US Dentists Take Licensing Exam For Aliyah

A record number of dentists from all around the US gathered in New Jersey on Monday to take the Israeli Dentistry Licensing Exam, in preparation for their aliyah (immigration) to Israel.

The 20 dentists were the largest number ever to take the test outside of Israel; their testing was held by the organization Nefesh B'Nefesh in an initiative to ease the transition to life in Israel. The organization has worked to increase aliyah from English-speaking countries.Read more at: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/177856#.Uw-_jvl_shE

So You Want to Move to Israel?

When I told people that my husband and I, with our five kids in tow, were moving to Israel, they thought I was crazy. At some level, I wondered the same thing By Sarah Azulay

I remember the first time I publicly revealed my plans to make Aliyah to Israel. I had telephoned the president of our local Jewish day school to tell him that I could not serve on the board for the upcoming year because my husband and I, with five little ones in tow, were moving to the land of milk and honey. In the midst of the Intifada.

"You are moving to Israel," he said slowly, as if I must have undergone a lobotomy.

"Yes," I replied, feeling like I was having an outer body experience.

"And this is something you want to do," he said, indicating his further confirmation of my temporary mental imbalance.

At some level, I wondered the same thing. Even a cursory inventory of the muster it takes to move to Israel is enough to make the most desirous of Zionist dreamers wither in their tracks, and I have to admit, at the time I was no Zionist dreamer. Initially, we had simply wanted to live closer to my husband's family who all live in Israel. Read more at: http://www.aish.com/h/iid/48901372.html?s=mpw

10 Tips to Successful Aliyah

• Practical advice from people who made the monumental move to Israel

Uprooting your life, leaving behind friends, family, and familiarity to build a new life in Israel isn't easy. Here are ten important tips from people have successfully made the monumental move.

1. Keep an Open Mind

Elad Gefen, 27, who works in film and journalism and currently lives in Tel Aviv, highlights open-mindedness and lack of expectations as the number one ingredient for Aliyah success. Read more at http://www.aish.com/h/iid/10-Tips-to-Successful-Aliyah.html

Aliyah processing at the airport

Making aliyah is easy, as this helpful video shows (sent to me by Stuart - thanks). This is precisely what happened when we made aliyah, although it took a little longer than the 1 minute 43 seconds featured here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CItFE4nS3Q

Recycling at its worst

The recycling industry in Israel is not as well-developed as the UK's. Nevertheless, since the recent election is soon to be recycled, I am doing the same for this post from "way back then."

Did you ever stop to think what became of that tree you planted in Israel all those years ago? You know, the one you paid the Jewish National Fund to plant? Well, the good news is (if it hasn't already been burned down by arsonists) is that I have found it!!! It's on my Door of Peace!

Timberrrrrrrrrrrrrr!