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My wife and I are Conservative Jewish, and considering moving to Israel from America. Does anyone know how that has worked out in the past? Where is the best area to live for us? Are there any large non-orthodox American neighborhoods? We are thinking of moving to Haifa because it's beautiful and seems cheaper than Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. However, I work in corporate accounting and assume that Tel Aviv would have the most job opportunities for me. Any thoughts?
Thanks.
You may wish to consider if anyone in your family needs to marry. I understand there are complications with that.
thanks for your posts. As far as why Israel, it's mostly for religious reasons. First, it's where we're "supposed" to live, which is an issue that bugs me when I'm in synagogue or reading the Bible. Ever since going on birthright several years ago I feel strange praying to return to Israel when we could all just get on an airplane tomorrow. It almost feels like praying in vain. Also, the ease of observance: all holidays are automatic national holidays in Israel, and kosher restaurants are everywhere.
Anyway, my biggest concern is just HOW poor we could end up.... I find both horror stories and happy stories. I can tolerate a lot but I just can't justify if my wife and I have to live in a cheap, dangerous neighborhood in Israel. It would kind of defeat the point. I work in corporate accounting and am trying to get some idea of what my salary and standard of living would look like. I have a few years experience. Right now I make about $60k in New Jersey, and have a 1-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood. How does that translate to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Haifa. Salaries? I can't really get a good idea from the internet. Can we afford an ok 1-bedroom apartment in a blue-collar but safe neighborhood? My wife has a minor disability and can't really work full-time. She also needs good health insurance.
thanks for your posts. As far as why Israel, it's mostly for religious reasons. First, it's where we're "supposed" to live, which is an issue that bugs me when I'm in synagogue or reading the Bible. Ever since going on birthright several years ago I feel strange praying to return to Israel when we could all just get on an airplane tomorrow. It almost feels like praying in vain. Also, the ease of observance: all holidays are automatic national holidays in Israel, and kosher restaurants are everywhere.
Anyway, my biggest concern is just HOW poor we could end up.... I find both horror stories and happy stories. I can tolerate a lot but I just can't justify if my wife and I have to live in a cheap, dangerous neighborhood in Israel. It would kind of defeat the point. I work in corporate accounting and am trying to get some idea of what my salary and standard of living would look like. I have a few years experience. Right now I make about $60k in New Jersey, and have a 1-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood. How does that translate to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Haifa. Salaries? I can't really get a good idea from the internet. Can we afford an ok 1-bedroom apartment in a blue-collar but safe neighborhood? My wife has a minor disability and can't really work full-time. She also needs good health insurance.
if your focus is on material quality of life then don't go.
Americans who have made aliyah will be the first to tell you straight away: your material life will diminish in every aspect: you won't have as much money, your money won't go as far, your home or apartment will have fewer rooms, your income will have fewer 000s, you will live in a smaller place, don't expect a yard, age discrimination is blatant in hiring so you and your spouse as you get older may have a really hard time getting a job unless you bring your job with you, housing is very expensive, if you rent you also are responsible for paying the property taxes, moving there if you are taking furniture with you costs tens of thousands of dollars, if you aren't fluent in Hebrew and will be learning Hebrew once you get there, plan on 2+ years before your Hebrew is good enough to land a job, you won't be taking your car with you so either have funds to buy another car (very expensive) when you get there or live without a car.
if you have boatloads of money or will be selling a $750,000 home and making aliyah, not a problem.
again if money is your concern don't go.
Last edited by Tzaphkiel; 05-22-2016 at 02:57 PM..
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