If you tell a friend that you are considering moving to Israel, you will no doubt be regarded with a certain bit of skepticism. For many, it ranges from difficult to impossible to imagine living amidst threats of terror, frequent suicide bombings on public transportation, and other threats associated with the Intifada.

However, many find that the reasons to live in Israel far outweigh these possible threats. In a wonderful article on aish.com, Sarah Azulay explains her own reason for making the move to Israel:

“Yet there is no description for the sense of holiness that pervades Israel — despite the traffic, the long lines, the belligerence, affectionately known as “chutzpah.” The Talmud says that “to acquire Israel, you have to suffer.” Isn’t this true of all that is worthwhile, of every milestone which a person accomplishes on his life’s journey? There is a pride that comes from knowing that despite the cultural obstacles, the ongoing terrorist attacks which threaten us, the bureaucratic headaches, you have somehow done it. You made the move; you are privileged to live every day in a land that our recent ancestors could only dream about.

And everything fits so smoothly — you don’t have to explain to anyone what Purim is, esrogs abound before Sukkot, shuls fill many corners, and the opportunities to learn Torah and grow spiritually can almost drown you. There is an endless, engaging energy — a pulse and a grace — that comes from the beat of the nation, a natural proud defiance that we exist in spite of every imaginable obstacle and by the grace of God.”

How can you argue with her points, so eloquently put? What Ms. Azulay points out is that the move to Israel is a spiritual path that one is privileged to travel.

For Jewish parents, the desire to raise their children in a place where they are “normal” and not a minority is strong. In Israel, Judaism is a way of life. And on top of this fact, Israelis are well known for their fierce love of children. Women and men alike are ready to give parental love to your children, and offer plenty of advice on how to raise happy and healthy kids. Israel is a wonderfully supportive place to raise a family.

Over the past few years here in America, as we have experienced a recession, immigration to Israel has increased. Many Jewish American families find that an employment rate that hovers around 10%, along with the increasing costs of healthcare and education, provides ample reasons to seek residence in another country.

According to an article on vosizneias.com (published by the Orthodox Jewish Community) there are actual cash incentives offered by Israel as a way to ease immigration under the country’s Law of Return, which offers automatic citizenship to anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent. The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption provides about $4,000 per adult and about $2,000 per child to these immigrants, paid out over seven months.

Immigrants are also entitled to free education up to the master’s degree level and are customarily granted a 70% to 90% reduction on their property taxes. They also receive discounts and tax waivers on Israeli-made appliances.

When God took Abraham to Canaan and showed him the land, promising it to Abraham’s future generations, he showed Abraham every Jew that was ever to be born. Now, according to legend, when a Jew stands in the exact spot where thousands of years ago Abraham first beheld him, he becomes intimately and eternally bound to the land.

If you have visited Israel, you have no doubt felt this force — a force that inextricably draws you back to the Holy Land and to make it your home.

Just as in America, “back to school” is a time of year that every Israeli child anticipates, fears, loves, and dreads all at the same time.

The arrival of the new school year occurs at the end of August and involves the same customs with which we are familiar, from shopping for new clothing and supplies to re-acclimating to an early morning schedule.

Israel is fiercely proud of its education system as it is highly valued by the society as a whole. Here is the basic framework of schools in Israel:

Misgeret:

The term misgeret literally means frame or framework, and in this case refers to a toddler’s first experience in early childhood education, which allows the child to develop a schedule or frame.

It is generally believed by Israeli parents that young children should nap from 2 to 4 in the afternoon and begin potty training at age 2. Israelis value routine and structure at a young age. A commonly heard statement spoken by Israeli mothers is, “He’s 20 months old and is getting bored at home; it’s time for him to be in a misgeret,” meaning that the child is ready to be enrolled in a childcare or preschool to help provide structure in his or her life.

Gan:

Gan is the term for preschool, which Israeli children typically begin when they are between 2 and 4 years of age. It is commonly believed that a young child should be enrolled in gan for at least half a day in order to help him or her develop social skills and language skills, as well as help him or her prepare for more academic rigor in the near future. For olim, gan may also be helpful for young children to begin learning Hebrew.

Primary School:

The primary school system in Israel has evolved from the traditional Jewish heder, in which boys from ages 3 to 13 would study Hebrew and learn religion from a single teacher. Today, the primary school system lasts either 8 years or 6 years, depending on the school system. Some observe 8 years of primary school and 4 of secondary, while some observe 6 of primary and 6 of secondary. The chief difference in these two approaches is the amount of time devoted to religious versus secular studies.

Today primary school studies include both academic and creative areas of study and enrichment. Students may attend a state, state-religious, Haredi, or Arab school, whereas most Israeli children attend state schools.

Secondary School:

Secondary school in Israel prepares students for what is known as the Israeli matriculation exams, or the bagrut. Students are tested in Hebrew language, English language, math, scripture, history, state studies, and literature. The official Israeli matriculation certificate is given to each student who receives a passing score of 56% or above on each exam.

The entire testing process is governed by the country’s Ministry of Education and is therefore considered to be the standard by which students’ academic achievements are measured throughout the entire country.

Higher Education:

After completing secondary school, 18-year-olds are generally conscripted into the Israel Defense Forces. However, they may request an extension on their enrollment date in the IDF to study at a pre-service mechina, college, or university.

Those who attend a university have the ability to apply for an atuda, which is a grant provided by the IDF wherein the IDF pays for the tuition for a student to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. This is typically in exchange for an additional 2-3 years of service. Most colleges and universities require passing grades on the bagrut, as well as a passing grade on the Psychometric Entrance Test, or PET, which is similar to the American SAT test.

Ahhhh… summer vacation. It is a treasured American tradition and the time of year that all children look forward to with bated breath. We all recall our own childhood summer vacations fondly with memories of rapidly melting ice cream cones, tanned bodies plunging into cool swimming pools, and wooden bats cracking loudly against airborne balls. Yes, summer vacation is what our most fond American memories are made of.

But wait… did you know that summer vacation is, by no means, only observed in the United States? It’s true! In Saudi Arabia, summer vacation stretches all the way from June to the middle of October. In Singapore, it lasts from late November until early January. In Tunisia, it lasts from late June until mid-September, and in South Africa, kids take summer vacation from early December to early February.

The country of Israel observes a summer vacation that is similar to that of the United States. Typically, school lets out between June 20th and June 30th, and vacation lasts until the end of August. So 5,000 miles away from each other, American children and Israeli children prepare to go back to school right around the same time each year.

The end of August in Israel is still the peak of summer heat. Normally the temperatures are around 95 degrees F, and even as high as 108 degrees F throughout the month of August (and this summer has been unusually extra hot – yep, global warming) and into September. So the end of summer vacation for Israeli children involves plenty of activities that center around staying cool.

August is known as the hottest month of the year and is often rainless (in fact it would truly be a miracle if there were rain in August in Israel – but after all it’s the land of miracles so we can wish for it). So it’s a great time to enjoy swimming activities and stay cool underwater.

Within Jerusalem you can find many different pools such as Breichat Yerushalayim, which includes a separate toddler swimming area, and the Maale Adumim Pool, which includes an Olympic-size pool, both indoor and outdoor areas, and a kiddie pool. There are pools in just about every major city and community. But in the event you happen to be in the center of the country you’re welcome to stop by our home in Chashmonaim and take a dip in our pool (seriously)!

Another popular destination during the late summer heat in Israel is one of the country’s many public libraries. This is a perfect destination to stay out of the mid-day sweltering temps and also, of course, help prepare kids for the upcoming academic school year. There are 17 libraries just in the city of Jerusalem alone, many of which have excellent programs for children, such as Hebrew story hour.

This is an excellent way to stay cool in the August heat and help ease the transition from summertime play to more educational activities.

During the winter months the weather in Israel is what most would consider quite mild and temperate. For those who live in New York, it is what we would think of as normal autumn weather. From December to February temperatures are typically between 41 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Summers, however, are a completely different story. The summer months stretch from June to September, and the weather becomes hot, hot, hot!

One factor that makes it seem particularly stifling is that, in addition to high temperatures, it is also humid. When we sweat, it is actually the evaporation of this moisture that cools us off. And when it’s humid, sweat does not evaporate very quickly.

Humidity also affects what we refer to as the heat index (sort of the summer equivalent of a winter wind chill), making it feel even steamier than what the thermometer reveals. In Tel Aviv during the month of August, temperatures may climb up to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 95% humidity.

This does not mean that you can’t visit Israel in the summer. You can still definitely enjoy activities in Israel in the summertime. Just heed the following advice to deal with the summer heat in Israel:

(1) Wear the lightest fabrics possible and minimal clothing. You’ll notice that many Israelis wear long, flowing clothing in order to stay cool but also protect their skin from the sun. Make sure to dress in light colors. Choose cotton rather than synthetic fabrics as this allows yuor skin to breathe and sweat to evaporate better.

(2) Plan to do outdoor sightseeing early in the morning while temperatures are at their coolest. Devote the afternoon to cooling water sports in the coastal areas of Tel Aviv, Caesarea, and Eilat. You can access the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Dead Sea, and the Sea of Galilee from Israel, so there are plenty of places to swim.

Click here to see Frommer’s recommendation of the best beaches in the country: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/israel/0227020110.html

(3) Make sure to use common sense in regards to drinking enough water and replacing your body’s salt and mineral levels. Pace yourself, and do not leave children or pets in cars for any reason. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.

(4) If it’s really hot, plan a day of all indoor activities. There are more than enough from which to choose, including the Bloomfield Science Museum and Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem, a large shopping mall in Petah Tikvah, “Magic on Ice” ice skating shows in Heichal Nokia, and Beit Halomotay (which translates to Dream Land) in Givat Brener, which is a huge indoor play area for children.

Beer Sheba is the sixth largest city within the country of Israel and is known by several different names. You may see or hear this important administrative, cultural, and industrial capital of Negev called Beersheba, Beer Sheva, Be’er Sheba, or the Capital of the Negev. Regardless of what it is called, Beer Sheba is one of the oldest cities in the world (it dates back to the time of Abraham) and is an amazing place to visit today.

Here are the top 5 cool things to see while you’re in Beer Sheba:

(1) Abraham’s Well

Yes, this is the very same well that is mentioned in the Bible. Abraham’s well is where Abraham and his son Isaac made oaths of non-aggression with the Philistines. Abraham lived in the city of Beer Sheba for 26 years, and Isaac is said to have lived there for many years also.

By visiting Abraham’s well today, you can see just how many times it has been used by the evidence of the deep grooves where the ropes have worn away the rock over the years.

(2) Bedouin Market

This is the perfect opportunity to see a traditional, Middle Eastern working market. The market itself is made up of a large series of intersecting covered alleys where vendors sell their wares. You can find just about anything you can think of!

Thursdays are “open market” days, meaning that anyone can sell his or her products there.

(3) Neve Midbar

Beer Sheba is unlike many of the other major cities within Israel because it is not located close to any mountains or beaches. In fact, it is located in the center of a rocky and harsh desert — a desert that is home to gorgeous canyons and amazing remnants of ancient civilizations.

Within the desert you’ll also find Neve Midbar, the Spa in the Desert. It is the famous home of soothing natural mineral pools that contain sulfur, magnesium, bromine, potassium, sodium and calcium. The mineral waters are healing and purifying.

(4) Negev Brigade Memorial

Locally known as Andarta, the Negev Brigade Memorial was designed by Dani Karavan in memory of the members of the Palmach Negev Brigade who fell defending Israel during the 1948 Arab Israeli War.

The memorial itself, built between 1963 and 1968, is made of raw concrete and consists of 18 separate physical elements. Because of its unique size, shape, and stature, the memorial became a precursor for the land art movement (which was inspired by cubism and minimalism).

(5) The Old City

The Old City is a wonderful place to wander as it has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from the more modern areas of Beer Sheba. The Old City is filled with unusually constructed desert-style buildings unlike any that you will find in the United States.

At the center of the Old City you’ll find a commercial area, which on Fridays is filled with vendors selling arts and crafts. The city center is also the location of Abraham’s well.

Another of the Old City’s most popular attractions is the Governor’s House, which was built in 1906 by the Ottoman government. Today the Governor’s House and the former Old Mosque are both part of the Negev Museum.

(1) Attend a performance of the internationally acclaimed Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company

You can also visit the company’s Dance Village, which is located at Gibbutz Gaaton in Western Galilee. Here you can participate in a number of festivals, activities, and events. For more information, visit the website at http://www.kcdc.co.il/IndexEng.aspx

(2) Shop til you drop

Immerse yourselves in the markets in Tel Aviv. The Carmel Market is a wonderful place to seek out treasures such as exotic spices, beautiful gold jewelry, fresh cut flowers, and trinket souvenirs galore.

(3) Get spooked in Hezekiah’s Tunnel

Don’t forget some comfy shoes and a flashlight when you go to walk through Hekekiah’s Tunnel in Jerusalem. It is a 1,649-foot long tunnel that looks like something out of an Indiana Jones movie.

(4) Ride a camel through the Negev Desert

Or, if you’d prefer, you can explore the desert by foot or even off-road through it in a Jeep. Depending on how adventurous you are feeling, you can book a ½ day, 1 day, or 2 day tour. Take a look at the Negev tours with Desert Eco Tours for more information: http://www.desertecotours.com/English/negev_1&2.asp

(5) Gaze at the sharks, turtles, stingrays and fish of the Red Sea

You can see these things up-close-and-personal by snorkeling or scuba diving in the amazing coral reefs off the coast of Eilat. Or, if you prefer to keep a safe distance, you will love the Underwater Observatory, which is located at the southern tip of Coral Beach.

(6) Witness vultures nesting at Gamla Nature Reserve

Some of the trails here are a bit difficult for children, but just right for the adventurous teen. Dozens of Griffon vultures nest in the cliffs of Gamla and can be observed from a cliff-edge observation station. Here you can also see Israel’s highest waterfall, as well as the dolmans — stone burial monuments that were built by nomads over 4,000 years ago.

(7) Step back in time at the Wohl Archeological Museum

This museum contains remains of Jewish dwellings from the era of Herod the Great (37-4 BC). The first part of the museum, called the Western House, features several private mikveh, or Jewish ritual baths.

You can also tour the Western House and the Palatial Mansion, which both contain artifacts as well as fire damage from the Roman attack on Jerusalem. Perhaps the most fascinating part is the Burnt House, which is an underground excavated basement (a bonus therefore being that it is very nice and cool).

(8) Sift for treasures at Emek Tzurim

When Temple Mount was built in Jerusalem, 400 truckloads of dirt were removed and relocated to the area of Emek Tzurim on the Mt. of Olives. Visitors can actually help sift through buckets of dirt. Who knows what amazing things you may find!

(9) Launch yourselves off of a cliff

Yes, that’s right. I did say “off of a cliff!” With its amazingly beautiful landscape, Israel is a terrific place to go hang-gliding or paragliding. Of course, gliding off of a cliff or mountainside is not for the faint of heart. This is a cool, daring activity for adventurous teens and parents.

Visit the Sitvanit website for more information: http://www.sitvanit.com/english/Index.htm

(10) Hit the beach

Israel has plenty of free, clean beaches to visit. A favorite beach in Haifa is Dado Beach, while the Sea of Galilee features the wonderful thermal baths that people have been enjoying for more than 2,000 years.

The Dead Sea is not the best choice for swimming (you shouldn’t put your head under water), but it is a great place to relax, float on your back, and slather yourself in mineral-rich mud. If you want to try your hand at underwater photography, hit up Eilat and the Red Sea.

One of the things that you will notice about the country of Israel right away is that it truly values its children.

School teachers are more like another parent to their pupils, freely handing out hugs and parental devotion. Neighbors and colleagues are always waiting to greet your kids with open arms. The entire country itself is one that is warm, loving, and welcoming towards children.

Because of this, you will find a great number of family-friendly activities to do with your children in Israel. Remember to also include Israel’s amazing religious sites on your agenda as well. Many people assume that their children will not be interested in exploring these ancient sites, then find that this is not the case. Even young kids can be captivated by the beauty and history that these sites behold.

As a general recommendation, visit only one religious site per day, and visit in the morning when your kids’ minds are freshest and Israel’s temperatures are coolest. Then, devote the rest of the day to some of the following amazing and fun kid-friendly activities.

(1) Play paintball

If you have action- and adventure-loving children, then they are sure to love Paintball, Israel’s special program that is designed for children ages 6-12. The 2-hour activity is designed to mimic a novice soldier’s basic training course.

The program involves completing an army-style obstacle course, climbing a rope bridge, jumping from a diving tower, going through a shooting-on-the-run course where each combatant receives 20 paintballs, and more. For information, you can visit the Israeli Paintball Center’s website at http://www.paintball.co.il/index_en.asp

(2) Ride a roller coaster at Luna Park

The Tel Aviv Luna Park is a beautiful amusement park filled with an array of attractions for all ages. Everyone from your preschool-aged children to your grandma and grandpa can find something to do here.

Luna Park is owned by Entertainment Town Ltd, a company which also owns four other amusement parks within Israel: Super Land, Iskate, Tzafari, and Memadion. Visit Luna Park’s website here for more information and to find the park that best suits your family: http://www.lunapark.co.il/?categoryId=34335

(3) Zoom on a zip line

Both adults and children will love the freeing, flying sensation of sliding along a cable right by a rushing waterfall. Older children may enjoy a bit more of a challenge, such as rappelling or rock climbing. For more information on these awesome adventure activities, visit the Ashdot website: http://www.ashdot.info/eindex.html

(4) Swim, skate, and squash

The Canada Center in Metulla is a terrific place for a whole array of fun activities. The Olympic-size skating rink has a schedule for both hockey and family free-skating time. The center also features both an indoor pool with a hot tub and an outdoor swimming pool with a water slide along with saunas, squash courts, table tennis, workout rooms, a soccer field and a shooting club. For more information: http://www.zimmer.co.il/galil_lang.asp?site_id=1130&lang=1

(5) Admire exotic birds

The Hula Nature Reserve is a swamp reserve ideal for bird watchers since it’s a stop for many migrating species. It is located near the village of Yesud Hama’ala, the valley that sits between Lebanon and Syria. Equip your kids with binoculars, bird calls, and cameras, or even sketch books and colored pencils to make them feel like true naturalists. For more information about the Hula Nature Reserve:
http://www.parks.org.il/BuildaGate5/general2/data_card.php?Cat=~25~~355534781

The waterslides at the Hurshat Tal National Park are among the highest in the country. Plus, the park is a wonderful place to fish, camp, and swim, too. Take a peek at the website to see all the neat things you can do: http://my-country-israel.com/en/North_Kineret/Park-Hurshat_Tal_National_Park.aspx

(7) Speed down a ski slope

Skiing in Israel? If you visit Israel in the wintertime, the answer is “yes!” And won’t your kids’ friends be surprised when your kids reveal that they went skiing in the Holy Land? The skiing (and snowboarding) here has been compared to New England because the snow tends to be powdery.

Visit Mount Hermon, which is the highest point in Israel. It is a great place to ski in the winter, as well as a hiker’s paradise in spring, summer, and fall. Just look at the beautiful, towering snow-capped peak: http://www.hermon.com/mt_hermon/

(8) Get up close and personal with a zebra

For families visiting Israel, the Ramat-Gan Safari is a must. The safari grounds are organized like a long winding road. You can drive your own car, and watch as exotic animals come right up to your car window!

At the center of the safari is a zoo where you can observe lions, chimpanzees, elephants, hippos, and rhinos, amongst many others. The Ramat-Gan Safari offers a unique opportunity to get close to these beautiful wild animals: http://www.safari.co.il/content.php?id=3

(9) Float in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a wonderful place to both rest your weary bones (parents) and splish splash around playfully (children.) Your kids will also think it’s really cool that they can so easily float on their backs in the very salt-dense sea.

Other attractions within the Dead Sea region include a Dead Sea cruise, horseback or camelback riding, a petting zoo, a water park, a go-cart track, and a sound and light show that portrays the life and struggle of the heroism of the people of Masada: http://www.dead-sea.net/f-tourism.htm

(10) Pet a dolphin

Kids ages 10 and older can snorkel at the Dolphin Reef in Eilat on the shore of the Red Sea. The snorkeling dive takes about half an hour, and the center provides all of the equipment needed. Divers just may come face to face with a bottlenose dolphin!

Kids under the age of 10 can still enjoy a wide array of activities, including taking a soothing dip in a relaxation pool or observing the dolphins from one of the lookout points: http://www.dolphinreef.co.il/Default.aspx?tabid=1

Click here to view the embedded video.

(I’m writing this post in July 2010, only days away from August 2nd, when my family and I are making aliyah from New York to Hashmonaim — located next to Modiin, one of Israel’s fastest growing cities.)

When I recently revealed to my friends, colleagues, and family members that I would be moving my family to Israel, the reactions were numerous and varied.

Some people said they were not surprised, and always knew it was only a matter of time before I decided to make aliyah. Others asked fearful questions such as: Why now? Aren’t you scared? What will you do?

For me, making the move to Israel is the fulfillment of a dream that has lasted for my 47 years of life. I have always known that Israel is my home, and yet so far have always neglected to officially make it so. Over the years Israel has been in my heart, but I have found a number of reasons to put off making it my permanent residence: kids, the economy, education… you name an excuse, and at some point I have probably used it.

Truthfully, I believe that I was always just a little bit scared. And of course I still am, with the fear factor that is perpetuated by the press surrounding the Israeli military and economy. However, it has come to the point when I have realized that for over 2,000 years we yearned for this land, and for 47 years I have denied the opportunity to make it my home. I am finally ready to fully grasp this opportunity.

Over the years, I have always loved visiting Israel. I have traveled there with my family, and enjoyed introducing thousands of travelers to the country that I know and adore. All of these things that I have come to love about Israel as a tourist I will now get to love about my home. And as far as waiting for the “perfect” condition under which to make aliyah, I believe the time is now!

Only 65 years ago, Jews were brought to their deaths like a herd of sheep to slaughter. They had no country to call home and no army. Only 60 years ago, seven Arab countries declared war on little Israel, the Jewish state, mere hours after it was established. Only 43 years ago, we fought three of the largest countries in the Middle East in the Six Day War.

Over the years we fought different coalitions of 20 Arab countries with modern armies and with huge amounts of Russian-Soviet ammunition, and we still won. All of this was accomplished by our mothers, fathers, grandfathers, and grandmothers so that we today may have Israel, our home.

Today we have a gorgeous country, a powerful Army, a strong Air Force, a successful Navy, a thriving high-tech industry, and have made internationally recognized medical advancements. We have turned a harsh desert into a land of agricultural prosperity, and have even launched three satellites into space.

All of this, and to think only 65 years ago we were disgraced, hopeless, and had nowhere to go.

I have been asked many times if I am nervous about moving to Israel. Before I answer, I remember that we have overcome the Greeks, the Romans, the Spanish Inquisition, the Russian pogroms, Hitler and the Holocaust, and the armies of seven countries.

How can I not feel confident that I, and my family, will overcome any difficulties that may come our way? I am not worrying, complaining, crying, or fearing as I prepare to make aliyah. I am proud and excited to say that I am fulfilling a 47-year-old dream; I am going home.

If we were to play Family Feud and be asked the “Top Responses That I Like Least About Moving” — packing would make it onto that list (probably the number 2 answer only to be outdone by unpacking).

The task of packing up all of your earthly belongings can seem pretty darn overwhelming, and on top of that time consuming, too. But as anyone who has moved several times will tell you, the task of packing gets a little easier each time.

I find that it is helpful to take it just one room at a time, starting with the room that I use the least. A friend of mine once revealed his technique of starting in one corner of the room and making a clean, even sweep across it. This helps him to stay organized and not forget any easy-to-miss spots, such as the drawer of pots that is at the bottom of your oven.

Another tip he shared with me is that, while packing, he frequently lifts the bag or box to make sure that it has not become too heavy to carry. Of course, it is also wise to label all of your boxes with the items they contain and the room where they belong, as well as any reminders such as “this end up” and “fragile.”

Any boxes with toiletries and other items with expiration dates should be labeled with “open first” so that they do not get shoved in a corner of your new home (yea right!)

When you relocate across town or maybe even just down the street, it’s not too hard to just load up the back of a pick-up truck or van. But when packing for a long, overseas move – such as aliyah, it is quite a different story.

Here is the best way to pack up your belongings in order to insure that they will safely make it to your new home in Israel (whether you do it yourself or have the movers pack for you):

China:
Wrap each item individually in unprinted paper. Or you can also purchase dish packs, which are reusable pouches specifically designed to keep glass safe while in transit.

Stemware:
First, wrap a bit of plastic or paper around the stem for extra reinforcement. Then wrap the whole glass. Place each one upside-down in a partitioned box.

Mirrors and framed artwork:
First, use removable masking tape to mark a big “X” in the center of the glass. This helps to make it less susceptible to breakage. Then wrap the whole piece in a generous amount of packing paper. You can stack mirrors and artwork using Styrofoam corner rounds that create space between each item.

Lampshades:
Separate shades from their lamps, handling the shades only by their wire frames. Place the shades in large boxes and nest them together, separating them with sheets of paper.

Clothes:
Clothes can be folded and boxed, or for quicker unpacking you can obtain wardrobe boxes that allow you to leave your clothing on their hangers. To take up less space with clothing, tightly roll items rather than folding them.

As another space saver, you can roll fragile items inside t-shirts and sweatshirts. Just make sure to clearly label which clothing items contain other fragile items so that you don’t forget about these items while you are unpacking.

Glass jars, bottle, figurines, antiques, and collectibles:
Wrap each one individually in bubble wrap. Place these in boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled paper between the pieces for extra padding. Look for biodegradable packing peanuts made of cornstarch.

Enjoy watching this video about the Katz family moving to Israel.

(1) Keep an open mind

Sure, it’s normal to have some specific expectations as you make your move and begin to assimilate. But try not to be too disappointed when not everything goes the way you expect it to.

For example, you may find the directness of Israelis off-putting at first. Don’t be discouraged by this, it is simply a cultural difference. Strike up a conversation, keep an open mind, and you will surely be rewarded with friendship.

Before you move, make a detailed list of all of the reasons that you are making aliyah. Then keep this list in a safe place. This way, when times get tough or you feel discouraged, you can pull out the list and re-focus on all of the reasons that you wanted to move to Israel in the first place.

(2) Make a pilot trip

Plan to take at least one trip to Israel before you move there. This is the best way that you can “feel out” the community where you are going to be living. (Think of this along the same lines as that initial gut feeling you get when you go to a job interview or on the tour of a college. You can usually tell right away if a place feels right.)

If you have children, a big part of your pilot trip should be finding the school(s) that will be the right fit. In general, school life and social life are two major keys to a family’s happiness after making aliyah. Look for clubs, parks, and activities that fit your family’s interests.

(3) Stay in touch with loved ones

It is to be expected that one of the hardest things about moving is feeling distanced from loved ones. Staying in touch with family and friends is critical to the success of your aliyah. Do not alienate yourself.

For immigrants, it is a good idea to get an all-you-can-talk international phone line. You may wish to consider joining an international networking site, such as Facebook. Or, if you like to keep a personal journal, consider writing a blog. This way, your family and friends can read and respond to your thoughts and reflections.

If you prefer good old snail mail, invest in beautiful stationary, nice pens, and a pretty box in which to keep all the letters you receive in return. Making the act of writing special will encourage you to stick with it.

(4) Be prepared for a financial reality check

Many people put off making aliyah because they have set an unobtainable financial goal for themselves, such as “we’ll move when we have saved up x amount of money.” Really, it’s not that likely that you’ll ever reach this magic number. But as long as you plan ahead and are prepared to make some sacrifices at first, you can do it.

For the first seven months, you will receive Sal Klitah, which is a monetary supplement from the Israeli government. After that, learn to “live like an Israeli.” Don’t cling to all of the American products that you are used to. Be prepared to make some sacrifices and some changes.

Consult with financial planners who are dually licensed in both Israel and the U.S. to better advise you on how to invest your money or save for your future.

(5) Don’t turn down help!

The culture in Israel is warm, loving, and inviting. Most Israeli communities are tight-knit, and people have a soft spot for those who sacrificed their “fancy American lives” or “fame and fortune” to move to this humble country and explore their spiritual beginnings.

Be trusting; accept help from others. Oftentimes our instinct is to say, “Oh, that’s okay,” and turn people down when they offer to help us. Learn how to say, “Yes, thanks!” with a big smile on your face, even if it’s just your neighbor’s offer to watch your children while you take a nap.

Take advantage of Gemachs, which is a free loan service where you can find anything from crutches to baby strollers. Utilize free services offered by Nefesh B’Nefesh, the AACI, and others. You are not going through this journey alone.

Enjoy watching this video about the Katz family moving to Israel.