Get started on planning your summer Aliyah

You Need Time Off For What?

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.

You Need Time Off For What?2021-07-26T14:15:20+03:00

Integration and Language Acquisition Through Chugim

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.

Integration and Language Acquisition Through Chugim2021-07-26T14:15:11+03:00

End of Summer and Back to School Shopping for a Family of Four

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.

End of Summer and Back to School Shopping for a Family of Four2021-07-26T14:14:56+03:00

Hi Tech Park Tour

 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.

Hi Tech Park Tour2021-07-26T14:14:26+03:00

Answers to Your Frequently-Asked Summer Aliyah Questions

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.

Answers to Your Frequently-Asked Summer Aliyah Questions2021-07-26T14:14:19+03:00

Health and Fitness Out Of Town

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?

Health and Fitness Out Of Town2021-07-26T14:14:11+03:00

30 Year Old in Jerusalem Making Ends Meet

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.

30 Year Old in Jerusalem Making Ends Meet2021-07-26T14:13:54+03:00

Putting Down Roots in The South

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.

Putting Down Roots in The South2021-07-26T14:13:39+03:00

Falling In Love

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.

Falling In Love2021-07-26T14:12:58+03:00

Shipping Guide

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.

Shipping Guide2025-04-28T15:23:12+03:00

Shavuot Around Here

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.

Shavuot Around Here2021-07-26T14:12:19+03:00

Family of Three Navigates Work and School In Jerusalem

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.

Family of Three Navigates Work and School In Jerusalem2021-07-26T14:12:10+03:00

Charter or bust? Which Aliyah flight is right for you?

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.

Charter or bust? Which Aliyah flight is right for you?2021-07-26T14:11:31+03:00

Yom HaAtzmaut This Year

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.

Yom HaAtzmaut This Year2021-07-26T14:11:23+03:00

Oh, the Places You’ll Go: Pesach Edition

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.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go: Pesach Edition2021-07-26T14:10:29+03:00

Meet the Municipal Coordinator for Olim in Be’er Sheva

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.

Meet the Municipal Coordinator for Olim in Be’er Sheva2021-07-26T14:10:23+03:00

Events in Arad together with the Olim Amuta – ACES

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.

Events in Arad together with the Olim Amuta – ACES2021-07-26T14:10:16+03:00

Ziv Mor

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.

Ziv Mor2021-07-26T14:09:40+03:00

26 Year Old Prepares for Purim in Jerusalem

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.

26 Year Old Prepares for Purim in Jerusalem2021-07-26T14:09:32+03:00

Educators Raising Three Children in Kiryat Gat

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.

Educators Raising Three Children in Kiryat Gat2021-07-26T14:09:24+03:00

Lone Bat Sherut Living In Jerusalem

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).

Lone Bat Sherut Living In Jerusalem2021-07-26T14:09:15+03:00

Manager Raising Five Children in Beit Shemesh

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).

Manager Raising Five Children in Beit Shemesh2021-07-26T14:09:06+03:00

A Day in Omer

In just two short weeks, I will be Mrs. Weiss. Hi everyone! My name is [...]

A Day in Omer2021-07-26T14:08:21+03:00

Young Professional Couple Living in Tel Aviv

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.

Young Professional Couple Living in Tel Aviv2021-07-26T14:08:06+03:00

Thrifty Couple Living in Haifa

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.

Thrifty Couple Living in Haifa2021-07-26T14:06:47+03:00

31 Year Old Commuting From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv

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.

31 Year Old Commuting From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv2021-07-26T14:06:38+03:00

Hooked on Zumba: How One Olah Made the Leap From Fashion Designer to Zumba Instructor

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.

Hooked on Zumba: How One Olah Made the Leap From Fashion Designer to Zumba Instructor2021-07-26T14:06:30+03:00

How One Olah Brings Happiness Through Flowers

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.

How One Olah Brings Happiness Through Flowers2021-07-26T14:06:21+03:00

A Family of Four Settles Into Their New Apartment

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).

A Family of Four Settles Into Their New Apartment2021-07-26T14:05:30+03:00

Dogged Determination: How a 63-Year-Old Oleh Found a Hi-Tech Job in Israel

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.

Dogged Determination: How a 63-Year-Old Oleh Found a Hi-Tech Job in Israel2021-07-26T14:05:13+03:00

Aliyah: Do It for YOURSELF

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.

Aliyah: Do It for YOURSELF2021-07-26T14:04:27+03:00

Eight Things You Should Know About Ulpan Etzion

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.

Eight Things You Should Know About Ulpan Etzion2021-07-26T14:04:18+03:00

Avidan Milevsky – Making Aliyah with Kids

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.

Avidan Milevsky – Making Aliyah with Kids2021-07-26T14:04:08+03:00

What does it mean to experience the New Year/Rosh Hashanah in Israel?

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.

What does it mean to experience the New Year/Rosh Hashanah in Israel?2021-07-26T14:03:59+03:00

Go Beyond North Picnic: Why One Family Keeps Coming Back

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.

Go Beyond North Picnic: Why One Family Keeps Coming Back2021-07-26T14:03:41+03:00
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