I’ve never been, but can’t wait to move! I love where I live (Kalamazoo, Michigan), but can’t wait to get home to Israel. Many friends there.
Presently, I’m trying to finish my education and do some financial stuff to make it all happen. (I think Israel is where I will find my wife :-) woohoo.) (Of course, I’ll settle for meeting her here!)
When I moved to Israel I had planned very little. I learned some Hebrew when I was there, had lots of fun and even got a job. I just KNEW that was where I needed to be. It took a few years but eventually I met my VERY Israeli husband in Israel and then we got married and had a son. Then I moved back to Texas. I just KNEW I was done with Israel for awhile. Turns out my mother had breast cancer and found out about it soon after we moved back to Texas. She needed the support of having us around and being able to know that her grandson would always be willing to give her lots of smiles, hugs and kisses when she was down.
The point is, if you think you will find your wife there, your instincts are probably telling you something.
if you’re serious about making Aliyah, I suggest a 6 month or so pilot trip – a trial aliyah if you will. That way you really know if its what you want.
Hi,
Yes. Many o friends have suggested a pilot trip and I agree. The thing is that (I know this sounds corney) in the depth of my soul – I know this is where I belong.
Hopefully, I’m going for a vacation soon. Believe me, I hear you and I’m trying to heed the advice of my friends and others… I just don’t know that I won’t jump right in.
Avi
Adar is back.
You would not be the first to go to Israel and feel the need to stay.
How’s your Hebrew?
My Hebrew level is horrible IMO.
I follow along in the Siddur, and even then – at times (especially when alone) switch to English for better comprehension.
I should put this as one of my goals.
Avi
Prayerbook Hebrew is different than what you might hear at the local falafel stand.
Have you considered learning conversational Hebrew before your trip?
Maybe we can help – I’ll teach you a word (or phrase) a day if you’re up to the challenge.
Adar is back.
There are lots of ways to improve your Hebrew. The best is immersion, of course: ulpan study in Israel, or the equivalent. Some tapes are good (I’ve heard good things about the Pimsleur series) and if you can find an Israeli teacher, that’s terrific.
MANY people make aliyah and then begin their serious work on Hebrew. But the more you know, the easier life will be.
B’chatzlecha! (Good luck!)
I’m a little confused about why you would want to move to a counrty with such an aggresive and expansionist foreign policy. I think you need to examine very carefully the human rights violations against Palestine and now the people of Lebenon before deciding to move to a country so torn by hate and injustice.
