Sunday, August 29, 2010

Leaving the Holy Land

No, I'm not leaving- I just got here. But I might be back to visit the good old U.S. of A. sometime in the near future. And you know what?

The thought is making me antsy. Not the good things about it: being able to see friends and relatives again, do some much needed shopping (ie: pick up things that are either only available in the US, or cheaper there- anyone who wishes to help me with this at any time is free to email me), and bring a bit of the Holy Land there. On the other hand, how can I leave Israel?
To not see my blue sky, my crisp white stone buildings- the air, the atmosphere- the general feeling that it impresses on my psyche?

And NBD (should I come up with another name for her now that she's 1 1/2? ) has never been outside of the Holy Land. When I made aliyah with her, the Misrad HaKlita (Ministry of Absorption) asked me when her entry into Israel was, as it was not written in her passport. I replied, "She was born here." They then duly recorded her date of birth as the entry into this special place. Like Yitzchak Avinu, who never left the Holy Land in his lifetime unless instructed by G-d- how can I take here out of here, even for a short time?

There are rabbinic responses listed as to for what reasons one can leave Israel. I think that R' Moshe Feinstein is the posek involved who gave the reasoning that if parents want one to come back to Chutz L'Aaretz to visit- that would be enough of a reason. But the simple truth shows that one needs a pretty good reason to leave Israel.

When all is said and done, I still don't know if we will be leaving or not. But I do know that if we do leave, I will be pining for my Yerushalyim every day that I'm gone.

10 comments:

harry-er than them all said...

i have a feeling that whatever is cheaper in the USA will come out more expensive when you add the cost of flying to get it into the equation. just saying ;-)

nmf #7 said...

Harry-er- Yeah, but we can't afford to pay as it is. If the family wants us back- they usually have to pay. (Just being honest, not being stingy)

But I do agree. And right now...it looks like we're not going.

itsagift said...

I'm sure your family would be very happy to see you if you do end up coming. But I know that feeling of never wanting to leave. Lucky you that you are able to be there for all this time!! Enjoy every moment and think of me - stuck in the good ol' US of A!

AidelKnaidel said...

Funny for me to say this, but I know the feeling. Though I love visiting family back in the USA, I look around and feel saddened knowing that one day, I must too leave to live in chutz la'aretz.

And harry- some things you CANNOT get here, no matter which makolet you go to :)

chanie said...

If they're that desperate, you may as well...then again, if you don't feel like it, just say halacha doesn't permit. :D It's a very nice excuse...

chanie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
nmf #7 said...

Chanie: Can't- there's a teshuva by R' Moshe that says that it is permitted.

Final verdict: looks like we're heading after all. Anyone who wants to meet up- email me.

Devorah said...

I'd love to see you :-) Maybe we can meet up? How long are you going to be here?
(You can email me if you'd like.)

nmf #7 said...

Devorah- you email me :D We could have a 'blogger' meet up. Where's Bad4 when I need her to come up with ice cream!

Devorah said...

Sorry, we'll be disqualified from Bad4's ice cream get together...oh well!

I'm emailing you!! Hope we can meet up (and get some other bloggers to join?)!