Date sent: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 04:36:45 +0200 From: Eli Birnbaum Subject: The Whys of Aliyah To: Informal Aliyah discussion group Shalom All The other night I attended a meeting of European shlichim. One of the topics was of course, why people make aliyah. The standard debate ensued between those who talked about the religious aspects and those who promoted personal motivation i.e. jobs etc. Naturally it also became a debate between the religious and the secular sectors over the why's and numbers of aliyah, which is a shame because they are both missing the point. Aliyah is 'personal' but it is a move which enhances us and fulfills us as individuals and as Jews. Whether you go to shul everyday is your decision aliyah may or may not affect it but what it will do is add an enriching dimension to you as a person. Israelis may not wake up each morning and say "I am gratefully I am here. I have added meaning to my life by just living here" - and that is a shame. For I believe that each of us who comes on aliyah no matter our age or background is making a real contribution to the Jewish people and its future. It is this sense, this understanding of 'why I am here' as an ingredient in our personalities, which unfortunately many Israelis lack. I have met with many people who made Aliyah in their later years who still feel that 'why'. These people have a role to play the same way that young people do. They have what to contribute. I find them in Yad Sarah, Hadassah and hosts of other organizations just giving of themselves now that they have the time and often the financial ability. As one woman ( who happens to be my mother put it) " It is as if my whole life I have been wandering towards something without knowing what it was - now I know - now I am home." Does that mean that if you do not live here you are not truly fulfilled? IMHO - yes. It does not mean that you are not a good person, or even a righteous person. But it does mean you have not taken that further step in developing your personal spirituality, your personal potential. There are so many people who would like to make aliyah but for so many reasons cant or wont. Yet are you fulfilled? - probably not. I have a Rabbi friend who has put in 18 years into his small community which has become his life's work. Would it be easy for him to leave? No. Would I dare judge him? Never! But will he ever feel complete? On the other hand Does it mean that if you made aliyah your are automatically a good person? Of course not. Each of us must all travel down our own long trails. Each path paved by our choices in life. We try to make ourselves better human beings, try to find meaning in our being and as we grow older we either grow more desperate or more tranquil. Regarding Aliyah we can all agree upon one point. By living here you have taken one step closer one step higher, and in this world that is about all you can do. Take care, eli Eli Birnbaum Director of Internet Services The Jewish Agency for Israel