I have been working in Jerusalem for an American company. Although I am an attorney, I actually only do paralegal work, reviewing legal documents.

The pay is what a receptionist would get in the U.S. The interview was with an Israeli law firm that needs American lawyers because their practice has an emphasis in international and immigration law.

I would actually be doing legal work, but they were going to pay me only a little over half of what I am making now.

When I computed the exchange rate, I realized that I would be getting what is minimum wage in California!
The craziest thing is, I am actually contemplating accepting the job. A grandmother like me is only too happy to be working.

On my trip to Tel Aviv, I was quite surprised at the smog.

One of the things I really like about Israel is the beauty of this country. The sky, where I live, is always bright blue, just the way an artist would paint it.

Our Sky After Dark

At night the sky is black, and you can see the stars. Therefore, I was really amazed at seeing smog today. Israel reminds me so much of California. The weather is similar, the coastline, the mountains, and even the vegetation. I once heard that Israel is the only other place where there are Joshua trees (found throughout the California Mojave Desert).

Sometimes I think of Beverly Hills because of all the palm trees.

It is hard to believe that there is such tropical greenery in what was once a barren land before Israel became a state.

Whether to Sweat or Perspire

The weather is definitely changing. The humidity is unbearable. By the time I got home tonight, my face was red and dripping. Maybe I am just not used to it yet, but I didn't see anyone else looking like a melting snow cone. People do complain of the heat and humidity, but they just complain. They don’t seem to actually exhibit the symptoms I am experiencing. Everyone tells me that this is nothing compared to August.

Whether there is smog or humidity, those things cannot detract from the beauty of Israel.

In a mere 60 years this country has made unbelievable progress. More about that next week.

L'hitraot, Shachar