Essential Israel websites for postal needs, directions, movies, bus routes, and more
I know it might seem like a strange combination, but this is a collection of tremendously helpful Israel websites that I always come back to and wanted to share.
Post Office: Displays all the post office locations in Jerusalem and their crazy hours because who can remember when they take their 4 hour lunch breaks. For other cities in Israel, you can click on the top link on the right sidebar to change the city. The “english” section doesn’t have much more that fluffy filler text, so pretty much Hebrew only.
Directions and Maps: The closest thing to mapquest, emap.co.il (Internet Explorer only) is an amazing resource for finding how to get around in Jerusalem and the rest of Israel. Available in Hebrew and English.
Movies: Seret.co.il lets you search by movie title, theater, or genre. When you select a theater, for example, the Globus theater in the Malha mall or Rav Chen in Talpiot, it brings up the phone number, address, and a current listing of all the movie showtimes. In Hebrew only.
Concerts, Theater: Hadran lets you buy tickets for the hottest performances happening all over Israel. I’ve never used it, but it looks reliable and professional. Available in Hebrew and English.
Israel Railways Train Schedule: Though the price of tickets is hard to find, the site is good for looking up the train times. The last time I took the train I believe it was 17.10 shekels for students – one way. Much quieter, hassle-free, and more leg room than the Egged busses. Only drawback is it takes a little longer to get where you’re going and I think the direct train from Jlem to TA is not running anymore? In English and Hebrew.
Bus Routes: Although the Egged site might be good to look at for travel info to the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, or Haifa, it doesn’t have a very user-friendly or up-to-date map of which bus to take within Jerusalem and other cities. So, use Egged in English or Hebrew for travel between cities and Wikipedia in English for a look at which bus to take within Jerusalem.
Let’s liven things up around here:
Shmita Unplugged- laws, loopholes, and support groups
As Jerry Seinfeld might put it, what’s the deal with shmita? This is my first time in Israel for a Shmita year and I’ve tried to understand all the laws and practices about 15 times and I still have a blank look on my face. Luckily, I found a handy dandy Shmita FAQ by Rabbi Weiss in Ranaana, a Yahoo support group, and a website for all my Shmita cuirosities. Here’s a shocking bit about shmita in Israel, the supermarkets don’t feel any differnet – no signs, no labels, no special shmita rabbi, just the same old same old. And one more comment before the real deal about shmita, whats with the spelling – I’ve seen the following versions: shmita, shmitta, shmittah, shemittah, shmmmmmmitah. It’s out of control.
Here’s a simplified slice from Rabbi Weiss’ Q&A. Continue reading this entry »
Misrad HaKlita and Misrad HaStudentim duke it out
VS.
Think the logos and websites are confusing? Just wait till you start talking to the offices.
Someone requested that I cover this topic so here’s all I know on the subject of Misrad HaKlita(absorption) vs. Misrad HaStudentim (student authority) . Please verify the information with the right office, as the info changes all the time (naturally).
Misrad HaKlita – course route
You need to be:
- under 30
- made aliyah less than 3 years ago
- they’ll give you up to 10,000 shekels of the cost of your course. (I’m currently taking a graphic design course at John Bryce, and this is how much they gave me)
Phone: The main number is 02-621-4555. More specifically, I spoke to Ina, who was nice and patient: 02-624-9398.
Address: 15 Hillel St, Downtown Jerusalem. You should call the main line to make an appointment.
Website
Misrad HaStudentim – University route
I am not as familiar with their terms, but it is also under 30 to start. I think it’s mostly for Hebrew programs, but you’d have to check.
Phone: 02-621-4538 or 02-621-4543
Address: 15 Hillel St, Downtown Jerusalem.
Website
Good luck with your studies.
Ulpan…c’mon everybody’s doing it.
Ulpan in Israel is all the rage when you first move here. ‘Which ulpan are you at?’ is one of the first questions we ask each other so we know we’re not alone in our craving to master the Hebrew language.
My ulpan of choice was Ulpan Milah, since I moved to Israel before making Aliyah. I did Milah from Level Bet all the way through Vav, which took me less than two years, with breaks to America during the summers. The hours were really flexible, the price fair, the teachers excellent, and the 2 shekel coffee machine unbeatable.
They are located in downtown Jerusalem, and you can find more about Ulpan Milah by calling them: 02- 623-3164 or visiting their website.
When you finish the ulpan circuit, you feel more or less prepared to explore the language. It is then that you truly enter the unpredictable world of Hebrew words such as pateti for pathetic, or autenti for authentic, or siluetta for silhouette. And then you wonder, why did I need Ulpan in the first place?
Fantasti.
Shimon the Mover
They say that moving is the second or third most stressful thing in our lives. Lately, I’ve heard some pretty horrible stories about people getting taken advantage of, having their wallet stolen, etc, I’m starting to see where these statistics come from.
Whenever I come across someone who is honest, nice, and serious about what they do, I want to make sure they get all the business they deserve. Shimon the Mover is that guy. I might not know his last name, but he’s moved me into 2 different apartments, moved all my friends, and always with a smile and a great price. He is bilingual, too, which really helps. He is hardworking and really friendly. The more people you have to help him, the better deal you’ll get. Make sure to book him in advance.
Shimon’s number: 057- 733-7440
In case he’s not available or you have other needs, here is a fabulous list of movers put together by Jangloers
Ashdod: A vacation spot without leaving Israel
I always thought Ashdod, Ashkelon, same thing, whatever. So I was surprised, on my recent trip to the beach, to discover what a truly beautiful place Ashdod is. The streets are lined with palm trees, artsy buildings, and modern sculptures. And the mall even has a Mango store.
Warning: This may not be the beach to ogle at the bikini-clad women that were on the cover of Maxim.
When we got to the beach, we saw many religious women fully clad in bathing dresses and their hair covered. In fact, we saw all types of women, but not one man. Or boy. Or male of any age. But we figured, hey, maybe guys just don’t like coming to the ocean anymore. So, as we were unpacking, we got a plethora of dirty looks and the crowd started approaching fast, telling us this beach is for women only and to move on down to the next section.
Woops!
So, we went over to the mixed beach and started swimming away. I couldn’t get over how clean the beach was, how quiet, not crowded, and best yet, no jellyfish. For those who have been to the Tel Aviv beach, just imagine the complete opposite. So instead of spending tons of money to see beautiful beaches elsewhere in the world, first check out Ashdod.
Misrad HaPnim – Interior Ministry Hours
If you are fortunate enough to be able to go to the Misrad Hapnim in Jerusalem, sometimes referred to as the Misrad HaPanim, ‘the face office’ to get your passport renewed or other fun activities, here’s a timetable of when they’re open:
- Sunday to Thursday: 8-12:3o*
- Monday and Wednesday: 2:30-5:30* – Recommended as the workers are less cranky.
Feel free to express your frustrations or any new changes to the schedule. Located on Shlomzion Hamalka in Jerusalem off of Yaffo St. As far as a phone number goes, don’t bother. I asked them once, and they laughed at me.
See comments below for info on the less crowded Gilo Branch. Thanks, Yael.
*These times are subject to change for the following reasons, so good luck.
- cigarette breaks
- early lunch breaks
- because they feel like it
- phone calls to friends or family
- sodoku
How to convert your American driver’s license in Israel
A bunch of people have recently asked me how to get a license in Israel if they already have one from America. It’s hard to answer that question because as soon as you’ve finished the ridiculous process you want to forget it immediately. However, I looked through my emails and found that I had written about my experience. Following the email are steps to converting your license.
(August 8, 2006) Now for the big news, I am getting…. my license! well, not yet – i still have to take my driving lesson and test, but if I told you all the steps I’ve already completed, you would think I already got it. I won’t mention that first you have to go to a special photography store to get a special document, then you have to go to a special eyeplace and a special eyetest where they smush your forehead into a machine and call you a wussy when you complain.
Then off to your doctor to get a stamp after you perform a litany of stupid tasks – you can try this one at home: move your finger from your nose to someone else’s finger, and back and forth, now faster until you feel utterly stupid. Will i have to do this while driving? If so, I’m gonna need more practice. Oh, I wasn’t done.
Then, you have to take the special paper with the 2 doctor stamps and wait in line at what seems to be a hotspot for men whose head automatically looks every girl up and down back up again, and finally down again. Later you find out that that place is not just a haven of non-deodorized men, but actually serves as the licensing bureau. Well you think I’d be done at this point.
But alas, I actually must do some driving. so, i will find out a mafia man, or a driving instructor, although here they are one in the same, take a driving lesson with him, then if he’s kind and doesn’t want to charge me for more lessons, he will test me and then… i will have a license.
I guess this is not the right time to bring up the fact that im not sure why i’m getting a license in the first place. it just feels like something i should get done since you have to take 28 lessons (read: 2800NIS) if you convert your license after that magical 3rd year of Aliyah. I don’t ever ever ever want to drive here if i can avoid it because only here will cars honk their horns at your while the light is still red.
Steps to Getting/Converting your license in Israel: Think of it as an expensive scavenger hunt.
1. Go to the eyeglass store Moskovitz, in the Malha Mall, 2nd floor(?) and they will take your picture, give you an eyetest, and give you a green document. Pay them 40 shekels.
3. Go to your doctor with the document and have him/her sign it. This was free for me but a friend paid for it.
4. Go to Misrad HaRishui in Talpiot, licesning bureau, on top of the Police Station (Rehov Ta’asuka I believe) and bring your green document, teudat zehut, teudat oleh, american license. They will give you a ‘hafnaya’ (another document) to give to the driving instructor.
5. Call a driving instructor. I recommend the guy I used, Motti: 052 267-4932 who is nice and patient. Schedule a time to do 45 minutes of driving with Motti. He speaks Hebrew but there aren’t many words you need to know. Bring Motti the documents from the Misrad HaRishui and the green document. Pay Motti 100 shekels.
5. Motti will tell you when to meet him at the driving test in Talpiot. Pay 57 shekels at the post office + 300 shekels cash to Motti for the driving test. The post office is right next to the driving test in Talpiot. Motti will tell you the exact address and details.
6. Take your test. Motti will call you to tell you what the result is. When you pass, bring your Teudat Zehut, American license, Teudat Oleh, passport photo (?) to the licensing bureau above the police station in Talpiot. They will give you a paper/temporary license.
7. Go to the Post Office across the street at the Achim Yisrael mall in Talpiot, pay ~360 shekels so they can send you the real license.
7. They should send you the license within 2 months.
8. Mazal Tov.
*I can’t promise the information is still accurate since it has already been a year.
Upside-down coffees, cafes, and discounts
It still feels funny to order an upside-down coffee (cafe hafuch) when you want a capuccino, but I do it anyway because it’s usually the cheapest and yummiest choice on the menu. The funniest thing about coffee shops is people always go there to relax and chill. Meanwhile, I have half a cup of coffee and I’m wired, running around the shop with my arms flailing, and can’t sleep the whole night. Putting my low tolerance for coffee aside, I can spot a cute coffee shop when I see one. Please leave a comment adding any additional coffee shops in the Jerusalem area. See the discount section to save a few shek. Here are my favorites:
1. Cafe Kalo
Location: Baka, near 33 Derech Beit Lechem
Description: very low key and off the beaten path. Funky furniture too.
Random: I met the artist that created their menu while I was in Sinai.
2. Tmol Shilshom
Location: Nahalat Shiva, City Center, in an alleyway off of Yoel Salomon St.
T:02- 623-2758
Description: This not-so-hidden-anymore coffee shop is so quaint and cute with books all around. It has become increasingly popular with everyone telling their friends about their ‘secret’ coffee shop. If you go at peak times, you may wan to make a reservation. They also have delicious food, my favorite being the pumpkin ravioli.
Random: The artist that created the menu for Cafe Kalo also did the menu for Tmol Shilshom
3. 1868 – Cafe
Location: Baka, at the beginning of Derech Beit Lehem, across from the gas station.
T: 02-622-2312
Descriptoin: Maybe this is supposed to be a restaurant, but I like going there as a coffee shop. I ordered the 2 croissant deal with fresh fruit and cream with a white hot chocolate. I was in heaven. My stomach is grumbling thinking about it. For a fancy place, it really wasn’t so expensive.
Random: My friend’s friend works there and we didn’t realize till we arrived and he spoiled us with wine and other drinks.
4. Cafe B’gina
Location: Baka, 74 Beit Lechem
T: 02-672-0825
Description: It is beautiful in the summer, eating outside, surrounded by flowers.
5. Simone
Location: 49 Derech Hebron
T: 02-672-9950
Description: Cute, small French cafe. Derech Hevron – not so cute, but the cafe is worth exploring and the people that run the place are very friendly.
6. Faza (sad update: Faza is out of business)
Location: Corner of Palmach Street and Mivtza Kadesh Street.
T: 02-561-7191
Description: Internet Cafe with 2 computers and wireless. Good music – they played a Tracy Chaplain cd when I was there. Random: I saw a promotional video being made there so I wonder if I’m in the background of some video somewhere.
Discounts:
- Eluna: New updates all the time with new restaurants and new coupons. The coupons are for 10% off, and includes almost all the kosher restaurants in Jerusalem. Worth 2 seconds to print up before heading out.
- Rest.co.il (Hebrew): Use the search feature on the right sidebar to narrow down your search. Random coupons like free glass of wine or dessert or 10% off.
English book stores and sales in Jerusalem – used and new books
Here is a list of bookstores that have a selection of new or used english books. Please leave me a comment with any more details about these bookstores.
*Updated thanks to responses from the Yahoo group IsraelBooks, and commentators.
*I put stars next to my favorites
1. Sefer VeSefel*
Location: City Center | On Yavetz St. which goes from Yaffo to the stairs on Ben Hillel St.In an alley off of Jaffa St. near the Bat Ayin clothing store.
Tel: 02-6248237
Description: Mostly used books, but a few new,especially brand new bestsellers. They will buy your books, I got 15 shekels credit from The Jew in the Lotus. Also, they do up to 65% buyback for books you buy from them.
2. (Don’t know the name but its an antique / rare books place) – City Center. Between Gazith shoes and Big Apple Pizza.
3. Stein Books
Location: City Center | Address: King George across from the new Avi Chai building and the Mirage danceclub.
4. Moffit (?)
Location: Nachlaot | On the side of Binyan Clal off of Jaffa St. across from the Shuk. They possibly have another branch in the lower level of Binyan Clal right at the southern entrance on Rechov Yaffo.
Description: Almost entirely used books.
5. Siman Kriah (also known as BookMark)
Location: Bak’a | 1 Esther Hamalka St., corner 33 Bethlehem Rd; between Derech Hevron and Derekh Bet Lehem;
Tel: 02-673-1934
Description: Specializes in Children’s books and books for youth in English and in Hebrew.
6. Stein Books (same name, I know)
Location: City Center | King George across from the Sheraton Hotel
7. World of Magazines
Location: Talpiot | Achim Yisrael Mall, HaTnufa St. (3rd floor)
Tel: 02-502-3661
8. The Book Gallery
Location: City Center | 6 Schatz street, now a pedestrian-only street
Tel: 02-623-1087
9. Gur Aryeh
Location: Nahalat Shiva, City Center | middle of Yoel Salomon St.
10. Dani Books*
Location: City Center | 54 Yafo St. corner of Yafo and Even Yisrael
Tel: 02-6248293
11. Olam Qatan
Location: German Colony | 52 Emek Refaim
Tel: 02-563-7507
Description: holistic, mystical, religious, scientific, english, used and new
12. Intellect Books
Location: City Center | Rehov Yaffo, past Selina icecream shop and Shanty clothing store if youre going toward the old city.
Description: used books. hebrew, english, german, russian, just about any language and topic. you can also sell your books.
Book Sales, Book websites
- New Yahoo group: IsraelBooks
- AngloBooks – website to trade English books with others in Israel
- Books 4 Now– used books in Israel. Order 4 books, get free delivery
- Janglo – usually lists the latest book sales. Over the past year I’ve gone to book sales at AACI, Amit, Merkaz Hamagshimim, closing book stores, and people’s moving sales.
The Big Felafel 