Nefesh BNefesh

Local Employment
Rechovot offers its residents many opportunites in the Hi-tech and Biotech industries.

Education / Youth
Rechovot offers a wide variety of educational options. There are tens of ganim, of all types, spread throughout the city. Among them are a few that specifically cater to children with special needs. Elementary school options include government, government-religious, government-religious Torani (Noam boys and girls), a Talmud Torah (Cheder), and Beit Yaakov for girls. The schools have good reputations and meet the needs of Rechovot's diverse collection of residents. The high school options for both boys and girls include several government (non-religious) schools and the Amit (religious) school. Boys from Religious-Zionist families generally attend Yeshivat HaDarom, the local boys' Yeshiva. There is also a science-oriented religious boys' high school in Rishon LeZion, a 20 minute commute from Rechovot. Boys from Haredi families generally attend one of several yeshivot located in Rechovot or Bnei Brak, which is only 20 minutes away. For girls, the local high school options include Ulpanat Tzvia (Merkaz HaRav) and Beis Yaakov. There is also an Ulpenat Bnei Akiva (Tzifira), located 45 minutes from Rechovot. The children in Rechovot are very involved in youth groups, and Bnei Akiva, Ezra, and HaTzofim HaDattiim (Religious Scouts), all have active branches.

Transportation
Rechovot is a very good options for those looking for a community where a car is not necessary. For the occasional family outing, rentals are a good option.

Rechovot has a well developed intra-city bus system and is small enough so that it is possible to get around to most places by foot or bicycle. Rechovot is also highly accessible to places of employment, especially in the coastal area. Hertzl,the main street in Rechovot heads directly into Tel Aviv.

Private van services drive up and down the road frequently to shuttle people back and forth to Tel Aviv, about a 40 minute car ride, and 35 minutes by train. Rechovot has a new modern bus station and a new train station, which make it possible to travel just about anywhere in Israel.

Jerusalem , by car via the new road, the 431, can be reached in 40 minutes, by bus it is about an hour's commute. The 431 which connects Modiin to Rishon makes the trip from Rechovot to Modiin about 15 minutes long.


Olim Services
Rechovot's Anglo community takes very seriously its role in smoothing the absorption of fellow Olim. The informal Anglo network helps new Olim find apartments, navigate the bureaucracy, and register children for schools.

Amenities / Services
Along Herzl, Rechovot's main thoroughfare, it is possible to find just about any kind of commercial establishment one might want. The city also has a beautiful new mall with shops of every variety. There are several different supermarkets, most offering free delivery. Rechovot is certainly not lacking for restaurants. Ethnic and more conventional cuisines are all available, and most of it is kosher.

All Kupot Holim (health-car providers) have clinics in Rechovot, and there are private medical practitioners of every specialty available. The Kaplan Medical Center is located within the city and serves most of the needs of its residents.

Community and Religious Life
Most of Rechovot's Anglos who are looking for a religious community become involved in either the HaTaM or Berman kehillot. HaTaM (Hug Le'Tora U'leMahshava) is a yeshiva-oriented community with a diverse group of members. Although there are a large number of English-speakers at the shul, all sermons are delivered in Hebrew. More than anything, the community prides itself on its closeness and unity of purpose. (www.chatam.org)

The other community that is popular among Olim is centered at the Berman Shul, named after Rabbi Yaakov Berman. Berman's was established in 1970 and is situated on Yeshivat HaDarom grounds. It has a Religious-Zionist orientation with about 85 percent Anglo olim, and 15 percent native Israelis. Most of the native Israelis are children of Anglo Olim. The Divrei Torah are delivered in Hebrew but there are lectures and shiurim in both Hebrew and English for both men and women. There is also an emphasis on activities and shiurim for kids ranging from pre-school to post high-school. More information about Berman's can be found at www.bermanshul.org

The synagogues are located approximately 20 minutes away from each other on foot. Besides the two shuls mentioned, there are many other shuls in Rechovot that have English speaking members.

Real Estate
Average price for purchasing a:
2 bedroom Apt- 720,000 NIS
3 bedroom Apt- 1,100,000 NIS
4 bedroom Apt- 1,281,311 NIS

5 bedroom Apt- 1,543,170 NIS

Average price for renting a:
2 bedroom Apt- 2,900 NIS
3 bedroom Apt- 3,900 NIS
4 bedroom Apt- 4,500 NIS

Updated: February 2010