Just in time to celebrate Chanukah, a group of 76 new American Olim arrived in Israel this morning. … Continue Reading
A Matter of Life or Death
by Rabbi Leor Sinai This past June we made Aliyah. In less than two months we’ve been thrown into the complex reality that is life in Israel. We’ve mastered the rough seas of bureaucratic processes and citizenship requirements; we’ve found a wonderful neighborhood to live in, schools for our children, employment, and inspiration in the Cottage Cheese Revolution’s transformation to a call for Tzedek Hevrati - Social Justice. And then the sirens started followed by missiles. As a new immigrant, an Oleh, I was prepared for the administrative web of absorption - draining one’s every ounce of celebratory eagerness upon arrival to Israel. For this we were prepared, however there is no preparing for the unexpected - having to run for our lives to shelter from missile attack. We live in Be’er … Continue Reading
Young Progressives to Make Group Aliyah
Defying the image of American aliyah as reserved for the politically conservative, a group of 12 liberal young Jews from the Habonim Dror North America movement will move to Israel this September to form an urban kibbutz. “This is one of the most exciting developments in Labor-Zionist aliyah in the past two decades,” says Talia Spear, the national director of Habonim Dror. “While individuals from Habonim Dror have been immigrating to Israel for many years, this is the first time in decades that activists are making aliyah together as a group. Their decision is stirring up a lot of energy across the movement. We’re hoping that this group will be the first in a new wave of young, progressive, North Americans moving to Israel.” The group is made up of recent college graduates who are … Continue Reading
Continuing a Peoplehood Debate
by Dr. Misha Galperin I am delighted that my op-ed has spurred a conversation about an issue that is critical to modern Jewish life. What is the nature of Jewish peoplehood? If it is about connection among Jews, but has no additional substance, then we have failed our history and our values. If peoplehood is only a way to raise money, then we haven’t gone deep enough. If it is to serve “the stranger ” without caring for our own first, then we have missed the mark. Peoplehood is such a new word that it comes up every time you spell check it. The newness of it has collapsed into vague discussions and definitions. I offer mine again: Jewish peoplehood is the bond that exists among Jews that transcends time and geography and involves mutual care and responsibility; it’s about meaningful … Continue Reading
Talking Seriously About Aliya
by Haviv Rettig Gur Let's be honest: English-speaking Jews will not make aliya because you showed them a brochure extolling the financial benefits of immigration. That's not because they are waiting for more money, but because it's not about money. Young Diaspora Jews in the West are not seeking comfort, but challenge. They don't want to blindly follow in the footsteps of their parents, but are nevertheless willing to explore Jewish life and tradition as a source of authentic identity. More than anything else, they want to feel that their lives are a product of their own initiative. (I should know. In 1999, at the age of 18, I left a beloved community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a red 9-seater Chevrolet Suburban, bought for me by my parents when I learned to drive at 16, in order to join … Continue Reading
Aliya is a Fig Tree, Not Coca-Cola
by David Breakstone One of my favorite things about living in Israel is the huge fig tree I have growing in my tiny backyard, right next to the wild grapes. Together they create an aura of endless possibilities, evoking an era of prophetic fulfillment when, having hammered our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks, we will be able to recline absentmindedly on hot summer afternoons under the shade of our vines and our fig trees, enjoying the gifts of prosperity and peace. Throw in the pomegranates thriving nearby and you have the three fruits harvested just last week by those whom Moshe sent to scout out the land, attesting to its bounty. So my fig tree, with its biblical associations, keeps me dreaming. It’s also taught me a thing or two about encouraging others, living … Continue Reading
Shas and Jewish Agency Reach Agreement on Orthodox Conversion Aliyah
In a letter dated yesterday, the Interior Ministry of the State of Israel notified the Knesset of a change of policy as to procedures for granting Oleh status to Orthodox converts. Instead of turning to the Chief Rabbinate for eligibility approval, it will now turn to the Jewish Agency for Israel. According to sources close to the issue, Chief Rabbi Amar supports the move which also had to gain approval of [Shas] Interior Minister Eli Yishai. This agreement represents the first real compromise between the Shas led Interior Ministry and Jewish Agency Chair Natan Sharansky on a question of Jewish identity. Many conversion questions are up in the air and the only forum actually dealing with the issue is the conversion roundtable chaired by Sharansky. This is one of many issues, but it … Continue Reading
Conversion Roundtable Convenes for First Time
The first meeting of the Conversion Roundtable chaired by Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, and Zvi Hauser, Secretary of the Government, took place yesterday in Jerusalem. Participating in the closed door meeting were the leaders of the Reform and Conservative movements in Israel, as well as officials representing the Minister of Interior, Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice. "There was an open and candid discussion about the needs of the State of Israel and the needs of the Diaspora,” according to Sharansky. “All parties agreed that there must be transparency of the decision making process on both sides." He added, “When it comes to recognizing overseas conversions for the purposes of Aliyah, I believe we all came away from the … Continue Reading
Coming Home
In honor of Israel Independence Day, Nefesh B'Nefesh presents the 'laundry tale' of Jonathan and Rebecca Goldstein, who finally realize their dream of Aliyah to Israel after postponing for a few years. … Continue Reading
An Ethiopian Seder in Israel: a Photo Essay
5,500 new immigrants from Ethiopia are celebrating the seder together at large events organized by the Jewish Agency and The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) in 16 absorption centers around the county. Approximately 1,000 of them have come to Israel recently following the Israeli government decision to bring the remainder of the Falash Mura community to Israel. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews donated approximately $200,000 for the project. images courtesy Jewish Agency and Brian Hendler … Continue Reading
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