The Baltimore delegation included Rabbis Daniel Rose, Duvi Rubin, and Binyamin Marwick. They were joined by Baltimore community baalei batim Yaakov Berkowitz and Dovid Paige. 

Leaving behind families, kehillos, and many daily responsibilities, the Rabbanim traveled to Eretz Yisroel to see firsthand and gain a better understanding of the realities, new opportunities, and solutions to successfully deal with the challenges facing families considering Aliyah and settling long-term in Eretz Yisroel.

The visit reflects a growing trend in orthodox communities in North America of families exploring the possibility of relocating to Eretz Yisroel. The visit offered the Rabbanim a firsthand, close-up look at the many Anglo-friendly mosdos, communities, support systems, and practical resources available to those considering the move.

The mission began in Yerushalayim, where the Rabbanim met with Harav Yitzchok Berkowitz, Shlit"a, and Harav Asher Weiss Shlit"a to discuss the various components that go into moving to Eretz Yisroel and how to best prepare a family for a successful move both beruchniyus uvegashmiyus.

The delegation also participated in roundtable discussions with public officials and organizations actively involved in helping Olim navigate life in Israel, including MK Yitzchok Pindrus and R’ Nechemyah Malinowitz, Executive Director of Eretz HaKodesh, as well as an in-depth discussion about the financial aspects of Aliyah with the team of financial counselors at Mesila headquarters.

The Rabbanim also met with Chaim V’Chesed founder and director, R’ Pesach Friedman, at the Chaim V’Chesed headquarters in Yerushalayim to hear how the Anglo community is navigating bureaucracy and day to day life in Eretz Yisroel.

On subsequent days, the delegation traveled extensively throughout Ramat Beit Shemesh, touring the many Anglo-friendly mosdos, chadarim, Bais Yaakovs, and high schools that make up the Ramat Beit Shemesh landscape, discussing with mechanchim how challenges in chinuch  are successfully being addressed and how to best guide and prepare the families that are moving.

Meetings also took place with local Rabbanim in Ramat Beit Shemesh, including Harav Yaakov Haber Shlita, Harav Elimelech Kornfeld Shlita, and Harav Dovid Gottlieb Shlita.

Particular attention was given to the areas most relevant for families considering Aliyah: chinuch, parnassah, community integration, housing, and navigating day-to-day life in Eretz Yisroel.

The mission also included discussions with municipal leaders, including Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuel Greenberg and local Klitah Director Yonah Kaufman, providing participants with insight into the support structures available to new Olim.

‘’This was a truly high-level and impactful mission that gave participants a firsthand look at the realities, opportunities, and growth taking place in Eretz Yisroel’’, shared Yonah Kaufman Director of the Klita dep. In Bet Shemesh,  ‘’particularly in Ramat Beit Shemesh. The insights gained will undoubtedly help the Rabbanim provide informed guidance and support to the growing number of Baltimore families considering Aliyah." 

Founder and Executive Director of Naava Kodesh, R' Tzvi Arnstein noted, ‘’It was very moving to see the group of Rabbanim come and see firsthand how a family can practically make the move and be matzliach. The question was not whether Eretz Yisroel can work for english speaking families; rather, it was how the move can be done successfully.’’

Beyond the established communities of Yerushalayim and Ramat Beit Shemesh, the delegation explored emerging communities throughout Israel, including Rechovot and Afula, which offer more affordable housing options. These conversations highlighted the expanding range of opportunities available to families seeking affordable housing, strong Torah infrastructure, and vibrant community life throughout the country.

Also accompanying the delegation was R’ Dovid Paige, Director of Naava Kodesh's Baltimore Division, who shared his amazement at the many Anglo-friendly mosdos, institutions, and resources available to families considering Aliyah. 

 "I was amazed by the tremendous כוח being invested by so many people whose sole motivation is to be מרבה כבוד שמים, all working to make ארץ ישראל a place where every Yid can thrive and truly call home."

As the first of what is intended to be many such missions, the trip provided the Rabbanim with a unique opportunity to gain an on-the-ground, close-up perspective of the communities, schools, organizations, and support systems available in Israel. Meeting directly with mechanchim, Rabbanim, municipal leaders, and families who have successfully made the transition offered a clearer understanding of the opportunities, resources, and realities available to families seeking to successfully make the move to Eretz Yisroel.