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Shoham


Shoham is a quiet bedroom community for people employed in the greater Tel Aviv area. A small number of English speakers have been living in Shoham since it was founded. Currently, there is more of an interest in the community among new Olim.


Shoham Stats
Region: Modiin & Center - מודיעין ומרכז Climate: Coastal plains
Demographics: Young couples/Young families, Families
City Type: Small city/Large town עיר קטנה/עירה Affordability: $$$
Sectors:
Dati Leumi, Secular		  
Number of English speakers: 5%. Many native Israeli residents speak English, as well. Population: 18600
Community contacts:
Jay Hait
jay.hait@orcheidin.co.il
US line-201-696-3947
Orthodox, married with children.

Charles and Nomi Gast
cdgast@zahav.net.il
03-979-1959; 054-451-9553
Local Employment
The majority of residents work in the center of the country. Shoham has a small central shopping area. However, Airport City (5 minutes away by car) has a much larger shopping center and business park (www.airport-city-co.il).

Education / Youth
For families looking for secular schooling options, there are 5 elementary schools, one middle school and one high school in Shoham. For families looking for Dati (religious) schooling options, there is one elementary school through 6th grade and the newly opened Yeshiva and Ulpana for 7th to 12th grades. Dati high school students also travel to schools in Petach Tikvah, Nof Ayalon, Tsafaria and other nearby areas. There is also a new Keshet elementary school where religious and secular students study together.

About 30% of the community is Dati, and they are serviced by eleven synagogues in the area.

Transportation
Regular but not frequent bus service is available to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Petach Tikva.

Olim Services
An organization called NESS (Native English Speakers of Shoham) assists Olim to the area. Most families in this organization are mixed, with one spouse being a native Israeli.

Amenities / Services
Kosher eateries are available in the community.

Community and Religious Life
Rabbi David Stav is the city's rabbi, and is one of the founders of a rabbinic outreach group called Tzohar. His positive influence and outgoing personality are strongly felt throughout the community. Rav Stav is well respected by both the religious and secular community and arranges special services in the cultural center for the non-religious and non-affiliated.

Real Estate
Rentals:
3 bedroom apartments: 4,000 NIS/month
Semi-detached homes: 8,000 NIS/month

Purchases:
3 bedroom apartments: Starting at 1.1 million NIS
Semi-detached homes: Starting at 2.3 million NIS

Updated: March, 2012

Tags: Modiin & Center Small city Large town $$$ Young Couples & Families Families Conservative Dati Leumi Secular