Work for olim in Tel Aviv while you're learning Hebrew

You know how to put a presentation in order. Explaining that in Hebrew is taking longer than fixing the slides would. After a language class, you might have the words for the bus ride home but still be looking for the right way to describe what you're good at.

For olim looking for work in Tel Aviv, a useful starting point is a clear description of one skill. You can prepare that while you're learning Hebrew. Think about the help itself and the language you would need to understand the person asking for it.

Tadam is being built to connect everyday requests with nearby people who have the skills and time to help. Signup is open ahead of launch, with Tel Aviv first. Offers haven't started yet, so this is a chance to understand the idea and consider what you might offer.

How can I describe my skills while learning Hebrew?

Write one plain sentence about something you can help with. "I can organize photos into folders" is easier to understand than "I'm good with computers." If photography is your skill, name the kind you know. If you can explain software patiently, say which software and which language you feel comfortable teaching in.

You can start in the language in which you can be precise, then prepare a short Hebrew version. Ask someone who understands both languages to check that it means what you intended. Keep the limits in the description too. Rearranging existing slides is different from writing the presentation from scratch.

An example of your own work can make the explanation easier. Use material you own or have permission to show, without exposing another person's private information. You don't need to describe your whole career to explain one useful thing you know how to do.

What should I check about language before agreeing to help?

Distinguish the language of the conversation from the language needed for the help. You and another person may both speak English comfortably, while the document they want edited is in Hebrew. Being able to discuss an idea doesn't necessarily mean you can work with all the material involved.

Describe your ability directly. For example: "I can explain this software in English. I'd need to see what you need before agreeing to help with Hebrew text." Say this before agreeing, so the other person understands what you can help with.

Ask for an example if something is unclear. You can also repeat back what you understood and check whether the other person means the same thing. Deciding a particular request doesn't fit is reasonable. It doesn't require a verdict on your overall progress in Hebrew.

How do I know whether a request fits my skills?

Agree what the person wants to be different when you're finished. With files, that might mean arranging photos by date or sorting documents by subject. The second could require reading material you aren't comfortable with. A shared language for introductions is only the beginning; you also need to understand the help involved.

Find out what is ready and whether you need to bring anything. Unfamiliar equipment or content can change what you feel able to offer. You can know a skill well and still decide that one particular request asks for something outside your experience.

How can I plan work around ulpan classes?

Put your classes and the study time you want into your week first. Then consider when you could help someone, including getting there and back. An early finish doesn't have to turn into a whole afternoon of work. Leave room for the other plans you've made.

Tadam's model has no fixed shifts or minimum hours. When offers begin, Tadamers will be able to take or skip each one according to fit. Signup doesn't promise an offer whenever you're free, so you don't need to keep an evening empty for one that hasn't arrived.

How can I get to know Tadam after moving to Israel?

The guide to earning from everyday skills gives concrete examples of help to consider. The become a Tadamer page explains joining and choosing offers after launch.

For now, prepare a short description of one familiar skill and the language you can coordinate it in. That gives you a starting point for explaining what you offer and checking what someone needs. You can sign up ahead of launch, then assess individual offers when they arrive.

Have a skill you'd like to offer? You're welcome to join Tadam