Why is it all About the Money?

One thing that I can't stand in Israel is how the first question out of everyone's mouth is always about money. You get a new apartment, "How much are you paying?" You get a new job, "How much are you making?" You buy anything new, "How much did you pay?" And of course whatever you paid is too much, and whatever you're being paid is too little according to everyone.  At the beginning of my aliyah I didn't care, but lately it's really started to bother me.  If it comes from close family and friends I don't care, but when a complete stranger turns to me and asks me how much I paid for my bike I feel uncomfortable and judged.  Especially when you see the look on their face after which says, "Wow you got ripped off."

In reality most Israelis don't understand that there is such a thing as good quality, and that the saying "you get what you pay for" truly goes a long way.  Sure I paid more for my bike than the average person, but I know it's not one of the stolen bikes that the foreigners sell at the central bus station, and I also know that this bike will last me a very long time, if not my whole life if I take care good care of it and always lock it up.  I invested good money because I ride my bike every day, and with the exception of two flats over a four month period my bike has never failed me (knock on wood).  Same thing with furniture.  Why do Israeli's love Ikea? Because it's cheap.  1000 shekel for a complete bed, not bad right? Except your mattress is probably shit quality and hurts your back (first hand experience with that one).  Most people here don't understand the difference between good and bad quality, and they don't understand that what might save you a little money in the short run will cost you a lot more in the long run.

I think it's just the judgey attitude that comes along with the money questions the bothers me.  Like someone asks you how much rent you pay, and if it's more than what they pay they look at you differently.  Same thing with salary, or how much you spend on your clothes, or where you go out to eat.  I hate it because I feel like people prejudge you based on what you make and how much you pay before even getting to know you.  Money can do terrible things to people, but at the same time being rich doesn't always lead to greed, snobbery, and corruption.  I know that talking about money with complete strangers is part of the culture, but I truly wish it wasn't.  Money might make the world go round, but love, health and happiness are what make it worth being here.