ESRA, Home of English Speakers in Israel

ESRA Magazine - More Than a Publication, It’s Our Community’s Voice ✨ For over four decades, ESRA Magazine has been the trusted voice of English speakers in Israel. Produced entirely by dedicated volunteers, it’s more than a publication – it’s a meeting place for stories, ideas, and the people behind them. Available online, by home delivery, or at distribution points, the magazine brings fresh perspectives, practical tips, and a rich mix of culture, history, and human connection. The upcoming Rosh Hashanah edition (September 8, 2025) takes you on a vibrant journey – Israel’s street art scene, moving Aliyah stories, unforgettable memories, legal guidance, and features such as: “Before He Became a Hostage, Hersh Had Been a Person” – a conversation with his mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin. “I was honored to be awarded 2nd place in my 65 age group in the Hamburg Ironman European Championship” – writes Aviva Lavi. “The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens” – writes Lydia Aisenberg, “are an eye-popping site with the largest collection of plants in the Middle East.” Behind every issue is a network of volunteers – writers, editors, photographers, and families who turn hand-delivery into a community activity. ESRA Magazine is also a powerful platform for businesses and independent professionals to advertise to a wide, engaged, loyal readership across Israel. 💌 Ready to help distribute the upcoming magazine? Contact: bernicem@esra.org.il

New(ish) to Israel? In your 30s–50s? Step into the heart of your city or discover a new one with our ESRA Get It Right City Tours. Come alone, with a partner, or with friends and experience Israel like a local: meet fellow olim, taste unforgettable food and drinks, explore hidden gems, and uncover stories that bring each neighborhood to life. Read more & register for upcoming subsidised tours: https://bit.ly/ESRA-GIR Explore what more we can do for you: https://lnkd.in/dnRh5MfQ 

ESRA at the Jerusalem Absorption Fair At the recent Absorption Fair at Ulpan Etzion Jerusalem/ אולפן עציון ירושלים, ESRA, like other organizations showcased the services we offer new olim: personal support, community activities, cultural events, and scholarships. We also highlighted something less common at this stage - what olim can give back. Volunteering, whether one-time or ongoing, is a powerful way to gain local experience, build a network, and strengthen a sense of belonging. With over 2,400 ESRA volunteers, they’ll be with great company.

Struggling to understand what your child is really facing at school academically, socially, and emotionally? Join Dr. Lisa Kainan, Psychoeducational Consultant, for a practical, interactive online session on how to navigate the Israeli education system. Complimentary by ESRA – helping you Get It Right in Israel. Don’t stay behind – space is limited. Learn more now: https://lnkd.in/duhKT-aA

רו"ח או עו"ד? הידע שלך יכול לשנות אלפי חיים. ביקורת אחת בשנה - תרומה שנשארת לשנים. אנחנו מזמינים אותך לתרום מהידע והניסיון שלך כבקר/ת פנימי/ת (ללא ניהול ועדה) ב- ESRA. מחויבות זמן מצומצמת - תרומה חברתית משמעותית. תהנה מהשפעה ישירה על פעילות אחד הארגונים החברתיים המובילים בישראל, קשרים מקצועיים וקהילתיים עם קהל דובר אנגלית בישראל, וחיזוק המיתוג האישי. 📢 ESRA is Growing - We’re Recruiting a Volunteer Internal Auditor With ESRA’s annual budget expanding, we are seeking a Volunteer Internal Auditor to join our professional team and help us uphold the highest standards of governance, transparency, and accountability. About ESRA For over 45 years, ESRA – the home for English speakers in Israel – has been helping olim feel at home in Israel, from absorption to contribution, while leading impactful educational and welfare projects that bridge gaps and strengthen Israeli society. The Role • Lead ESRA’s internal audit process. • Conduct 1–2 audits annually. • Oversee our active Internal Control Committee. • Provide professional guidance on compliance, risk management, and internal controls. Requirements • Licensed CPA or Lawyer in Israel. • Strong command of both English and Hebrew. • Proven experience in auditing, preferably with non-profits and internal audits. This is a flexible-hours volunteer position - an opportunity to make a professional impact in one of Israel’s most respected NGOs. Learn more: audit@esra.org.il | Avi Zingerman +972-54-5998040

Volunteering for Our Soldiers What an incredible day we had with the IDF! This past Monday, a full bus of Ra’anana residents – including our amazing ESRA volunteers – headed to the IDF food supply base in Tzrifin to pack combat meal kits for our soldiers. It was hot, it was sweaty – but it was also deeply meaningful and a whole lot of fun. Thanks to the dedication, spirit, and teamwork of everyone who joined, we even finished ahead of schedule! A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who showed up and took part. Because doing good… feels good. Ministry of Aliyah and Integration משרד העלייה והקליטה The Municipality of Raanana - עיריית רעננה

On Tisha B’Av, we pause to remember the tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people - the destruction of the Temples, exile, and countless sorrows throughout history. Tisha B’Av is not just about mourning the past; it’s about taking responsibility for the future. The Jewish story did not end in destruction; it was reborn in resilience, rebuilt in community, and reignited through hope. Let us reflect not only on what was lost, but on what we are called to create. We continue to shape a community built on care, responsibility, and a shared future.

ESRA's English Tutoring Program is looking for a flexible volunteer to assist with admin support. You’ll be supporting the program coordinator - helping keep our teacher-student matching system organized and running smoothly. The good news? No advanced skills needed — just basic Excel (no formulas required), attention to detail, and about 2–3 flexible hours a week, all online and on your own schedule. The great news? You’ll be part of a project that helps hundreds of students across Israel improve their English and build confidence. Email: teacher-chat@esra.org.il to apply!

A Summer That Matters: ESRA Students Lead Activities for Children in Need Not every family can afford vacations or summer camps, but that doesn’t mean children should go without joy, connection, or enrichment during their summer break. That’s why, as part of their end-of-year mentoring initiative, university students from ESRA’s Students Build Communities (SBC) project stepped up. They organised and led outdoor activities for children in underserved neighbourhoods. From nature outings and games to team-building and creative play, these experiences offered more than fun; they gave children a safe space to connect, grow, and build confidence in a warm, supportive environment. What is Students Build Communities? ESRA SBC is one of ESRA’s flagship, life-changing projects. It provides living stipends to students who give back by mentoring local children personally, academically, and socially, while leading initiatives that strengthen the community. These summer activities, made possible thanks to donor support, are a clear example of how giving back creates lasting impact. Because of you, a summer of “nothing to do” or “being on the streets” became a season of growth, joy, and real change. 👉 Donate today - and make this summer count https://lnkd.in/eR_C3Pkz The Israeli Ministry of Education משרד החינוך

Get hired in Tech: Real advice from olim who made it Join us for a special evening hosted by our partner Gvahim Tech & Talk, featuring two inspiring olim — now working as a Front-End Developer and an AI Expert — who successfully broke into Israeli tech. They’ll share exactly how they did it: ✔️ What helped them land their first (and next) roles ❌ What didn’t work 💡 What they wish they had known earlier Who should attend? - New olim looking for their first tech job - Olim looking to grow in the tech sector - Anyone who wants real, practical advice from people who’ve done it — and done it well 🗓️ Tuesday, July 22 🕕 18:30–21:00 📍 Tech & Talk, MATAM, Haifa 💬 The event will be held in English Register NOW! https://lnkd.in/dPNbVV2W