Jerusalem Business Blog
What is going on in Jerusalem? Have something to sell? An Event, Want to know? Be a guest blogger!
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Apply for the discount for Arnona online! Life on a Shoestring
I live in Jerusalem, and I didn't think to apply for a discount on the Arnona, but everyone should check because this can add up to 1000's of NIS that you could over pay! If you have moved recently, you can apply now, but if not, then apply before Aug 31st for the next calendar year!
The site is in Hebrew:
https://jeronlineforms.jerusalem.muni.il/SmartDiscounts
You can apply up to Aug. 31st for the next year. Good Luck!!
It is easy to understand it if you go through all the steps, you might get a pleasant surprise next month!!
Rachael Alice Orbach
Monday, December 22, 2025
Work Grant Help. Life on a Shoestring
You can apply for a Work Grant from the government now until 31/12/25 for the year 2023 and 2024. This could be worth a half a month's salary. . . Every little bit helps!! I got 4100NIS when I did this last Thursday!
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Rent or buy ? Life on a Shoestring
I just saw this sign on my morning dog
If you are making Aliyah, or moving to a new city in Israel, you have to decide whether to rent or to buy an apartment. House are very rare in Israel and you pay for theprivilege to own it. Most people buy or rent an apartment, or have to double up and live with friends.
One of the hurdles that you must jump if you want to buy is to get a mortgage. If you have Oleh Hadash rights you can get a better deal at the bank, but you still have to put down a bigger down payment than in the USA. You have to have 3 months of Tlush Mascoret, and be prepared to give 3 months or more of your bank accout statements to the bank. It is very common for banks, social workers and schools to ask for your bank account statements. This is NOT private info like in the USA. Monty payments can be very high, as much as 15,000NIS a month.
Renting can be an option, you don't need a big down payment, buy be prepared to have 1st and last month's rent in cash, and if either side uses a real estate agent, you have to pay a months' rent to the agent as well. There is also a security deposit to think about, and Vaad Bayit as well as Property Tax: Aronona. How many Rooms can you afford? In Israel the rooms, count the bedrooms and the living room. So a ONE room apartment is studio, a TWO room apartment is a bedroom and a living room, and so on. This is a big culture shock for Americans.
Check sites like https://www.yad2.co.il/realestate/rent?srsltid=AfmBOopGHtAegcrEbU7bwA-cspDKcWJLLPnEDn5Estw7PF-nTXT8uE5x
to check prices in the area that you want to live in.
If you need help in deciding where to live and figuring out your expenses I can help you.
Rachael Alice Orbach
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Friday, December 19, 2025
How to protect yourself from Scammers- Rachael Alice Orbach Life Coach
So I have a lot of musical instruments that I could sell. I put up a flute
and this man called me, offering to buy it
Of couse I said yes, but he said that he would send his brother to come get it, and he would pay by BIT.
I opened the link and this is what I found. The BIT was for me to send HIM the money, and then they would act as if they had paid me and come and take the flute.
Notice that in Hebrew it says קבלת כסף עבור חילי but in English it says for me to pay! I declined the transaction. So I said, OH, you made a mistake, please fix it, He hung up. I havn't heard from him again.
BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU ARE IN THESE PAYMENT APPS, READ CAREFULLY!!!!
Rachael Alice Orbach - Life Coach Jerusalem
lifecoachjerusalem@gmail.com
Monday, October 13, 2025
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I was walking home at around 5:00pm, and I was transfixed by the colors of the sunset. What wonders G-d gives us on a daily basis. May you...
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New Book from Rachael Orbach to learn English has just been launched! This is a beginner book with simple dialog, speaking practice and si...
