El Al has very good food and service, at least in business class, and very new, all-Boeing, planes. However, security is tighter on El Al than other airlines. You'll have to show up a bit earlier at the airport and endure a 20-minute questioning. Basic English is spoken by just about anyone touching the tourist trade. Virtually every street sign is printed in both Hebrew and transliterated in roman characters.
Road signs are in Hebrew and translated into English.
Food and tap water throughout Israel are safe for Western stomachs. Electric power is 220V and plugs have three round pins. Better hotels have adapters to loan that will let you use a voltage-agile laptop or digital camera power supply. At least if you fly El Al, you have the opportunity to change money right on the plane. ATMs throughout Israel will dispense NIS from a Cirrus or Plus bank card as well as from credit cards.