Choosing a Community in Israel

Israel’s education system is very robust, and comparatively affordable. Communities differ in the amount and variety of education offered locally for different age groups and affiliations. All schools operate under Israel’s Ministry of Education, and many are fully funded. However, many do have fees, although these are usually considerably lower than the cost of similar services in North America. Higher education is varied and advanced, but thought must be given to the type of schools needed and their availability in communities under consideration.

Services for immigrants are available through the national government, many local governments, community-based organizations, and community members. The ease of getting help in English is high in communities with many English-speaking Olim, and some communities have very developed Ulpan (Hebrew instruction) and other programs for new arrivals. Access to help with navigating government requirements, acquiring health insurance, finding housing, school registration, purchasing appliances and furniture, enrolling in Ulpan, and other essentials is always within reach, but may be offered by a local government office, a neighbor, or an online group, depending on  where you choose to live. Reaching out to local Aliyah support and joining online groups may help with planning and ease the transition.

Quality of life and ease of transition are usually closely connected to the types of people and organizations within a community. For those making Aliyah with a group of neighbors and arriving in the same location, the community is largely self-determined. For smaller groups, families, and individuals it is important to find a suitable neighborhood, congregation, and other communal aspects that suit their needs and desires. The type of shopping, education, culture, and worship options is usually determined by the population. Some places offer Torah study for adults in English, youth groups, and Shabbat observance. Others are more secular-oriented. Museums, libraries, sports centers, and local organizations for everything from toddler gymnastics to senior outings exist, but finding the right combination may take some research.

Some communities have everything you need in the way of medical, government, recreation, shopping, dining, and other facilities. Other places rely on a distribution of these across a winder area, or a combination of some local and some nearby facilities. It is important to consider the variety, convenience, cos, and other factors that will affect your daily life in a given community.

For people considering Aliyah, or buying property for visits, a pilot trip can be invaluable. Anyone planning Aliyah with children, especially teens, would be well-advised to bring them to Israel for firsthand experience. During the trip you can plan to visit different communities and become more familiar with them on a firsthand basis. By immersing yourselves in the experience on a day-to-day basis, you can discover the joys and challenges of Israel. Living in Israel, even for a short time, gives real-world knowledge that can help you make informed decisions. Much of what is wonderful or requires adaptation in Israel is intangible and hard to describe. Being here and absorbing everything allows you to think and compare on your return, and decide if Israel is your full-time or part-time home.