My mind has been all wrapped in whether I should make a pilot trip this week.
Why I Am Making A Pilot Trip
Originally, I thought no way. Its too expensive and I should save my money for after I move.
However, I changed my mind. Why? Because I realize that me and my wife needed to go one time as potential olim to settle on which community is the best for us, and then organize as much as we can before we move. Rabbi Gottlieb (from Shomrei Emunah in Baltimore) moved to Ramat Shilo this year and a month before he moved, using the Internet, his wife bought all of the furniture and appliances (which is a big deal in Israel since apartment in Israel come with absolutely nothing, not even a fridge or oven!), got an apartment, registered the kids to school, etc. So when the Gottliebs moved last August, everything was 100% set up for them.
The other reason to make a pilot trip is because it gives you an opportunity to meet people and network in possible places that you would want to work in for after aliyah. This helps you either land a job before you move or at least lets you move there "on the ground running" for a new career.
As Nefesh B'Nefesh says on their website about pilot trips: "Bringing a family on Aliyah successfully requires a tremendous amount of planning and research, and the more you know in advance, the more likely you are to plan effectively and create a positive experience for yourself and your family. A pilot trip is an essential step in learning what your options are and making the best possible Aliyah decisions."
With Whom To Make a Pilot Trip
Okay, so I decided a pilot trip is necessary. What now?
There are three ways to make a pilot trip that I am aware of at this point. The first option is to go by yourself. This probably would save you money and you can go see whatever you want, without worrying about anyone else's aliyah needs.
The other way is to go on a group trip and there are 2 organizations that have group pilot aliyah trips: Tehilla and AACI.
Tehillah is an organization with a pilot trip catered for only religious families. It focuses on making visiting communities that religious English speakers move to with some lectures on the Israeli health care and educational system, and a little career networking. Something like 80% of people who go on Tehillah trips end up making Aliyah.
AACI also has a pilot trip. The main difference is that there are non religious people who go on the AACI trip so that slightly changes the focus of the trip. I believe that pilot trips are new to AACI and are organized by 2 frum ladies who used to do the Tehillah trips. One advantage of the AACI pilot trip is that you become an AACI member, which opens you to a lot of services once you make aliyah, such as fantastic career services from what I hear.
My Final Decision?
I haven't made a final decision yet.
It sounds like going by myself would be the cheapest but do I really dare to organize all of that alone and try driving by myself in Israel (I mean, what if I get stuck in Ramallah by accident).
Also, I imagine that there is a certain ruach that happens when you go on a group trip and everything has the same interest as you of moving to Israel. Plus, everything gets organized for you. Yes, I would end up going places that I am not interested but I probably would get a better overall view of what aliyah would be like. I would also stay in Israel a few days extra afterward the pilot trip ends to do career networking.
And if I go on a group pilot trip, which one would I go on? I think AACI might be cheaper and have more services for when I make aliyah but Tehillah is all religious.
Does anyone have any suggestions for me regarding which pilot trip to make?
Nefesh B'Nefesh Webinar on Making A Pilot Trip
Of course, Nefesh B'Nefesh has a whole article on how to make a successful pilot trip.
NBN also has a webinar that is fantastic and hosted by Laura Ben David. You can access the webinar by clicking here.
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