Only in Israel… One day of Pesach and two days of Purim! For NBN veterans it was a highly anticipated break. For the NBN newbies it was an introduction to a real Israeli Purim. For most it was a festive extended weekend. Here are some of your photo submissions illustrating "My First Purim on Aliyah!"

Nefesh B’Nefesh hosted a distinguished delegation of UJC leaders during their visit to Israel in February. The delegation included Joe Kanfer, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the United Jewish Communities; Stephen Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of the United Jewish Communities; and John Ruskay, Executive Vice President and CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York. The group toured the Nefesh B’Nefesh headquarters, receiving an in-depth overview of the organization’s activities and viewing NBN's operations up close. In addition, Mr. Ruskay met with a group of Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim who recounted their challenges and triumphs in making Aliyah, describing their adjustment process and the assistance that they received from Nefesh B’Nefesh. This informal dialogue with the Olim allowed the UJA Federation to get a very personal perspective of North American Aliyah today.

Chicago
Over 800 people attended the annual Religious Zionists of Chicago (RZC) Shabbaton, and Nefesh B'Nefesh had a significant presence at the event. NBN's new "Letters from Home" pamphlets made an immediate impact, as Shabbaton participants connected with the familiar faces featured in the colorful handout. The Letters from Home are a series of pamphlets distributed through ten communities featuring messages and photos from NBN Olim who made Aliyah from that community (Oleh Chadashot Feb 2007 issue). In addition, Nefesh B'Nefesh had a booth where Aliyah-related information was distributed. After shabbat, NBN presented the "Follow me to Israel" video and staff members joined an in-depth Q&A session on "All Things Aliyah".

London
Nefesh B'Nefesh ran three evening seminars in London, in anticipation of the three UK Aliyah flights that Nefesh B'Nefesh has scheduled for this coming summer. Over 70 participants turned out for each of the seminars, which focused on the Israeli educational system, healthcare and employment for business owners. The groups represented a wide range of ages and various backgrounds, and many individuals approached the staff after the presentations and asked additional questions. While in London, NBN visited the Bnei Akiva Bayit to speak to UK students. The Bayit was packed with students who heard our presentation about graduate programs, career opportunities for university graduates, and social resources available for singles. While a handful of the students who participated are making Aliyah this year, the rest of the group plans on coming when they finish university. Appropriately enough, shwarma was served after the presentation and staff members stayed to mingle with the students.

Detroit
This month's seminar in Detroit drew over 50 participants. The seminar was organized in conjunction with the Kollel Torah Metzion. The seminar in Detroit was coupled with a staff visit to the University of Michigan, as part of NBN's college campus tour that also included trips to Brandeis, University of Maryland, NYU, and George Washington University.

West Hempstead
The seminar in West Hempstead had an incredible turnout of over 70 people, mostly couples in their 30's and 40's as well as a few retirees. About 25% of the group indicated they are making Aliyah this summer, while others are planning Aliyah for 2008. In addition to NBN staff, NY Shaliach Akiva Werber participated in the event. One of the seminar participants, Debbie Nederberger, contributed a unique dynamic to the evening. She described how her family spent a considerable amount of time in Israel last year and deliberated whether to make Aliyah. Debbie then shared with the audience how NBN guided her family in their decision-making process, and she offered to help and advise others based on her experiences last year. We can always recognize a successful seminar when the NBN staff has to ask the participants to start heading out because the shul hosting the event, is being closed for the night.

In the first NBN overnight event for singles and young couples, Olim traveled as far North as you can get and landed at Israel’s “Arctic” -- Har Hermon. Olim enjoyed a surprisingly warm day on the Hermon's busy ski slopes, and spent the night at the Hermon Field School. The following morning included a visit to Katzrin for an audio-visual presentation on the Golan, and the trip rounded out with a visit to the Golan Winery and an introduction to the art of wine tasting. The bus ride was a treat in of itself, as every turn in the Golan revealed breathtaking colors, views and vistas that reminded every participant what lies in our very own “backyard”. Special thanks to our tour guide, Josh Even-Chen, for lending an insightful perspective to the trip.

Over 30 single NBN Olim got together to pack 170 Tu Bishvat care packages for NBN Chayalim, a poignant expression of support by Olim for other Olim who are currently defending the State of Israel. The project, a part of NBN's ongoing allegiance to our Olim in the IDF, was coordinated in conjunction with Merkaz Magshimim. Care packages included traditional dried fruit assortments for Tu B'Shvat, snacks and essential food items, toiletries, cards from Nefesh B'Nefesh with contact information, and of course -- perhaps most important for a lone soldier on active duty -- a fresh pair of warm and dry socks.

As a recent Olah of semi-advanced age who is young at heart, I have started conversations with people in and at bus stops with more nerve than I ever had in my native America. It is as if Israelis are family, even though I also feel like an alien, in part because of my unfamiliarity with their language and customs. Here is a startling encounter I want to share with you. It occurred as I sat next to one of our handsome young soldiers. It took me awhile to notice that the muzzle of his rifle was upright, not too far from my head. Yet I had absolutely no fear for myself. Rather, I had fear for him, knowing he risks his young life on an almost daily basis in my defense. I felt a sudden urge to thank him for his service, but was unsure about how I could communicate this with my limited Hebrew. I quickly decided to give it a try since he might get off the bus at any moment. So I turned to him and asked, "Do you speak English?", "A little," he replied surprisingly softly, betraying his youthfulness. "I want to thank you for what you are doing to keep me and all of us safe," I said. He barely nodded without a smile, though I could tell he had understood me. "No one has ever thanked me," he said after thinking awhile. His voice was heartbreakingly sad, bereft, like an orphan who knew no one cared about him. I was shocked and deeply touched. So I added, "I am telling you this for all those who do not think of thanking you and all your buddies. Please tell them that we thank them too. Spread the word please." And for us NBNers, pass the word! We are in the best position to thank all our soldiers and to come up with creative ideas about how to do this and to keep doing this. Encourage others as well. Go wild with your love and courage to reach out! Helen Mandelbaum, Jerusalem

Robin Berman
Two weeks after completing my BA in psychology and education at Barnard College, I boarded the plane to Israel. Having grown up in Englewood, NJ and attended the Ramaz Upper School, Aliyah was not the most obvious or predictable next step. But the Zionistic education that I received both in school and at home from my parents and extended family prepared me to make this life-changing decision. The year I spent in Israel after high school further solidified my love for Israel and commitment to living here. Since making Aliyah, my older brother and two younger sisters have also come to live in Israel. My parents are currently filling out their NBN application and hope to follow very soon. Upon arriving in Israel, I began to teach English. Though I got along very well with my teenage Israeli students at the Hebrew University Secondary School, after a few years I was ready for a new challenge and decided to pursue my Masters degree in Organizational Psychology at Bar Ilan University. Following completion of the degree, I worked in organizational consulting and then in human resources. At Nefesh B’Nefesh, I serve as a member of the Employment Department as well as Human Resources Coordinator. Helping people with career guidance and job placement is tremendously fulfilling. I also travel overseas where I meet with people in the pre-Aliyah stage at seminars and in one-on-one meetings. Greeting these same individuals at Ben Gurion Airport when they come on Aliyah is especially rewarding. It's great to be a part of the NBN team.

Robin Berman resides in Jerusalem

Speaking with Your Teen
Learn how to keep the lines of communication open between you and your teen or pre-teen.
Monday, Mar 12, 8:30pm - Ramat Beit Shemesh
Sunday, Mar 18, 8:30pm - Raanana

Israel: Up Close and Personal (Lecture Series)
An evening dedicated to discussion of a subject of contemporary interest.
Tuesday, Mar 13, 8pm - Jerusalem

Aging Parents and Growing Grandkids
Dealing with aging parents by long distance and trying to stay connected with children and grandchildren left behind. Explore the issues, learn about resources and develop strategies.
Wednesday, Mar 14, 8:30pm - NBN Jerusalem

The Rotating Kiddush Club
Don't miss the NBN-sponsored Kiddush for NBN singles in the community of Talbia/Rechavia!
Hosted by Ted Rose at Rechov Alkalai 4 (between Jabotinsky/Hovevei Tzion streets)
If you have any questions, email Yael Bitton at: ybitton@nbn.org.il
Shabbat, March 3, 11:00am - 12:30pm

Shelly & Yaakov Lazar ('05) on the birth of a girl, Rivka Nechama
Blimie & Yosef Dushinsky on the birth of a boy, Refael Peretz
Bahtya (Nestlebaum '06) & Alexander Minkin on birth of a boy, Yisrael Amichai
Rechelle & Elie Hochhauser ('04) on the birth of twin boys, Avraham Netanel and Azaria Meir
Aliza & Daniel Altmark ('04) on the birth of a girl, Shira Yael
Deborah & David Nussbaum ('06) on the birth of a daughter, Orli
Pinny & Sherie Gross ('02) on the marriage of their son Dovie to Genendy Ornstein
Hillel Kovacs ('06) and Chava Dankner ('06) on their engagement
Diane (Dee) Lockerman ('06) on her recent engagement Charles Mack
Samantha Lazarus ('06) on her engagement to Shachar Karni

Condolences to

Hinda Rudensky ('06) and the extended Rudensky family on the passing of her husband, Sholem z"l.
Hinda and Sholem made Aliyah on the NBN Winter flight of December 2006.
Deborah Lehrfield ('06) on the loss of her brother.