[img]96|left|||no_popup[/img] Dateline Jerusalem — The month of January in Israel was record-setting. Of 31 days, it rained 29, a first for this arid country where only 2 percent of the land of Israel has water. Although Mt. Hermon in the Golan is known for its skiing, the snowstorms were so bad in January that the slopes had to be closed down at times. This January has definitely been a cold, blustery winter month. Although January is considered the rainy season in Israel, this year was unusually harsh. The major source of drinking water is the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) where the water level has been dangerously low. Most of the country is on water rationing, which means if you use more than your allotment you pay heavy fees. So Israelis pray for rain. And it looks as though our prayers have been answered.

What is interesting about rain in Israel is that it doesn't rain all day. But when it rains, it comes down in torrents that cause areas to flood within minutes. Then there is a respite for 30 to 40 minutes until the next deluge begins. Sometimes a blue sky peeks between heavily clouded gray skies. Just when you think it is safe to venture outside, the skies open and showers of cold rain storm down upon Israel. Streets in my neighborhood have rainwater that rises above the sidewalks. To cross the street is like wading through a river. Because the rain comes down fast and furiously, the sewers and drains overflow. When cars travel through intersections, they speed up to avoid being caught in the swirling water, thereby spraying pedestrians on the sidewalk with waves of water spouting into the air and splashing all over them.

When it doesn’t rain, Israel is like living in a tropical paradise where the only water you see is that of the turquoise and aqua surf of the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Or it is like living in an arid desert where the only water seen is Yam HaMelach, which literally means Sea of Salt, otherwise known as the Dead Sea (the lowest point on the surface of the earth) to the east, where the salt content of the water is so great it is impossible not to float. An oasis is emerging out of the desert where the resort city of Eilat, Israel, meets Egypt and Jordan at the Red Sea in the southernmost part of the country. Of course, there is the Jordan River that flows from the north and acts as a natural border on Israel's east and Lake Kinneret sits in the north. Other than those and a few more areas, water is scarce.

A Gaping Difference

I have been known to walk the streets of New York in the middle of winter without a coat, even when it was snowing. However this winter in Israel has been so cold that I am constantly bundled up in a long hooded coat. Because I have no heat in my apartment, I went out and bought a small portable heater. I put it in the living room since that was the only room with an available electric outlet. The living room has become my “living” room as I eat, sleep, and do my “living” there. I have a recliner chair I won on a quiz show 25 years ago. It has become my refuge. Sitting in front of the small portable heater, I cover myself with two blankets and try to keep warm. Israeli apartments are built out of concrete blocks and the floors are tiled. That makes for a very chilly area. It is good for the hot, humid summers in Israel, but not very conducive to the cold winters.

Now that it is February, not everyday is rainy – so far. Of course, it is still the first week of the month, but I really doubt it will be a record-setting month. However, records always are being set here in Israel. The year 2010 set a record for being the hottest year in the history of the state of Israel with record highs for most days in August. I can attest to the humidity as well as the heat.

“Rain, rain, go away, come again another day” is one phrase not uttered from the lips of Israelis. We cherish the much needed rain.

L'hitraot. Shachar.