Dateline Jerusalem – I love making comparisons between Israel and the States, especially when people ask why I would want to live there when I come to the States to buy everything I cannot get there. For Americans used to living relatively easy lives, Israel can be challenging. People make aliyah – the immigration of Jews from the Diaspora to the Land of Israel – for various reasons. Some escape from countries where Jews are persecuted. Some want to live in a democracy where freedoms abound. Others come for religious reasons. It is so much easier to live where your neighbors worship as you do, where you do not have to work on Jewish holidays. Some come because the presence of G-d is felt at all times. There are those who cannot make it in failing worldwide economies, and they come to Israel for job security. The pay may be less, the cost of living more. But in the long run, like Israel's national anthem, “HaTikvah,” there is hope.
Why did I make aliyah? Thirty-four years ago when I visited Israel for the first time and my feet touched sacred ground, I got tears in my eyes, goose bumps on my arms, shivers from head to toe. I knew I was home, in the home of my ancestors. It just took me years of yearning to live in Israel to finally make the decision to leave family and friends and pursue my dreams. I have been here six years, and I have no regrets, except that I miss my family.
Now About Farmers Markets
On my latest visit to California, I decided not to rent a car. It is a good thing my daughter was my personal chauffeur because otherwise I do not know how I would survive there. Unlike some cities in the States that have great public transportation, living in the suburbs in California means owning a car is a necessity. My sister, who does not drive, often has to wait hours for buses and bus connections, only to find that commonly they are not on time or canceled without notice. The only alternative is to pay exorbitant fares to taxi drivers. I believe it is less expensive to rent a car than travel via unreliable public transportation in California. One of the great things about living in Israel is the transportation. I am centrally located, near trains and buses that can take me throughout the country. I can walk almost anywhere in the city I live. If I have to take a bus or train, it is half fare because I am a senior. Sometimes I will take a taxi. Fares are low. Unlike the States, taxi drivers in Israel do not expect tips. However, I have special taxi drivers I tip because they cater to my every whim. Another benefit is not having to pay outrageous sums for a vehicle, gasoline, auto insurance, and maintenance, all unavoidable in the States.
Home delivery from supermarkets, fruit and vegetable stores, even the pharmacy, is a great convenience I enjoy in Israel. I walk to the market, choose what I want, and it is delivered right to my door. No carrying heavy packages or searching for a place to park. I can buy televisions and computers at the market and pharmacy. It is like shopping at Costco, without the huge quantities required there. I must admit, however, prices on some things are less expensive at Costco. No place can compete with the shoe stores in my town. It is as though every other shop is a shoe store with unbeatable sales on shoes. I went to a farmer's market where my daughter lives. They offered fresh fruit and vegetables, jewelry, flowers and assorted items only once a week for a few hours. I could not help but brag that the shuks (bazaars) in Israel provide more of a selection, at better prices, and are available on a daily basis.
One of the great Israeli benefits is higher education. According to an international list in the Wall Street Journal, Canada is the most educated country in the world, with Israel coming in second place, Japan third, and the United States fourth. To round out the Top Ten countries, Australia came in fifth, the United Kingdom seventh. Considering all the inventions, patents, and discoveries coming out of Israel, it is not surprising that Israel placed so high. In my city, also known as one of the Silicon Valleys of Israel, high tech industries and outstanding educational institutions producing Nobel Prize winners are commonplace. In the States I always thought some of my relatives were unusually brilliant compared to the rest of the population. Since moving to Israel, I have learned that almost everyone achieves beyond expectations. It has become a humbling experience for me.
L'hitraot. Shachar