Chosen People to the Chosen Land CPCL “Column” #1 • Editor: Batsheva Pomerantz, contact — tt@ou.org - Subject: Aloh Na’aleh Note: Although most Torah Tidbits readers have made the ultimate commitment by coming to Israel, this monthly article hopes to inspire you to get involved with Aliya promotion among relatives, associates and friends overseas. Calev ben Yefuneh's encouraging words "Aloh Na'aleh", read recently on Shabbat Shlach, is the name of an organization founded by former North American rabbis and lay people living in Israel. Aloh Na'aleh intends to put Aliya on the agenda of religious North American Jewry, despite the current security and economic situation. North American olim are fortunate to come for the "pull" of Israel rather than the "push" of their native country. But few have been coming in recent years. The Global Jewish Agenda, published weekly by the Jewish Agency, lists in descending order countries that sent olim that week to Israel. United States and Canada usually appear among the last three. The contribution of North American olim in various fields goes far beyond their numbers. In the sphere of Orthodox education alone, they founded and head various yeshivot, projects that bridge the secular-religious divide and Torah institutes for women, providing models for similar centers throughout Israel. Aloh Na'aleh's shlichim to synagogues, schools and university campuses will give initial motivation by emphasizing the mitzva of living in Israel, as well as presenting a realistic picture of the challenges specific to their various audiences. It will cooperate with organizations like AACI, the Jewish Agency and Tehilla. "Speakers will try to have participants make a gradual commitment towards Aliya, like learning Hebrew and visiting Israel", according to Aloh Na'aleh director Rabbi Yerachmiel Roness. Additionally, the English-language services, resources and Aliya organizations to be described here assist even veteran olim. And some need volunteers. Last week, President Moshe Katsav honored a representative group of North American achievers at a ceremony marking the AACI's 50th anniversary. He spoke of the need to encourage massive aliya from the West. "Tell your families not to say 'Next year in Jerusalem', but 'This year in Jerusalem'". Eretz Yisrael in Our Sources
Here to Stay With a law degree from Columbia University, Steve had worked for the National Labor Relations Board and was transferred to Los Angeles. He debated whether to enter private law or try living in Israel. "For 2000 years, there was no Jewish state. Now that there is one, I should at least go there for six months or a year", he said. Influenced by a shaliach, Steve and Ruthie moved to Israel in 1968 with their infant son for a trial period. They never left. My husband and I visited them annually, which helped them. Ruthie had previously been on a "hachshara" program and had a good background in Hebrew, while Steve had to master the language. My children made their home in the Jewish Quarter, which they felt is an inspiring experience and a good place to raise children. Without a job, Steve was fortunate to be introduced to State Comptroller Yitzchak Nebenzahl during mincha services. He thus landed a position as an investigator in his office. An apprenticeship at the labor court eventually led to an appointment as judge in Regional Labor Courts. He was promoted to judge of the National Labor Court, afterward to Deputy President. As of 1997, Steve is the President (Chief Justice) of the National Labor Court. Ruthie raised their five sons and volunteered in different capacities. Prior to Aliya, she had started a graduate degree in social work. When the youngest son was ten, she continued her studies and earned a degree in social work from the Hebrew University. Ruthie works as a social worker in a senior citizens home and loves her work. My grandsons were all given the opportunity to develop their talents. They live in Israel and work in Jewish education, computers, and archeology. One is learning engineering and the youngest is about to go to a Hesder yeshiva. Israel gave my children the opportunity to develop their Jewishness. My grandchildren would never have received a Jewish education in the United States like they did in Israel. I came on Aliya in 1991 to be near my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My son, Danny Ziff, a professor of music, came to Israel in 1970. He passed away five years ago. His daughters live throughout Israel. Steve's mother, Rhoda, also came on Aliya to be near her son, and leads an active life in Jerusalem. My father Rabbi Tuvia Geffen, was an Orthodox Mizrachi rabbi in Atlanta, Georgia. As a historian, he kept a diary in Yiddish from 1940-1970, producing 30 volumes. I translate five pages a day, and find this work fascinating and very moving. In pre-State days, my father was asked why he never visited Palestine. He replied: "You don't go to Palestine to visit - you go to stay. Therefore, I don't go. I can assure you that my children and grandchildren will go there to stay." His prophetic statement came true with four generations of descendants having made Israel their home. [The Chukat Homepage]
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