Are You Up To Date on Web Accessibility?

Did you know that there is a move to make sure that the disabled population can access websites? It is not enough for them to be able to enter buildings and services that they might require physically. In today's time, when so much information is on the internet, there is a Web Accessibility Initiative WAI to make sure that websites are also accessible. A part of this means that your website is transferable to different devices. This can be PC or laptop or smart phone or tablet. However, the device used to access your website is not the only factor that is important. The type of content you write, how easy it is to understand and various details related to the layout, use of colour and even the template all have a part to play in making sure that your website is accessible to disabled or special needs persons. 

What does this mean? Someone with a visual deficit might have difficulty with identifying colours effectively or in reading print in one colour on the background of another. Colour combination is very important and can make the difference between being able to read and being unable to. Colour is not the only problem, for those who are blind, altering the size of the font or the colour combination will not make any difference. For the blind population special software is required that can turn the written word into audio. For another person, vision might be fine but s/he lacks mobility of his or her arms to be able to use a computer in a normal manner. For someone with motor deficit the method used to use a computer or other device, is also different. This can require use of switches or the mouse in an altered manner through assistive technology. As a result, those of us who have a website need to make sure that it is easy to navigate a website using arrow keys with ease.

There are a number of countries that are working towards web accessibility. The USA is one of them and closer to home, Israel also has some laws in place. In Israel, the laws came into being in 2013 and web owners have been given until October 2016. There are certain leniencies for small business owners. I read an article that stated that small businesses can apply for exemption but in the same breath did not recommend doing so as it can draw attention to your website. To me that was rather confusing. If anyone has an answer on that point, I'd love to hear it. 

On our side, our website is currently built on weebly. I sent a question to weebly's support who was not able to assist with web accessibility. They did suggest doing a google search for any widget that can assist. So far I have not found one. If anyone reading this post knows of a suitable widget, please can you share in the comments below. Otherwise, it might be time to move on from weebly to another platform. We have researching options. So if any readers know of a website building platform that is cost effective and sensitive to website accessibility, please share the information. 

In the meantime, I am busy wading through the Web Accessibility Guidelines. There is a fortune to learn and then to put into practice. Don't be left behind. If you have a website, start now to learn what is required to make sure that your website is accessible.

Shoshanah Shear
Occupational Therapist

Honesty in Business - with video

Many Olim find that working freelance, privately, becoming an entrepreneur is necessary in order to meet their lifestyle goals on many levels. A question that comes up often is how do you set your price? In Israel it is typical to find a price you set being negotiated, bargained or altered. What is the best business response?

Let's take a look at a video from businessmen on business ethics

We hope you enjoyed the video and would love to hear your thoughts on the topic. To what extent do you strive to fulfill the business ethic of honesty in business?

Olim Business Conference THIS Friday!

 

Are you new to Israel? Or an Oleh and been here for a while? 

You are invited to join an exciting Event:

 

Olim Business Conference 2015

Living Smarter in Israel

 Finance, Banking, Real-Estate & Careers

When:

 

Friday June 26^th 2015 

9am-3pm

 

Where:

 Tel Aviv Cinematheque

Entry – 20 ILS

Whether you have been in Israel for a year or over a decade, knowing how to work smarter with financial matters is crucial. Know what your rights are as an Oleh, and find the best business service-providers for the English speaking community. This conference will bring you tips, direct access to industry professionals, and interactive lectures from the leading experts to make Israel feel like home, whilst saving you money. We will also be hosting an executive level career fair, so come with your resume in hand.

Conference this Friday specifically for OLIM. 

 

HR reps looking for OLIM employee's from IBM, Cisco, Liveperson, Panaya, Amdocs and many more will be in attendance. 

 

Learn about your rights, taxes, buying/renting in Israel.

www.olimbusinessconference.eventbrite.com

 

 

Price Tags and Tills - Discrepencies in Pricing: Your Real Purchasing Rights in Israel

One of the hardest things I found when I came through on my first trip to Israel (and an issue that still never seems to disappear,) was the area of price tags on items in an Israeli store. From my experience, I've noticed that most items lack a price tag on them. It's a most frustrating experience - especially when one actually wants to purchase something, compare prices and make sure one obtains the item one is seeking at the lowest possible price.

When the "system" creates an environment - which is apparently accepted here - that store owners can choose to leave prices off the items until the last moment when one is actually standing at the till making the purchase, it causes a host of problems. As a start, one suddenly realises one is about to pay a few more Shekels or even more - on an item one knows one could have purchased somewhere else cheaper. Personally, I don't see the honesty of such a system system as it allows the seller to determine his price at the very last minute - practically forcing the purchaser to buy the item. 

You probably know the feeling, standing in a queue (the kind that goes out in every direction - Israeli style - and doesn't really exist) and seeing people lined up behind you with huge trolleys filled with every item in the store - and here you are (taking time away from those still waiting,) now arguing with the cashier, that you've decided you're not going to take the item after all. The manager must be called to swipe the machine and allow for the item to be removed from your list. You continue on and find another item with a similar problem - and then find yourself going through the same headache - and actual embarrassment yet again! It's frustrating to say the least!

That's only one area that's a huge problem here - and until people start actively voicing their views about this manner of business - we're going to be stuck with it for a long time. If you are a seller - do take note of what you are doing to people. Consider what honesty should be and be fair to people who have the rights to know what an item costs before they get to the till, and before having to frustrate them into asking the price of every item in your store!

There's another area of great concern. It could even be worse! Considering the theme of honesty - there's another great trick you'll find here. The store owner will stick on a price label of a certain amount - only to have already programmed a more expensive amount into the computer system. When the item is scanned, the new higher amount (even if just a few Shekels!) is registered and the customer must fork out! Should the customer complain, he will clearly be told that the price is what the register says and he should pay - or leave it behind (which of course he is entitled to do - see above.) Once again, the customer faces further embarrassment and extreme frustration. He wonders if there is a concept of honesty in the world at all.

But here's the good news! What is being done is considered illegal. It's time to know your rights! There's no question that on a moral level - people who behave in this way are using a system of dishonest business for their own profits - even with a smile on their faces - showing just how honest they really are. The register does indicate the honest price - doesn't it? Surely the owner of the store would not cheat you?! "Geveret!" or "Adoni!" might be a suitable response to you as the cashier or owner express their disappointment in your desire to complain regarding price!

Having personally suffered in this situation, approached the manager and been told clearly to my face in front of others (causing further embarrassment) that the register is always right - I can well imagine others experiencing this same challenge and disappointment in the business world in Israel - which I personally believe should be of the highest moral character. Having seen comments on various social networks supporting the store owner and once again insulting the customer for having voiced his opinion - it makes me wonder further just what it is that people define as moral.

The Israel Consumer Council is Israel's biggest organisation involved in making sure things are being managed in an honest way. They are your best group of friends who will help you navigate and understand what you are truly entitled to. In our current case, they are clear - inconsistent prices is prohibited by the law. Should this occur to you, you are perfectly entitled to ask the owner of the store to give you the goods at the price marked on the item itself. That's right! Stop feeling you need to give in to dishonesty. It's time to voice your rights and your needs. It's time that the Israeli business situation make a change for the good - where instead of smiles and Shalom Aleichem's wherever you go - there is an actual change in the behaviour that says "I  care that we work together in our business with honesty and morality."

Here is a great video illustrating the situation. Unfortunately for some reason the sound does not play - but you can still read the dialogue. To clarify your rights on pricing, here is everything you will need to know. The articles are in Hebrew - so it will not be easy for those who do not know Hebrew. However, if you are serious about understanding your rights - find someone who can help you go through the short articles - and you will be able to "hold your own" when it comes to understanding your rights as a consumer - and your rights to making payments for items - as indicated on the price tag - not by the register! 

For more see: Displaying Prices - The Law.

Mishloach Manos 5773 - 2

 

We are happy to display more Mishloach Manos. As posted previously, All ingredients of our Mishloach Manos are Bedatz Eida HaCharedi the most widely accepted Heksher. All food items are specifically kept in their original wrapping so that the Kashrut is easily recognisable. The containers are all brand new and have not been Toyvelled as yet.

This Mishloach Manos is a full basket of goodies. It contains a new dishcloth, a bottle of red wine, a packet of pasta, a packet of roasted pasta, 2 tins of chickpeas, a tin of pineapple, a small jar of Nescafe coffee, a packet of chips, 3 chocolate coated waifer biscuits, several chocolate coins. It has been packaged with clear celophane, a ribbon and silver crowns for a bit of fun.

It is selling for ONLY ₪180. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40

This Mishloach Manos is prepared in a calming green ceramic dish. It contains a packet of biscutis, a small bottle of red wine, a packet of Bamba, a packet of chips, a packet of sweets, 3 chocolate coated waifer biscuits, 2 peanut brittle. 

It is selling for ONLY ₪69. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40

This Mishloach Manos is prepared in an oval Nikel dish. It contains a small bottle of grape juice, a packet of chips, a packet of Bamba, mini Halva, mini chocolate, peanut brittle, chocolate coins and a packet of nuts. 

It is selling for ONLY ₪68. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40

This Mishloach Manos is also on an oval Nikel dish but smaller than the one above it. It contains a small bottle of red wine, 3 mini Halva, 2 mini chocolate, 2 mini peanut brittle. 

It is standing on the box it came in, wrapped for effect but providing the opportunity to store in its original box. As with the other Mishloach Manos it is packaged and ready to go, except for the card which awaits your message. 

It is selling for ONLY ₪61. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40

This Mishloach Manos is prepared on a glass platter with a salt and pepper shaker set. It contains a packet of biscuits, 2 mini Halva, 2 packets of sweets, with chocolates peeping out from behind the sweets. It is attractively packaged and ready to go.

It is selling for ONLY ₪63. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40

Here is an example of a packaged gift. It is prepared on a white china dish and contains a packet of chips, a packet of biscuits, 2 chocolate coated waifers, 1 packet of sweets, 1 small packet of nuts, 3 chocolate coins.

It is selling for ONLY ₪50. You are welcome to purchase from us directly or we will deliver within Eretz Yisrael for ₪40

We have more Mishloach Manos being prepared, so do stop by again or be in touch if your needs have not been met in our two posts, thus far. All containers provide the opportunity to give a lasting gift of an item needed in most Jewish homes.

If you would like, we can add into any of these or other Mishloach Manos any of the following:

a mini Perek Shira, a Brachah card for Hafrashat Challah, a mini glass. These are $1.50 each in addition to the Mishloach Manos.

For $2 we can add a braided Havdala candle or a set of 2 white or coloured candles.

For those sending a Mishloach Manos to a Sem Girl, why not add one of Lori's lipsticks or lipliners from FaceFacts by Lori. We sell them at greatly reduced price as part of raising funds for our Bayit Chadash Gemach, with Lori's permission. You can select the colour from the colour chart on Lori's website and let us know which one to add into the Mishloach Manos.

Or select from one of our stunning Fridge Magnets (or the full set). They sell for ₪10 each or for the set as listed on the blog.

Please email us to place your order or to make a time to purchase from us in person. All Mishloach Manos need to be paid for a week prior to Purim.

Working In Israel

The topic of work is actually part of my profession as an Occupational Therapist. In amongst working to set up a Pre-vocational Rehabilitation Program at a leading Teaching Hospital, I have completed a Junior Management course and two courses for Small Business Basics. Yet, nothing I learned prepared me for life in Israel.

I did everything correctly. The Pilot Trip, planning, preparing, knowing how to convert my degree to be recognized in Israel, learning Hebrew, residency .... I had it all worked out, then I came to Israel and everything changed.

I never expected to work in a paid job and not get paid. I never expected to be elligible for Sal Klita (the absorption basket - a regular stipend to assist an Olah while doing their ulpan) and not receive it, or to receive NIS 64 for a month and have a surprised counselor wonder why that is not enough to cover a months expenses.

I just got off the telephone from a colleague in the health profession who affirmed it is normal to have to wait a few months to be paid ones salary if you work for any of the health companies. My question was, "how is anyone to live while waiting for their salary?"

Her answer was: "I don't know!" Many are forced to take out loans and loans and loans. I am told this is Israel.

No, that attitude is not Israel, it is very very foreign to the life of a Jew. The Torah provides us with laws of business including paying ones workers on time. Once again, I am reminded that the name Israel is the same name given to Yaakov Avinu (our Father) after he successfully won a battle with the angel of Eisav. Yaakov is a man of truth and honesty means paying ones workers what is required on time.

I am told it takes time to process ones information in order to receive a salary. If it is so difficult, why is it that other countries manage? Why is it that when I worked as a locum therapist in UK, one of hundreds of therapists around the UK who worked as such, I got paid every week, on time, in full and a good pay. Why is it when I worked in USA as a contract therapist, again one of many who worked for the company who headhunted me, once again I was paid in full from the first month. No problems, directly into my bank account.

The answer is because it IS possible. It takes a person fulfilling the correct process of entering the information into a computer, pressing the enter key and there is a file with all the data.

Why do I put this up? Not to scare you. Not to say give up your profession and just clean houses or pack shelves as I was told. No, come, with your morals and values and western standards and help to build Israel into the country it is supposed to be. A country of truth. A country of morals and values and caring. A country where we can all go to sleep with peace of mind that everyone was paid on time.

How do we do that? I dont have the answer, but I do know one thing, there is power in unity and numbers, so why not start by joining our Tehillim group. We have a campaign on the go at the moment to have 1000 Jewish women reciting Tehillim every Shabbat during daylight hours. Join our group. Let the power of the Tehillim and the group help to open doors.

If you have any ideas, we would love to hear them. Israel IS where Jews belong. Israel can have top quality health care in a manner that every health professional is paid on time a decent living wage. It is up to us to make that happen. If we have nothing else to do and no ideas, then our next option is really our first option, daven. Lots of it. And resolve to take jobs that do pay correctly and, whenever you are in a position to employ a Jew, make sure to pay them on time.

The words of a song come to mind: "Make this world a better place, its yours and its mine, so now is the time...."

PAYPAL NOW COMPLETELY IN ISRAEL!

Great news to everyone in Israel. If you are looking to do business with overseas clients, whether through a web page, blog or any other means, Paypal – as of this afternoon 13 November 2009– is fully compatible with Israeli banks!

For the past year or so, Paypal have allowed Israelis to be able to receive funds via their credit card with a steep 22 NIS fee. As of today, if you withdraw 1000 shekels at a time directly into your bank account, there is absolutely no fee at all!

What does this mean practically? For one thing, if you are interested in using the Internet as a means to reach out to the world in order to increase your income, you can do so easily by setting up items to sell on your web page or blog with an "Add to Cart" button (or the like.) Those clicking on it will be able to purchase directly from you via credit card or a direct transfer from their own Paypal funds.

For another thing, if you are struggling in Israel and are in need of having someone transfer funds to you directly via a donate option, you can simply set up a donate button on your web page or blog. Those clicking on it will be able to make a donation and you'll be able to transfer this to your bank account directly to reach you from between 3-5 business days – at absolutely no cost at all (so long as you withdraw the minimum 1000 shekel, otherwise there is an 8 shekel fee.)

For those who assist others, one can simply put a post on your website or blog, explaining the cause withe a donate button for them to have an easy means of sending money to the cause of their choice.

This is a HUGE milestone in Israeli business and banking, and we can really appreciate the value that Paypal have now added to all of us by allowing us this very easy way of allowing for the possibility of bringing in income from overseas – quickly!

Those wishing to set up their Paypal accounts and don't know what to do can contact Eliyahu directly for more information.