Understanding the Significance of a Bar Mitzvah

Bar Mitzvah is an Aramaic term which means “son of commandment.” This is the coming-of-age that is referred to in Jewish traditions, in which a boy at age 13 becomes responsible for adhering to Jewish law. The beginning of life to accept religious responsibilities and can perform the important duties of Jewish life. 

 The celebration of the event is important part to the life of their sons. Although its not a religious obligation but many families celebrate the coming age of their sons.   It entails  a religious ceremony, which means a child becomes obligated to the ritual resposibilities of Jewish life. At this celebration he becoming a bar mitzvah. 

Historically, the religious ceremony of bar mitzvah involved the boy's first "aliya" which is the recitation of Torah reading blessings. This is done on the first Torah service following the boy's 13th birthday. Recently, the celebration has become more elaborate and involves more participation from the boy, such as reading all or some of the prayers during weekly Torah services, giving a speech about the Torah reading, and learning the tradtional chant for the weekly Torah part during a weekly Shabbat or Sabbath service. During the ceremony, the family of the bar mitzvah are also often recognized during Torah services.

After the religious celebration, a party or a reception usually follows. Some celebrate this event during the boy’s 13th birthday, instead of preceding the religious ceremony. Friends and relatives are invited to the celebration. It is only recently that parties have become as elaborate as wedding receptions. This is the part of the celebration where you give your mitzvah gift. It is also during this party that the boy, for the first time, can now say the “Birkat Hamazon” or the grace after meals. That prayer cannot be said by younger boys.

Bar mitzvah is a very remarkable stage in a young boy’s life. It is during this time, that he does not only embrace the adult responsibilities of his Jewish faith and begin to follow the commandments. It is also a time to start struggling to become a living Torah himself.

Israel Decision on Foreign Workers Children

August 4, 2010 The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv reported to the Department of Foreign  Affairs that the Israeli government has reached a decision to accept the recommendations made by an inter-ministerial committee on the issue of the status of 1,200 children of foreign workers who have their legal status in Israel.

The six guideline that must be met in order for the Israeli government to allow children and their parents to remain in Israel:

1.      The child must have been enrolled in the Israeli school system in the past year;

2.      Said child must be enlisted for the next school year in the first grade or higher;

3.      Said child must have lived at least five years in Israel;

4.      If born in another country, the child must have entered Israel before the age of 13;

5.      The child must be a Hebrew speaker; and,

6.      The parents of the child entered Israel using a valid visa.

According to the Israel government's announcement, it is estimated that out of the 1,200 children who have fallen in this category, 800 would most likely qualify while the remaining 400 children might not meet the criteria. The Embassy anticipates that many Filipino children would be eligible under the newly issued guidelines and has given applicants a period of 21 days to file their application at the Ministry of Interior. For its part, the Embassy is ready to facilitate the issuance of necessary legal documents to all applicants. In anticipation of the possible surge in the number of applicants during the 21 day period, the Embassy has set up task force in the Consular section specifically to address the needs of these children. 

On the 400 applicants whose applications might be denied and while the exact number of Filipino children is not yet known, the Embassy reported that the Israeli government has emphasized that these disqualified applicants will be departing Israel with dignity and be treated humanely. News report said that this ruling will cover children of migrant workers of Chinese, Thai and Filipino nationalities and among others.

Based on previous deportation cases, individuals are allowed to pack their belongings and leave quietly.  Also, the Israeli government shoulders their plane fare.  Deportees may also appeal the ruling with the courts.

The new policy affects children of foreign workers who arrived legally and then started families.  Under Israeli law, their children are not automatically granted residency status. 

 More report to read  here.

Scenic Sunday - Netanya Seashore

During my afternoon walk by the beach at Netanya, Israel

Planning For A Short Weekend Holiday

I don't want to miss the beauty in Israel before I'm going home. So,  I plan for a short weekend trip somewhere in one of National Park in Israel. Where I can enjoy spa,massaging,  kayaking, or can have a little adventure.

I have two choices, eventually one is in  Kfar Blum - located at Upper Galilee where you can experience the magical river adventure, walk, climb and squeeze a high rope adventure and can tour the Galilee through bike cycling. 

Kayaking Adventure

Top-Rope Adventure

Cycling Fun

 The second , is at Hamat Gader - located near the Sea of Galilee in Israel. Here you can have a wide range of therapies and massages to sooth and relax your body and mind. You can have bathing at the hot springs and you can have different selection of attractions in Hamat Gader Park. From alligator park, the parrot show, mini wildlife reserve and petting zoo.

Thermomineral Water Pool

 Spa Village Hotel

 The Alligator

 The Parrots

Massage

                                                                

Dead Sea - The Lowest Point On The Earth Surface

The Dead Sea is called the  Salt Lake  .The most saline lakes in the world. The surface of the Dead Sea is over 1,300 feet below sea level. The very bottom of the sea is the deepest part , is over 2,300 feet below sea level. The Dead Sea is completely landlocked ang gets saltier when increasing depth. The surface fed by the River Jordan is the least saline. Down to 130 feet ( 40 meters), the seawater comprises about 300 grams of salt per kilogram of sea water. Salt precipitates out and piles up on the bottom of the sea

Taken this file of salt during my holiday in the Dead Sea

Grand Tulip Hotel, we stayed in

There are no fish or any kind of swimming creatures living in or near the Dead Sea water. What you can see on the shores of the Sea is white, crystals of salt covering everything. No ordinary salt, either. The salt in the Dead Sea are mineral salts, just like you find in the oceans of the world. The water in the Dead Sea is deadly to most living things.

It's me floating

Dead Sea is deadly to most living things but not for us humans. It is remarkably adaptable to human. We can swim, eventually floating. You cannot make breast stroke or back stroke because salt water is bad for the eyes. Mostly people hang-out, have a chat while enjoying floating. That what so cool about the Dead Sea. Because of the extremely high concentration of dissolved mineral salts in the water, its density is way more than that of plain fresh water. I really just floating. ^_^

Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi Falls

Last year, I had an opportunity to visit of one of the most exciting places in Israel, the Ein Gedi. It is an oasis in the desert and green Garden of Eden in the wilderness. It is situated on the shore of the Dead Sea - the lowest part on Earth - at the feet of majestic mountains and cliffs.

Overlooking to the Dead Sea

Ein Gedi combines a wild natural setting with a primeval panorama, history and archeology, tourist attractions and spas. Its unique climate and atmosphere make it a place for a unique desert adventure.

Ein Gedi contains the historical and archeological remains of its first inhabitants, who discovered the magic place more than 5,000 years ago it has also served as a landmark in the history of the Jewish people throughout history. David took refuge in Ein Gedi when he was pursued by King Saul, and rebels fled there from Jerusalem. Valuable persimmon oil and rare perfumes were produce there, and temples and synagogues were established here to strengthen the Jewish stronghold in the area.

Ein Gedi has an international reputation as a health spa. Tourist from all over the world come there to take advantage of the hot springs, mineral waters, and mud baths, and to enjoy the desert climate, bathe in the healing waters of the Dead Sea, and breathe healthful bromide-filled air.

Ein Gedi is an ideal place to become familiar with the desert and its hidden wonders. Nature reserves that have water flowing through them throughout the year. Rivers run through deep canyons surrounded by lush vegetation a sharp contrast to the surrounding desert.

More entries here for Watery Wednesday

Sources: Israel Tourism

Tel Aviv - Open Minded City in the Middle East

Tel Aviv is the most modern and westernized place in Israel. Jerusalem is the official capital and the religiuos capital, but Tel Aviv is the center of economic, cultural and social life. Known for their liberation and open minded City in the Middle East. 

When you walk the streets at night you can hardly imagine you are in the holy land. Sidewalk cafes give the city a  European flavor, especially in the areas with buildings. Shopping at the enclosed Dizengoff Center is pleasant. Tel Aviv is also the business center of Israel, and has the largest percentage of young people. Jaffa is the old arabic part of Tel Aviv. It is much older (Tel Aviv was founded in 1909) and is now some sort of the Quartier Latin of the city. Although it has many small and trendy boutiques it still retains some of its flavour as an arabic city. The best reason to come to Tel Aviv is to have a good time, the nightlife is great, there are good restaurants, there are so many shops, the beaches are wonderful and there is always something going on. 

A good place for trendy shopping would be Sheinkin street; Kikar Hamedina is known for its upscale (and expensive) shops; and Azriely center, Ramat Aviv mall and Dizengoff center would answer all your shopping mall needs. Alternatively, you can check out Shuk HaCarmel, a large street market held daily on Carmel St. Bazel and Rotschild streets have the best coffee places; Allenby, Lilienblum streets and the Tel Aviv port is where you'll find all night parties and bars; and you shouldn't miss the beach - for sunbathing and babe watching. Watch the attached video ^-^

Tips for Israel Traveler

If your planning to travel to Israel I'd like to share some tips for traveler who loves to see the country. 

As some travelers know that Israel is the State for Jewish people. A GOD chosen people. Thus, on the "shabath sundown" - there won't be any public places buses, trains or scheduled sherut line  but there are private shared taxis, (monit sherut) run during shabath as do regular basis but cost a little bit high. If you have your own wheels, you can still get around.

1. Tel-aviv is a cool City and there is tons to do and see , nightlife and shopping and cafes and arts scene. This is a modern face of Israel, but there isn't a lot of history or religious culture to expect.

2. If you love beach, you can also visit Tel-aviv, normally this City is one biggest attractions for beaches. You can visit also Eilat , Netanya, and Herzliya. 

3. Jerusalem is the Capital of the State.  You can see here almost the Religious Site and Culture. Try to experience it as a modern City as well as an ancient one.

4. Dead Sea is one of the tourist attractions too.. You can climb Masada at sunrise (typical tourist activity) and also visit of the surrounding areas such as Ein Gedi.

5. Visit the Bahai Garden too , located in Haifa City. If you are a walk in tourist you can come early, if not you need to reserve ahead. Once you're doing the coastal trek, other possible places to visit include the Roman ruins at Caesaria,a the artist colony of Ein Hod, and the ancient City of Akko.nOther suggestions: Tiberias, Galilee area, Safed, Golan Heights. There are several kibbutzim with guesthouses in the area that make good bases for a night or two.

Some things to consider
 

- Israeli culture is very assertive , so don't be afraid to make yourself heard to get what you need. Don't be put off if people are blunt, just be blunt right back.

- Riding a train is convenient, comfortable and inexpensive way to travel up and down the Mediterranean coast. Such as Tel Aviv to Haifa.

- Most public places- shopping malls, restaurants, bars, etc have security guards and bag checks or scanner out front. They're there for your safety , so don't put it off by it. It's dad that this things are needed but after a few days you'll probably stop noticing.

- Israel is expensive for traveler. Expect prices some comparative to Europe or North American than to most other parts of Middle East.

-Tipping is customary in restaurants but not in taxi cabs.
 

- If  happen that your visit fall in Jewish Holidays such as Passover and Rosha Shana. Expect the big crowds , higher prices and transportation nightmares. Plan to book a trip earlier their Holidays. 

Mount of Beatitudes

As far I remember , I went to this place when I was 3 months old here in Israel. In those days, I was poor , I need to prioritize paying back my placement fee coming here before engaging anything else which is not necessary. Thus, I stole this view in Google images. Thanks Google for providing me this images!

As the name suggest, this is the hill upon which Jesus was said to have preached the "Sermon of the Mount" The lie of the land next to the church form a natural amphitheater sloping down to the side, so it is more likely that Jesus stood at the bottom of the hill, but this does not detract from the beauty of the church on its crest.

Discover the World of Heritage Site

Have you heard about Bahai Garden and Shrine in Haifa, Israel? Well, if not then I will give you some information about this famous and amazing garden in Haifa. Actually, I haven't been here but I will make sure to visit this garden before I leave the country. 

Front Area of Bahai Garden

Nowadays, Haifa City of Israel is famous of anything because of Bahai Garden and Shrine on the slope of Mt. Carmel. Almost half of all tourist of Haifa go there just to see the garden, now called a World of Heritage Site. As to speak , tour are free but you need to call in advance to join of the groups that either up or down the mountain.

Explore the Bahai Garden Terraces

These garden compromise a staircase of nineteen terraces extending all the way to Mt. Carmel. The golden domed Shrine of the Bab (meaning the "door") the resting place of the Prophet-Herald of the Bahai Faith, stands on the central terrace, looking across they cay towards Akko. While different parts of the garden offer a variety experiences , the speak in a common languages of graveled paths, hedges and flowers beds groomed and nurtures by dedicated gardeners. When you walk through the garden seems like you are walking through the garden of Eden. The gardens frame panoramic views of the city, the Galilee Hills and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Going up to Bahai Shrine with over 700 steps

Caregiver Jobs in Israel

I was really surprised to stumble upon this new site for Caregivers in Israel. I found it very helpful for all caregivers here  to look for a new jobs. Besides, employers now have a chance to hire their potential caregiver through online. 

These website Filipinit.com work with caregiver with different nationalities. Caregiver can post their resume and got a chance to advertise their skills and experiences to potential employers who are eligible to hire caregivers.Then, they can directly connect to caregivers to employment opportunities without the help of outside agencies.

However, this site is only good for caregivers who are  already in Israel. If you are outside Israel, you are eligible for this opportunity. 

Sign up now while its free. Just click here.