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1February 2006 n Tevet/Shevat 5766 n Volume 3, Issue 2

In this Issue:Radon & Modiin2006 Tax UpdateGetting Organizedand more

February 2006 Tevet/Shevat 5766 Volume 3, Issue 2

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Tu B’shvat Sameach

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February 2006 n Tevet/Shevat 5766 n Volume 3, Issue 2

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Radon: Dangerous Gas or a Lot of Hot AirBy: Caryn Meltz

The issue of radon came to the forefront in the mid 1980s through an odd experience by Stanley Watras from Boyertown, PA, USA. Watras worked at the Limerick Nuclear Power Plant. As part of his daily routine he walked through radiation detectors where he was repeatedly setting off alarms. The plant tried to find the source only to shockingly discover that the radiation he had absorbed did not come from his work, but rather from his own home. His house was built on earth that was high in uranium and never before had radon levels reached this height in a human. His neighbors, too, had high concentration levels of radon but no where near the amounts of Watras. This discovery prompted extensive testing for radon in homes throughout the US and the world.

Over the past several years in Israel, there has been a growing awareness of the dangers of radon gas which have even a panic about “radon problems” in the mamad (sealed room) in particular. Modiin has been rumored to be an area with large amounts of radon. However,

there are certain definitions and criteria that need to be understood.

Radon is found throughout the world. It is a natural radioactive gas that is odorless, colorless and tasteless and is produced from the decay in uranium which is found in different degrees in rocks and soil. Radon gas is emitted from the earth into the air. It always disintegrates with a half-life of 3.8 days, no matter where it is: in soil, air, walls, food, water, human body, etc. The soil, all over our planet, releases huge amounts of radon. But, due to the huge volume of the atmosphere it gets diluted, such that the typical concentration in the open air is as low as 5-10 Bq/m3. Radon radioactivity is measured in units of Bequerel (Bq) after the French chemist and its concentration in the air in units of Bq/m3.

The radon concentration indoors is always higher than outdoors because radon is continuously released by walls and penetrates to a certain extent from soil, and the ventilation level indoors is limited. The radon concentration indoors is the result of the balance between the radon being produced and by the air flow and radioactive decay. In essence, we are continuously inhaling radon whether it be indoors or outdoors.

Long-term exposure to high levels of radon has been linked to lung cancer. Researchers are investigating the hazard levels of radon in homes. The Ministry of

Continued on page 6



Dear ReadersWelcome to the first full color edition of ModiInfo.

The new upgraded look of the magazine is exciting and vibrant and sure to bring added benefit to the advertisers and columnists. We hope it is also adds reading enjoyment to you, our readers. We want to thank Rita Sadovski for this month’s cover design in honor of Tu B’shvat. Rita is a talented artist living in Modiin who works with watercolors on parchment and papercuts, including Ketubot and Megilot.

We enjoy providing the best possible publication and appreciate your feedback and contributions. Please feel free to send in your recipes and “Why We Live in Israel” stories to [email protected] and remember to check us out on the web at www.modiinfo.com.

Best wishes for a chag Tu B’Shvat sameach,Daniella Hellerstein and Caryn Meltz,

052-6404-414, 052-3868-768 [email protected]

www.modiinfo.com

Graphics by Ellen Perlis: 08-971-6012Graphics Assistant, Tanya Green: 08-975-0287ModiInfo is an independently owned, advertiser

supported publication distributed monthly to Modiin and the surrounding neighborhoods. ModiInfo welcomes all articles and ads but reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. The views expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of ModiInfo.

ModiInfo is not responsible for facts or claims made by ads or authors, nor for any typographical errors. Work produced by ModiInfo is the property of ModiInfo and may not be reproduced without consent.



Radon, Continued from page 4

Environment in Israel bases its radon policy according to the recommendations of the International Commission for Radiological Protection (ICRP) and of the World Health Organization (WHO). It is these international bodies that recommend the most adequate radiation protection policy and protection levels. The ICRP recommends radon levels to be no more than 200-600 Bq/m3. Israel’s action level is set at 200 Bq/m3 while the US is 150 Bq/m3 and Canada is 400 Bq/m3.

Radon enters homes through openings, cracks, gaps in the floors and where the floor and walls meet. The concentration in radon for one neighbor could be higher than the adjacent neighbor (whose homes were built with the same materials) due to the air exchange rate in the homes.

Courtesy of the Ministry of Environment

Radon is emitted from the earth but it can also be emitted from building material such as concrete. By definition, all basic building materials (concrete, various types of building blocks, tiles, ceramics, etc.) which are made of soil inherit small quantities of uranium. Due to their porous structure, they release a fraction of the radon which is continuously being produced inside the material. Among the usual building materials it is highest for concrete, due to its large “porosity”.

There will always be some trace of radon found in homes in Israel, however, that does not necessarily translate into dangerous levels. Every wall, ceiling or floor are all made from different types of building materials that all emit radon. Israeli teken 5098 (Nov. 2002) “Content of radioactive elements in building products”, sets limits on the amount of radium that can be found in all types of building products, such as concrete blocks and concrete.

The average level of radon in open air in Israel is 5-10 Bq/m3. The concentration increases during the night up to 40 Bq/m3, depending on the region and atmospheric conditions. For ground level rooms at 47 Bq/m3 and in upper levels of homes and buildings at 20-30 Bq/m3 (according to the radon survey in Israel). It is only possible to measure radon through specific

Continued on page 15



U.S. Income Tax Update for the Year 2006By: Avraham R. Deutsch & Associates, CPA (US), MBA, APC

M.A.A.D. Business Services, Ltd.

The 2006 U.S. tax-filing season has begun. As such, in order to engage in proper tax planning, it is important that you familiarize yourselves with both U.S. and Israeli income tax matters and how they affect your personal situation. Minimizing your taxes requires an analysis of many issues, including the U.S. and Israeli foreign income tax credit rules, the foreign earned income exclusion rules, and also how the applicable provisions of the U.S.-Israel income tax treaty affects you. Outlined below are some areas of current U.S. tax law, which may affect your U.S. tax filings due in 2006. Please make special note that under the U.S. child credit rules, you may be eligible to receive free, up to $1000 per child per year. (Please be advised that restrictions may apply and a tax advisor should be consulted in order to plan properly.)

U.S. Child Tax Credit potentially results in free money to you courtesy of the U.S. government. Up to $1000 per eligible child is available after the regular child tax credit has been computed. Taxpayers must have reportable earned income (from wages or self-employment) from Israel or the U.S. in excess of $11,000 and the incomes of both husband and wife can be combined even if one spouse is not a U.S. citizen. (Please note however, that the non-citizen spouse requires a U.S. tax identification number). Children must be U.S. citizens aged 16 and below and must possess a U.S. Social Security number. Please note that maximizing the child credit can be quite complicated and this money is available to you even if no U.S. tax is due. Amended returns may be filed back to the tax year 2002 (2002 amended returns must generally be filed by April 15, 2006).

Foreign Tax Credits may be utilized when Israeli or other non-U.S. earned income exceeds the U.S. foreign earned income exclusion, on Israeli investment income that is also taxed in the U.S. (and vice versa), or if you are filing for the Child Tax Credit. Conversely, since Israel now also taxes worldwide income, Israel will generally provide you with a foreign tax credit on income that was sourced and first taxed in the U.S.

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) rules have been changed for 2005 tax returns. In certain situations, those who previously were paying AMT, may now be able to claim a U.S. income tax credit for 100% (previously the credit was for 90%) of the foreign tax they paid, thereby reducing or eliminating their AMT liability.

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion remains at $80,000 per taxpayer. Thus, married taxpayers filing jointly, who meet certain requirements, may potentially

Continued on page 8

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Tax Update, Continued from page 7

exclude up to $160,000 of foreign earned income per return. However, one spouse may not utilize the unused portion of the exclusion of the other spouse and by electing the exclusion you may prevent eligibility for the additional child credit (see above). Please note that this exclusion does not apply to pension or investment income.

U.S. – Israel Income Tax Treaty states that U.S. citizens residing in Israel are generally eligible to exclude U.S. Social Security benefits received from their adjusted gross income. This may result in substantial tax savings and even refunds on prior years’ returns if you included Social Security benefits as taxable. Refunds may generally be claimed on the three prior tax returns.

Self-employed Individuals need 40 quarters in order to qualify for future U.S. Social Security Retirement benefits. These quarters can be earned even while living in Israel. This is primarily accomplished by:

1. being self-employed in Israel, 2. going to the U.S. to work as an employee or as a self-employed individual,3. working in Israel for a U.S. entity.

State and Local Tax Refunds may be available for taxpayers who may be unnecessarily filing Resident income tax returns after they moved to Israel. Please be advised that a bank account, brokerage account or driver’s license maintained in a particular state does not necessitate a tax filing in that state. If you have real estate, a business, or any other activity considered

a nexus (strong connection), to a state you should generally only file a non-resident income tax return in that state. Big refunds may be available in these cases.

Long Term Capital Gains apply to certain assets held for more than one year. The maximum tax rate is 15% (5% for taxpayers in the 10% or 15% bracket). Capital losses are still fully deductible against capital gains, and any capital losses in excess of capital gains may fully offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income. Net capital losses in excess of $3,000 may be carried over indefinitely to future years. A balanced portfolio, which can be discussed in conjunction with your overall tax planning, is an excellent way to ride out the ups and downs of market cycles.

Qualified Dividends are taxed at 5% or 15%, the same as long-term capital gains. Generally, U.S. taxes paid on U.S. investment income may be used to offset Israeli taxes (and vice versa) thus potentially avoiding double taxation.

Corporations are potentially excellent tax planning vehicles, especially in light of Israeli tax reform. “C” Corporation tax rates are still 15% on taxable income up to $50,000, 25% from $50,001 - $75,000 and 34% from $75,001 - $100,000, with higher rates for higher incomes. “S” Corporations and Limited Liability Companies (“LLC’s”) are pass-thru entities whose income is taxed at the individual level.

U.S. Tax Rates are 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33% and 35% respectively. The lower rates of 10% and 15% are



Helping Your Teen

Get OrganizedBy: Hazel Brief

Our teens can’t estimate time, can’t write down their homework in their daily planners, and can’t complete their homework. They forget their lunches, books, and times they committed to return home. What I hear from parents is that they just “can’t, can’t, can’t”. And then, suddenly they are able to organize one subject, study, and do well on an exam. Teachers and parents alike are puzzled by this inconsistent performance. They surmise that that they can succeed whenever they choose. If they can’t get organized it must be because they aren’t trying hard enough. As Russell Barkley, PhD puts it, “These kids do one thing right and we hold it against them for the rest of their lives.” Parents, teachers, and students are frustrated, angry, and often times feel they have no options. The group of skills that deal with these behavior’s such as sustaining attention, initiating a task, planning, prioritizing, using working memory, feeling inhibition, managing time, and showing flexibility are collectively known as Executive Functions. These Executive Functions are controlled by the frontal lobes of the brain and just like many parts of our bodies, need understanding and development.

Understanding Executive FunctionTeens and adults that exhibit Executive Functioning

(EF) difficulties find it hard to monitor, evaluate, adjust, and attend to their own behavior and needs. Accomplishing simple tasks can overwhelm and frustrate them as well as the people around them. They may have the best intentions, but sometimes the hard wiring in their brain simply makes it more difficult for them to accomplish their goals.

There are many effective strategies that can be implemented both at home and in school to help improve Executive Functioning. I will address several that require little time or money to accomplish.

Breaking-Down Information:One of the first and easiest things we can do as

parents and educators is to help our teens break down information. Breaking down information into bite-sized pieces helps a person initiate and follow through on a task. By encouraging completion of small goals in pursuit of the final goal, feelings of paralysis and “stuck-ness” are decreased. The teen is rewarded along the way and encouraged to finish just a small part of the project at a given time. Breaking down information is a learned skill. This technique applies to homework assignments, classroom directions, and chores around the house. Remember, positive over negative, small parts in place of big parts, and patience as your teen and you work on a new skill.


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By: Tamar Varon

Maybe someday there will be a magical cure for eating disorders. Maybe a new vaccine will be developed in order to ward off the urge to overeat. Maybe there will be a magic potion that can restore a normal appetite to someone who is under eating. Take two tablets at bedtime and wake up at your ideal weight!

Until that magic day arrives, what can we do? What is the secret to keeping unwanted weight off, and to maintain an equilibrium of happiness in one’s life aside from the emphasis on one’s shape? These questions lend to the underlying cause of what many people are struggling with in today’s culture of satiation, that being a food obsession.

Right now, the diet industry is more than a $30 billion a year weight-loss operation, but yet the increased percentage of obesity is at an all time high. In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, it was proven that in America alone, roughly 25 million men are said to be dieting to lose weight, and 43 million women, while among adolescents, about 3 million girls and 1 million boys say they are “skipping meals” to lose weight.

Dieting as a way of life begins early. Eighty percent of the teenage girls in the U.S. have been on at least one diet. It has even become common among children, mainly girls, in grade school already using the language of, “I feel fat today.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, Americans lose roughly one billion pounds per year, and at the same time others are gaining about one billions pounds per year. Yet the average American is larger now than at any other time in history.

While 25 years ago eating disorders were rare, today according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders estimates that eight million Americans suffer from either anorexia or bulimia. How can we stop this epidemic, and prevent our own children from being affected? In addition, how can someone who is suffering from an eating disorder find the best help to overcome it?

The first step is to be aware. Learn more about eating disorders, and the signs and symptoms that exist. Eating disorders are not merely problems with food, but are psychological disorders and it’s often not easy to tell who is, and who is not suffering with an eating disorder. Dieting, exercising, fasting, and a preoccupation with food and weight are so prevalent that it’s hard to know when someone really has an eating disorder.

When one’s feelings about work, school, relationships, day-to-day activities, and one’s experience of emotional well-being are determined by what has or has not been eaten, or a number on the scale interferes with daily

Making Challenges into Opportunities: A Closer Look at Eating Disorders



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Making Challenges into Opportunities: A Closer Look at Eating Disorders

functioning then it a serious issue. Eating habits become eating disorders when they become obsessive and destructive. Someone who uses food to try and temporarily block out painful feelings, calm anxiety, or subdue tension and stress ends up in a cycle of self defeating behavior, that seems almost impossible to overcome.

Recovering from an eating disorder involves much more than simply losing or gaining pounds to maintain a healthy weight, but also offers an incredible opportunity for self understanding and emotional growth.

If you feel that you might have a serious food issue, but you aren’t sure, ask yourself the following questions. 1. Are you constantly preoccupied with thoughts about food? 2. Does the number on the scale determine how you feel; how you will handle your day; or your worth as a person? 3. Do you try and control your body weight through the vicious cycle of dieting, resulting in losing, and regaining the same weight over and over again? 4. Do you battle between depriving yourself of food, and uncontrollable urges to eat? 5. Is your life being controlled by your eating or feelings about your body?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions it is likely that you would benefit from some type of help. There are a vast array of self help books and workbooks about eating disorders. There are many resources available, slowly making there way here to Israel, including websites,

email listings, and online help. In addition, individual therapy is recommended to work through more personal issues, as well as joining a support group.

In conclusion, one can imagine how an eating disorder can take over someone’s life in a destructive way, as well as those around them. Through counseling, one can learn new tools to deal with life’s difficulties, while at the same time making them into new avenues for growth. One can learn how to restore food to its rightful place – to nourish the body rather than using it as an all-purpose problem solver. To recover, one can begin to face emotional feelings, without escaping into eating when the going gets rough. Overcoming an eating disorder allows one to access the ability to make challenges into opportunities. v

Some useful resources: www.aedweb.org; www.ANAD.org; www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org; www.HealingConnections.org

Tamar Varon M.S is a family therapist with extensive training in eating disorders. She is the founder of the Center for Healing Emotional Eating, offering workshops, as well as individual and group counseling in Jerusalem and in the Modiin area at The Oasis Center. She can be reached at 054-672-0213. (See classified ad on page 22).



Get Organized, Continued from page 9

Understanding your Teen’s/ Student’s Learning Style:

Understanding your student’s or your child’s learning style is an important step to helping him/her process information; solve problems and succeed in school. Learning styles vary from person to person. Some kids learn best through seeing things, some through hearing, some through experiencing, and some through a combination of seeing, hearing and experiencing. Each person’s learning style is different and respecting that difference will encourage your teen to find out what works best.

How Do We Find out Our Teen’s Learning Style?While having a comprehensive learning evaluation

for some kids is necessary, many parents, and teachers can gain valuable information by just asking their student/teen some simple questions. Here are several questions that encourage teens to discover and reflect on their own personal style which give important feedback for parents and teachers.

“Would it be helpful to see your daily schedule on the wall or hear me announce the schedule in the morning, or do you need both?”

“Would you like your watch to beep to remind you to start your homework, or do you want me to tell you?”

“Which is more helpful for you, a daily planner that has lines for each time increment, or one that has open spaces between the hours?”

“Now it is time for History, would you like to do questions 1-6 or 1-10?”

“Is this helping you?” “Can I help you think this issue through?” This allows the student to think about what works

best. Cooperation and communication is essential in this process.

Remember the Chinese proverb: “Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I’ll understand.”

Learning style identification allows us to adjust the environment to meet the needs of the student/child rather than “adjusting” the child/student. I encourage parents to take a step back and listen to their teen to find out what they think works best for them. Some teens need help in this process. Helping means listening and sharing advice with your teen, not dispensing it. Let your teen or student tell you what works and then be willing to try it out with them. There are no right answers in learning styles, but there are better directions for different types of learners.

Attitude AdjustmentAs a Coach for teens, people often ask me how I deal

with teen’s attitudes. I remind them that we can all benefit from some attitude adjustment from time to time.

If we look at teens and students who have difficulties with EF (Executive Functioning) as “defective”, “broken”, or “disordered”, chances are they will see themselves in that light as well. Understanding EF means that we as



parents and educators need to keep a few things in mind:See each student/teen as an individual with unique

learning styles and needs. Don’t equate “different” with “wrong”, just different.

Understand that EF encompasses a range of behaviors that are controlled by a person’s brain. Most of the time teens and students don’t want to be annoying, frustrating, or disruptive. Sometimes brain hard-wiring can make it difficult for some students to learn. Students need to be encouraged to seek solutions and not rely on excuses.

People who have difficulties with EF can be high functioning, excel at sports, art, music, and have amazing ideas and creativity. Looking for strengths whether they are inside or outside the classroom can work wonders for anyone’s self-esteem.

Interventions need not be costly or time-consuming. Listening, giving positive feedback, and breakings down tasks, are free of charge.

According to Dr. Mel Levine in his book All Kinds of Minds, “Every student can benefit from having a greater understanding of his own strengths and weaknesses, along with insight and a plan for optimizing learning. Helping parents, teachers, and students to acknowledge and appreciate these differences is the first step. Helping them to celebrate the differences is the goal.” v

Hazel K. Brief MSW, Executive Function, ADHD and Life Coach, www.synergeticoaching.com, 054-497-2529



Mayor Alex Weinreb, and Dr. Victor Steiner, from the Ministry of Environment more testing was done. Results of the survey conducted by the Ministry of Environment proved once again that the soil in Modiin does not have a high level of radon. In addition to the soil having been retested, 103 ganim and schools throughout the city were also tested by a private company. The only dangerous levels of radon found were in storage rooms which do not pose a risk because they are not used for living space. Nevertheless, Weinreb requested that Steiner conduct tests for additional assurance. According to Steiner, before he could begin testing he was asked by others in the Modiin Municipality not to test for radon in the city and was told he would be denied access should he attempt a survey here. Equally disturbing is the rumor that the Modiin Municipality has a hired a private company to install expensive radon pump systems (at a cost of up to 100,000 NIS) when there is no evidence to suggest that they are necessary.

To this day there are four cities in Israel that are considered prone to high amounts of radon. They are Jerusalem, Ma’ale Adumim, Arad and Carmiel due to their location and the phosphate level in the soil there. In those areas there is a special radon procedure for

kablanim to follow in order to receive tofes arbah. Builders are required to install an extra layer of flooring under the foundation in order to protect against high levels of radon seeping into the house. Weinreb has proposed that this requirement be added to the regulations incumbent on builders in Modiin. He has had radon on his agenda from the onset of his position of deputy mayor with the portfolio of environmental issues. For example, under Misrad Hachinuch regulations, schools and ganim must be checked every three years. Weinreb has increased the time to every two years. What other regulations are implemented and whether they are even necessary remains to be seen. v

Radon Levels in ModiinBy: Daniella Hellerstein

The history of radon in Modiin is as old as the city itself. When construction began roughly ten years ago, a private company took advantage of the uncharted territory and preyed on buyer’s fears. It announced findings of explosive levels of radon in Modiin soil. As a result, a group of buyers approached the Ministry of Environment inquiring about the accuracy of the statement. The Ministry had their own data and radon measurements along with those of other private testers. All the results proved only safe levels. In addition, the private company who ignited the rumor refused to share his results claiming they were private property. Nevertheless, the group of buyers backed out.

When the Modiin Municipality feared losing additional buyers it requested another survey of radon levels in schools and ganim. Those results were normal as well. Additionally, the soil of various areas of Modiin was tested and a geological map was produced based on the results (see map). Those test results showed too low a level of radium in the soil to be considered dangerous

and therefore the testing of private homes was deemed unnecessary. The Ministry of Environment wanted to conduct testing on private homes to be certain since radon emission can come from the soil but also from the walls (see article, “Understanding Radon”, page 4), however, they were not allowed to continue. These tests were conducted in the year 2000 since which radon has been considered a non-issue. Until now.

The possibility of dangerous levels of radon in Modiin was brought to the forefront once again in September 2005 when Modiin resident Aaron Rothenberg became concerned that his newly purchased apartment had a high level of radon in it. After a meeting with Deputy

Surveys conducted by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Geological Institute and the Soreq Nuclear Center



Consumer TipsWhen hiring a radon inspector, beware of the

following points:

• There are currently 14 licensed and certified private radon inspectors in Israel;

• A radon inspection license is not administered to a company rather to an individual within the company;

• Therefore, make sure that the person the company sends is also the one that is licensed;

• You can check this by asking to see the photo I.D. card the licensed inspector must carry;

• The detectors used by the company are also licensed;

• Make sure that the licensed detectors are the ones being used and not other detectors which may not meet Israeli standards and operate according to a different unit of measurement;

• Licenses are renewed annually and detectors are checked regularly; make sure the inspector and his detectors have current licensure;

• Despite close monitoring by the Ministry of Environment, they still receive complaints about misuse by licensed companies;

• It is advised that a third party confirm test results before hiring a company due to the inherent bias that exists when the company detecting the problem is also the one hired to solve it.

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radon detectors. The “action limit” is the highest radon concentration allowed in homes.

By law in Israel, radon testing requires certification from the Ministry of the Environment. Providing radon testing service without a license is illegal. There are currently 14 licensed radon testers. The consumer should beware of the illegal radon testers for the results are deemed invalid by the Ministry. In addition, such tests are likely to lead to wrong results and to a wrong decision. (See Consumer Tips box on page 15) For a complete list of testers, please visit the Ministry’s web site, http://www.sviva.gov.il/Enviroment/Static/Binaries/Articals/Table_radon_license_1.pdf.

The licensed companies measure radon under different circumstances. The first test that should be performed on ground level rooms only is a three-to-seven-day test under closed conditions – meaning all windows and doors must be shut during the duration. This is to check for possible radon penetration from the soil. If the penetration exists, the radon inside the room will increase beyond the level expected from the emanation of the walls. A specific device is left in the room and is then collected at the end of the testing time and is then sent to the lab to be analyzed.


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The most reliable test is a long range test of three-to-six months (six months is recommended). This test is performed under “normal” conditions where windows and doors can be opened or closed as one would use on a regular basis. A longer range test is done to obtain a more accurate reading of the radon levels. Radon can shift depending on humidity, temperature and atmospheric pressure and therefore a longer range test gives a more accurate estimation. It reflects the actual radiation dose and the potential health risk.

The mamad needs special considerations to be taken as by definition it is a hermetically sealed room. Pikud HaOref states that one should not be in a closed mamad for more than six hours because oxygen consumption and humidity build up.

When a short term closed condition test is performed on a mamad, the results will always come back higher than a regular room. First, the radon exhalation rate from massive concrete is about five times higher than a wall made of standard building blocks with holes. Second, under hermetical closure, the air exchange rate is zero, and therefore, radon loss occurring via radioactive decay is at a much lower rate. As a result, the radon levels measured under closed conditions in the mamad can be up to 200 times higher than under normal conditions. This is known as the “mamad effect” and is used by some testers to scare and confuse the vulnerable homeowner. It is a poor trick which works.

How do you get rid of the radon that accumulated during the three-to-seven day closed test? Simply open the windows or doors of that room and the radon dissipates rather quickly. The diffusion law or Fick’s law comes into play which means that like other gases, once the room is opened, it dilutes with the other air that is present and spreads itself out to normal levels.

In many Modiin homes, it seems that most rooms are adequately aired out by keeping doors and occasionally windows open. However, if you want to know the exact radon levels, you should call one of the 14 certified testers to come and test your home. v

This article was written with the assistance of Dr. Victor Steiner, Director of Ionizing Natural Radiation, Ministry of Environment.


Why We Live in IsraelBy: Sharon Fishman

As I sat in ulpan, the word le’avret (Hebrew-ize – from the word Ivrit) was mentioned. The instructor explained that, in her experience, some people that make Aliya want to change their names to Hebrew/Israeli, while others have a real problem with it. Those who are apposed, think that they were named for someone and that that is who they are. As if to le’avret someone’s name would be taking away his or her identity!

The conversation in uplan continued to include contributions from others in the group stemming from different communities. “Are our communities effective in integrating new olim into Israeli society”? “Do we take too much comfort in the sameness of the Anglo communities or do we mix despite our differences”? I wondered, are we actually changing our identity or just our names?

My family, the Fishmans (from Philadelphia), made Aliya six months ago. I did not change my name but my husband did. Despite the obvious issues with documentation, we managed to emerge unscarred. However, once we began to live our lives as Israelis we had to ask ourselves some difficult questions… Are we going to have a large lunch and small dinner? Should we revolve our lives around pugim and Super Goal Cards? Should we attempt to actually master the sponga method of cleaning floors? Or, on a deeper level, would we befriend Israelis or stay with what is familiar and natural?

It soon became clear that we could ease into Israeli society while all the time holding on to what we know and love. In this way, we would learn to identify with Israeli culture, still maintaining connections with our old life. This, thank G-d, continues to work well with the help and support of friends both old and new in Modiin.

Finally, I asked myself, would those of us who grew up in America and made Aliya later in life always feel sandwiched? Will the next generation be different? Maybe it will be enough to watch our children integrate into every facet of Israeli life. We adults may always remain a little on the outskirts changing our identification along with bits and pieces of our lives. v

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Tax Update, Continued from page 8

available for the following taxable income levels: Single: up to $29,700; Married Filing Joint: up to $59,400.

Standard Deductions have been increased as follows: Single - $5,000; Married filing jointly - $10,000. Taxpayers over the age of 65 may claim an additional deduction of $1,000 each, if married, or $1,250 if single. Anyone with deductions in excess of these amounts may itemize their deductions. Please note that mortgage interest, real estate tax (arnona) and certain charitable contributions paid in Israel may be deductible.

Personal Exemptions have been increased to $3,200. In some cases, such as when you provide at least half the support of the dependent, grandparents may even claim their grandchildren as exemptions. Please be advised that as well as other conditions phase-out rules apply.

Gifting of $11,000 per donee is an effective way to potentially reduce the value of your U.S. taxable estate, as well as future U.S. estate taxes. The gift limit is $22,000 if your spouse joins you in making the gift. The exclusion amount on taxable estates is $1,500,000 for 2005 and $2,000,000 for 2006, 2007 and 2008.

“First Time” Homebuyers may still make an IRA penalty free withdrawal of up to $10,000 if single, and $20,000 on a jointly filed return ($10,000 for eachspouse’s account) and not be subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty. The penalty will generally not apply if the funds are used within 120 days to buy, construct,




Modiin Library Fundraising CampaignBy: Caryn Meltz

The first Modiin library opened in September 2005. The Modiin consumer e-mail list moderators, Ralph Birnbaum, Richard Gussow, Jason Elbaum, and Reuven Lerner, wanted to find a way to facilitate the growth of the library and approached the Modiin Iriyah months ago in the hopes of putting together a fundraising campaign. Finally a shekel for shekel agreement was reached meaning that for every shekel raised, the city would match that shekel. Yoram Karmon, CEO of the Modiin Iriyah, signed the written agreement with Mayor Spector’s approval.

The money raised will be used according to the library’s needs. In addition, to needing books, on the list of purchases are Barco projectors, and Internet stations for public use. There are currently three and each station costs 5000 NIS.

Donations should be made through Bank HaPoalim, branch 582, account number 96636. The account is an escrow deposit account held and administered (pro bono) by attorney Sigalit Hendsher-Farkash, and neither the list moderators nor the municipality can withdraw funds.

After depositing the money, please notify the list moderators or Sigalit of the deposit, so it can be tracked. You can either fax Sigalit at (08)971-6675 or e-mail [email protected]. An Amutah was not set up for this one-time project, hence donations are not tax-deductible.

The library is located in the left wing of the Yitchak Rabin High School located on Emek Dotan. (08)971-8360. In Israel, there is a nominal fee for library membership. To become a member of the library you can either go in person to the Iriya and pay at Sherut LeEzrach, or pay by credit card by phone (08)972-6020/1/2.

Help our library grow! v

Tax Update, Continued from page 17or reconstruct a personal residence. (In addition, there are other situations, such as for medical reasons and schooling where penalties may also be avoided).

Tax Retirement Plans still exist in the form of traditional IRA’s and Roth IRAs, as well as other types of savings plans. Traditional and Roth IRA’s allow for contributions of up to $4,000 per year ($4,500 if age 50 or over). Contributions to Roth IRAs can be made even after age 70 1/2. Roth IRA withdrawals are generally tax free if certain conditions are met and include a five-year holding period and an age requirement of 59 1/2. Please note that potentially deductible IRA contributions can be made for those reporting compensation on their U.S. income tax return, including those who are filing for the Additional Child Credit (some exceptions apply).

Automatic Extensions for taxpayers, who reside overseas, are available until June 15, 2006. Interest is charged, however, from April 15, 2006 if there is a balance due and penalties are charged from June 15, 2006. It is recommended that taxpayers who do not file by June 15th and owe tax, pay the estimated balance due by said date, along with filing an extension. In addition, it is imperative, that taxpayers who owe estimated taxes, pay them on a timely basis in order to avoid estimated tax penalties. v

Avraham Deutsch is a CPA, with over 25 years experience, and can be reached at 02-999-2104, 03-527-3254, or 052-274-9999, or e-mail at [email protected].

Jewish JocksBy: David Nachenberg

Now that we are finished celebrating the Festival of Lights, what are the Modern Maccabees of the sports playing fields up to?

Baseball – Houston Astros’ catcher, Brad Ausmus, played well in the playoffs, hitting a resounding home run to catapult his ream to their second place finish. He earned his Hanukkah gelt – a $7.5 million two-year contract extension. (photo at left)

Bowling – Marshall Holman bowled in the PBA Medford Open in January. He finished in 41st place out of 96 bowlers. He averaged 205.5 per game earning $2,000.

Hockey – Mathieu Schneider is one of the team leaders on the Detroit Red Wings. The 36-year-old defenseman in his 16th season in the NHL has scored 584 points in 1034 games in his career. In 2005/6 he had 32 points in 42 games. This season he has had 12 goals and 20 assists.

Figure Skating – Sarah Hughes (photo at right) won a gold medal and Sasha Cohen finished in 4th place in the 2002 Olympics. Their fans around the world are anticipating more of the same in the 2006 Olympics in February. v

Submitted for a refuah shlayma for my wife, Chana Tova Chaya bat Pesha, tragically injured in the Sbarro bombing on August 9, 2001. She is still hospitalized.



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Eating HealthyBy: Ilene Cahan

As I write these words, the medical condition of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon remains tenuous. Since the Prime Minister suffered a stroke a few weeks ago, there has been a great deal of discussion regarding his health and particularly his weight and his indulgence of fatty foods, as well as, his lifestyle. Prime Minister Sharon is not a young man, but his weight and lack of exercise put him at higher risk for health care problems.

One positive outcome of the Prime Minister’s stroke was the high profile focus in the media regarding his weight. This type of attention could make more people aware of the risks associated with not maintaining a proper diet and lack of exercise. Interestingly enough, this occurred around the time of Chanukah and the Prime Minister jokingly told the public to enjoy sufganiot, but in moderation. The battle between the Hasmonaim and the Greeks takes on an entirely new meaning when viewed from a gastronomic perspective. Jewish holidays are closely associated with food and Chanukah maybe even more so with all of the oily foods traditionally eaten. After Chanukah, sufganiot, fried levivot (latkes), and chocolate gelt might no longer be jumping out at us at the supermarket, but we certainly might continue to remember them by the extra inches on our waists.

Change is hard, but often very worthwhile. When one changes jobs, he breaks the routine that was once there (he doesn’t go to the same office, for instance) and maybe doesn’t do the same tasks as before.

Changes to our bodies or habits often occur gradually over a long period of time. Often times, these changes are less than desirable and are overlooked. Sometimes they are only realized when clothes from last year’s winter season no longer fit like they once did, or you look at pictures taken from a past simcha. Habits and health practices can improve or deteriorate over time.

Over the past fifteen years that I have been practicing as a dietitian, I have learned many things about people, about what things work, and what things don’t. Since change is destructive, meaning there needs to be a break in a pattern or cycle, it can also be somewhat frightening. Most people avoid making changes if they can. Some changes, however, are necessary in order to improve or to prevent a dangerous situation. Elevated blood sugar levels, cholesterol, or triglyceride levels or high blood pressure can cause additional complications if not dealt with in a timely fashion. Change is very hard when it involves basic daily routines and habits, such as exercise and consuming healthy foods.

I believe that often some relatively small modifications (versus changes), many of which are generally quite simple and uncomplicated, can be made and help to achieve some wonderful and needed results. I carefully work with individuals to help figure out in which areas of their daily lifestyle routines

modifications are needed. Making improvements in one’s eating habits and choices, while finding ways to become more active, is a joint venture. By far, the most effective weight management plan is a plan that provides a variety of healthy foods, is enjoyable, has moderately-sized portions, and that one can continue for life.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip CookiesIf you’re going to eat cookies anyway, you might

as well make them a little healthier by changing some of the ingredients.

11/4 c. enriched white flour

1 c. whole wheat flour

1 tsp. baking soda1/2 c. lite tub margarine1/2 c. brown sugar, packed1/2 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs (or 1 whole egg + 2 egg whites or 1/2 c. liquid egg substitute)

1 c. chocolate chips (you can decrease these to decrease fat and calories)

Cream margarine, sugars, and vanilla. Beat in eggs. Add flours and baking soda. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes. Optional: Place batter in a 9 x 13 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes for bars. v

Ilene Cahan RD, LD, CDEDietitian Private Practice call or email for more information 08-971-7401 (H) 054-804-1954 (C) 410-753-4349 (U.S. # rings locally)

Email: [email protected]



Recipe Corner

By: Daniella Hellerstein

“I just love it!” Exclaims one Modiin mother of four about Kesef Katan, the online supermarket. “I order from them all the time either by calling in my order, faxing it or going on line. Now that they have an English website it’s just so easy!”

Kesef Katan is a full-service supermarket geared toward meeting the needs of its mostly Anglo clientele. Orders can be made in one of the abovementioned ways. An order placed in the morning is delivered by noon. An order place in the afternoon is delivered between 6 and 9 pm. If an item requested is missing they will call to offer an alternative. The service has been described as clean, neat, efficient and comptetively priced as well as incredibly dependable.

Much appreciated are the variety of American products available, most of which are not found in Modiin. The supermarket is well acquainted with the needs of its Anglo customers and is eager to satisfy them. They are always willing to bring in new products that are requested, if possible. In addition to standard shelf items, they deliver fresh meat, chicken, fruits, vegetables and eggs. Payment can be made over the phone, by cash upon delivery or by credit card upon delivery. Overall, the service has received rave reviews from its growing list of customers from the Modiin/Chashmonaim area. If you haven’t tried them yet, it’s time to find out what you’ve been missing. (See ad on page 23.) v

Kesef Katan – It’s No Small Thing

Lentil and Vegetable Soup (dairy or pareve)

By: Carolyn Budow Ben-David

On a wet, cold and windy winter day there is often nothing more satisfying than a bowl of piping hot homemade soup. This recipe can either be served as entree to a meal or served with fresh bread as a nourishing lunch or supper.

(8-10 servings)

Ingredients50g butter or margarine

2 medium onions peeled and chopped

2 cloves of garlic peeled and crushed (optional)

4 carrots (approx. 200g) peeled and chopped

1-2 trunks of broccoli washed and chopped (the thick stem often left when florets have been removed)

300g red lentils washed and drained

2 liters vegetable stock (can be boiled water with soup powder added)

salt

black pepper

2 teaspoons lemon juice

300 mls milk/soya milk/water

freshly chopped or dry parsley

InstructionsMelt the butter or margarine in a large saucepan and fry the onion and garlic for approximately 5 minutes

until soft but not brown. Add the carrots, broccoli and lentils and stir around for a few minutes. Pour in the vegetable stock. Half cover the pan and simmer gently for approximately 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Blend soup with a hand blender in the pan or pour into a liquidizer or food processor and blend until smooth. Pour back into the pan and add salt, pepper and lemon juice. Thin the soup to your preferred consistency with the milk/soya milk/water and add parsley. Reheat until hot and serve. v



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