A FEW months before we made aliya, I received a phone call from one of the fabulous organizers at our Jewish school in Johannesburg, South Africa. Effervescent and full of joy as always, Cheryl’s smiley voice rang through the receiver, “Benita-la, I just want to confirm the date for Lirani’s bar mitzva.”
I started to laugh, not because of the affectionate way Cheryl always changed every person’s name into something diminutive and cute, but because our son was only 10 years old at the time! Before I could articulate the fact that I hadn’t quite got down to dates, venues and seating arrangements, Cheryl continued in her inimitable, maternal way, “And I know you’re making aliya, my love, but trust me, it’s better to have a date booked in South Africa anyway. You simply never know what can happen in three years – it might be difficult for older relatives to travel… you might want to all be together in South Africa – you just never know, Benit-sie.”
Fast forward to today, 10 months into my family’s aliya, and Cheryl’s words are echoing in my mind. Where do new immigrants have their simhas? The options are many: The shul your family has been going to for the last 10 months, since you made aliya, with an active, warm community, filled with friends who have welcomed you into their homes like family? The Kotel? No explanations needed.
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