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Best Customer Service

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The Anglo-list Customer Service Award

Could it be you?

 

Some moths ago we conducted a poll.  We asked the public what there biggest Aliyah or relocation frustration was.  Was it employment? Finances? Learning Hebrew? No – none of these!

Dealing with unreliable service providers was voted as the biggest frustration. More than 650 people participated in the poll.

We all value customer service.  When we were abroad, we could demand it and we would get it.  But since we are here, we have learned to settle for less.

We are doing our bit to raise the bar.  At regular intervals, we will choose one business, from our Business Directory, with the best ratings and reviews and they will become the recipient of the Anglo-list Customer Service Award and will be recommended, promoted and featured on our website and across our social networks.

It could be you!  Get your clients rate and review your service and you could be next in line.

Notable Israeli Inventions

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Israeli inventions – great & notable inventions from the start-up nation.

Hebrew: המצאות ישראליות

babysense monitor
Image credit: BabySense Breathing Monitor – Israel Innovation Authority

Thank you Israel! The creative minds and excellent entrepreneurial skills of Israel’s population have resulted in some of the world’s greatest inventions and one of the highest per capita rates of patents filed. Did you know that in proportion to its population, Israel has the largest number of start-up companies in the world? Did you know that Israel has the highest number of scientists and engineers per capita than any other country in the world? Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, Department of Agriculture, brought us the delightful cherry tomato. Here are a few in a long list of notable Israeli inventions…

9 Israeli inventions feature on TIME Magazine’s Best List for 2019 Israeli Inventions

In the field of agriculture

In the field of defense

  • UZI Sub-machine gun invented by Uzi Gal in 1955.
  • ARROW anti-ballistic missiles.
  • MERKAVA tank – a tank optimized for crew survival and rapid repair of battle damage.
  • IAI Lavi – a modern fighter aircraft.
  • PROTECTOR USV – an unmanned surface vehicle
  • PYTHON air-to-air missiles
  • UNMANNED aerial vehicles – an aircraft that flies without a human crew
  • NAUTILUS laser system – a laser developed for military use.
  • IRON DOME the mobile air defense system.
  • BARAK 1 surface-to-air missile
  • MAGNOSHOCKER combines a metal detector and a taser to immediately neutralize a dangerous person
  • TECSARTAVOR Reconnaissance satellite
  • TAR-21 assault rifle – a modern assault rifle designed with the aim to be used as the IDF’s standard assault rifle.
  • TECHNION SATELLITE launched into space in July 1998, it is one of the smallest satellites in the world. The cube-shaped satellite has 45 centimeter sides and weighs 48 kilograms and has extremely low power consumption.
  • WALL RADAR a unique radar utilizing Ultra Wide Band (UWB) to allow users to see through walls.
  • IPC Injured Personnel Carrier – A unique evacuation method that allows you to carry a wounded person on your back.

Know who’s near. Locate Oleh-friendly professionals in your area

In the Field of Medicine

  • FIRSTCARE Emergency Bandage (also known as the “Israeli bandage”), invented by an Israeli military medic is used to stop bleeding from hemorrhagic wounds in trauma situations.
  • SENSAHART a diagnostic device that can be used at home and in the hospital to detect when a heart attack is coming on.
  • NICOM non-invasive cardiac output monitor to prevent sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection that causes one in four hospital deaths
  • BABYSENSE breathing monitor by HiSense alerts parents of respiratory cessation (apnea) in babies.
  • BLIZZARDSurvival line of products which include hypothermic blankets and jackets and are leaders in the market in hypothermia care. The lifesaving wraps withstand temperatures as low as -4 F/-20 C.
  • PILLCAM or capsule endoscopy for visualizing and detecting disorders of the GI tract
  • BIOWELD by IonMed bonds surgical incisions within minutes using cold plasma instead of painful stitches, staples or glue
  • EXELON drug to fight Alzheimer’s

In the field of technology, engineering, computers and software

  • EPILADY the first electric hair remover. Since 1986 it has sold around 30 million units
  • RAV BARIACH introduced the steel security door that has become Israel’s standard. Its locking systems incorporates cylinders which extend from different points in the door and then go into the door frame
  • DISK ON KEY the small portable computer information storage device made by ScanDisk
  • VOIP Voice Over Internet Protocol technology. This method of communication has revolutionized the communication industry and allows for an inexpensive and effective way of communicating globally.
  • BABYLON the one-click computer translation dictionary
  • VIBER the instant messaging voice-over-Internet Protocol application for smartphones.
  • GETTAXI, the smartphone application that connects between customers and taxi drivers website.
  • MOBILEYE vision-based advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) providing warnings for collision prevention and mitigation.
  • ORCAM MyEye, is a portable, artificial vision device that allows the visually impaired to understand text and identify objects through audio feedback describing what such people are unable to
  • WAZE the GPS-based geographical navigation application program for smartphones with GPS support.
  • WECU (pronounced ‘We See You’) Technologies, is a technology able to pickup, analyze, and identify in real-time terrorists. WeCU is being implemented in airports around the world to help identify potential terrorists.
  • WIX – a popular website content management system
  • WIPES – moist paper wipes for infant, cosmetic and household use – 1985
  • OFEQ satellite
  • ORBITER transportable unmanned aerial vehicle
  • ITURAN vehicle location and protection system
  • AFIMILK computerized dairy farms
  • OUTBRAIN online advertising content discovery platform
  • DOLPHIN robotic swimming pool cleaner
  • DALKAN Refueling your vehicle without your wallet
  • FIREWALL information security software – 1993

Can’t wait to see what the next 72 years will bring!

The Rav-Kav Smart, Multi-Ride,Transport Card

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Rav-Kav: Multi-ride transport card

Hebrew: רב קו

What is the Rav Kav?

The Rav-Kav is a pre-paid magnetic smart, transport card which was introduced for multiple rides and season tickets on Israel’s public transport service.  Your personal information is programmed into the card and any discounts you are entitled to, will automatically be validated every-time you load the card.  Sheruts (shared taxis) and private taxis are not part of the Rav Kav system.

rav kav Egged 400
The front-side of the Rav-Kav. The under-side shows your identification details.

Where can I use a Rav Kav?

On the bus, the train, Haifa’s Metronit, Haifa’s Carmelit underground funicular, Haifa’s cable car to the Technion and University and the Jerusalem Light Rail. When the Tel-Aviv Light Rail is complete, the Rav Kav will be the main fare payment system.

Where can I buy a Rav Kav?

A Rav Kav card can be purchased at any Rav Kav service station across the country.  You cannot buy a Rav Kav from the bus driver. You can also order your Rav Kav on line via the Egged, Israel Railways and Metropoline websites.

Types of Rav Kav’s and Travel Pass

There are two types of Rav Kav; the Personal Rav Kav (Heb: Rav Kav Ishi), the Anonymous Rav Kav (Heb: Rav Kav Anonimi) and now the Israel Travel Pass for tourists.

1. Personal Rav Kav – ‘Rav Kav Ishi’

At the Rav Kav service station you will need to produce a valid identity document when you purchase the Rav Kav. A digital photograph will be taken and processed onto the card (just like on a driver’s license). The Rav Kav card is issued on the spot and your personal identification details are printed on the underside of the card.

2. Anonymous Rav Kav – ‘Rav Kav Anonimi’

Anyone who does not wish to purchase the Personal Rav Kav can buy a Rav Kav Anonimi (the anonymous Rav Kav) for a one time fee of 5 shekels from service stations across the country (central bus stations and train stations).  The Rav Kav can be loaded with a 30NIS, 50NIS and 100NIS value.

3. Israel Travel Pass

The ISRAEL PASS & Ride card is the ultimate choice for tourists, making your trip to Israel smooth and easy and granting you a discount of up to 40%.

The ISRAEL PASS & Ride enables entry to variety of national parks, attractions and nature reserves (for example, Massada, Ein Gedi, Caesarea, Qumran and many others), as well as (when loaded) travel on public transportation throughout Israel, enjoying RAV KAV ride card benefits. It also provides discounts on various tourist attractions throughout the country.

There are currently 3 fare packages:

  1. 78NIS + entry to 3 parks
  2. 110NIS + entry to 6 parks
  3. 150NIS + entry to all parks

The Israel Travel Pass can be purchased at Ben Gurion International Airport, Ramon Airport in Eilat, or Abraham Hostels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

For more information visit www.israelpass.biz.

How does the Rav Kav work?

You  purchase the appropriate fare (according to zone and route combinations ) which is loaded and credited to the card.  Each time you use the public transport, you swipe the Rav Kav card in the card reader, and the appropriate fare is deducted from the balance.

A daily, weekly or monthly pass allows you unlimited rides during that period.  Eight different fare combinations can be loaded into a single Rav Kav card.

With the exception of train fare, a single ride is valid for 90 minutes. This means you can get on and off and transfer to another line, an unlimited number of times within a 90 minute window and still only pay for one single fare.

How much does a Rav Kav cost?

The initial purchase of the Rav Kav is free however, there is a 5 shekel charge for the Rav Kav Anonimi.  It is then loaded with the fares of your choice and  discounts you may be entitled to.

Who is entitled to discounted fares?

Free travel passes are given to police officers and prison authority personnel, national service conscripts of the IDF (Israel Defense Force) and army reservists.  Children under five can travel free any time when accompanied by an adult carrying a valid ticket.

Discounted fares apply to senior citizens, and youth, National Insurance Institute eligibility i.e. the disabled, blind etc.  Students are entitled to a 50% discount

Can children apply for the Rav Kav independently?

A child under the age of 16 – who is not legally required to hold an identity card – can apply for the Rav Kav if accompanied by an adult in possession of an ID card.

Children over the age of 16 – who are legally required to hold an identity card, can apply for a Rav Kav independently.

Validity

From the date of issue, a Rav Kav is valid for 8 years.  Should your personal Rav Kav (Rav Kav Ishi) be faulty, you can get another, free of charge and any remaining fare balance will be transferred to the new card.

Israel Transport Tariff Reform

January 1st, 2016 brought saw the implementation of the new Transport Tariff Reform which now includes a travel pass for daily, weekly and monthly multiple rides

Rav Kav & Other Apps

As of 28.2.2016 you can load your Rav Kav online via ravkavonline.co.il or on the Rav Kav app on your smartphone.

The simplest way to pay for public transportation in Israel is with the Rav-Kav but there is another solution; the HopOn Rav-Pass app for smartphones. It uses a QR code which must be scanned on the bus instead of the Rav-Kav card. Payment is via credit card.

Moovit is another transport app that allows you to pay per ride via the app.  Moovit also provides real-time information, route suggestions and the like.

Living in Beit Shemesh

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Living in Beit Shemesh – “The House of the Sun”

bet shemesh levi eshkol school
The modern campus at the Levi Eshkol School

Beit Shemesh בֵּית שֶׁמֶש is a small city located approximately 30 kilometers west of Jerusalem. The history of Beit Shemesh goes back to pre-biblical times. The ancient city of Beit Shemesh (“house of the sun” or “temple of the sun” in Hebrew) was originally named after the Canaanite sun-goddess Shemesh, who was worshiped there. The ruins of the ancient biblical city can still be seen today and are situated near the modern city

The modern city of Beit Shemesh was founded in 1950.

Some 100,000 residents live in this fast-growing, largely religious community.  Beit Shemesh has a mixed population, young and old.  Immigrants from the English speaking countries, Russia and Ethiopia are well integrated into the community.

Employment

Its proximity to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv allows for an easy commute and therefore accessibility to numerous jobs suited to English speakers. 

The Har Tuv Industrial Park in Beit Shemesh is home to many technical, industrial and engineering companies that provide an assortment of job opportunities to the community.  The industrial park is growing steadily providing more opportunities as time goes on.

There are many opportunities for the working Haredi community as well, and in fact, some organizations provide employment to Haredi women alone.

There are numerous job opportunities in the BIG Beit Shemesh office block with high-tech companies, law firms etc.

Housing

An average 3 bedroom apartment rents for about 4000 NIS per month, 

An average 4 bedroom apartment rents for about 5000 NIS per month

The selling price for 3 and 4 bedroom homes start at around 1.2 million Shekels.

There are many new developments in Ramat Beit Shemesh Aleph, Ramat HaRoeh (Mishkafayim) M3 & Gimmel.  Cottages, garden apartments, duplexes etc. in varying sizes from 3 – 6 rooms.  

Transportation

Centrally located, Beit Shemesh is 45 minute ride by car, to Jerusalem and  to Tel Aviv.  The train from Beit Shemesh to Tel Aviv takes about half an hour.   Israel’s extensive public transport infrastructure is generally reliable, efficient, and on time and so commuting by bus or by train is easily do-able.  More on 

Education

Ramat Beit Shemesh caters to some 32,000 school-going children of all ages.  Private and municipal day-care and kindergartens for all sectors of the religious community are available.  There is a wide range of elementary schools all of which are attended by the English speaking children who live here.

There are after school activities for children at the community center and at clubs as well as other programs. Various Jewish youth movements are also active in Beit Shemesh.

Religious study programs are available for post high-school aged children. 

Shopping

The BIG shopping mall is located at the main entrance  of Beit Shemesh, conveniently situated on Route 38, a major traffic artery connecting the Gush Etzion, Mateh Yehuda and  other southern surrounding neighborhoods and towns.  The Shopping Center primarily provides necessity goods, however it also offers a variety of luxury products through a wide selection of brands. The top national chains are represented in all categories: supermarket, pharmaceuticals, electronics, DIY, office equipment, clothing and fashion, toys, books, household goods and gifts, restaurants and coffee shops, and mobile phone companies.   Plenty of free parking

Medical & Healthcare

You will find branches of all four health funds: Maccabi, Meuhedet, Clalit and Leumit in Beit Shemesh

Culture, Entertainment & Fun Stuff

The Ramat Beit Shemesh Center for the Arts

The Ramat Beit Shemesh Center for the Arts holds exhibitions and hosts activities of all types.  In fact, The Ramat Beit Shemesh Center for the Arts in conjunction with the Municipality of Beit Shemesh has established an annual awards contest for artists in each of the five categories currently represented in the Center: Painting, Literature, Music, Photography and Graphic Arts.

soreq
The Soreq Cave

The Soreq Cave

The stalactite cave, also called the Soreq Cave or the Avshalom Cave, has some of the most magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations.  It can be reached by driving through the northern industrial area of Beit Shemesh. The cave was discovered accidentally by people working in a nearby quarry.  Some of the stalactites found in the cave are four meters long, and some have been dated as 300,000 years old. Some meet stalagmites to form stone pillars.  A popular outing for the whole family.  

For Olim & the Community

Ramat Beit Shemesh has a large and welcoming oleh community from all over the world. Ulpanim are available in Ramat Beit Shemesh, for both adults and children. There are numerous Gemachim where you can get all kinds of equipment and goods for your home use.

RBS Facebook groups

There are a few Facebook groups that cater to the English speakers of Ramat Beit Shemesh – RBS.  Download this printable list 

Let us know…

Do you live in RBS? If so, we’d love to get your input. Leave a comment below and share information about Ramat Beit Shemesh, with us.

Who is entitled to a discount on their electricity bill in Israel?

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Discounts on electricity bills – are you entitled?

Hebrew: הנחות בחשבון החשמל בישראל

Certain sectors of Israel’s population are, according to the law, entitled to a discount on their electricity bill.

energy saving

I receive an allowance from Bituach Leumi.  Am I entitled to a discount?

Yes, indeed.  You are entitled to a discount if you are:

  • A pensioner
  • Elderly and disabled
  • Receiving a special services from Bituach Leumi
  • If you have a disabled child
  • If you have a child who requires specialized assistance
  • If you have a child who required specialized medical assistance
  • A person requiring constant nursing care
  • A person receiving an income stipend – ‘havtachat hachnasa’
  • A certified single parent caring for at least 3 children
  • Holocaust survivors
  • Lone soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Force – IDF – under certain conditions

What is the actual discount?

Hevrat HaHashmal – The Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) – gives you a 50% discount on the first 400 kilo-watts, you are responsible for the balance.

What do I need to do to get the discount?

  • If your electric bill is registered in your name then there is no need to do anything.  The electricity discount will automatically be deducted from your bill.  If for some reason you are not receiving the discount, call the Israel Electric Company at tel. no. 103 and inform them that you have not received the discount. If you are entitled to the discount retroactively, you will receive interest on the outstanding amount.
  • If your electric bill is not registered in your name then you must immediately have the account transferred to your name in order to get the discount.  Call 103.  Give them your identity number (teudat zehut) and arrange the transfer.  Once the transfer has been processed,  your discount should automatically be deducted from your account.  You will debited with a one-time administration fee.
  • If you live on a kibbutz, a hostel or retirement home,  liaise with the responsible person at your establishment, who will arrange the discount on your behalf.

Are new olim entitled to an electricity discount?

The Aliyah Benefit Basket – Sal Klitah – does not include electricity discounts. However, you may be eligible under the conditions listed above. Liaise with your Aliyah emissary, Bituach Leumi and the IEC

Save electricity

Do your bit to save electricity – switch off the lights, turn off the computer and TV when not in use. Install a timer on your hot water boiler and remember to install electricity saving light bulbs.

Sukkot Jokes

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Reading Time: 4 minutes

Sukkot and Jewish jokes, giggles and one-liners.

Take a few minutes from your busy day and enjoy these Sukkot and Jewish jokes. 

jewish jokes full size

Moishe built a sukkah on the balcony of his apartment.  Just before the holiday began, the landlord noticed it and demanded that it be removed immediately, claiming it was a violation of the terms of his lease. Moishe refused, telling the landlord that since this was a religious observance, he had the right to build the sukkah there.

The landlord disagreed and immediately took the case to court.

In court, the landlord argued that the sukkah was unsightly, against the terms of the lease, and was a fire hazard. Moishe argued his religious rights.  The judge, who happened to be Jewish, listened patiently and then offered his verdict.

“I agree with the landlord in this case, and I therefore rule that you have eight days to take down your hut.”


During Covid-19 lockdown in Israel, the usual custom of Ushpizin (welcoming guests to the Sukkah) was replaced by UshpiZoom. 


Sukkot 1957 – Elvis Presley had been on a visit to Israel.  He was fascinated by all the booths he saw and  by the religious men waving their lulavim and etrogim.  When he got back to the U.S.A. he told Tom Parker, his manager, how wonderful his trip had been. Inspired by it all he sat down and wrote the top hit – “I’m all shook up”.


The Cohen family were very conscientious and were all about re-cycling.  They had  special bins for paper, glass and organic  waste.  One day after Sukkot the Cohen children got all excited as their parents gave them a gift.  They fought to tear off the wrapping and couldn’t wait to open the box.  Soon their new toy was revealed – Mr. Etrog Head.


Sukkot – Dr. Seuss Style

You can build it very small
You can build it very tall
You can build it very large
You can build it on a barge
You can build it on a ship
Or on a roof but please don’t slip  

You can build it in an alley
You shouldn’t build it in a valley
You can build it on a wagon
You can build it on a dragon  

You can make the s’chach of wood
Would you, could you, yes you should
Make the s’chach from leaves of tree
You shouldn’t bend it at the knee  

Build your Sukkah tall or short
No Sukkah is built in the Temple Court
You can build it somewhat soon
You cannot build it in the month of June  

If your Sukkah is well made
You’ll have the right amount of shade  

You can build it very wide
You cannot build it on its side
Build if your name is Jim
Or Bob or Sam or even Tim
Build it if your name is Sue
Do you build it, yes you do! 

From the Sukkah you can roam
But you should treat it as your home
You can invite some special guests
Don’t stay in it if there are pests 

You can sleep upon some rugs
Don’t you build it where there’s bugs 

In the Sukkah you should sit
And eat and drink but never…
If in the Sukk ah it should rain
To stay there would be such a pain  

And if it should be very cold
Stay there only if you’re bold 

So build a Sukkah one and all
Make it large or make it small 

Sukkah rules are short and snappy
Enjoy Sukkos, rejoice be happy


Purim is for alcoholics.

Pesach is for OCDs.

Shavuot is for insomniacs, and Lag B’omer is for pyromaniacs who weren’t satisfied with Hannuka.

Tisha B’Av is for manic depressives

Rosh Hashana is for people who obsess over dying

Yom Kippur is for anorexics

Sukkot is for the homeless

Simchat Torah is for those in their happier stages of bipolar. Mi K’Amcha Yisroel. … and people still wonder why the Jews invented psychology.”


A man comes to the Rabbi and asks for instructions on how to build a kosher sukkah. The Rabbi directs him to read a page of the Talmudic tractate of Sukkot and follow the instructions. The man follows all the instructions and just as he puts up last piece of scach on top of the Sukkah, the whole thing collapses. Thinking he made a mistake, he tracks back and rebuilds the Sukkah with the same result. Very frustrated he goes back to the Rabbi and explains what happened. The rabbi opens to the page of Talmud, studies it for a minute and exclaims “Funny, Rashi asks the same question”!  -Credit: Rabbi Art Gould


“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it” Moishe says to Yankele who complained to a relative in New York that he couldn’t find Hadas in Jerusalem.

A few days later Yankele still hasn’t found what he is looking for.

The phone rings – it’s Moishe. “I took care of it – go to the front door”.

As Yankele opens the door he sees Aunt Myrtle in front of him.

“Darling nephew, so kind of you to have me, I’m here for 8 days!”

More Jewish jokes and one-liners that will have you rolling on the floor

Do you like this feature?

Your Guide to Building a Sukkah

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Building a Kosher Sukkah from the ground up. A complete guide and handy tips for the holiday.

Hebrew:  איך בונים סוכה

sukkah
A Sukkah In New Hampshire  – Image Credit: Wikimedia

Our ancestors wandered in the Sinai before they were allowed to enter the land of Canaan (Israel). They were instructed: “For a seven-day period you shall live in booths. Every resident among the Israelites shall live in booths, in order that your [ensuing] generations should know that I had the children of Israel live in booths when I took them out of the land of Egypt. I am the Lord, your G‑d.” (Leviticus 23:42–43).

Since then we celebrate these events by dwelling in a sukkah for the duration of the festival. In the diaspora, Sukkot is celebrated for 8 days but in Israel, it is celebrated for 7 (corresponding to the 15th – 21st/22nd of the Hebrew month of Tishrei).

What is a Sukkah?

A sukkah is basically an outdoor hut – a suitable dwelling for the duration of the festival. Vegetation, known as ‘schach‘ forms the roof and covers the sukkah.

What makes a Sukkah Kosher?

There are guidelines, regulations and requirements that must be followed in order for a sukkah to be deemed “kosher” or fit for use which also include construction and location.

Assembling a Sukkah

It is a mitzvah to start building your sukkah after the Yom Kippur fast has ended. You can purchase a prefabricated sukkah in a variety of sizes. Make sure that the sukkah comes with proper rabbinical certification that deems it kosher. Get your children involved and build your own sukkah from scratch with various household bits and pieces and some extras from your local hardware store.

Build an environmentally friendly sukkah with bamboo or wooden columns for the frame, fabric sheeting instead of plastic for the sides and decorate with fruit and recycled paper ornaments.

Location, location, location!

On your balcony, in your garden, on the rooftop or on the sidewalk but wherever you choose, your sukkah must be constructed outdoors, ideally in a spot that’s conveniently accessible to your residence. The requirement is that there should be nothing between your sukkah and the open sky – which means no trees, canopies or roofs of any sort hanging over your sukkah.

What do I need to build a sukkah?

The walls can be made of any material, provided that they are sturdy enough to withstand a normal wind. You can use wood or fiberglass panels, waterproof fabrics or old sheets and blankets. You can also use pre-existing exterior walls for the sukkah as long as it is roofless or has a removable roof than can be covered with proper schach.

Schach – The sukkah needs to be covered with schach. Common kosher sukkah roof-coverings include bamboo poles, evergreen branches, palm branches, reeds, stalks, narrow strips of unfinished lumber or special schach mats. Mats made of bamboo, straw or other vegetable matter can be used only if they were made for the express purpose of serving as a roof covering. Your beach mats won’t do!  The schach must have been removed from its source of growth. This means a trellis with a creeping plant, or overhanging branches still attached to a tree, cannot be used.  You may use only vegetable matter that has not been previously used for another purpose. Additionally, it must never have acquired the status of a utensil nor have been capable of becoming ritually impure. Therefore an old crate or a wooden palette would not be suitable. You may also need some plain, unfinished wooden beams to construct a framework on which to lay the schach.

Sukkah Shopping List

  1. Unless you prefer to sit in the dark and candles can be dangerous, you will need to set up a lighting system. Make sure you have a safe source of electricity and that your electrical cord and light-bulbs are safe if it rains (and it probably will). This year some suppliers are selling a sukkah kit with a string of LED lights.
  2. Remember all your meals are supposed to be eaten in the sukkah for the duration of the festival. You’ll need easily transportable chairs and tables. Plastic garden furniture is ideal.
  3. Get the kids involved to decorate the sukkah walls with their colorful drawings and other paper craft projects. Hang fresh fruit (apples and oranges work well) or other decorations from the beams. Recycle wherever possible.
  4. Try avoid using disposable crockery and cutlery – let’s protect our planet

Sukkah Dimensions & Other Requirements

In order for the sukkah to be kosher, here are a few more considerations

Image credit: Neohasid.org

The Walls

A sukkah must have at least two full walls plus part of a third wall (the “part” needs to be a minimum of 3.2 inches wide). It is preferable, however, that the sukkah have four complete walls.

The walls must be at least 32 inches high, and the entire structure may not be taller than 30 feet. In length and breadth, a sukkah cannot be smaller than 22.4 inches by 22.4 inches. The length or breadth of a sukkah is not restricted.

The schach

There must be sufficient schach to provide enough shade so that there is more shade than sun seen on the sukkah floor. The schach must be spread out evenly over the roof of the sukkah so there are no gaps larger than 9.6 inches.

Anything that directly supports the schach should not be made out of materials that are not fit to be used as schach. This means if the schach is resting directly on the sukkah walls, and the walls are not made out of wood, strips of wood should be placed between the sukkah walls and the schach. In larger sukkahs, where a framework of beams is needed to hold up the schach, wood or bamboo poles should be used, not metal. The schach may not be tied on with wire or fastened with any metal object.

Sukkah Facts!

A new sukkah must be built every year. This requirement, however, applies only to the schach, since it is the schach that makes the sukkah a sukkah. Therefore you can leave the walls standing all year, and place and complete the roof covering before the chag. If the sukkah and the schach have been up all year, you must remove and replace the existing schach. This will then make your sukkah “new” as required.

The walls of a sukkah must be erected first and only then the schach put in place.

It is best that a sukkah have four solid walls (aside from the doorways and windows). However, under certain conditions, incomplete walls will qualify, as follows:

  • If there is a gap between the bottom of the walls and the ground, the bottom of the walls must be less than 9.6 inches from the ground.
  • If the walls are at least 32 inches high, the roof may be higher (up to the maximum height of 30 feet off the ground), as long as the walls are beneath the roof.
  • There may be gaps of empty space in the walls, as long as these are less than 9.6 inches wide. (Thus, a fence made of upright or horizontal slats can be used, as long as the spaces between the slats are less than 9.6 inches.)

The schach should be placed on the sukkah by a Jewish person—one who is obligated to sit in the sukkah.

The Sukkot Mitzvah

It is a mitzvah to invite guests to share your sukkah – or “Ushpizin. Ushpizin is an Aramaic word that means “guests.”

Blessing for Dwelling in a Sukkah

Hebrew
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha-olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe

Hebrew
asher kidishanu b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us

Hebrew
leisheiv basukah (Amein).
to dwell in the sukkah (Amen)

Advertise on the Anglo-list

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Reading Time: 2 minutesBased on the collective experience of seasoned olim and internationals in Israel, Anglo-List in a one-of-a-kind website and advertising opportunity.

Your business needs to get found.

Your target market is made up of English speakers and a niche directory, like the Anglo-List, is the best way for your business to get found.

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As the leading private site of its kind, Anglo-list is well respected. We are a niche website with a directory that connects you with English speaking clients. This means, your business gets the exposure you want and you get highly qualified leads.

With some 1,500 pages of useful information, Anglo-List ranks on page 1 of Google for a host of Aliyah and Israel lifestyle terms

30,000 monthly users (and always climbing) are looking for products and services just like yours

Our advertising packages are designed to send you traffic, leads and inquiries directly to your website


What others have to say

“The team at Anglo List is creative, supportive and patient. They have enabled us to maximize the return on our advertising budget and grow our firm.

We highly recommend you claim your place on the Anglo-List platform for your business.”

Jay Hait Adv., Hait Family Law


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Tony’s Plumbing


Terms & Conditions

Gas Mask Distribution Centers in Israel.

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Gas mask distribution information from the Home Front Command

Hebrew: חלוקת ערכות מגן

Due the significantly reduced risk of a chemical attack, gas mask distribution centers across Israel were closed in February 2014

 

Town or City

Address of Distribution Station

Date

Hours

Jerusalem

Shmuel Halavi community center

Magen Halef 3

29/8

Sun – Thurs:

11:00 -19:00 

Maale Adumim

Adumim Mall (Shalom gate entrance)

Kedem 5

29/8

Sun – Thurs:

11:00 -19:00 

Bet Shemesh

BIG Fashion Mall

Yigal Alon 3

29/8

Sun – Thurs:

11:00 -19:00 

Tel Aviv

Post Office on

Hahanah 137

29/8

Sun – Thurs:

11:00 -19:00 

Tel Aviv

Community Center

Rozin Rezner 2

1/9 – 12/9

Sun – Thurs:

10:00 -19:00

Haifa

Romema Sport Hall

Pica 69

29/8 – 3/9

Sun – Thurs:

9:00 -19:00 

Bat Yam

 Rav Nechuyot Sport Hall

Ehud Kinamon 10

 1/9 – 12/9

 Sun – Thurs:

10:00 -19:00

 

Bnei Brak

Ramat Elhanan Center

Crnr. Eshel Avraham & Rabinov

1/9 – 12/9

Sun – Thurs:

10:00 -19:00

Home Delivery of Gas Masks

You can also order one via the home delivery service of the Israel Postal Authority. This  service is accompanied by a delivery fee of NIS 25. For additional information on the service, contact the Israel Postal Authority’s call center at *2237 or via the Israel Postal service.

Notification from the Home Front Command

There may be changes to the days and times of distribution.  So please check for updates

 

 

How long have you been in Israel?

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