Reading Israel

Becoming Israeli

by Akiva Gersh

"Becoming Israeli" captures the story of aliyah, of Jews moving their entire lives and futures to Israel. To tell this story, Akiva Gersh recruited 40 bloggers whose words take readers on an adventure that evokes a wide range of emotions, from frustration to inspiration, from confusion to deep pride. It is a record and a testament to what drives olim (immigrants) to make aliyah, gives voice to the challenges they face acclimating to a new language and culture, and illustrates vividly why they would never want to live anywhere else. You will literally laugh out loud as well as wipe away tears as you journey through the world of aliyah with these bloggers who want to share their story. A story which, essentially, is the story of the Jewish people coming home.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What inspires American Jews to make aliyah? What do you think they feel that Israel offers them that America does not or cannot?
What do you feel makes Israel unique and different than America?
What are the unique challenges that American Jews face when they make aliyah to Israel?
How do olim (immigrants to Israel) deal with these challenges?
If you don’t live in Israel, what would be the hardest challenges for you? How would you deal with them?
Do you think these challenges would make aliyah too difficult for most American Jews?
Do you think aliyah is incumbent upon all Jews? Should aliyah be seen as an obligation or as a choice?
David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister, believed that Israel is the ideal place for all Jews to live. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
Compare Jewish life in Israel to Jewish life in America. What are the similarities and differences? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each place?
Which essay/blog in the book did you most relate to? Why?
How do you think a massive wave of aliyah from America would affect Israel?

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