Galilee, arranged for Eshkoli to meet the Israeli cabinet that evening, warning him that one Israeli cabinet minister opposed any move on the Golan.
40
Eshkoli picked up Kibbutz leaders from other settlements in the region, while everyone else in the area was ordered into shelters because of continuing Syrian artillery bombardment. Eshkoli said that he had the feeling that his Hula Valley was burning while the rest of the nation was dancing in the streets. Eshkoli was given five minutes to speak to the cabinet, “The longest five minutes in my life,” Eshkoli recalled. He reminded Eshkol that every Israeli leader had promised that they would one day remove the Syrian threat, once and for all. That Israeli minister who opposed action on the Golan was Moshe Dayan, who had just been appointed to be Defense Minister, “Lest this cost us 30,000 dead and risk a war with the Soviet Union.” Eshkoli could only think of his wife and the children of the kibbutz who at that moment were wallowing in shelters. Eshkoli looked each government minister in the eye and threatened to ask all residents of Kibbutzim in the Galilee to abandon their communities if the IDF did not remove the Syrians from the Golan. Silence followed his appeal. As Eshkoli turned to leave, Prime Minister Eshkol said, “The words of Eshkoli have pierced the heart of Eshkol.” Yet Eshkoli did not know whether he had succeeded in his mission. Did the words of a simple farmer hold greater weight than the legendary Moshe Dayan? Heading back to Kfar Giladi, Eshkoli stopped off at the bunker of the IDF Northern regional commander, David “Dado” Elazar, the IDF northern commander-in-chief who had been restrained by Dayan from attacking the Golan.
Summer 1966: Yankel Eshkol & Levi Eshkol
by David Bedein
Eshkoli reported to Dado about the government meeting. While they were talking, Moshe Dayan called. Dayan’s resonant voice was clear with an order: “Climb the Golan and Succeed.” This was the same voice that would open the 6am Voice of Israel radio newsreel. Dado embraced Eshkoli, saying that he had succeeded with Dayan where the IDF brass had not. Dayan was the lone vote in the government against the Golan attack. Dayan never forgave Eshkoli for besting him at the government meeting. Eshkoli showed me news clips from a 1976 Yediot interview with Moshe Dayan, where Dayan still expressed his anger at Eshkoli and his Galilee delegation Asked about negotiations that might result in Syrian returning to the Golan, Eshkoli raised a trembling hand, pointing to the Golan’s hills that hover over his kibbutz and said simply, “to bring back the Syrians would be suicide for us.” Yaakov (Yankela) Eshkoli died in 2001. He is survived by his widow, Yaffa, now 99, and three generations of kibbutz members. °
| August 2008
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Services Avi Murad: Electrical items, paint, tools, installation materials, bathroom accessories, home decorations, gardening accessories, work tools, etc. 12 Agrippas Street Jerusalem. 02 6246877. Experienced High Holiday Chazan/ Ba’al Tefilla available for the coming Yomim Noraim (October 2008). Able to recite all portions of Traditional liturgy (Nusach Ashkenaz) and Torah portions and Haftorot. Available for Chutz L’Aretz offers too. Honorarium negotiable. Please contact: Mr. Alan Gordon at +972-2-679-3359 or email: alangordon572002@yahoo.com.
Call for more info on TOURS or HOTELS (02) 587-1718. Private walking tours of Jerusalem, Old City, New City, driving tours of Israel in client’s rental car/van or hired car/bus with driver. Suzanne Pomeranz, suztours@ gmail.com. ARTZEINU TOURS (from a Torah perspective). Jeep Excursions: Sun. Wed group/ Any Day Private Walking tour : DailyIr David, Yemin Moshe, Yad Vashem, Old City and more call for more info on TOURS or HOTELS. 02-587-1718.
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Our team of dynamic agents will guarantee you the best advice and service in real 5-room estate. cottage,200 sqm, 50 sqm R ubens
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9
ALEX LOSKY
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Professional Services Real Estate Group
www.losky.co.il
02-623-5595
Jerusalem FOR rent
5-room cottage,200 sqm, 50 sqm terrace, private entrance, parking, 2,900,000 nis. Rita 054-546-4082. Vegetarian Restaurant ď ¨ Kosher Lemehadrin 33 Jaffa St., Jerusalem (02) 625-3065
qm., rm, ring
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9 42
Don’t miss! Nice neighborhood, golf course proximity, spendid villa, 6 large rooms, huge living room, fire place, opening on the swimming pool and large terrace, dining room, kitchen beautifully equipped, office space, master bedroom with jackuzi and walking closet, loundry room, 75 m2 for 3 parking spaces and storage, electrical storage in all rooms, complete privacy, excellent condition.
TOURISM ARTZEINU TOURS (from a Torah perspective). Massada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea: every Tues. Hevron, Kever Rochel, Gush audio-visual: every Thurs. Call for more info on TOURS or HOTELS 02 5871718 ARTZEINU TOURS (from a Torah perspective). Kotel Tunnels, South Wall Exc : every Fri, some Sundays (w/ Old City). Tsfat/ Galil: Sun or Mon (some 2-day with Golan).
Rental Apartments in all neighborhoods for long and short term for details contact: Avihai 054-319-1551. RAMOT Brand New! Luxurious, 5 ( 220 sq.m. ) all on one level, garden(100sq.m.), patio ( 70 sq.m), Shabbat elevator, immediate occupancy, $2,000. ANGLO-SAXON 02-6251161, Shlomi: 054-787-6575. REHAVIA Wolfson And Sha’arei HESSED, large selection of upscale 4 and 5-room apartments, long-term, immediate, starting at $ 1,600, ANGLO-SAXON 02| August 2008
CLASSIFIEDS 625-1161, e-mail: rentals@anglo-saxonjerusalem.co.il. GeRMAN CoLoNY Hananya st , 1st floor, quiet and charming Arab style apartment, 2 bedrooms + loft, renovated and furnished, available immediately – August 1st until mid-June 2009. Asking price: $1800 per month. Contact Annette 054 2556225 annetterosen3@yahoo.com RE/MAX VISION 02-673-1661 www.remax-capital.com. MUSRARA Longterm rental in Musrara, Arab style cottage, full of character, private entrance, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, mosaic floors garden, asking NIS 8500 (approx $2500). Contact Annette 054-255 622. RE/MAX Vision 02673-1661 www.remax-capital.com.
Schainfeld Garden Townhouse in best location, 5 rooms. Parent’s Room. A/C, custom kitchen. Only 1,199,000. AngloSaxon Bet Shemesh 02-999-8422. Nachal Dolev-5 room garden apt, central location, central A/C, modern kitchen, tended garden. 1,100,000 NIS Anglo-Saxon Bet Shemesh 02-999-8422 Nachal Nachshon street-level villa. 6 rooms, 183 sq.m built, custom kitchen, a/c, huge garden immediate entry 1,925,000 NIS Anglo-Saxon Bet Shemesh 02-9998422 . 10 sun gardens 7.5 room corner semi in “move-in� condition with basement & attic. a/c, bars, screens, 2,499,999 NIS AngloSaxon Bet Shemesh 02-999-8422.
gUSH EtZION FOR SALE
JERUSALEM COMMERCIAL
GUSH eTZIoN Neve Daniel Villa, 9 rooms, 280sq.m. Built on 500 sq.m, lot, high ceilings, American kitchen, designer closets, panoramic view. 1,700,000 NIS. Anitra Anglo-Saxon Bet Shemesh 02-999 8422.
BAKeRY ( 250 sq.m.) in triple A location! Serious only! Exclusive: ANGLO-SAXON 02625-1161, Ezra: 050-855-3570.
efrat 8 5 room Semi, 250 sq.m, huge salon, large eat-in kitchen, 200 sq.m paved garden, beautiful view, 1,500,000 NIS. Anitra Anglo-Saxon Bet Shemesh 02-9998422. ALoN SHVUT cottage at street level, 7 rooms, top location, 240 sq.m Built, 100 sq.m garden fruit trees 2,100,000 NIS. Anitra Anglo-Saxon Bet Shemesh 02-9998422.
RAMAt BEIt SHEMESH FOR SALE Givat Savion Rustic villa in welcoming kehilla, 10 rooms, stunning kitchen, playroom, study, s/c basement, attic. 1,999,999 NIS. Ida Anglo-Saxon Beit Shemesh 02-999-8422. Nofei Aviv, 7 room cottage near shul, park, ganim. Breezy deck with lovely view. Bargain 1,650,000 NIS. Ida Anglo-Saxon Bet Shemesh 02-999-8422. Schainfeld Luxury corner house 6 rooms on 600 sq.m lot. s/c guest suite. 1 min to Rabbi David’s Shul. Price on application. Anglo-Saxon Bet Shemesh 02-999-8422. www.shiurtimes.com
JERUSALEM FOR SALE
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Arnona: 5-room cottage,200 sqm, 50 sqm terrace, private entrance, parking, 2,900,000 nis. Rita 054-546-4082. 02-623-5595
ARNoNA HATZeI’RA Luxurious building - 3 rooms, special and sunny, elevator, sukkah/balcony, view on the Temple Mount, storage-room, parking - 1,360,000 Shekels – Hamishkenote 052320-2488 Michael. 4 5 room apartment, well-lit and beautifu! 100 sq.m with elevator + storage space. 2 parking spaces in new building. Only 1,780,000nis. Yossi at Active Model Properties (1994). Call 052-346-2990 ACTIVE88@BEZEQINT.NET. BAKA Arab house 290sq m + garden 350sq.m, lots of charm in a small, quiet and pastoral street. To renovate. Hamishkenote 052320-2488 Michael.
ARMoN HANATSIV ADAM St - 3 rooms, 3rd floor, renovated, extension building possibility, view, private heating. Call Elisheva at Hamishkenote 052-672-4003.
5 room apartment, 2nd floor, 3 balconies (2 sukkah), needs renovation, parking, large storage. Asking: NIS 1,990,000 (after price reduction). Contact Annette: 054255-6225, RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remax-capital.com.
ARNoNA 5 rooms + 3 rooms can be rented, gardens, renovated, quiet, parking - Hamishkenote 052-672-4003 Elisheva.
Magnificent penthouse, 160sq m, luxurious, elevator, large balcony, beautiful view, storage-room, parking. Hamishkenote052-320-2488 Michael.
Family apartment on quiet street. 97 sq.m., 4 rooms, balcony, storage, parking. $455,000. (#111) Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664.
New penthouse 170 msq., high ceillings, private elevator, parking, decorated to clients taste. - Hamishkenote052-672-4003 Elisheva.
Magnificent Villa, 11 rooms, highest standard, garden, balconies, amazing views! $3,118,000. Contact Alyssa 0524668-4111, RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remax-capital.com.
Tsameret Allenby - 3 rooms (originally 4), 2nd floor, invested with good taste, storage-room, parking - Hamishkenote052320-2488 Michael.
ACTIVE MODEL YOSSI SPIELMAN
Amazing garden apartment in Arnona. New building, 5 rooms with orchard-garden and fruit trees. 300 sq.m. + private parking. 2,800,000nis. 052-346-2990. ������@��������.���
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A rare opportunity, 6th Floor, 100 sq.m., elevator, magnificent city views, 4 rooms, for renovation. Asking price NIS 1,390,000. Contact Annette: 054-255-6225, RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remax-capital. com.
Mikael
Yehuda 10, Baka
02-673-7725 TPMM FrFF
e-mail: mikaelaz@bezeqint.net
www.azran.co.il
ANGLO-SAXON BET SHEMESH Nachal Ze'elim 2/2 Ramat Bet Shemesh TEL: 02 999 8422 USA 201 234 4733 UK 0207 023 7576 NEW PROJECTS – NO COMMISSION EXISTING PROPERTY – QUALITY HOMES FOR LESS ENGLISH SPEAKING AGENTS RELIABILITY & INTEGRITY OUR HALLMARK
Rare! New Cottage 220sq.m + garden 300sq.m, high ceilings, parking, decorated
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CLASSIFIEDS
Sharon 052-5164-286 Janet 052-2870-919 brideandjoyisrael@gmail.com
to clients taste - Hamishkenote 052-6724003 Elisheva. 3 rooms, quiet, exit to the garden, extension building possibility - 950.000 shekels- Hamishkenote 052-320-2488 Michael. Near Moshava- 3 rooms, spacious, 1st floor, balcony, very green and good place – Hamishkenote 052-320-2488 Michael.
By appointment Rechavia JERUSALEM
BAYIT VEGAN
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Bayit Vegan: Uziel street, large 4- room apartment, terrace, panoramic view, little garden. 2,600,000 nis. Rita 054-546-4082. 02-623-5595
CASPI Pent-cottage, like new, with view to Temple Mount. 190 sq.m. Divided into 3 suites, terrace + private roof-balcony. Private elevator, parking. 9,000,000nis. (#123) Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664. CITY CENTER Private historic house in central area. 450 sq.m. On 3 floors, needs renovation. On 540sq.m. Plot. $5,000,000. (property #113). Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664. Great Investment! Center City (the triangle) 3.5, huge, 2 balconies, second floor. Exclusive: ANGLO-SAXON 02-6251161, Rachel: 054-487-2054. Historic building, penthouse 140m. + open balcony, 2nd floor. Used as office, renovated, high ceilings, amazing view! $850,000 (Property #119). Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664. FRENCH HILL Great Investment. French Hill – Etzel St., 3 rooms, tenant in place, 1stth floor, elevator, quiet and pastoral. Only NIS 850,000. Contact Hadar 050-756-8666. RE/ MAX Vision Exclusive 02-673-1661 www. remax-capital.com.
#1 RE /M
OLD KATAMON Asaf Kuhn 052-329-0220
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GREAT INVESTMENT ! FRENCH HILL (HAHAGANAH ST.) 4, spacious, airy, sunny, storage, well-tended building, Excellent central location. Exclusive: ANGLO-SAXON 02-625-1161, SAVYON: 052-223-2476 Terraced home, 4 rooms (120 sq.m), option to expand another 30 sq.m. Great location. Asking 1,500,000 NIS (approx. $440,000). Contact Hadar 050-756-8666. RE/MAX Vision Exclusive 02-673-1661 www.remax-capital.com. GERMAN COLONY Magnificent Duplex, 220 square meters, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sukkah balcony, MUST SEE, $1,600,000. Contact Yona (054-2245121) RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www. remax-capital.com.
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
German Colony: (Elroi), 5 rooms, 1st floor, Shabbat elevator, parking, three exposures, for renovation. Great location. Vic 054-804-0690. 02-623-5595
EM AX OFFICE IN JERUSAL
TALBIYEH Alyssa Friedland 052-329-0220
| August 2008
CLASSIFIEDS Renovated penthouse on very high standard on a quiet street in Greek Colony. 5 rooms, 170 sq.m. 2 floors, in Arab-style house, high ceilings. Possibility to expand. $1,500,000. (#22) Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664. Near Emek Refaim, 3 rooms, 2nd floor, renovated, $500,000. Contact Yona (054224-5121) RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remax-capital.com. Apartment with style, renovated at a high standard, First Floor, 3 parental units, 120 sq.m+ 100 sq.m basement, $1,760,000 (# 115). Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664. GIVAT ORANIM Magnificent 5.5-room duplex, terrace, panoramic view, sunny, parking, Exclusive: ANGLO-SAXON 02-625-1161, Yoel: 052286-1382. GREEK COLONY An apartment for renovation in the Greek Colony, 4 rooms, 85 sq.m, Second floor + elevator, 12 sq.m balcony, 2,600,000 NIS ( #128) Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664.
MALCHA Near Haddassah Ein Kerem & Malcha Shopping Center (Kiryat Yovel), luxurious 8-room villa on three levels, huge private garden with trees, patio, parking garage. Exclusive, ANGLO-SAXON 02-625-1161, Emma 052-370-5423. MAMILLA Beautiful apartment. 3 rooms, 130 sq.m. Balcony with view to Tower of David, 2nd floor, elevator, very luxurious apartment. Garden. $1,500,000. (#103) Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2566-7664. SOLD! MEKOR HAIM Good Deal - 4 rooms, recent building, 2nd floor, nice and pleasant, balcony, storageroom, parking – Hamishkenote 052-3202488 Michael. Plot 1000 sq.m (approximately) for building, potential, quiet – Hamishkenote 052-3202488 Michael MOSHAVIM House on 4 dunam lot, on moshav adjacent to Bet Shemesh. Miriam Anglo-Saxon Bet Shemesh 02 999 8422
HAR HOMA Good Deal! 3.5 rooms, in religious project, 2 storage-room (1 near the apt with window), beautiful view - 990.000 shekels – Hamishkenote 052-320-2488 Michael.
Lots & Houses on Yeshivish Moshav between Bet Shemesh & Rechovot Ita Anglo-Saxon Bet Shemesh Anglo-Saxon Bet Shemesh 02-999-8422 MUSRARA Rental in Musrara picturesque and quiet, first floor, private entrance, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, very large terrace and backyard, semi furnished with appliances, available NOW $2200/month. Contact Annette 054255 6225 RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remax-capital.com. NACHLAOT New private house, 180 sq.m. With possibility for immediate expansion of additional 40 sq.m. (official permission for this specific apartment.) Access to house by car. Close to Shaarei Hesed. $1,250,000. (#118) Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664. OLD CITY Incredible Old City Home. Mamluk period 3 level house with private entrance,150 square meters, 6 rooms with a separate 2-room unit. Includes 60 sq.m. balcony space with panoramic views of the Old City including Har HaBayit and a partial view of the Kotel. The property is in need of renovation. Contact Ilana 054-534-1403
RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remaxcapital.com. OLD KATAMON 4 rooms, 1st floor + elevator, spacious, balcony, high standing renovation, very bright, storage-room + parking – Hamishkenote 052-320-2488 Michael. (Hezkiahu Hamelech) 4, second floor, stone building, needs renovations, Exclusive: ANGLO-SAXON 02-625-1161, Danielle: 050-495-1234. Magnificent, modern 9 room home with garden and all amenities, 295 sq.m. Ground floor 140 sq.m with garden can be sold separately. Contact: Edna 050 633 0850 RE/MAX VISION 02 673 1661 www.remaxcapital.com. Impressive garden flat. 460sq.m. In Arab-style house close to Talbiyeh. High ceilings, 3 floors, ½ dunam garden.(#114) Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664. Completely renovated designer apartment. 3 rooms, 65 sq.m. Asking: $425,000. Contact: Edna 050 633 0850 RE/ MAX VISION 02-673-1661 www.remaxcapital.com.
HOLYLAND PARK 4.5 rooms (160 sq.m), very high standing, shabbat elevator, terrace/sukkah, panoramic sight of the living room, parking – Hamishkenote 052-320-2488 Michael.
ALEX LOSKY
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Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
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Holyland: 5- room apartment, furnished and designed, 150 sqm, terrace and a little pool, amazing view, storage and parking, 3,800,000 nis. Rita 054-546-4082. 02-623-5595
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KIRYAT SHMUEL Rare Find! Hapalmach, 4, (approx. 110 sq.m.), exquisitely high standard of renovation, 3rd floor, elevator, balcony with fantastic view, air-conditioned, parking. Exclusive: ANGLO-SAXON 02-625-1161, Danielle: 050-495-1234.
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CLASSIFIEDS (#126) 2,000,000 NIS. $. Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664.
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Rehavia: Ben Maimon, 160 meters, ground floor, huge sukka terrace from salon, parking, for renovation. Exclusivity. Vic 054-804-0690. 02-623-5595
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Rehavia: Beautiful 4- room apartment , 117 sqm., c.o. , 2 terraces and 1 sukkah terrace, 3 exposures, very bright. Moshe 054-479-3384. 02-623-5595
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Old Katamon: 5-room apartment, renovated, large succah terrace, elevator. Bright and sunny, 4 exposures. Veronique 054-202-0446. 02-623-5595
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Old katamon: 2nd floor, duplex completely renovated, 2 terraces, bright, very close to the German Colony. Veronique 054-202-0446. 02-623-5595
Well-located in the heart of Old Katamon, charming 3 room apartment, 70 sq.m, with building rights. Contact: Edna 050 633 0850 RE/MAX VISION 02 673 1661 www.remaxcapital.com. Palatial 220 sq.m garden apartment in Old Katamon. Private entrance, private
46
garden, newly renovated to highest standard, unique design. Asking 8,750,000 NIS. Contact Ilana 0545-341-403 or Dov 052-553-3739 RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remax-capital.com 4 bedroom apartment, first floor, quiet and green, open balcony for sukah, call elie 054-723-4520 Must be renovated. RASKO An apartment renovated by a French architect, 4 rooms, 85 sq.m, ground level, balcony, 430,000$ (# 129). Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664. REHAVIA Penthouse with private pool and private roof. Central location. Beautiful building, private elevator, 2 parking spots, Sukkah and view. (#117) 5,000,000 $. Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2566-7664. For Sale/Rent by Owner, New and styled ground floor, 2BR+ Living room+ garden(large succa space), quiet, furnished. Close to the Prima Kings Hotel and the Great synagogue, (could come furnished). Shahar- 052-228-6837 Beautiful garden apartment. 4 rooms, ground floor, 70 sq.m. Renovated tastefully
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Rehavia: Big 3- room apartment,81 sqm., 6th floor, new building, 3 exposures, terrace sukkah, beautiful view. Moshe 054-479-3384. 02-623-5595
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Rehavia: Penthouse, 140 sqm., large sukkah terrace, bright, 4 exposures, quiet, privacy, elevator, private parking, Veronique Losky 054-202-0446. 02-623-5595
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Rehavia: Very close to the Great synagogue, top floor, elevator, in process of renovation, 3 bedrooms ,2 bathrooms, bright, parking. Veronique Losky 054-202-0446.
Unique Penthouse, 309 sq.m. w/ over 100 sq.m. of balconies, Shabbat elevator, private parking. Contact Ilana (054-5341403) or Dov (052-553-3739) RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remax-capital. com. On quiet street in Rechavia. 4 room apt. with exit to garden. 1st floor, renovated (#124) 2,400,000 NIS. $. Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-5667664 A newly renovated garden apartment in rechavia, 4 rooms, ground level, parental unit, 70 sq.m + 40 sq.m garden, renovated tastefully, 2,000,000 NIS (#127). Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2566-7664. Central Shaarei Chesed. 320 sq.m. house on a corner lot, 6 rooms plus separate unit and courtyard. Needs renovation. Asking $2,500,000. Contact Ilana 054-534-1403 or Dov 052-553-3739 RE/MAX Vision 02-6731661 www.remax-capital.com.
Moshe Hess S Small, cute apartment in 3Rechavia. P .O.Box 1706, Jerusalem 9418 65 sq.m., 2.5 rooms, 5th floor with elevator. Private parking, good condition. 1,120,000nis. (#120) Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664. SOLD! Stunning newly renovated 4 room apartment with sukkah balcony, covered parking, Shabbat elevator. Central location. Asking 2,650,000 NIS. Contact Ilana (0545341-403) or Dov (052-553-3739), RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remax-capital.com. Flat with potential. Quiet, dead-end street, flat needs renovation. 1st floor. $495,000. (#122) Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664.
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Talbiyeh: Lovely 2-room apartment, located close to the old city and the great synagogue, with balcony. Bright, quiet and sunny. Veronique 054-202-0446 02-623-5595
Green and quiet in Rehavia. 1st floor, 80 sq.m., 3 room apartment in need of renovation. Sukkah balcony. Option to purchase renovated. Contact Ilana 054-5341403 or Dov 052-553-3739, RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remax-capital.com.
02-623-5595
| August 2008
CLASSIFIEDS TALBIEH Five rooms, 120 sq.m. 5th floor with elevator, private parking. Asking price is $750,000. (#125) Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664.
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Talbiyeh: Long-term rental. Furnished Arabic house, full of character, close to hotels, old city & Great synagogue. 3 bedrooms, large living room, charming patio, and large sukkah terrace on top of house. Veronique Losky:054-202-0446 02-623-5595
Achad Ha’Am, lovely 3 rooms, spacious & bright, 80 square meters, balconies, 1.5 flights. Contact Alyssa 054-668-4111. RE/ MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remaxcapital.com. Next to President’s House. Apartment 115 sq.m., renovated with fine taste. 1st floor with balcony. 4,000,000nis. (#121) Ideal Real Estate & Investments Telephone: 972-2-566-7664. TALPIYOT
ALEX LOSKY
Real Estate Group www.losky.co.il
Talpiyot: Very beautiful apartment, renovated, big living room, 3 exposures, c/o, storage with window, quiet. Moshe 054-479-3384.
dreaming
about renovations?
Bring ShiurTimes magazine home! think we’re missing at your local
doctor’s office, shul, makolet, bakery, gym, or anywhere else in your community?
02-623-5595
YEMIN MOSHE Stunning renovated home in Yemin Moshe, unique design, 3 bedrooms, separate formal dining room, spacious terrace with panoramic view of the Old City walls. Asking NIS 6,500,000 Contact Ilana (054-534-1403) or Dov (052-553-3739) RE/MAX Vision 02-673-1661 www.remaxcapital.com.
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47
Edah Spotlight
Jews of Tunisia by David Druce
W
hat nation is home to island of Cohanim, the tomb of a Rabbi who ‘never died,’ and what may be the oldest synagogue in Africa? The answer is the North African nation of Tunisia. Tunisians are one of the few edot that could have established their Diaspora community before the destruction of the First Temple. (The Jews of Aleppo, Syria, and Yemen also make this claim.) Perhaps a few members of Zevulun (the sea-faring tribe) joined the Phoenicians to establish ‘the new city’ of Carthage in Tunisia. In contrast to neighboring Algeria and Libya (mentioned last in last month’s
ST), Tunisia still has a Jewish community. Nevertheless, there has been sporadic violence, and the vast majority of the community immigrated to Israel or to Tunisia’s former colonizer, France. About two thousand Jews remain in Tunisia and maintain restaurants, synagogues, schools and yeshivot. Thousands of Jews of Tunisian descent return annually to celebrate Lag B’Omer on the island of Djerba. In 1951, the first Israeli-Tunisian synagogue was built in the Old City of Ramleh. It was named for Rabbi Chai Tayeb (z”l) of Tunis. Ten synagogues named for Rabbi Tayeb have been built around Israel from Tzfat to Dimona, and in Paris. Rabbi Chai Tayeb is always referred to as ‘Lo Met’ (he who did not die) and ‘may his memory be for a blessing.’ There is no dispute that Chai Tayeb did pass away, but legends say that he appeared in a dream cautioning the tombstone engraver he did not truly die, as the soul of a Tzaddik lives eternally.
Another figure known outside the group is Rabbi Haim Huri, whose tomb in Be’er Sheva was one of the earliest sites of pilgrimage. Al Ghattar, a pious Tunisian woman also has two synagogues named for her and her women’s-only group, which has been the subject of academic research. Rabbi Huri hailed from Djerba, an island off the coast of Southern Tunisia, which is home to a unique Jewish community. All were Cohanim and the community was centered around the El Ghariba or ‘The Wondrous’ synagogue. It is impossible to determine how old it is. The present building is more then a hundred years old, but most claim that was built soon after the destruction of the Second Temple. In Israel, twelve synagogues are named for El Ghariba. Akko’s branch of El Ghariba is famous for its extensive mosaics. Netanya is home to Amit, an organization of olim from Tunisian,
Tunisian Grilled Vegetable Salad 2 tbs
chopped basil
1/2 tbs
ground coriander seeds
freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tbs
ground caraway seeds
Preheat grill or broiler. Rub peppers, chilies, and eggplant with olive oil. Place on grill or under broiler until skins are charred. Keep turning vegetables until all the skin is black on each side. Place vegetables in a paper bag and set aside for about 5 minutes so they can steam in the bag. Remove vegetables and peel the skin away. Dice the peppers and eggplants and place in a large bowl with all their juices. Preheat oven to 450 F. Brush olive oil over the bottom of a small roasting pan. Pour a little more olive oil on your hands and rub the tomatoes and onions. Place veggies in roasting pan and roast for about 10 minutes, turning pan halfway through. When tomato skins are cracking and easy to peel, remove them from the pan, but allow the onions to continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes. Remove peels from tomatoes and slice them in half, letting the juice run out. Dice them and toss them in the bowl with the peppers and eggplant. Remove the onions from the oven, discard the skins dice them and add to the bowl of diced veggies.
3
medium bell peppers
3-4 Pound the garlic with a bit of salt in a mortar, or use the back of a spoon until it has become a paste. Add the caraway and coriander and mix this paste into the vegetables. Set aside for at least an hour before serving.
fresh chilies
1
Just before serving, mix olive oil with lemon juice and stir into the veggies, adding chopped basil and fresh black pepper if you desire.
medium eggplant
3
medium tomatoes
4
cloves garlic
3
medium onions, peedled
1/2 cup 48
& a little for baking ev olive oil
juice of 2 lemons
| August 2008
Last Laugh
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7 Tips for Married People
Offer dating advice to any single person you encounter. This works best when talking to someone you hardly know. Ask them “Have you tried speeddating?” in the same tone that you would ask “have you seen a doctor for that acne?” This method works especially well in large public gatherings, since not only does the word get around that your target is in an unfortunate state of singledom, but also the presence of so many witnesses will prevent the single from drawing a gun on you, at least until you get to the parking lot later.
...Tunisia continued from page 48 which has begun to rebuild the Great Synagogue of Tunis.
וSpecial: ”ט-B’Av
.
After offering dating advice to someone you’ve just met, proceed to try to set him or her up on a blind date. You don’t actually have to know anything about the parties, other than that they both seem nice and you “have a good feeling” about them. When in doubt, remember that two people who were born in the same decade on the same continent will always have plenty in common.
Show your single friends how much you care about them
As ‘Star Wars’ fans know, Tattooine is the shtetl (‘hara’ in Arabic) of the Skywalkers. Experts on Southern Tunisian history will recognize Tataoiune as the cave settlement that was home to a modest Jewish community of 500 before they made aliyah. Israelis of Tunisian descent include politicians Eli Yishai and Silvan Shalom, musicians Etti Ankri and Kobi Oz. The illustrious Mazuz family includes various rabbis and head of the Supreme Court, Meni Mazuz. °
You can always cheer-up a depressed single by reassuring them that they will, of course, get married soon. If they express doubts, reassure the single of your prophetic powers by shutting your eyes tight, grabbing his or her face with your hands, and humming loudly “ooh ooh moo.” Whenever a lone single is around you and other couples, motivate the single to get married by reminding her how wonderful married life is. Turn the conversation to china patterns, wedding albums, and bridal registries. Her silent reverie and glazed look is a sure sign that she is thinking deeply about the direction of her life.
At weddings, approach your favorite single person and say “you’re next.” Single people love hearing stuff like that. It’s so funny! A good joke! You deserve a door prize! This approach also works wonders with childless couples at a bris. “Soon by you!” you could murmur to them. “I’m sure the next cute little embryo will be yours. Ooh ooh moo.” Don’t forget to ask the singles if they are seeing anyone special, and suggest a good matchmaker in Flatbush. If you are joining other married couples for a movie, don’t invite any of your single friends. Remember, G-d only invited couples onto the ark. Singles had to stay home and drown. Besides, why ask them to divert time away from their glamorous, swinging-single lives? I, for one, regularly spend my Saturday nights attending so many fabulous parties and premieres that Vogue has assigned a reporter to me.
And if you believe that, I have a great shidduch for you! www.shiurtimes.com
This essay originally appeared in The New York Jewish Week. Copyright 2002 by Sarah Bronson.
At events, seat singles with other singles, no matter the age discrepancy. One of my favorite memories— I promise this is true— is of the wedding at which I was seated with high school students, while my married friends were halfway across the room. The conversation at my table was much more stimulating. (“Wow! You must remember, like, when Reagan was president!”)
49
Contributors David Bedein, author of the forthcoming book, Swimming Against the Mainstream, has run Israel Resource News Agency (www.IsraelBehindTheNews.com) since 1987. He also heads the Center for Near-East Policy Research and serves as Middle East correspondent for the Philadelphia Bulletin, www.thebulletin.us
Israel National Radio.com. Arutz Sheva-Israel National Radio has been on the internet since 1995 and offers free podcasts and live streaming audio on Israeli politics, Torah, music and more.
Tali Field Berman is the founder of Meir: Autism Treatment Center and teaches the Son-Rise Program to families with autistic children. She resides in the Jerusalem area with her husband and three children and can be contacted at tali@meirautism.org/www.meirautism.org.
Barbara Brown is an olah and a Geriatric Social Worker. She has a private practice, and specializes in helping Olim put Aliyah options and plans into action— seniors, the middle-aged, the young, and whoever is a die-hard aliyahdreamer. She can be reached at Aliyah121@yahoo.com or see www.Aliyah121.com.
Ilene Bloch-Levy has been living in Israel for 22 years. She is a professional copywriter with an extra-special interest in community life in Israel. She has helped hundreds of people throughout the years find their homes in Israel. She currently lives in Shaare Tikvah, Shomron. Michael Bloom is a licensed Israeli real estate agent and London native. As a resident of Modi’in, he offers a level of personal and professional insight into the Anglo neighborhoods across Israel. Michael specializes in the Modi’in area and its surroundings. Miriam Braun is currently a junior at Baruch College (CCNY) majoring in Marketing. She has spent the summer as an Intern working at ShiurTimes. Ben Bresky is a music journalist and is host of “The Beat”, a live radio show and podcast on
Sarah Bronson is an American-Israeli freelance writer in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Jason Demant is an oleh hadash from London. He is an educator who currently lives in Jerusalem. David Druce is a Givat-Shmuel based writer and graduate student who is interested in the study of ethnic groups, their synagogues, and their relationship to Israeli society. Douglas Goldstein, CFP, is the director of Profile Investment Services. He is a licensed financial professional both in the U.S. and Israel. His book, Building Wealth in Israel: A Guide to International Investments and Financial Planning, can be ordered at: www.profile-financial.com. Rabbi Yaacov Haber is a sought-after lecturer and teacher in both Israel and North America. He has served as the National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union and the Rav of Kehilat Beis Torah in Monsey NY. Currently, he resides in Jerusalem and serves as the president of Torahlab, www.torahlab. org, an organization serving the world of Jewish education with unique and meaningful learning material. Sharona Margolin Halickman, MA, is the founder and director of Torat Reva Yerushalayim, a non-profit organization which provides Torah study to students of all ages and backgrounds. Sharona is the author of Parsha Points: Torah from the Land of Israel. Sharona made aliyah with her husband Josh and her children in the summer of 2004 from Riverdale, NY.
Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister holds a post-
graduate degree from the LSE and received his rabbinic ordinations, amongst others, from HaGaon HaRav Moshe Sternbuch and HaRav Yosef Yitzchok Lerner. Rabbi Hofmeister and his
50
wife Hannah live in Jerusalem where he is practicing as Mohel. Rav Zvi Leshem made aliyah in 1979 and lives in Efrat with his family, where he serves as the rabbi of Congregation Shirat Shlomo. He is now completing his doctorate on the Piaseczner Rebbe’s Definition of Chassidut at Bar Ilan University. He is the author of Redemptions: Contemp rary Chassidic Essays on the Parsha and the Festivals. Jacob Lichter is a licensed real estate agent in Israel who specializes in the Buchman area of Modiin. A former New Yorker who made aliyah several years ago, Jacob has experience in marketing and business. Rabbi Francis Nataf is Educational Director of the David Cardozo Academy in Jerusalem. He is a well-respected educator who has held many senior educational positions in Israel and the United States. His first book is entitled Redeeming Relevance in the Book of Genesis: Explorations in Text and Meaning (Urim Publications).
Mois Navon is a Computer Engineer and
part-time Rabbinical Student in Mercaz HaRav yeshiva’s Rabbi Aharon Soloveitchik Semicha Program. His writings can be access at www. divreinoam.com Rabbi Avi Poupko is the former rav of the Hillel at Harvard University. He has spent the past year as a member of the Kollel at the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem. Miriam Rubin is a history student at King’s College London. She is currently working as a summer intern at the ShiurTimes. Dr. Simcha Shapiro is a US-trained physician and osteopath. He is the founder and director of the Listening Hands Institute, located in the Terem building of in the Romema section of Jerusalem. See www.listeninghands.co.il for more information. Avichai Snir is currently a PhD candidate in Economics in Bar Ilan University. He has been awarded the President’s Scholarship for dedication to his academic studies, and is a 2006 recipient of the Rector’s Scholarship for Outstanding Performance.
Rabbi Mordechai Weiss is a licensed tour guide, originally from New Jersey. He currently resides in Mitzpeh Yericho and can be reached at rabbiguide@gmail.com. Estee Wertentheil, an intern at Shiur Times, is studying graphic design as a senior at Stern College for Women. She has been running an art program for seniors at the Jewish Home for the Assisted Living in Riverdale, NJ for the past year and has worked with pottery over the last three years.
| August 2008
,IVE IN )SRAEL 3TUDY IN %NGLISH /VER STUDENTS FROM SIXTY DIFFERENT COUNTRIES HAVE ALREADY ENROLLED FOR THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR
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