Shlomo M., Ramat Beit Shemesh
I grew up in a Modern Orthodox home in Los Angeles. Though this meant we had strong “Zionistic” ideals and involvement, for me, as a youngster, this did not get into my conscious level. It meant going through the motions, even to be fortunate enough to visit Israel a few times.
It was only once I came to learn in yeshivah here in Eretz Yisroel that I felt that this was my home. Although my three years here in yeshivah really linked me to the Land, I went back to America for college just as my parents wished.
Once back in Los Angeles, a good friend and I arranged tours of Eretz Yisroel for boys from modern backgrounds, some of whom would have otherwise gone in mixed groups. For me, the purpose of these trips was to strengthen the kesher of these boys to Eretz Yisroel and to frumkeit, and it was also to get “free” trips to Eretz Yisroel myself (though it wasn’t really free considering the amount of effort we put in).
After finishing college – still single – I unofficially “moved” to Eretz Yisroel. While I was still living in L.A., I frequently came back to Eretz Yisroel to learn for Elul zman—now the whole situation was reversed: I was learning in yeshivah in Eretz Yisroel and only going back to L.A. for tax season to work for a couple of months.
That last Elul zman before I moved, I had attended Yeshivas Netzach Yisrael of R’ Gustman zt”l in Shaarei Chesed, and this is where I came back to learn. At that time, there were many Americans attending, including singles, avreichim, and retirees. I got married in Eretz Yisroel and continued learning in kollel for about half a year.
We then moved back to the U.S. in order to finish my CPA. It was clear to us that it was a temporary move – the very day I got my CPA I told my wife, “We’re outta here!” This took her a bit by surprise, because by that time, six years and three kids later, she had already become accustomed to living in chutz laAretz. Upon mentioning my Aliyah plans to my employer, I was offered a promotion if I would stay, but I turned it down in a heartbeat – Eretz Yisroel was waiting for us.
Our first stop was Har Nof, where my wife had two married sisters and fourteen nieces and nephews. Our family already living here served as a wonderful support group. Though originally from Miami Beach, my wife had been in Eretz Yisroel from after high school until we moved back to L.A. She had schooled and taught here and I had been in yeshivah here for several years, so we didn’t experience the culture shock that some others do. Our oldest child was entering first grade and at that age and stage the transition was much easier. Since 2000, we have been happily living in Ramat Beit Shemesh.
