[img]96|left|||no_popup[/img] Dateline Jerusalem — I am amazed by the similarity between California and Israel every time I return to the States. No wonder more Israelis are living outside of Israel in California than any other place, including New York. Any time someone in Israel tells me they have a relative in Los Angeles, it usually means their relative is living in the San Fernando Valley. There is a Super Sal supermarket in Encino as well as an Aroma Cafe. Also, the Israel- born Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf restaurants are throughout the state. Living in California is like being at home for many Israelis.
The Mojave Desert area of California is noted for its native Joshua trees, which are so protected that if a tree is removed to build a home, it must be replanted immediately in the same direction it was originally growing. The only other place in the world where Joshua trees are native to the land is in Israel. Often when traveling in Israel, I too feel at home because much of the flora is familiar. Israel has date palm trees growing all over and a myriad of other palm trees, giving the country an almost tropical feel to it. The tall swaying palms lining the streets of Beverly Hills remind me of the those in Israel.
The lowest land elevation on earth is the Dead Sea, also known as Yam HaMelach (Sea of Salt) located in the southeastern area of Israel. It is approximately 1,388 feet below sea level. Because it is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean, it is called the Dead Sea due to the harsh environment caused by all that salt. Of course, it makes for great swimming for those who do not know how because the salt keeps one floating. In California, also in the southeastern section of the state, is the Salton Sea. Although it is 226 feet below sea level, it is not the lowest part of California. Death Valley is 5 feet lower. Both seas are really lakes positioned below sea level, and theyhave similar names because of salt content.
California is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on its west coast while Israel is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on its west coast. The coastlines for both are similar in terms of cliffs, beaches and caverns. I am often reminded of how alike they are when I either drive the Pacific Coast Highway or take the train from one end of Israel to the other. The big difference, however, is that Israel is 1/19th the size of California. Probably the State of Israel would be considered just a bit larger than Los Angeles County.
As for climate, I am currently visiting Southern California. When checking with friends in Israel, it seems that they are enjoying the same weather I am here. I often find that to be the case. When it rains in the Antelope Valley, it rains in Rehovot. When there is a cold spell here, there is one there. When it starts to warm up, it warms up the same time. I find that very interesting. It could be because the latitude of Los Angeles is only a few degrees different than that of Rehovot.
One of the few things I hated about living in California were the earthquakes. I naively thought I would be rid of them by living in Israel. But within two months of moving to Israel, I experienced two small earthquakes. California is long overdue for The Big One and Israel is also long overdue for its Big One. I guess I will be at “home” no matter where I live.
L'hitraot. Shachar.