The following is an overview of the steps that you will need to take, in order to plan Aliyah successfully.

Researching your Aliyah is a crucial and imperative part of the Aliyah process. It is the point at which all your thoughts, ideas and possibilities become more grounded. One of the key steps involved in successful research is networking. Connecting with people via phone, email, facebook, linkedin, listservs etc, helps you to learn about, and gain contacts in, all areas of the Aliyah process that may be relevant to you such as employment, communities, healthcare and education. In addition, Nefesh B’Nefesh has developed a number of tools to assist you with your research:

  • Our online Aliyahpedia is a comprehensive resource providing information about all areas relating to a successful Aliyah. For example professional licensing, starting a business, finding the right schooling, Aliyah benefits, housing resources and healthcare options.
  • For a listing of communities in Israel, please see our Community Database.
  • For a listing of schools throughout Israel, please see our School Database.
  • For assistance and guidance regarding employment in Israel, please contact our Employment Department.
  • You may also address any Aliyah related questions and concerns to our professional staff of Pre-Aliyah advisors at the Nefesh B’Nefesh call center at 1-866-4-ALIYAH (toll free).
  • Nefesh B’Nefesh staff regularly travel to North America and the UK to run seminars and conduct personal Aliyah meetings. If you would like to register, please see our online calendar.
  • If you are in Israel, we invite you to schedule meetings with our Pre-Aliyah and Employment Departments by calling 02-659-5800.
It is important to remember that Aliyah for children can be a daunting and overwhelming process.  While it can be hard to focus on their feelings and emotions whilst so much is going on, we encourage families to dedicate time to making sure your children are aware that you are worrying first and foremost about their needs and welfare.  Be sure  to stress the positive aspects of your impending Aliyah along with the possible strains and pressures.  Our website includes many articles about preparing parents, children, and teens for Aliyah, including helpful tips and information about what to expect throughout the process.  For more information, click here.
Three to six months before your scheduled Aliyah date, we recommend taking a short pilot trip to Israel in order to network and see for yourself which communities, schools, housing and employment options are available, and which would be most suitable to your needs. During your pilot trip, you can expect to gain critical information that will help you make the decisions that are most conducive to your successful Aliyah.

If you are making Aliyah with children, keep in mind that school registration usually takes place during the winter months, so it may be wise to schedule your trip for then, if possible.

For more information on pilot trips, please see:

Whilst you are in Israel for your pilot trip, we encourage you to touch base with Nefesh B’Nefesh staff for additional guidance.

For easy access in English to businesses and services in Israel, please view www.huduyou.com.

After the bulk of the research, networking, pre-Aliyah meetings and pilot trip have been achieved, you will then need to move forward with making concrete plans. These final decisions regarding a community, a home, schools for your children (if relevant) and employment can be somewhat daunting.

Be in touch with Nefesh B’Nefesh for any advice or assistance you may need at this point. In addition, once you have decided, let us know which part of the country you will be headed to, so as to receive practical tips and important information about your new community.

We recommend that you send your lift approximately one month prior to your Aliyah, so that your shipment is scheduled to arrive soon after you do.  Shop around for the shipper offering you the best service at the best price.

Please see our online Shipping Guide for detailed information regarding planning your shipment.  Keep in mind that shipments are sometimes delayed; therefore, anything crucial–including original copies of your professional certification and licensing–should be taken as hand luggage on the plane.

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