The desire to make Aliyah is already there, writes Rabbi Paul Bloom--but how do we convert that desire into meaningful action? The answer is that you have to start with a plan. Let Paul explain in his own words:
Almost everyone reading this article has
some connection to Eretz Yisrael. For some, it’s family. For others, it’s
Zionism—or simply a deep love for the Land that Hashem gave us as an eternal inheritance
thousands of years ago.
Right: The First Aliyah
Some are actively thinking about it now.
Others envision it as a future goal. Whatever your time frame may be, it is
important—no, essential—to begin thinking about the next step. Aliyah doesn’t happen in a day. It is a
journey, and like any journey, it must begin with a plan.
Torah Foundations: Why Plan
at All?
Some ask, “If Hashem wants me to be in
Israel, won’t He take care of it? Why do I need to plan?” The Rambam himself
faced a version of this question.
He was famously asked why he wrote that
it is forbidden to live in Egypt—even though he himself lived there. The
Radbaz, in a well-known teshuvah (responsum), explained that the Rambam’s
residence in Egypt was temporary,
and temporary residence is permitted
when one has a clear intention and plan to move to Eretz Yisrael.
He referenced the Rambam’s commentary on Pirkei Avot (4:25), where he describes
how temporary residence becomes halachically meaningful when it’s tied to a
long-term spiritual goal.
In other words: Where you live now is only
“temporary” if you're planning to be in Israel. Without a plan, it’s not exile
with purpose—it’s just exile.
Aliyah Is a Process, Not an
Event
Every Jew’s journey to Israel is unique.
There is no single path and no one-size-fits-all answer. But the key is to
start the process.
"הַכֹּל צָפוּי, וְהָרְשׁוּת נְתוּנָה" “All is foreseen, but the choice
is given” (Pirkei Avot 3:15).
Hashem sees the whole path, but we are
still responsible for taking the next step.
Creating Your Aliyah Plan:
Frameworks for Every Stage
1. For Those Ready in the
Next 1–2 Years
You’ve already done some planning. Now
it’s time to finalize and execute. Your to-do list may include:
●
Working with
Aliyah organizations (e.g., Nefesh B’Nefesh, AACI, Olim Advisors)
●
Finding
housing and employment
●
Choosing a
community that fits your lifestyle and hashkafah
●
Securing
legal documents, academic equivalencies, and professional licenses
●
Preparing
children emotionally and educationally for the transition
2. For Mid-Career
Professionals (Aliyah in 10–15 Years)
If you're not yet ready, don’t wait until
“someday.” Now is the time to start laying the groundwork—especially
financially.
✅
Real Estate as a
Strategic Anchor
Left: The Second Aliyah
✅
Smaller Steps Count
If large
investments aren’t feasible, consider:
●
New housing
developments with low down payments and delayed full payments
●
Using your
U.S. home equity to finance property in Israel
●
Planning to
rent instead of buy—while still researching communities to settle in
"אֵין הַדּוֹמֶה שְׁמִיעָה לִרְאִיָּה" “Hearing
is not like seeing” (Midrash Tanchuma).
Owning—or even visiting—your future home
in Israel makes it real, not just theoretical.
3. For Students and Young
Adults
This is the best time to plan. Align your
academic and career decisions with a future life in Israel:
●
Explore
Israeli universities (many now offer English-language programs)
●
Research
in-demand careers in Israel (e.g., hi-tech, medicine, education)
●
Consider
spending a gap year or summer program in Israel
●
Begin
building Hebrew fluency—language is a gateway to integration
"סוֹף מַעֲשֶׂה בְּמַחֲשָׁבָה תְּחִלָּה" “The end
of the deed begins in thought” (Sefer
Yetzirah). The seeds you plant now
determine what will grow later.
4. For Those Who Are
Retiring
If you're retired—or very close—making
Israel the next chapter of your life is more than realistic. For many, it’s the
fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
People often struggle between moving to
Florida or making Aliyah. As someone who has experienced both, I can tell you: Florida cannot hold a candle to Israel.
Right: Aliyah today
If you have children or grandchildren in
Israel, the decision becomes even easier. But even if you don’t, many retirees
discover they actually spend more
quality time with family in the U.S. by visiting 2–3 times a year than they did
before making Aliyah.
And most importantly: this stage of life is ideal for a soft
landing—if you've planned for it.
Many retirees who prepared properly report a smoother, more meaningful
transition.
"וְעַד זִקְנָה אֲנִי הוּא, וְעַד שֵׂיבָה אֲנִי אֶסְבֹּל" “Even to your old age, I am He; and even to your gray hairs, I will
carry you”
—(Yeshayahu 46:4)
Hashem doesn’t abandon us in later
years—He carries us. And He can carry us home.
Conclusion: From Longing to
Living
Aliyah is not only for the idealistic,
the young, or the retired—it’s for every Jew. But desire alone is not enough. Desire becomes destiny when it’s paired
with a plan.
Wherever you are on your journey—just
beginning to dream, actively preparing, or somewhere in between—remember: The Land is waiting. Hashem is waiting.
Your future is waiting.
You don’t need to know every detail.
Your plan doesn’t need to be perfect.
But you do need to start.
Rabbi Bloom can be reached at
Aliya100reasons@gmail.com
