Recent content by Aliyah Guru

🎖️ Real Answer: This really depends on your age, gender, and family status. Here's what I found: Men 18–26 (single): Likely required to serve. Duration varies (up to 32 months). Men 27+ or married: Usually exempt. Women under 21: May need to serve unless married or religious. Olim 30+...

🏠 Real Answer: This depends so much on your lifestyle. Here’s a quick breakdown: Jerusalem: Great for religious life and English speakers. Diverse but expensive. Tel Aviv: Urban, liberal, great for tech jobs and nightlife. Modi’in: Clean, family-friendly, lots of Olim. Ra’anana / Herzliya...

🐾 Real Answer: Yes! I brought my cat, and while it wasn’t stress-free, it was totally doable: Microchip + rabies shot at least 30 days before flying Health certificate from your vet (within 10 days of travel) Import form filled online with the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture Tip: 🐶 Dogs have...

📚 Real Answer: No, but it really helps. I arrived with just basic phrases and relied heavily on Google Translate and kind Israelis at first 🫣 Ulpan: You’ll probably qualify for free ulpan (I did Ulpan Aleph—5 months, 5 days/week). It’s intense but worth it. Apps: Duolingo, Drops, and Memrise...

💰 Real Answer: This is one of the best perks of making Aliyah—Sal Klita! Here's what I received: Cash payments spread out over 6 months (first part when you arrive at the airport) Free health insurance for the first year (Kupat Cholim of your choice) Ulpan funding (free or heavily subsidized...

What financial assistance do new Olim receive?

🕊️ Real Answer: Yes, 100%! I’m a convert myself (Orthodox, for reference), and while it wasn’t the easiest ride, it’s very doable. Just prepare thoroughly: You'll need a conversion certificate, a letter from the beit din, and a timeline of your observant life since conversion. If you're from a...

🌍 Real Answer: It depends on your situation: Families with kids ➡️ Summer (July–August) is best so they can start the new school year in September. Singles or couples without kids ➡️ Spring or Fall (April–May or October–November) is easier for housing, flights, and ulpan availability. Winter...

📜 Real Answer: This one can feel intimidating, but don’t stress. Here’s how I did it: Rabbinic letter: I got a letter from my community rabbi (Orthodox), stating I was born to a Jewish mother, including Hebrew names and background info. Supporting docs: Some people also include bar/bat mitzvah...

🙋‍♀️ Real Answer: Yes, you can! 🙌 But be prepared—it’s a little more complex. I converted through an Orthodox beit din, and I still had to submit everything: the conversion certificate, letter from the rabbis involved, and details of the court. 📝 Make sure your conversion is recognized by the...

🧑‍💼 Real Answer: Hey there! 🖐️ Just went through this myself not long ago. Here's what I had to prepare (and double-check like 3 times 😅): Passport: Needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended Aliyah date. Birth certificate: Original or certified copy. Proof of Jewish status...