Posted on 09/15/25
Jerusalem, Israel - Sept. 15, 2025 - The third Living Financially Smarter in Israel Conference drew a sold-out crowd of 350 attendees to Jerusalem for a day focused on how English-speaking Israelis and olim (immigrants to Israel) can manage their money.
A conversation once marked by confusion and uncertainty is increasingly focused on long-term planning and achieving financial stability in Israel.
“I’ve seen a powerful transformation in how the community talks about wealth and money,” said conference organizer Rifka Lebowitz, a Certified Financial Planner and founder of Living Financially Smarter in Israel, whose online community now exceeds 40,000 members. “People are determined to create sustainable foundations here in Israel. The days of moving here and thinking you can never make money are over,” explained Lebowitz in the day’s closing session, recapping financial strategies and tools that had been addressed throughout the day.
The annual conference, launched in 2023, was designed to offer attendees targeted financial advice specific to Israel’s complex financial systems and reflects a growing effort among Israel’s English-speaking population to better understand and manage their finances. With an estimated 4,000 immigrants from North America and the UK expected to immigrate this year, and the largest number of new olim this summer, conference partner Nefesh B’Nefesh says the need for accessible, Israel-specific financial education is more urgent than ever.
This year’s agenda was expanded to address new and emerging industry topics, including exploring the impact of AI on personal finances and strategies for financial organization tailored to those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
ADHD coach Alana Stern, in her presentation “Focus on Finances: Thriving with ADHD and Financial Organization,” explained how traditional methods for managing one’s finances may not work for adults with ADHD. She gave tips for getting and staying financially organized.
Mayer Reich, Founder and CEO of Prosperity AI, began his talk with warnings that people may find his information depressing, as he presented hard data on AI’s impact on the workforce. He explained—with changes so rapid—that his up-to-date information is likely already out of date. He moved on to discussing emerging careers, the tremendous income potential for those with AI proficiency and expertise, and he suggested several key platforms that participants can use right away to get thorough and efficient analysis and advice on preparing taxes, investments, reducing debt, and more.
Traditional topics such as budgets, pensions, and navigating Bituach Leumi (Israel's national social security agency)—a subject that brought a standing-room-only crowd—were also addressed in depth.
Attorney Miriam Shatsky provided insights into the subject of wills and inheritance in Israel, specifically addressing privacy rights after a person's death. She strongly recommended naming a family member to manage digital assets such as emails, WhatsApp messages, and cryptocurrency. “Make a plan for a digital legacy and share passwords to banking and other accounts with someone you trust.”
Senior Economist Yehuda Porath, who made aliyah in childhood, represented the Bank of Israel with an overview of the government institution’s role in Israel’s economy, breaking down their indices.
Additional featured speakers included Alon Katz, Director and Deputy CEO of Be The Bank Israel, on “Investing Like You Live Here;” Norman Chait, who advised on retirement and estate planning; and Business Mentor Rachel Lubchansky, who focused on finding one’s unique value and best practices for articulating it internally and externally for greater professional success. Each offered insight into the local financial ecosystem, sharing their expertise in fields such as investments, taxes, and charitable giving.
Talie Warulkar, an anxiety coach who made aliyah from London in 2009, said, “The conference was packed with practical information and great takeaways I am planning on implementing. I’ve really seen my finances change and improve in the past two years since the first conference, and I am looking forward to seeing them change even more.”
Lebowitz explained that Israel’s financial system today, even with its relatively high taxes, offers strong opportunities for everyday people to build lasting financial security. She believes Israel can show the world that “money does not have to be about greed,” but about stability, opportunity, and responsibility. With its entrepreneurial spirit, a society that embraces and encourages small businesses, and a culture of creativity, Israel has the potential to become a world leader in building a financial model rooted in integrity, innovation, and above all—kindness.
She closed the conference by encouraging and empowering the hundreds of participants who stayed until the end to actively implement what they learned and take charge of managing their finances. “As we begin the New Year, give yourself clear-set goals to improve how financially 'smart' you can live in the years ahead.” Attendees stood around the walls of the overfilled room at the end of the day, a testament to commitment and appreciation of the valuable event.
