The poor side of Zfat (Safed)

This is how tourists know the romantic town of Zfat (Safed). Approximately 30,000 inhabitants and located about 30km north of Tiberias. 

Photos: Miriam Woelke

B"H

Tourist usually get to know Zfat on a fast food trip: Tour buses are rolling in and parking near the art galleries in the old city. The guides say a few words and the tourists start strolling around and maybe buying a souvenirs. Afterwards they are heading back to the bus and this was it. 

This is basically how it works with Taglit (Birthright) as well as with Gentile tourists. I am not sure if Taglit does it, as I only see them walking around the art galleries; however, other Jewish tourists like to visit the old famous synagogues in the old city and take a trip to the famous cheese producers Kadosh and Me'iri. I can really recommend the fresh KADOSH CHEESE. When you walk into their little branch near the Zfat cemetery, the Kadosh family lets you taste all different kinds of cheese and they even serve you a small cup of coffee (for free). KADOSH and ME'IRI are family businesses and huge competitors. Both are located very close to the cemetery. Just ask the locals for the way !

Within the past years, more and more American Olim have settled in Zfat. I was told by locals that many came and many have left. The famous town of medieval Kabbalah may be cheaper than Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh or Modi'in but life is still not that easy at all. One cannot live alone from spirituality but also needs an income. Once your Nefesh be'Nefesh money is gone, you will be forced to look for another income. Jobs are extremely rare and most of them are not well paid. People make it hardly over the month and probably half of the town in on the dole.

The Israeli locals don't mind the Americans coming but what they are hoping for is Americans coming with money and who are thus able to set up businesses in order to create jobs. However, most Olim arriving are coming because of the low rent in town. 

I am going to write a separate article on "Aliyah to Zfat" and in this post I am only giving you a slight idea about the town which is not only romantic and cozy but has a poor side too. The southern part located in the new city still offers relatively cheap rents but it is also not the best place. 

Here are a few impressions from the other side of Zfat.  

The small shopping mall in the center of the new city

One of the few factories in town: A branch of the Israeli food empire STRAUSS. This factory is roasting coffee. 

Copyright / Photos: Miriam Woelke

Tiberias' unromatic side

B"H

The small town of Tiberias located in the Lower Galilee and right at the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) is one of the four holy cities in Israel. The other three are Hebron, Jerusalem and Zfat (Safed). 

Tiberias mainly lives from tourism and the majority of inhabitants consists of Moroccan Jews who came here in the 1950ies. The town is secular but more and more Haredim keep on moving up north due to lower rents. Chassidut Karlin - Stolin has been building up its own community. Furthermore, the bought the building where Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk used to live after moving to Tiberias. There are plenty of famous graves such as the one of the Rambam, the Ramchal, Rabbi Akivah, the grave of Rachel (Rabbi Akivah's wife which is supposed to be a fake). Rabbi Me'ir Ba'al HaNess is buried in Tiberias as well as further famous Zaddikim. 

Today Tiberias is a rather poor town. Not much to do and the job situation is pretty bad. Many people are on the dole and some neighbourhoods are populated by poor Russian immigrants. 

Here are a few pictures of the non - romantic side of Tiberias:

Going from street to street in Tiberias demands you to be sportive. The lowest part is the Kinneret but then you need to climb up the hill which isn't easy in the tropical summer heat.

Photos: Miriam Woelke

I may be wrong but, as far as I know, there only exists a small English - speaking community in Tiberias. If you are from places like New York, LA, Miami, Melbourne, Jo - burg, Toronto, London or Paris, and you are considering making Aliyah up north, please take into consideration that places like Tiberias, Afulah, Carmiel, Kiryat Shemonah or the Golan Heights demand fluent Hebrew. In some places up north (except for Zfat) you may be easily lost if you only speak English and no Hebrew. Furthermore, don't forget that shops close during the afternoon hours and that life is basically village - like.

Parashat Shlach Lecha: " The difference between the Spies and the Jews today ?"

View over the Galilee from Zfat (Safed)

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H

This week's Torah Parasha SHLACH LECHA is telling us about the fatal incident with the spies (Hebrew: Meraglim). G - d didn't command Moshe to send out the spies but various Jews demanded it and finally Moshe gave in. Didn't the Jews trust in G - d, as He had explicitly promised them way before that He will take them to a land where there is milk and honey floating. A GOOD (TOV) land. How could there be a doubt that G - d wouldn't fulfill His promise ? 

People are people and some of the Jews in the desert wanted a proof. Some commentators state that the Jews were afraid of settling in Israel (then Eretz Canaan) because they had a convenient life in the desert. G - d took care of everything they needed and was protecting them from all kinds of enemies. Once moving into the Promised Land, the Jews were supposed to settle the land. Each tribe in a different territory. Furthermore, they were supposed to work the land and make a living. Why give up the convenient desert life in order to settle a land they didn't even know. What about enemies and all kinds of dangers waiting for them ? Moving into the unknown ? 

G - d let Moshe know that if he is sending out the spies, this will be his own responsibility. G - d already knew the result but gave the Jews in the desert their FREE WILL and thus, a choice. The spies went out to spy out the land. They went everywhere. From the south up to the Galilee and Golan Heights. Chazal say that they returned on Tisha be'Av (9th of the Jewish month of Av), and their reports were anything but positive. Actually the spies didn't tell lies but what they did was taking all the facts and turning them into something negative. Everything they said was just negative and the people became afraid and started complaining. Then G - d said: "You are complaining about nothing. I will show you desasters and give you a real reason to complain about !" Since then, the Jews have been suffering from that promise. We will do so until Meshiach comes because then, Tisha be'Av is turning from a day of mourning (the two Temples were destroyed on that day) and fasting into a day of joy. 

The Maharal of Prague writes in his Torah commentary GUR ARYEH that the Jews were not ready to enter the land at that time. I found a very disturbing commentary written by the chassidic Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshis'cha (1767 – 1827), stating that the Jews then didn't deserve to enter the land. They didn't deserve it ? Why ? 

As his source, Rabbi Simcha Bunim, is quoting the commentary BEIT YAAKOV (Parashat Shlach Lecha). Unfortunately I was only able to get hold of the BEIT YAAKOV / Parashat Bereshit and not of Sefer Bamidbar. Maybe one of the readers is able to contribute the Beit Yaakov's commentary on this matter. Otherwise I take the Maharal's commentary where he says that the Jews then weren't ready spiritually. They were so used to seeing miracles every day that they simply couldn't imagine a worldly life anymore. He also said that those Jews were too far away from G - d and thus, G - d wanted a new generation to enter the land. As a matter of fact, most Jews of the Exodus generation died in the desert and a new generation grew up. 

The question arises whether we Jews are so much different from this particular generation in the desert demanding the spies to be sent out ? 

There are more than enough Diaspora Jews who rather stay in Galut due to their convenient lifestyle. Why move to Israel and suffer from all kinds of difficulties when we have a great income in Toronto, London, Paris, Berlin, New York, Los Angeles or Miami ? 

Some time ago I carried out a survey on one of my German blogs asking German Jews why they don't make Aliyah to Israel. The majority answered that they are too afraid not to find a job and an apartment. In other words they were too afraid of not being able to make a living. 

I can understand that kind of argumentation, as it is anything but easy to live in Israel. Unless you win the lottery or come with plenty of money. Learning a new language, getting used to a Middle East culture and being yelled at by impatient Israelis. On the other hand, in Israel you usually don't suffer from anti - Semitism and you are able to just be Jewish without justifying yourself. There are actually many positive things about Israel but one needs to open his eyes in order to see them. Everyone making an effort will find his place in society and immigration and being new has never been easy. Despite all the negative things in Israel, when you walk around with an open mind you will be able to recognize the beauty of the land and its people. We don't have an easy life but there are plenty of moments when you realize that Israel is a land where milk and honey float. Sometimes its hard to see but if you want to give up, you may regret your decision moving back to your former countries. 

Maybe the Jews in America, Canada, South Africa or Australia should, once in a while, ask themselves what they really want from life. What are their preferences and where do they see their spiritual life ? 

Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes to all of you !

Be realistic and question Aliyah to Zfat

The newer part of Zfat (Safed)

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H 

Some time ago I wrote an article on countless American Jews making Aliyah to Zfat (Safed). Besides all the spirituality I assume that many Olim (new immigrants) may be attracted by the lower rents and housing prices of Zfat. 

I was overhearing a conversation yesterday. Two new immigrants from the US (one from New York, the other I don’t know) were talking to each other. One guy said that he is going up to Zfat, as one has to be realistic. Who is able to pay the exaggerated rents in Tel Aviv or the coastal area ? Zfat would be much better and rent is lower. 

I wanted to interfere but had not time due to work. What I wanted to ask the guy moving to Zfat was: 

Lower rent doesn’t mean finding employment. There is hardly any work in Zfat. Especially for those who don’t know fluent Hebrew yet. The only industry basically is the local candle factory. If you are lucky and have medical knowledge, you may find a job at the local SIEV HOSPITAL. What else is there to do ? Various immigrants start a spiritual center or go into healing in order to make money. Others rent out rooms to visitors but the Zfat Municipality has limited the amount of rooms a house owner is allowed to rent out. 

The problem is that the entire area around doesn’t have jobs to offer. Down in Tiberias, the unemployment rate is extremely high. The same in Zfat and lots of people are on the dole. 

When you still want to move to Zfat, bring some money in order to support yourself because it may take ages until you find a firm income.

Anglos making Aliyah

B"H

You are from an English speaking country and thinking about making Aliyah ? I found this interesting site for you:

http://www.anglo-list.com/

Thinking about Aliyah ? - Come to Ma'ale Adumim

B"H 

The town of Ma'ale Adumim, right outside Jerusalem, is not too known abroad but has a large English speaking community and prices are lower than in Jerusalem. However, there is not too much industry around and thus take into account commuting to Jerusalem on a daily basis, once you find a job.

Fed up with Life in the Diaspora

 Seen in the HaTikvah neighbourhood in Tel Aviv

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B”H 

Israel = Home sweet home ! 

An interesting article from someone not complaining about the difficulties of making Aliyah but listing the advantages. Is life in the Diaspora really that great besides a secure income and property ?

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4158594,00.html

Links: 

Video against Jewish - Israeli Assimilation

...not to turn Chanukkah into Xmas

The eternal Oleh Chadash (New Immigrant)

B”H 

About two weeks ago, I had a meeting with one of my German blog readers here in Tel Aviv. We went for a cup of coffee and the visitor started telling me about the old Yekkes (German immigrants in the 30ies and 40ies). Even the cafe where we were sitting used to be German in the old days. When I told him that I don't know any Germans in Israel, he couldn't believe it. He offered giving me addresses but I wan't interested at all.

I am quite sick of being identified as a "New Immigrant - Olah Chadasha)" after 15 years of living in Israel and told the following story to the visitor:

After my official Aliyah in June 2000 (I had lived in the country before for about four years), I joined an Ulpan (Hebrew language course). It wasn't really an Ulpan but rather a course where new immigrants learn how to look for a job in Israel. In other words, how an Israeli CV should look. 

One of my classmates was constantly starring into his dictionary because he didn't want to make any mistakes. Our teacher freaked and asked him whether he thinks that Israelis get up in the morning and start reading in their dictionary ? It is not easy learning a new language but it comes after a while. Don't worry !

You are a new immigrant for the first three weeks but then your are Israeli. Do you know why ? Because after a couple of weeks you will be struggeling as almost every citizen in this country. As soon as the struggle for survival begins - Welcome to Israel - You are Israeli and joined the club. While the newcomers are just getting off the plane, you already know what the country is like. What it means to get used to a new crazy mentality, listen to the clerks yelling, running from here to there finding a job and getting bureaucrcy done. 

I cannot understand people always defining themselves as new immigrants. For how long can you be "New" ? I am a person who wasn't born in Israel, doesn't speak Hebrew like a native and has different kinds of attitudes. Israelis see in me an Israeli who was born abroad but everything else is not such an issue. Neither at work nor with friends. When we talk, we talk about life, private matters, work and the daily life. We talk about the NOW. 

In order to go on in life and get something started you need to get away from this stigma "New Immigrant" and just live your life.

Aliyah 50 +

Downtown Tel Aviv

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B”H 

Should a Jew make Aliyah to Israel when he is already older than 50 years old ? From a religious point of view I cannot tell a Jew not to move to Israel but reality works slightly different .

Unless you are from the US or Canada and thus get supported by Nefesh be’Nefesh, you should definitely bring some savings with you. Even when Nefesh be’Nefesh is supporting you, never forget that one day the money supply will finish and then you have to be the breadwinner.

The Israeli job situation for people who are older than 50 is not the best. Just as everywhere else in the world. Furthermore, if you fit into the 50 + age category think very carefully whether you are ready for Aliyah when your children and grandchildren remain in the US or any other country but Israel. I know “elderly” people with kids and grandchildren in their countries of origin who keep on talking about how much they miss their family. Thus, don't underestimate the lack of your close relatives. 

Link: 

Aliyah to Zfat

Aliyah to Zfat (Safed)

B”H 

Exactly a year ago, I stayed in Zfat (Safed) and Tiberias for a couple of months and was even considering settling in the area. It seems to be the perfect place when you are looking for a quiet lifestyle. The more spiritual ones rather move to Zfat and not necessarily to Tiberias. The distance between both places is about an hour bus ride. Nevertheless, the small town of Tiberias at the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) looks like New York when you start comparing in to Zfat. Although Tiberias has not too much action to offer, it seems to be a real city compared to Zfat. 

Zfat keeps on attracting more and more American Jews who are planning their Aliyah to Israel. The town has a large English speaking community and most members are very welcoming. You may feel at home immediately if you are the Zfat type. Breslov, Chabad (especially Chabad Meshichist) or Carlebach style. People invite you for Shabbat and the town has its own English library. Let alone the famous Zfat cemetery where lots of Kabbalists are buried. 

I think that most Americans making Aliyah to Zfat mainly concentrate on the spiritual side. Kabbalah, chassidic teachings and the great landscape. But when you make Aliyah, you have to be realistic and reality is that there are hardly any jobs in Zfat. Lots of locals are on the dole or social benefit. If you come to Zfat, use up all your Nefesh be’Nefesh money, you need to think about your future existence in town. How are you going to earn a living in a place where there is no industry, no nothing ?

Zfat used to be cheap. Reasonable rents and supermarket prices but look at it now. The American housing demand has ruined estate prices let alone the increasing rent. Some Americans may come with a bit of money and are able to satisfy the greed of the Zfati landlords but what about the local Israeli population ? For them it turns out to be a disaster competing with a bunch of wealthy Americans claiming the houses for themselves. 

Because there are no jobs in Zfat, English speakers who have already made Aliyah discovered a new market: Giving spiritual classes although many of them have no clue about deep kabbalistic studies. However, they need to pay rent and thus teach all kinds of made up theories in order to get the money rolling in. 

Furthermore, some Anglos have also started renting out one or two rooms to guests. When you go to such a guest house, watch your money, as those places can be real rip – offs. 

Another branch new immigrants have discovered is creating art and selling it to tourists. Mostly overprized. 

Copyright / Photos: Miriam Woelke

The latest clue is that some Americans are planning to open an international real estate agency. This is a great way to make money, as more and more Anglo Olim want to move to Zfat and nowhere else. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have been facing the problem for quite a while. Wealthy Jews from abroad buying property and hardly using it. Jerusalem has developed its own ghost towns such as the apartment building complexes in front of Jaffa Gate where rich Americans bought apartments for more than 2 million Dollar and only come for Pessach and Rosh Hashana. Those people keep on destroying rent and real estate prices and the result is that no ordinary Israeli can compete with such price demands. Jerusalem’s municipality now wants to start charging higher taxes from foreign investor not using their property. 

Nevertheless, it is not Jerusalem anymore but Zfat and as soon as this new real estate agency is opening, YOU are going to be ripped – off. What people don’t consider is that they change the character of Zfat and the real Zfatim who are born Israelis don’t want that. They have been there for generations and fought all the wars and now wealthy Americans are taking over with all their money. Not even speaking Hebrew but running after every Shekel. 

How does it feel making Aliyah into the middle of nowhere and earning a living by cheating others coming from your country of origin ? 

Link:

Zfat Stories

Coming to Israel carrying your whole life in your luggage

Seen in Jerusalem

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H

Everyone coming to Israel, no matter if as a tourist or a new immigrant (Oleh Chadash) is coming with his own personal package. According to my experience, many many people carry their own problems all along. Various tourists and new immgrants seem to run away from something in their former life and somehow make their way to Israel.

People may tend to think that, once they are packing their suitcase and travel to another country, all of their former issues will be solved. A new life is waiting and thus they have new opportunities. Sometimes this is true but the usual slogan is: If you can't make it in your own country, you won't succeed anywhere else. 

Due to all the different religious sites, tourist have discovered Israel as a way of finding themselves. This is alright, as long as Gentiles don't decide to stay. If they want to stay, they are going to face the Israeli authorities and will be soon told to leave the country. Most of them do anyway, as they run out of money. Most people coming here only realize later how expensive Israel is.

Plenty of new immigrants couldn't really make a living at home and then took the opportunity and made Aliyah. The same thing: Only in Israel they realized what living in this country really means. You need to be a real pioneer. Especially when you don't know Hebrew yet. 

There are new immigrants who are disappointed and start missing their former country. There are people who get to the point that they forget all about their problems in their former country but just want to leave Israel and return to New York, LA, etc. 

Running away from something cannot be a solution, as all your thoughts and issues follow you anywhere you are.

Go to work after making Aliyah !

B"H

I have seen too many English speakers from the US, Canada or England making Aliyah, receiving big cash from "Nefesh be'Nefesh" but not looking for a job. Especially young people in their early 20ies tend to see the big money. The amount alone seems to be very tempting. The kids make Aliyah, get the cash and buy new clothes, new phones, new everthing but don't look for a job. 

Plenty of new immigrants to Israel just hang around, spend the money and if nothing further works out, they are returning to their former countries. Despite how all Aliyah organizations keep on praising Aliyah and living in Israel, it isn't easy to make a living here but you should, at least, make an effort. Too many new Olim don't and end up flying back to New York or Jersey.

A New Year and more than 400,000 Hits

B"H

The Jewish year 5771 is facing its end and I think it is the time to say THANK YOU to all the people reading this blog. Whether once, twice, ten times or on a regular basis. 

Tonight, Ashkenazi Jewry is starting its SELICHOT prayers before Rosh Hashana. The holiday itself is starting this Wednesday night. There is so much to write about, many events (even in Tel Aviv :-)) and the following high holidays are already right ahead of us. 

I hope I will find time to write about all the subjects. Especially putting in some book content of the literature I recently bought in Mea Shearim. :-) Furthermore, I am going to continue with the Aliyah series although I have to say that it is very hard to describe Israeli bureaucracy behaviour, as each new immigrant has his own approach and way to deal with red tape. One already knows some Hebrew (making it much easier dealing with Israeli governmental and municipality clerks) whereas others may be frustrated and only compare everything to their former home country. 

The Jewish religion never has a lack of content and thus I am going to write about many new subjects. Hopefully I am finally getting to the Seer (Chozeh of Lublin), more Takanot of the Toldot Aharon, Rabbi Daniel Frish's extreme modesty book, the GORAL HAGRA, the GRA himself, more about the GRA himself and a huge subject I am really curious about: BRISK.

I am not done yet until Rosh Hashana begins but I am already wishing you 

SHANA TOVA, a great new year 5772 to everyone !!! A healthy, successful, happy and sweet New Year. And, don't forget: Rosh Hashana is a holiday for the entire world and not only for Jews. G - d is judging all of us including the fate of our universe.

Aliyah as a Single, Part 1

B”H  

First of all I should make it clear that I am a happy single and not one of those depressed ones, constantly looking for someone to marry or being bored, calling other people and going on their nerves. I am a happy single and this may sound selfish. All my life I have enjoyed doing things alone. Of course it is great to have company from time to time but I don’t panic when I am alone. Just the opposite. 

One reader wrote in a comment that many American Jews reconsider making Aliyah to Israel, as long as they are unmarried. Simply because it is easier immigrating with a family because then you won’t feel lonely in the new country. Well, making Aliyah with a family has its pros and cons but let me tell you first, that I have met plenty of American singles making Aliyah. 

My first time in Israel began in September 1987 as a Kibbutz volunteer. A secular Kibbutz called GEZER near Tel Aviv and Ramle. Many of you probably know Gezer for its high percentage of Anglos living there as well as its baseball team. In fact, when I came, most Kibbutz members came from all over the United States and English was the main language. Most Anglo members knew some Hebrew but felt more comfortable talking in English. Gezer then was celebrating Israel’s Independence Day and July 4, with Hot Dogs. Little America next to the Sephardi town of Ramle. 

Various Anglo Kibbutz members were singles, as they came in a group from the US. Some immediately stuck together because no one wants to be alone. But, in the end, they somehow were. Moving into a Kibbutz when you are single is a mistake. Even if you find friends, there are moments when you simply feel lonely. Well, you can turn on the TV or read a book but, after a while, you are getting bored. 

After some years in the Kibbutz, those singles who were about to turn 30 started leaving. Back to the US because they were looking for a marriage partner. You always face the same people in a Kibbutz and many new immigrants have problems dealing with the Israeli mentality. They prefer a marriage partner from their own familiar background and not a “noisy rude” Israeli. 

While living in Jerusalem I came in contact with plenty of Anglos who came to Israel because of religious reasons. They were here for a year, studied in Yeshivot or seminaries for women and maybe decided to stay and make Aliyah. After a while they found their Shidduch. However, most of those newly married couples didn’t make it for too long and went back to the US, England, South Africa, Canada or Australia. Why ? Because a Yeshiva education is not sufficient on the Israeli job market. That’s why. The newly married haredi couples didn’t have any chance on the job market and lived off their parents money for one or two years. Afterwards they decided to return to their home countries. Maybe because their parents were sick of supporting them. 

Making Aliyah with a family can be a hinderance, as you tend to stick together in a group and don’t open up to the outside world. On the other hand, you support and strengthen each other and this is extremely important. 

After making Aliyah you are going to face the real Israeli life and this is very frustrating at the beginning. When you come to a government or municipality office and the clerk starts yelling at you. Not only that but throwing your forms at you, telling you to go to a different department or simply to get out. This is the first time you feel lonely; no matter whether your are single or married with husband and kids. Then you just wish to grab your suitcase and return to the US. As fast as you can. 

Nefesh be’Nefesh or the Jewish Agency may promise you, I don’t know what, but one thing you must understand before making Aliyah: Israelis don’t wait for you to come. You are nothing special as a new Oleh (immigrant). You are only one of hundreds of thousands and once you get off the plane at Ben Gurion Airport, well, this is it. Welcome to Israel and get adjusted now. Have a great day and get used to people hanging the phone up on you, loud voices, red tape, new laws, a new mentality and so on. 

Despite all the difficulties never ever forget: All new immigrants went through this and it doesn’t happen only to you ! The first one or two years are hard and you will cry, curse Israelis and their mentality, curse everything and everyone, dream of going home but, at the same time, you start loving this country. I cannot describe it but one has to experience it. Once you understand how life works here, everything will be easier for you. The understanding won’t give you a job but you learn how to deal with people. How to react and when taking issues personally. Many Israelis scream and behave in a rude way but there is no need for you to take this personally. It is just the way it is and how society works. Someone is yelling, so either yell back or let it go but don’t sit and cry. 

_______________________________

To be continued tomorrow !!!!

Israel, Aliyah and unexpected Difficulties

B”H  

I am glad having made Aliyah to Israel with the Jewish Agency and not with the popular Nefesh be’Nefesh (NBN). One reason is that NBN is mainly active in the North America and England and not where I came from: Germany. 

NBN is extremely popular due to its generous financial support the organization hands out to each Oleh (new immigrant). Furthermore, if an American or Canadian Jew wants to make Aliyah to Israel, he basically depends upon NBN, as there is hardly any other possibility except for flying to Israel at one’s own expenses and ask for Aliyah at a local branch of the Ministry of the Interior. 

I have actually met Americans not using NBN because the organization receives large funding from extreme Christian missionary organizations such as the Evangelical Christians. I have also met Americans coming with NBN and constantly complaining. Nefesh be’Nefesh would not have told them about the real life in Israel. About the different mentalities, difficulties finding a job and learning a new language. 

Unfortunately there are still plenty of native English speakers who cannot communicate in Hebrew. Even after years of living in the country. After NBN is paying such huge sums to immigrants, Israelis don’t understand why Anglos are not too eager to learn Hebrew. If you want a job in this country you usually need a good portion of Hebrew. In order to get absorbed into society and not only into the country, you need to know the language. There are thousands of Anglos who don’t understand Israeli society and instead, live in their own ghetto. Mostly the English ARUTZ 7 or JERUSALEM POST readership. New immigrants not knowing Hebrew have no idea about society. They are in a new country and claiming it as their home but have they really arrived ? 

I could keep up my German world. Find a job where I need German, only have German friends and only watch German TV. Very soon I will be in my little German ghetto. However, this was not my goal at all when I came to Israel. Already at my first Kibbutz Ulpan I invested most of my time in studying Hebrew in and outside the classroom. 

As a new immigrant, you should not forget about your former country and culture but the worst you can do is come to Israel and immediately set up your own little America. Plenty of American and Canadian Olim do so and it reminds me of a saying from the Baal Shem Tov: 

“You are where your thoughts are !”

You may have made Aliyah and be an Israeli but in real life you are not because you are still in America (where your thoughts are). 

Links:

How many Nefesh be'Nefesh immigrants actually fail ?

"Go North" - Living in Northern Israel

Christian Missionaries trying to make phony Aliyah to Israel

Left: Yair Davidy

Photo: Jewish Israel

B"H

Every Sunday night, Rabbi Mordechai Machlis is giving a class at the "Israel Center" (OU) in Jerusalem. And almost every time, Yair Davidy is participating in the class. Davidy is a guy whose English I can hardly understand, as he speaks with a very heavy South African or Australian accent. A rather sloppy looking guy who behaves in an arrogant manner. Rabbi Machlis always praises him as someone who is famous and has written various books on the lost Jewish tribes.

Once I had a look into one of these "famous" books at the Machlis home and, as I expected, Davidy's book didn't have any kind of recommendation, as Jewish religious books usually have. In other words, Davidy (who I have never ever seen at the famous Jewish National Library in Jerusalem) is making up his own thoughts on the tribes. Without any research and discussions with real professional Rabbis or Scientists.

Once Rabbi Machlis was again praising him during his class when a young Christian woman from South America claimed that she has "Jewish" roots. The "root issue" has become a popular method of missionaries sneaking into Israel and trying to claim their Jewishness (which has never existed). They just show up and claim to be from tribe so - and - so. Just like the "Bnei Menashe" from India, some self - appointed Jews from Peru or Kenyia.

I knew that the young woman was lying and as soon as Yair Davidy announced his false weirdo theory that she must be Jewish then, I almost jumped up the roof. You are a Christian and mention "your chosen tribe" to Davidy, the guy will make you Jewish right away. Probably because of all the Christian donations he may get out of this.

Now, plenty of Christians have been claiming to belong to a tribe. They are trying to make Aliyah in order to prostelyze Jews afterwards. Their latest plan is the establishment of a Christian settlement in the Shomron (Samaria). Unfortunately, many Jewish settlers are ready to help the Christians, as lots of money is involved. Lately, the national religious settler movement has become addicted to Christian missionary money.

For further information:

Jewish Israel on Yair Davidy

Yad Le'Achim on false converts to Judaism

Christian Settlers

Jewish settlers and their Christian connections

Iraqi Jews in Israel (1950)

Two Iraqi Jews after their arrival in Israel (1950). 

The embracing community life of Zfat (Safed)

B"H

I have never seen this before. Not even in Jerusalem. 

A new person is moving into a small town such as Zfat (Safed) in northern Israel, the person gets to know some people, finds a place to live and already those people she got to know, refer the person to others. "Ah, you are going to live there and there ? Okay, I know this and that person also living there. You know what: Why don't you phone up so and so and they will take you to classes or a Synagogue ?" 

This way you find friends in Zfat when you are really looking for a community life. Not only with Chabad but also with further Orthodox or even chassidic communities. I once went to the famous cemetery of Zfat and had a Breslover woman talking to me inviting me to her community. 

After making Aliyah to Israel, one of the most important things for you is "finding new friends". In most cases you start with those speaking your language and maybe identify with your mentality. Thus, the small town of Zfat is just perfect for frum English speakers although the crcumstances around are not too perfect. Flats are relatively cheap and available but jobs are more than rare. However, you will not be too long without new friends.

Go North - Living in Northern Israel

B"H

The Aliyah organization "Nefesh B'Nefesh" (NBN) offers a special "Go North" programme for new immigrants (Olim) to Israel. 

Remark: 

Nefesh B'Nefesh is organizing Aliyah to Israel from Canada, the US, England and France. In other countries, the Jewish Agency is still in charge.

For many years, most Olim settled in the big centers such as Tel Aviv, Modi'in, Netanyah or Jerusalem. The French like Ashdod, the Russians too but also Haifa and Carmiel. Young Olim love the action in Tel Aviv and the more religious ones prefer Jerusalem. Moreover, Beersheva in the Negev has become quite popular among English speakers and the city has changed a lot. Cosmopolitan and bars instead of the Beduine Market on Thursdays. 

Now NBN offers the north. Maybe because the centers are too overcrowded, too expensive and job opportunities are getting less and less. The north, however, doesn't offer too many jobs either unless you move to Haifa or Carmiel. Nevertheless, the north has a great landscape, the inhabitants are not so stressed and it is much more quiet and peaceful (when the Hizbollah keeps quiet). 

Many new immigrants are making Aliyah with lots of enthusiasm. A new country, a Jewish country, no more justifications for being Jewish, Zionism, whatever. And in order to live like a real Zionist pioneer, one maybe should settle in the north or south. Going against the mainstream !

After all, many new immigrants don't consider certain society problems before moving up north. There are places where the local population mainly consists of Sephardic Jews. Jews from Morocco, Kurdish Jews, Jews from Iran or Iraq. A totally different mentality compared to Ashkenazic Jewry. Let me give you just one example: Tiberias at the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) has a high percentage of Sephardic Jews. And Sephardic Jews are known for not having too many English language skills. They usually speak Hebrew, their languages from their former Arab countires or French (as the Moroccans). 

There are new immigrants, especially English speakers, who settled in the Golan Heights or other places up north and they are totally isolated due to the lack of Hebrew. After making Aliyah, it will take you a long time to learn Hebrew. One Ulpan (language course) for six months is not very efficient and only provides you with some basics. In order to have real conversations or make friends, you need to continue studying. As a result, many Anglo immigrants living up north are lonely. They may live in a small town or a village but without further contact to the local population. 

The young Chabadnik Eli Naiditch from the Chabad - Hostel "Ascent" in Zfat has met such lonely people and is now trying to get in touch with Nefesh B'Nefesh in order to arrange regular meetings with Anglo immigrants from the north. I personally think that this is a very good idea although Eli has just started building up connections. 

New immigrants settling in the north deserve a high level of respect because it is anything but easy living there. Not too many jobs opportunities, lower salaries and not too much action either. Tiberias or Zfat don't even have a cinema. So be prepared !

LECH LECHA - Your true Identity

Seen in Tiberias. 

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H

A very basic explanation on Parashat Lech Lecha:

G - d is commanding Avraham to leave his home and aim to a land He (G - d) is going to show him.

"Lech Lecha - Go for yourself …" -

Here Rashi says: Go for your pleasure and for your benefit.

It can happen that a person lives in a certain place / environment which has a negative effect on him. This can be the place itself, his friends, his job or even his own family. Going out and moving to a different place may be of great help. Suddenly the same person may be able to grow spiritually or just enjoy the new location where he lives. The most popular example for Jews may be "making Aliyah to Israel". Moving to Israel on a permanent basis should be the final goal of every Jew. Following the footsteps of Avraham.

However, LECH LECHA can also mean that a person should go out in order to find his true inner personality. Revealing your true identity as a Jew.

Many times we are stuck in a certain place and there is just no way in order to develop one's own character. Other people are constantly influencing you and, in addition to that, you are caught in your own rat race. Living in Israel doesn't always mean spiritually without any break. Israelis are very much into their daily lives and worry about making a living. Avraham didn't have all those worries when he started traveling to Israel (then Canaan). No worries about finding a job, an apartment and how he is going to pay the bills. He just did what G - d had told him without asking for any reason.

When I say this, usually people start arguing that today everything is different and that life is not just a dream and a bunch of spirituality but rather a constant struggle. I made Aliyah more than ten years ago and I didn't leave Germany with all those worries. On the contrary, I was glad to leave Europe and start something new in Israel. Living among Jews and looking for new opportunities. In Israel we have a saying: Hashem Ya'asor - G - d will help". This doesn't mean sitting around and waiting for G - d to solve our personal problems but rather that we should take action and the rest depends on G - d.

G - d created each one of us with a special gift / talent and our task is to use our unique ability. There are times when we are only develop our true personality in a different environment. This was the case with Avraham. First of all, he had to come to Israel, as the fate of the entire Jewish nation depended on that particular move. Moreover, it is questionable whether Avraham could have lived his whole religious life with his father Terach and further family members.