Welcome Home From Israel to ALL Jews

Yesterday I posted in a social network group asking if anyone had questions related to making Aliyah. I had little response. One person stated she had so many questions, too many to ask. The next person came up with a link to an article of 10 reasons why not to make Aliyah.

Having moved 42 times in my life so far, lived in 5 different countries, 9 different cities and a whole bunch of neighbourhoods, my response is, there is no place like home. Where is home? Well the video below gives a little insight, or a lot. 

If you are Jewish and considering making Aliyah, Israel is our home. Don't be put off my negative talk or problematic politics or any other issue that might be standing in your way.

We invite you to post your comment or question below. We'd love to hear from you and would be happy to address your issues, concerns, thoughts, ideas in future blog posts. If you have a valuable or inspiring story to share, do be in touch to submit a guest post. 

When it comes to Aliyah, we are all in this together. Together we CAN build up the country that Hashem gave to us! Together we can make it happen. 

Have a blessed day

Shoshanah Shear

Chessed Ve'Emet

Welcome to this Weeks New Olim

This past week was an eventful one here in Israel. Our week began with a fast day. A few days later on 29th December 2009 there was a group flight from UK, France and South Africa of new Olim to Israel.

We want to make a special welcome to these Olim Chadashim. May this first Shabbat as Olim be a very special one and fill you with the spiritual resources for a successful Absorption.

For those coming from South Africa, we do have a network group on the go for South African Olim. Please send us an email to be included or send a message or comment to this post. We look forward to getting to know you and all Olim.

If you have questions or discover topics you would like addressed on this blog, please be in touch.

Hatzlachah (much success) and Shabbat Shalom

Introduction

Moving in general is one of the greatest stressors in the list. Moving cities adds an additional dimension. When it comes to moving countries, a whole new aspect comes into play. No longer is it the same mentality, the same kinds of shops or stores, the same politics, the same language and culture, but everything is different.

Making Aliya is different and yet has a very high component of stress and change. When a Jew moves from the diaspora to Israel, this is regarded as making Aliya. Here, as with a move to another country, everything is different. The language, the types of buildings, stores, post office, everything changes. Yet, there is an aspect that is key and central. An aspect of culture that is the same and uniting.

Suddenly, when it comes to Purim, Pesach, Sukkot, any of the Jewish festivals, suddenly there is an incredible sense of belonging. Here, not only is the Yom Tov observed by most, but it is also a time of "National Holiday".

It is here in Israel that one unites on all sorts of levels. Walking through the streets of Israel or going on a tour, it is easy and common to come across the very same places that our Matriarchs, Patriarchs and our Sages visited. The very places spoken of in our Torah.

Even with the richness of our heritage, Aliya is hard. Though some welcome Olim with open arms and are very excited to hear of another Jew returning, there are others who do all that they can to help you to go through the same difficulties they did. Olim will often come across obstacles and hurdles, closed doors and difficulties.

This blog is to share experiences and useful tips in an effort to pave the way towards a greater Welcome for Olim. To ease the road for other Jews coming home, so that we can all be a part of the awesome process of building Israel and readying ourselves for the ultimate goal, of Moshiach and our Final Temple.

If you have made Aliya or are considering doing so, please send in your comments. Let us know what helped you to be successful here in Israel. Let us know what helps you to stay here. Why have you chosen to return to Israel, now at this time. What can you share that will offer hope and inspiration to other Olim and to those considering returning to the Land of Israel. The Land promised to the descendants of Avraham, Yitzhak and Yaakov.