Eliyahu Shear

Documents Needed for Arnonah Discount

In our previous post, we spoke about the Shumah (tax assessment form). We spoke about what it is, where to obtain it from, and how to obtain it. The Shumah is absolutely necessary if you are applying for a discount for your Arnonah tax. It is the only way the Iriyah will know that you have earned an amount that allows for a discount. In this post, we take a look at some of the other important documents you’ll need when you go through to obtain your discount for Arnonah. Remember, the Arnonah is the yearly tax that must be paid by every person who is living in an apartment in Israel. It is paid at the very least every two months or a full year in advance. If you cannot afford it, you may be entitled to a discount. You’ll need to bring a number of things with you when you apply for your discount:

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By Eliyahu Shear, ago

Tax Assessments – The Shumah and How and Where to Obtain One

At the end of every year, one is required to get one’s money matters in order. It will not be long before the year’s earnings must be declared to the tax authorities. Before the final documents are calculated and issued, one will be issued with a tax assessment. There are reasons why this document is so important. It is imperative to obtain this document as soon as you can into the new year, because it may end up assisting you early in the year. In this post, we’ll tell you how this document can help you, how one obtains it, and where one can obtain it from. We’ll also discuss more about Arnona and how this document can assist you in obtaining a discount!

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By Eliyahu Shear, ago
Torah

Studying in a Kollel and Payments / Support Options – The Reality

Torah

Many young and older men come to Israel in order to study Torah in a Kollel. For those wanting to understand more about the options available for those wanting to spend of their time studying Torah on a full time basis, we offer you a look at the truth in terms of the costs in studying as well as the actual amounts that Kollel Avreichim (those studying at the Kollel) actually receive. It’s really a vital post, because many people are under the illusion that those studying in a Kollel are supported by the government. This is in fact not true. We need to understand and clarify what people are hearing, and what the actual situation is. Let us remember that those who study Torah in the Land of Israel are to be specially praised for their true self sacrifice. It is something one does because one feels the need to learn more so that one can observe more – and perhaps go on to teach more as well.

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By Eliyahu Shear, ago
Eye examination

Low Cost – and No Cost – Eye Testing in Israel

Eye examination

The question is often asked: What is the situation with eye tests in Israel? Are eye examinations covered under the medical aid system (Kupat Cholim)? If not, what exactly are my options?! Those with weaker vision know well the constant need to go for regular eye tests for prescription glasses. Of course – glasses are one thing, and the health of the eye is quite another. If it’s an actual eye test for the purpose of the health of the eye you require, you’re going to need to contact an ophthalmic surgeon / ophthalmologist.  If it’s new glasses or contact lenses you’re in need of, you’ll need to make an appointment with the optometrist! In this post, we’re going to show you your low cost choices as well as an option that will give you free testing for glasses and offer frames and lenses at practically cost prices!

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By Eliyahu Shear, ago
Rose Garden

Take a Breather – De-stress not Distress!

Sukkah

It’s Sukkot! It’s not too difficult to find oneself constantly exposed to the Jewish holidays when one lives in Israel! Wherever one looks, one can see beautiful booths everywhere! It’s an amazing experience of course! So often, when one lives overseas, the only times one gets to see the beautiful “huts” is either in one’s own home or at a friend’s. Here, however, one can see Sukkot just about everywhere – on the streets, on the balconies practically everywhere one looks, in parking bays. ומי כעמך כישראל? “And who is like Your nation Israel?” We are immersed in the beauty of a Chag (festival) going back 3300 years when the Jewish people were taken out of Egypt as they were to be lead into the Land – a journey that would end up taking forty years! As they traveled through the desert they were surrounded by the clouds of glory. To commemorate these mystical clouds that protected us throughout our journey, we surround ourselves with the Sukkot we sit in for a period of seven days! At least – this is according to Rabbi Eliezer. Rabbi Akiva says that the Jewish people actually dwelt in proper booths, and we commemorate our remembrance of those days by sitting in similar such booths (Sukkah 11b).

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By Eliyahu Shear, ago
How to Change Israeli Shutters

How to Fix Israel Shutters (Trissim) Part 1 of 2

How to Change Israeli Shutters

If you’re new to Israel – the word Tris will already be a familiar one. Plural – Trissim, refers to those “wonderful” Israeli shutters that come standard with every apartment. Yours will look quite similar to the one pictured in the photograph above.

If you’ve lived in your apartment for more than six months, you’ll also know that those shutters can start wearing out(!) In fact, there are many tenants who will find themselves on the receiving end of an upset landlord at the moment they break (which of course is a perfectly normal thing to happen!) Don’t worry! You’ve done nothing wrong! They’re easy to fix, and there’s really no need for anyone to contact their landlord about the problem! In all likelihood, however, it will be up to the lessee to pay for the “damage”. It’s okay! There’s no real damage anyway! It’s really just like when a light-bulb blows and one has to install a new one. No need to tell the landlord. Just replace it, and you’ll have light again! For those not too “good with their hands” – you may feel like the world just fell apart and not know what to do. Actually, the shutters are relatively easy to fix – when you know how! (more…)

By Eliyahu Shear, ago