Ha Sherutim

A Sherutz is a cross between a bus and a taxi – usually a 6-10 seater van. The sherutz travel along many of the same routes as the buses and cost only pennies more. This is the story of learning about the sherutz.

Paul and Jen want to learn how the pseudo-public transportation system worked so they promise themselves they would get home from the shook (market) via sherutz (taxi/van). Looking at several bus maps they find a few sherutz that would pass near their apartment; however, after a long time waiting they learn their first lesson: there is not a sherutz for every bus. The second lesson quickly followed: the sherutz follow similar but not identical routes.

While waiting, Jenny sees a 73 sherutz* heading in the wrong direction giving the couple hope that eventually it might come back…and it does…20 minutes later. Sherutz 73 is coming and Jen tries to wave it down as the guide book has told her to do. Several taxis try to answer the call – but not the sherutz driver. Finally, he looks (from the left lane), wags his finger “no” and points to the #73 bus stop 2 blocks ahead. Jen and Paul miss the long-awaited sherutz because they had not yet learned lesson #3: you must pick up the sherutz at the bus stop.

After another 20 minutes Jen and Paul decide they will get on the next sherutz, go where ever it may take them, and then either walk or cab home. This was not the most attractive option – but it accomplished the goal of riding a sherutz. (Can I just note that this story reminds me of ‘riding a bungalow’ with Jill in Guatemala!)

Sherutz 94 is coming. Jen flags it down (this is the taxi part) and Paul and Jen get it. “Shalom”, “Shalom.” “Eifo blahblahblah?”, “Slisha?” (Excuse me?), “Eifo blahblahblah?”. Jen (confused)…”uh, at medeber anglit?” (Do you speak English?), “Lo, eifo blahblahblah?” (No, where….?), Jen (struggling)…”anachnu m’america” (We’re from America). “LO! Eifo blahblahblah!? (NO! Where…?) Jen (not understanding…) ah..Ibn Givor (a road in tel aviv). Driver (pointing at the door) “Lo.” (No.) Jen and Paul are kicked off their first sherut. Lesson #4: you have to know where the sherutz is going so you can tell the driver where to let you off so he can tell you how much it costs.

Finally, another #73 comes, Jen flags it down. The couple enters. “Shalom, Ibn Gavor bavakasha.” (Hello, Ibn Gavor please.” “ashrah smonim.” (Dang it! We only learned numbers 1-10 in Hebrew class!) NIS 11.80 for two – about $3.20. Yeah for learning how to ride a sherutz!

*The names and numbers in this story have been changed. If you come to stay with us we’ll tell you the real ones so you too can ride a sherutz!