For Talia Briski, the decision to leave her native London and make aliyah was not merely a relocation; it was a declaration of her values and aspirations.
At 36, Briski has built a fulfilling life in her adopted homeland, combining her passion for education with her dream of living in the Jewish state. Now, as the founder of Israeltutors, a multifaceted tutoring agency, she has committed to building future generations in Israel.
Briski’s story begins in the bustling streets of London, where she worked as a teacher in a local school, eventually working on the pastoral team at her alma mater, the Jewish Free School.
She had come full circle from student to multiple roles within the educational system that reminded her why she loved teaching.
With more than 10 years of experience, teaching was intertwined with her identity. Slowly but surely, she began tutoring, eventually taking the skill with her to her new life abroad.
Following a Modern Orthodox tradition, her Jewish faith played a central role in her life, guiding her decisions and shaping her identity. Still, she’d spent years battling with herself over whether to move to Israel.
“I knew that London wasn’t the place for me. For years and years, moving to Israel was on my mind, but I think I needed another push,” Briski said. After a close friend decided to take the leap, she did, too, within a year.
When she first arrived in Israel, Briski faced the challenges familiar to many new immigrants. Language barriers and cultural differences tested her resilience, but her determination to build a meaningful life in Israel never wavered.
Arriving in Israel
Upon arrival, she enrolled in Ulpan Etzion in Jerusalem, where she’d study and live for several months. She remained in Jerusalem for her first year, building a client list of private students while searching for jobs fit for someone with a degree in English.
From the start, she had referrals from London – paving the way for her greater understanding of the power of olim helping other olim. That was just the beginning of something that would turn out to be an entire volume in the story of her journey.
Her work quickly gained traction, and her reputation for excellence as a teacher spread through word of mouth, which continued when she moved to Tel Aviv the following year.
However, one unlikely factor would really help Briski expand her business in uncertain times – during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the country closed down and businesses and schools had to switch to remote work and isolation, this olah turned lemons into lemonade by adapting quickly to Zoom-based tutoring. Everyone had different needs, but tele-education launched a career shift that helped her expand her business exponentially and dream even bigger.
Recognizing the growing demand for high-quality English instruction, Briski took a leap of faith and began work on Israeltutors, a private tutoring service specializing in English as a second language (ESL).
“There was a major gap in the market here for native English teachers. I saw that as an opportunity to monetize it,” said Briski. She began actively promoting her business on Facebook, by tapping into her network. and through word of mouth.
Before she knew it, Briski found herself with such demand that she was able to launch her own network of tutors. She enlisted the help of David Webb, a good friend who became her business advisor, who she credits with helping her launch her company into the great beyond. As Israeltutors continues to grow, they will be equipped with specialties and subjects beyond ESL. She hopes to expand the subjects to include math, science, and any subjects a tutor may be needed for.
Although she grew up in a different education system, Briski has adapted her teaching skills to match the needs of students in Israel.
She also understands that children are not the only ones looking to learn. Israeltutors launched a business English program, available to businesses that want to improve their language skills for professional purposes.
BRISKI IS a teacher in all aspects of her life, with her closest friends in her circle describing her as wise and one of the most dependable people you will meet.
Whether she’s teaching or hosting a meal, she is inclusive and does as much as she can to create community, especially in difficult times.
In the week of the Oct. 7 massacre, Briski sprang into action. The way she knew she could make a noticeable impact was within her community, so she hosted a Shabbat meal open to anyone who could make it. Everyone was scared and looking for answers, and she knew she could not answer those questions herself. But what she could do was create a space where people could convene and feel safe, complete with a shelter in case of rocket-warning sirens.
Outside of her professional achievements, Briski is leading a life in Israel that is rich with personal fulfillment. She is an avid traveler, often exploring the diverse landscapes of her adopted country and beyond. From hiking the rugged trails of the Negev to discovering hidden gems in Jerusalem’s ancient alleys, her adventures reflect her love for the land she now calls home.
Even some of her closest friends in Israel are friends she made while traveling, whether on impromptu trips to Vienna and Malta, or on European Center for Jewish Students trips to India and Barcelona.
She is also deeply committed to her faith. Shabbat serves as an anchor for Briski, who jumps at any opportunity to learn Torah. She largely credits Tel Aviv’s Chabad on the Coast community, as well as Rabbi Avi Hill of JTLV, as critical in building the foundation for feeling support in her dream life in the Holy Land.
As Briski looks to the future, her dreams are rooted in Israel. She envisions growing her business further, enabling more students to achieve their language goals, while providing meaningful employment opportunities for educators. On a personal level, she is eager to build her family in Israel, cherishing the idea of raising children in a country that embodies her values.
“Making aliyah wasn’t easy, but it was the best decision I ever made,” she said. “Israel has given me the chance to live out my dreams, both professionally and personally.”
Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Even as she prays for the safe return of the hostages, and for IDF soldiers protecting multiple fronts, she is reminded that this is where she wants to be.
“The fabric of Israeli society has changed fundamentally, but all that the war has done is really strengthen my love for this country and the fact that there is nowhere else to be. I feel immense pride and gratitude to live here,” she enthused.
Talia Briski’s story is one of transformation and triumph, a reminder that building a new life in a new country is not without its challenges but can lead to extraordinary rewards. For Briski, Israel is not just a place to live – it is home, a land of opportunity, and a foundation for a bright future. ■
Talia Briski From London to Tel Aviv, 2018