Books

The Israelis

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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Before traveling to Israel or while traveling in Israel, you must read the book, "The Israelis" by Donna Rosenthal. It explains all types of Israeli people and their different cultures, from the Ashkanzi to the Sephardi; from the Frecha to the Arsi; from the Dati to the Kiloni, from all the periods of people who made “Aliyah” (when a Jewish person moves to Israel and gains citizenship), Israeli Arab, Druze, Jewish, and Palestinian, and homosexual culture.

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Getting Around

The rules of taxi cab fares

Jonathan Amerikaner

01 Oct 2009

Israel

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In Jerusalem there are a few tips to negotiating taxi fares: 1) Taxis have meters that often end up being less than a poorly negotiated price. 2) Speaking in English, and looking like a tourist, will raise the initial offer at least 25%. 3) Ask locals for the cost to a destination. You don’t want to offer (or accept) a price substantially higher than the norm, nor offer a price substantially lower. 4) Be aware of planned traffic delays or major events. Sometimes you have to pay a premium when the going gets rough. 5) Your greatest negotiating tactic is the fact that another cab will never be far away. Walk away or… 6) Just walk. It’s healthier, cheaper, and the best way to experience the sights and sounds.

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Festivals & Events

Days of wine and Moses

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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If you are traveling to Israel in July, do not miss the Jerusalem Wine Festival. This is a festival with over 60 wineries attending and for only 60 NIS you receive a wine glass for as many tastings as you would like. The Jerusalem Wine Festival goes on for 3 nights (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), is usually located at the Israel Museum, and also has yummy cheeses and music. Thousands of people attend each evening. Do not miss!

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Culture Shock

Where's my bubble?

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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In Israel, you'll probably have to rethink your sense of personal space. At the ATM, the person behind you will stand so close to you that you'll hear them breathing. And when you are riding the bus or train, expect people to cozy up next to you and start talking. My advice: don't fear it, enjoy it! Learn from your new friends and laugh!

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Must Do

Float in the Dead Sea

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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There are many historical sites in Israel that you must see. But one in particular is the Dead Sea or “Yam hamelech." You must see it for two very important reasons: it will probably be gone in 25 years, because its shore line is receding at a rate of three meters per year, and because no matter how much you weigh, you will float! (The high salt content makes the Dead Sea extremely buoyant.) My advice: don’t shave for a couple of days before you enjoy your salty float.

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Etiquette

No touching?

Jonathan Amerikaner

27 Oct 2009

Israel

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Some Jews actively practice "Shomer Negiya" (guarding touch or protective touch). At its core is the idea that men and women should not touch unnecessarily or affectionately, until marriage. But there are varying levels of adherence to this rule. Some men and women shake hands; others may not. Some hug; others will not. What does that mean you should do? The best course of action is no action. Let them initiate contact if they want. If they offer you their hand, then shake it. And of course if someone is in a life or death situation, touching is permitted.

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Food

Does that mean you don't serve cheeseburgers!?

Jonathan Amerikaner

27 Oct 2009

Israel

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A quick review of Kosher requirements in Israel: It is not permitted to mix meat (beef and poultry) with milk because of a commandment not to eat "a kid in his mother's milk." Other prohibitions include shellfish and other scavenging animals, certain types of fish, insects, specific herbivores, and all carnivores. Kosher also sets out guidelines on food preparation including slaughtering animals in the least painful way, sanitation, and cooking. For example flour must be sifted thoroughly to remove any bugs. Prepared foods and restaurants wishing to receive a Kosher certificate are continuously inspected. But don't worry, you can still find cheeseburgers.

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Film

What happened to the movie?

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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At the movies in Israel, there is usually a five minute break in the middle of the movie. This is for a bathroom break, cigarette break or stretch break. Also, you have an assigned seat at the movies, so when you buy your tickets, do not forget to tell the ticket agent which seats you prefer.

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Packing

Pack for all seasons, and for modesty

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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Israel gets very hot in the spring and summer, but can also see snow in the winter, and there is hot, dry desert and snow-capped mountains. In other words, you should pack according to the season and according to your destination. I would also recommend packing clothes that demonstrate modesty. There are many holy sites in Israel where women must wear a shirt covering their elbows and chest, along with a long skirt, and men must wear pants and a shirt covering their shoulders.

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Religion

Finding my religion

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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You can not come to Israel without noticing the presence of large numbers of religious people, or without sensing the incredibly rich religious traditions. Judaism is of course the national religion, but a significant number of Israelis are Christian and Muslim. My advice is to be respectful of everyone you meet. And be aware that a lot of shops and restaurants close down on Friday afternoon to Saturday evening because of the Jewish Sabbath, and all Jewish holidays are considered national holidays.

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Politics

Try to stay out of it

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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My advice is to not get involved in too many political conversations. Many Israelis have VERY strong opinions, and have real life experience to back up their opinions. A majority of people have served in the army. Many have a family member or know someone that has been killed in a war or terrorist attack, and they will cite their personal tragedy as a way of reinforcing their political opinion. I would suggest that you read the newspapers and observe, but try not to get involved in heated conversations.

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Sports

Fun with paddles

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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Any time of the year, you will see Israelis on the beach (minus the few rainy days in winter) playing Matkot, a sport played with a small round ball and two paddles. Israelis are serious about this game, so do not interrupt. Instead, join in on the fun and see if you can keep the ball up in the air!

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Fashion

Speedos to foxtails

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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There are no rules in Israel when it comes to fashion. In the summer, you'll see everything from old fat men in Speedos lying on the beach, to men in long black trench coats with hats coated in fur--in the summer heat. With the Haredi or Jewish religious community, the fashion defines their level of religiousness. However, even though the religious community has an obvious presence in Israel, the majority of Israelis are secular and wear jeans, t-shirts, and dresses.

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Dating

Family first

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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Israelis have a strong sense of family values, and that affects dating etiquette. Within the religious communities, dating is usually seen as a precursor for marriage, so the dating period is usually no more than three to six months. In the secular community, people may date for a longer period of time and live together, but there seems to be pressure for marriage and babies nonetheless. Careers are important, but family comes first--regardless of religious persuasion.

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Health

Middle East diet

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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Israel can sometimes seem a bit backwards, but the country has advanced in technology and medicine in the last 15 years at an extraordinary rate. Medicine and pharmacies are easily accessible and the majority of doctors speak English. Israel also tends to be a healthier country, perhaps because of the Middle Eastern diet of olive oil, fresh vegetables and fruits. Less healthy fast food is somewhat expensive compared to a pita with salad and chicken or aka shwarma. The water is safe to drink and the food is delicious! Be’tavon!

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Slang

What did you call me?

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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Most of Israeli slang is derived from Arabic words. Some of these terms are: “yalla,” which means "let's go," "Sababa," which means "good" or "cool," and "walla," which means "excellent!" Enjoy using these terms. And if you want to know a “bad word,” any Israeli will tell gladly tell you some.

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Nightlife

Non-stop parties

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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The nightlife in Israel is outstanding. I found many bars and clubs that would not shut down until the last customer was stumbling out, often at 6 or 7 in the morning. Israelis work hard but they also play hard, and when they go out dancing, they let it all out. There is no holding back or shame of dancing, and I would describe their dancing style as, well, jumping up and down. There certainly isn't a lot of grinding. Fortunately, you do not need rhythm to fit into the Israeli night scene!

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Being an American

(Not so) glad to be an American

Jonathan Amerikaner

07 Feb 2010

Israel

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Even though I can speak Hebrew, my accent is American, so taxi cab prices in the “shuk” (market) automatically increase. Watch out for that. Just say “monay” when you get into a taxi, which means meter. Most Israelis can speak English, and if they can’t, they can at least understand English. English has been on their televisions and on signs for a very long time. Most Israelis I met love America and think America is the land of wealth and big houses and cars. Many asked me what life was like growing up in America, and many had traveled there after their army service. Some turned out to be the people who sell Dead Sea products at U.S malls!

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