Any pointers on making aliyah?

Question

Serious replies only, please.

I already spent a year there in the past. I'm an adult with limited Hebrew.

Answer 1

There are a lot of pointers...

First of all, try to get an apartment in a "Mercaz Klita" (absorbtion center) if at all possible. The staff is a pain, the apartments are tiny, but the other "inmates" will be very helpful--there will always be someone there who did exactly what you have to do today last week and can tell you where to go, and when. In a mercaz klita, you pay little or no rent (I don't know what the rules are these days), and you get Hebrew lessons, as well.

If you want to use a Hebrew name when you are living here, change your name legally *now*. If you wait until you get to Israel, things get messed up; changing it in the US (or wherever you live) will mean that all your documents are in the same name.

You know the old joke... You know how to become a millionaire in Israel? Come with 2 million... If you can save money now, it will definitely help once you get to Israel. You'll probably be unemployed for a period of time while you learn Hebrew and figure out how things work here. Keep a US bank account open, but make sure you can get the things you will need in Israel, particularly a credit card and easy means of handling the account from a distance.

Determine what is more efficient for you--bringing all your furniture and household stuff or buying new. A lot will depend on how much money you will have to spend. It *always* costs more to buy new than to not, although if you want to replace some things anyway, you might want to wait. If you buy appliances, you can get some built for 220V/50Hz. in the US (particularly in Washington, D.C.); I don't know about other countries. As long as the voltage *and* frequency are correct, the shape of the plug doesn't really matter (it can be fixed once you get to Israel).

Learn as much Hebrew as you can before you make aliya. You *can* learn more once you get to Israel, but the more you know first, the better off you are.

That's what I can think of offhand. Have an easy aliya!!

Answer 2

well it depens on how old u are i made aliya when i was 8 and i know hebrew really good in the beging it is hard and after that it is easy!

Answer 3

Born there, grew up there, moved here.
Why do you want to go there anyway?
It's too hot and humid in the summer, and the beach is full of jellyfish...

Answer 4

hmm.... wow, thats a tough one!!! first of all, how old are you? like are you a kid, or married with a family??

for starters, be ready for a HUGE culture shock!! life in israel is very very very different and takes getting used to!!! not to mention the language....

good luck!!!