Aliyah House

I have started working at the Jewish Agency for Israel (JA or JAFI for short) yesterday. So far so good. I'm usually a cynic about, well about everything, but my first day was great. Everyone here is warm and welcoming, friendly and fun loving. The work is great too, I'm working in the Aliyah Department and we have some great programs. I am working with the express goal of targeting college studentim (that's ivrit for students) and young adults/professionals. And I'm excited. I may even get a twitter acount! Its all about the people to people connections, both in the marketing aspect and in everything the JA does. Even the programs are like that, they are all there to help new olim (immigrants) develop personal relationships in Israel and of course develop Hebrew and professional skills.

I've been talking about Moishe House alot here. Its the beginning of my second day and I've had 50 conversations about it already! I've told people about all our events, from the shabbus diners, to hooka bars, to just social events. Everyone loves the idea of making you're own community, being responsible for programing, and having a great time with Jewish friends. Honestly, I think the Israeli's (whom make a significant portion of the office) are reminded of the heyday of Israel's kibbutz movement and the garinim (seed groups) which helped build the State of Israel both physically but also communally and spiritually. And you know what? They are right. We are doing some of the same things the chalutzim (pioneers) did back in the day in the State of Israel. Okay so we don't plow fields or hoe gardens (good beer! lol) but we are creating a whole new conceptual community, a new model for Jewish life and its amazing.

Many of the Aliyah programs are similar to Moishe House. More like mini-Moishe Houses because they are 5 months long or a year long. Then again they are sort off like mega-moishe houses because instead of a few housemates you live in an apartment style building / absorption center with a whole bunch-o-people. They have activities like ulpan and job placement programs, but also programs like we have at our houses like events for chagim (holidays), trips, and more.

Anyhow I actually have to do some work now so I'm off but if any Moishe Houser out there wants to make aliyah (literally to "ascend" or move on up {to the east side with a deluxe apartment in a sky rise!}) or have some fun chill time in Israel or even volunteer go to: http://www.jewishagency.org/JewishAgency/English/Aliyah/Israel+Programs or you can haler at me at Joshuae@jafi.org.

Alright Moishe House, this is Einstein signing off!
Make love not war!