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Reflections from Israel: Making Aliyah August 2011 |
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I remember that day, as if it were yesterday. I can almost feel again those pains in my stomach and in my heart... the day we left America to move to Israel. At that point we had been living for a few weeks at my mother's house, because the cargo lift with all our belongings had already been shipped, so it would get to Israel when we did. When we moved into my mother's house, she and I laughed that with the mess and stress of grandmother, grandfather, mother, father and four children all living in one house, and after spending so much concentrated time together, we would be so sick of each other, we would be happy to be rid of each other by the time our Israel Aliyah date arrived!
It didn't work. Those last few weeks in America only helped me realize how much I would be leaving behind. Until July 11th things were fine. We woke up on July 12th to a house full of tension and pent-up emotions, to what was about to happen. My mother and I didn't manage to look each other in the eye that entire long, long day. We avoided each other, making sure to never be in the same room together. If I was honest with myself I would have to admit, that if on that day, someone had offered me a way out of leaving-without having to explain, I would have taken it. It was just too hard. The scene at the airport, the moaning, the weeping and wailing... I'm embarrassed to say that the atmosphere was one of mourning. Our little girls were crying because we were crying and everyone was devastated.
Exactly one month ago, on July 13th, we celebrated our 19th Aliyah anniversary, of arriving in Israel. Today, I can't imagine living or raising my children anywhere but in Israel. But getting here actually began a long time ago.
When I was 17, I spent a summer touring Israel and when I was 19, I spent a full year in Israel in a Bible School. I remember writing letters home announcing my intention to move to Israel at some future date. When Kuti and I were first introduced, we already knew that Aliyah (moving to Israel) was in both of our future plans. Both of us had decided independently to only date people planning on Aliyah. We got married, while both of us were still finishing up our university degrees. And then the babies started coming. It would have been easy to let the momentum keep us right where we were. But after Atara, our fourth child, was born, we made the decision. That upcoming summer of 1992, we were making Aliyah.
If you have a question you would like to ask Shira about her family, Biblical Israel, or modern Judaism she would love to hear from you! |
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Shira Schwartz |
Who Writes These Reflections?
Shira Schwartz is a wife and mother of seven living in Samaria. In this column, she offers you a glimpse into an ordinary Orthodox Jewish family living in Biblical Israel. She shares her feelings and perspectives; allowing you to enter her home and get to know her family. |
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Community of the MonthThis month CFOIC is focusing on Psagot...
Archeology plays such an important role in the modern state of Israel. As a Christian, my faith is built on the books of the ancient Hebrew Bible; the stories of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Ruth and David inspire me and enrich my life. Psagot's new neighborhood "The Ai" is an archeological site with remains that date to the time of Biblical Joshua. Psagot shares a perimeter with the Arab city of Ramallah. To the modern pioneers who have chosen to build their homes on these ancient hilltops, every day is either a test of or a testimony to their faith. Not only do they persevere, but they have determined to grow despite the hardships. Today, the people of Psagot are asking for help to create a place where everyone can come and experience the past through ancient artifacts and the stories that archeology tell. You can be a part of building Israel stronger by investing in the community of Psagot.
Go to our website and read more in PDF about Psagot. Help Make History Come Alive in Psagot! |
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