to make a long story short im moving back to israel pretty soon hopefully for real(not just yeshiva)but to live there - its either going to be Januaery time or right after pesach - people have told me not to make aliyah until im married but i can live there until i make aliyah - so whats the deal here do i make aliyah when im single or when im married and what r the benfeits of the aliyah and army deals - ill probabaly be living in Tzfat - any help is good - Pinchas...................

If you can, move there while you're single.

I made Aliya when I was and got married here no sweat. However, if you're not an active part of the local Jewish Community (here and there), or if you're a Cohen looking to marry a woman to whom you're Hallachically forbidden (Like her Mom is Jewish but her Dad isn't or she's divorced) it could be problematic. Or a trip to Cypress for a foreign wedding (which a good friend of mine did).
The biggest benefit of the army is the social connections you will make. Depending on your age when you go in, and how long you're in for, you could meet the guy that gets you the good job, or brings you into a key position in his Dad's company, or remembers you when you need a little "inside help" in whatever big governmental office he now works for. It's called protexia, and it's the biggest thing that Israelis have that Olim lack. Of course, the training you get in the Army may help, depending on your function, and you might find that a career in the Army (or Police, or Mishmar HaGvul) is right for you.
The other advantages to making Aliya are that since you'll be living here, you'll get the same benefits of other citizens, like Socialized Medecine, school aid, PLUS the benefits of being an Oleh Hadash (which don't count the same if you're already here when you make Aliya) PLUS any benefits you receive from private organizations (Like Nefesh B'Nefesh).
Most importantly is the respect that you will get when you make Aliya. Keep in mind that this is Israeli Respect - many Israelis will see you as a parasite immigrant (just as many Americans see legal immigrants as a worthless drain on the "System"), however the majority of Israelis will (once they get over the fact that you actually chose to live here and not there) respect you for your choice, and for the inherent difficulties of doing what you plan on doing.

It is very important that you review with the Jewish Agency regarding the choices you have, and what limitations may be placed on you if you've already been here for an extended period of time (say studying in Yeshiva).

Logistically and physically it is a million times easier to make Aliyah as a single. Period. Emotionally it is probably easier married. That said you will *already* be living in Israel "on your own" so I see no benefit at all (except if you are trying to avoid army service) to waiting.

Keep in mind as Ed said you do get lots of financial benefits by making Aliyah (plus health care). What Ed didn't tell you is that if you stay in the country on a tourist visa can you LOSE many of these benefits when you finally do decide to make Aliyah. Take Sal Klita ("Absorption Basket") for example - it's CASH that the Israel Gov't gives you. Depending on many factors it could amount to 10s of thousands of shekel. People than "live" here for more than 18 months within a 36 month period however lose it entirely. And the logic is simple. We are giving you this money to help you out for the the first year or so - but if you demonstrated that you can live here without it we guess you don't really need it.

Aside from that if you ever want to look for a job you will have a hard time if you are not a citizen. For what it is worth you also won't be able to vote.

So the only real issue I see for you is the army. And that can depend on many factors as well. First of all do you want to serve? Secondly how old are you? How fit are you? Do you have any special skills? Do you speak Hebrew well enough? Are you charadi?

If you apply to make Aliyah with NBN they will tell about seminars or meetings in you area (or webinars) where you could tell all your specific details to the expert Aliyah advisers. Or if you are in Jerusalem some time you could call in and make an appointment there. I know there is at least one adviser that is EXTREMELY familiar with all the fine details and points about the army. If that is the only reason you are delaying your Aliyah you really should look into it a bit more. You might not have to serve at all or maybe just for a few months and it might not even be in combat units.

Im 20,I guess im chareidi - an american kid who went yeshiva for the last 2 years in Israel and became a Breslover who wants to live in Tzfat -i speak Hebrew okay but i cant really understand as well as i speak - i plan on apprenticing for someone there to become an electrician or something like that(Trade Jobs) - i wouldnt mind going to the Army as long as its Nachal Chareidi - im pretty fit but i cud be in better shape - i smoke but i can still run - maybe i wont pass the physical - how did u get out?

I never got a letter. Perhaps do to my age. At your age however you may have to do a full term of 3 years. You could request Nachal Chardi. Or they might see you and say they don't want you when you show up for the physical in a white shirt. Probably 90% of the IDF smokes so that won't get you out.

The best thing to do is the speak to a qualified Aliyah advisory at NBN or a Jewish Agency shliach or both.

i dont think ill get the american look from Israelis cuz most Israelis think im Israeli cuz i hae long peyos and a beard - even the cops thought i was a na nach and threw us b ack into their truck - dont u live in KGH or used to ?

Better yet. You think they want na nah nach's in the IDF?

Anyway you really shouldn't post personal information like that in the private forum (please use PM for questions like that) but yes, I did live in Queens. I made Aliyah bit over two years ago and never looked back!

Do I know you? (Please respond via PM.)