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PROFILE IN ALIYAH

Aviva & Andy Gershman (with Ariel and Jonah)

We love Israel. When you see Shanah Tovah and Chanukah sameach scrolling across the front of the bus at holiday time, you know you are really home! My husband and I have wanted to come on aliyah for years: it has always been a dream of ours. As youngsters, my husband and I both made numerous trips to Israel: summer trips, year courses and kibbutz. Most recently, we were living in Richmond, Virginia, where I was the Director of Education for Temple Beth-El, the Conservative Synagogue there. On our way to Israel this summer, the entire family spent a session at Camp Ramah in Palmer, Massachusetts: given its rich commitment to Hebrew and Israel, our time at Ramah was a valuable bridge between America and Israel.

Advice for new olim: Hebrew is key to your integration here. While you can integrate and function well without Hebrew and most Israelis have excellent English, you will feel more like an Israeli, and more a part of things if you have the language. To improve Hebrew language skills, watch sub-titled Israeli films before you come (there are so many good ones readily available these days) to get a feel for the language and make use of one or more of the many great websites to get some basics. Once you arrive in Israel, take public transportation as much as possible — it is a good way to become part of society, save the planet and use your Hebrew with every-day Israelis. The more you use your Hebrew the better it will get.

If you are interested in aliyah, make as many visits to Israel as possible to familiarize yourself with the environment, cuisine and people. Utilize your contacts within the Conservative movement — ask your Rabbi and Temple President to collect the names of people living in Israel. Introduce yourself by email before you arrive and get a sense of how you want people to be of help. When it is time to come, remember that this is the greatest adventure of your life and treat it as such! If you remain open to all of what will unfold, great things will happen. Flexibility is essential, though. While Israel is a very well-developed and high-tech country, it is still only 61 years young: there are many opportunities here if you are willing to look outside of the box. If there is something you always dreamed of doing and it is a niche that is not served in Israel, do it. My husband always dreamed of being a sportscaster. He now has his own sport radio show on RustyMikeRadio.com and is also the Advertising Sales Manager for the station.

Finally, know that if you come on aliyah, there is Conservative/Masorti community waiting here to welcome you.

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