Divide by Four

The current exchange rate is 4.25 New Israeli Shekels for every one U.S. dollar. Therefore - divide by 4!!

When you walk out of the store and you see the receipt and go - wow - 391.50 in big print at the bottom - not to worry - divide by 4. Ahh, it's all better now.

So, sometimes things aren't very expensive. An ice cream bar for 5 shekels is a little over a dollar - not too bad. But, a meal at the McDonald's at the University - well, that's 33 shekels. Divied by 4 and you're paying over $7.00 for a regular size diet coke, regular size fries and a 9-piece corn nugget box. Hmmm.

Three people at the movies is 105 shekels (actually - shekalim is the plural). Divide by 4 and you get a little over $25.00 Not too bad. A small popcorn is 13 shekalim - divide by 4 - about $3.00. Hmm. About right for overpriced movie popcorn.

Again - divide by 4 and take a deep breath!!

Rabbi Heath