In light of the situation in the south we wanted to make sure you are aware of the following resources:

· Pikud Haoref-Home Front Command Website:
http://www.oref.org.il/International/14-en/PAKAR.aspx (correct link)

The organizations below provided emotional support for those in need. All have websites in English that can be helpful for olim to know about with contact info and emergency numbers. 

· NATAL has been working in emergency mode in order to provide our emotional support to those suffering from trauma and
anxiety, via our many activities including our toll-free 24/7 Hotline 1-800-363-363; http://www.natal.org.il/english/

· Israel Center for Psychotrauma http://www.traumaweb.org/ 

Homes from all over the country are being opened to residents of the south. If wish to be hosted for Shabbat or possibly longer, please email me your information and we will try to help you organize accommodations. 

If you wish to OFFER accommodations for people from the south, please fill out your information here: http://bit.ly/helpthesouth 

Please know that Nefesh B'Nefesh staff is here to support you at 02-659-5800 (24 hr emergency hotline: 054-7341459).

Laura Ben-David
Social Media Coordinator
Nefesh B'Nefesh
laura@nbn.org.il

A great community: Ramat Yishai

Considering a move (or aliyah) to the North?

Looking for a Dati Leumi Community?

Still want to be close enough to both the Markaz and Haifa to commute?

Join us in Ramat Yishai.

Our vision for this Dati Leumi Community includes:

 Friday night Carlebach Minyan

 Shabbat morning youth davening

 Shabbat afternoon rotating youth activities

 Holiday programs

 Meals to welcome new families

 Simcha / Shiva meals

 Shiurim

 Community Bulletin Board & E-mail list

 What can you add?

Founded in 1925, Ramat Yishai is currently home to approx. 6,600 people. Only minutes from Kvish 6, where Rt. 77 meets Rt. 75 (Tzomet Yishai)

For more information contact:

Michael or Este:054-4542631, 054-4541878r

rabbims1@hotmail.com notes4ester@yahoo.com

nbnyahoogroup

July 2011

Grow in Maale Amos

I am convinced that the reason that thousands of people don't live in

MaaleAmos is because people don't know it exists. I am now leaking

the news.

Hi,
I am Aryeh.

I am contractor living in a beautiful Haredi Yishuv, Maale
Amos. I have lived here for almost 18 years. The Yishuv has under-

gone many changes over the years, but unfortunately has remained

somewhat small. We would like to change that.

It is my opinion that Maale Amos is a small Goshen. We are out of

the way, just outside of Jerusalem. We have clean air. My house

especially has a breathtaking view of the Yam HaMelech.

We have a lot of other advantages as well. We are 12
minutes away from expert medical care in Efrat with a high quality
staff of American and English speaking staff. Dr. Ben Zev heads

the facility and he comes from a practice in Boston. The Yishuv

has its own ambulance in case of pregnancy's and other forms

of medical emergencies if needed.

TheYishuv has child care and both boys and girls education

right here on the Yishuv. We average one teacher to 7 students.

We claim fame to the only Biet Yakkov in Gush Etzion.

Rav Zev. Charlop is the Rabbi of our Yishuv. We
have a Vaad Clitah that interviews prospective Haredi applicants for
membership to our Yishuv. We are currently seeking new members.


Please contact me if you have any questions,

Aryeh Gershaw

Boniach HaYehudim Baum

Your Jewish Builders Ltd.

052-380-6542 Mobile

02-993-3238 Office

Fax 02-930-9592

_____

Ramot Bet an undiscovered hidden JEWEL

Ramot Bet in Yerushalayim is an absolute undiscovered hidden JEWEL for the religious community. Ramot Bet sits alongside the picturesque Ramat Arazim valley of Yerushalayim.

It offers the following:

1) Outstanding English speaking Rabbis and Shuls covering the gamut of Yeshivish, Lubavich, and Kippa Seruga Hashkafa both Ashkenaz and Sefard
2) Gedolim and Poskim in the community
3) Variety of Educational Institutions for girls and boys from elementary - high school.
4) Great regularly scheduled Shiurim for men and women both in Hebrew and English - Daf Yomi
5) Daily women's English shiur,
6) English speaking Kollel,
7) Kosher Sports Facility (separate men and women's swimming and exercise),
8) Top Professional Medical, Dental and alternative medicine services and many other private services, bank and post office
9) Great bus transportation to all areas of Jerusalem and quick access to main highways
10) Friendly and great people of all ages
11)Fantastic reasonably priced (for Jerusalem) housing includes private homes, semiattached, fully attached townhouses, and apartments many of which have spectacular views,
12) Playgrounds and open green areas,
13)15 - 20 minutes by car to the center of town and the kotel (some people walk on Shabbos
14) Convenient shopping - phone orders for badatz fruits, meat and grocery shopping delivered to the door

Rochelli
nbnyahogroup
October 2009

Kochav Yaakov has new Karavilot for Olim

Kochav Yaakov is a wonderful community of approximately 450
families located just 10 minutes north of Jerusalem. Kochav Yaakov
is very much an Israeli yishuv with around 15% percentage of olim
from Anglo speaking countries. The major benefit of this type of
community is that families learn the language quicker and usually
become part of Israeli society faster than predominately English
speaking communities. There is of course a close knit anglo
community there as well.

Right now Kochav Yaakov is embarking on a special new project
of 20 karavilot (similar to caravans) to be built right away and be
finished by July 2009. The goal is to populate these new homes
with 20 new olim families from around the world. Thus far, we
have 8 families signed on to the project and we are now looking
to fill up the rest of them with olim from USA/Canada and UK.

Each karavilla comes with it's own garden, salon, kitchen, bathroom
with bath, small bathroom, room for washing machine/dryer and 3
bedrooms. They will be completed as of July 2009 and are specifically
geared for new olim.

The rent for the karavilot will be in the neighborhood of
2000 NIS/month. Our goal is to reach 20 new olim families
this summer which will help Kochav Yaakov
receive all the special services of misrad Haklita including Ulpan,
special help in education etc. (currently, we have 12 new olim families
already signed on for this summer and out of the 20 karavilot we are
building 8 are already reserved!

To see the plans of this project please click on this link:
http://kochav-yaakov.com/en/...

If you are interested in signing up for this project, please send an
e-mail to Shlomo Benzaquen (olim absorption committee) at
shlomoben@aol.com

Bet Rimon is easy on olim

Bet Rimon is a fairly laid back Torah observant community of
about eighty families with lots available for building. There is also
some rental housing available.

It has been an ideal environment for raising my children, ages
11, 9, 7, and almost 5, and was an easy place to land as an Oleh.
It has enough English speakers for those who don't speak Hebrew well
yet, but the kids' context is pretty much all Israeli. We have at least
twenty two native English speakers and a handful more than speak
fluently.

We are 15 minutes from Upper Nazareth, twenty-five from Tiberias
and about forty five from Haifa.

If ... our community sounds interesting to you, please feel free to
contact me and we can arrange for a Shabbat visit.

The Bet Rimon Junction is located five kilometers west of the Golani
Junction (Haifa direction from Golani) and about twelve east of the
Hamovil Junction (Tiberias Direction from there). From Golani, turn
right, from Hamovil left, and proceed up the six kilometer road to the
entrance of the community. Go straight through the gate; at the circle
turn right; then continue along the road about a hundred and fifty
meters until you see parking on your left.

click here for more info

Efrat

We choose Efrat after much deliberation. When speaking with other
people living here in Efrat we see that many people have had many
of the same considerations we did when choosing a home. We wanted
somewhere close to Jerusalem with a community feel without that
suffocating feeling of everyone being involved and knowing your
every move. And yet, thereare people you can feel comfortable with
and develop a sense of friendship with too. A place with services
that a city has such as groceries, health care, schools and community
centers etc. so that we don't have to leave our home
every time we need something. We wanted a mix of people, not a
homogeneous society to a certain extent, so that all of our children
can grow up being comfortable with who they choose to become.

From the financial aspect, there is such a range of pricing and sizes when
looking for housing that you can have a home that is identical to yours
back home or an apartment with many other neighbors and everything
in between. Your choice. The real estate has seemed to hold it's value
in the past and is easy to upgrade and expand if you so choose or sell
if need be. There is no entrance fee or acceptance committee and yet
there are still wonderful people here (joking) fulfilling their dream of
living in Israel together. There are people working in all different
sectors, mothers at home, at work etc etc.

The schools are some of the best in the country and they are well
equipped to handle olim here. There are plenty of private and public
daycares and preschools and we couldn't be happier with our kids
education.

I wish you all the best of luck.

Sincerely,

Devora
nbnyayoogroup
November 2008

Home in Haifa

HAIFA - The beautiful Ahuza neighborhood located at the top of Mount
Carmel would be great for your friends.

Housing is very affordable, especially compared to the other cities
mentioned.

There is an established and growing Anglo community of religious,
secular, and everything in between.

The welcoming and accepting relations between Israelis and Anglos,
religious and secular are typical of the tolerant environment for
which Haifa is famous.

Community Aliyah to Haifa now includes South Africans, which will make
their Aliyah to Ahuza even easier.

More info is available on the new Haifa Municipality aliyah website at
www1.haifa.muni.il/aliya , or contact community volunteers directly at
giyus.haifa@gmail.com .

Good luck,

Dena
Nbnyahoogroup
November 2008

Netanya

My family made aliyah to Netanya 3 years ago, so I have a bit of
experience to share. The first thing is that unfortunately the nicer
neighborhoods are not so affordable. When we first arrived, we rented
a lovely apartment in the most desirable neighborhood for Anglos, on
Shlomo Hamelech, right by Young Israel, a block from the beach. It
was a wonderful place to live, but when our lease was up we decided
we'd rather own than continue renting. That apartment at the time was
$350,000. We ended up 2km from the beach, in a new apartment in an
old neighborhood for $180,000 instead. There are no other English
speakers in our current neighborhood at all. There is a shul (Lybian)
literally right outside our front door. The elementary school our
kids go to is a 20-minute walk (it was 10 minutes from the other
apartment). It's a 15-20 minute walk to the shuk. There is a bus.

Our kids are very happy where we are now, and we got an apartment we
couldn't afford anywhere else in Israel, except maybe in some of the
less popular settlements.

There are drawbacks. It's been difficult for my wife, whose Hebrew is
not as good as mine or the kids. I have friends from shul, she's just
starting to meet the people around us.

Interestingly, this is known as a "bad" neighborhood. I think it's
more reputation than fact, though. I don't see any crime. No drugs.
The car thieves don't come here, but our friend's car was stolen from
the Good Neighborhood. Our neighbors may be from a lower wage-earning
bracket, but they're good people as far as I can tell. Kids play
outside, people sit on the balconies and in their gardens and have a
good time. It's a neighborhood.

I'd suggest you rent an apartment in the area of the beach at first,
like we did, and take a few months to a year to learn the city. If
you're planning on buying, you should be aware that housing prices are
on the rise here, in all neighborhoods, including ours. (There's an
apartment in our building for sale if you're interested :) )

As for Netanya in general, we love it. The shopping is fantastic.
There are all the same mall stores as the rest of the country, but the
prices are lower. We have a shuk, which guarantees the lowest prices
on fresh foods. And we have the beach. The French come here for
vacation in the Summer, so Kikar atzmaut is a big party three months
out of the year. There are restaurants, street vendors, artists and
craftsmen, etc. every night.

The elementary school my son goes to won the National Prize this year
as the top Religious Public Elementary in the country.
The middle/high school my daughter
is going to has the highest bagrut scores of any religious public
school. For all the problems the Israeli educational system faces, at
least I know my kids are getting the best out of what there is.

Sammy
Nbnyahoogroup
August 2008

Raving about Rechovot

I would suggest looking into Rechovot. We arrived 4 weeks ago (today) and absolutely love it here. The schools are nice, it's got all the amenities of a big city with a small town feel. On our street, there are charedim down at one end, Bnei Akiva along the street, and secular Jews further down. There are many Anglos, but not enough to make it American (our kids school has never taken in any Olim from English speaking countries). All in all, it feels like a Moshav, but you are in the city. Basic shopping is everywhere and big shopping is 5 minutes by car. The train is right here - it's wonderful!!!

Good Luck,

Michal
nbnyahoogroup
September 2008

Mitzpe Netofa: a wonderful yishuv

We made Aliya the summer of 2006, directly to Mitzpe Netofa. It is a wonderful yeshuv. Our children then, 15, 13, 112, and 6 were instantly accepted into the "Chevra". Yeshuv life is great for kids. They can walk or bike any where on the yeshuv. They live the independence they have. The schools here in the north are also caring and very happy to have Olim, however the services for Olim are not what you would have if you made Aliya to a community in the center.

However, Mitzpe Netofa is has a Olim program here on the Yeshuv.
There are special housing options. There are Ulpan classes here on
the Yeshuv as well as a more serious one in Tzemach, about 25
minutes drive from the Yeshuv. The
Olim program arranges for sometutoring and touring of Israel. The olim committee is fantastic and were with us every step of the way, from registering for medical care, registering for schools, getting and Israelidriver's license and more.

The yeshuv is made up of Israelis and Olim from all over the world.
There are a lot of shirum, chugim and community activities making
it easy to make friend. There is work in education, computers,
engineering, medicine andmore. You do need at least one car here.
Most people have 2.

If you are interested, please contact Tzippy Openheimer,
joeltsip@014.net.il or by phone 04 678 2241.

Marti
nbnyahoogroup
May 2008

click here for: Tehilla on Mitzpe Netofa

Neve Tzuf is a great place to live

Neve Tzuf is a great place to live. We made Aliyah directly here in
July 2006 and we are still here today. The community is amazing,
chesed reigns supreme. The school is so caring about the klita of
our son, they provide as much assistance as they can. There are
buses to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem several times daily, but one does
need a car.

The views are beautiful, we have woods to walk through and
community events are common. We are half way between Tel
Aviv and Jerusalem, which made work search easier.

You should look up the website and contact Amy Rosenbluh, she
is so helpful with info and she has been here for many more years
than my family.

B'hatzlachah Rabah!
Shoshana
nbnyahoogroup
May 2008

Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu

Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu was named in honor of Rabbi Eliyahu Gutmacher (1796-1875) who was one of the first rabbis to stand for religious Zionism. The founding members came to Israel in 1934 with the Youth Aliyah from Germany. After a training period they settled in the Beit Shean valley in May 1938.

The initial years of settlement were difficult. As in other "Tower and Stockade" settlements, guards had to be mounted on the tower day and night and a large part of available resources had to be devoted to defence and security. At the same time, natural conditions made life even more difficult for the pioneers. Malaria swamps took their toll, the oppressive heat in summer in a place 200 metres below sea-level, and freezing winter nights added hardship. These conditions also made it difficult to find crops suited to the harsh climate.

Today, there are extensive green lawns and giant trees in which varied and beautiful birds build their nests. Fish ponds also attract their share of birds as the kibbutz is situated on a main migratory route and is a haven for bird watchers.

Since its founding the kibbutz has expanded and absorbed new members from Italy, France, America and many other countries. Many of the earlier members suffered the iniquities of the Holocaust and came to build a new life in their own country.

GROWTH OF THE KIBBUTZ :

Over the years the composition of Sde Eliyahu's population has changed. The small, intimate group of people sharing similar backgrounds and mentalities has branched out by absorbing immigrants from various countries, youngsters from pioneer-training groups, Ulpan (Hebrew course) students, Bnei Akiva (youth organization) graduates and others. Many second and third generation children have also joined. Approximately 750 people now populate Sde Eliyahu. These consist of members and candidates for membership (about 300), about 300 children, and temporary residents participating in various programs: regular Ulpan, Ulpan in preparation for conversion, members of youth groups etc.

KIBBUTZ LIFE :

Sde Eliyahu continues to conduct its life along the classical kibbutz model. Members eat in the communal dining hall. Medical care, education, housing, laundry are communally supplied according to need. Each member is allotted a personal budget for clothing, vacationing and various cash expenses. A relatively high percentage of the potential workforce is given an opportunity to pursue advanced Jewish, general or vocational studies, either for personal edification or task-oriented.

The "general meeting" convenes once a week and constitutes the supreme authority of the kibbutz. It is a vehicle of the "direct democracy" characteristic of the kibbutz at its best. The (elected) administrative body is the secretariat, composed usually of five members. However, various spheres of the kibbutz life are governed by elected committees. These, though constrained by a budget assigned annually by the general meeting, have a considerable degree of autonomy. Foremost among these are the Education committee, the Culture committee, the committee for Religious Affairs, the committee for Economic Affairs and others. "Shibolet" is the local newsletter that provides current information and serves as a vehicle for members to express their views.

About 1400 pupils attend the regional school located in Sde Eliyahu. They come from the six religious kibbutzim in the region, Kibbutz Lavie in the Galilee, Moshav Meholah and other places. The school has modern laboratories, workshops for various crafts, fully equipped computer rooms, a department of agro-mechanics and one for domestic science. The school's aim is to train a new generation for our kibbutzim, a generation that will be have a Torah background, a grounding in contemporary culture as well as a capacity for engaging in a variety of technological pursuits..

In the Beit Midrash, next to the Synagogue, we have a lecture hall, a special Torah library, study rooms, a general and a children's library. Our Beit Midrash accommodates a considerable part of regional activities including regular lessons and special, intensive periods of study in Written and Oral Law. Besides these local activities, we have seen to it that over the years as many members as possible acquire higher education at yeshivot, universities and other institutes of higher learning.

TORAH V'AVODAH :

Going about their life of "Torah V'Avodah" (Torah and Work), settlements of the Religious Kibbutz Federation (Kibbutz HaDati) certainly have a great deal in common. Nevertheless, each kibbutz has its own particular traits, making it in some way unique. What is it that stands out in the collective image of Sde Eliyahu?

First, we are the only ones to make our living solely and exclusively from agriculture. We grow all of the seven varieties of plants that the land of Israel is praised for in the Bible. In spite of the limitations imposed on us by the nature of the soil and the high rate of evaporation (on account of the heat) our farm flourishes. It provides varied jobs and occupations such as vegetable fields (carrots and potatoes) fruit plantations, dairy cows, poultry, fish ponds and more.

AN OPEN HOUSE

Sde Eliyau Ulpan accommodates two groups of students a year. It is aimed at tourists and new immigrants who wish to learn Hebrew in a typically Israeli atmosphere, and to take part in kibbutz life.

---

For more information about Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu, please e-mail us at:

mazkir@seliyahu.org.il

Even Shmuel

Even Shmuel

This was copied from Nefesh b'Nefesh yahoogroup today, Jan. 28, 2008

Type of community and size: Moshav with a current community of 100 families- expanding in the next two years to 400 families.
Location: Located 5 minutes south of Kiryat Gat. It is part of the Shafir Regional council.
Religious life: All Orthodox of varying levels, with a strong Torah approach to life. The expansion is only being sold to the religious public.
Age range: The current residents are mostly in their 40's and 50's,but the expansion will bring young families in their 20's and 30's

Number of English-speaking Olim: Very few, but there will be a growing number buying in the new area.
Accessibility to places of employment: Very accessible. The nearby industrial park in Kiryat Gat has tremendous opportunities for employment, especially with Intel’s center located there. Three hospitals are within a 45 minute drive.
Medical care: Currently Clalit
Commercial establishments: No major shopping in the moshav itself. Kiryat Gat, 5 minutes away, is a city with everything one would need.
Climate: Warm and dry with little humidity

Contacts: Mendi Kramarski mendik@013.net; www.bemuna.co.il/english/project.asp?id=47
Housing availability: The expansion will have private homes that the owner can design as well as a choice of pre-designed homes. Plots are 500 square meters (half a dunam).

Even Shmuel was founded over 30 years ago, and its 100 member families have excellent relations. The expansion will bring in another 300 families, who will be incorporated into the current life of the moshav. The upcoming community is not being viewed as a separate community, rather as part of the growing, existing one. New members will have to be approved by an acceptance committee. The new housing units will be ready for occupancy in the summer of 2010. The very warm population in the moshav tends to be Dati Leumi Torani. The moshav is part of the Partnership 2000 program with Chicago.

Commerce and Health Services
Along with the new expansion will come a shopping center with a supermarket and a variety of stores.
Health care clinic Clalit is located on the moshav.
There are 3 hospitals in relatively close proximity to the moshav: Barzali Hospital in Ashkelon is a 20 minute ride away, Soroka Hospital is a 30 minute drive (and has direct bus service), and Kaplan Hospital is a 40 minute drive.
In nearby Kiryat Gat there is a professional theatre that attracts high level performances from around the country. They also have several malls and many restaurants and eateries.

Education
There is a commitment by the Department of Education to open a new gan (pre-school) if any gan reaches 35 students. There is no fee for pre-nursery, nursery or kindergarten, all located on the moshav. There are lots of trips provided throughout the year.
There is currently one elementary school that will be moved into a modern facility within two years. Construction is already underway. It is simply called Beit Sefer Yisodi Even Shmuel- Even Shmuel Elementary school! The principal is already thinking of ways to help English speakers integrate.
English is taught beginning in first grade.
See school database for more information.

Special education is available to children in Even Shmuel. There is a center to assist pre-school children with special therapies - both physical and psychological - in Achuzat Etrog (approx. 20 min. away). There is a special education program in Mercaz Shapira (20 minutes away) as well as a center for early childhood education. Psychological services are offered within the Even Shmuel Elementary School as needed.
There is a girl's high school located on the moshav that is nationally acclaimed. It has 2 divisions: 7-8th grades (no dorming option), and 9-12th grades (everyone dorms). There are 400 girls in this school.
Middle and High school aged boys tend to go to the yeshiva high school in Kiryat Gat.
There is a chabad school, grades 1-12 in Kiryat Gat, and two charedi yishuvim (Alumim and Kemomiyut) which offer independent charedi education nearby, for grades 1-8.

Employment
Many residents of the moshav are in education and work at schools in the vicinity. Intel center is in Kiryat Gat, 5 minutes away, as well as other hi-tech companies.
Members of the community also work in Beer Sheva, Ashkelon and Tel Aviv.

Absorption
Ulpan for adults is nearby and might be moved to Even Shmuel if the need arises. There is an ulpan for kids within the school- they have a strong history of helping kids being absorbed into the system.
The Misrad haKlitah is in Kiryat Gat, 5 minutes away.
There is an acceptance committee, and once accepted, new comers will be given an adoptive family.
There is a committee already in place to make sure that all new families will become part of the community life on the moshav.

Community Services & Institutions
There is a sports hall that has a variety of activities.
A day and evening kollel affords the community a chance to learn within the kollel, or to hear shiurim from its members in other community settings.
There is a Bnai Akiva with separate boys and girls divisions. There are also many after school Torah programs offered for the children.
The expansion will have another shul built within it.
There is both a women's and men's mikvah on the moshav, as well as the Regional Library.

Transportation
Even Shmuel is a 5 minute drive to Kiryat Gat, and a 35 minute drive from the Beit Shemesh area. There is a train in Kiryat Gat.
There is a bus every half an hour to Beer Sheva which is 20 minutes away. Tel Aviv is an hour bus drive away, and Jerusalem is a 1 hour and 15 minute trip by car, and a little bit longer by public buses.
Highway 6 is being extended to Kiryat Gat which will decrease the amount of travel time to the center and Northern parts of the country.

Real Estate
There will be a total of 200 new units added to the moshav. Sales for these units began in Dec. 2006. There are privately designed homes, as well as pre-designed models. Contact information is www.bemuna.co.il/english/project.asp?id=47

Givat Ze'ev

I spent a lovely Sabbat in Givat Zev this summer. The family we visited has been there for 12 years and loves it. I can see why. It's views are spectacular, its climate very plesant even in the summer. The feel is urban San Francisco meets the hills of Virginia meets the warmth of a small town. It is easy to get to. Off Highway 443 it is connected to Jerusalem by Egged bus routes 171, 271 and 371 and to Tel-Aviv by Egged bus number 471.

from Tehillah:

Givat Zeev, as its emblem portrays, is the place where the sun stood still in Joshua's time and figured prominently throughout our history as a site of a biblical Levite city. Nebi Samuel (the supposed tomb of the prophet Samuel) falls within the regional council’s domain. Givat Ze’ev is situated on the ancient route, the ascent by Beit Horon, from the coast to Jerusalem. We are but 12 km from the center of town, 35 minutes from Ben Gurion Airport, and 45 minutes from Tel Aviv. In Givat Ze’ev you can live with the spirituality of Jerusalem, the pleasant climate of Harei Yehuda while being within easy access of Tel Aviv, coastal region and Modiin.

Givat Ze’ev’s mixed population is served by a swimming pool (with hours for separate use), fitness center, sports facilities, community center with auditorium, conservatory, basketball stadium, parks and playgrounds. The religious population (35%) live in harmony with the rest of the population and on Shabbat it is a restful atmosphere. In Givat Ze’ev one can live with one's roots and feel that one's family is growing towards its Jewish future.

Giv'at Ze'ev is the center of the Karlin-Stolin Hasidim and one of the town's most notable residents is the Stoliner Rebbe Boruch Yaakov Meir Shochet.

Population: 13,500
Future Population: 25,000 plus

Percentage of English-speakers: 15%
Percentage of religious: 35%

Education: It has six elementary schools and one junior high school. Pre-schools, Primary -- Mamlachti Dati; Torani; possible Beit Yaakov in 2004. Junior High and High school: automatic acceptance to Or Torah, Ramot for boys and girls.

Synagogues: 14+ including four Ashkenazi; one in each area of Givat Ze’ev (including Chabad), plus Bnei Akiva, Sephardi, Moroccan and Yemenite.

Rav: Rav Toledano

Youth Groups: Bnei Akiva

Health Services: Maccabi, Meuchedet and Clalit clinics, and a pharmacy;
GPs and pediatrician resident and specialist on regular basis

Contact: Yehuda and Shelley Dayag dayag@internet-zahav.net

Or Hashachar-lovely view and private

My husband and I stayed at Or Hashachar in the North and liked it very much. It is new, attractive, lovely view and private. No children are allowed there so it is quiet.

04-679-494 054-632-2998

Star

Karnei Shomron

Karnei Shomron, the Only Place to Call Home

By Brigitte Goldberg

What is the best way to describe a place that is so close to one's heart? I could start with descriptions, figures, facts and all sorts of information that would bore almost anybody, but I wouldn't want you to stop reading before I conveyed my message to you. Instead, I will tell you about my experience and how I feel about Karnei Shomron. I made aliyah with Nefesh B' Nefesh in July of 2004. We chose Rehovot as our new home because it was a safe city to live in. Rehovot is a nice city, but not everybody should live in a city. We probably would have been still living in Rehovot if fate hadn't interceded.

In December of 2004, we were invited to spend a Shabbat in Karnei Shomron. The only thing I wanted to know about Karnei Shomron when my husband read the e-mail was where exactly is it situated? When I found out that it was located in the heart of what the free world calls a terror zone, I told my husband that there was no chance in the world. The week after the invitation, my husband decided to approach me in a different way. "Wouldn't it be nice not to cook for one Shabbat? Wouldn't it be great to take a vacation? How many opportunities will you get to rest for one whole Shabbat?" I couldn't help but agree, so I made him promise that this will only be a vacation and that he would never harass me about moving there.

We drove to Karnei Shomron, with no intention of ever moving there, at least not by me. My first drive in Israel into the 'terror zone' would never be forgotten. As we approached the Checkpoint, I felt myself going into a panic attack. What kind of place do these people live in? I thought it was the end of the world. A checkpoint prompted a feeling of terror inside of me, passing through a Palestinian village with Palestinians riding on donkeys, made me feel like I was taking part in the filming of 'Fiddler on the Roof'.

We settled down in the basement of our hostess's home and started to prepare ourselves for the Sabbath. I thought to myself the whole time, yeah it's a pretty place, but I would never live here. I was so poisoned by the world's conception of this part of Israel, I couldn't think any other way.

We went home after Shabbat, my husband never forgetting Karnei Shomron and always talking about it. I went home thinking that the people in Karnei Shomron are wonderful, but I wouldn't want to live there.

I guess things change in life and fate always has a hand in the deck. The issue of the disengagement was constantly on everybody's mind. I never before thought about their situation, and therefore never got involved. It was very easy to be that way; living in Rehovot, one can easily forget that you really live inside of Israel, you assimilate into society.

One day I woke up in the morning, after having a dream that I must visit Gush Katif. I hopped on the next bus with my whole family and went to visit the people of Gush Katif. I spent the day with the residents of Gush Katif, I listened to their stories, looked at the lives they led and immediately, Karnei Shomron popped into my head. I knew right then and there that Karnei Shomron was the place that my family needed to be in. We went home and that very evening I told my husband that we were moving to Karnei Shomron. My husband's jaw dropped and till this day, doesn't understand what prompted me to move. He may never understand why I chose to pick us up and suddenly move to Karnei Shomron after my first impression, but he is grateful.

The second that I posted my e-mail on their website, I received dozens of responses. One person wanted to help us find a place to live, another wanted to help with schooling, another invited us over, and it was endless. I knew right then and there that this was our home and that we wouldn't be able to live anywhere else in the world.

We have been living in Karnei Shomron for 4 months now. Our lives have changed, permanently. Now we have a huge family, whereas in Rehovot we only had each other. There isn't a moment in the day that someone doesn't call or drop by. I live in a place where I feel my children are safe at all times. They were never allowed out of the house after dark in Rehovot. My children are out of the house at all times, even my 4 year old, - and I never think twice about safety.

The schooling system in Karnei Shomron, is one of the best that I've ever seen. I have one son with ADHD who couldn't function in any of the other schools. Here in Karnei Shomron he is flourishing, the schools not only give individualized attention to each student but also help those in need. My other son suffers from Asbergers and was spiraling downwards in Rehovot. Lapidim here in Karnei Shomron has turned my son's life around. Not only does he have dozens of friends, but also they offer individualized therapy, suited for your specific child's needs.

It's not just about schooling though, it's also about living in place that you can call home. I have a view outside my backyard that I never tire of. When I drive through Karnei Shomron, I am constantly reminded where I really am. This is the real Israel, the Promised Land. On Shabbat, it feels like Shabbat. In Rehovot, it always felt like just a routine, I couldn't figure out why it didn't feel special. We were in Israel; Shabbat should feel more than a mere routine.

Here in Karnei Shomron, when Shabbat starts, if feels like Shabbat. Every week I spend here helps me to get closer to a feeling of contentment, as though I am part of the Torah and not just reading it. Life in Karnei Shomron revolves around what is important, family. Living here makes you realize that there is no need for stupidity, all the bad influence of the outside world stays outside.

Karnei Shomron teaches people how to appreciate their family and their friends. You learn how to be there for others and how to give of yourself. It's amazing how many people, who hear that I live here, either can't believe it or constantly ask me about my concerns regarding security. I laugh and ask them about their security concerns living in the city. I tell them that I would never let my children roam around inside the city. There are murderers, rapists and muggers in all the cities, but not here. The chance of an incident occurring is higher in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem then here in Karnei Shomron.

I feel safe living here in Karnei Shomron, as a matter of fact, every time I have to travel to the city I am so scared and can't wait to come home. Karnei Shomron is not a jungle located in the middle of a war zone. Karnei Shomron is a place that every family should consider living in. Not only does Karnei Shomron offer the same amenities as living in a city but also it offers so much more that cannot be had living inside a city.

If you want a life that is filled with meaning, a place that you will feel at home, someplace that you really feel safe, then you've found it. My family and I have found Karnei Shomron and we invite each and every one of you to find Karnei Shomron. Karnei Shomron is deep inside each and every person, all you have to do is look for it and come home.

~~~~~~~

from the January 2006 Edition of the Jewish Magazine

Yad Binyamin

We are moving to Yad Binyamin.

We first heard about Yad Binyamin from some friends a few years ago. We had been talking about potential communities to live in, Yad Binyamin came up in conversation as one of the new "in", up-and-coming communities in Israel that Americans (including young families) were beginning to flock to. As we were starting to think that our long-term future might not be in Kochav Yaakov, we made a mental note to go and check out Yad Binyamin some time. Over the next few weeks, coincidence had it that the community was recommended to us by a number of unrelated acquaintances, so sometime in July 2006 we went with a realtor to check it out.

Location: Along route 3 at the junctions of routes 3, 6 and 7. 30 minutes from Yerushalayim, 25-40 minutes from most of Tel Aviv, 20 minutes from Modi’in and Beit Shemesh, 15 minutes from Gedera, Rechovot and Ashdod. It is along the Beer Sheva-Tel Aviv train line which is allegedly in the process of being enlarged from one track to two tracks (which will enable fast passenger train service into Tel Aviv).

A brief history of the place (to the best of my knowledge - I am sure that I have a couple of details off): It was established in 1962 around the same time as a number of other religious moshavim in the area, and was intended primarily to provide services to the neighboring communities in the Nachal Soreq district. In time it grew to host the regional offices, a senior day-center, ganim, a Torani elementary school, a girls Ulpana high school, basketball and tennis courts, a swimming pool, a library, health clinic and some shopping (and a matza factory). Up until 3 years ago there were less than 50 families living there, almost all connected with the various schools. (Some pictures).

All of this changed with the expulsion of Jews from Gush Katif. In the preceeding years, there had been some pressure to switch the direction of Yad Binyamin from an educational center to a regular living settlement. For undisclosed reasons (I have heard a few different theories why), a few hundred families from Gush Katif (from Ganei Tal and other settlements) along with all of Yeshivat Torat Chaim (the yeshiva from Nevei Dekalim, headed by Rav Shemuel Tal) were all transplanted into Yad Binyamin. The Yeshiva went into an unused gym, all of the refugees were housed in caravans (intended to be temporary), and money started pouring in from the government to improve the yishuv and make it more livable for its new residents. New ganim, streets, parks and facilities were built. And a large portion of the perimeter of the yishuv had its zoning changed from agricultural to residential.

In the past three years, about a dozen different housing projects have begun to take shape in this new residential area. Some of the land is set aside for local residents or refugees from Gaza, while other parts were opened up to bidding from different contractors (a contractor buys the rights to a specific zone, designs the houses to match the zoning requirements, and sells off the individual homes to buyers) and single plots were auctioned off to individual buyers (who would design their own house and build it with their own contractor). The first few projects were finished last Summer, 4-5 projects (each of which is equivalent to 1-2 blocks of houses) should be done in the next year, and another group of projects are in the early stages of building or are still being designed and planned out. Currently there are around 300-350 families living in Yad Binyamin (including Gush Katif refugees, some of whom will eventually be leaving, and some of whom will be given permanent housing). When all the dust settles in a few years, there will be around 700-800 families living there.

We chose to buy in Yad Binyamin for a number of reasons:

• A good number of English and Hebrew speaking young families
• Good location
• A religious community with a diverse population
• Nice educational options to choose from in the future
• A well-known yeshiva in the neighborhood
• A new community that we can contribute to with access the amenities of an older, more established community
• Nice houses to choose from
• (And if things don’t work out, a good investment - since we bought one year ago, prices have already gone up 20-30%).

We bought a house from Meshullami builders (the development is called Neve Binyamin - we got half of house 72). Over the past year, we have gotten a mortgage, signed a contract on the house, hired an architect to help us customize the layout and interiors, and have seen the house go from nothing to a finis hed structure (right now they are installing the air conditioning, finishing the floors and putting in windows). We will, God willing, be taking possession within two months, and will be moving in within three. We are very excited to be moving into our new home and community (and very excited for the building process to be over).

That is it for now. If I get around to it, I hope to post more on the different parts of the buying/building process that we have gone through.

This entry was posted on December 2nd, 2007 at 9:24 by Yaakov
http://www.aliyahblog.com/2007/12/02/yad-binyamin/

Moshav Yishi

MOSHAV YISHI

Looking for the American Dream in Eretz Yisrael?

Are you interrested in a 2 acre housing lot in an orthodox community where streets are closed on Shabbos? (2 acres = 12 tennis courts including the red area).

Do you want American neighbors and immediate access to Bet Shemesh and Ramat Bet Shemesh schools, health and community services, clubs, recreation, and social activities?

Do you appreciate living within easy walking distance of a national forest, rolling farmland, resevoirs, terrific views, and other places of natural beauty?

Would you like a private pool, tennis court, equestrian facilities, gardens, lawns, and room enough to feel genuinely relaxed on your own property?

Does an Arab-free environment sound appealing? Yishi is miles inside the green line and even further from the nearest Arab settlement.


Moshav Yishi offers a lifestyle option available nowhere else in Israel: To be one of the very lucky, very few, to enter the Promised Land... and actually get the Land! Whether you delight in hobby aggriculture and the mitzvot of Eretz Yisrael or simply want the feeling of expansiveness and freedom no city can offer, Yishi is a delightful place to be. As more and more Americans move in, as more and more of Yishi is reinvigorated and rebuilt, Yishi will become more and more delightful a community to call home. Unfortunately it's not yet available for the whole nation, but for a fortunate few, "Yishi" will be exactly that - "my Salvation". A place in Israel that comes as dreamed, no concessions, no compromise.

Ariel-Aliya Destination

People are hearing about the various community options in the city of Ariel -
and they're coming.

As a participating city in the Community Aliyah Program, Ariel
offers new olim special benefits in terms of housing, education,
employment and community life. With our close proximity to the
country's primary employment centers, as well as diverse local
employment options, Ariel is certainly a convenient location. The
homes, new and old, are very affordable. Perhaps even more
attractive are the views over the Shomron and much of the country,
the parks and greenery around the city (Ariel is termed "The Healthy
City") and the refreshing climate.

Most importantly is life in Ariel. It is an open city which welcomes
olim with open arms. Olim are invited to join any one of a number of
communities in the city. The religious communities are the fastest
growing. The communities have been developed around a variety of
themes, including furthering Jewish Unity (achdut), religious
revival, and strengthening the Jewish presence in the capitol of the
Shomron. The newest community, currently searching for an American-
style Rabbi to stand at its head, is an anglo-enclave with a focus
on integration within Israeli society.

To learn more about Ariel:
http://arielaliyah.wordpress.com/about-ariel/