Did you know that the fall is the perfect time to get started on planning your summer Aliyah? We have some great events coming up in North America for every demographic – take a look and see which events are good for you!
This article contains a listing of Oleh Rights and Benefits provided to new Israeli citizens by the Israeli Government. Please note that each of these benefits is valid for a limited time period.
Growing up in America, Rosh Hashana meant an apple and honey, a new fruit (usually an over-priced and under-flavored pomegranate), and tzimmis as per my dad’s request that my mom reluctantly made.
My alarm goes off and I’m supposed to go for a run but I didn’t sleep well last night so I snooze until 8:15. #Runcrastionation is real.
The months of September and October are a beautiful time of year full of new beginnings, holidays, and delicious food. This time of year can be hectic and difficult for all Jews, but for observant Jews in North America it can be particularly hard. Asking professors and bosses for time off for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are mostly acceptable.
Chugim are a great way for Olim to interact with Israelis in an informal setting. This helps with both language and social integration. They are a low-pressure way to pick up Hebrew while doing something they enjoy in a group of people who share a common interest.
My wife is a high school teacher and has been home with the kids while I’ve been working in the office most of the summer. I’ve decided to take off a couple of days to do things with the family, so we’re actually getting everyone up at a decent time to eat breakfast and head to Jerusalem for the day.
Tisha Ba’Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month Av, marks the anniversary of the destruction of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem. Traditionally, it is a day of mourning and fasting for the Jewish people all over the world.
In northern Be’er Sheva resides a growing high-tech park, a southern hub for the flourishing Israeli industry. As a beacon of high-tech innovation, there are many employment opportunities in the myriad of companies based in the park. If you missed Nefesh B’Nefesh Go Beyond South’s most recent Tech Tour of the park, are curious about the make-up of the park, or just need a refresher, stick around to find out more.
SSummer is here and at Nefesh B’Nefesh that means hundreds of new Olim! As Aliyah dates approach, questions have been rolling in, and we wanted to share the most frequently asked questions we have been receiving and some answers from our team of experts at NBN.
Moving to Be’er Sheva was scary at first. As someone who enjoys a healthy lifestyle, I wondered, will it be too hot all the time to go running outdoors? Will I be able to afford a gym? Will there be nice health food stores? A shuk where I can get fresh produce? Will it be a place where the outdoors would inspire me and encourage me to continue my healthy habits such as running and exercising?
Where should you start when you're packing up your home to make Aliyah? Hear from an organizational expert about tips and tricks for moving. Hint: Get rid of your clutter!
2:00 pm: I just woke up. Ordinarily, I’d start packing a peanut butter sandwich for lunch at work but all of us were let go without warning last Thursday. Breakfast is instant coffee and some homemade muesli: a single plain yogurt mixed with a handful of oats and raisins.
Israelis make less money. School is free in Israel. Israeli health care is free. Real estate in Israel is expensive.These are the assumptions often made by many who are considering Aliyah. Which of these assumptions are based in reality and which are perceptions?
My husband calls it a farm. I beg to differ. Although, to be fair, we are currently growing carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, eggplant, onions, fennel, artichokes, grapes, raspberries and radishes (not to mention over 25 fruit trees), but I digress. We live in a region of the country called Ramat HaNegev - a part of the country that sees about 80 mm (3.15 inches) of rain per year. Gardening here is a little bit more of a challenge, but it is also a bit more rewarding.
For the past few years, my husband and I have decided to divide our kids’ summers between the small southern Yishuv in Israel that we live in and a 2-3 week visit to their grandmother in Beachwood, Ohio.
It’s the Fourth of July this week, and it has a lot of American Olim in a pickle, wondering whether their new identity as Israelis has room for BBQs and apple pie.
Many trips to and from the bathroom with a feverish, sick preschooler… finally get her comfortable and asleep.
Joining an Ulpan is like joining a gym – you will only see results if you put the work in (and you have to sweat to see the real results!). There are various options for learning Hebrew before you make Aliyah, but you need to be willing to exercise your Hebrew “muscles” if you are going to make progress.
This story is about the first time I fell in love. I knew from a very young age that this love would be one I want to spend my life developing.I grew up in the center of the country, in a small Yishuv right between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Even though I loved growing up there and only visited the South occasionally on school trips or family vacations, I had this image in my mind of the South as a place with warm, friendly people.
Taxi to the car rental place to pick up the jacket I forgot a couple of days ago, and from there to my workplace. Ate free cereal and fruits we have in our office.
Shipping is expensive, so it makes sense to ship only what you need and will use in your new home in Israel – now is the time to start cutting back. Most shipments are 50/50 – half of the volume is large items, and the other half is the small items which ultimately will go into boxes. This means that it is just as important to sort your clothing, toys, and dishes as it is to debate bringing the sofa and dining room set. Remember that your home in Israel may well be smaller, and let’s face it, if you haven’t used it in the last 12 months, you probably don’t need it anymore.
Several times a week Nefesh B’Nefesh is asked about the cost benefit of shipping items to Israel - and the tough thing for us is that there is no one right answer. But over the years we’ve come up with some general rules and guidelines we think can help you as you pack up your house and prepare for your move.
Shavuot is one of those holidays that Israel does so well. Fine, you’re right, they are all kind of rocking here... but Shavuot is definitely a highlight. Clever dairy product ads start popping up, everyone getting their finest whites ready, and Israeli florists are gearing up to make sure homes are adorned in our country's most beautiful, natural decor.
6:30 am: My baby wakes me up just before my alarm goes off. He was up frequently last night screaming and touching his ears. I plan to call the doctor as soon as the office opens to try to get in for an appointment to check for ear infection. Meanwhile, I eat cereal and drink coffee at home.
If you have a BA or MA in laboratory work, you will be automatically recognized as a lab technician in Israel. If you studied other areas, you will be required to work for 6 months in a recognized laboratory. At the end of the work period, you will need to take a licensing exam.
I won’t speak for all olim. But for my family, the Negev is home. Like many North American immigrants to Israel, when I made aliyah in 2011, I moved to Katamon, Jerusalem. It was comfortable and easy. In fact, sometimes I forgot I lived in Israel.
Summer is just around the corner and that means the NBN Flights Department is gearing up for another jam-packed season of Aliyah. Thousands of people are packing bags, downsizing homes and planning goodbye/l’hitraot parties. 65% of all Aliyah happens during the summer which is a natural transition time for many.
This Yom HaAtzmaut I am reflecting on how living in Israel has affected my life over the past six years. I left California, where I was born and raised, and moved to Israel to study at seminary right after college. In California, I lived a relatively sheltered life so I wanted to experience living in Israel before making the commitment to make aliyah.
Guest contributor: Russell D. Mayer, Adv. When you consider establishing your foothold in Israel, [...]
6:00 a.m. - Is it already morning? My son is awake and my husband is already gone for the day. Get up, get my son dressed and ready, get myself dressed and ready.
This article is by Baruch (Brent) Labinsky It is an amazing feeling when you [...]
This article is by Baruch (Brent) Labinsky New experiences, new situations, new challenges. Making [...]
This article is by Baruch (Brent) Labinsky “When I retire …” When you hear [...]
Should your investments really stay in your home country? Will your move to Israel impact them, and what changes do you need to consider as you make the transition to a new country with new financial systems and investment considerations?
The holiday of freedom is here! Pesach is our favorite holiday (ok, they are all kind of our favorite) to spend in Israel. The entire country gets ready for the chag together- you are greeted with cleaning supplies at the grocery store, everyone is preparing for a week of unadulterated time with family, outdoors, and eating good food.
I have had the privilege of (basically) getting three degrees at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Be'er Sheva. Just after I made Aliyah, I started my master's in social work, which included two years of bachelor’s level work and an internship, all of which I completed in 2016.
The Arad English speaking group, ACES, has benefited by a mutual relationship with Nefesh B’Nefesh. Recently, ACES celebrated Tu B’Shvat by enjoying a Seder together. It was a fun and informative time to learn more about the holiday. The Seder itself, and each item of food, was clearly explained by our own Leor Blumenthal.
Zoey made Aliyah at age six to Chashmonaim. In her teen years, her family moved to Meitar, just outside of Be’er Sheva after relatives moved to Meitar and they realized they could sell their Du Mishpachti (semi-detached) house and buy a more spacious home for their family.
What would make a new Oleh living in Be’er Sheva want to start his own gaming platform? We sat down with Ziv Mor of Peace Through Gaming to tell us about his experience moving to southern Israel and starting his new gaming initiative.
After Shabbat, I went out to the mall with my roommate to buy a couple of last minute additions to my Purim costume. I own almost everything I need for this costume (#lazy) but I spent ₪3.99 on a bow from Beauty Care and a 1+1 packet of tights from H&M for a total of ₪19.90.
The worst part of my job is to wake up time. I am a morning person, and it still seems insane to me. Breakfast is cereal, then I get the kids' lunches ready, then off for my hour-long commute. Most days I carpool with a coworker, which work pays for.
I’m not a morning person. It takes all of my strength to get out of bed, caffeinate myself and begin my morning routine of spiritual and physical sustenance: G-d, bakery and makolet. Pocket change for tzedaka, ₪15 for 15 rolls and ₪12 for 2 liters of milk that will last a few days (maybe).
I’m not a morning person. It takes all of my strength to get out of bed, caffeinate myself and begin my morning routine of spiritual and physical sustenance: G-d, bakery and makolet. Pocket change for tzedaka, ₪15 for 15 rolls and ₪12 for 2 liters of milk that will last a few days (maybe).
Woke up, made my morning matcha (started switching from coffee to matcha recently) and did yoga. Had a quick breakfast of chia seed pudding that I made the night before and pomegranate seeds.
One of the best parts of my job is that I periodically get to take [...]
by Rachelle Amar, NBN 2014 Growing up in New Jersey, I wanted life to send [...]
Yoni and I moved to Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev [...]
For me- this year has been about dreams coming true. Ever since I can [...]
In just two short weeks, I will be Mrs. Weiss. Hi everyone! My name is [...]
Merchav Am is a tiny yishuv in the heart of [...]
Jump out of bed to make it to the bus which takes me to the train. I bought a monthly train pass which cost ₪300 (my company covers the cost at the end of the month). This covers unlimited buses in Tel Aviv and Airport City for free for the month and includes the train back and forth from the cities.
The Center for Integration in Science (run by the Ministry of Aliyah and [...]
We hired a weekly cleaner once I returned to work after my third was born. She is coming today for four hours. She takes ₪60/Hour + bus fare. I leave ₪250 for her on the table.
I woke up a little late today because the alarm clock (aka kids) only woke up now. They were tired from our trip back from Haifa. Glad I’m starting the diary today because the gas was exorbitant.
Although it is common to see 18-year-olds in and out of uniform with sophisticated rifles, Israel has very strict regulations for civilians who wish to own a personal weapon. Read more about licensing a firearm in Israel here.
I wake up at 6, have my coffee, and look at messages while drinking… I then shower, dress, daven, and eat oatmeal with my coffee
Today, I wake up early because I volunteer in the local high school teaching English to ninth grade. E. usually take the car to work, but since I am volunteering, I drop E. off at the bus stop and then continue to the high school. I eat my granola and yogurt (that we make at home) in the car before heading into the school.
6:45 a.m.…...at least I think that’s what time the alarm went off! I stayed with friends in the suburbs of Tel Aviv because I landed at Ben Gurion late in the evening and didn’t want to go back to all the way back to Jerusalem and then back again to Tel Aviv this morning.
I made Aliyah in January 2004 at the age of 26, joining my brother and sister who had made Aliyah before me. I was at a crossroads in my career: either I would continue to push my career as a fashion designer in South Africa or make Aliyah and begin a new life in Israel.
I made Aliyah in January 2003, at the age of 23, together with two friends from England after we graduated from university. Growing up in a small Jewish community in Newcastle, I was extremely involved and active in Bnei Akiva and Aliyah was always on my radar. I yearned to live in Israel where the Jewish calendar is an integral part of life.
Slowly got out of bed to wake up the kids for school. Two boys take their time, one daughter has moved in to the bed with wife and I play annoying kids songs for the early riser. Eldest daughter heads off to Sherut Leumi.
Hopped on a bus to work and paid with my Rav Kav. I have a monthly pass that work covers.
Woke up late after staying up too late last night. Luckily I have some leftovers from shabbat dinner I’ll pack to have for lunch today.
Get out of bed easily today because I know we have exciting errands and it’s the end of the week. My husband, B. is already on the shuttle on the way to school and I head to work which is around a 6 minute drive away.
I am working from home today because I have a meeting in Baka smack in the middle of the day. This means I can wake up a bit later than usual, since I don’t have my normal 45 min (or more) commute to my office.
I’m up about 10 minutes before my alarm is set to go off. We recently moved to Tzur Hadassah from Jerusalem and our new apartment is at the very edge of the Yishuv, which also happens to be the Green Line (we’re on the “Israel” side).
By Sorelle Weinstein My kids are members of Tzofim. To explain it to someone [...]
Neil Shore, a software engineer from Philadelphia, made Aliyah in summer 2017 with his wife at the age of 62. Aware of the profound ageism in Israel, Neil realized that it would take tenacity and confidence to find a job. I spoke to Neil to find out how at the age of 63 he managed to find a job in the hi-tech sector just ten months after arriving in Israel.
Living That Bodedah Life, a blog run by Avital Weisinger, from Adventures of Avital, [...]
Dr. David Berger (www.drdavidberger.com) earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology from St. John’s University [...]
Born and raised in London, UK, Yael Aisenthal made Aliyah at the age of [...]
Living in Israel was never on the radar for Jennifer or Max Schrutt. In fact neither of them visited the country until they were adults. Jennifer was raised in a Reconstructionist Jewish home on the East Coast, while Max grew up in a Conservative family in Denver, Colorado.
Living in Israel has been anything but stagnant, anything but monotonous. From walking in the middle of car-free streets on Yom Kippur, to delivering pizzas to soldiers on the Gaza border. The powerful and complex moments of a lifetime anywhere else in the world occur in just one month in Israel.
By Sorelle Weinstein It is difficult for me to understand my preteen yearnings to live in Israel but my desire to make Aliyah was deeply ingrained in me before I even had the vocabulary to articulate why. As a child Israel spoke to my senses. I remember the sweetness of inhaling the country. I remember the feeling of safety and love when seeing a chayal in green on Egged buses.
I was the biggest homebody. I had lived in the same house my entire life. The thought of making Aliyah – leaving the comfort of my childhood home in Plainview, New York – and living and studying at Ulpan Etzion in Jerusalem was terrifying to me.
When considering Aliyah, a big question that comes up for families is how to ensure a successful Aliyah and transition for your children. For each family the transition to Israel will be slightly different but there are several steps that can be taken ahead of Aliyah to make the move smoother and easier on your kids.
Rosh Hashanah in Israel means you are sitting at the bus stop and it takes you a few minutes to register that the “Shana Tova” sign on the bus is a blessing for the new year rather than an unheard-of destination.
Aviva Zacks and daughter Nava, originally from Detroit and now living in Modi'in, make a point of attending at least one charter flight every summer to welcome new Olim.
Dan Yanson, originally from Russia, made Aliyah from Scotland UK ten years ago in 2008. He lives in Haifa with his wife and four children and makes a point of attending the Nefesh B’Nefesh Go Beyond North picnic each summer where he connects with fellow Olim.
Most people cringe when they hear the word “tax,” but possessing the knowledge to navigate the system is key – especially in Israel. This article will outline and explain the more common aspects of taxes people encounter when buying a property in Israel.
NBN provides pre-printed luggage tags with numbers for fast sorting on the landing side. [...]
Please join us on our many Facebook and LinkedIn groups and pages and follow [...]
Checked Luggage: 2 pieces per person Max weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) Dimensions: Total [...]
Click here for a full list of terms you will come across when navigating [...]
Yom Hazikaron & Yom Ha'atzmaut: April 18-19, 2018 Yom Hazikaron (יום הזיכרון לחללי מערכות ישראל [...]
Making Aliyah with kids can be challenging, but not to fear, we have loads [...]
This article is written by Miriam Schwartz. Miriam Schwartz holds an MA in education [...]
Dr. Avidan Milevsky is a Research Scientist and Senior Lecturer in psychology at Ariel University and a [...]
Meet Miriam Naiman, Nefesh B’Nefesh post Aliyah advisor specializing in the 50+ [...]
Registering with Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of the Interior) Population Registry Marriages in Israel are [...]
Meet Adina Sacks, Nefesh B’Nefesh employment advisor extraordinaire. Originally from Brooklyn, New [...]
Meet Ronen Goldman, Goldfus Insurance's Director of Customer Relations. [...]
KPMG Somekh Chaikin, a member firm of KPMG International, is one [...]
Meet Ronen Fuxman, Nefesh B’Nefesh Government Advocacy Advisor, husband to Noa and [...]
Meet Jessica Lamdan, member of the Nefesh B’Nefesh Post-Aliyah department and Pre-Aliyah [...]
Debbie and Dov Rapps spent many years planning and dreaming of their own Aliyah. [...]
Doctors are a valuable resource in the State of Israel, which is facing a [...]
Making Aliyah—or moving anywhere new—brings challenges of all kinds. Leaving the people and systems [...]
Name Change * Application Cost Application Options Print Form Name Change Form 110₪ [...]
Please note that the information on this website is for general information purposes only, and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. You should always seek independent legal or other professional advice before acting or relying upon any of this information. In addition, whilst Nefesh B’Nefesh makes every effort to update the information on this website, Nefesh B’Nefesh does not guarantee the accuracy and currency of such information. For Nefesh B’Nefesh’s full terms and conditions, please click here. For our Privacy Policy please click here
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP TO BUILD A STRONGER ISRAEL THROUGH ALIYAH
