Shalom Friends,

How do you usually spend the summer? Going on vacation? Shopping? Simply resting at home? Visiting Israel?
If you answered “yes” to the last question, it would be prudent to get familiar with some methods of keeping cool in Israel's HOT summer. So we gathered together the most popular summer activities, especially for you. Learn from experienced Israelis how to survive the Israeli summer.

• Going to the beach – Most Israelis go numerous times to the beach to swim, tan, run, play “matkot”, or just hang out with friends. If you are concerned with your skin's health, and prefer warmer water, it is highly advisable to go to the beach just before sunset – it is beautiful, romantic, and relaxing to see the sun setting into the sea.

• Going to the pool – Nothing is better than swimming in the pool in a hot summer day, licking an ice-lolly (קַרְטִיב, kartiv) and relaxing on the lawn.

• Summer camp (קַיְטָנָה, kaytana) – Children are off school throughout July and August. Most kids go to a daily summer camp – enjoying various summer activities. In most summer camps, breakfast consists of cold Chocolate milk inside a plastic bag and a roll ( שׁוֹקוֹ וְלַחְמָנִיָּה, shoko velaxmanya).

• Trips – Many Israelis take the summer vacation as an opportunity to travel abroad, enjoy better weather (in most cases), and learn about different cultures.

• Watermelon (, avati'ax) אֲבַטִּיחַ– The king of summer fruits grows on the ground to a huge size – green outside, red inside, and nowadays - seedless. It is highly recommended to serve it cold next to a slice of salty Feta cheese that simply enhances the sweetness of the watermelon.

• Grapes (עֲנָבִים, anavim) – Grapes are another popular summer fruit. Under the hot summer sun, eating a handful of cold refreshing grapes lightens the heat of the day.

• Limonana (לִימוֹנַעְנַע)  – one of the best summer drinks is a blend of lemon, a special kind of mint called “nana” (נַעְנַע), water, ice, and sugar. Most people show a big smile, accompanied by a sigh of relief, after having this drink.

• Air conditioner – We all bless the invention of the A/C and cannot imagine our lives without it. So, we alternate between various air-conditioned places, such as our home, the mall, movie theaters and museums.

קַיִץ נָעִים!
Kayits Na’im!
Have a pleasant summer!

שירה כהן-רגב

Shira Cohen-Regev
The eTeacherHebrew Team