Almost Eden

My husband pointed out today that I have neglected to report here that our 8-year-old son has begun his own blog - Aliyah: Tagging Along. It all started during the summer break as tensions built over our move from Ma'ale Adumim to Ra'anana... Yisrael mis… more »

Back in 1997 when my husband and I met on the Internet it was deemed quite a newsworthy event by the local newspaper - our photo was splashed across the front page (it was a small town) along with a nice human interest story. In the technologically adva… more »

New dynamic application features a virtual guide to aid Olim through innovative One-Stop Aliyah (Jerusalem, 5 January, 2009) Nefesh B'Nefesh has launched a new cutting-edge ‘One-Stop Aliyah Application’ for North American citizens, in a joint venture with the Jewish Agency, to streamline the Aliyah process making it easier for potential Olim. The new application, which represents a breakthrough in Aliyah technology, features a more user-friendly interface which enables prospective Olim to apply for both Nefesh B’Nefesh services and Aliyah eligibility approval by the Jewish Agency, in one application. more »

We arrived at Ben Gurion airport around 7:30 a.m. with 217 other olim chadashim more »

Breakfast consisted of Nature Valley granola bars and water since the complimentary "continental" breakfast wasn’t kosher and our room didn’t have a fridge. Michael went down to the lobby to obtain a luggage cart and assistance, but was told that the guy wasn’t on duty yet. So he dragged all 9 pieces + our carry-on’s down a little at a time and we closed up the room. The next challenge was getting it all back out to the curb (UP the ramp). Fortunately a larger van arrived to take us (and the other hotel guests) to the airport. The driver was a very strong Russian young man who lifted our heavy boxes as though they contained feathers – we were thankful and tipped him well. I felt bad for the other passengers because we just managed to squeeze everything in and they were cramped, but at least it was a short ride (less than 10 minutes). You have to see our Luggage to appreciate this adventure! more »