Almost Eden

This is in response to those of you who have been asking me via Facebook and e-mail about the education system in Israel. If I've missed something, please feel free to ask questions in the comment section below and I'll attempt to get you answers.Qua… more »

I can't believe three months have already passed and I haven't told you all about our new home in Ra'anana. I do apologize for the delay and for the fact that this is going to be a long one! Work If you've been reading this blog for a while, yo… more »

Info on some of the benefits of living in Israel (health insurance, tax breaks, low/no tuition, etc.) And a big thank you to friends left behind. more »

Wednesday, July 16th: We had a 10 AM appointment at the Misrad HaKlita(the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption - MoIA) and hired Daniella Aaron to watch Yisrael so we wouldn’t have to listen to "this is SO boring", "do we HAVE to go to another place? Can’t we just go home?" etc. She is a great sitter – he loved her and we were very happy! We took the #175 bus to the Central Bus Station and then the #20 (I think) to King George St. and walked to Hillel St. to meet with Ina at Misrad HaKlita. Ina set up MoIA’s direct deposit of our sal klita (monthly financial benefit to help with living expenses until we have jobs) payments into our bank account, and advised us about ulpan and other benefits. It was the quickest, most pleasant appointment we've had with any government office (US or Israel) that I can recall. more »

Ulpan means studio, but in Israel it refers to intensive Hebrew language instruction - a crash course for new immigrants. For people who can live off of the sal klita, this course runs for 5 days a week/5 hours a day / for 5 months - approximately 500 ho… more »