Show Notes
Overview In this episode, Paul and Nigel discuss life in Israel amidst recent regional tensions, dive into the logistics and "creature comforts" of safe rooms, compare the cost of living between the UK and Israel, and share local anecdotes ranging from medical visits to the cultural quirks of phone shops and a mutual confusion over cricket.
Key Discussion Points
Security & Safe Rooms: Nigel details spending two recent sessions in his safe room due to incoming missiles from Iran. He describes the room as a "Spartan" spare bedroom equipped with a steel door, steel window shutters, air conditioning, and a tiny TV with Netflix. He also notes seeing a six-story building under construction in Jerusalem with these concrete safe rooms built onto every floor.
Local Interactions & Culture: Nigel recounts a trip to his GP to drop off a 24-hour urine specimen, praising his "lovely" Israeli Arab nurse. He also shares a humorous story about visiting a local phone shop to get help with a new computer from the owner's sister, who was hiding out from the hairdressers with her hair covered in tin foil.
The Economy & Cost of Living: The pair discuss the shifting value of the shekel, noting it has moved from 10 shekels to the pound 22 years ago down to 3.9 today. Nigel shares local grocery prices via his wife Debbie: a carton of milk costs 7 shekels (£2) and a sliced loaf of bread costs 15 shekels. He emphasizes that while the country is doing remarkably well economically, the high cost of living makes it incredibly difficult for regular citizens to get by without family support.
The History of the Shekel & Antiquities: Nigel debunks stereotypes by explaining that the shekel's origin dates back to the Old Testament census in Exodus. He also mentions visiting an antiquarian in Jerusalem who showed him 2,000-year-old shekels and coins from the Bar Kokhba revolt.
Kosher Whisky & Wine: Nigel points out that 100% of Israeli wine is kosher due to strict production laws. Paul highlights a kosher whiskey brand, Tomintoul, run by Tanya Hillman, which he sampled at a Holocaust survivors' benefit event. He notes that while whisky can replace wine for Friday night prayers, traditional observant Jews typically avoid it during Passover due to the grain content.
Language & The Sabbath: Commenting on a visit to an English-speaking synagogue where the sermon was still delivered in Hebrew, Nigel explains the historical context. A religious friend explained that when mass waves of immigrants arrived from European camps and North Africa in the 1940s, nobody spoke modern Hebrew, making the policy of mandatory Hebrew sermons a deliberate effort to unite the state under a single perpetuated language.
Cricket Inexplicability: Paul reveals his interest in the Israeli national cricket team and mentions his intention to invite the captain, Eshkol Solomon, onto a future episode. Nigel laughs about hosting Israelis at his old home in Thaxted, Essex, noting that they found watching cricket to be the literal definition of "watching paint dry".
Thaxted & Gustav Holst: The episode wraps up with Paul sharing a bit of local Essex trivia: composer Gustav Holst lived in Thaxted and composed the music for the hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country there (originally named Thaxted), utilizing the melody from Jupiter in The Planets suite.
Upcoming Content Teased for Next Week A deeper dive into the 3,000-year history of Jerusalem. An exploration of the cultural contrast between the tech-heavy, modern vibe of Tel Aviv and the ancient atmosphere of Jerusalem. A recap of the second cricket Test match. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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