Introduction: The Desire Is Already There
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.
But not everyone is ready to make aliyah today. We all have real-life considerations—aging parents, growing children, employment commitments or just fear of change. Still, for most, there is a spark—the quiet but persistent desire to one day live in the Land of our forefathers.
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 lived there himself. The Radbaz, in a well-known teshuva (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
- 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 hashkafa
Securing legal documents, academic equivalencies, and professional licenses
Preparing children emotionally and educationally for the transition
- 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
A group of families began planning together 25 years ago. They bought property in cities across Israel. Their investments grew approximately 15% annually. Many eventually retired in those very homes, having established a financial and physical connection decades earlier.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Here, you have endless opportunities for learning, traveling, and engaging with Jewish history and community. The weather is beautiful year-round. The rhythm of Jewish life surrounds you. You belong.
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 two-three 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
