Indeed, with host families and other events, we will be put in situations where we will socialize with local people. There are many things that may be different about meeting people, conversing with people, etc. when in Israel. So here are things to be aware of:
1) When meeting people for the first time, it is customary to shake hands (RIGHT hands). However, if you are a man meeting a woman, it is not advisable to shake her hand unless she offers her hand to you first. Do not be surprised if your hosts want to hug you and kiss your cheeks, and return the hug and kiss or you may appear rude.
2) In Israel, flowers are a very appropriate gift to provide to your host families. When thinking about gifts, it may be a good idea to purchase some flowers for your host family before meeting up with them, in addition to other gifts you might bring them. Make sure you give and take gifts with your RIGHT hand.
3) When you meet your host family, please try not to refuse an offering of a beverage. Most people will offer you tea, and a very few will offer coffee. If you must refuse, please be very grateful and explain your reasons in an apologetic and gracious manner. This is very important because it is considered very rude to refuse a beverage when you are someone's guest.
4) Be aware that in Israel, there is no such concept as "personal space." They tend to be a very touchy people and also close talkers (think Seinfeld). This will come into play in a couple of ways. First, when people talk to you and have conversations with you, they may move in very close to your face. It is considered very inappropriate and offensive to back away when someone gets close to you, regardless of how bad their breath smells or how uncomfortable you feel with someone in your "bubble." Don't back away. Also, in public places you will probably be touched, grabbed, and bumped quite a bit, especially on buses or in busy streets. Try not to get offended by this, and also try to keep valuables in a place where they will difficult to grab. Another thing to be aware of is that Israelis tend to be loud and blunt when in conversation. Try not to get offended if they say something that may be "taboo" in your culture.
5) Eye contact is very important in Israel. When listening, maintain eye contact! This is very important. Looking away indicates that you are not interested in what they have to say to you.
Language Lessons of the Day!
In Israel, there are three official languages: Hebrew, Arabic, and English.
Another appropriate and common greeting in Arabic: Salaam! Which means "Peace!"
The Arabic verb "to drink" is "asharabu." If you are talking about a female, it is "t'asharabu." So, if you were to say "The woman drinks," the phrase would read "al moratu t'asharabu." For men, the verb becomes "y'asharabu." To say "the man drinks," you would say, "al radjulu y'asharabu."
So, what might you drink?
Water: "Ma'an"
Milk: "Halibun"
Coffee: "Cahoatun"
The Arabic verb "to eat" is "akulu." Again, you add a "t" for female and a "y" for male: "t'akulu" or "y'akulu." If I were to say, "the girl eats," the phrase would read, "al bintu t'akulu." To say "the boy eats," I would say, "Al welladu y'akulu."
What might you eat?
Bread: "Hobzun"
Egg: "Baidatun"
Rice: "Arruzen"
Apple: "Tufeahatun"
