Best New Years’ Gift EVER!

As some of you know, a few years ago, our oldest son, Zev, after some time in yeshiva in Israel, joined the IDF as a Lone Soldier. After the army, he decided to return to North America, working in the U.S. on Capitol Hill, and then in university in Toronto. His long term plan was to make his life in Canada.

And then COVID hit, and everything changed, including Zev’s mind. On Lag B’Omer, we got an email from him saying he missed family and has decided to make aliyah (!!)

We were thrilled, but a lot of documents and paperwork had to happen, no easy feat during these times when government offices around the world were turned upside down. Only last Friday did his apostille FBI background check come through (yes, years ago they gave him a very big gun, but to make aliyah, they wanted to make sure he was not a wanted criminal).

Could it be that we could get him here before Rosh Hashana? No way, my husband said it wouldn’t happen, but I don’t give up very easily. And do not underestimate a Jewish mother’s desire to be with her young!

With a lot of help from many others (thank you, JAFI and Nefesh B’Nefesh — you rock!), who understood how important it was to unite a Jewish family before the chagim (holidays), and a lot of help from Above, Zev was issued a visa for entry and given a plane ticket to arrive from Toronto on Air Canada … today!

We are taught that the way you begin the year is how you will end the year. I hope I was filled with praise for G-d last Rosh Hashana, thankful for my blessings, for that is how I end this year:

Hodu l’Hashem ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo! I offer thanks to G-d for He is good, for His kindness is everlasting!

Good Shabbos, Shabbat Shalom, and Shana Tova U’Metukah — may we all merit a year of gratitude and blessings.