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Nefesh B’Nefesh: Spotlight on MedEx

Ariella Shepetofsky
Hi! I’m originally from Staten Island, New York, but Israel has always played a major role in my life.
Throughout my years attending Central, Sha’alvim, Moshava IO, Queens College and Physical Therapy
school, the question was not “will I move to Israel?”, but rather, “when?”

I’ve learned that there is no “perfect time”; at each stage there are benefits and challenges. For me,
finishing school and knowing I would have the means to support myself as a physical therapist gave
me the confidence to make Aliyah. Realistically, moving to a new country, learning a new language,
starting a new job, living in a new community, and dealing with Israeli bureaucracy may not be easy,
but plenty of people have done it before me – so why can’t I?
Learning Tanach and reflecting on Jewish history, I feel so fortunate to be able to do something that
even Moshe Rabbeinu could not. I am living in our Jewish homeland, filled with kedushah, and I even
get a mitzvah for each step I take in the Land. What a beracha!
Professionally, NBN’s MedEx in NJ was my first step. They helped clarify which documents I would need
to be eligible to take the Israeli PT licensure exam. I found out about the Zoom medical ulpan, where I
was able to learn medical Hebrew even before I arrived. At MedEx, I was able to meet with reps from
different hospitals – and even get my first and current job at ADI Israel Rehab. There are many unknowns
when making Aliyah, but having job security is something which helped throughout the process.
My top tip for people considering Aliyah is to talk to people. Each person has a unique perspective,
specific experiences, and different strengths to share. The attitude is: If we can do it, so can you and
we would love to help!
A big thank you to my family, friends, and Nefesh B’Nefesh for helping me “live the dream”.

Michael Teitcher

My wife and I began planning for Aliyah since we got married. Israel was always the place we
wanted our kids to call home – culturally, spiritually, and physically. We also saw Aliyah as an
opportunity to contribute personally and professionally to the Jewish nation in ways that were
not as palpable in the US.
NBN’s MedEx 2022 was a pivotal step in our Aliyah process. By simplifying the medical licensing
process, MedEx removed what seemed like an overwhelming barrier to being able to establish
ourselves here. Being at MedEx and seeing others going through the same process was inspiring
and motivating. It was also comforting to meet with potential employers and see job prospects
materialize before our eyes!
We have had all the usual challenges in getting ourselves and our children adjusted to living in a
new country. Encouragement from our family has been helpful. Although sometimes it feels like
we are just figuring out how to be functional adults, our new neighbors and friends have been
very generous with their time and knowledge. People have been very supportive.
I just completed my adaptation period at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem and have joined
the Department of Neurology full-time. Adjusting to a new system in a new language takes some
patience – for me and my colleagues alike. After Aliyah, all I had to do was send in a picture of my
teudat zehut and I had my medical license in-hand less than two weeks later! When I tell this to
native Israelis, they are stunned! The MedEx conference was especially helpful, Allison and Ronen
from NBN were amazing, and I was able to submit all my documents and requests for specialty
recognition well in advance of arriving home.

For more information about MedEx 2023: www.nbn.org.il/medex | medpro@nbn.org.il

Follow NBN on social: NefeshBNefesh linkedin.com/company/nefesh-b’nefesh/ nefeshbnefesh

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