There are times that participating in social networking groups for Olim can be difficult. It is hard to read how many have mostly complaints. I understand struggling, having difficulty adjusting to a new country, needing ideas, input or some guidance. But some spend most of their time complaining and that can be hard.
So I decided to inspire some positive responses and posted a question:
"What is the best event, thing or experience since you made Aliyah"
Answers are a little slow to come in but it is so wonderful to hear what people love about living in Israel.
Some respond with everything. Everything that has occurred for them since moving to Israel has been the best. A few have said getting married or having their children here. One shared that the sunsets are the best in Israel. One inspiring answer came from someone who said that becoming an Officer in the IDF was the best thing to happen to him. When asked if he is still in the IDF he responded that was in 1978 and I was delighted to hear that he is still here.
One beautiful response was "Being able to live a full Jewish life in a Jewish country with Jews all around." I certainly agree with that one!
For one, getting off the plane was the best thing to happen. For another, hearing the siren at the time of Yom HaAtzmaut shortly after they made Aliyah was the best and most memorable.
One of the best responses was a lady who shared that after 48 years it is not possible to select any one best thing / event. That is certainly encouraging to know that some Olim manage to live here for 48 years. Having a successful absorption into life in Israel certainly is possible.
These are just a few of the comments shared. I'd like to turn the question to the readers of this blog. What about you? Have you made Aliyah? Do you have a story to share or a best or special experience or moment since making Aliyah? We'd love to hear from you. If your experience was short, do post it in the comments below. If it is longer, please send it in to be posted as a guest post.
I look forward to hearing more special moments after Making Aliyah
It is so exciting working on developing a centre. I never know what each day will bring, who I will meet, who I will interact with and what I will learn about the development of Israel as the country that it is today. Every day therefore brings new adventures and new surprises.
I am working on a specific project and through a phone call was recommended to take a look at the website of Colmobil to find some information that I need. I have just read the story of Colmobil and all I can say is WOW! What an inspiring company. What a love for Israel and our people. I could write a summary here and for those interested, I have not yet looked up the information I was researching. But before I do so, please go and take a look at the story of Colmobil. You will learn something about the Yom Kippur war and details of action that took place behind the scenes. If you are looking for inspiration and a reminder of dedication to Israel and the Jewish people, this story will surely inspire you.
Enjoy your reading and let us know in the comments below what inspiration you gained from reading the story.
I was going for a walk in a beautiful park in Jerusalem and noticed over time some of the park benches gradually being beautifies. It's quite a bit of work. Someone has been out and about doing some tapestry type work on the metal park bench. Every one is different and really a lot of fun.
They look so very happy and lovely to see!
A few days later, we were out doing errands and took a second look at the sidewalk. There are usually these black metal items that look rather like a row of pawns from a chess set. This row is not the usual black, they have been dressed up. Each with a different hat or head gear.
Someone has a sense of humour and some time on their hands.
Either way, it's rather fun to look at and certainly brightens one's day.
Have you noticed any form of beautifying Yerushalayim in your area? Do let us know or share a pic.
These photographs have been taken by Shoshanah Shear of Shear Success Photographers
One of the things I love about living in Israel is the fact that every step one takes is walking in the footsteps of our forefathers. This is the very land promised to Avraham, Yitzhak and Yaakov. There is so much history here and it's ours.
The reality that Eretz Yisrael is filled with the history of the Jewish people was highlighted for me a few days ago when reading the news. I came across an article of someone who went for a morning walk or run and ended up finding an ancient artifact. Sadly I can't manage to find the same article, if anyone knows of it, please link it in the comments below.
Imagine going for a walk and finding something that proves the history that we learn in the Bible? How would that make you feel? Does it increase your belief in the Torah and the history of the Jewish people? What would you do with the item you found? Would you know where to take it to?
Please do share your answers below. If you are a historian or archaeologist, please post in the comments below that anyone who finds an ancient item can know whether they can keep it and if not, what to do with the item.
It's so exciting living in Israel, walking in the footsteps of our forefathers.
There's never a dull moment in Israel and today we decided to be part of the crowd in a fun competition taking place. The company "Elite" that makes yummy chocolates (amongst a few other products such as coffee) has a fun competition on the go. Purchase a slab or chocolate of their Origamoo range or אוריגמו. You can select the design of the paper from a few different wrappers and then the fun begins. Carefully remove the whole wrapper and follow the instructions on youtube for how to make up an Elite cow.
The instructions are all in Hebrew so you get to practice your reading in Hebrew. They give some nice encouragement along the way too.
Take a photograph and share it on FB along with a tag that Elite requests and you now become part of the "Elite club".
It's a fun way to de-stress from all that is happening in the world and to feel apart of the larger group of chocolate lovers in Israel. Of course, if you have managed to obtain a wrapper and gone through the process of making an Origami cow, you can now sit back and enjoy the yummy chocolate too.
Those entering have been really creative with their photographs, you'll have to visit the page on FB to find out. The images in this post are two of the ones we took after making our origami cows. Aside from the fun and de-stressing, there is another bonus, you stand in line to win an iPhone.
Have a blessed day and stay warm as Israel prepares for another storm.
Have you spent any time reading the Bible or Chumash which means the Five Books of Moses? If you have, have you taken note of any references to Israel?
How about Tanach that in addition to the Five BOoks of Moses also includes the Prophets and the Writings - Chumash Neviim and Ketuvim. If you read Tanach, you are bound to come across references to Israel. Information of the connection between the Jews and this precious land.
While many through the ages question the right of the Jewish Nation to exist and where we should live, there are Archaelogical excavations that are proving what is written in the Bible. You do not have to believe what I say, here is a video that provides a little insight into some of the findings of King David in Israel.
I hope that watching the above video will help you to see a little of the beauty of Israel and to hearsome of the fascinating and special discoveries taking place in the various excavations. This one relates to King David, but there are of course other discoveries.
The beauty of this special land is definitely something that touches the heart of every Jew no matter how much they try to pretend that they are not Jewish. Somehow we have a connection.
Whether you are already in Israel, are preparing to come to Israel or need some encouragement to do so, let videos such as this one give you the incentive to come home. Come and help us to build the land that G-d gave to the descendants of Avraham, Yitzhak and Yisrael. But remember, as many in Tanach warn us, we need to keep together AND to live in the land according to G-d's rules. When we do, He fights our battles and blessing comes not only to Israel but to the whole world.
Shabbat that has just passed was 11 Cheshvan, the Yartzheit of Rachel Imeinu one of the four Matriarchs of the Jewish Nation. The story of how our mother Rachel came to be buried where she is, has been documented beautifully in the two video's below. I have decided to include both as they have slightly different details and each contributes to helping us to appreciate the important role of Rachel Imeinu. Of course the 11 Cheshvan was also the birthday of her younger son Binyamin (Benjamin) the younger brother of Yosef HaTzadik.
If you watch both videos, they give a glimpse as to the transition happening in Israel and a major problem that leads to many of the difficulties we face as a Jewish Nation. May the Matriarchs and Patriarchs protect us and cry for us. May we in turn strengthen our connection with them and our commitment to both Torah and our Holy Land. Imma Rachel has been crying for long enough, it's time we work together to hasten the final redemption.
The video below includes some beautiful old photographs, hence adding this as well as the above video.
Both videos are prepared by licensed tour guides. Don't let the current problems in Israel keep you away, come and visit and remember to support our tour guides.
We hope you have been inspired by the videos above.
In the text above you will find a few Hebrew words. Immeinu אמינו is Hebrew for our mother. Imma אמא is Hebrew for mother. Have a blessed and peaceful day Shoshanah Shear Chessed Ve'Emet
In the confusing time we are living in, one way to gain strength is to learn from the Tzaddikim. In this post we share three short YouTube Videos about one of the Lamed Vav (36) Tzaddikim of our time, Reb Aryeh Levin March 22, 1885 - March 28, 1969. A very special rabbi who lived in Yerushalayim.
Watch the video's, listen to the Hebrew if you can. The videos have English subtitles. This provides those wanting to improve their Hebrew with an excellent way to do so.
Reb Aryeh was known as the "Father of Prisoners"
Reb Aryeh was a man of kindness who cared about everyone.
We hope you enjoyed the above videos. Do let us know your thoughts and what you have learned. Is there a Tzaddik or Rabbi you would like to learn about?
A few days ago we spent some time doing a little video towards our next crowd fundraiser. We have a big job ahead of us, but doing the video I had to take note. We began all we do with ideas, skills and the space we have. We had no budget, no backing and many, many telling us to give it up and just do minimum wage work or go back to SA or go to Canada or UK. We are not yet where we want to be, but the video proves just how very far we have come. So, even though we have not yet reached our goal, we'd like to say thank you! Thank you too all of you who have helped us get as far as we have. And to all those who say "I can't", we beg to differ. We invite you to take a look at the progress we have made as Olim with nothing and no connection and we say, well "Yes you can". How? Think of what you would really love, set yourself a goal, start where you are and take each step one at a time and each day one at a time and remember to do regular stock checks to notice the progress along the way.
I do admit that I have used my skills as an occupational therapist to begin working towards a lifelong dream. I realize that not everyone is trained as an OT and so I invite those of you who need a little help to be in touch. I do offer a service using my OT skills to help Olim to set realistic goals, to identify their dreams and to map out a path to help you to reach your dreams. Do be in touch to schedule an appointment. If I could manage to be in Israel for over 12 years and to be working to reach my goals and dreams, so can you. Have a blessed day everyone.
Do you have something that helps to keep you focused on living in Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel)?
Yesterday I had some business to take care of in the Old City of Jerusalem and hence, stopped for a bit at the Kotel (Western Wall). I had not been there for a few months and was interested to find a section at the back of the men's section was opened. I do not know the reason for this but it enabled me to get a nice photograph.
Rosh Chodesh (beginning of the month) at the Kotel is definitely one of the very big benefits to being in the Holy Land. Spending a bit of time reciting Tehillim (Psalms) or any other Tefillot (prayers) helps one to remember what living in Israel is all about and what our goal should be.
What is your goal? What is your motivator to sticking it out when things get tough? What helps to fill you with enthusiasm that Israel is the land where all Jews belong?
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Do post them in a comment on the bottom of this post
While many try to find fault in Israel, a recent newspaper article highlights the kindness and the incredible heart of Israel. A unity that is unshakable. Many traumas and tragedies have befallen the Jewish Nation through the years. One such tragedy robbed a little 6- month- old baby of her mother.
The loss of a parent is something most can not understand. The pain at growing up without the loving guidance of a parent is something hard to describe. Today, an Israeli joined the IDF, just as thousands do. But for her there was no mother to see her off. No mother to give her a kind word and pray for her safe return.
Shani was a 6 month old baby when her mother was killed by a suicide bomber. The touching story of her coming to sign up for the I.D.F is featured in YNetNews. The touching part is not that she signed up, but that the policewoman who carried baby Shani to safety has stayed in touch. To the policewoman it was not enough to carry baby Shani to safety, she stayed in touch all the years and was there to see her off as Shani begins a new phase of her life.
The dedication and care of one Jew to another. One Israel to another is what makes living in Israel so very special and gives us the strength to continue, together.
As Tisha B'Av draws to a close and we continue thinking of the Beis HaMikdash, an interesting teaching is worth sharing from one of the Kinnos.
In the commentary to Kinnah 25, we read that after the Holocaust, many began to search for an appropriate day to remember what had transpired. They approached certain leading Torah leaders and the response from the Brisker Rav, Rav Yitzhak Zev Soloveitchik, was that the answer lies in this Kinnah.
As it reads:
"Please take your hearts to compose a bitter eulogy
because their massacre is deservant of mourning and rolling in dust
as was the burning of the House of G-d, it's Hall and it's Palace.
However, we cannot add a (new) day of mourning over ruin and conflagration
nor may we mourn any earlier - only later. Instead today, on Tisha B'Av, I will eulogize and wait and weep with a bitter soul
and my groans are heavy from morning until evening."
Hence the message is clear that there are no NEW tragedies for the Jewish people. Everything that has occured since the destruction of our precious Temple is a result of the loss of the Beis HaMikdash. For this reason, any other tragedy that has occured since the destructin of the Beis HaMikdash is ALL remembered and mourned or cried about on Tisha B'Av.
The Kinnah also addresses another major question. Why does exile continue? The answer given is that Jews are comfortable in their new adopted lands and reluctant to return to our precious Land of Israel, concerned for hardships and poverty in Israel. Slowly the Jew has stopped to identify with his true home, but finds comfort and excuses to remain wherever he has been exiled to.
--- Teaching found in the Artscroll version of the Tisha B'Av service
Enough Exile. Enough living without our Beis HaMikdash. Come home Yidden. Come home and together let us find a way to rebuild Eretz Yisrael, all of it. And through our dedication to our precious land may we be deserving of the final Beis HaMikdash in all its glory, bringing peace and blessing to the whole world.
Another bus story, this time on a dreary, cold,
wet winter late afternoon having returned to Yerushalayim from a tiyul out of
the city. Traffic is bumper-to-bumper and we're stuck near City Hall with no end
to the traffic jam in sight.
People are becoming antsy and impatient and the
mumbling gets louder and louder. Finally the tour guide takes the microphone and
says:
"Ladies and Gentlemen-
When the Ramban visited Yerushalayim he couldn't
find a Minyan of Jews!
Think how happy the Ramban would be to be struck in a
traffic jam in Yerushalayim!!"
Needless to say, the mumbling and grumbling came
to an immediate stop!! (I quote this story often whenever people complain about
things- not only traffic- in Yerushalayim/Israel.
This goes back to the summer of 1969- my 1st
visit to Israel (We've since made aliya).
I'm on an Egged bus in
Yerushalayim. For lack of seats I'm standing just behind the driver.
Next to me
are sitting 2 elderly ladies who are arguing back and forth, in Hebrew of course,
as to when Rosh Hashanah will be that year. One says "early"; one says "late".
this goes back and forth for a few minutes with the tone gradually getting
louder and louder.
Finally the driver turns around and says Ladies- Rosh
Hashanah is never early or late! It is always on the 1st of Tishrei!! Now please
be quiet!!
Shoshanah, one of the managers of this blog asked Elchanan how he felt about the experience and his answer is worth repeating:
"My feeling about the bus driver matched my own
feeling. It's about time we got used to using our own calendar- especially in
Israel - and not the borrowed calendar of another religion. No, I'm not fanatic
about it and I too use the Gregorian / Solar calendar when I have to. But if I
know today's Hebrew date I will have no problem knowing exactly when Tisha B'Av,
Rosh Hashanah or any other special day falls- it's always on the same Hebrew
date! By the way, the women took the bus driver's comment in good spirit.
Hopefully it gave them as well something to think about! "
If you have an inspiring or meaningful story to share of your trip to Israel, Pilot Trip, Preparing for Aliyah, having Made Aliya, please email us to share with our readers and inspire our fellow Jew of the benefits and beauty of living in Eretz Yisrael.
This invitation is all about unity and increasing love of Eretz Yisrael. Hence the chain of interlinked people, in a background of blue, ie L'Shaim Shamayim.
Hi Everyone
The 9 days is an appropriate time to increase in our appreciation of Eretz Yisrael.
There is a teaching that Eretz Yisrael is acquired through suffering. For many, one of the greatest difficulties is not knowing where to find the necessary information in order to take care of what needs to be done. For some, unforeseen challenges can test one's Emunah and commitment to the Land.
When faced with a difficulty, the Baal Shem Tov's teaching that everything is Divinely Directed and happens for a reason, can pose an interesting exercise in finding the good in a series of problems. So it was that following a difficult Aliyah, we decided to use the challenges to provide valuable information to others making Aliyah. Information that will assist to ease their process.
Amongst the information provided, we also share stories of the Beauty of Eretz Yisrael. Stories that give Olim Chizuk and the will to keep striving to acquire Eretz Yisrael no matter how hard the challenge.
For this we would like your help. If you have visited Eretz Yisrael or even if you live here, if you had a special experience in Sem or Yeshiva. Perhaps a special Shabbos experience. Perhaps coming to Eretz Yisrael made your Torah learning come alive. Perhaps you were touched by putting Tefillin on Jews at the Kotel or giving out Shabbos candles some where in Israel. Whatever the story, if it is inspiring and will help others to increase in their appreciation and love of Eretz Yisrael, please send us your story and we will be happy to share it on our blog If you have a story to share that can be posted on the above blog, please email it to us. Stories should be 400 - 800 words in length and edited.
On Thursday of last week, the news came out of a disasterous fire in the Carmel Mountains in the North of Eretz Yisrael. I posted on Face Book for Jews to join us in Tehillim or Teifllah and to send in some inspirational Torah thoughts to add to our weekly Tehillim reminder for our International Tehillim Group. Our reason being that Torah is akin to water and water can put out the fire. I received an answer of a teaching by the Tzemach Tzedek: "Think good and it will be good - tracht gut vet zayn gut"
To help us to think good and to hasten the rains in Israel, we have put together a few images and a little poem. It is a bit of fun, but the message is a serious one. Please join us in increasing Tehillim for Am Yisrael and for Eretz Yisrael.
It's time for rain, here come the clouds.
An answer to our prayers, no more need for shrowds.
The sky covers over, soon it will rain.
This light still comes through, there'll be blue sky again.
We're ready for rain, our rain boots are out.
We'll jump in the puddles, laugh and splash about.
The rain is now coming, the rain clouds now open.
The North of Israel now get's its soaking
The fire goes out and the Kineret re-fills
The level is just perfect, free from all spills.
We invite you dear friends, Yidden great and small.
To imagine this poem and visualization, have a ball.
Put in some frills, add to it make it tall.
For we really need Salvation right now for one and all.
The following story, as narrated in the book "The Taryag Mitzvos" by Rabbi A.Y. Kahan, brought down in "Shaarei Yitzhak" is a true story concerning a certain unnamed tzaddik. The story took place over 1200 years ago in Eretz Yisrael.
"Seeing the miserable plight of the many Jewish families living in Jerusalem, where poverty stared out from every doorway, the leaders of the Sefardic community finally came to the conclusion that they must do something to come to the aid of their people. They decided to send a representative from amongst themselves who would travel to faraway cities to raise money for the poor Yerushalmi families.
Since such a journey involved many dangers and difficulties, the tzaddik chosen went to Chevron to pray to Hashem that he should have a safe and successful trip. While in Chevron he was fortunate to find a caravan of Arabs who were about to set out on a long trip through the desert of Etzyon Gover, the direction the tzaddik intended to travel. Before joining them, the tzaddik clarified one condition- no travelling on Shabbat. In order to ensure their compliance, the tzaddik paid the leader of the caravan a large amount of money. The caravan leader agreed and they set out on their journey.
When Erev Shabbos came, the tzaddik approached the leader and reminded him of their agreement. The leader replied, "Do you really expect me to halt such a large caravan of camels and their riders for a single Jew who wants to relax and idle away the day? You can't be serious!"
The tzaddik was stunned, they had an agreement, such a reaction he did not expect. Now he was faced with a dilemma. Should he continue to travel with the caravan on Shabbos or remain alone in the dangerous wilderness,in order to not desecrate the Shabbos. Well aware of the sacredness of his mission and the holiness of Shabbos, which when faithfully observed, is equivalent to performing all the other mitzvos of the Torah, the tzaddik felt confident in his heart that Hashem would guard him from danger and decided to remain behind.After removing his pack containing his belongings, he settled himself down and began making preparations for Shabbat.Meanwhile the caravan continued on its way and soon it was no more visible than a distant speck on the vast desert horizon.
Now the tzaddik placed a white cloth on the sand, set down his 2 challos, some salt, a small flask of wine and his becher (Kiddush cup). Then, he put on his Shabbos garments. The orange gold sun had begun to set. The tzaddik was ready to begin davening Kabbolos Shabbos, when he suddenly sensed that he was not alone. He turned around …. And almost fainted from fright, as he found himself face to face with a huge lion. The man stood petrified and said quietly,
"" בידך אפקיד רוחי In Your (Hashem's) hand, I commit my spirit. Only You can rescue my soul"
After a few moments, he realized that the lion had not moved an inch from the place where it stood, as if to say, "I am here to guard and protect you from any harm"
The tzaddik started to daven and the lion did not move. He recited Kiddush, washed his hands for netilas yadayim, said the Hamotzi on the challos and sang beautiful Shabbos zemiros (songs) which echoed in the stillness of the night. And all this time the great lion did not budge, but merely stood gazing at him with a gentle look of a kitten. Thus, he conducted his Shabbos meal, feeling as though he were in Gan Eiden. Eventually he became so relaxed in the presence of his unusual guest that during the Melava Malka, he even offered the friendly lion a taste of the challah and the fish from which he had eaten.
Upon completing the Melva Malka seudah (meal), as the tzaddik finished bentching (brachah after eating a meal that contains bread), something surprising happened. The lion suddenly lowered its head and body as if to invite the tzaddik to mount its back. By now he realized that his was no ordinary lion, so after gathering together his belongings, the tzaddik climbed onto the lions back. In moments, they were off into the night. Swiftly and smoothly the great lion carried the tzaddik, mile after sandy mile, past all the dangers of the desert which lurked along the way. As they rode onward, the tzaddiks lips whispered his thanks to Hashem, and in his heart he joyfully praised Him for the tremendous miracle which He had done for him.
By daybreak, they had caught up with the caravan. As the tzaddik dismounted from the lion, the members of the Arab caravan stared in shock and disbelief at that which their eyes beheld. Could this be possible?! Then the lion strode over to the leader of the caravan and let out an angry, thunderous roar which sent shivers up and down the spines of all present. As the tzaddik walked calmly to his camel, the rest of the passengers stared at him with awe and admiration. It was now clear to them that this was a G-dly man who had merited Divine intervention.
From this true story you can see to what heights a person who sincerely observes the Shabbat can rise, so that even the kind of the wild beasts will come to guard him, as it is written in Bereishis 9:2
ומוראכםוחתכםיהיהעלכלחיתהארץ"'And the fear and dread of You shall be upon every beast of the earth' "
