Shiksa in Israel

Glatt Kosher Cruises and Tours for Passover, and More

Kosherica - five-star Glatt Kosher cruise company - recently put out its 2008 cruise vacation schedule.
No, they don't go to Israel but I got excited by the Glatt Kosher thing since Passover is coming.

Here's the link to their list of Passover Destinations
Or you can call them: 305-695-2700 -or- 877-724-5567
Tell them the Shiksa sent you, and tell me how you enjoy the cruise.

Hanukkah in Israel (and everywhere)

In 2007 Hanukkah begins at sundown on Tuesday December 4th and ends at nightfall on Wednesday December 12th.

Hanukkah commemorates the triumph of the Jews, under the Maccabees, over the Greek rulers. Important: the miracle of the flask of oil, when a portion of sacramental olive oil meant to keep the Temple candelabrum lit for one day lasted for eight days, the time it took for the Temple to be rededicated.
(from the Israel Ministry for Foreign Affairs)
Hanukkah is observed in Israel, as in the Diaspora, for eight days. The central feature of this holiday is the lighting of candles each evening - one on the first night, two on the second, and so on - in commemoration of the miracle at the Temple.
The Hanukkah message in Israel focuses strongly on aspects of restored sovereignty; customs widely practiced in the Diaspora, such as giftgiving and the dreidl (spinning top - sevivon in Hebrew), are also in evidence. The dreidl’s sides are marked with Hebrew letters representing the message “A great miracle occurred here”
in the Diaspora, the initials stand for “A great miracle occurred there.”

Schools in Israel are closed during this week; workplaces are not.
The Shiksa loves this info because Israeli schools (well, teachers) have been on strike for many weeks. every day is a holiday for kids in Israel

The Shiksa can do half of the candle lighting prayer in Hebrew! what can You do to celebrate Hanukkah?

Check your Calendar before Calling Israel

This is going to seem obvious but it's still worth mentioning, Israel is GMT + 2, which means it's at least 6 hours ahead of any U.S. location (6, not 7, because they don't do Daylight Savings Time).

What I'm trying to say is: you can't just call anywhere in Israel just because it's Friday and you're sick of work and want to plan your trip. It's the start of shabbat, dummy. That's the Jewish sabbath. Don't expect people to pick up the phone or respond to email; you'll have to wait until Sunday, which may or may not have its own problems. That doesn't mean you can't call Israel; it means be mindful.

They have many religious holiday too. Consider yourself warned.

Want to know exactly what time it is in Israel (or anywhere?) Click here: time zone map

p.s. Christian sabbath = Sunday, Jewish sabbath = Saturday (starts night before), Muslim sabbath = Friday.