Nefesh B'Nefesh

🌿🎉 Happy Sukkot | Chag Sameach 🎉🌿

From all of us at Nefesh B'Nefesh - wishing you a holiday filled with joy and valuable family time.

Just a heads-up, we will be out of the office starting Sunday, Oct. 1, and we’ll be back to assist you on Oct. 9 📅

🌿✨ Sukkot is here! 🎉 Dive into the holiday vibes with the Nefesh B’Nefesh Israel Calendar! 🇮🇱

See below for our selection from the NBN Israel Calendar of cool happenings all over Israel! Visit the link in the comments for more.

"🇮🇱 15 YEARS IN ISRAEL! 🇮🇱

When I made Aliyah, social media was in its infancy, Android smartphones had not yet been released, and Netflix was still known as a DVD rental company. It's crazy to think that my relationship with modern technology was forged here, in Israel. But it's also where I've connected most with our ancient roots and developed a deep relationship with spirituality.

A paradox of sorts, but then, that's Israel. Here, I've felt the pressures of an ever oscillating economy and pride in a society rich with human kindness. It's where I've found so many wonderful friends with similar backgrounds, interests and values, and where I've acquired new "family" members who are different from me in every possible way. Israel boasts academic accolades and gastronomic delights, as well as beautiful beaches and fantastic finds of historical and religious significance.

Israel is a million contradictions wrapped in a riddle and sealed with a kiss. It's old and new, peaceful and stressful, raucous and hushed. But most importantly, it's home. And there's nowhere else I'd rather be. 💪🏻💙🤍

"אין לי ארץ אחרת 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱

- Elie Klein

"Living in Israel is a dream, and it took a long time to materialize.
🇮🇱
I'm originally from the Chicago area. I grew up in a very Zionist home and, after college, I worked for NBN helping others make Aliyah.
💙
I was about to make Aliyah myself, but then I went on a date with a woman who turned out to be my wife. Together, we embarked on a journey of planning our Aliyah - greatly helped by attending many events including Medex, Aliyah in One, and the Homecoming BBQ. My wife finished pharmacy school and I pivoted to software sales where I’ve been for 5 years.
🇮🇱
The advice I'd give to anyone thinking about Aliyah is that it's really not a matter of when, but if. If you want to make Aliyah, keep that always on your mind in terms of planning.
Even if it takes years, just continue to revisit the conversation and figure out practically how you're going to make it happen. If you’re young and thinking about what career to pursue, talk to Nefesh B'Nefesh in advance, just so you understand the opportunities in the field before you move."

- Ezra Kapetansky NBN '23 Teaneck, NJ>Carmei G*t

Mazal Tov to the 18 New Olim who landed earlier today in Israel and began their journey at home. Wishing you all an Aliyah Tovah U'Metukah!

Whether you’re making Aliyah from the US or Canada, or you’re already in Israel and want to make it official, we would love to assist you. Check our website to find out which path is best for you.

"I have been living in Israel since making Aliyah in September 2019. I left my family in Canada to embrace the Israeli lifestyle, deeply appreciating the country's culture, authenticity, and sense of community. Despite the distance, I maintain a close and loving relationship with my parents, regularly sharing my Israeli experiences with them through FaceTime and Instagram.

My connection to Israel was rooted in my childhood, influenced by my parents' experiences and our family's engagement with Israeli music, dance, and TV shows. My multiple visits to Israel deepened my bond with the country, and I often found myself reluctant to leave after each trip. I have a particular passion for the food in Israel, which I find 'inspirational.' I've turned this passion into a profession, leading culinary tours for tourists and introducing them to the local dishes and the Israeli story.

I acknowledge the challenges of making Aliyah but see them as valuable opportunities for growth and character-building. I encourage other Olim to seek help and remain open, emphasizing the warm and understanding nature of the Olim communities in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. I also humorously suggest to Israelis to slow down their conversations when talking to new Olim, as the pace can be challenging to understand.

In summary, my journey is a reflection of a deep and multifaceted connection to Israel. I've embraced its culture, community, and lifestyle while navigating the inherent challenges of integrating into a new country.

My story is one of passion, adaptation, and continuous learning, highlighted by my professional endeavors and my ongoing exploration of Israeli life."

- Leora Mietkiewicz

Text adapted from originally published article on ynet - see comments for link for full article.

Please join us this Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at the Nefesh B'Nefesh Aliyah Campus with Magen David Adom between 10:00-15:00.

See you there!

"I'm originally from New Jersey. About nine years ago, I made Aliyah to Israel and now I live in Tel Aviv.

I work for an influencer marketing company where I sell our technology platform to influencers, brands, and others in the creator economy space.

What makes Israel special for me is the genuine interest people have in getting to know each other. It's not just about being Jewish; it's about the connections you make here. Whether I'm meeting someone at a coffee shop or at a party, people are genuinely interested in connecting and figuring out how we can help each other.

I find this to be the true beauty of Israel, especially here in Tel Aviv, and I feel incredibly lucky to be living in this community."

- Brian Spivak

"Shana Tova, and Happy Aliyahversary to me.

Living in Israel for a year, I have learned valuable lessons. The most prominent being that Jewish history is not only something you can study. It is happening now, all around you, in you and in the people you meet. We are not separated from our grandparents’ stories, we are merely the next chapter.

And with that comes immense opportunity and responsibility. We are a tiny people, meaning you have the capability to influence our future. What would you like to see?

Also, if you’re thinking of making Aliyah but are unsure because of x,y,z reasons…throw the apprehension out the window.

Do it. It’ll be the most extraordinary experience of your life, which will change forever."

- Blake Flayton

"I made Aliyah in November 2020, during the height of Covid. Luckily, it was the best decision I ever made. I’m working for an organization I love, leading the Nitzavim Fellowship for gap year students who will be attending secular college next year.

I was blessed to have made the move with a job, working for an international Public Relations firm. After three years of learning the ins and outs of PR, I felt strongly that my job had to be a source of passion; PR wasn’t doing that for me. The entire saga of my Aliyah has shown me that G-d truly plays a hand in my life.

From getting the Jerusalem-based PR position (which I felt totally unqualified for), to making the best group of friends from all over the world (we each made Aliyah around the same time, individually), to meeting my husband almost exactly a year after my Aliyah date, to now working for an organization that I’m passionate and excited about, it’s clear to me that this is exactly where Hashem wants me to be.

This summer, I accepted a job as the director of the Nitzavim Fellowship; a program for students in Seminary/Yeshiva going to secular college following their gap year. We give them the tools, skills, and support to successfully face antisemitism, anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiments on college campuses.

Our fellows earn 3 credits from Hebrew University of Jerusalem and become ambassadors for Israel and the Jewish people on their college campuses. Visit nitzavim.org to learn more"

- Netanya Greiff

Shana Tovah U'metukah from all of us at Nefesh B'Nefesh - wishing you a sweet new year filled with blessings, health, growth, and Aliyah!

🍎🍯

"I’m not gonna lie. It’s been a really rough few weeks. From a near anxiety attack in a grocery store on Thursday where I got so overwhelmed I had to just walk out, to a full blown sinus infection that put a crimp in so many things I wanted/needed to do, to realizing that the layers of steps needed to do seemingly simple things was astronomical.

I’ve seen a side of myself that I didn’t really know. The 'this is hard, I need help, I feel incompetent, I can’t do things on my own but I need to learn how to do things on my own or how will I ever survive' side. I’ve seen the difference between being an American parent and an Israeli parent. I’ve watched my kids struggle without being able to help them or make it better. It’s been a trip.

But you know what else there is? There’s the drive to school in the morning as I drop off my boys down a beautiful street overlooking the hills of Bet Shemesh.
There’s the perfect sunset every night at the end of my street.
There’s the shofar I hear three times each morning from my kitchen window this month.
There’s the Shana Tova, pomegranate, etrog, shofar, sukkah products all over instead of the fall leaves, jack-O-lantern, witch, Halloween stuff.
There’s the adorable little Israeli boy who needed to cross the street and asked if he could walk with me.

So even though I feel like a 6 year old excited to go to 1st grade but was actually thrown into graduate level university courses, I’ll get there. My kids will get there. My house will get there. Even my stuff will get here one day (SOON, please G-d).

I’ve actually never been in Israel for the Tishrei holidays & was so excited to have this magical experience. Reality hit & now I just hope to have a table and 5 chairs & real mattresses. It’s a lesson in perspective. A lesson in releasing oneself from expectations. A lesson I am trying to take with me- focus on the day, on the thought, on the mitzva, on the problem, on the task at hand. Whatever it is you’re dealing with now. Take it a day, an hour, a minute, at a time. Sometimes that’s all we can do. And that’s ok.

🍎Shana Tova to everyone.
🍏May it be a year of wonderful new beginnings for all!" - Dr Elissa Hellman

Shofar from ordinary, 5784 will be extraordinary! 🍎🍯

🎉 🇮🇱 34 New Olim landed at home - bringing the total number of Olim today to over 100! (Counting those who made Aliyah within Israel via ). We are here to support you every step of the way - before and well after you land.

Still thinking of making Aliyah from North America? Take the leap! Reach out to us and let us help you on this journey. Together, we can make Aliyah a success story 💪🏼🇮🇱

Thank you to the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and רשות האוכלוסין וההגירה- Population & Immigration Authority for the close collaboration and ease on exciting days like today.

Visit our page to see more pictures of today's Olim.

Just in time for Rosh Hashana, join us in wishing a big mazal tov to the nearly 80 Olim who became today at 4 different locations around Israel at רשות האוכלוסין וההגירה- Population & Immigration Authority 💙🤍

Join us wishing them an Aliyah & Klitah Tovah!

If you’re living in Israel and want to take the next step to make it official, visit the link in the comments to see if is the right path for you! 😁🇮🇱

Meet Naomi Friedman! She is originally from Denver, Colorado and made Aliyah last April. She is now a Lone Bat Sherut working at Nefesh B’Nefesh.

“I wanted to make Aliyah for as long as I could remember. I always felt connected to the land as a Jewish person. When I came to visit, I loved to see all the historical places and it left me so inspired to see the beauty and diversity of the Jewish people.

At Nefesh B’Nefesh, my job is mainly front desk work - being a smiling face to those who walk in + helping around with office duties. At the same time, I am involved in helping out the Zionist Education Initiative (Nefesh B'Nefesh Zionist Education Initiative). I love being able to work in a way that represents my passions for Zionism and Israel.

It’s hard to be away from my family, but I am living the dream - living in Israel and giving back to the country!”

Ori for Lone Bnot Sherut - Nefesh B'Nefesh

"In the spring of 2011 we had an opportunity to purchase a piece of property in Israel that was very close to our children who had made Aliyah in 2008.

We purchased the property thinking someday we could fulfill our dream of living in the Holy Land. As it turned out through the assistance, guidance and inspiration Nefesh B'Nefesh I was able to sell my business and make all the necessary plans that we needed to move to Israel. We made Aliyah six months later in September, 2011.

My wife and I, both being hot dog lovers, appreciated all the good quality kosher hot dogs that existed in America. We both came to the conclusion that Israel just didn't have a quality hot dog. So with her permission and two prerequisites, my wife said I could open this business. Those two prerequisites were: the hot dog had to be all meat and it had to have a big reduction in the amount of preservatives and nitrates that were typical in a Israeli hot dog.

With that in mind, I went to a professional chef in Tel Aviv whose name is Alan Talmor. He created an American style hot dog that was all beef with reduced nitrates and preservatives. We took the recipe to a local meat manufacturer and made about 300 hot dog samples of Zalmans and gave it to mostly Israelis who said they would never eat a hot dog.

Without question, it had an overwhelming successful reaction. We decided at that point to acquire our first store in the central Jerusalem area. We now have 8 Zalman stores, soon to open a 9th in Chicago and have 2 more in the planning stages.

I believe it's important that anybody who comes to Israel should have a plan, a goal, a place to live and a job. Life in Israel is not simple - it's complicated. Without knowing your goal, your direction etc, it will be more challenging than it will already be.

Best of luck! See you at Zalman's when you arrive :)"

- Moshe Zalman Olive from Zalman's - זלמנ׳ס

The men's Israeli team consisting of several young Olim took the first gold medal in team history at the recent U-17 European Flag Football Championships in Italy. This victory came despite forfeiting a game in honor of Shabbat earlier in the tournament. The team not only won every other game, but got the opportunity to play and defeat the very team they forfeited to in the championship game.

“This tournament meant a lot to me as an Israeli because I knew from the beginning coming into the tournament we would forfeit the game on Shabbat. Having to do this was upsetting so going on to win the gold felt amazing, even more so because it was our first gold in AFI- American Football in Israel history.

The experience itself was so awesome. The people I met, the Shabbat experience and of course winning it all. Following professional sports is part of the journey itself to improve and learn from the players that do it professionally. Growing up in Israel as an American Oleh that loves watching sports is challenging because the games are never at normal times."

- Binyamin Gottlieb, #35 slot receiver

“I'm so proud of these boys. The amount of dedication and hard work they invested in order to reach this point and win gold for Israel made them deserve every moment. The fact that they kept their faith despite knowing full well that it may cost them was a powerful experience.”

- Sean Haber, Team Strength & Conditioning Coach

Meet our new and returning Nefesh B’Nefesh B’not Sherut for this coming year.

We are so excited to have you on board and cannot wait to see the amazing work you will do for Olim in 2023-2024.

Baruch Habah! We look forward to an amazing year.

Ori for Lone Bnot Sherut - Nefesh B'Nefesh

Yesterday, Olim from the August 28th Group Flight received their Teudot Zehut at the Nefesh B'Nefesh Aliyah Campus in Jerusalem. Our Olim also had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with our NBN Post-Aliyah Advisors - getting all of their initial questions answered and concerns addressed. 💯

Here's to new adventures and a warm welcome to our newest Olim! 🥳🏡 🇮🇱

Thank you to רשות האוכלוסין וההגירה- Population & Immigration Authority for their close collaboration on exciting days like this.

"So hard to believe it's been 5 years since our family picked up from our wonderful and amazing life in Teaneck to fulfill our dream of living in our homeland.

What a 5 years it has been. There have been many ups and downs. Making Aliyah isn't easy, but it is by far the second best decision I've ever made. We came with kids just entering high school and mid-elementary school. Now Kayla is about to draft into the IDF, Jonah is starting his gap Mechina year and Elan is entering high school.

We couldn't be prouder of our kid's resilience, determination, grit and tenacity. I wish my Hebrew were better, but hey IYH I'll have many more years to improve on that.

So glad we landed in Modi'in and made friends that are like family and beyond lucky to live near actual family. Now, we are just hoping the rest of you will join us here soon."

- Lauren Hamburger Adler

Did you have as much fun as we did last night?! Let us know by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/ov675YVi3vETwgmH7

Check out the pictures from the second Shuk Olim: Chag Edition + Music at the Nefesh B'Nefesh Aliyah Campus last night as we welcomed around 800 attendees who came to support 28 incredible Olim small businesses.

From mouth-watering food to unique crafts, we had it all! And let's not forget the soul-stirring live music by Rabbi Shlomo Katz שלמה כ"ץ on our rooftop! 🎶

This is community; this is the heart of Jerusalem. 💖

"Today, my children began their 4th year of school here in Eretz Hakodesh. What a blessing. One of my sons is now in the highest grade in the school, and one just entered grade one. When I saw them this morning in the school ceremony, I almost broke down in tears. Tears of excitement and movement, tears of happiness and pride, and tears from all of the emotions clumped together. I felt very מרגשת as the first grade ceremony was extremely מרגש, and over all the day was מרגש. 😜

I am so proud of my children for jumping into the school system here with a total commitment to success and perseverance. They are so impressive to me. Entering our fourth school year feels so beautiful. I am so proud of us.

To all the parents who have reached out to me over the years with dreams of making Aliyah concerned about the adaptability of their children, they will be fine. They are the ultimate warriors of adaptability. Always remember that the most difficult things in life are often the most worth it. Don’t let this wonderful life pass you by with dreams and fantasies. Make it happen. Come and live the dream.
🧿💙🇮🇱
There is no place like 🏡."

Reposted from

“It’s been a successful start, and I’d like to share my experiences. Learning Hebrew is vital; I prepared with Duolingo, Italki lessons, YouTube videos, and an immersive course at Fluent for a couple of months.

Even though I don’t speak perfectly, I still am able to order in Hebrew at restaurants and cafes as well as hold simple 1 on 1 conversations. Integrating into Israeli society hinges on knowing the language.

Another tip: don’t procrastinate! I opened a bank account on day one and tirelessly searched for an apartment for over 30 hours in the first few days before finally finding one. I hit Tel Aviv’s amazing beach twice – it’s the best! My haircut experience at a traditional barber in Yafo was unique, they waxed instead of shaved due to religious rules.

That being said, I’m thrilled to start my job as a Production Engineer at Chevron, in Herzliya, contributing to Israel’s natural gas industry expansion.”

- Matias Kopinsky

Hatch will be at Shuk Olim: Chag Edition + Music!
”Hi, I'm Zev Weisinger. I'm the Events and Catering Manager for the Hatch - האטצ׳ Group at Brewpub Brewery and Schmaltz Restaurant in Ramat Eshkol.
🍗🍻
I made Aliyah in 2015 through Nefesh B'Nefesh with my wife and daughter straight to Jerusalem. The reason why I made Aliyah Israel and Jerusalem specifically is because I can go to the Kotel whenever I want, and number two, it's an amazing experience as a parent when you live in Israel, seeing your kids grow up and being able to connect their lives, their entirety of everything that they do, to the Jewish history.
🇮🇱💙
Working here at Hatch, you can come and at any time you can have German tourists, American tourists, non-Jews, Christians, Haredim, all in the same place. And why are they coming? They're coming to have a good time and have good food.
🍗🍻
Come see us at Nefesh B’Nefesh Shuk Olim on Monday and visit Hatch Brew Pub in Mahane Yehuda and Shmaltz Restaurant in Ramat Hashkol.
Beteyavon!” -Zev

September is just around the corner, and that means welcoming a new group of volunteers to Sherut Leumi!

Our Jerusalem Nefesh B'Nefesh Aliyah Campus hosted the brand new Lone Bnot Sherut for an Ori-entation! 💙
Ori for Lone Bnot Sherut - Nefesh B'Nefesh

There was food, activities, and so many new friendships made! It’s so important to build a community when moving to Israel, and this event was a really successful first step to give all our volunteers time to get to know each other.

We wish them the best of luck as they embark on this new stage of life, and we’ll support them each step of the way. 🇮🇱

Another 59 Olim touched down in Ben Gurion Airport today! 🛬

We wish them the biggest Mazal Tov on finally coming home💙

Nefesh B’Nefesh assistance doesn’t end after the flight lands. For any Post-Aliyah questions, we are here for you at *3680🫶🏻

From Botched Interview to Thriving Aliyah Story 🇮🇱✨
Meet Yosef Ortega and Gush Etzion Brewstillery at next week's Shuk Olim: Chag Edition + Music

"My Aliyah journey took an unexpected turn after a challenging interview. 🌍✈️ Amid a pandemic, my family and I made the bold move to Israel. Despite Covid bureaucracy setbacks, we persisted with the guidance of Nefesh B’Nefesh. Our Aliyah flight marked a new beginning!

In Israel, I faced job market hurdles due to my background in food and beverage. After months of looking, I finally saw a post from a local food company in my community of Gush Etzion for a full-time position doing local product distribution. ‘This has got to be it!’, I thought to myself. One thing however, I distinctly remember reading in the job advertisement was that the applicant “Must be a Rosh Gadol”. I thought to myself okay I get the translation but what does that have to do with getting the job? I arrived at the interview 15 minutes before my scheduled time and ended up waiting for my interview for over an hour. For most of my professional career, I have always managed to nail my job interviews but not this one. It was at that moment that I just felt completely broken and emotionally overrun from the past 12 months trying to bring my family and I to Israel. All the craziness of the global pandemic, the obstacles at nearly every point along the way, the complete unknowns of what I was doing in my new country, things that I had always known how to do, suddenly not the case with the cultural and language barriers I was facing. The unpredictability of what was happening and where things were going in Israel had just become too much for me. I was really at a place of being dumbfounded. Completely mentally and emotionally spent by the whole situation…and I still didn’t have a job yet!
But The term "Rosh Gadol" ("Big Head"), meaning a visionary leader, had caught my attention. It inspired me to create something unique.

Introducing Rosh Gadol Beer 🍻🌟 Crafted for those who dare to dream big. From initial mock-ups to refined branding, the journey took 1.5 years. Alongside Beerds Beers and Patriarchs Whiskey, we formed Gush Etzion Brewstillery. 🥃🏭

So how did my botched job interview save my Aliyah story? Because it reminded me that Israel is not a place of known certainties. It is a place where miraculous things happen all the time, every single day. It happens in things that might not make sense in the present, things that will take you far far outside of your comfort zone. Your perfect Aliyah story will probably fail with absolute certainty…but what will emerge will reveal to you what makes Israel different than anywhere else in the world. In short, to thrive in Israel, you do have to be a Rosh Gadol and sometimes that means believing and working towards something that you cannot see presently while being fearless enough to envision how incredible it will turn out.
L'chaim to the journey of a lifetime!” -Yosef 🥂🌍🇮🇱

Mazal Tov to Carrie & Morrie Klians on the final celebration of a 22 year Aliyah process! They join their three daughters and 14 grandchildren! (tfu tfu tfu)

In 2001 their first daughter Sharona, made Aliyah from Toronto during her Sheva Brachot and she and her husband live in Ramat Beit Shemesh with their five children. In 2012 their second daughter, Naomi, made Aliyah from Bergenfield NJ, and together with her husband and five children live in Efrat. In 2022 their third daughter, Daniella with her husband Jeffery and four children, made Aliyah to Ramat Beit Shemesh.

They are thrilled to join their children, grandchildren and Am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael. Mazal Tov & !

Today we welcomed 60 Olim who just landed in Ben Gurion, and another 50 Olim who became after living in Israel! 🇮🇱

Whether you’re making Aliyah from the US or Canada, or you’re already in Israel and want to make it official, we would love to assist you. Check our website to find out which path is best for you.

Mazal tov, everyone! 💙

As we say in Hebrew, Siba L'Mesiba סיבה למסיבה- an excuse for a party! We celebrated Olim who arrived over the summer + distribution of Teudot Zehut (ID cards) to the Olim who arrived on the charter, thank you רשות האוכלוסין וההגירה- Population & Immigration Authority!

Featuring:
✓ Post-Aliyah guidance
✓ Municipal Representatives (thank you Aliyah To Jerusalem, Ra'anana, Zichron Yaakov, Modiin, Ramat Gan, Bet Shemesh, and Efrat!)
✓ Driving license conversion assistance
✓ Employment advising

Olim (and NBN staff) of all ages enjoyed arcade games, balloon art, face painting & henna designs, swag, popcorn, candy, snacks, arts and crafts, music, and lots of fun!