[img]96|left|||no_popup[/img]Dateline Jerusalem – I have been spoiled living in Israel. Although Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages, English is taught to children from elementary school on. Street and highway signs are in all three languages. If I am lucky, I find that most people can speak to me in English even when they say they do not speak the language. Because I can function in English in almost every aspect of my life here, I have lived in Israel without learning Hebrew.

When I arrived, I was hired immediately by an American company outsourcing in Israel at slave labor wages (what receptionists earn in the U.S.). Yet we all had to be attorneys. The work was entirely in English. Between working and commuting by bus and train daily, I had no time to go to Ulpan, the Hebrew language school offered to all immigrants. Now five years later, without a job as an excuse, finally I will be able to study at an Ulpan. Again I am spoiled. The course will taught in a building across the parking lot of my apartment house. It also serves as my synagogue.

I am spoiled further because although there seems to be a synagogue on almost every block in my neighborhood, my town has a few that are known to be “Anglo.” That means that the congregation is made up of people from Englis- speaking countries. The U.S., Canada, England, Scotland, South Africa and Australia are some of the countries. Services are in Hebrew, but that is about all. Most lectures and events are in English. We do have native Israelis, Russians and French. They seem to be married to Anglos. We speak English to one another. Because I brought my prayer books with me from the States, one side of the book is in Hebrew and one side is in English. That has enabled me to continue my dependence on the English language. However, during the recent Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services, I actually followed along in Hebrew. I only went to the English side of the book when there was silent reading.

This might seem confusing because I say I do not know Hebrew, but I can read Hebrew. I just do not know what I am reading. My vocabulary is limited. I know the letters, I can recognize some words, and can sound out others. Only when things are written in Hebrew script do I have difficulty understanding anything. Since I cannot pronounce the words correctly, I often am told by Israelis that I should just speak in English. Of course, I am only too happy to do so. The only time I really feel at a loss is when I receive bills in the mail or emergency announcements and have no clue as to how to decipher them.

Since most electronics and appliances have directions in Hebrew, I have yet to learn how to use my food processor or tablet.

In less than two weeks, I will start an Ulpan, G-d willing. I must admit I am excited. I am tired of people looking at me like I am a moron. Although Israel is very accommodating to English speakers, it is expected that a person living in Israel speak Hebrew. I think once I learn to speak the language, I will feel Israeli.

L'hitraot. Shachar