Congratulations after years of planning you finally took the leap of moving to Israel! for years you were talking about it and look now you are here. From one jew to another I must tell you that I am very proud of you! It took a lot of courage and persistence to carry out the Aliya plan and you won the battle!
Now that you are here surrounded by friends and family that will support you to get through the transition process. Bank accounts, health plans, and getting kids settled into school are all part of the Aliya process. I am sure it has not been a walk in the park however once again you are strong and you got it all done!
Now that you are all settled in and you learned new things like Vaad Habayit and Arnona you might be asking yourself now what?
What was the deeper calling inside of you that you made all of these sacrifices for?
Was it just from fear of local antisemitism? Was it a new way to somehow keep your straining marriage alive? Was it something to help you form a stronger identity of who you are as a person and as a Jew?
There is a famous saying “In America, you make a living in Israel you have a life.”
So exactly how does this process work?
In America or any other country outside of Israel, the natural environment that surrounds you is survival mode. Everyone is constantly focused on survival. There are different levels of survival some survive with basics and some survive with luxury but life is surrounded by physical comforts and survival.
In actuality, this could be the same for the most part here in Israel as well. However, the only difference is that living instead of just surviving is more naturally obtained in the Holyland.
This is why it is called the Holyland and not Brooklyn or Los Angeles.
Don’t get me wrong I enjoy Tropicana orange juice and a cinnamon raisin bagel with lox and cream cheese just a much as the next guy.
The only difference is that here in Israel a Jew is gifted with a clearer vision of what life’s priorities are. To enjoy these things at the right time and place. Like at a Bris or a Siyum.
This process actually comes from the mere fact that you were forced to sacrifice certain life comforts for a higher purpose. A higher purpose in terms of your family, your land, and your creator. This newfound space that was covered by materialism abroad is now open for more meaningful and deeper relationships.
Chazal teaches us that the air in Israel has a positive effect on our cognitive abilities. This gives your brain the edge to make cognitive decisions over emotional decisions. If you take advantage of this you will start to learn more Torah and be more excited when you do more mitzvot and walla suddenly you realize that you are now living not just surviving!
Here in Israel, you will be challenged more than ever before however, with each accomplishment through sacrifice you will develop a new perspective on life and how beautiful it can really be.
If you feel that you can use some help coaching you through this transition process simply send me an email to [email protected] and I will be happy to try to support you through the process.
Whatever you do make sure to make today the best day of your life!