Hebrew glossary for Olim

Process of repatriation

Aliyah (עלייה) — the term for Jewish immigration to Israel.
Making Aliyah means officially moving to Israel, becoming a citizen, and entering the absorption process with rights, obligations, and benefits. It’s the key concept for every new immigrant.

Oleh / Olah (עולה) — a person who has made Aliyah.
“Oleh” is a man, “Olah” a woman. From this point, the person is recognized as an Israeli citizen, receives official documents, and becomes eligible for special programs and integration benefits.

Olim (עולים) — plural of “Oleh.”
Refers to immigrants collectively. “Olim Chadashim” (new immigrants) are entitled to financial, social, and educational support from the state during their first period in Israel.

Teudat Oleh (תעודת עולה) — the official New Immigrant Certificate.
Issued by the Ministry of Integration, it confirms status and grants access to benefits such as the “Sal Klita,” tax reductions, and help with banking and housing procedures.

Teudat Zehut (תעודת זהות) — Israel’s national ID card.
It contains the national ID number (Mispar Zehut) and is needed for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, getting healthcare, registering for services, and handling taxes.

Misrad HaKlita (משרד הקליטה) — the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.
Supports new immigrants from day one: registering for benefits, guidance on housing and jobs, financial aid, and referrals to Hebrew courses and other adaptation services.

Maslul Klita (מסלול קליטה) — the official integration track for Olim.
It bundles financial assistance, Hebrew classes, job support, and social services into a structured path designed to ease newcomers into Israeli life and institutions.

Sal Klita (סל קליטה) — the “absorption basket,” a financial aid package for new immigrants.
Paid in installments in the first year to help with rent, utilities, food, transport, and other essentials while settling in Israel.

Bituach Leumi (ביטוח לאומי) — Israel’s National Insurance Institute.
Manages social security: pensions, unemployment, disability, maternity and family allowances. All residents, including Olim, must register and pay contributions.

Kupat Holim (קופת חולים) — a health fund (Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, Leumit).
Every resident must join one to receive medical services: family doctors, specialists, prescriptions, and hospital care. Registration is mandatory for Olim.

Teum Mas (תיאום מס) — tax coordination.
Ensures correct withholding when you have more than one employer or income source, preventing double taxation and applying available credits or new-immigrant tax benefits properly.

Ishur Toshav (אישור תושב) — proof of residency.
Confirms that you are recognized as an Israeli resident for legal and tax purposes. Frequently requested by banks, tax authorities, municipalities, and other government bodies.

Teudat Ma’avar (תעודת מעבר) — a temporary travel document issued to new immigrants until they obtain an Israeli passport.
Allows leaving and re-entering Israel during the initial years after Aliyah as an interim solution for travel.

Mas Achnasa (מס הכנסה) — the Israel Tax Authority (income tax).
Handles tax registration, returns, and deductions. New immigrants should register to access special exemptions and reduced obligations in their early years.

Misrad HaPnim (משרד הפנים) — the Ministry of Interior.
Handles ID cards, passports, visas, residency, and citizenship. Olim must visit soon after arrival to receive their Teudat Zehut and complete status processing.

Everyday Words & Phrases

Shalom (שלום) — hello / goodbye / peace.
The most common greeting in Israel, used any time of day when meeting or parting.

Boker Tov (בוקר טוב) — good morning.
A polite greeting used until around noon.

Erev Tov (ערב טוב) — good evening.
Used in the evening when arriving somewhere or meeting people.

Laila Tov (לילה טוב) — good night.
Said before going to bed or leaving someone late at night.

Ma Nishma? (מה נשמע?) — how are you / what’s up?
An informal way to ask how someone is doing.

Toda (תודה) — thank you.
A polite word you’ll use every day in shops, offices, and casual settings.

Toda Raba (תודה רבה) — thank you very much.
A stronger expression of gratitude.

Bevakasha (בבקשה) — please / you’re welcome.
Used when requesting something politely or in response to “thank you.”

Slicha (סליחה) — excuse me / sorry.
Useful in shops, buses, or when you bump into someone.

Ken (כן) — yes.
Short and universal.

Lo (לא) — no.
Just as common and necessary as “yes.”

Yesh (יש) — there is / have.
For example: Yesh li (I have).

Ein (אין) — there isn’t / don’t have.
For example: Ein li (I don’t have).

Yalla (יאללה) — let’s go / come on.
Very common in daily conversation, informal but friendly.

Sababa (סבבה) — cool / great / okay.
A casual response in everyday speech.

Living in a Rental

Arnona (ארנונה) — municipal property tax billed by the city for your dwelling.
Tenants usually pay it during the lease period. You set it up at the municipality with your lease and ID; discounts may exist for students or new immigrants.

Va’ad haBayit (ועד הבית) — building committee fee for common-area expenses (cleaning, elevator, lighting, minor repairs).
Paid monthly to the building treasurer or management company; sometimes called dmei va’ad bayit.

Hashmal (חשמל) — electricity.
Bills come from the Israel Electric Company (Chevrat Hashmal). You can pay by credit card, bank transfer, or set a standing order. New tenants transfer the meter to their name at move-in.

Chevrat Hashmal (חברת חשמל) — Israel Electric Company utility provider.
Create an online account to view bills, pay, and submit meter readings (kriah) when requested.

Mayim / Chevrat Mayim (מים / חברת מים) — water utility, typically via a city water company.
Bills are bi-monthly; tenants put the account in their name and submit meter readings if asked.

Gaz (גז) — gas for cooking/heating.
May be bottled (balon gaz) via private suppliers or piped natural gas. Supplier sends invoices or charges by delivery; some buildings have a shared account billed per apartment.

Internet / Sapak Internet (ספק אינטרנט) — internet provider contract (e.g., Bezeq, HOT + ISP).
Monthly charges via card or standing order; you may also pay a separate line provider fee and an ISP fee.

Telefon / Cellular (טלפון / סלולר) — phone bills from mobile carriers.
Plans are usually month-to-month and paid by card or standing order. Keep SIM/plan details for address proof if needed.

Cheshbon (חשבון) — a bill/statement (e.g., electricity bill = cheshbon hashmal).
Includes amount due, due date, and payment methods (card, transfer, standing order).

Kabbalah (קבלה) — receipt issued after payment (store, utility, contractor).
Keep for records, tax matters, or landlord reimbursement.

Cheshbonit Mas (חשבונית מס) — tax invoice.
If you need an official invoice for a business expense, ask the supplier/utility for a cheshbonit mas rather than just a receipt.

Ha’avara Bankait (העברה בנקאית) — bank transfer.
Common for rent and big bills. Ask for the landlord’s or utility’s IBAN/account details and include a clear reference (name, apartment, month).

Hora’at Keva (הוראת קבע) — standing order/direct debit.
Automatically pays recurring bills (electricity, internet, va’ad). You sign a form or set it online through your bank/card.

Tashlumim (תשלומים) — installments. Some providers allow splitting a payment over several months (mostly with credit cards). Check if interest applies.

Pikadon (פיקדון) — security deposit for the rental.
Not a “bill,” but closely tied to utilities: landlords may deduct unpaid final bills from the deposit, so always close/transfer accounts when moving out.

Hoze (חוזה) — lease/contract.
Defines which bills the tenant pays (usually arnona, va’ad, utilities) and how/when rent is paid (transfer/standing order/cheques). Keep a signed copy for setting up accounts.

Arev (ערב) — guarantor.
Sometimes required by landlords. Not a bill, but relevant to payment security; the guarantor may be liable if you default on rent or utility responsibilities specified in the lease.

Moneh (מונה) — meter (electricity/water/gas).
On move-in/out, take clear photos of the meters and send readings to providers/landlord to avoid being charged for another tenant’s usage.

Chov (חוב) — outstanding balance/debt on an account.
If you see chov on a bill, it means an unpaid amount carried forward; pay promptly to avoid late fees or service interruption.

Healthcare in Israel

Kupat Holim (קופת חולים) — health fund/HMO.
Every resident must join one of the four (Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, Leumit). They provide doctors, specialists, prescriptions, and hospital services. Choice of fund affects service locations.

Rofe (רופא) — doctor. T
he family doctor (rofe mishpacha) is the first contact for most medical issues and referrals. Each Kupat Holim assigns you a primary doctor near your residence.

Rofe Mishpacha (רופא משפחה) — family doctor/GP.
Handles general health needs, routine checks, and referrals to specialists. Appointments are booked online, by phone, or at the clinic.

Hafnayah (הפניה) — referral.
Required to see a specialist, get tests, or access certain hospital services. Issued by your family doctor or Kupat Holim after evaluation.

Marsham (מרשם) — prescription for medication.
Issued electronically or on paper by doctors and filled at affiliated pharmacies. Some medications are heavily subsidized through the health basket (sal briut).

Tor (תור) — appointment/queue.
Used for doctor visits, lab tests, and imaging. You book a tor via the Kupat Holim app, phone service, or reception desk at clinics.

Sal Briut (סל בריאות) — the national health basket.
A government-defined list of medications, treatments, and services covered under Israel’s universal healthcare system, updated annually.

Bituach Leumi (ביטוח לאומי) — National Insurance Institute.
Apart from pensions and allowances, it also funds healthcare for residents. Registration ensures access to Kupat Holim and subsidized medical services.

Teudat Zehut (תעודת זהות) — ID card.
Needed when registering at a clinic, filling prescriptions, or being admitted to a hospital. It links your personal ID number to your health fund record.

Ishur (אישור) — medical certificate/confirmation.
Used for sick leave (ishur machala), school absences, fitness for work, or proof of vaccination and test results.

Ishur Machala (אישור מחלה) — sick note.
Official doctor’s confirmation that you cannot work or attend school for health reasons. Presented to employers or institutions to justify absence.

Miyun (מיון) — emergency room (ER).
Hospitals charge for visits unless you have a valid referral or urgent case. Kupat Holim often covers costs if the visit is medically justified.

Tashlum Hishtatfut (תשלום השתתפות) — co-payment.
A small fee patients pay for certain services (specialists, ER, medications). Rates are set by law and are usually subsidized for Olim and residents.

Teudat Oleh (תעודת עולה) — new immigrant certificate.
Required when registering with Kupat Holim for the first time to access benefits and free or reduced medical coverage for new immigrants.

Misrad HaBriut (משרד הבריאות) — Ministry of Health.
Supervises hospitals, licensing, vaccination campaigns, and public health policy. They also regulate which treatments enter the sal briut.

Cafés & Restaurants

Beit Café (בית קפה) — café.
Popular spots for coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. Ordering is usually at the table, though in some cafés you pay at the counter before receiving your order.

Mis’ada (מסעדה) — restaurant.
Can range from casual eateries to fine dining. Service style is similar to Western countries, but tipping customs differ (10–12% is standard).

Tafrit (תפריט) — menu.
Often available in Hebrew and English in tourist areas. Includes food, drinks, and sometimes a business lunch option (Aruchat Esekim).

Aruchat Esekim (ארוחת עסקית) — business lunch.
Offered midday in many restaurants, includes a main dish plus extras (salad, drink, dessert) at a discounted fixed price.

Heshbon (חשבון) — the bill/check.
You ask for it by saying “Efshar heshbon bevakasha?” (Can I have the bill, please?). Payment is usually done at the table.

Tashlum (תשלום) — payment.
Restaurants accept cash (mezuman) or credit card (kartis ashrai). Splitting bills is common; ask for “lechalek et ha-heshbon” (to split the bill).

Mezuman (מזומן) — cash.
Some small cafés prefer or only accept cash. Always carry a bit for tips or small purchases.

Kartis Ashrai (כרטיס אשראי) — credit card.
Widely accepted, including at cafés and restaurants. Sometimes you insert or tap your own card at a handheld terminal at the table.

Tip / Tishlum Tipa (טיפ) — tip/service.
In Israel, service is not always included. It’s customary to leave 10–12% of the bill in cash or add it when paying by card.

Take Away / Lekachat (לקחת) — take-out order.
If you want food to-go, say “Lemashal, kafe le’lekach” (a coffee to take away).

Le-shevet (לשבת) — to sit and dine in.
When ordering at a counter café, they may ask “Lekach o leshevet?” (Take-away or to sit?).

Shulchan (שולחן) — table.
At busy places you might need to reserve one. To book in advance: “Ani rotzeh le’azmin shulchan” (I’d like to reserve a table).

Hazmana (הזמנה) — reservation/order.
In a restaurant, this refers to booking a table in advance. It can also mean the actual order of food placed with a waiter.

Sheirut (שירות) — service.
Refers both to waitstaff service and to the optional service charge line on the bill. Always check whether service is included before tipping.