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Measles outbreak in Israel

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Measles outbreak in Israel
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The 2018 measles outbreak in Israel. The latest update.

Almost a year since the 2018 outbreak, the number of infected people in Israel has jumped to over 2,700 cases with more than 900 total hospitalizations.  Measles claimed another death this week when an 82 year old woman died in Jerusalem.  In stark contrast, only 40 cases of measles were diagnosed in 2017.

Who should be inoculated against measles?

  1. Babies aged 12 months
  2. Children in the first grade
  3. Adults who have never had measles or never had the measles vaccine (2 shots)
  4. Adults born between 1957 – 1977 who are traveling abroad
  5. Babies traveling abroad age 6 – 12 months

The Hebrew word for measles: חצבת – Hatzevet

Measles is a contagious disease that can spread through contact with infected mucus and saliva. An infected person can release the infection into the air when they cough or sneeze.

Measles symptoms

Measles signs and symptoms appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Signs and symptoms of measles typically include:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek — also called Koplik’s spots
  • A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

Contact a doctor immediately if you suspect you have measles.

measles outbreak israel
Typical measles rash

Effects of measles

About one child out of every 1,000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that can lead to convulsions and can leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability.

The measles vaccine

Immunizations are optional and at this time are not legislated. To prevent measles outbreaks in Israel, the Ministry of Health suggests that every child be immunized.

The measles vaccine is given together with mumps, rubella and varicella. In some countries the inoculation is known as the “four-in-one”.

Where to get the measles vaccine

Depending on your age, if you have not received a measles vaccine and you come into contact with an infected person, arrange a visit at one of the vaccination clinics  to receive a measles vaccine within 72 hours of contact to prevent infection or at Tipat Halav the Family Health Clinics around the country.

Treating measles

There is no prescription medication to treat measles. The virus and symptoms typically disappear within two to three weeks. However, your doctor may recommend:

  • acetaminophen to relieve fever and muscle aches
  • rest to help boost your immune system
  • plenty of fluids (six to eight glasses of water a day)
  • humidifier to ease a cough and sore throat
  • vitamin A supplements

The Israel Ministry of Health (MOH)

The Israel MOH has taken the following measures

-Extended the vaccination campaign for the prevention of measles in Jerusalem which includes keeping Tipat Halav family care centers open in the evenings as well.

-The campaign is coordinated with the HMOs and municipal bodies. So far, the percentage of vaccination in un-vaccinated “pockets” has risen from 55 percent to more than 80 percent.

-Added a mobile unit that patrols the target neighborhoods in order to vaccinate on site.

-Coordination within the communities with relatively low vaccination coverage rates.

-Hiring new nurses and adding new nurse positions in the Jerusalem district and helping nurses with additional manpower and male/female healthcare students.

-Restricting un-vaccinated visitors’ from entering sensitive areas hospitals, such as the ward for premature babies, intensive care, oncology, and hemato-oncology.

-Considering the issue of restricting entry to schools to un-vaccinated individuals who could put the public at risk.

-Because of the limited efficiency of the vaccine at an early age, and the necessity to repeat the vaccination at 12 months of age, it was decided to keep the age of the first vaccination as is, except in specific outbreak centers, which will be under the sole discretion of the district doctor of the Ministry of Health.

According to an article in the Jerusalem Post, parents who refuse to vaccinate their children could be fined NIS 2,000 if a bill approved by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation on Sunday, November 18th, 2018 becomes law.

The bill is meant to regulate the state’s treatment of anti-vaccine families, and will allow the Health Ministry to keep un-vaccinated children out of schools when there is a concern of an outbreak.

The proposal includes requiring the Health Ministry to keep track of which children have been immunized, according to the ministry’s recommendations, and to send a warning to parents of those who have not been inoculated.

If the parents do not have their children vaccinated after the warning, they will be invited to a meeting to explain to them the importance of vaccination. If they still refuse, they will have to sign a document saying so. At that point, any parents who do not inoculate their children can lose income tax rebates valued at up to NIS 2,000.

Israel travel warning

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning to travelers to Israel; travelers to Israel should make sure that they are vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccination.  The warning continues…

  • People who cannot show that they were vaccinated or are otherwise protected against measles should get vaccinated before traveling to Israel:
    • Infants (6 through 11 months of age) should have 1 dose of MMR vaccine.
    • Adults and children over 1 year of age should have 2 doses of MMR vaccine given on or after the first birthday and separated by at least 28 days.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Disclaimer: Please note that this article is for information purposes only and should not replace medical advice from a qualified clinician or instructions from the Israel Ministry of Health.

Jewish Calendar & Months of the Year

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The Hebrew Calendar & Months of the Year

By: Rav Nissim Mordechai Makor

The Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles.  At the beginning of the month – ‘Rosh Hodesh’– ראש חודש the moon appears as a thin crescent.  During the course of the month the moon waxes or gets larger until it is full – in the middle of the month.  When it is full, the moon begins to wane and gets smaller so that by the end of the cycle, at the time of the new moon, we see a thin crescent again.

There are 12 months in the Jewish calendar except during a leap year when there are 13 months.

Rav Nissim Mordechai Makor, an oleh from South Africa, explains how each of the Jewish calendar months are special and have their own unique characteristics.

Commentaries on Parshat Hashavua by Rabbi Nissim Mordechai Makor

Shabbat and festival candle lighting times

The Gregorian months of the year with Hebrew translations and transliterations

A fun fact 

Did you know that there are 4 months in the Turkish calendar that cognate, or take their names from Hebrew months and they are;

Turkish MonthHebrew Month
SubatShevat
NisanNisan
TemmuzTammuz
EylulElul

The Hebrew month of Kislev.

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The Hebrew month of Kislev.
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The Hebrew month of Kislev & its place in the zodiac.

By: Rav Nissim Mordechai Makor

zodiac

Counting from Nissan, Kislev is the 9th month of the Jewish calendar and coincides with the month of Sagittarius. The month of Sagittarius’s a very positive month and is all about miracles and wonders. The holiday of Hanukah is in celebrated on the 25th of Kislev and we know that the holidays are not times to remember a specific event in history, but are times when we can connect to special energies in the cosmos. The planet that controls this month is Jupiter, which is the planet of miracles. It also controls the month of Pisces, which has Purim. In both these months we can expect miracles.

We can use the energy of this month to bring miracles into our lives and fix any problem that we have.

The energy of Hanukah is connected to the Ohr Haganuz (Hidden Light), which is a special light that Adam experienced while in the Garden of Eden, but was hidden after he was kicked out. Kislev can be split into two words. Kis-Lamad Vav. Kis is the root of Kisoo which means to hide and Lamad Vav is 36, the 36 hours Adam was in Gan Eden. After Adam sinned, Hashem hid this special light. Today this energy/Light is reserved for the Tzaddikim and one of the only times us regular people can tap into this Light is on Hanukah. All we have to do is light the candles to connect to this light. Amazing. Rosh Chodesh is the seed for the whole month, so take advantage of it and tap into this light.

The letters that control this month are Samech and Gimmel(from Sefer Yitzerah), which numerically add up to 63. Samech created the astrological sign of Sagittarius and Gimmel created the planet of Jupiter. 63 always refers to the Sefirah of Binah, (63=Sag in Hebrew, a special way Hashem’s Name is written, which adds up to 63), which is where our physical world draws all its energy from. A powerful direct connection this month. The main spiritual function of this month is the strengthening of faith in Hashem and the hope of a complete redemption, which is what happened on Hanukah. This month we have the power to make lasting changes in our lives. Stand up for things you believe in and be open to new ideas. People born in Sagittarius actually seek challenges, they thrive on the pressure. Focus on the goal, not the challenge. This month is the month to take action, do new things because in this month everything is already here.

The negative aspect in this month is not to fall asleep in our spiritual work. The symbol of this month is the bow, which is connected to the power of prayer. We have to pray more this month with deeper Kavannah. The same as one aims with a bow, so to we have to focus and aim our prayers. Also the rainbow is connected to this month. The rainbow is a sign from Hashem that even though He might be cross with us, He will have compassion, as He always does, and not destroy the world. Therefore, the rainbow is a protection shield for us against Hashem’s wrath. The rainbow counterbalances the judgement.

The second line of the Ana Bekoah is connected to this month. This is the line that gets rid of negativity. Hopefully we will all be able to get rid of all our negativity in our lives and bring miracles and wonders into our lives.

Kislev in Jewish History

  • 6 Kislev (1973) – Death of David Ben-Gurion
  • 14 Kislev (circa 1568 BC) – Birth of Reuben, son of Jacob
  • 14 Kislev (circa 1445 BC) – Death of Reuben, son of Jacob.
  • 15 Kislev (167 BC) – The Greeks set up the “Abomination of Desolation” in the Temple
  • 17 Kislev (1947) – The United Nations General Assembly approves a plan for the partition of Palestine, which eventually led to the creation of the State of Israel.
  • 19 Kislev (1798) – Liberation from prison of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi and celebrated as Yud Tes Kislev by Chabad Chassidim.
  • 20 Kislev (circa 457 BC) – Ezra addresses a three-day assemblage of Jews in Jerusalem, telling them to adhere to the Torah and to dissolve their interfaith marriages.
  • 21 Kislev (circa 128 BC) – The Samaritan temple at Mount Gerizim was destroyed by John Hyrcanus
  • 25 Kislev (167 BC) The Greeks make pagan sacrifices in the Temple
  • 25 Kislev (164 BC) – The Hanukkah miracle
  • 27 Kislev (circa 2105 BC) – Flood rains cease (According to Genesis 6–8)

Even though Hanukah is a Rabbinic holiday, there are places in the Torah where we find a reference to it. Where?

The 25th word (25 Kislev) in the Torah is the word Light, which refers to Hanukah and this Hidden Light.

Also the portion of Miketz is always read on Hanukah. Usually we know how many verses are in each portion, but in the portion of Miketz, we are told how many words are in the portion, 2025. Why? The word for light in Hebrew is ‘Ner’, which has a numerology of 250. Eight days of Hanukah multiplied by 250 gives us 2000, plus 25 refers to the 25th of Kislev. Thus, 2025 is an illusion to the lights and date of Hanukah (Torah Temimah).

In this portion, Toldot, the relationship between Yitzchak and Rivka is amazing. She was such a very strong women yet she has to act sneaky. She had Ruach Hachodesh and used it very wisely, she could not tell Yitzchak what Shem told her about her children. Yitzchak respected her and did not say anything to her when he realized that she had tricked him. Theirs is such a beautiful relationship. Yitzchak is the only forefather that mentions he loved his wife(at the end of last weeks portion). Not that the others did not, but the Torah only mentions Yitzchak. Why? Also Rivkah tested Yaacov. Yaacov’s main attribute was truth, yet he honored his mother and did what she said. This was Yaacov’s Akaidah. Here is where we see her strength. She said that even if Yitzchak cursed Yaacov, Chas VeShalom, the curse would be on her.

There is also something that does not make sense to me. The Torah devotes less space to Yitzchak’s life than to the lives of Avraham and Yaacov, yet there is more written about Rivka than any of the other mothers, I think even more than all the mothers combined. In last weeks portion, the whole story of Eliezer and how he finds Rivka has more verses than the story of creation in Bereishit. She suffered terribly through her life; she had a very difficult pregnancy, she suffered with Eisav, did not see Yaacov again after he left and even had to be buried alone at night.

Also, Rivka was the only mother who actually did something on her own without the consent of her husband. Sarah told Avraham to send Hagar away, but Rivka did her action clandestinely. What would have happened to the Jews if Rivka had not interceded? All the other mothers were loyal wives and followed their husbands, but by Rivka doing what she did to get Yaacov to get the blessing of Yitzchak, she changed the course of the world. This shows how much Ruach HaKodesh she had. All her actions were done with with Divine prophecy. She was such a strong woman that when Yaacov objected she said that if Yitzchak cursed him the curse would be on her. This whole story and her actions must have taken such courage, and yet she had such a bitter life. She never complained.

This seems like a paradox. I asked one Rabbi and the answer I was given was that Yitzchak represents Gevurah, judgment. We can’t have too much judgment, and Rivka balanced out Yitzchak. This is ok but does not satisfy me. Maybe someone else has some ideas.

One thing for certain was that she was definitely a worthy successor to Sarah, a hard act to follow.

Also in this portion we see the eternal struggle between good and evil, Yaacov and Eisav. They represent two cosmic forces, not just two people, and the spiritual lesson is that when one is up the other is down and visa versa. Remember this analogy that is for every person personally. We all have this struggle within us everyday. Also we know that Eisav was the first born in the physical world, but if we look at it a little bit different, in the spiritual world, what goes in first comes out last, so actually Yaacov was the first born and deserved the blessing all along. Yitzchak gave Yaacov ten blessings which correspond to the ten words in the blessing of the washing of the hands, Nitilat Yadaiim, so when we say the blessing we should have the kavannah to receive all the blessings that Yaacov received. Also Yitzchak was the only one of the fathers never to leave Israel and lived a full life of 180 years. He was like a pure offering. He is the father whose prayers are accepted by Hashem on behalf of the Children of Israel.

To me the best thing about this portion is that it is full of all kinds of blessings. Hashem blesses Yitzchak, Yitzchak blesses Yaacov twice and also Eisav. There is a lot of talk about wells which always refer to blessings and abundance. Also it says that Yitzchak reaped a hundredfold from his crops. He also makes a treaty with Avimelech.

With this month and this portion we have the power to tap into all these blessings.

There is also a small Koof in this portion, 27:46. We know that when there are small or big letters in the Torah they have a deep meaning. One of the explanations I have found is that the word which has the small letter is Katzti, meaning disgusted. It talks about idol worship and when we reach this point we need to meditate that we are diminishing the power of the negativity in the world and in our lives, especially idol worship which today doesn’t mean statues but physical things like money, cars etc.

Jewish and Hebrew Greetings

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Jewish and Hebrew Greetings

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How do you say ‘Have a happy Passover’? Jewish & Hebrew greetings and expressions for all occasions.

There are many Jewish and Hebrew greetings. Some of the Jewish greetings come from words in the Yiddish language and have remained over time.  Even if they don’t know much Hebrew, Jewish communities all over the world will know some of these greetings.

jewish and hebrew greetings expressions lechaim
Le’Chaim is a Jewish and Hebrew greeting – a toast – that means ‘To Life’ (Image credit: Unsplash)

Greeting Hebrew Meaning
Shalom שלום Hello/Goodbye/Peace Shalom is used to say hello or goodbye to someone.  It is also the Hebrew word for Peace.
Lehitraot לְהִתְרָאוֹת Goodbye, see you! Used to say goodbye or see you soon.  ‘Hi’ and ‘bye’ have also crept into the Hebrew lexicon.
Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום Have a peaceful Sabbath. In Israel it is also common to use this Hebrew phrase to wish someone a good weekend
Gut Shabbos Have a peaceful Sabbath. Originally from Yiddish.
Shavua Tov שבוע טוב Have a good week. When the Sabbath comes out on Saturday after sunset, we wish people a good week.
Chag Sameach חג שמח Happy holidays This greeting can be used for any Jewish festival or holiday.
Gut Yontiv Happy holidays Originally from Yiddish it is used as a greeting on Jewish High Holy Days.
Shana Tova שנה טובה Happy year A Hebrew greeting used to wish someone a Happy New Year.
Gmar Hatima Tova גמר חתימה טובה May you be inscribed in the Book of Life A greeting for Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) wishing you well.
Tzom Kal צום קל Easy Fast. Wishing someone an easy fast for Yom Kippur (a 25 hour fasting period).
Chag Pesach Kasher V’Sameach חג פסח קשר ושמח A kosher and happy Passover Use this greeting on social media, at the Seder or when you meet someone you care about.
Moadim L’Simcha מועדים לשמחה Happy holidays Used during the intermediate days of Sukkot and Pesach (Chol Ha’Moed)
Mazal Tov  מזל טוב Congratulations/good luck Pass an exam, have a baby, got engaged? Used on any occasion to congratulate or wish someone good luck.
B’ezrat Hashem בעזרת השם G-d willing. When asking for good fortune for a future event.
Baruch Hashem ברוך השם With thanks to G-d An acknowledgement of thanks to the Almighty for a good result.
Nu נו And so…? A Yiddish word. How are things going? And so…! Continue…
L’Chaim לחיים To life! The equivalent of toasting someone – ‘Cheers!’. Hebrew and Yiddish.

Your will find many more colorful Hebrew and Jewish greetings and expressions here which are used every day and for all occasions.  We also suggest you delve into our Hebrew Learning section where you will find free word sheets on a multitude of topics as well as our Hebrew-Israel Slang Dictionary.

Explore the Dead Sea.

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Explore the Dead Sea.
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Now is the best time to explore the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth – 430 meters below sea level and is located at the center of the Jordan rift valley. 

In ancient times Herod the Great bathed in the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. It is almost 10 times saltier than the ocean. This high level of salinity makes it possible float in the without any effort but on the down-side it also prevents the existence of life in its waters except for species of bacteria and fungal microorganisms – hence the name.

The minerals found in the Dead Sea are known worldwide for their medicinal properties – the waters are rich in sulfur. Tourists from all over the world, come to the Dead Sea to smear themselves with Dead Sea mud. People suffering with psoriasis, osteoarthritis and other skin ailments, experience improvements in their conditions after bathing in the water or covering their bodies with the black mud.

dead sea
Floating on the Dead Sea (Image credit – Unsplash)

The Shape of the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea has a characteristic shape and is divided into two basins – the northern and southern. A peninsula called ‘the tongue” forms part of the lake.

Over the past 20 years the sea level of the Dead Sea has dropped by 12 meters. Trees, which are still seen today on the seashore, indicate a number of similar low levels in the last four thousand years.

The Climate

Sunny skies prevail almost all year round; in the summer the temperature rises to 40ºc and can even reach as much as 48ºc. The winter is relatively warm with temperatures scarcely dropping below10ºc. Humidity hardly exceeds 40% and it drops in the summer to an average of 23%. Best time to visit the Dead Sea: Spring and Autumn: April-May and October-November.

Dead Sea Travel Tips

The Dead Sea offers wonderful views and it is a relaxing getaway for tourists and vacationers. It is a sunbathers delight. 

Hikers can enjoy a climb up the nearby Masada Fortress via the Snake Path. The Snake Path rises 400 meters offering vacationers stunning views of the Dead Sea, the desert and the Jordanian Mountains. For the less energetic there is a cable car that will take you to the top.

Visit Ein Gedi – a lush oasis in the middle of the desert.  Nine hiking trails of varying difficulty and some lead you to David’s Waterfall where you can swim and enjoy the cool waters.

Getting to the Dead Sea

By car, by private shuttle (check with your hotel) or by bus. Egged Bus 486 from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station is a direct line to the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi and Masada. Note: no public transport on Shabbat from Friday afternoon till Saturday evening.

Dead Sea Best Hotels

Luxury hotels, spas, kibbutz accommodation, zimmerin, guest houses and Airbnb accommodation on the shores of the Dead Sea and close by at Ein Gedi in Arad and surrounding areas is available.

Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel, Ein Bokek, Israel

Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel, Arad, Israel

Leonardo Club Hotel Dead Sea – All Inclusive, Neve Zohar, Israel

Hod Dead Sea by Herbert Samuel, Ein Bokek, Israel

Spa Club Dead Sea Hotel, Ein Bokek, Israel

The Dead Sea Scrolls, Qumran & Museums

Another major attraction at the Dead Sea is the Qumran National Park where at the caves, the Dead Sea Scrolls and fragments were found between 1947 and 1947 by Bedouin shepherd Muhammed edh-Dhib, his cousin Jum’a Muhammed, and Khalil Musa.

In February 2017, archaeologists announced the discovery of a new, 12th cave at Qumran and one blank parchment found in a jar.

Small portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls are on permanent exhibition at the Israel Museum at the Shrine of the Book, while others are on display at museums around the world.

Dead Sea Salt

No trip to the Dead Sea is complete without a visit to a spa and purchasing some Dead Sea cosmetics. Shop around as prices vary.

Dead Sea water levels for the past 5 years

Measurement dateLevel
01/08/2021-435.84
01/08/2020-435.18
01/08/2019-434.26
01/08/2017-432.18
01/08/2016-429.9

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Israel Municipal and Regional Election Results 2018

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Israel Municipal and Regional Election Results 2018

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Israel Municipal and Regional Election Results 2018

The first round of the municipal and regional elections were held in Israel on Tuesday, October 30th, 2018. Voting stations opened at 7:00am. A day off work (Shabbaton) for many, 55 percent of registered voters went to the polls and there were some surprising results. Candidates in some regions did not reach the required 40 percent threshold of votes and a second runoff round of elections was called. Amidst a day of chaos in Israel where rockets were being fired from Gaza into Israel, the runoff round took place on Tuesday, November 13th, 2018

israel municipal regional elections results 2018

According to the Interior Ministry, on October 30, 2018, 3.6 million people voted out of 6.6 million eligible voters in 251 cities, towns, and local councils

Mazaltov!

First time ever.  Ten women have been elected as heads of their municipalities or regional councils.

Results of the Jerusalem Elections

Nir Barkat is the outgoing mayor of Jerusalem. Jerusalem Affairs Minister Ze’ev Elkin was voted out in the first round! None of the candidates for Jerusalem mayor reached the 40 percent threshold necessary to win the first round. Jerusalem city councilmen Moshe Lion and Ofer Berkovitch went head to head in the run-off race  after finishing first and second in the first round.

On  November 13, 2018 Moshe Lion won the second round and is now Mayor of Jerusalem.

Tel Aviv Mayoral Election Results

Slam, dunk and another win for incumbent Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai who took the election with 45% of the vote. Asaf Zamir, who challenged Huldai for the mayoral position, won 35% of the vote and other candidates Natan Elnatan and Assaf Harel – received less than 14 percent of the vote. Huldai now begins his fifth term as the Mayor of Tel Aviv.  He has been mayor since 1998.

Know who’s near. Locate English speaking, oleh-friendly, professionals near you.

New Haifa Mayor

Dr. Einat Kalisch Rotem takes the Mayoral Office away from Yona Yahav who has been in office for the last 15 years.  Kalisch will be Haifa’s first woman mayor.  Kalisch’s election represents the first time a woman mayor has been elected in one of Israel’s 3 major cities (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa) in the 70 years since the founding of the State.

Bat Yam

Tzviaka Brot won the vote in the second round in Bat Yam.

Rishon Le’Zion Results

Neither Dov Tzur nor Raz Kinszltich reached the 40 percent threshold and ran against one another in the second round. Raz Kinszltich won the second round.

Beer Sheva

Rubik Danilowitz won the mayoral elections in Beer Sheva for a third term.

Ramat Gan Election Results

Carmel Shama Hacohen ran against incumbent Israel Singer in the second round and HaCohen took the final vote to win the second round.

Netanya Mayor

Much loved Miriam Feinberg took the election in Netanya.  She now starts her fifth term as mayor of the city.

Sderot

Incumbent mayor Alon Davidi took the election in Sderot and will now serve another term

Beit Shemesh

After a tight struggle between Aliza Bloch and Moshe Aboutbul, the votes of the soldiers, prisoners and disabled made all the difference.  The vote went in Bloch’s favor and she won the election.

Raanana & Kfar Saba Results

In Raanana a second round between Haim Broide and Eitan Ginzburg was called.  Haim Broide came out tops.

In neighboring Kfar Saba, Rafi Sa’ar and Yossi Sedbon went head-to-head.  Rafi Sa’ar won the second round with 54 percent of the votes.

Yavne

In Yavne, the mayor, Zvi Gov Ari, will continue to serve after defeating his rivals who included former minister Meir Sheetrit

Yerucham

Tal Ochana, the youngest of all the women candidates, took the election in the small town of Yerucham.

Tzfat

After the second round in Tzfar Shuki Ohana took the vote.

Maalot HaTarshiha

Arkady Pomerantz took the second round with 65 percent of the votes in Maalot HaTarshiha when he beat Shlomo Buchbut who won 35 per cent of the votes.

Ramat HaSharon

Aviram Gruber took the vote in the second round.

Eilat

After the second round, the new Mayor of Eilat is Meir Yitzhak HaLevi

Kfar Vradim

David Eyal Shmueli was elected in Kfar Vradim

Lehavim

In the second round Yosef Nissan was elected in Lehavim

Zevulun

Amos Netzer won the election in the second round.

Meitar

Shimon Mazoz is the new head of the regional council of Meiter after he won the vote in the second runoff round.

Pardes Hanna Karkur

Hagar Peri Yagur took the vote and beat the incumbent head of the regional council in the second round.

Tirat HaCarmel

Mayor Arye Tal retained his crown in the second round.

 

 

More about Israel’s democratic electoral system

 

 

Israel Personal Imports: Television, Routers & Receivers

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Israel Personal Imports: Television, Routers & Receivers
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Personal Imports into Israel: Television, Routers & Receivers.

Israel consumers are exempt from obtaining a personal import license for televisions, routers and receivers.

israel personal imports electronics
Image credit: Unsplash

 

Israel Personal Imports: On October 28th, 2018, Ynet reported that The Minister of Communications Ayoub Kara, signed an amendment enabling the online purchase of devices that use communications frequencies without a license. This will result in a much faster release of these items from customs and also a saving of hundreds of shekels to consumers. The amendment does not include drones and items for smart-homes.

Minister of Communications Ayoub Kara signed an amendment to the original Telegraph Order  on Sunday, October 28th, 2018. Consumers who purchase electronic equipment from abroad for their own or family use will not be required to obtain a licenses or approval from the Ministry of Communications. Imports are limited to a maximum of five devices.

Some  items are already exempt from licenses such as computer monitors, games (eg Playstation, XBox) or book readers (like Kindle).

Also exempt are computer peripherals (mouse, keyboard or speakers), printers, document scanners, copiers, home or office video projector, streamers, tablets, laptops or desktop computes, cameras (not including security cameras), vacuum cleaners, wireless electric chargers, home audio systems, home audio amplifiers, routers and receivers.

Currently consumers who purchase items online from abroad paid around 250NIS to courier companies. This amendment will also result in fewer delays at customs.

This initiative follows the government’s decision of January 2018 on removing barriers to personal import as a means of reducing the cost of living.

The amendment will be published in the coming days and will take effect in a few weeks.

 

Israel Payroll Calculator Table

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Israel Payroll Calculator Table

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Israel Payroll Calculator for Hi-Tech Jobs

Are you being paid fairly? How much are you worth? What salary should you ask for?

Software developers and programmers, engineers, systems, support, analysts, SEO, sales and marketing – this payroll calculator table and salary chart will help you determine your real worth. 

The table shows salary per month, in thousands of shekels, based on years of experience as at November 2018.

payroll calculator programmer

Salary by Profession & Occupation

Software Jobs
Position / years of experience 1-3 Years 3-5 Years 5-10 Years Management
RT embedded Engineer 18-23 23-28 28-33 33+
JAVA Engineer / Developer 18-24 24-28 28-35 35+
NET / C # Engineer 18-23 23-27 27-30 30+
Web Engineer 15-20 20-27 27-32 32+
Android / IOS Developer 20-22 22-25 25-30 30+
Linux / Kernel Expert 19-23 23-30 30-37 37+
Software Project Manager 18-20 21-23 22-27 28-30

On-Line Jobs
Position / years of experience 1-3 3-5 5-10
SEO man 9-12 12-15 15-20
E-Mail Marketing 8-10 10-12 13-15
Inside Sales 8-11 12-15 15-18
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Couscous recipe the Israeli way

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Couscous recipe the Israeli way

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Easiest couscous recipe. Best way to make couscous so that it comes out fluffy and tasty.

couscous recipe
Couscous served the traditional way with a hearty vegetable soup (Image credit: Unsplash)

Couscous – small semolina flakes, which come packaged in an airtight bag, are one of the most convenient solutions for a healthy, quick and delicious meal. Combine couscous with a traditional Moroccan vegetable soup, lamb, fish, chicken or other meat and you’re all set.  Serve it savory or sweeten with apricots, prunes, raisins or sultanas.  Add some crunch with pine-, cashew- or pistachio-nuts.

Types of couscous

Before we get going with our couscous recipe, you’ll find 4 different types of couscous on the supermarket shelves.

Fine grain couscous: The finest and most delicate type of couscous especially suitable for making the traditional Eastern couscous salad Tabbouleh (with mint, parsley, tomatoes, lemon and olive oil).  You can also use the fine couscous for baking a perfect semolina cake (Basbousa) or semolina biscuits.  

Medium grain couscous: The classic couscous, is best suited for making the traditional  couscous soup with vegetables, chicken, meat or fish.

Coarse grain couscous: Large grains that are suitable for making stuffing or if you prefer traditional couscous this way.

Whole grain couscous: As its name implies, whole grain couscous is made of whole wheat which means it is more rich in fiber and vitamins.

Couscous recipe. How to prepare delicious Couscous?

Instant couscous, just like a bulgur (burghul) does not really require cooking.  Soak it in boiling hot water and within minutes you’ll be have a ready-to-eat meal.

No matter what couscous you choose, you will find an appropriate recipe on the package. These are the general quantities and instructions.

  • For every cup of couscous – use 1 1/2 cups of water
  • 2 tablespoons oil (traditional to use olive oil) –
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • A little black pepper

Preparing the couscous

  1. In a large bowl, mix the couscous, oil, salt and pepper.
  2. Pour in the boiling water and cover the bowl with a plate or lid.
  3. Wait 5 minutes, open and lightly stir the couscous with a fork.
  4. Return the plate and wait another 7-10 minutes.
  5. Gently open and gently stir the grain with a fork so that it separates
  6. Leave open for 2 minutes and serve with vegetable soup, meat, chicken or as you prefer.

Couscous Cooking Tips

Replacing the salt with instant chicken/beef stock powder is the biggest couscous cheat.

If you prefer a spicy meal add a small quantity of chili flakes or else eat couscous with Harissa paste – a traditional Tunisian paste made with hot red peppers and a variety of spices.

The vegetables in the soup are traditionally cut in large chunks and pieces. Pumpkin, carrots, marrow and potatoes are our favorites.  Chickpeas are a must-have addition to the sauce.  Soak your own or buy a can of pre-soaked chickpeas in the supermarket.

If your couscous is a little too wet, then a few minutes in the microwave on high power should dry it out and plump it up.

Hand rolled homemade couscous

While it is not hard to make your own couscous from scratch, using semolina flour, it is labor intensive. You’ll need to moisten the flour, sift the granules, cook it in a couscoussiere (steamer) with a cooking time of about 30 minutes.

How to make Israeli couscous

couscous recipe israeli couscous ptitim
Israeli couscous

Israeli couscous refers to a toasted pasta shaped like rice grains, little balls, or multiple other shapes. Israeli couscous was developed in the 1950’s when rice was scarce.

Israeli couscous was originally nicknamed ‘Ben Gurion’s Rice’.  During the 1950’s – Israel’s austerity period, the first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion approached one of Israel’s largest food companies,  and asked them to quickly devise a wheat-based substitute to rice.  The result was Israeli couscous.  In Israel, these days, this pasta is called “Ptitim” – the Hebrew word for flakes.

Originally made to look like rice (similar to Italian orzo), ptitim became so popular that soon the company started to manufacture little balls of pasta which later became known as Israeli couscous.

Betayavon! (Hebrew for Bon-apetite)

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