Editor: Batsheva Pomerantz CPCL #16 • R’ei - M’vorchim Elul 5763,
contact: aloh-naaleh@aaci.org.il Coming Home This summer 1,000 olim have moved to Israel through Nefesh B'Nefesh. They were greeted at the airport receptions by Israeli leaders, Aliyah organization representatives, and IDF soldiers, in addition to relatives and others. The phrase repeated often by both olim and speakers was that of coming home. Nefesh B'Nefesh was founded in 2001 by Rabbi Joshua Fass and businessman Tony Gelbart to facilitate the immigration of the many Jews who want to come on Aliyah. In addition to providing grants for easing the costs of Aliyah, the organization offers assistance in employment, social services and dealing with government agencies. It works in coordination with the Jewish Agency and other olim organizations. Nefesh B'Nefesh has removed much of the red tape associated with moving to Israel. As co-founder Gelbart stated: "We have created a support system for resolving financial obligations in America and providing expert help on housing, social integration and navigating government process once olim arrive in Israel." For example, representatives of the Ministry of Interior process the paperwork on the plane trip, so the olim can receive their identity cards shortly after landing. The first historical flight on July 9th, 2002 bought olim from over 23 US states and 3 Canadian provinces. Of the 519 olim who arrived last summer, 99% remain in Israel, 93% of the families have one or both spouses employed, 31 sabras were born, and 3 weddings were celebrated. The olim of Nefesh B'Nefesh represent the entire professional, religious and political spectrum within the American Jewish community. Among the olim arriving this year, 79% are Orthodox, 14% are Conservative, 4% are Reform and 3% are unaffiliated. Most of the adults are between the age of 20 to 40. Over 500 children arrived this summer. Some 95% of the olim are college and/or post-graduate educated. They contribute to Israeli society in medicine and health and social services, education, high-tech, finance, sciences and more. As Finance Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told the press at the airport reception: These olim will contribute to the Israeli economy and society by initiating enterprises, thus creating jobs for olim and veteran Israelis. "The olim are not fleeing adversity or anti-Semitism. They are idealistically, consciously realizing their dream to make their lives in Israel and to contribute economically, socially and culturally to the country," according to Rabbi Fass. "This is a development without precedent in scope and scale for both the Jewish people and the State of Israel." We hope that Nefesh B'Nefesh will
continue to bring "b'komemiyut" the many thousands of American Jews
interested in Aliyah. Our sons had been to Israel for summer programs, but there was never enough money left for us to visit. One of our main goals was to see Israel. After two of our sons went through life-threatening illnesses, we decided that life was too short and unpredictable to put off the visit any longer. This was a perfect opportunity to go - to see Yehoshua before he began his army service. After two days of being in Israel, I knew that I had to stay. I notified my husband, and he asked if we could possibly see the rest of the country first before talking about it anymore. The trip got better and better. When we went to Shilo for Shabbat, it was love at first sight. The people were so warm, hospitable and down-to-earth. Shabbat was so special - people strolling through the streets in the afternoon and visiting each other. And the setting - a small community atop two rocky hillsides. So serene. Blue skies. Green parks with lots of children playing. Before leaving Israel, I remember having tears in my eyes at the Kotel, praying that we would return very soon and even permanently. We knew what we had to do. We landed and began the Aliyah process immediately. We returned to Israel a few months later on a Tehilla pilot trip. We saw more of the country, but the spirit and kedusha of Shilo kept calling to us. Back to America and more Aliyah preparations. And then our dream came true because of Nefesh B'Nefesh. On July 9, 2002, we made Aliyah on a historical flight with 400 other North American olim. We were greeted at the airport by thousands of people, a band, and dignitaries. What an unforgettable experience! Then off to Shilo! The front door of our rental house was covered with welcome signs, the house was filled with our newfound friends and the fridge was full of food. And the best part of all - our son. In an Israeli army uniform. We were such proud parents! We survived the bureaucracy, ulpan and I found a job. Our 12-year-old son is now practically fluent in Hebrew, has many friends and wide-open spaces to play in. It's been a year now. What a year! What
an adventure! And smack in the middle of life! We have settled in
beautifully here. That's what happens when you are home. The Mishkan rested in ancient Shilo for the longest period. The synagogue of modern Shilo reflects its architecture. The outer walls look like the boards which formed the Mishkan's walls, and are covered with concrete "curtains", representing the curtains which were the Mishkan's roof. The interior space of the synagogue is divided into two areas, representing the Kodesh and the Kodesh haKodashim. The bima and aron kodesh also represent parts of the Mishkan. Approaching Tel Shilo from the lower road one sees a small vineyard. One can imagine the following scene from Shofetim (21:20-21): The sons of the Tribe of Binyamin were commanded to wait in the vineyards and "see if the daughters of Shilo come out to dance, then you will come out of the vineyards and every man will get his wife from the daughters of Shilo". According to tradition, this took place on Tu b'Av. The Tel is entered through the area of the gate of ancient Shilo. Likely, this is where "a man of Binyamin" entered with the bitter news of the Israelites' defeat and the capture of the ark in the battle of Even haEzer. Shilo is where Chana prayed for a child, Eli HaKohen presided and Shmuel first heard HaShem's voice. At the northern end of the Tel, a plateau was smoothed out of the natural rock in ancient times. The plateau's dimensions, 100 x 25 meters, roughly correspond to the 200 x 50 amot needed for the Mishkan. Probably this is where it stood for 369 years. Today 215 families reside in Shilo.
Educational facilities include a Bet Midrash for children, a Yeshiva high
school, and a Hesder Yeshiva. Aliyah is making a comeback. New olim seek Tehilla's assistance every day; in the past year alone, 1,106 families have approached Tehilla and have received invaluable support in the Aliyah process. Tehilla is succeeding in helping people make their dream of Aliyah into a successful reality! Quizrael is coming to your community Motzei Shabbat Parshat Lech Lecha, November 8th, 2003! Save the date!!! In honor of Avraham Avinu's Aliyah, enjoy
a great evening with friends and support Aliyah! [The Parshat R'ei Homepage]
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