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Beit Ofer | 5 Nachum Hefzadi | Givat Shaul, Jerusalem 02 659 5700 | 02 659 5701 (fax)
from the US & Canada | 1 866 4 ALIYAH
www.nbn.org.il | info@nefeshbnefesh.org |
May
2007
Iyar 5767 |
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 In This Issue |
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NBN News edited by Dudy Starck |
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NBN Announcements |
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NBN Updates |
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Olim Spotlight |
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| NBN News edited by Dudy Starck |
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Minister of Immigrant Absorption Visits NBN
Nefesh B'Nefesh was honored to receive a visit from Minister of Immigrant Absorption, Ze'ev Boim. The Minister was visibly impressed after being given a comprehensive tour of the Nefesh B'Nefesh offices as he was able to see first-hand the extent of our Aliyah operations and immigration support system. This visit signifies a precedent for enhanced Government interaction and cooperation with NBN, including building strategies that further facilitate Western Aliyah and improving the Aliyah process.
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NBN Olim Star at Long Island Federation Dinner |
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  A number of NBN Olim were invited as special guests to a NY Federation mission dinner celebrating the Federation's 90th birthday at Jerusalem's upscale Canela restaurant on April 23rd. The NY Federation decided to invite NBN Olim who had come from Long Island to put a face to Aliyah and to personalize the experience of living in Israel.
The US visitors were very interested in getting to know the Olim and connections were easily made through a few rounds of "Jewish Geography". The Olim fielded questions regarding their personal motivations to move to Israel and managed to do some professional and academic networking of their own.
The leaders of the Olim were Ken & Ronnie Berman and Richard Holland for South Shore, and Diane Wohl for North Shore. (NBN Olim pictured l-r; Jeffrey & Adena Mark, Simcha & Rachel Gluck, Ahuva Berger, Yosef Adest, Jessica Singer, and Steven Scheer)
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April Group Aliyah Flight Arrives |
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  The latest Nefesh B'Nefesh monthly group Aliyah flight arrived on April 30th and included Olim from New York, Montreal, Toronto, Kansas, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New Jersey and Ohio, to name a few. The group included 97 year old Frances Weiss, a former Hollywood actress who appeared in the holiday classic "Miracle on 34th Street".
The final group Aliyah flight for the spring, which arrives on May 30, is completely booked. Additional seats had to be added to the group to accommodate the large number of Olim who were eager to join the flight.
The Nefesh B'Nefesh summer schedule includes a summer series of group Aliyah flights as well as the regularly scheduled line-up of seven charter flights. Look for details about our upcoming welcome ceremonies online.
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NBN Rocks the Israel Day Parade |
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NBN Rocks the Israel Day Parade
NBN once again participated in New York City's definitive salute to Israel, the annual Israel Day Parade, which took place on Sunday May 6th (Lag B'Omer) under a picture-perfect blue sky. Over 200 pre-Olim who will be making Aliyah on Nefesh B'Nefesh flights this summer marched behind the NBN float, painting a cerulean sea along 5th Avenue in their blue "Follow Me to Israel" t-shirts.
The crowd clapped and cheered as the passing NBN float played a customized mix of Aliyah-themed songs that echoed throughout the city streets. Special NBN shirts and hats were tossed into the waving arms of excited spectators. What impact does our presence make? To see the Nefesh B'Nefesh name rolling through the Manhattan streets followed by a headstrong assembly of pre-Olim is an image and level of mainstream exposure that cannot be duplicated, and it reinforces an awareness that encourages future Olim. |
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| Raiders of the Lost Artifacts |
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| Over 30 single Olim visited an archeological dig this month in an inspiring day out to a site where tons and tons of rubble from the Temple Mount excavations have been brought to be sorted and examined. After an educational introduction about the excavation site and some Jewish history, the Olim began sifting, searching and sorting through the artifacts from the Second Temple. Tempered glass, mosaic tiles, bone fragments and pottery shards were among the items uncovered that hearkened to a time in Jewish history over 2000 years ago.
The Olim were enthusiastic about their discoveries and felt there was no better way to feel connected to the Land and its past. Many inquired about returning to the site in the future. While concentrating on their findings, the Olim were also shmoozing with other members of the group, and new friends were made. In addition to the Jerusalemites, the event attracted single Olim from Raanana and Tel Aviv as well as a soldier from Kibbutz Yavneh.
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| Project Kesharim: Connecting Olim to Olim on Shabbat & Chagim |
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|  Shabbat in Israel – the great equalizer. Whether you're secular or observant, on Shabbat, everyone in Israel slows down and takes a much needed break in one form or another. There is no better time of the week to meet and connect with other people.
Nefesh B'Nefesh now introduces a new Shabbat initiative called Project Kesharim. Through this new and exciting program, Olim can now find places to spend Shabbat and Chagim – all over the country!
People from around the country have enthusiastically offered to host participants for a Shabbat in locations such as Ramot (Jrslm), Raanana, Ramat Beit Shemesh , Modiin, Chashmonaim, Beersheva, Haon, Zichron Yaacov, Kiryat Arba, Talpiyot (Jrslm), Gush Etzion, Sde Eliyahu, Tiberias and more. This is an incredible opportunity for Olim to make connections in Israel, step outside their "bubble" and have a new and fun experience away from home.
To participate as a guest, please email NBN at kesharim@nbn.org.il and tell us whether you are looking for sleeping accommodations or just meals, how many Olim are looking to be hosted, and date/place you wish to be hosted (if specific).
If you'd like to host please note in your email where you live, how many Olim you would feel comfortable hosting, whether you can host guests for meals, and/or sleeping accomodations, and for which dates.
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| Olim Spotlight Stories and anecdotes shared by NBNers |
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| Reflection on Yom Ha'atzmaut
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|  As a child attending day school in suburban Chicago, I never looked forward to Yom Ha'atzmaut. Don't get me wrong. It's not like the mention of the day brought about some kind of severe reaction or that I anticipated the day with particular dread. It was simply one of those things that came and went without profound meaning.
The rituals of the day remain forever branded into my memory. There was the mandatory flag costume- a standard white polo shirt and uncomfortable, stiff, navy blue Shabbat pants. We convened for a large communal Tefillah, enhanced with the recitation of Hallel and sometimes even with the chanting of a Haftarah. The school served the traditional falafel hot lunch, a treat for some and a punishment for the rest of us. (Call me anti-Zionist, but to this day I have no taste for the greasy Mediterranean classic, adorned with tomato and cucumber bits and dripping with white substances.) And who could forget the assemblies, featuring Israeli dances, flag-waving, and the singing of Israeli songs? I don't blame the school's noble and richly sensory program, but I never 'got it'. Other than magically transporting me to a mystical land 6000 miles away, on the other side of the Mediterranean, what could I understand? With all of the fanfare, with the lyrics of Bab El Wad and Machar still echoing in my head, I wouldn't claim that I learned a great deal about the spirit of the day.
In high school, even these barest and most fundamental elements of the holiday peeled away. Only a minority of the students were driven to dress in 'kachol velavan'. Nothing shocked me more than the behavior of the most Zionistic student in the school, an Israeli with aspirations to join Israel's Air Force. On Yom HaAtzmaut, he had the audacity to wear brown dress pants. I was sure that he had forgotten the most basic tenets of Jewish faith.
Imagine my astonishment when I actually began to spend Yom Ha'atzmaut in Israel. I discovered what every real Israeli knows, that Yom Ha'atzmaut is actually Hebrew for 'Day of the Barbecue'. So with throngs and hordes of my Israeli brethren, my wife and I packed our children into a car and drove out to a public park, searching desperately for a roomy and comfortable spot to set up the sacred barbecue. Here, in Israel, we were celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut, but the people around us were dressed for the beach and chomping on meat. Where was the falafel? I was haunted by the thought, stripped down to a grill and a public park, how could I be sure that it wasn't the 4th of July or Cinco de Mayo?
I was surrounded by a colorfully wide assortment of the Children of Israel, enjoying and celebrating the opportunity to live in the land inhabited by their ancestors. And then I, still dressed in my blue and white, experienced what I would have never been able to truly understand with all the finest falafel and all the assemblies that day schools could ever offer me. I found meaning in being able to witness the people's return to a place from which they had been so shamefully and painfully exiled thousands of years earlier.
Although the Jewish people never completely disappeared from the land of Israel, the masses were ushered out by conquerors and enslavement, poverty and famine, over thousands of years. They built homes, settled, planted gardens, married, raised families, and invested in the interests of their host countries. But they never forgot or forsook their ancestral homeland, ever longing for the security and comfort that only home could provide. They cried, "How can we sing the song of G-d in a foreign land?" And those heartfelt, moving Israeli songs never quite found real meaning on other soil.
But today, we have begun to sing the song of Zion in our own land. We began returning long before 1948; and although most of us are still abroad, people are still returning every day. Today, it is the slowly churning process of coming home that inspires me on Yom Ha'atzmaut. It is an appreciation to God for having provided the present, and it is a convicted hope and optimism for the prospects of the future. As such, the prayers assumes fresh meaning; and, to my delight, the hummus and tehinah become even less necessary.
Yonatan Kohn is currently finishing his rabbinic studies at Yeshiva University's Gruss Institute in Israel. Yonatan is also teaching at Shaalvim for Women, a local seminary for post-high school students, and he serves as Israel liaison for the recent graduates of the Maimonides School in Brookline, MA. Yonatan and his wife made Aliyah in 2004, and they live with their children in Jerusalem.
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| NBN Spotlight |
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NBN Staff Behind the Scenes
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|  Rachel Kaufman
My love for Israel was inspired by my family history and was instilled deep within my identity and soul by my parents who serve as tremendous role models in my life. I was born to Hungarian Holocaust survivors. My father survived along with his father, immigrated to Israel, fought in three wars and spent most of his adult life dedicated to building the land and serving his country. My mother was hidden as a child and finally escaped during the Hungarian revolution in 1956. My parents met in the U.S., married and raised a family of four girls in Los Angeles.
I spent several years working with Jewish communities worldwide. After receiving my B.A. in Education from Stern College, I spent over a year as a Fellow for The Lauder Foundation in Frankfurt, Germany teaching Judaic Studies and coordinating events for the Jewish community. Subsequently, I became the Director of Bnei Akiva in L.A., during which time I decided to fulfill my dream of Aliyah.
On December 28th 2005, I took the NBN Channukah flight. That year, I lit candles in Los Angeles with my family, at JFK with the NBN Olim and finally in Jerusalem in my new home. After completing Ulpan Etzion, I started working for Nefesh B’Nefesh in the Overseas Department.
Today, I am the Director of Israel Events. My focus is on creating and coordinating events for all NBN Olim in order to cultivate social networking and interaction between them. Previous events included fruit picking, the Israel Cinema Series, hiking, skiing at the Hermon, and comedy nights. This year we have new and exciting events on the calendar which can be viewed at www.nbn.org.il/calendar/calendar_israel. For me, the combination of planning events and interacting with Olim, has been fulfilling on a multi-faceted level. Together, we experience new “Israel moments” that will be the building blocks of our lives as we establish ourselves in our new home.
Please feel free to contact me with your ideas or suggestions of events you would like to see.
Rachel Kaufman resides in Jerusalem rachelk@nbn.org.il
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| Notes from the NBN Absorption Department
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New Olim may transfer foreign driver's licenses within three years of entry into Israel. If you did not convert your license within this time period, you will need to take both the theory test and the practical driving test (but not the 28 lessons that are normally required of Israelis).
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| NBN Announcements |
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| Up'N'Coming NBN Events in Israel - May
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| Buying a Home: Where do I begin? When does it end?
Learn the ins and outs of home buying, including mortgages, legal requirements, Olim benefits, other considerations.
Wednesday, May 9, 8pm - Raanana
RSVP to michelek@nbn.org.il.
Financial Management and Budgeting
Making ends meet in Israel can be challenging. Learn how to start taking control of your finances and get the most out of your money. This three part series will show you all the ins and outs of managing your finances in Israel, from home budgeting and reducing your household expenses, to sophisticated money management techniques for English speaking Olim. Presented by Baruch Labinsky, MBA, Financial Planner with the Israel Resource Network.
Mondays, May 14, May 21 and June 4, 8pm - NBN Jerusalem
Note: Participants must commit to attending all three workshops. There is a 50 shekel fee (which includes all three sessions), and an RSVP is required. Please sign up by contacting Sarah at staub@nbn.org.il.
Night Hike and Late Night BBQ Under the Stars
Join other singles and young couples for a moonlight hike. This is a great opportunity to see the beauty of the land, make new friends, and get a little exercise too! BBQ to follow the hike.
Thursday, May 31st from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am
For more information please contact: rkaufman@nbn.org.il
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JUNE
You Made Aliyah; Should You Bring Your Investments With You?
An expert on Israeli investments will discuss Israeli and international investment opportunities.
Monday, June 4, 8:30pm - NBN Jerusalem
Looking Back at Year One
Congratulations, you're close to finishing your first year as Olim!
Join us for an opportunity to celebrate this accomplishment.
Call: 02-659-5700 for details.
Sun, Fun and Tel Aviv!
Summer's here! Time to get out and play! NBN invites singles and young couples to the beach for volleyball, frisbee and refreshments. The volleyball courts are located opposite the Sheraton Hotel in Gordon Beach, Tel Aviv.
Plenty of parking nearby, and refreshments will be served.
Friday, June 8th, 11am
For more information, contact Rachel Kaufman at rkaufman@nbn.org.il.
The Rotating Kiddush Club
Meet the Olim in your neighborhood . . . for Kiddush
Shabbat, June 9 - Jerusalem Location TBA
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| Mazal Tov to...
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| Mazel Tov to…
Kathy & Jim Poodiack ('02) birth of a new grandson, Daniel Simcha
Yisrael Dov and Maya Lebow ('06) on the birth of a boy, Natan Chaim
Vera & Guy Mayer ('03) on the birth of a boy, Shachar Aviv
Esther & Steve Accardi ('02) on the birth of a boy, Moshe
Malky & Mendy Newman ('04) on the birth of a boy, Dov
Lori & Daniel Esses ('06) on the birth of girl, Esther
Yael ('05) and Matt Bitton-Krieger on the birth of a baby girl, Leora Hadas
Shoshana & Gershon Eisenberger ('06) on the birth of a boy, Igal Avraham.
David & Hadassah Gerzi ('06) on the birth of a girl, Ruchama Liba Esther
Kim Zacks on the birth of a baby girl, Ariella Doranit
Josh & Chana Pinto ('05) on the birth of a baby girl, Yael
Daniel & Shoshana Teichman ('06) on the birth of a girl, Naama Tamar
Eli & Shuli Gherman ('05) on the birth of a boy, Shimon Aryeh
Jackie & Yaakov Lynn ('06) on the birth of a boy, Akiva Simcha
Yael & Moshe ('04) Greenberg on the birth of a boy, Elad Avraham
Ella & Rabbi Mordechai Weiss ('03) on the birth of a girl, Menucha Rachel
Danielle & Boaz Berkowitz (06) on the birth of a boy, Dov Gidon
Malka & David Blass ('06) on the birth of a boy, Akiva Asher
Menachem and Randi Lipkin ('04) on the marriage of their daughter Elisheva to Shloimie Storch
Joshua Skarf ('05) and Gila Loike ('07) on their marriage
Stanislav Dubrovskiy ('06) on his recent marriage
Rabbi Yitzchak and Noemi Handel ('06) on the engagement of their son Ben Tzion to Sara Tikotsky
Zehava Witkin ('03) on her marriage to Abba Cohen
Yael Manis ('07) on her marriage to David Ben Lev
Simon Kaye ('06) on his engagement to Aviva Moskovits
Refuah Shelaima to…
Nefesh B'Nefesh wishes a speedy and complete recovery to
Goldie Katz Golda Susya Bat Shoshana ('06)
Ahuva Rachel bat Ora ('06)
Condolences to…
Nechama Schulder ('06) on the loss of her brother, Moshe z"l
The Rosenblatts ('06) on the loss of Michael's father, Saul z"l and Sharon's father, Alexander z"l
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| From the NBN Desktop
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NBN Business Directory
Searching for an English speaking handyman? Need to rent a cell phone? Looking for a speech therapist for your child? Check out the updated BUSINESSES OF NBN OLIM for a full listing of services offered by Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim. The directory includes almost 100 ads and is constantly growing. Discounts for NBNers are routinely offered by many of our business owners.
To post an advertisement in the directory, please send your name, contact details and a short description of your business to employment@nbn.org.il. This service is for only available to NBN Olim.
Employment Services
If you are looking for a job or have questions about licensing and re-training, please contact Daniella Slasky, Robin Berman, Rachel Berger, Kim Ephrat or Aliza Israel. If you are currently employed and are aware of any potential job openings, please let us know! Email the Employment Department at employment@nbn.org.il.
Become an Aliyah Buddy!
Nefesh B'Nefesh is expecting an unprecedented number of Olim this summer, and we need your help. By sharing your personal experience and Aliyah know-how, you can directly help new Olim acclimate to their Israeli surroundings. We are looking for volunteers to be community and/or employment buddies.
• Community buddies: Be in touch with Olim before and after their arrival and provide them with a warm welcome, offering guidance about local resources and introducing them to other people in the community. To register, please go to: www.nbn.org.il/buddy
• Employment buddies: Help Olim learn about employment opportunities in their fields by speaking to them prior to Aliyah and helping them identify job openings after their arrival. To volunteer, please email: employment@nbn.org.il and include your profession and contact information.
Unemployment Benefits in the First Year
If you have been in Israel for at least 6 months and neither you nor your spouse is employed, you are entitled to a monthly living allowance through Misrad Haklita, which continues until a year after your Aliyah date. To begin receiving this living allowance, please contact your Misrad HaKlitah counselor.
Nefesh B’Nefesh Singles
If you’re an NBN Single who has made Aliyah (or is about to make Aliyah), the Nefesh B’Nefesh Singles YahooGroups listserv is an invaluable resource, allowing you to network and connect to others going through the process. Sign on and participate! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nbnsingles/
Stay Connected
NBN Yahoo NewsGroups is an online community of Nefesh B’Nefesh Olim and potential Olim. Share advice, tips, experience and encouragement by following and responding to the posts on the listserv.
Go to: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/nefeshbnefesh
Submissions
The Nefesh B’Nefesh Newsletter is always looking for your submissions. Please send us your personal announcements and smachot, Aliyah-related observations, frustrations, anecdotes, tips, tricks and discoveries! We invite you to share your thoughts and reflections. To friends and family of NBN Olim who live abroad, this means you as well! If your friends and family abroad would like to receive future editions of this newsletter via email, please submit their names and email addresses to newsletter@nbn.org.il or call 02 659 5706.
Where are you?
Have you moved? And then moved again? Keep us in the know so we can keep you in the loop. Please send all updated email/home/mailing addresses and telephone/cell numbers to updatenbn@nbn.org.il or call 02 659 5700.
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