It is no secret that the vast majority of Jews who make Aliyah by choice are orthodox. I have also noticed that Baalei Teshuva are a well represented subgroup among Olim. Of course, neither of these observations should be surprising. As orthodox Jews we know that our religious existence is incomplete while not living and serving G-d in our homeland. As Baalei Teshuva the process of Aliyah has much in common with our Teshuva process.
Like becoming frum, making Aliyah requires one to turn his life upside down and to make enormous changes based on, what is essentially, a leap of faith. Certainly, people can and will list dozens of tangible benefits as dividends of both of these endeavors. While some of these dividends may accrue to us, in the long run we know that we are doing these things simply because we believe that they are the right thing to do.
The search for truth that brings many Baalei Teshuva to Yidishkeit does not end when they become observant. Many BTs get “hooked†with a good kumsitz, torah codes, or rationalist explanations for the mitzvos. Once inside we come to understand that the bottom line is that we do what do because we believe that G-d gave us the Torah and its divine message is beyond our attempts to rationally explain it. This realization is what allows us to weather the many challenges we face. (Such as high tuition bills!)
Aliyah then becomes just an extension of this truth seeking. Similarly, one may get hooked into Aliyah with a visit to Israel or a Nefesh B’Nefesh video, but a successful Oleh knows he is living in Israel because it is an integral part of the Jewish package and not because it’s good for the kids or because the climate is better.
I believe another motivating factor is that Baalei Teshuva are more sensitive to inconsistencies and hypocrisy within Judaism. We are more likely to be able to observe our religion from an objective vantage point because we are not “hindered†by an ancestral pattern of behavior. Whether in Modern Orthodoxy or Chareidism we are able to see a huge disconnect when it comes to the mitzvah of Yishuv Haaretz.
The dissonance within Modern Orthodoxy is wide open for the world to see. One of the cornerstones of Modern Orthodoxy is religious Zionism. This ideology flows through its schools, shuls, and social organizations. We wonder how one can so surely believe that the founding of the modern state of Israel was a cataclysmic religious event, maybe even pre-messianic according to some, and yet remain comfortably complacent in his self-described Galus. I once heard a wonderfully apt description of an American religious Zionist as someone who is proud when his friend’s child makes Aliyah!
The disconnect in the Chareidi world, while certainly more subtle, may be even more fundamental. Chareidim pride themselves on being meticulous in mitzvah observance. They laud the concept of going beyond the letter of the law and attempt to find the hand of G-d wherever possible. A tsunami in a far corner of the world is cause for great mussar and spiritual introspection. Yet, the religious tsunami that caused millions of Jews to return to their homeland, uplifted a generation of Jews after the Holocaust, was certainly a catalyst for the modern Baal Teshuva movement, and made Eretz Yisroel once again the Torah center of the world is often met with no more than a spiritual shrug by these very same people. While striving for the Nth degree of observance in the most detailed mitzvah, they may uncharacteristically hide behind heterim and excuses when it comes to the proverbial white elephant of Yishuv Haaretz.
Much of the success of the Baal Teshuva movement in the U.S. can be attributed to the fact that it has never been easier to be an orthodox Jew. Kashrus is a breeze, there are comfortable, well-established communities representing the full spectrum of Hashkafos, there are virtually no barriers to employment in a wide range of fields and overt anti-Semitism is negligible. Of course it is not easy, as we have seen people discuss here in this blog, but one would be hard pressed to find a time and place that was easier.
Likewise, in all of Jewish history it has never been easier to move to Eretz Yisroel. Again, I did not say easy, just easier. A simple comparison of the process of Aliyah and the opportunities in Israel of today versus any other time makes this quite evident.
As I meet and talk to more Olim it becomes evident that, whether they are FFB or not, they all have the mindset of Baalei Teshuva.
I belong to a terrific Chardal shul with an amazing Rav. Feel free to e-mail directly at msl at lipkinfamily dot com.
Can Anyone let me Know of a nice Chardal community in Isreal for BT’s
Thank you.
P.S. I think that the chag’s will be less lonely for me and my family there. I also know the children will be able to do there homework a lot faster and need less help. But with an ulpon I should be able too.
for whatever reason re-reading this article, and having a new thought:
BTs already have to uproot themselves from their existing communities and learn a new culture and language. We already have to be newcomers, with all of the feelings of ignorance and out-of-placeness that can bring. So, as long as we’re leaving our old culture and beginning the long process of adjusting to a new society–why not come to Israel?
1) What if Baalei Teshiva are making this descion for a differnt reasons than they feel their religous existenese is complete w/o Aliyah.
2) What if FFB’s are also truth seekers and are relying on what their parents and teachers have taght them as to whether theey should make Aliyah
3) What if “getting hooked†is not a positibe thing
4) What if it is in fact bad for your kids to make Aliyah
5) What if one were told that sure, make Alyiah – but this means you must do this AL MENAS to be Moser Nephesh and not to be Somaich on a Nais – what if you weren’t told that
6) What if “Chareidim†are not in fact hiding behind heterim and excuses
1} It is a known Halacha, that mizvot do not need kavanah. Therefore, The act of making aliyah, and living in Hashems house is the important factor.
2} Interesting question, so what exactly are the BT’s learning that is so diffrent from the FFB’S that they are making the BT’s make aliyah in droves? doesnt really make any sense, being as many BT’s have the same rebbes as FFB’s.
3}Obviously getting hooked is a possible thing. But regardless, it is your Jewish duty to live in Israel, be it hard or easy. For some it is’nt easy to give tzadaka, but you must do it regardless. Sure, wouldn’t life be easier if I had that extra 10% in my bank account?
4}I personally have made aliyah, and I know of many other families who have made aliyah. Where did you come up with this idea that it is factually bad for your children if u make aliyah? I know a lot of children who are doing great here in Hashem’s city. But regardless of that, that means you are agreeing that once your children grow up that you are 100% MOVING HERE? and like I said before, when did it say in the Torah that Judiasim will be easy?
5}I dont understand your question, or was it a statement?
6} What if not only charaydim, but everyone is hiding behind hetayrim in order not to make aliyah, simply because i’ts hard and it’s the unknown?
Moshe, I think you made some very good points about the considerations in making Aliyah and your question about Loshon Hora are certainly valid, so we’d like to leave your post up, if you don’t mind.
Thank you for you reply.
Please remove my post.
Chag Sameach.
Moshe, Thanks for your comment. There is no Rabbi approving each post, but we have asked many questions regarding posts that contain negative statements regarding a group and when they would constitute Loshen Hora and when there would be enough of a toeles to permit the post.
We don’t approve every post and we sometimes ask that certain lines be removed. Based on our understanding of the guidelines we have been given, we felt this post was permissible.
Thanks again for your interest and concern.
I had read Menachem’s post several months ago. I didn’t comment as I don’t approve of blogging. However, I now feel it is very important to see what Menachem is saying here:
That Baalei Teshuiva makes this choice as they know their religious existence is incomplete while not living and serving G-d in our homeland. He says that Aliyah is part of the Teshiva Process. The search for truth that brings many Baalei Teshuva to Yidishkeit does not end when they become observant. Aliyah then becomes just an extension of this truth seeking. Similarly, one may get hooked into Aliyah with a visit to Israel or a Nefesh B’Nefesh video, but a successful Oleh knows he is living in Israel because it is an integral part of the Jewish package and not because it’s good for the kids or because the climate is better. Menachem is saying that not to make alijah borders on inconsistencies and hypocrisy within Judaism. Baalei Teshiva can be more objective about how to observer our religion. That the disconnect in the Chareidi world, while certainly more subtle, may be even more fundamental. Chareidim pride themselves on being meticulous in mitzvah observance. They laud the concept of going beyond the letter of the law and attempt to find the hand of G-d wherever possible. While striving for the Nth degree of observance in the most detailed mitzvah, they may uncharacteristically hide behind heterim and excuses when it comes to the proverbial white elephant of Yishuv Haaretz. Likewise, in all of Jewish history it has never been easier to move to Eretz Yisroel. I do feel strongly that the orthodox “establishment†has dropped the ball on this one. And I do believe that BTs have a keen ability to see past this.
1) What if Baalei Teshiva are making this descion for a differnt reasons than they feel their religous existenese is complete w/o Aliyah.
2) What if FFB’s are also truth seekers and are relying on what their parents and teachers have taght them as to whether theey should make Aliyah
3) What if “getting hooked” is not a positibe thing
4) What if it is in fact bad for your kids to make Aliyah
5) What if one were told that sure, make Alyiah – but this means you must do this AL MENAS to be Moser Nephesh and not to be Somaich on a Nais – what if you weren’t told that
6) What if “Chareidim” are not in fact hiding behind heterim and excuses
Is it permitted to blog that the orthodox “establishment†has dropped the ball.
Is there a Rabbi on this site who is approving these Posts?. Shouldn’t BT’s make sure that they are not the ones to feel “holyier than thou”. Shouldn’t this site stick to social issues and leave religous issue up to our Rebbeyim to present to us? Can you please ask a Loshen Hora expert, if there has been a violation here? Wouldn’t possible violations not be worth the value that this site provides?
we made the move last august – we are both BTs. we were absolutely shocked at how materialistic we’d actually gotten living in chul – it took israel to really make us see that we were becoming all the things we really didn’t like very much.
it’s hard here, in many ways. because you need to have free choice still – and the upside of living in israel for a jew is so immense that if you didn’t have the other challenges to balance it, it would be a no-brainer.
also, it takes a lot of emunah. you can’t just pay lip service to the notion that Hashem is running the world. Anyone who is worried about the Government / terror / iran / whatever – to the point that THAT is what is stopping them from living here needs to work on their emuna. it’s not easy, it’s really hard work. but so is getting an education, building a business or raising a family. nothing worthwhile is ‘easy’ in that sense.
looking forward to welcoming you all home soon
On safety:
My son left his yeshiva in Far Rockaway last year to learn at the Mirrer Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. A few days before he left, a student at the Mir was stabbed to death. This would no doubt have made us very worried, except that the Shabbos before, a man on his way to shul in Far Rockaway was shot by a mugger.
Which just reminded us that our safety is in HaShem’s hands, and it’s futile for us to try to predict whether we will be safer here or there. (Of course, this does not mean one is permitted to put himself in harm’s way — we must still avoid situations that are clearly dangerous. But it is hard to justify the conclusion that Israel as a whole qualifies as more dangerous.)
Fittingly, our parsha this week (at least here in Eretz Yisrael) is Shlach Lecha, and we are presented in it with the first time we turned our backs on the Land. The reasons given by the spies involved the difficulties we would face there if we were to go in – difficulties that are too great “mimenu” – For us or – “for Him.” Either way, it’s not a pretty picture. Either they were claiming that the giants, hard living conditions, etc, etc, were just too great for HaKadosh Baruch Hu to overcome and they would not succeed, or they claimed that they needed to be in the desert in order to grow spiritually, learn Torah, and accomplish HaShem’s will in the world. And so they rejected what was clearly Hashem’s Will “for the sake of the mitzva.” It seems to me that most of the reasons for not making aliya are fall into one or both of those two classic responses.
Who created all these challenges? Who has put such a government into power? Who has surrounded us with a hostile world? Who has left us bereft of strong leaders of the caliber of generations long gone? Who has left us with the challenge of creating strong educational situations for our children? Is Hashem’s hashgacha not part of the world anymore? Yes it is difficult and it is painful at times, but we know that Hakadosh Baruch wants Am Yisrael to be here in Eretz Yisrael, and so we know that what we are going through must be for our good and – actually the best possible situation for us. Hashem creates all the difficulties in order to create of us the giants we can truly become, with our feet on the ground and our heads in shamayim. The end goal is not to continue learning Torah in the spiritual oasis of the desert, but to enter the fullness of life and sanctify and elevate it – in Hashem’s Palace – in Eretz Yisrael.
On safety: It’s funny, I can understand why Americans are afraid of terrorism in Israel, but personally, I am much more afraid in most American cities than I am here. Here it’s completely normal to walk around after dark, and the worst teen violence involves knife fights and not drive-by shootings. To each their own. Also, I know people in Jerusalem who would be afraid to move out to some of the small yishuvim that David S. mentioned, but I’ve also met residents of those yishuvim who didn’t let their kids come to Jerusalem from fear of piguim (this was three years ago). Basically, safety is in the eye of the beholder.
For Newcomer and anyone else who would be willing to share the things that prevent them from making aliya (assuming that it’s something that could be addressed by a better klita process, and not something permanent like “the government is awful”), please email me at: happynomad83@yahoo.com
AM–
>>Ok – according to what you are saying – can I move to Ashkelon? What about Tel Aviv? What about taking a stroll through Ben Yehudah? Davening at the Kosel?
Yes to all.
>>Can I live in Jerusalem if Olmert plans to divide it [cvâ€s]?
I aggree, cvâ€s = G-d forbid. We’ll have to see. Barak did not get far with his plan in 2000. I’m not moving. And I have bitachon that we’ll be able to continue living here.
Terrorism is just that — an attempt to strike terror. It has not made living in Israel a dangerous situation according to Halachah (which is not based on the politically motivated travel warnings of the U.S. State Department). I do not believe that it will in the future.
If the only reason you wouldn’t make Aliyah is because you’re concerned that it’s a dangerous situation, ask a posek.
In my viewpoint the government is irrelevant. Atzas Hashem hi sakum, man proposes, G-d disposes. What really matters is the level of Torah observance and love and unity between Jews. That’s where we really have to take action, to strengthen ourselves and others. If we do that, Hashem will send us peace, as it says in Parshat Bechukosei (Vayikra 26).
We’ve tried war, we’ve tried peace. Nothing works. Why not try teshuvah?
I attempted Aliyah and endured for 2 and half years before reaching my emotion limit. I believe being a BT presented a problem in that I didn’t feel grounded enough to withstand all the “winds” of change and tended to exaccerbate other lacking preparations.
I learned in a staunchly “Religious Zionist” yeshiva for beginners, didn’t quite understand or positively absorb the hashkafos but at the time wasn’t cognizant of why.
Despite this, whenever I hear of someone making the Move I only give support and encouragement. Just as I would never disparage someone else’s shidduch even if my experience was less than pleasant.
I believe Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook used a Shidduch analogy as well to describe those who couldn’t find their place in the Eretz. “Seder Ha’haka’ah”. Beyond the scope of this BeyondBT blog, however.
Despite what I believe is a firmer grasp of how to live the frum lifestyle, the old memories of the trying times of my Aliyah are difficult to shake especially when things are B”H going well in my life in Chu”l regarding family, kehila, learning and parnassa.
Once again, I would NEVER R”L discourage anyone, but if I have to choose one non-personal example that fuels the fear of Aliyah is the relative isolation of the Charedi kehilas (with whom in Chu”l I feel most comfortable) which appears to cause disconcerting results regarding parnassa especially.
Hope it wasn’t a stira (contradiction) to present both a Kol HaKavod to those who are braving Aliyah and presenting a personal anecdote presenting a less than ideal side.
Partially it was fueled out of Tzvi N’s conclusion that few Orthodox Jews are actually bothered about not being in Eretz Yisroel. Perhaps this is correct but the personal nature of such matters in my opinion presents a formidable obstacle to gathering of any meaningful evidence, anecdotal or otherwise.
Kol HaKavod to Reb Menachem.
B”H
Ok – according to what you are saying – can I move to Ashkelon? What about Tel Aviv? What about taking a stroll through Ben Yehudah? Davening at the Kosel?
Can I live in Jerusalem if Olmert plans to divide it [cv”s]?
According to the current design – anything pre ’67 boarders is in “danger” – and you really think that the terrorists will EVER stop since they are constantly being “appeased”? Look at what happened in Gush Katif – they threw a parade declaring that terrorism pays! The current “quiet” is only a “hunda” so they can re-enforce their supplies and tactics, Hashem yismorainu!
Until Israelis [and Jewish Americans?] take Israel back from the Israeli gov’t – I’m not sure where will be safe.
You can’t compare driving stats to this situation; you can’t say “the same G-d that protects you in “shmutz l’aretz” is the same G-d that will protect you in Israel” when you’ve got “rodfim” running the gov’t.
I could understand if people were being encouraged to make Aliyah if they were being told how & why they can PRACTICALLY make a difference – but no one does…………
>>I’m confused – does the amount of bloodshed [may Hashem avenge their blood!] that has happened since Olso, Gush Katif, Amona and the recent visit by Olmert [not to mention his plans!] – that doesn’t qualify as a “dangerous situationâ€?
There is no doubt that terrorism has increased after the Oslo delusions. However, I have discussed the situation with many talmedei chachamim (Torah scholars) and the consensus is clear that living in major population centers and most other places in Israel is definitely not a “makom sakanah”–dangerous situation.
I haven’t asked a Gadol about this, because the evidence of my personal experience here is that I feel safe. I feel safer walking in a dark alley in downtown Jerusalem than I would on the streets of Far Rockaway or Flatbush in broad daylight.
And that is because although the newspapers make a huge thing out of politically motivated attacks, they are statistically much, much smaller than the crime and gang violence that one has to contend with in other places in the world.
Consider the statistics of the danger of driving. You drive, don’t you? Well, in Israel you can give up your car. We have an excellent public transportation system.
Put it this way: In the macro–things look very scary here. There’s terrorism, Iranian nuclear threat, etc. But if you take your nose out of the newspaper (or internet) and look at the lifestyle in the micro–it’s much more pleasant and safe. Everyone sends their children out to play without worrying about predators and other craziness. The streets are pretty safe.
Look, I have two neighbors in my building who never lock their doors (one of them does it as a shitah–point of principle, and the other doesn’t feel it’s worth fixing his broken lock, maybe he would lock it if the lock worked). They’re not crazy, and nothing has ever been stolen! (OK, they don’t have much that’s worth stealing, but still…)
However, as far as I know, many Gedolim did consider living in a place like Gush Katif a “makom sakanah,” and told those who asked for advice not to move to certain settlements beyond the green line. If you’re thinking of making aliyah to a settlement like that you’d better ask a sheilah.
B”H
“Obviously, we will have to consult the gelolim if the situation reaches the point of a dangerous situation. But it’s never been safer here than it is now!”
I’m confused – does the amount of bloodshed [may Hashem avenge their blood!] that has happened since Olso, Gush Katif, Amona and the recent visit by Olmert [not to mention his plans!] – that doesn’t qualify as a “dangerous situation”?
How do you say that “it’s never been safer here than it is now!”?!
This isn’t a question of the gov’t being “bad” – this is a gov’t that is focused on undermining every concept of security and safety [may Hashem protect us & confound their plans!]……
Can you pls clarify your remarks?
Ora, reguarding your post (#8), I’d be happy to tell you my reasons, although I really don’t need/want to post them for the whole world at this point. Is there a way to get your e-mail, or send private messages?
Avraham Moshe asked: “That being said, here’s a “simple†question – how can anyone in their right [or left] mind consider making Aliyah given the current state of a self-destructive gov’t?!”
The government is irrelevent, Hashem is in charge here (and in chutz l’aretz). Obviously, we will have to consult the gelolim if the situation reaches the point of a dangerous situation. But it’s never been safer here than it is now!
You mentioned you were here during the Gulf War. At that time an avreich (married Yeshivah student) in my neighborhood asked Rav Wolbe zt’l if he should prepare to go to Chutz L’Aretz. The Rav asked him: “Do you have semicha (ordination) yet?” In other words, there’s no emergency, if you have to go for parnassah or some other valid reason, prepare yourself for it in a normal way.
He was often quoted as saying the same God that you need to protect you in Chutz L’Aretz can also do the job well in Eretz Yisrael.
Remember that the Rav of Ponevezh bought the land in Bnei Brak and began building his Yeshivah when the Nazis were in Egypt and poised to attack “Palestine.” The situation has never, ever, looked as bleak for Jewish settlement in Israel than it did then. And he was busy building a Yeshivah for hundreds of students–many people thought he was stark, raving mad.
The government has always made huge mistakes, and people suffered, but we’ve always managed to pull through thanks to Hashem’s help alone.
I agree with Menachem and Tzvi N., and others as well, that there’s absolutely no room for the attitude: “Well, when Mashiach comes I’ll be Israel’s ambassador to America. I’m staying here!”
The fact that so few orthodox Jews make Aliyah is not nearly as troublesome as the fact that so few orthodox Jews seem to be bothered by not being able to live in Eretz Yisrael.
For most of us in the US, Aliyah is not even a consideration. Among BTs, however, who have been re-examining every aspect of their Jewish lives, Aliyah is usually very much a consideration, regardless of whether it is ever actualized. (That is, until the BT becomes fully socialized into the mainstream American Orthodox Jewish community.)
This is yet another area where Baalei Teshuva can and should play a leading role. Question your friends and neighbors: When are you going home? If not now, why not? Persistent and sincere questioning can lead many to think about this seriously for the first time.
I stand corrected. Although my post may be applicable to some other comments on the site, it does not appear that they apply to your presentation on Aliyah, as your reply to me indicates.
“I do know that it is “right†for Jews to live in Eretz Yisroel IF THEY CAN. To say otherwise is apikorsis.”
Whew. Thanks for that gigantic loophole. I’d hate to be an Apikores.
Chaim, David, and Ora,
Of course I know that making Aliyah is a very difficult and personal decision. There are many factors involved, some of which were mentioned, many were not. I have no issue with individuals who struggle with this issue. (It took me 16 years to get here!) However, I do feel strongly that the orthodox “establishment” has dropped the ball on this one. And I do believe that BTs have a keen ability to see past this.
Chaim,
I have no idea yet if this move was “right” for my family. That will take years to ascertain. (FYI, I said the same things when I lived in America, which could be why they chased me out. :) I do know that it is “right” for Jews to live in Eretz Yisroel if they can. To say otherwise is apikorsis. I hope you don’ t think that espousing a basic tenant of Judaism is “sanctimonious”.
M,
I basically agree with you. My views of Yishuv Haaretz and the current orthodox attitudes toward it were shaped by doing the research you mentioned. I’ve read Rav Kook, Rav Soloveichik, Rav Teichtel. All Gedolim. I’ve endeavored to understand the Satmir Rebbe’s position against the current Aliyah process and the positions refuting him. I’ve sought the advice of my rabbis both here and in America. (From what I understand, when my Rav here speaks as a scholar-in-residence in America he makes my comments seem mild.)
With Parshas Shlach approaching I think the following quote from Rav Teichtal’s “Eim Habanim Semeichah” would be illustrative:
“Even the greatest gadol in Torah and righteousness should not trust himself when he opposes the movement to build the Land. He should not think that his intentions are fully for the sake of Heaven, for he is certainly no greater in Torah and righteousness than the princes (spies) who Moshe sent.”
I urge anyone who is struggling with the Aliyah issue to read the following: (And of course talk to their Rav.)
Eim Habanim Semeicha, Harav Yisachar Shlomo Teichtal, translated by Moshe Lichtman
To Dwell in the Palace, Tzvia Ehrlich-Klein
Kol Dodi Dofek, Rav Soloveichik
M:
What makes you say that we haven’t been asking the Gedolim? Many Gedolim say that it is a mitzva to live in Eretz Israel, Menachem isn’t making that up. Of course, there are some groups that hold otherwise (Satmars, for example), but it seems to me that this article was aimed towards other groups, and towards listening to Gedolim more, not less. That is, there are people who hold a religious Zionist outlook, and teach Rav Kook in schools, but don’t make aliya or tell their children to make aliya. This is strange. This is not listening to Gedolim, or at least, not listening to all of what they have to say.
Chaim G: I was hoping for an interesting debate, not a nasty one! Certainly I don’t want a repeat of what happened on the Chabad article forum. But I am curious about what people will think of this, it seems to me that many/most of the people here live in the USA, I want to know why. Maybe there are lots of people who want to make aliya but feel that it is impractical. I am most interested in hearing from them, because that will help in coming up with ways to aid people in aliya. And of course, living here I hear almost exclusively from those who put a lot of emphasis on yishuv ha’aretz; it would be interesting to hear new and different ideas. It’s always fun to stretch one’s mind in new directions.
One argument I can’t accept for not living here is that our government is bad. Yes, the government is horrible, the court system is horrible, we have strikes every few minutes, etc. But that only means we need new, Torah-loving Olim all the more! Ask not what your country can do for you, etc. Everyone who chooses to live here can make such a big and wonderful difference.
One interesting aspect that I have observed through many of the threads is perhaps a slight lack of Emunas Chachomim and the concept of Da’as Torah. Only slight- and I know very unintentional. Perhaps what I have observed is not a reflection of reality at all, but simply the way certain thoughts came out in various posts. But I though that I would say something regarding the concept of making how E”Y is viewed, which is applicable to many other topics here:
We need to ask our Gedolim and Chachomim what is the Torah way to look at the issue, and follow accordingly. Asking Da’as Torah is not submitting our thought processes and mind to others, it is USING our mind that way we are meant to, by seeking the wisdom and perspectives of those infinitely greater than us.
I wouldn’t assert an opinion regarding any field of academia without first reading or hearing the thoughts of authorities in the subject. This isn’t a matter of not having our own opinions, it’s having the wisdom to understand that we first need to seek out the experts and examine their bodies of research in a particular field of academia before we can postulate and offer our own opinons.
Similiarly, the “field” of Torah, which encompasses our entire life, is complex and deep; thus, we have Da’as Torah to guide us.
Making Aliyah may be a wonderful thing, and it may be the right thing. But offering our views on the supposed dissonance in various groups from a layman’s perspective might be inappropriate. Let us seek out the views of our Gedolim on such a vital topic, and then discuss amongst ourselves the implications of their words and the best way to implement their guidance. Sweeping condemnations, or even subtle condescension of the actions or lack of action of a Torah group without quoting the P’sak or Hashkafah of our leaders is a little like offering our view of the merits and efficacy of behavioral therapy without having researched the works of Skinner or other authorities in the field. We are not Torah experts, we are not Torah authorities. Our Gedolim may very well feel that we are lacking in the area of E”Y, or they may not- let us seek out their wisdom, to find out! Let us continue to discuss, share, and explore. But let us not avoid the central role that Da’as Torah should play in our lives, in all areas.
B”H
Before I throw my 5 cents in, I’d like to preface it with the fact I left learning in Yeshivah in “shmutz l’aretz” to be in EY 2 weeks before Gulf War 1 broke out & stayed there throught the war! [There were amazing miracles that occurred throughout Israel, including my own personal experience of the windows blowing out over my head from Patriot2Scud concussions while davening Shemoneh Esrei during Kabolos Shabbos….]
That being said, here’s a “simple” question – how can anyone in their right [or left] mind consider making Aliyah given the current state of a self-destructive gov’t?!
Re Ora’s call for spirited debate;
Parshas Shlach (sin of the spies) is two weeks hence and “the three weeks” and Tisha B’Av are right around the corner so lets’ tread lightly on this one. Remember the power of the written virtual word. Whereas spoken LH will usually dissipate after burning though a (relatively) small circle of friends and acquaintances and will grow fuzzy and forgotten (or at least plausibly deniable) with the passage of time, what we post here will be visible in all it’s stark clarity until the end of cyber-time.
I am a conflicted Chutznik but for the above reasons will mute my own reasons for wallowing in the golus. They are, no doubt, colored by my defensiveness and insecurities over my (perhaps) not doing the right thing by continuing to Die-aspora. I must say though that Menachem’s post suggests a sanctimonious conviction that what is right for him and his family is right for everyone, and that rankles. Despite his compelling arguments (and the above quoted Carlebach Lyric) I’m still not totally convinced that return to EY is part and parcel of T’shuva. I am convinced that humility and a heightened consciousness of ahavas (klal) yisrael are.
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Shlomo Carlebach used to sing “return again, return again ,return to the land of your soul. Return to who you are -return to what you are return to where you were born and be born again! (Whoops some more Xian overtones.)
A very interesting article–I’ll be disappointed if it doesn’t give rise to an equally interesting debate.
While I usually find myself arguing some of these same points, this time I’m going to play devil’s advocate (more Xtian expressions, sorry!). Moving to Eretz Israel is unique among mitzvot in that sometimes, for some people, it can interfere with their other obligations. Obviously people should speak to their rav about these issues and not just assume they have a heter on yishuv haaretz, but there really are issues: shalom bayit, if one spouse or the kids are not for the move, parnassa, if the family breadwinner(s) is unable to find a job in Israel that would provide enough to support their family, chinuch, in that moving with older children (teenagers, mostly) can be detrimental if they are not 100% in favor, etc. I can’t believe I’m saying this, since I’m so for aliya, but these issues do exist. Kol HaKavod to those who overcome them and make aliya, but lets go a bit easier on those who feel that they personally can’t be here right now (and have a heter).
I couldn’t agree more with the comparison between being a BT and making aliya. For me, it was pretty much one long process of falling in love–first with Torah, then with the land and people of Israel. I moved here about half a year after making the commitment to be frum (as opposed to testing the waters, which started two years before). After I basically got addicted to Jewishness, I found that I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Even the most wonderful communities in the states don’t reach the 100% Jewish feeling that you can find here. Just thinking about it makes me happy :).
Beautiful piece, R. Menachem! If Beyond BT can bring thousands of Olim to our Holy Land, then – more power to you!
Regarding your critique of the MO world, I’ve heard it said that the best of that world has ALREADY made Aliya, so perhaps your critique doesn’t take that into consideration.
By now, the gap between the Chareidi and the Dati worlds is narrowing, both here b’Artzeinu HaKedosha and in Chu”l. My hope is that after the horrendous failure of the Hitnatkut & the failure of the Chareidi world to protest against it enough, that our hearts, bodies and mind will unite to fight the “Hitkansut” ridiculous suicidal strategy of Olmert.
Regarding David’s points:
1. Just like “chutzpa” has found its way into the English language, “leap of faith” is so cliche, that it has lost its Xian overtones.
2. Baalei Teshuva are often [unfortunately] much less connected to their families, don’t share a Shabbos table or a Pesach Seder, so that the uprooting you’re describing is often a lot less traumatic for them. And siblings who might have done Teshuva as well will often follow in the “pioneers'” footsteps!
3. Baalei Teshuva have a unique way of finding each other, and THAT becomes their community. Also, Olim tend to bond together, and are much less cognizant of the BT/FFB differences than their Israeli counterparts may be.
Language can be a problem for anyone; I highly recommend taking an Ulpan BEFORE making Aliya, especially if one is weak in Hebrew. But English speakers have a big asset in their native tongue, as well.
Hope to see you all b’Artzeinu HaKedosha real soon!!! Shalom from Yerushalayim!
>>Like becoming frum, making Aliyah requires one to turn his life upside down and to make enormous changes based on, what is essentially, a leap of faith.
While I shudder at the expression “leap of faith,” because of the Christian overtones it has in my lexicon, I can appreciate your point.
A baal teshuvah family considering aliyah must be very careful and seek the best advice possible. For the most part, baalei teshuvah are the most likely to have absolutely no family in Israel.
This can have a huge effect on raising a family here, no grandparents’ unconditional love, no aunts or uncles, etc. Especially if they are in a frum neighborhood, where the support system usually consists of the large extended family of parents, brothers, sisters, and cousins. The Israelis generally have no conception of what the baal teshuvah from chutz l’aretz is going through, and the “chutznakim” are often overwhelmed with their own challenges to provide much support.
I’m referring to emotional support and caring relatives. Great frum neighbors cannot provide the warmth and love of a relative, even if he or she is not religious.
The majority of frum neighborhoods in Israel have no community-centered shul, which might take the place of family connections, as it would for baalei teshuvah in chutz l’aretz.
There are exceptions, as in Kyrat Kamenitz, Beitar, and Beit Shemesh, to name a few, and one needs good advice and Divine assistance to find the right community.
In addition, the language barrier may be much more acute for baalei teshuvah, who lack childhood training in Hebrew. Mispronouncing words is slightly embarrassing in shul or in front of the children, but when it interferes with parnassah and taking an active role in the community and society it can be very detrimental.
So, look before you leap!