Lizrael Update: babbling about the expat life since 2004
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A whole new meaning to 'pilot trip.'
Apparently, the Jewish Agency is giving a whole new meaning to ‘aliyah pilot trip.’ Haaretz reports: Program allows Jews to give immigration a chance The Jewish Agency will introduce a “trial immigration” program to Jews from abroad, as part of a broader strategy to make the move less intimidating for potential immigrants from the West.…
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Morning Jerusalem.
This morning was the first time in a long time that my heart sang for Jerusalem. It was 5:45 am and we were in a cab on the way to the bus station. The sky was dark and the air was crisp. The streets were almost empty. And my heart was stirring a song for…
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Israeli Jew on Christmas.
Back home in New York, Christmas for Jews means Chinese food and going to the movies (apparently). Because I have a TV this year, I can’t forget that tonight the rest of the world is celebrating various versions of this holiday. My Australian husband has recalled the Chinese food and movies tradition (which I’ve actually…
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Gaydamak is the new Rothschild.
I learned a new word today – or is it metaphor? – from my landlady’s son. He’s here to do some repairs and got to asking us if when we move, we’re buying or renting. He mentioned how this building we live in is a wealthy kablan’s (contractor) dream. In his words: “All you need…
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American self discovery (finally, a use for my English major)
I finished Slaughterhouse-Five today on my way across Jerusalem. One of the most finger-pointing themes of the book – relevant to me these days – is expressed in the following lines, by character Howard W. Campbell Jr., as he describes American prisoners of war compared to others. “[Americans] were known everywhere to be the most self-pitying,…
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Adam Sandler's Israeli side.
Like so many of us, I am an Adam Sandler fan, for better or worse. I’m not yet sure if this is best or worst, but his latest – You Don’t Mess With The Zohan – is certainly… relevant? Adam Sandler definitely takes on one of his most ridiculous roles – and worst accents –…
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King Gaydamak of Jerusalem.
Charity is good and all, and everyone likes a nice project now and again. But this is going a little far for a hobby, right? Walking through the streets of Jerusalem, I turn my head and see the giant face of Arkadi Gaydamak: I guess it’s unnerving because no one really knows what the Russian-Israeli…
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Leftover Chanukah gelt: the shnekel.
I saw the brand-new two shekel coin today. There’s already a group on Facebook petitioning everyone to dub the coin the “shnekel” or “שנקל”. Well, why not? It’s shnei shkalim (two shekels). Not only that, but the shnekel has it’s own website, too: www.shnekel.org I guess this it’ll make it easier at those כל פריט…
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The youth of the Bezeq parrot.
I recently finished reading a book I found on my shelf – Vernon God Little – and as I was reading it, a postcard fell out, as if by some will of the powers that be, I was meant to find it and comment: I couldn’t believe it! It was the freaky Bezeq parrot,…
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Polite/funny/logical Israeli building notice?!
I got this forwarded to me the other day and I felt it was important to share this ‘holiday season’ of giving. In case you don’t read Hebrew, here’s the gist: On Saturday night I’m having a small party on the roof. It might be a bit noisy (until the acceptable hour) so right before…
Questions? Comments? Advice?