Shekels

Minimum Wage in Israel Rises to ₪5300 – A History of Minimum Wage and Its Actual Impact

Shekels

In current news, the Knesset Labor and Social Affairs Committee on Tuesday approved the raising of the minimum wage in Israel to 5,300 shekels. What does this mean practically for the average citizen of Israel? Are we to be excited, overwhelmed, elated or still wondering if it’s possible to live on this amount of money? In this post, we’ll be taking a look at how far the minimum wage has come in the past few years and weigh this honestly against the actual cost of living. Thereafter, we leave it up to the “thinking” citizen of Israel to consider the emotions one might have after hearing this news.

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Hebrew Dictionary

The Story of Eliezer ben Yehudah and the Hebrew Language in Israel

Hebrew Dictionary

This is the story of Eliezer ben Yehuda as told by his grandson – Eliezer ben Yehuda. It was Eliezer ben Yehuda who brought the Hebrew language to be a spoken language in the Land of Israel as all those who live here speak it to this day. It is noteworthy that one of the most central streets in the city of Jerusalem is called after him – Ben Yehuda. Next time you take a walk in that street, remember this story:

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Image of a Fallen Bicycle in a Side Mirror - Witnessing an Accident in Israel

What To Do If You See An Accident In Israel

Image of a Fallen Bicycle in a Side Mirror - Witnessing an Accident in Israel

The question recently arose as to what one is expected to do if you witness an accident or arrive at scene of an accident in Israel shortly after the event took place. There are various different types of accidents and hence a number of options of what you could and should do. The exact nature of assistance you offer depends both on the situation and your knowledge or experience in first aid. In this post, we will share more about what you need to understand and what you need to do.

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Documents Needed for Arnonah Discount

In our previous post, we spoke about the Shumah (tax assessment form). We spoke about what it is, where to obtain it from, and how to obtain it. The Shumah is absolutely necessary if you are applying for a discount for your Arnonah tax. It is the only way the Iriyah will know that you have earned an amount that allows for a discount. In this post, we take a look at some of the other important documents you’ll need when you go through to obtain your discount for Arnonah. Remember, the Arnonah is the yearly tax that must be paid by every person who is living in an apartment in Israel. It is paid at the very least every two months or a full year in advance. If you cannot afford it, you may be entitled to a discount. You’ll need to bring a number of things with you when you apply for your discount:

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Tax Assessments – The Shumah and How and Where to Obtain One

At the end of every year, one is required to get one’s money matters in order. It will not be long before the year’s earnings must be declared to the tax authorities. Before the final documents are calculated and issued, one will be issued with a tax assessment. There are reasons why this document is so important. It is imperative to obtain this document as soon as you can into the new year, because it may end up assisting you early in the year. In this post, we’ll tell you how this document can help you, how one obtains it, and where one can obtain it from. We’ll also discuss more about Arnona and how this document can assist you in obtaining a discount!

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Torah

Studying in a Kollel and Payments / Support Options – The Reality

Torah

Many young and older men come to Israel in order to study Torah in a Kollel. For those wanting to understand more about the options available for those wanting to spend of their time studying Torah on a full time basis, we offer you a look at the truth in terms of the costs in studying as well as the actual amounts that Kollel Avreichim (those studying at the Kollel) actually receive. It’s really a vital post, because many people are under the illusion that those studying in a Kollel are supported by the government. This is in fact not true. We need to understand and clarify what people are hearing, and what the actual situation is. Let us remember that those who study Torah in the Land of Israel are to be specially praised for their true self sacrifice. It is something one does because one feels the need to learn more so that one can observe more – and perhaps go on to teach more as well.

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Eye examination

Low Cost – and No Cost – Eye Testing in Israel

Eye examination

The question is often asked: What is the situation with eye tests in Israel? Are eye examinations covered under the medical aid system (Kupat Cholim)? If not, what exactly are my options?! Those with weaker vision know well the constant need to go for regular eye tests for prescription glasses. Of course – glasses are one thing, and the health of the eye is quite another. If it’s an actual eye test for the purpose of the health of the eye you require, you’re going to need to contact an ophthalmic surgeon / ophthalmologist.  If it’s new glasses or contact lenses you’re in need of, you’ll need to make an appointment with the optometrist! In this post, we’re going to show you your low cost choices as well as an option that will give you free testing for glasses and offer frames and lenses at practically cost prices!

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Rose Garden

Take a Breather – De-stress not Distress!

Sukkah

It’s Sukkot! It’s not too difficult to find oneself constantly exposed to the Jewish holidays when one lives in Israel! Wherever one looks, one can see beautiful booths everywhere! It’s an amazing experience of course! So often, when one lives overseas, the only times one gets to see the beautiful “huts” is either in one’s own home or at a friend’s. Here, however, one can see Sukkot just about everywhere – on the streets, on the balconies practically everywhere one looks, in parking bays. ומי כעמך כישראל? “And who is like Your nation Israel?” We are immersed in the beauty of a Chag (festival) going back 3300 years when the Jewish people were taken out of Egypt as they were to be lead into the Land – a journey that would end up taking forty years! As they traveled through the desert they were surrounded by the clouds of glory. To commemorate these mystical clouds that protected us throughout our journey, we surround ourselves with the Sukkot we sit in for a period of seven days! At least – this is according to Rabbi Eliezer. Rabbi Akiva says that the Jewish people actually dwelt in proper booths, and we commemorate our remembrance of those days by sitting in similar such booths (Sukkah 11b).

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