Olim look forward to first Rosh Hashanah in Israel

Rosh Hashanah signals the beginning of a new year. For those who’ve recently made aliya, it marks their first Jewish New Year in a new country, a new home, and a new chapter of their lives. 

From navigating Hebrew to finding one’s place in Israeli society, the first months of aliya are filled with change. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, new olim reflect on what it means to celebrate the chag in the Jewish State for the first time, and their hopes for the year ahead. 

For Moshe Grauman it’s the first time he’s spending the chaggim without blood relatives. 

“My yomtovim were very much family-only events in South Africa. However, since coming home to Israel, I’ve made many connections and for the first time, I’m going to someone who isn’t family by blood but family by bond,” he said. 

This change is something he never thought possible as his life in South Africa was mainly spent indoors with family, or at school. Now, he spends his days outdoors with friends, and the chaggim will be no different. 

“Overall my time in Israel has helped me grow as a person and expand my knowledge, experience, and skills. I can’t see myself anywhere else in the world but here in our homeland,” he said. 

Vernon Levenberg, who made aliya just this week, said that while making the leap and leaving his family in his 60s was daunting, he’s excited for his first Rosh Hashanah in his new home. 

“As a new oleh, going to a country that opens its arms and welcomes you home is an incredible feeling. Whether you choose to come through a programme or make aliya independently, knowing that you are welcomed with open arms is something truly special,” he said, “This will be my first Rosh Hashanah in Israel, and as a Jewish man, I am extremely excited and proud to experience the Jewish New Year in the land of Israel.” 

While he didn’t have any concrete plans yet, he was keeping an open mind and seeing where the wind takes him. 

“I want to see what opportunities lie ahead and where this new chapter will take me. I know this journey won’t be easy. Starting again at my age, in a new country and a new environment, will bring its challenges. But one thing I have learned is that if you don’t take a chance in life, you will never know what could have been,” he said. 

Although Sharon and Geff Gershon, are also spending their first Rosh Hashanah in Israel as new olim, they won’t be without their family. They will be celebrating with their children and grandchildren, who are also olim. 

“We are celebrating Rosh Hashanah with our family and going to shul together and looking forward to this important time,” said Geff. 

The family already spends Shabbat together. “We walk to and from our granddaughter’s apartment and feel safe and appreciate walking with many other people,” he said. “Shabbat is special. We make sure it is different to the week because, being retired, we have spare time. So we dress smartly, go to shul and attend Shabbat dinners.” 

Melanie Harris never thought she would be starting over in Netanya at the age of 76. While it’s been overwhelming, she’s looking forward to spending yomtov with her family. 

“After a lifetime in South Africa, there is something incredibly special about being able to start this new chapter surrounded by family,” she said. “It has been an emotional journey, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and a home that’s been such an important part of our lives. 

“At 76, I have learned that life can still surprise you. We may be starting a new chapter, but we are starting it together, with gratitude for everything behind us, excitement for everything ahead, and the wonderful feeling that, after all these years, we are finally home,” she said.