Twelve things I love about Israel

In honor of the parsha, Shelach, where only two of the twelve spies sent by Moses refrain from saying bad things about the Land of Israel. I should be working on the parsha shiur (class on the Torah portion) I have to give instead, but here goes. The holidays, where everyone is on the same … [Read more...]

Olim and daycare: Don’t lower your standards

I was listening to the Aliyah Revolution radio show as linked to from a comment on the Aliyah Blog. While discussing the economics of aliyah, the host and his guest gave an unrealistic view of daycare expenses in Israel.The host stated that daycare costs even more than university, but is still … [Read more...]

The Number One Reason for Making Aliyah

Having just finished two days of marathon eating and praying on Rosh Hashana, I am so grateful that we don't have to do this very often. So in honor of the new year, and to give chizuk (encouragement) to our struggling olim chadashim (new immigrants), here's a comparison of the holidays in Israel … [Read more...]

Unofficial Guide to Israeli Vermin

No, this is not a political rant. Here is the homeowner's guide to insects you are likely to encounter in Israel. Jukim. Known by exterminators as tikanim (tikanot?). These are huge, winged, roach-like creatures that fly in without warning through upper-story windows. Watch out for them when … [Read more...]

My Aliyah Part II

Please read My Aliyah Part I When we got to JFK I was paged. My first reaction was that someone was going to tell me that it was all a mistake and my mother was okay. My sister's in-laws, bless them, came to the airport to keep us company during the five-hour wait for our connecting flight. They … [Read more...]

My Aliyah Part I

I grew up in a very traditional, non-Orthodox, non-Zionist family. After being active in NCSY I studied here for a year after college and came back to (secular) college pretty frum and giving lip service to the idea of making aliyah, but I wasn't entirely convinced. My future husband was though, and … [Read more...]