Intro
Nof Ayalon is located in a lovely rural setting, and within a reasonable commuting distance to major cities. It is a community with educated and religiously committed residents, and excellent schools. Ir is no wonder that available housing is scarce! But if an Oleh can overcome this considerable hurdle, he may find himself living in an inspiring and comfortable community.
Education / Youth
Education is tremendously important to Nof Ayalon residents and they have invested significant resources into ensuring that their educational institutions are exceptional. The yishuv has a maon for children up to 3 years old, and a gan that is part of the Beis Yaakov School System. Both these programs have boys and girls together. The majority of the elementary school children attend the Shalhevet Government-Religious Torani elementary schools for boys and girls (separate schools). There is an excellent website that discusses the approach and structure of both schools. See http://www.shaalvim.org/shalhevet.htm. Parents are actively involved in the functioning of the two schools. Some parents send their children to Dvir, a 'Silberman-type' school for boys that places increased emphasis on Torah studies, while devoting considerably less attention to the general curriculum. Dvir is a new school that currently goes up to fourth grade. The Sha'alvim Education Village also has a boy's junior high school (7-8) (http://www.shaalvim.org/girls-ulpana.htm), yeshiva high school (http://www.shaalvim.org/high.htm), and Ulpana (http://www.shaalvim.org/girls-ulpana.htm). All are very well respected institutions, with innovative programs and a strong emphasis on religious and general studies. While parents express satisfaction with all of the educational options available, they do note that the schools could do a better job of meeting the unique needs of Olim. Nof Ayalon has an exceptionally strong Bnei Akiva chapter that envelops the life of the yishuv's young residents, with boys and girls in separate groups.
Transportation
Residents of the yishuv generally have at least one car. It is quite difficult to get around relying solely on public transportation, but there is some public transportation available. There are buses every 1/2 hour to Jerusalem and more frequent service to Modi'in and Ramle. Residents also carpool for commutes to work in the Tel Aviv area and locations south of Nof Ayalon. From Nof Ayalon, it is a 30 minute drive to Jerusalem, and 40 minutes to Tel Aviv. To access these areas, a car is necessary.
Olim Services
For a community of its size, Nof Ayalon has recently enjoyed a tremendous amount of attention from Olim. This may be surprising, considering that Nof Ayalon does not have any Ulpanim or absorption-support services nearby. However, the community warmly welcomes new olim and enthusiastically supports them in becoming acclimated to their new environment. Olim generally travel to Ulpanim in Netanya, Tel Aviv, or Modi'in. Families interested in living in Nof Ayalon must pass through an acceptance committee even before they speak with someone about buying or renting.
Amenities / Services
There are two mini-markets very close to yishuv.
Community and Religious Life
Nof Ayalon is a yishuv with a close community feeling, and individuals really concern themselves with the welfare of their fellow residents. Each block has its own 'hesed chief' who tends to needs resulting from the birth of a baby, a death, or any other such circumstances. Each of the two neighborhoods has its own synagogue complex, and in each complex you are likely to find the type of davening that is comfortable for you. There are Torah classes offered throughout the week and on Shabbat for adults and children.
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