This series is sponsored by Unpacking Israeli History.

This episode is sponsored by Daf Yomi with Shaul C. Greenwald, a fast-moving energetic daf shiur, delivered with clarity and intensity.

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to a series of guests who have made aliyah about the practical factors involved with building a life in Israel.

Serena Benovitz, Chana Berkowitz, Yehoshua Fass, Edo Lavi, and Ahron Levi shed light on the nuances and complexities involved in moving to Israel, though for many of us, the mere thought of uprooting our lives and going to an unfamiliar place is intimidating enough. In this episode we discuss:

• What inspires people to leave their homes and begin anew in Israel?
• What are the difficulties that come with making aliyah?
• What does the process of moving to Israel generally involve?

Tune in to hear a conversation about what is unique about deciding to lead a Jewish life in the Jewish state.

Serena Benovitz Interview: 11:58
Chana Berkowitz Interview 37:17
Yehoshua Fass Interview: 43:27
Edo Lavi Interview: 1:40:10
Ahron Levi Interview: 2:08:18

Aliyah—the "pilgrimage" of moving to Israel that literally translates to "ascent"—is a multi-layered subject. We are joined by Rabbi Yehoshua Fass of Nefesh B'Nefesh to break it down.

Rabbi Yehoshua Fass is Co-Founder of Nefesh B’Nefesh and has served as the organization’s Executive Director since 2002. After receiving his rabbinic ordination and degrees in biology and education from Yeshiva University, Rabbi Fass assumed the position of Associate Rabbi of the Boca Raton Synagogue of Florida and served as a member of the Beit Din of the Orthodox Rabbinical Council.

This episode is sponsored by Daf Yomi with Shaul C. Greenwald, a fast-moving energetic daf shiur, delivered with clarity and intensity. The shiur moves swiftly through the daf, while still managing to explain well the difficult portions of the sugya. The shiur is available daily on all podcast platforms, All Daf, and on Torah Anytime.

References:

The Koren Mahzor for Yom Haatzma'ut and Yom Yerushalayim by Jonathan Sacks

Genesis 12

Nefesh B’Nefesh

Tzidkas HaTzadik

Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

הארץ אשר אראך by Rabbi Shnayor Burton