I Just Needed A Moment Away (Pausing to Reflect on Making Aliyah)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 сер 2024
- Don’t worry, I’m alive and well! I’ve been sitting on this video for over a month now (even deleting it once), but I finally decided it was worth sharing. Thanks to those of you who have asked how I am, where I am and whether I’m ever planning to return. I spent a month in the States and have also been spending time with my parents in Korea. I’ll be back in Jerusalem before Rosh Hashanah. ❤️ Meorah
Meorah, it’s so good to hear from you. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It takes great emunah and bitachon in HaShem to step out of your comfort zone, uproot yourself and live in a foreign land. I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you have experienced living in Yisrael. I appreciate your honesty and transparency but I believe that you will get through this. I will be praying for you. Be’ezrat HaShem, you will return to the Holy Land with even greater simcha.
I just saw your videos and subscribed. Thank you for everything you do. I hope you feel better. I said the misheberach in Hebrew as best as I could and the travelers prayer. If your journey takes you from Israel back to the United States, that's ok, temporarily or permanently. Aliyah is hard and doesn't work for everyone. No matter where you live, don't give up on your platform, you're helping so many jews.
Sweet Meorah, the world is not so black and white. I find in my own life, as I age, I realize that things are just chock full of nuance! Your not having the most positive experience does not equate to blasphemy, does not degrade the value and beauty of the holy land, and does not minimize your legitimacy as a Jew. There are MILLIONS of Jews who will not move to Israel, for many valid reasons. The story of life is try things! To attempt things are hearts are pulling us towards. Your pursuit of moving there came from a beautiful and genuine place, and you DID IT! You should be incredibly proud! If it turns out that being there isn't fulfilling, positive, or any of the other things you had hoped for (to the extent that you feel you need to go back to the U.S.), that is OK. Please do not let anyone talk you down, or listen self-righteousness. We all love an appreciate Israel. We are not all capable of being fully happy there, because we are humans and Israel is a challenging place. Full stop. There is no shame in that! What a marvelous adventure you've been on. Be proud, and start planning your next chapter, whatever that may by in whichever country you need to be in to be fully comfortable.
Thank you, Meora for you frank, open video. If you return to Israel, I hope you can find a warm, friendly synagogue community with many other international people. You might even decide to only stay for a limited number of years in Israel. If Israel doesn't seem like your forever home, you will still cherish the time you had there. I moved to Mexico at 19 to study and later work and ended staying 8 years. It was rocky at times but I consider it one of the most formative times in my life. May things go well for you. I will pray for you.
Hi
I did Aliya when I was 8 years old and I remember how much it was difficult to adjust to a new environment.
When you come back to Israel consider moving to an english speaking envirement.
Tjink about Raanana, Givat Shmuel or Bet shemesh.
Also.. Meybe you can check groups on facebook for americans who have moved to Israel.
Having a sapport sistem this time will change the experience for sure.
Best of luck!
I like hearing people be honest about the challenges because I'm going to make Aliyah from the US in a few years. I know it's going to be a more challenging adjustment than, for example, moving to Canada, and I think realistic expectations will make it easier for me.
Thank you for making this video and being open about your transition. As someone making Aliyah soon from a Western country as well it helps to know what to expect. Wishing you all the best in your adjustment and healing
Thank you for making an update! I'm so happy to see you. Nothing from what you said was bad or lashon hara. As others have said, the US and Israel are two very very different countries so having a huge culture shock is understandable. Life in the two countries is very different in most ways and you don't have to give up anything to convert, you don't /need/ to make aliya for it either if you don't want to. How did you like Jerusalem? If you decide to go back maybe you should consider living in a different city, like, Raanana area, the people there are international, many from the US, so you'll be surrounded by people similar to you, and the ground is flat lol. Please don't hesitate to vent, your subscribers will be happy to help and support you!
Many American Israelis I know reside in two or more countries. Currently I live in both California and Mexico. No reason why you can't consider yourself a resident of the US, Korea and Israel.
I think it's smart to avail yourself of your American and Korean support networks while you build one in Israel.
I sometimes think about how my first attempt at Shabbat went compared to my latest Shabbat. It took quite a while to get the hang of planning during my week for Shabbat. I imagine the same applies to aliyah, though that's only speculation on my part.
I've not heard, until this post from you, of the words gashmius and ruchmius. I imagine, though, that one would find it easier to enjoy the benefits of the latter once the requirements of the former are well-met.
Good on you for being honest.
I'm just popping in to say hi and B'ezrat HaShem you're well and happy. You're in my prayers and hope to see you back soon. Your videos and presence here has meant so much to me. So I want to thank you so much for sharing your journey❣ Sending lots of love ❣❣
Hello Meorah,
I have stumbled upon your channel and I'm very inspired by your content. I'm also a convert within the judaism observant world and the platform you have created brings alot of light and understanding. I want to wish you lots of Mazal in everything that you do and Refua Shelema achshav! remember that our down moments are the keystone to our growth, Hashem will keep using you as a vessel to bring alot of Chessed into this world. Keep up the great work, remember nothing in this world is a coincidence, everything is ashgacha pratit!
❤
Nice to see you again :) and happy to know that you’re making space to heal, recover and regroup. I was wondering how you were doing. May you be blessed with tremendous renewed goodness this new year!!!
Thank you for sharing, it's an honor to be able to witness your spiritual journey! B"H
I felt the same about the grocery stores and some minor things, dont be sad, its totally human.
I would imagine that there is a difference between speaking lashon hara about the land and being honest about the culture - which isn't necessarily godly. You have such a God-given passion for Eretz Yisrael and you honour the land with the way you speak about it and connect it to Hashem. If you have some criticisms about the culture etc, i would not class that as 'speaking against Israel'. I know some Rabbis teach that you can't say anything negative full stop, but that is not realistic. Was very glad to hear how you have been getting on and for the update - thanks for posting. At least next time you go you will be going with your eyes wide open. Not surprising you had to come back for a while, you hadn't even visited Israel before!
I'm not Jewish, but I am an Indigenous Canadian who moved to the US. Immigration can be hard as fuck, no matter what your reasons. Take a breather, be glad that you can without putting your citizenship in jeopardy, and then get back at it. Assimilation is a continuous process.
Sorry this happened, you’re smart so I’m sure you will find your way, in Israel or in the US. I’m grateful to you for sharing with us your aliyah process. I just feel so connected with you (even if I don’t really know you), in part because I’m going to make aliyah too (decided last month) and I’m going without family, as you did (although I’m taking my little dog with me coz I wouldn’t be able to do it without her), I did a conservative giyur as you did… the problem of housing and the cost of living in Israel is huge, I prefer not to think about it but I know it will be my challenge nr 1
Oh honey. You are allowed to have whatever feelings you have. It is not strange to struggle with cultural change, not at all! Please don't tell yourself that you "shouldn't" or "should" feel a certain way. We humans can't let go of feelings until we acknowledge them and allow them to exist. (Also, we are physiologically and psychologically wired to need touch as social creatures - wanting a hug doesn't make you not independent. It's neuroscience, actually.) You are doing a hard thing, a brave thing, because it's your dream, and there's no set schedule to feeling settled and comfortable. You'll get there. ❤🤗 Be kind to yourself.
Side note, I lived in 서을 for a while and while I adore 한국 사람 there was definitely a period where the honeymoon wore off and I struggled with isolation, cold/dark winter, and homesickness. It doesn't make me love Korea less, just like seeing flaws or even differing personal preferences doesn't make me love America less. Whatever you choose, and for however long, your experiences will be an adventure and your feelings are valid. 파이팅!
Thanks for your frank honesty about your journey. I’ve toyed with the idea of Aliyah, but now I’m not so sure. I think my heart may be with Israel, but I’ll be content being a Jew where HaShem placed me on this earth. 😊
Thank you Meorah for sharing your story. I am sorry things did not work out for you in Israel. Praying for you.
I think that you're very brave. I'm Israeli and I imagine that any type of immigration would be such a hard process to go through, let alone when you do it all by yourself, without your family and friends there. I'm sorry that you had to go through such a tough experience. I hope that you didn't get too discouraged by it. Hatimah tova!!!
meorah ha- me' r
yes i was looking for news of you. thank you for sharing. i think that you are courageous for making aliyah. it is a difficult adjustment esp. for
those coming from usa, france, uk, canada. more difficult for a single woman without a partner or family. making some good friends in israel-
singles and families will help you adjust to life there. there are wonderful friendly people who will be happy to know you and these will be
mutually rewarding relationships. i will pray that HaShem brings you good health and happiness. from veeta chaya tikvah.
I’m totally where you are but I haven’t moved out of the states. I battle spiritually and carnally. Wanting to let go of the American mentality and follow Hashem with all my heart and soul. I’m really struggling too🙏🏽
Meorah, if you need help here in Israel, let me know.
Israel can be a difficult country to live in, it's perfectly fine to have your difficulties, if perfectly fine to complain, vent, it's healthy.
I really want to help you, let me know if you want the help.
I think you are allowed to complain. Get it out. And, when you recollect, you might come to appreciate more about the place. When I moved to the USA I would complain and vent a lot but getting it out helped me. I even came to miss some of the differences I complained about whenever I visited my home country.
I admit that I was wondering where you were, too. I had just met with a Rabbi about joining the Synagogue and attending Introduction to Judaism classes.
Thanks for sharing
Find a partner. Even YHVH needs us as a partner. We are of his image, we are of his character, and we are of his way. Find a partner.
YHVH don't need us, he don't need his 2 sons or 3 wives either, he only made humans to develop the Koreans for his enjoyment, whaaaaaat he made them fine not me
do not be afraid, I know that being alone is difficult,
You have to remember you've grown up in a very American world, a world that's totally different to the Middle East. Of course it's going to be a huge shock to the system and that's okay to feel that way! You're used to a different sort of life, people, culture and even food. This is something I see very often in a lot of Americans who have been inside their bubble for so long. Moving to a whole new country is NEVER easy and a lot of people really don't realise that, it's why I recommend going to the country a few times to get a feel of the place first. You have to learn to adapt and adjust to the climate around you.
It could be a good idea to use this time to self reflect and maybe if you have the funds to travel outside of the US. See other Jewish communities around. :) Best of luck and sending prayers.
Enjoy the process somehow, all a real struggle and maneuvering to a healthy happier place fulfilling your own goals… the holy land is still also in process… will come together more as the good will is there… BH
I made aliyah too. Would highly encourage you to ease up on the "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts" for for you feel about life here and ruchniyos vs gashmiyos. Lastly, find a kehillah for you to get absorbed into. kol tuv and hope you feel better
You look like you're about to cry. Don't cry~
kinda saw it coming when a relief for you was an standardized supermarket
you can visit, you dont have to live here.
not everyone can handle it
dont know why its funny to me to imagine that the bathroom in meron broke you
Hi! I just discovered your channel last night, and I would like to know if you ever returned to Israel? I am also a convert, and I don’t fit the mold, but I’m also tired of America and I think it’s time to go to the homeland. I would just like to know if you returned and I looked at your Instagram but it’s private.
Hi! While I disagree that any people, Jews or not, "belong" to a land, and think this mentality is extremely problematic and can lead to serious social and political issues (due to the lengths some people may go to just to keep that land). I will respect your desires and will pray that you, eventually, feel like you belong there.
Where you able to meet Rabbi Alon Anava ?
Shalom, I m from India want to come Israel to study Jewish culture and the religion , what is your suggestion for me Hashem bless us I am learning Hebrew language bi self learning in India there is no teacher to teach Hebrew so I decided it self study via youtube video now I learn little Hebrew language love Hebrew language my passion to learn please convey my message to any Rabbi that you know please it's a request . Thank you and best of luck 🎉❤️ from India
Aliyah its mandatory for every convertion?
No. I'm converting and hope to visit Israel someday but I don't feel the need to live there to be supportive of our Jewish honeland.
No. Of course not.
So shocking whats going on in Israel right now. Still people try to condone the Hamas terrror attacks on innocent Israelis.
you should find a husband, it's not good to stay alone 🙂
I'd marry her, korean jew, thats all I ask at this point
Exactly I been saying that. Plus I'm the Messiah for the Jewish people. With my lineage and her looks and her intellecets our kids be beautiful!