2012 No.3
Contents
1. removing foreign matter such as limestone e Does the amount of water the system can purity meet your daily usage requirements What kind of maintenance does the system require How often will you need to replace filters or other components Can you replace the parts yourself or must a service technician replace them Does the system have a warning device that lets you know if there is any kind of problem or if the system stops working Will a system failure cut off your water supply How long are the system and its components designed to last How long is the warranty period and what does the warranty cover Has a qualitied laboratory tested the system Have the tests shown that the system is appropriate tor treating your specitic problem for as long as it will work Be sure to choose a system approved with a tav teken Remember home purification systems purify drinking water only They do not treat water that would not otherwise be drinkable Israel s water is classified as hard This means that it contains a high mineral content mainly calcium and magnesium While hard water is not generally a health hazard it can be a nuisance causing rock hard limescale deposits in kettles washing machines and pipes These deposits are known in Hebrew as avnit Soap does not lather as easily in hard water and it is usually necessary to use more soap and detergents for washing In your bathroom you may not2. ANNI J J A JOURNAL ON EDUCATED CONSUMERISM FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS Summer 2012 Mi AAU il IANA Produced by the Publications Department Ministry of Immigrant Absorption Ida Ben Shetreet Director Publications Department Laura L Woolf Director English Language Publications nN Dey yVn DIN Purchasing a Retrigerator NPN WNT TD Care and Use of Microwave Ovens TNP 1191 win w What to Look tor in a Dishwasher 0 79 MTN 11N17 TX Olive Oil A Classic mT JAW Ready Spagetti aD Aba The National Food Control Service WNT TNA nny How to Choose a Water Puritier O N WN 11NIA7 TX Supermarket Saving 19101 7D JIDN7 TX Recipes tor Fun DNN Household Pests nN Resources VID NIIN ee 2012 Updated for Summer 2012 PRANTL No 3 A Word from the Editor would first like to say how gratified was at the response to the first two issues of ConsumerFocus Thank you to everyone who ordered the magazine and to those of you that sent in the feedback form Extra special thanks to the folks that were kind enough to write or telephone to tell me how much you enjoyed ConsumerFocus Some people even shared some of their own consumer tips I ve reprinted a few of them in this issue It is a delight and a privilege to write tor such an appreciate audience In this third issue the focus is on consumerism in the kitchen You ll tind tips on saving money at the supermarket and advice trom the Israel Standards Institute about dishwashers
3. Try tightening the screws on the door hinge if this does not help the doortrame is probably bent out of shape Check the coils found on the back or on the bottom and inspect them for signs of damage and dirt An excessive build up of hair and dirt on the coils could mean that the motor has been overburdened Making Waves Care and Usage of your Microwave Oven The experts at the Standards Institute otter the following tips for optimal care and usage of your microwave oven The Standards Institute checks all imported microwave ovens for sale in Israel in order to ensure that there is no danger of radiation with proper usage of the oven Be sure to buy your oven trom a reliable distributor e Read the manutacturer s instructions before using the oven for the first time e Make sure that the door closes properly The more securely the door closes the sater the oven is for use e It is very important to keep microwave ovens clean especially around the door Dirt and grease trapped between different sections of the microwave can cause dangerous radiation leaks e Be sure that there is adequate space around the microwave especially between the back and the wall in order to ensure proper air circulation e To avoid sparks or fires never use any type of metal pan or dish in a microwave any container with a metallic decoration or aluminum foil e Don t use a microwave oven to heat full bottles sealed vacuum packe
4. licenses and vehicle administration 222 56 78 5678 Public complaints about public transportation buses and taxis 5 Rehov Bank otf Israel Jerusalem Fax 02 6663199 8 Rehov HaMalacha Tel Aviv 15 A Sd Palyam Haita Fax 03 5657216 Fax 04 8632029 You can also submit complaints via the Ministry website Municipal Authorities 105 6 7 Public inquiries about water supplies and water pressure pipe damage environmental pests and other intrastructure issues Travel Agents Association www ittaa org il mazkirut ittaa org il 03 5269104 For public inquiries about travel agents The Public Ombudsman of the State Comptroller s Office www mevaker gov mevaker mevaker gov il 12 Rehov Omar El Kayam 04 8604444 Hadar Hacarmel Haita Fax 04 8604446 POB 4394 31043 12 Rehov Beit Hadtus Givat Shaul Jerusalem POB 669 02 6665000 Fax 02 6665204 19 Rehov HaArba a Tel Aviv POB 7024 61070 03 6844000 Fax 6851512 8b Rehov Henrietta Szold Beer Sheva 08 6232777 Fax 08 6851512 Public inquiries regarding government services as well as the Postal Authority the State Lottery universities and other public bodies Public Utilities Authority www pua gov il Public inquiries about the Israel Electric Corporation PO B 12996 Jerusalem 02 6217144 Fax 02 6217122 You can also forward inquiries via the Authority s website Non profit and Voluntary
5. microwave ovens gas stoves and water purifiers Baduk magazine shares its research into olive oil and instant pastas We take a look at a tew ways to deal with that ongoing tact of Israeli lite household pests And finally just for fun some quick and easy recipes for tavorite Israeli toods As always a resource guide is included at the back Best wishes tor a healthy happy and economical holiday season Laura Woolf Editor ConsumerFocus Magazine ee SMART SHOPPING Money to Burn Purchasing a Gas Stove Some Tips on what to look tor trom the Israel Standards Institute Your stove is naturally one of the most important items in your kitchen If you are in the market for a stove you ll tind a wide variety available Some stoves are electric teken 900 while some models combine electricity and gas teken 1049 Many gas stoves are sold as an independent unit others are combined with an oven You can also choose to have a stove built into your overall kitchen system The experts at the Israel Standards Institute advise the following points when purchasing and maintaining a gas stove Look for models that have a tav teken Never install a stove in proximity to flammable substances such as wooden countertops Make sure that a qualified workman licensed by the Ministry of Trade Industry and Labor carries out the installation Ask the installer to check out the stove s insulation betore
6. Aplvupw nanyn Readers Corner e To make sure that eggs are still fresh put them in a bowl of water If they sink they are sate to eat If they float they ve gone bad e use crushed leftover stale chips and crackers instead of breadcrumbs in meatloat or as a coating tor chicken and fish e f you use lemon juice or zest in your recipes but are not sure what to do with the rest of the lemon try squeezing the leftover juice into an ice cube tray The lemon cubes are retreshing with plain water or soda water You can also freeze the remaining zest to use a different time e For a tasty cool and economical summer treat treeze orange halves in a plastic bag or container To serve simply remove and eat with a spoon If you want to be fancy arrange them on a platter and garnish with a few mint leaves e like to buy fresh herbs but could never use them up before they starting rotting lve discovered that you can cut the leaves trom the stems and freeze them then just use what you need 16 THOSE DARN PESTS Ants Cockroaches Food weevils Who hasn t cringed in disgust at the sight of them on a countertop or running across the kitchen floor They crawl in from gardens fly in through open doors and windows and work their way out of drains and from underneath floor tiles No matter how hard we try to keep our homes clean pests are a creepy fact of Israeli life Before you grab the can of poison or ca
7. Association for the Promotion of Diet and Nutrition The first finding was that the nutritional value of the prepared product contormed very closely to the nutritional claims on the package The exceptions were the claims regarding cholesterol and sodium Two brands claimed to contain zero cholesterol laboratory tests found 6 9 grams of cholesterol to 100 grams of cooked product One product was found to have 44 more sodium than the label claimed However according to Baduk s clinical dietician 6 9 grams of cholesterol are a very low level making the findings unimportant As regards the sodium levels all brands were tound to have very large amounts of sodium but not large enough to pose a health risk One caveat persons with high blood pressure or vascular problems should take the high sodium levels into account All of the pastas were made of wheat which is a complex carbohydrate and is recommended as part of a healthy daily diet Pasta itself does not contain fat the downside is that many types of sauces especially the creamy cheesy ones can be very high in fat so if you are calorie conscious stick to the tomato sauces The Conclusions All of the brands tested by Baduk contained relatively similar nutritional value They are all reasonably nutritious and are not especially fattening meaning that the guiding factors in choosing a brand should be price and personal preference Each brand contained a reasonable
8. Organizations The following organizations accept public complaints and offer advice and assistance with consumer issues As a general rule you should file a complaint in writing along with all relevant documents including agreements receipts and any written communication with the company merchant or corporation Consumer Protection Authority of the Histadrut 93 Rehov Arlozorov Tel Aviv 03 6921235 Emun HaTzibur www emun org Emun Halzibur strives to make information available to the public about the reliability and quality of services and products conformity to laws customer service etc Israel Consumers Association Independent 35 Rehov HaMelech George Tel Aviv 03 5285228 Fax 03 5259332 Israel Consumers Council www consumers org il Tel Aviv 03 6241034 Religious Consumers Organization PO B 69 Bnai Brak 03 5793337 Women Against Offensive Advertising Contact the Israel Women s Network www iwn org il office iwn org il Advocates identify and respond to advertisements that are offensive or harmful to women and girls They send letters and apply public pressure on the advertisers to remove the offensive advertisement 8 Rehov Hata ash Ramat Gan 03 6123990 Small Claims Courts e Small Claims Courts Batei HaMishpat LeTviot Katanof hear civil suits for monetary sums up to a set maximum You can file a suit for compensation in a Small Claims Court when contracts or terms
9. you can see what you have inside and tempered glass shelves which are often more sturdy than plastic Fancier models may otter features such as icemakers or special storage racks for wine bottles and soda cans An important feature is separate thermostat controls for the treezer and retrigerator as well as humidity controls on the meat storage compartment and on the crispers An exterior cabinet moisture control for when the humidity is high is also helpful Many Israeli made models feature apparatuses that prevent the light from being switched on during Shabbat a feature that may be important to observant consumers Any unit that you purchase should have the energy specitications listed on a special yellow label tavit energia that contains the following details What is a Tav Teken A tav teken is certification from the Israel Standards Institute that a product meets e Name and country of manufacturer e Name and model number e The storage capacity of the refrigerator and freezer cavities in liters This cannot include any protrusions or other spaces that are not used e The minimum temperature capacity as represented by stars 1 star minimum temperature capacity of 6 degrees centigrade below zero Two stars minimum temperature capacity of 12 degrees centigrade below zero Three stars minimum temperature capacity of 18 degrees centigrade below zero Three small stars one large st
10. you use it for the first time Make sure that the gas point tor the stove is located where you can reach it Only install the gas point once you have purchased the stove and you have reviewed the measurements and specitications Be caretul to prevent cleaning materials from getting into the gas nozzles Be sure that the safety switch is always off when you are not using the stove Freeze Don t Purchase a Refrigerator Before You Read This A retrigerator is a major investment You will use your fridge every day several times a day for many years to come As the Israel Standards Institute points out before purchasing a refrigerator it is important to be aware of what to look for and what to avoid The Israeli market carries both domestic and imported models What you choose is mainly a matter of personal taste as many models share the same features Be aware however that replacement parts on Israeli models are often easier to obtain The law requires that all Israel manutactured models conform to the Israeli standard teken 721 Imported models must be inspected and certified by the Standards Institute before being sold in Israel Be sure that the model you choose has a fav teken Before you set out to shop the first thing to do is to measure the space in which you wish to install the retrigerator noting the dimensions in every direction including height width depth and the amount of leeway you need for o
11. Ants leave scent trails for other ants to follow so be sure to wipe areas they travel with soap or disinfectant in order to erase the scent You can also sprinkle chili pepper paprika or dried peppermint along access points You can likewise try sprinkling talcum powder around access points There is some evidence that ants do not like to walk over powder It you locate an ant nest a fast and easy solution is to flood it with boiling water mixed with soap Cockroaches Unlike ants cockroaches jukim are both a nuisance and a hazard They spread germs and can cause asthma attacks in people with allergies Cockroaches are attracted to warm moist places but this does not stop them from being almost anywhere Besides the usual precautions of keeping kitchen and dining areas scrupulously clean and food and garbage inaccessible keep in mind the following e Don t leave dirty dishes sitting for too long If you do need to leave dishes rinse them first e Wash the outside of kitchen appliances and vacuum dusty areas around motors such as at the back of the refrigerator e Promptly fix any leaking faucets in kitchens and bathrooms e Empty pets water bowls at night and refill them in the morning and empty and wash pet food bowls daily e Keep bathrooms aired to prevent humidity e Don t keep paper or plastic bags in spaces between cupboards and your refrigerator or stove Keep them in a cabinet or drawer in order to prev
12. The Israel Standards Institute teken number 900 section 2 05 is the official standard tor dishwashers that meet Institute requirements including satety requirements Be sure to note the following e Before purchasing a dishwasher be sure to measure the intended area including the necessary surrounding space e Take into account your daily habits when choosing a unit including family size frequency of use kashrut requirements etc Dishwasher capacities are calculated by the number of place settings that the unit can hold Ask the dealer or salesperson for unit capacities to help you compare different models e Be sure that the inner cavity is capable ot holding unusual sized items such as large roasting pans Take some plates and bowls with you betore you make your tinal choice Some dishwasher 6 racks are flexible and you can adjust them to accommodate tall glassware or different sizes ot cookware Be sure to check the capacity of the silverware baskets and that they are easily accessible and removable Be sure that there is a safety apparatus to prevent the door from opening during operation Don t buy a unit that lacks an energy specitication label Check the noise level during operation If you plan to use your dishwasher for pots be sure it has a heavy duty cycle Check that racks stop securely when pulled out and pushed back in Investigate the spraying mechanisms Do they spray all sides Can they become caug
13. able for less Be sure that the code on the item matches the code listed on the sale sign Before you purchase items that are part of buy 2 get one free or two for one deals calculate whether the price per unit works out to a real savings Are there other brands that cost less Have they raised the initial price before putting it on sale Be sure to check the sell by dates on sale items to make sure that the store is not simply trying to unload products that are past their prime Ask yourself if it is really worth making a minimum purchase before qualifying for the sale price on a specitic item or to quality for other deals It s no bargain if you spend more on things that you don t need or will never use Notice that many stores will place high priced products on the middle shelves at eye level while the less expensive items are on the higher and lower shelves It pays to check each shelf Check the discount stores and bazaars for deals on cleaning supplies paper goods plastic bags and containers and similar non food items The savings are often considerable Look for the small print Signs that boast a discount such as 70 Off will often stick the little word od ay which means up to in an inconspicuous spot or in very small print while many items are in fact marked down for much less Other shops will give the discount only on a second purchased item Check the price tag car
14. ar minimum temperature capacity of 18 degrees below zero or more The tag must also list electricity requirements and indicate whether the unit is no frost or has semi automatic or manual defrost see below Further the tag must indicate the type of climate to which the unit is suited Class T is designed for tropical climates Class N for temperate climates Because of the varying types of climates throughout the country the Israeli standard requires all refrigerators and freezers to be Class T No Frost ice does not build up and it is not necessary to defrost the unit Manual Defrost you will have to unplug the refrigerator and let warm air melt off any built up ice Auto Cycle Defrost semi automatic The defrost system works on a timer The freezer may or may not need manual defrosting depending on the type of unit you purchase At the back of the unit or in the user s manual the dimensions of the unit should be listed as follows exterior measurements height width and depth in centimeters as well as exterior use measurements i e the requirements for the size of the surrounding areas necessary to ensure air flow and opening of the doors SMART SHOPPING Finally before you sign on the dotted line be sure to check the terms of warranty on any part of the retrigerator that could tail because of a defect A good warranty will include all parts of the sealed retrigerating
15. atzil PXA Garlic shum DIY Lemon limon no Olive oil shemen zayit n t pU Onion batzal 2X2 Parsley petrozilia 2 TINVO Pepper pilpel 2979 Salt melach n Hummus wed chick pea spread 2 cans of chickpeas 2 3 cups tehina sesame paste 3 4 cup lemon juice 2 mashed garlic cloves 1 4 teaspoon cumin powder Salt to taste Drain the liquid from the chickpeas and discard Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix to desired consistency smooth or coarse You can garnish with olive oil chopped parsley pine nuts paprika za atar or whole chickpeas Chickpeas hummus OMIN Sesame paste tehina nno Cumin kamun 11D lechem pita 2 packages dry yeast 4 cups of flour 1 cups lukewarm water 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 Dissolve yeast in a mixture of the sugar and water 2 In a separate bowl mix the flour and salt together then add to the yeast 3 Knead flour yeast and water together 4 Divide flour mixture into approximately 15 20 pieces and roll into balls 5 Roll each ball on a floured board cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place for approximately 30 minutes 6 Roll out again and let rise for another 30 minutes 7 Place on a baking sheet You can garnish with za atar chopped olives or tomatoes or other seasonings to taste Bake in a hot oven 200 300 centigrade tor 5 10 minutes Flour kemach nop Sugar sukar 310 Yeast shmarim pn ny Jerusal
16. ble from the Publications Department To order simply indicate the booklets you wish to receive and return the order form to the Publications Department English Section Ministry of Immigrant Absorption 15 Rehov Hillel Jerusalem 94581 The publications will be mailed to you free of charge LJ Guide for the New Immigrant LJ The Absorption Basket q Ll Employment A L Employment Guidance Centers LI Absorption First Steps L Education L Guarding Your Health in Israel L A Guide to Services for the Disabled LJ A Guide to Transportation in Israel LJ A Guide to Ulpan Study LJ Health Services in Israel LJ Higher Education LI Housing LJ The Life Cycle in Israel LI Military Service LJ National Insurance Institute Ll Retirees LJ Accountants LJ Artists Writers and Athletes Ll Computer and Hi Tech Professionals L Engineers and Architects L Lawyers L Medical Professionals L Nurses Ll Psychologists LI Scientists and Researchers L Social Workers LJ Teachers LJ Where to Turn Ll Assistance to Victims of Enemy Actions LI Registering for a Health Fund L Information for Olim Newspaper LJ Shiluv Magazine Name Address Postal Code Y Date The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption www klita gov i into moia gov i National Telephone Intormation Center 03 9733333 Public Inquiries 02 6752765 Southern and Jerusalem District Headquarters 31 Rehov Zalman Shazar 08 6261216 Beer Sheva Fax 08 6249398 Haifa and Nort
17. d toods or sealed jars e Don t use a microwave for heating oil or for deep trying e Don t cover the microwave with any type of cover such as a cloth and don t put any kind of decorations on it e Be sure that only a qualified technician makes any repair to your microwave oven SMART SHOPPING What to Look for in a Dishwasher If you ve decided that washing dishes by hand just isn t for you you ll find you re in good company But your decisions don t end simply with determining that you wish to purchase a dishwasher For example do you want a portable dishwasher or a built in model Do you need a model that can tackle both iron skillets and fragile china What features are important The Israel Standards Bureau offers their advice Both portable and built in models generally offer the same features and options and will clean the dishes equally well A portable unit is freestanding and is a good option if you do not wish to have it installed permanently or if you do not have the room in your cabinet unit A portable unit must be hooked up to the kitchen sink tap and plugged into a wall power outlet in order to use Built in styles are installed inside your cupboard unit and connected to the plumbing They are more space efficient usually feature greater loading capacities and there are generally more style options You do not have to connect them to the plumbing and electricity each time you use them
18. efully before you take that fabulous find to the cashier SUPER SAVINGS Know your rights e The law obligates merchants to put price labels on items with a few exceptions If the price listed on an item is lower than what the cashier rings up the law stipulates that you receive the lower price Always check your receipt betore you leave the store Report violations of the law to the nearest branch office of the Ministry of Trade Industry and Labor e Many employers have a custom of distributing tavei kniya purchase certificates or cards as gifts especially before the major holidays You can use these to purchase goods and services from many major retailers Be sure to read the back of the certificate or the flyer that comes with the card in order to be sure which businesses honor them and the types of goods that you can purchase Be aware also that not all businesses honor the cards or certificates at their full value or allow you to take advantage of sale prices or special offers The cards and certificates should indicate these conditions and the businesses must publicize their policies If you try to use your certificates at a business that will not credit their full value and the card or certiticate does not indicate this you may file a complaint with the Ministry of Trade Industry and Labor e The Consumer Protection Law permits customers to cancel a transaction within 14 days and receive a ref
19. em Kugel kugel yerushalimi 1 package of thin noodles 6 eggs 1 2 cup vegetable oil 1 1 3 cups sugar Salt and pepper to taste Cook noodles to al dente stage slightly tirm drain and rinse In a separate pan combine sugar and oil and cook on medium heat stir constantly just until the sugar becomes brown and syrupy Be caretul not to overcook and burn Add noodles and coat thoroughly with the sugar syrup Add salt and pepper to taste and let cool Add eggs to the cooled mixture Bake for 45 minute to 1 hour at approximately 180 degrees centigrade medium heat until the top forms a crust Eggs Bayizim oxo Noodles Itriyot Shakshuka For sauce you can also purchase ready made canned shakshuka base 1 can crushed tomatoes 1 onion chopped 12 red pepper and 2 green pepper chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves crushed garlic 1 2 tsp dried chili flakes optional 3 4 eggs Fresh ground pepper Salt to taste NI VOR Combine olive oil with the garlic and onion in a frying pan and cook until onion is soft Add the peppers and crushed tomatoes When sauce is hot crack the eggs and place on top of mixture and poach until the yoke is set You can top with grated cheese Crushed Tomatoes Agvaniyot merusakot Dried chili flakes ptitei tchili yavesh Green pepper NIPOND NVIaAAy Wa S Nn No piloel yarok piv 2979 Red pepper piloel adom DITX 7979 Ready made base ta arovet leshakshuka
20. ent them trom becoming a hiding place e Make sure to seal cracks and crevices in cupboards and walls as well as holes around plumbing and electrical lines between apartment units Remember for serious problems with insects or vermin contact your local municipality Call 105 6 7 to reach the municipal hotline moked in most locations This directory is a general guide to the resources that are available to consumers Note that the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption does not recommend or endorse any particular body or service It is up to each individual to investigate and decide upon the most appropriate source of assistance The Director of Consumer Protection Ministry of Industry Trade and Labor Hamemuneh LeHaganat HaTzarchan www tamas gov il consumerprotection moit gov il The Director of Consumer Protection is responsible for enforcing the Consumer Protection Law of 1981 This includes prohibitions against misleading consumers against exploiting consumers in distress and against misleading advertising The law also applies to consumer intormation regulation of advertising directed at children regulation of product labeling and protection against fraud in door to door sales sales of vacation apartments and sales by telephone or other electronic means 02 6662590 5 Rehov Bank of Israel Jerusalem 94190 The Israel Standards Institute www sii org i vered sii org il The Israel Standards Institute
21. formulates standards for a variety of products and tests products manufactured both locally and overseas The Institute s website contains a large number of articles containing consumer information in Hebrew Several times a year the Institute offers testing of specitic products such as microwave emissions In many cases these tests are tree of charge 42 Rehov Chaim Levanon 03 6465154 Tel Aviv 69977 03 6465130 Public Inquiries Information and Public Inquiries Bank of Israel www bankisrael gov il webmaster bankisrael gov il Complaints about banking services and information on banks Public Complaints Officer Banking Supervision Dept PO B 780 Jerusalem pniyotz boi org il 1212 200680 Fax 02 6669077 Bezek Telephone Company 199 Service Center Line Fax 198 Israel Electric Company Hotline 103 www iec co il For reporting power outages Israel Garage Association www iga co il Public inquires about garages 03 5620113 24 Hour Information Line Israel Lands Authority 02 6208422 www mmi gov il pniot mmi gov il Public inquiries about property registration Ministry of Agriculture 02 6290188 www moag gov il simac moga gov i Public inquiries about agricultural products including pricing and failure to display prices Ministry of Communications www moc gov l Public inquiries about telephone rates the Postal Authority cell phone companies and cable television P
22. hern District Headquarters 04 8631111 6 15 Rehov HaPalyam Fax 04 8632336 Jerusalem District Office 15 Rehov Hillel 1 599 500 923 Publications Department Fax 02 6241585 Tel Aviv and Central District Headquarters 03 5209112 6 Rehov Esther HaMalka Fax 03 5209173 T 7y poln DIONO YT N QAX nry NO p TAWNA 94581 D 2WIN 15 770 MN NIINY NVIDTN 7D Produced by the Publications Department The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption 15 Rehov Hillel Jerusalem 94581 All rights reserved www klita gov il e mail into moia gov il 0116212030 0 pn MN2ZYNNN O OTNN T 7Y OOTIN
23. ht on large items Will larger items block the spray action if placed on top bottom or sides If you are installing a dishwasher into your kitchen cabinet system be sure the dishwasher is insulated against leaks that could damage the cabinets The preferred type of system also includes insulation against leaks inside the dishwasher and leaks between the faucet and the dishwasher Make sure that the unit you choose has sensors that indicate insutticient soap as well as sensors to monitor water and electricity needs according to the quantity of dishes Be sure that the dishwasher is installed securely so that it is no danger of falling over during operation Some models offer energy saving cycles Look for features that will help keep operating costs down including low water requirements air dry controls that allow you to eliminate the heat drying cycle and short cycle selections that use less hot water Using Your Dishwasher Efficiently e Don t run the dishwasher until you have a full load of dishes It requires as much water and electricity to wash a few dishes as it does to do a full load unless your dishwasher has a partial load cycle e Be sure to familiarize yourself with the manufacturers loading instructions Don t block spray arms or the detergent dispenser or else you may end up having to rewash dishes e Don t install a dishwasher next to a refrigerator The heat and humidity the dishwasher gives off will make
24. ice soap scum that can t be rinsed off forming a bathtub ring on all surfaces You may also find unsightly spots on your dishes There are several products for sale in Israel to dissolve limescale deposits You will find specific products for kettles bathroom fixtures etc Look for products that say massir avnit SUPER SAVINGS Many immigrants trom Western countries are used to keeping grocery bills low by clipping coupons and comparison shopping and are often dismayed to find that this is not always an option in Israel The concept of manutacturer s coupons and rebates does not really exist in familiar forms and with the Government controlling the prices ot basic commodities such as milk and bread it does little good to try to tind bargains on these items But this does not mean that none of the tried and true tactics developed overseas cannot be applied here in Israel Following are a few tips for keeping those bills down Do compare prices of non controlled items such as canned goods Prices can vary between brands and between stores Familiarize yourself with the layout of your usual supermarket and organize your shopping list according to department This way you can avoid having to retrace your steps and better avoid impulse purchases Sale items may often be displayed at the front of the aisle or near the entrance to the store Check inside the aisles to see if other brands of the same item are avail
25. ied water to all faucets e Systems that install directly on or near specific faucets k n z i ao ne kga SS a e Systems that do not require installation including filtered water pitchers and kettles Activated Carbon The majority of water puritication systems utilize activated carbon which improves the taste and smell of water by removing chlorine and various organisms Activated carbon does not reduce the level of metals or minerals in the water nor does it remove the hardness see box It is important to be aware that activated carbon systems do not remove bacteria from water in fact on rare occasions they can encourage bacteria to flourish especially if there is insufficient water tlow through the charcoal system Some manutactures claim that the addition of silver ions can prevent bacterial growth however tests have not revealed any difference in rates of bacterial growth between activated carbon with silver ions and without You should change carbon filters on a regular basis depending on the frequency of use Activated carbon filters can be installed in the main water pipe leading to your home or as units on individual faucets You can also purchase water pitchers and kettles with activated carbon filters SMART SHOPPING Reverse Osmosis Systems that operate with reverse osmosis contain a membrane that only permits the passage of water The membrane filters out significant qua
26. level of calories and low levels of fat In order to enhance the nutritional value the researchers recommend adding olive oil to the prepared pasta From Baduk magazine 27 SMART SHOPPING How to Choose a Water Purifier Advice from the Israel Standards Institute Most of us tend to take our water supply for granted and count on a regular flow of clean safe water whenever we turn on the faucet However over the last few years there has been greater concern about the quality of our water with many people choosing to ensure the quality of their water by using various forms of water purification devices How can you know if you need to purify your water and which type of system is right for you The Israel Standards Institute offers the following advice The basic forms of water purification systems include e Systems that isolate substances that damage the appearance and clarity of the water e Systems that improve the taste and smell of the water e Systems that filter out various chemical and organic impurities e Systems that minimize the presence of microorganisms Such systems are usually effective against various bacteria but there is no proot that they are equally effective against viruses The main types of systems for purifying drinking water include e Systems that attach to the water entry point of your home These systems are usually installed next to the water meter and supply purit
27. ll the exterminator you might like to consider some of these easy simple and non toxic tricks Food Weevils Food weevils also known as rice or granary weevils tola ot mazon in Hebrew or their eggs are often present in packages of rice barley cereals popcorn beans and other similar dry items It not controlled an infestation can spread rapidly to other foods resulting in a great deal of wastage An easy way to prevent any infestation is to store these types of tood items in the retrigerator or freezer Keeping foodstuffs in the freezer for at least 72 hours should be enough to kill all weevils at any stage of development If you do not wish to keep the items in the freezer on a long term basis transter them to sealed containers do not store in plastic bags and be sure to use within a reasonable period of time Ants More of a nuisance than a threat to health ants nemalof frequently enter homes foraging for food They particularly love sweet substances but will get into any types of food They can even get into bathroom items like toothpaste Ants often establish nests in the sand that is the foundation of most Israeli floors Once ants invade your home they can be difficult to get rid of The first step to controlling them is to block access routes including cracks and gaps in windows and doortrames and between floor tiles Silicone spackle plaster and other commercial sealants are effective and easy to use
28. nically pressed but it may not be oO trom the best quality olives What is sold is often oil from the second or third pressing Pure olive oil is trom subsequent pressings and is usually refined to enhance color and clarity The quality is generally low The exception is the term extra virgin In order to be labeled extra virgin oil must be trom the first pressing of the olives must be trom top grade olives and contain less than one percent acid content Extra virgin oil is cold pressed which means that no heat is used which can affect the flavor of the oil Extra virgin olive oil is the best quality oil Fine virgin oil contains 2 acid content All olive oil manutactured in Israel is pressed olive oil meaning that what you purchase is purely the product of the crushed olive itself The oil does not undergo any other torm of processing and no chemicals or other substances are added You can also find a wide variety of imported oils that vary in quality and price Choosing the Best Your own senses will tell you which olive oil is worth purchasing Olive oils vary in their tlavors and other qualities Following are some general guidelines e Consistency good olive oil has a smooth consistency lt should not be too runny too thick or syrupy e Color olive oils range in color trom yellow to green The best olive oils have a rich green color in their undertones Yellowish oil is a sign of olive
29. ntities of minerals as well as trace metals Most reverse osmosis systems also include an activated carbon filter One of the main disadvantages of a reverse osmosis system is that it operates using large quantities of water in most cases only approximately 25 of the water is actually utilized while the rest is wasted Systems for Microbiological Purification Most systems used for purifying water of microbiological contaminants utilize some form of ultraviolet or mercury light that kills the bacteria but does not affect the water nor remain in it Note that the lamps become less effective the more they are used Laboratory Testing The quality of water s taste and smell is easily discernable on the other hand water polluted by bacteria traces of poisonous metals and organic and carcinogenic waste matter requires laboratory testing by a reliable facility Be wary of tree testing that is offered to you in your home Such tests are not capable of discerning the presence of bacteria or poisonous metals in your drinking water How to Choose a System Before purchasing a water purification system for your home keep in the mind the following questions e Does the drinking water in your part of the country undergo regular checks and if so what are the usual results of the checks Is the water usually found to be safe and drinkable e Does the system under consideration filter out foreign bodies Is the system capable of
30. of sale are violated tor the exchange or repair of a product or the cancellation of a transaction You can obtain claims forms ktavei tvia and statement of defense forms ktav hagana tree ot charge at the Court Secretariat office of any Small Claims Court or download them trom www court gov il The fee for filing a claim is a percentage of the monetary amount of the claim You must pay the tee by purchasing and affixing income stamps bulei hachnasa to the form You can obtain income stamps at any post oftice branch Be sure to attach any documents that support your claim including receipts professional opinions and appraisals and prior correspondence Make sure that the defendant is a legal entity i e an individual or a corporation Write the full name and address of the person or company clearly and precisely If possible indicate an individual s father s name and identity number mispar zehut You need to submit at least three copies of the claim sheet to the Small Claims Court You retain one copy and one is sent to the defendant Ensure that your copy is stamped received nitkabel and dated For each additional defendant or witness you must submit an additional copy of the form Attach copies of all of your supporting documents to each copy of the form On the day of your court proceedings bring all relevant documents as well as any witnesses If a witness refuses to appear you may obtain a sub
31. pening the doors without hitting anything Next ask yourself how much food storage capacity you need Take into account the size of your family whether you like to have lots of guests for meals and how often you store leftovers Check the specitications of the models you are considering they will list the tood storage capacity There are three main types of retrigerators side by SMART SHOPPING side treezer on the top or freezer on the bottom A side by side model features two long doors next to each other The doors are not as wide as those on other types of models and require less space to open A side by side model means that you can place treezer items at eye level On the other hand the storage sections in both the refrigerator and freezer portion often tend to be narrow Large platters or bowls may not tit Large whole turkeys or roasts may not fit either A retrigerator with the freezer on top will usually have more usable room inside than a side by side model Bottom freezer models usually have the same storage capacity as top treezers but a main drawback is that you will have to bend down to dig through the treezer Both locally made and foreign manutactured models come with scores of options Many of these are standard such as temperature control fruit and vegetable crispers and butter and meat trays Other options to look for and consider include a water dispenser in the door clear drawers and crispers so
32. poena that will require that witness to testify Neither the plaintiff nor the defendant is entitled to representation by an attorney or any other envoy before a Small Claims Court You can however seek legal counsel before the proceedings and an attorney may assist you in preparing claims and statements of defense You can appeal a verdict of a Small Claims Court within 15 days Appeals should be in writing and sent along with a copy of the verdict to a District Court judge In order to implement a cour decision send the liable party a written request for the compensation ordered by the Cour be sure to retain a copy for yourself If the liable party ignores the request or refuses to pay you may open a file for the enforcement of a court ruling Bring a copy of the verdict certified by the court that handed it down to an Enforcement Bureau Lishkat HaHotza a lePoal Fill out a form detailing the liable party and the steps you would like to be taken against them You must also pay a fee which is added to the compensation already awarded you along with any other expenses involved in enforcing the verdict See also Know Your Rights The Hotza a LePoal ConsumerFocus 6 Summer 2010 The Hotza a LePoal www eca gov il Information Line 35592 To tind the Small Claims Court nearest you see the Court System website www court gov il Other Available Publications The following booklets are availa
33. s that were harvested when they over ripe and will not have as fine a flavor as green oil e Taste this is obviously the most important and the most subjective quality When you taste an oil ask yourselt whether it tastes tresh orstale Good oil should smell like fruity olives There should never be a metallic flavor which indicates rancidity A heavy attertaste indicates interior quality The best olive oils have a slight peppery bite you will however tind others with a sweet buttery taste and oils with a fruitier quality You might wish to purchase a lower grade oil for cooking since heating causes some olive oils to loose flavor and save the fancy expensive oils for drizzling on salads bread etc Store olive oils in a cool cupboard away trom heat and light It is best stored in glass bottles Brief Profile The National Food Control Service Sherut HaMazon HaArizi part of the Ministry of Health is the regulating body for all food products in Israel According to their mission statement the National Food Control Service strives to sateguard protect and advance the health of the individual and the community in Israel by overseeing all aspects of food products both locally produced and imported and to reach the highest standards when formulating policies You can submit complaints about merchants or manutacturers that sell spoiled or contaminated food incidences of tood poisoning contracted through re
34. staurants or caterers and similar problems For addresses see the Resources section at the back CULINARY CORNER Ready Set spaghetti rs he oy E i Raise your hand if you ve ever felt guilty about serving or eating pre packaged ready made spaghetti and sauce Apparently the folks at Baduk magazine may have had some qualms about it too because they decided to investigate the nutritional benefits of several brands The results Packaged spaghetti mixes are fairly nutritious and don t contain much fat If you like them and find them for a reasonable price their advice is to go ahead and indulge Over the past several years packaged ready made pasta meals have become increasingly popular in Israel and manutacturers offer a wide variety of choices featuring different types of pastas and sauces such as tomato cheese Altredo pesto Bolognaise and more The main benefit of such pastas is that they are quick and easy to prepare Many only require boiling water But just how nutritious are they 7 The Investigation Baduk s testing team took five types of Israeli manufactured instant pasta and tomato sauce to the Chemical and Food Laboratories of the Israel Standards Institute Each type of pasta was prepared according to instructions following which the nutritional value of 100 grams of prepared food was measured The data was then submitted to a clinical dietician from the Israel
35. system Discuss the payment system as well Most stores will allow you to pay in installments Verity whether you will have to pay interest ribee on the payments and be sure to add it into your calculations You can also inquire whether the store would be willing to give a discount tor making one or two payments instead of spreading them out over a longer period Purchasing a Second Hand Refrigerator If you are not yet living in your permanent home or simply don t wish to make a major outlay on a new model purchasing a second hand retrigerator can be a viable option Since most retrigerators are designed to last for many years purchasing a second hand model that is in good shape can be a reasonable alternative But before you snap up that bargain keep in mind the following points Test out any used refrigerator that you are considering by plugging it in and making sure that it runs Look inside and make sure that all the shelves are there and that they are in good condition Look for any cracks or holes in the molded plastic interior which can be difficult to repair They can also affect the retrigerator s energy efficiency Check for any unusual smells and that the gasket seal around the door is firm when the refrigerator is closed If there are gaps you will need to replace the seal this might be a bargaining point with the seller Take a look at the retrigerator doors A crooked door might be the result of a loose hinge
36. ublic Inquiries about Cable and Satellite Television 02 6702210 Public Inquiries about the Postal Banks 02 6702237 Israel Postal Authority www israelpost co il Information Line for postal rates postal codes and posting packages 171 Public Inquiries 1 599 500 171 See the website for information on rates to check postal codes for locating branch offices and other information Ministry of Construction and Housing www moch gov il Public inquiries about housing assistance 02 5847549 1 599 505 404 Telemesser Public Inquiries Registrar of Contractors Public inquiries about contractors listed in the Register on issues of faulty construction work delays etc 02 5847847 Fax 02 5847148 Ministry of Health www health gov i Main Office 2 Rehov Ben Tabai POB 1176 91010 Jerusalem 02 6705705 National Food Service pniot hazibut tcs health gov il 14 Rehov HaArba a Tel Aviv 64739 03 5634706 Public Ombudsman netziv kvilot hatzibur kvilot moh health gov For public inquiries in cases of refusal to register a person in health fund limiting registration through special conditions or payments or cases where a health fund retuses to provide a service specitied by the government as part of the basket of health services 29 Rehov Rivka Jerusalem 9346 6800 Fax 02 5655981 Public Inquiries opniot moh health gov i For public inquiries regarding ph
37. und for the following types of transactions purchases trom door to door and traveling salespersons on line or catalogue purchases purchases from television shopping channels purchases of vacation or time share units purchases made in situations in which a customer is misled or exploited If a merchant refuses to honor his responsibility you may file a case in a Small Claims Court see Resources section Be sure to notity the merchant in writing within 14 days of your intention to cancel the translation It is recommended to use registered mail Try preparing these popular Israeli foods in your own i a m a i lt i el C sae cae le a iTcnen ee a ee salat chatzilim 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil 2 medium size eggplants 2 small lemons 4 minced cloves of garlic Yq tehina sesame paste 12 cup diced onion Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley 1 Remove eggplant peel and dice into small cubes Combine with the oil in a frying pan and cook on medium heat 2 Add juice from one of the lemons along with 2 minced garlic cloves 3 Fry all ingredients together until the eggplant is soft 4 Remove from heat transfer ingredients to a dish or bowl and add the tehina remaining minced garlic the chopped parsley Mix together with juice of second lemon and add salt and pepper to taste Refrigerate tor 1 2 hours betore serving Eggplant ch
38. your refrigerator run longer and use more electricity CULINARY CORNER Always a Classic Olive Oil Olive oil is a tasty healthy addition to almost any diet According to a number of medical research studies regular consumption of olive oil can reduce the risks of heart disease as well as certain types of cancers Some 200 000 dunams of olives are cultivated in Israel both for commercial consumption and for oil production In some cases the same olives may be used for both But surprisingly enough according to Baduk magazine the average annual olive oil consumption among Israelis is only about half a liter per year Baduk concludes that this is primarily because of the high cost of olive oil relative to other types of oils as well as the tact that many people simply are not used to it in their diets However as Baduk points out almost all other types of vegetable oils undergo various forms of chemical processing and are generally less healthy than olive oil A Pressing Issue Olive oils are labeled extra virgin virgin oure cold pressed mechanically pressed and expelled pressed These terms refer to the grade of the olives the type of process used to extract the oil and the number of times the olives are pressed However even understanding these terms is no guarantee of choosing the best oil for purchase For example virgin olive oil is usually mecha
39. ysicians and dentists the Freedom of Information law and other inquires that are not related to the National Health Insurance Law 29 Rehov Rivka Jerusalem 93461 02 5681318 Fax 02 6725836 The Ministry of the Interior www pnim gov il National Telephone Information Center Public Inquiries into moin gov il 3450 02 6294750 The Telephone Information Center provides information on Ministry of the Interior services service locations and required documents You may certain services including birth certiticates burial licenses and other documents by telephone Population Administration Public Inquiries 02 6294701 Head Office 6 Rehov Misillat Yisharim Jerusalem Fax 02 6294750 The Ministry of National Infrastructures www mni gov il pniot mni gov il Public inquiries about sewage electricity water and fuel 04 8660189 Public Inquiries The Ministry of Tourism 02 675481 1 www tourism gov il You can submit complaints about hotels or other tourist services to the Ministry s main office or through their website 5 Rehov Bank of Israel Jerusalem 02 6664200 The Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety www mot gov il 5 Rehov Bank of Israel Jerusalem 94340 02 6663222 3333 03 9545400 Fax 03 9545450 Public Inquiries tlunot mot gov i Computerized Intormation Center of the Ministry of Transport For all questions regarding issuance and renewal ot drivers
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