Over thirty Kibbutzim throughout the country are part of the Bayit Rishon Bamoledet Program. The selection of a Kibbutz will take place in coordination with the new immigrant based on his needs and preferences, as well as on the character, location, population and opportunities of specific Kibbutzim. Information, advice and guidance will be offered by project heads.  There will be an option to establish a connection between program participants and other immigrants or English speakers on the specific Kibbutz, in preparation for the Aliyah date.

What does the program include?

The first year is divided into two periods:

• The first six months includes an intensive Hebrew ulpan. Studies take place in a local or regional ulpan, either three or five mornings a week. The ulpan period includes seminars and trips throughout the country as well as cultural activities.
• In the second half of the year, program participants may choose to extend their stay for an additional six months. This period is intended mainly for finding employment or retraining, more advanced Hebrew studies or for those leaving Kibbutz for preparation and organization for the future.  Participants may choose one of a number of options, such as attending a vocational or retraining course, working or learning in an advanced ulpan. In nearly all Kibbutzim there are industrial plants which in many cases employ olim that take part in the project. In cases where this option is unavailable, the Aliyah coordinator accompanies each oleh until they find employment.
• At the end of the first year, there is often the option of staying on the Kibbutz or in the region, as Kibbutz members or residents, or of joining community neighborhoods.
• The new immigrants are brought to the Kibbutz, where a coordinator will be waiting for the oleh or olim whatever time of the day or night they arrive, with an apartment prepared and equipped for them with food in the refrigerator.
• After a few days, after having a rest, the coordinator will take them to the nearest city to arrange all the documentation and to sign up with the Kupat Holim.
• The next step is to introduce the oleh or family to the important Kibbutz service managers such as the nurse, the kindergarten director, the mini-market manager, the laundry manager,and the dining room.

What do the program participants receive from the Kibbutz?

• Accommodation is in an apartment or caravan, with basic furniture such as beds, refrigerator, stove, table, chairs, etc.
• Intensive Hebrew ulpan
• Schooling for families with children
• Assistance by aliyah coordinator from the Kibbutz and the regional council throughout the program.
• A variety of high-quality municipal services, such as medical care, swimming pool, sports fields, playgrounds, etc.
• A vibrant social structure, including social and community activities, parties and cultural events.

Services available on the Kibbutz

• Every Kibbutz has a health clinic which operates on week days several times a week. Fully qualified nurses and family doctors make up the medical staff.
  
  Important: The olim who choose this project are asked to sign up at the “Clalit” Health Fund in order to receive treatment at the Clalit Kibbutz clinic. Visits to professional doctors are at regional or city clinics.
• Every Kibbutz has a mini-market/grocery store where food items and any daily necessities may be purchased.
• Some Kibbutzim maintain an active dinning room with reasonably priced breakfast and lunch.
• Most Kibbutzim have a swimming pool, the use of which is included in the services available to program participants.
• There is always a laundry for minimal charge, and in some of the Kibbutzim there are also libraries and chugim.
• Upon arrival, following initial organization, program participants will sign a rental agreement with the Kibbutz. The agreement will include information on the rights and duties of both the participants and the Kibbutz, and the prices of accommodation and assorted services.

Costs vary from Kibbutz to Kibbutz and depend on numerous factors such as:

• Housing: the size of the apartment/house, its location, its level and what is included in the price (usually property tax and water, but some Kibbutzim include electricity, phone and cable in the price), the price varies from 800 to 1300 NIS (shekels) per month for families, or 700 to 800 NIS for singles.
• Additional services: cable, electricity, gas, phone and internet are provided for an additional charge.

Note: Every new immigrant family is entitled to the Absorption Basket, financial assistance based on family size, intended to help olim with their initial period of adjustment in Israel.
The Absorption Basket should be adequate to meet the needs of a family, as long as the family plans its expenses carefully.

Important: The agreement is for six months, with an option to extend it for a year. Extending the contract beyond the first year is possible on most Kibbutzim after a reevaluation of the contract conditions.