Using credit/debit/ATM cards in Israel
by MikeySoft
ATMs are easy to find in Israel and I only used ATMs to get Israeli money while in Israel.
You should be aware that many US banks add an additional fee for foreign exchange on a credit or debit card, something like 3 to 5%. They may also have a minimum fee like $10 to $25. You can call them and ask. However, CapitalOne does not charge (the last time I checked) the additional fee for their credit cards. This is not only for Israel but for all foreign charges.
It is also my understanding that both Visa and Mastercard (no matter who is the bank) charge a 1% fee and this fee may be hidden in the exchange rate. I don't know if this happens with CapitalOne, however, comparing the exchange rate used, and the exchange rate listed on http://www.xe.com/ around the date of the transaction, this does not seem to be the case.
For ATMs, I use my credit union debit card. My credit union does not charge an additional fee. I don't recommend using a credit card at ATMs because you are charged interest from the time you withdraw the money.
The below link is an up to date US banks charge Debit and Credit cards for foreign transactions.
http://flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/Credit/Debit/ATM_Cards_and_Foreign_Exchange#Credit_and_Charge_Cards
Please rate this and my other tips should you find then interesting, useful are like the photos, thanks.
Requests to God
by Carmela71
As soon as we arrived to the Wall, Zohara told me that it is typical to ask something to God by writing a note and leaving it on the cracks of the wall.
I do not know if he/she (God) will hear me, but just in case.... I did it.
These notes are supposed to be pick up and be treated as holy things taken into fire.
In the modern times, you can also send a fax or email with your wish and they will put for you in the wall.
The web site where you can send the player, is this one:
http://www.virtualjerusalem.com/sendaprayer/
go to the old city. I know I'm...
by Zus
go to the old city. I know I'm not being original now, but you haven't been to Jerusalem if you haven't seen the old city. Some people call it the 'Jerusalem syndrom', but the city has a very special atmosphere. I miss that when I'm not here.
The distance to Bethlehem from...
by ClaesDenmark
The distance to Bethlehem from Jerusalem is so little. As this city is where Jesus was born, I did not think twice when I had the chance to go here. On the pictures youcan see the church that is said to be build over the place where Jesus was born in the stable that Christmas evening.
Messiah Now
by gilabrand
This is one of many booths around Jerusalem manned by black-garbed ultra-Orthodox men who urge people (men, that is) to put on tefillin - phylacteries - and say a prayer. They believe that by fulfilling this religious commandment, we can bring the Messiah sooner. You will see them mainly in the downtown areas or near the Central Bus Station.
The big sign on the table says MASHIAH, the Hebrew world for Messiah. Hung around it are posters of what the Temple might look like if it were rebuilt, which is what some religious Jews pray for. Personally, I wonder about that, considering that one of the main features of the Temple was sacrificing animals...
The custom of laying tefillin is based on two verses in the Bible, Deuteronomy 6:8 and Exodus 13:1. Tefillin consist of two black leather boxes fastened with leather straps. One of the boxes is worn on the left arm and the other on the forehead. Inside are pieces of parchment inscribed with the relevant Biblical verses. The writing is done by hand by a scribe using black ink and special lettering. A scribe must undergo long training before he is qualified to do this work. Tefillin are worn at morning prayers, but not on the Sabbath.
This is the first commandment that boys observe when they reach 13 and celebrate their bar-mitzvah. Apart from being called up in the synagogue and reciting a blessing over the Torah, they have to master the art of winding the tefillin around their arm in the proper way. But don?t worry. If you stop at one of these booths in Israel, these obliging fellows will do it for you.
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Crowded City Street
Inside The Grotto - Nativity Church
Via Dolorosa - Old and Busy
Rock Where Jesus Last Prayed, Church of All Nation
