Aliyah Chronicles

About Aliyah Chronicles

Aliyah Chronicles is a podcast that dives deep into the stories of people who've made Aliyah, exploring the transformative journey of moving to Israel and the lives they've built since. Each episode shares a unique perspective, from the cultural shifts and challenges to the personal triumphs and connections that make Israel feel like home. Whether you're curious about the Aliyah experience, have lived it yourself, or just love a good story of resilience and discovery, Aliyah Chronicles brings you closer to the heart of those who've chosen to make Israel their home.

Publisher

Briefly Distracted

Category

religion & spirituality · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Nov 2024

Latest episode

28 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Jun 2026

   Judy Katzin: The Slow-Burn Aliyah

   Most aliyah stories have a moment. The lightning bolt. The dramatic phone call. The big announcement at Shabbat dinner. Judy's Katzin doesn't. And honestly? That's exactly what got me. She didn't make Aliyah with a checklist in hand or some grand ideological mission statement. She came to Israel as a kid, fell in love with Jerusalem, kept coming back… and one day just sort of looked around and realized she wasn't visiting anymore. She lived here. One decision led to another, and another, and forty-some years later — four kids, ten grandchildren, most of them a short drive away. This one's a little different from our other episodes. There's no crisis that forced her hand, no single turning point. It's a story about building a life piece by piece, on purpose, over decades — back when "making aliyah" meant doing it without Nefesh B'Nefesh, without Google, without anyone holding your hand. Just you, the Sochnut, a stack of forms, and a whole lot of nerve. We get into a lot. The year in Jerusalem at twelve that started it all. The hilarious family mix-up where her husband's parents assumed marrying her meant she was staying in America — and slowly realized it meant he was leaving. The breakdown at the JFK baggage counter (and the stranger who quietly made it right). Watching Ra'anana go from a farm town with one traffic light and a guy selling watermelons off a donkey cart into the city it is today. And then there's the part that stuck with me long after we stopped recording: the "do you leave?" question. The one a lot of us have sat with — me very much included after October 7th. Judy's family has been answering that question for forty years, and what she said about staying when running would've been easier… yeah. That one's going to stay with you too. If you grew up somewhere Jewish identity wasn't a given, or you've ever felt stuck in the "I'm not Orthodox but I'm not nothing" middle that Israel doesn't always make room for — this episode is going to feel like someone finally gets it. Judy's spent decades helping build that middle. It's quietly one of the most important things she's done. In this episode: (02:18) Meet Judy — a Midwest town with a population of 2,000 and exactly two Jewish families (03:32) The year in Jerusalem at age twelve that set the whole thing in motion (06:10) Grad school, Arabic, and meeting the man she'd known her entire life (07:15) "Wait, you're moving where?" — the family misunderstanding that took years to settle (10:27) Making aliyah in 1981 vs. today — life before Nefesh B'Nefesh (13:00) The JFK airport breakdown, and the Israeli behind the desk who cut the fee in half (13:25) Landing day — the absorption center, the sal klita, the metal beds (22:00) Watching Ra'anana grow up from a one-traffic-light farm town (28:00) Becoming "more Israeli than American" — and the day going back to the States became the culture shock (30:30) The "do you leave?" question — the Gulf War, October 7th, and what it means to stay (42:00) The religious dichotomy, and the lifelong work of building a non-Orthodox middle ground (46:00) The three things Judy built her life around — and how the balance kept shifting About the guest: Judy is a tour guide, a writer, and someone with deep roots in Jewish identity who made aliyah in 1981 and never looked back. 🎧 Aliyah Chronicles is a production of Briefly Distracted Media. If Judy's slow-burn story reminded you of your own, do me a favor — subscribe, leave a review, or send this to someone who needs to hear it. Want more? Check out our other shows: Landings & Layovers for travel junkies and flight-deal hunters, and Briefly Distracted for strong takes on the weirdness of modern life. 📲 Follow along on Instagram and Facebook — just search Aliyah Chronicles. 🌐 aliyahchronicles.com

2. 

   21 Jun 2026

   Israel Was Always Home. It Just Took Me 40 Years to Move Here. | Marty Paz

   This one's personal. If you've listened to Landings & Layovers, you already know Marty. He's my co-host, one of my closest friends, and someone whose Aliyah story I've heard in pieces over the years. What I didn't realize until this conversation is that all those pieces were really just the trailer. Marty's journey to Israel starts long before his Aliyah. His family has roots in Israel dating back to the 1600s. His father was born in pre-state Israel during the British Mandate. Hebrew was spoken in his home growing up. And yet, despite all of that, it still took nearly 40 years before he finally made the move himself. In this episode, we talk about the road that led him from New York and Las Vegas to Tel Aviv, why he and his wife decided to make Aliyah, what it was like arriving during the pandemic with two chihuahuas, and the reality of building a life in Israel after the excitement of the move wears off. Along the way, we get into the stuff that doesn't make it into the Instagram posts. In This Episode Growing up with an Israeli father who spoke only Hebrew and an American mother who spoke only English A family connection to Israel that stretches back more than 400 years Why a world traveler who had visited 65 countries ultimately chose Israel as home Making Aliyah with two chihuahuas during lockdowns and discovering the strange loopholes that came with it The Aliyah process, paperwork nightmares, and the moment Israeli bureaucracy essentially said, "We're just going to call you an Oleh Hadash and move on." The airport arrival story that somehow involved Marty's childhood rabbi welcoming him to Israel Why the WhatsApp groups that help you survive Aliyah are often the same ones you'll eventually mute Lessons learned from moving an entire life across the world What October 7th changed for Marty and the moment Israel stopped being a place he lived and became a place he truly belonged One of my favorite parts of this conversation is that Marty doesn't romanticize Aliyah. He talks openly about the frustrations, the uncertainty, the bureaucracy, the housing challenges, the language barriers, and the cultural adjustments. But he also talks about the friendships, the community, the opportunities, and the moments that remind you why you came in the first place. And toward the end of the conversation, he shares some advice that I think applies far beyond Aliyah: If you're considering a major life change, go somewhere uncomfortable first. Travel somewhere you've never been. Learn how to be uncomfortable. Learn how to figure things out. If you can handle being lost in Peru, you can probably handle being lost in Misrad HaPnim. This episode isn't really about making Aliyah during a pandemic. It's about identity, belonging, family, community, and the long road to discovering that the place you've always felt connected to is actually home. About Marty Paz Marty Paz is a real estate investor, world traveler, and co-host of Landings & Layovers. He has visited more than 65 countries, works with clients across the United States, and currently lives in Tel Aviv with his wife and family. Listen & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's thinking about Aliyah, living in Israel, or wondering what happens after the plane lands. Follow Aliyah Chronicles 🌐 www.aliyahchronicles.com 📸 Instagram: @AliyahChroniclesPod 🎵 TikTok: @AliyahChroniclesPod 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Aliyah Chronicles is a production of Briefly Distracted Media, sharing the stories of people who made Aliyah and what happened after they arrived.

3. 

   14 Jun 2026

   My mother left Israel, I chose to stay

   What happens when Aliyah wasn't your choice? Lin was just eight years old when her mother moved them from eastern Russia to Israel. She didn't speak Hebrew, didn't fully understand what Aliyah meant, and wasn't making the decision herself. Like many children who move countries, she simply followed where life took her. Years later, everything changed. After spending more than a decade building a life in Israel, Lin's mother decided to move back to Russia. Faced with a choice of her own, Lin chose to stay. What followed was a journey through military service, becoming a lone soldier, building a career in Israel's tech industry, relocating abroad, and ultimately discovering that Israel had become home in a way she never expected. In this episode of Aliyah Chronicles, we discuss: ✅ Making Aliyah as a child ✅ Growing up between Russian and Israeli cultures ✅ Learning Hebrew and adapting to life in Israel ✅ The challenge of trust, belonging, and rebuilding relationships ✅ Life as a lone soldier in Israel ✅ Serving in the Israeli Navy ✅ Choosing Israel after family leaves ✅ Building a career in Israel's tech industry ✅ Relocating to Germany and returning to Israel ✅ Personal growth, therapy, and rebuilding your life One of the most powerful moments in this conversation came when Lin realized she had effectively made Aliyah twice: once when her mother brought her to Israel, and again when she chose to stay after her mother left. If you've ever moved countries, started over somewhere new, struggled to find where you belong, or wondered what life in Israel is really like beyond the headlines, this episode is for you. 👇 Have you ever had a moment where you realized somewhere had become home? Let us know in the comments. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Meet Lin 02:06 Growing Up in Eastern Russia 03:21 Why Her Mother Chose Israel 04:29 Making Aliyah at 8 Years Old 06:35 Starting School in Israel 08:11 First Impressions of Israel 09:16 Leaving Her Old Life Behind 10:45 The Challenge of Trusting New People 11:32 Family Struggles and Starting Over 14:13 Feeling More Israeli Than Russian 14:29 Choosing Israel After Family Leaves 15:09 Life as a Lone Soldier in Israel 16:17 Finding Home in the Israeli Navy 17:23 Building a Life on Her Own 18:19 Why Israel Feels Like Home 19:23 Advice for Parents Making Aliyah With Children 23:02 Building a Career in Israel's Tech Industry 25:03 Getting Paid to Play Games 28:17 Relocating to Germany 29:18 Leaving Tech for Therapy 32:25 Rebuilding Yourself After Hardship 33:58 What Life Might Have Been Like in Russia 36:11 October 7 and Returning to Israel 38:26 Final Thoughts About Aliyah Chronicles Aliyah Chronicles shares the stories of people who have built lives in Israel. Through conversations with immigrants, entrepreneurs, soldiers, artists, creators, and everyday people, we explore what it really means to make Aliyah, adapt to a new culture, and create a life in Israel. 🌐 Website: AliyahChronicles.com 📱 Instagram: @AliyahChroniclesPod 📱 Facebook: Aliyah Chronicles 📱 X: @AliyahChronicle Topics Discussed Aliyah • Making Aliyah • Moving to Israel • Life in Israel • Russian Aliyah • Aliyah from Russia • Lone Soldier • Israeli Navy • IDF Service • Growing Up in Israel • Immigration Stories • Hebrew Learning • Israeli Culture • Jewish Identity • Living in Israel • Olim • Personal Growth • Starting Over • Expat Life • Israel Podcast • Returning to Israel • Building a Life in Israel

4. 

   7 Jun 2026

   The Life I Planned Isn't the Life I Built: Talia Krief's Unexpected Journey to Israel

   What happens when you come to Israel for a year and never leave? In this episode of Aliyah Chronicles, Matthew sits down with Talia Krief to discuss a journey that began with a gap year and turned into an entirely new life. Talia shares how growing up in a religious community in the Midwest eventually led her to Israel, why she chose to make Aliyah at just 18 years old, and how she navigated one of the most challenging and rewarding periods of her life through Sherut Leumi. From learning Hebrew in a children's emergency shelter to building a successful social media business, finding love, and watching her family eventually follow her to Israel, Talia's story is a reminder that sometimes the life we build looks very different from the life we originally planned. In This Episode Growing up in a religious Jewish community in the American Midwest Discovering Religious Zionism during a gap year in Israel Making Aliyah independently at 18 Navigating Sherut Leumi without speaking Hebrew Working in an emergency shelter for at-risk children Loneliness, culture shock, and finding community Learning Hebrew through immersion The realities of becoming Israeli Advice for future Olim How one Aliyah journey influenced an entire family Meeting her husband through a Facebook confessions page Life in Israel after October 7th Building a business as an Oleh entrepreneur About Talia Talia Krief is a social media strategist, entrepreneur, foodie, and proud Oleh who made Aliyah on her own at 18 years old. After serving in Sherut Leumi in a children's emergency shelter, she built her professional career in Israel and now runs Bite-Sized Media, helping businesses grow through strategic social media marketing. Connect With Aliyah Chronicles If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone considering Aliyah or anyone who enjoys stories about resilience, growth, and building a life with purpose. Follow Aliyah Chronicles: Instagram: @AliyahChroniclesPod Facebook: Aliyah Chronicles X/Twitter: @AliyahChronicle Visit: AliyahChronicles.com Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Meet Talia Krief 02:27 Growing Up Between America, Judaism, and Israel 09:22 The Decision to Make Aliyah at 18 13:54 Expectations vs. Reality: Sherut Leumi and Starting Over 21:43 Learning Hebrew, Loneliness, and Finding Her Place 31:23 The Challenges and Rewards of Building a New Life 36:16 Advice for New Olim 38:55 How One Aliyah Changed an Entire Family 40:14 Meeting Her Husband Through a Facebook Confessions Page 44:31 October 7th, Reserve Duty, and Life During Wartime 46:41 Building Bite-Sized Media and Looking Ahead 48:43 Closing Thoughts Tags Aliyah, Aliyah Chronicles, Moving to Israel, Making Aliyah, Israel Podcast, Jewish Immigration, Sherut Leumi, National Service Israel, Religious Zionism, Life in Israel, Olim, Jewish Identity, Hebrew Learning, Israel Stories, Israel Entrepreneurship, Talia Krief, American Olim, Israel Life

5. 

   31 May 2026

   Aliyah Isn't a Bucket-List Item. It's a Life Decision. | Yoel Israel

   Yoel Israel — Why Waiting Might Be the Biggest Aliyah Mistake What happens when someone decides as a teenager that they're going to make Aliyah and then actually follows through? In the first episode of Season 2 of Aliyah Chronicles, Matthew sits down with longtime friend Yoel Israel to talk about the decision to move to Israel, the realities of building a life here, and why he believes too many people spend years waiting for the "perfect time" that never comes. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Yoel always saw Israel as part of his future. After getting married, he and his wife packed up and moved to Israel, eventually settling in Pardes Hanna after a brief return to the United States to regroup financially. Along the way, Yoel built a successful marketing company, purchased land, built his own home, and developed strong opinions about entrepreneurship, risk-taking, Zionism, and what it really means to create a life in Israel. In This Episode Why Yoel always knew he would make Aliyah Getting married and moving to Israel immediately afterward The challenges of finding work as a new oleh Why he returned to the United States before moving back permanently Building a business and a home in Israel Jerusalem vs. Pardes Hanna The importance of cash flow and financial flexibility Whether people wait too long to make Aliyah The value of military service and shared experiences Why Yoel believes life should be treated as an adventure The moment he truly felt Israeli Memorable Quotes "You should not delay things that you're going to want to do if these are life goals of yours." "The biggest mistake people make is they think they need to get their finances in order." "Aliyah is a leap of faith." "Life should be treated like an adventure." About Our Guest Yoel Israel is the founder of Wadi Digital, a marketing agency focused on technology companies. He is also the creator of Israel Tech, a media brand covering Israel's startup and technology ecosystem. Connect With Aliyah Chronicles If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone considering Aliyah. Follow Aliyah Chronicles on social media for clips, updates, and future episodes. Part two of Matthew's conversation with Yoel is coming soon.

6. 

   16 Feb 2025

   From Paris to Purpose

   Telma Haviv’s Journey of Aliyah and Identity In this episode of Aliyah Chronicles, host Matthew Fleischman sits down with Telma Haviv, a mother, tour guide, and former member of the IDF spokesperson unit, who made Aliyah from Paris in 2020. Telma shares her journey of rediscovering her Jewish identity, embracing Israeli culture, and building a life rooted in purpose and resilience. Telma opens up about the challenges of leaving a familiar life in France, adapting to the unique dynamics of Israeli society, and joining the IDF at 23. From navigating stereotypes about French olim to raising a family in Israel, Telma’s story highlights the strength it takes to create a new life while staying true to yourself. Please note that this episode was recorded prior to the announcement of the ceasefire. While some reflections may not account for recent events, Telma’s insights remain a powerful reminder of the courage and determination that define the Aliyah journey. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Telma’s sense of belonging and family connection inspired her to make Aliyah. The challenges of joining the IDF at 23 and adapting to military culture. How Telma overcame stereotypes about French immigrants in Israel. Why Telma believes in the importance of resilience and self-discovery through Aliyah. Her advice for anyone considering Aliyah, including taking the leap without overthinking it. Key Takeaways: Finding Belonging: Telma’s story showcases how Aliyah can provide a profound sense of purpose and connection. Resilience Through Challenges: From learning a new language to raising a family, Telma demonstrates the power of adaptability. Cultural Integration: Telma reflects on her growth as an olah and how embracing Israeli culture shaped her identity. Connect with Us: Follow Aliyah Chronicles for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more inspiring stories: Instagram: @AliyahChroniclesPod Twitter/X: @AliyahChronicle Facebook: Aliyah Chronicles Related Links and Resources: Listen to more episodes of Aliyah Chronicles: [Podcast Link] Discover other shows by Briefly Distracted Media, like Landings and Layovers and Accidental Homemaker: [Briefly Distracted Media Link] Explore resources for making Aliyah at Nefesh B’Nefesh (https://www.nbn.org.il). Help Us Spread the Word: If Telma’s story inspired you, please subscribe to Aliyah Chronicles and leave a review—it helps us reach more listeners and share more incredible stories. Don’t forget to share this episode with anyone considering their own journey to Israel or who loves hearing about life-changing experiences.

7. 

   2 Feb 2025

   From Siberia to Self-Discovery: Paulina Bulgakova’s Aliyah Journey

   From Siberia to Self-Discovery: Paulina Bulgakova’s Aliyah Journey Episode Summary: On this episode of Aliyah Chronicles, host Matthew Fleischman sits down with Paulina Bulgakova, an artist who made Aliyah from Siberia seven years ago. Paulina’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding freedom—both personally and professionally. Paulina opens up about discovering her Jewish heritage at 17 and how that revelation changed the course of her life. From her experiences with Taglit to her decision to make Aliyah, Paulina shares what it was like to leave everything familiar behind and start anew. She also reflects on the challenges of adapting to Israeli culture, the moments that made her feel at home, and how living in Israel helped her redefine her identity and values. This is a story about growth, courage, and the beauty of creating a life on your own terms. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Paulina’s discovery of her Jewish roots at 17 sparked her connection to Israel. The pivotal role Taglit played in her decision to make Aliyah. The challenges and surprises of adjusting to Israeli culture and society. How living in Israel shaped Paulina’s identity as an artist and individual. Why Paulina believes making Aliyah was the best decision of her life. Key Takeaways: Rediscovering Identity: Paulina’s journey highlights the transformative power of embracing heritage and exploring your roots. Adapting to Change: From language barriers to cultural differences, Paulina shares how resilience helped her thrive in Israel. Living Authentically: Israel became a place where Paulina found freedom—personally, artistically, and socially. Connect with Us: Stay connected with Aliyah Chronicles for more inspiring stories and updates: Instagram: @AliyahChroniclesPod Twitter/X: @AliyahChronicle Facebook: Aliyah Chronicles Related Links and Resources: Listen to more episodes of Aliyah Chronicles: [Podcast Link] Learn about Briefly Distracted Media and explore our other shows: [Briefly Distracted Media Link] Interested in making Aliyah? Visit Nefesh B’Nefesh (https://www.nbn.org.il) for resources and support. Help Us Spread the Word: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Aliyah Chronicles on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review. Your support helps us share these incredible stories with more listeners worldwide.

8. 

   26 Jan 2025

   Discovering Identity and Building a New Life: Anna Rajko’s Aliyah Journey

   When it comes to life-changing decisions, making Aliyah—moving to Israel—is one of the most profound journeys a person can undertake. For Anna Rajko, a French-born social media manager, this decision was more than just a move; it was a transformative experience that shaped her identity and her future. In her conversation on Aliyah Chronicles, Anna shared her unique story, from her roots in Brazil and France to finding a deep sense of belonging in Israel. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage it takes to start over in a new land while embracing the challenges and joys along the way. From France to Israel: A Journey of Discovery Anna’s path to Aliyah began with a unique cultural mix. Adopted from Brazil and raised in a Jewish home in France, Anna’s childhood was shaped by questions about identity and belonging. While she grew up connected to her Jewish heritage, it wasn’t until her visits to Israel that she felt a pull toward something deeper. When she first visited Israel, Anna experienced an emotional connection she couldn’t ignore. “Every time I left Israel, I felt a deep sense of loss,” she shared. It was during these moments that Anna realized her future was tied to Israel—a place she felt she could truly call home. Facing Challenges with Courage Making Aliyah was not without its hurdles. Anna left behind her family and familiar surroundings in France to start a new life in Israel. One of the biggest challenges she faced was learning Hebrew—a necessity for integrating into Israeli society. Yet, Anna’s determination pushed her forward, and she eventually became fluent through her national service in Israel. Another cultural adjustment was learning to embrace the fast-paced, often blunt nature of Israeli life. “In Israel, you have to learn to be straightforward,” Anna noted. This cultural shift not only helped Anna adapt but also shaped her confidence and independence. Finding Home and Building Community Anna’s story is also about the power of community. She described how her experiences in Israel introduced her to a diverse group of friends and colleagues who became like family. While her journey wasn’t always easy, the support and connections she built along the way helped her feel more rooted. A particularly poignant moment came when Anna realized the significance of her decision. “One day, I looked around and thought, this is my home now. It’s not just where I live—it’s where I belong,” she said. Anna’s Reflections on Aliyah Anna’s journey offers valuable insights for others considering making Aliyah. Her advice? Embrace the discomfort and challenges, because they will lead to growth and opportunities. She believes that the key to thriving in Israel is a willingness to adapt and an openness to the unexpected. For Anna, Aliyah was more than a relocation—it was a step toward becoming her truest self. “Making Aliyah changed everything,” she reflected. “I wouldn’t be who I am today without taking that leap of faith.” Join the Conversation We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you experienced a transformative journey like Anna’s? Share your story or connect with us on social media: Instagram: @AliyahChroniclesPod Twitter/X: @AliyahChronicle Facebook: Aliyah Chronicles Explore More Stories on Aliyah Chronicles Aliyah Chronicles is more than just a podcast—it’s a space where personal stories come to life. Explore other episodes and hear from inspiring guests who’ve made the bold decision to move to Israel and start anew. Check out our full library of episodes here (#).

9. 

   8 Nov 2024

   Welcome to Aliyah Chronicles!

   In this promo episode, get a first look at Aliyah Chronicles, a podcast that dives into the personal journeys of individuals who have made Israel their home. This isn’t just about the move; it’s about the lives people have built here, the dreams they’ve pursued, and the experiences that shape them. From dedicated Zionists to curious cultural explorers, from the ultra-observant to proudly secular, Aliyah Chronicles captures the resilience, adaptation, and perseverance of those who call Israel home. Each episode brings you closer to the heart of these stories, whether you’re considering making Aliyah, are simply curious about life in Israel, or enjoy hearing diverse and heartfelt stories of transformation. Join us on this journey of connection, ascent, and discovery. Listen to Aliyah Chronicles – coming soon!

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.