For the past few years, I have been working on various aspects of Yishuv Eretz Yisroel. Those projects are now under the name “Naava Kodesh”, you can see them online at naavakodesh.org.
There are four projects I would like to share with you –
First, the housing crisis. While it affects also Israeli Chareidim, they are here in Eretz Yisroel to stay, regardless. There are many chutznikim, though, who would be interested in settling here permanently and might consider staying only if they found suitable and more-affordable communities. While Kiryat Sefer, Beitar, Bet Shemesh and the like were an option, rising prices have made those irrelevant for many. I am currently working to promote the more-affordable communities as an option, including in what the Israelis call “Peripheria”, the peripheral communities of the north and south of Eretz Yisroel, where there are beautiful kehillos with several Anglo-Chareidim already integrated. (When I say “Anglo”, I mean coming from any English-speaking country, such as the U.S., Canada, England, etc.).
Second project is a database of Anglo-Chareidi volunteers who are willing to offer information and advice to others of similar mentality that are interested in settling here in Eretz Yisroel. If you have availability to be contacted by phone or email by pre-screened families from your hometown abroad, or from a similar profession, or by others, that have questions about your community, schools, shuls, or parnassah opportunities, please join this effort by filling out the form, available at naavakodesh.org. Even a few minutes of your time can be critical in giving an Anglo-Chareidi family the advice, support, and guidance they need to make Eretz Yisroel their permanent home.
Third – It is not a secret that living in, and building up, Eretz Yisroel – neither the mitzvah aspect nor the personal or technical aspects – are much a matter of discussion in Yeshiva and Chareidi circles, neither here in Eretz Yisroel nor abroad. This runs counter to the fact that Eretz Yisroel has always been of immense value to many of our great Torah personalities, including many who have had the zechus to come and settle here themselves.
In order to convey the message that Yishuv Eretz Yisroel really is of current value to the Chareidi and Yeshiva worlds – and is also something that can feasibly be done today – we are putting together a weekly sheet showcasing efforts of individual Chareidi immigrants from English-speaking countries to live in, settle and build up Eretz Yisroel. To this end, we ask that you agree to also include your efforts, whether large or small, in this publication.
The exposure to fellow Chareidim and Yeshivaleit, like you and me, who, living in Eretz Yisroel, have made a positive impact on themselves or also others, including in the fields of learning and teaching Torah, chinuch, parnossah, self-growth, kiruv and community-building, can have the effect of putting Eretz Yisroel back into our focus, as it has been throughout almost all of the history of the chareidim l’dvar HaShem.
By taking a few moments to share your story with us, we can together make a positive impact on the chutznik Chareidi and Yeshiva world.
Fourth project – As there are many who would be interested to help in these and other endeavors of Yishuv Eretz Yisroel, we thought of creating a forum for those interested in working together to advance all of these issues, and to exchange relevant ideas. If you hold Eretz Yisroel dear, please sign up to join the forum.
How to reach us:
053-319-1618
yberman613@gmail.com
072 298 6213 (voicemail)
AviraDEretzYisroel.org