Maia Zelkha explains how finding clarity about her identity as a Jew led her to make Aliyah, embracing Israel as her ancestral homeland and rejecting modern labels.
It took me a long time to read this, because after each paragraph—and sometimes each sentence—I felt too filled with “Yes! Yes! Yes!” to immediately go on. Deep breaths, and feeling the fullness in my heart, kept leading me forward. I finish this feeling my own Jewishness so deeply, my bones remembering my own trips to Israel (in this lifetime, and perhaps before). Thank you for this luscious experience!
What a refreshing piece. A Jew who is straight forward and aware. There are no excuses, no dodging and weaving, no I accept this but not that. If more Jews could become aware that they are Jewish and know (and accept) what being Jewish means, they would be formidable. The evil in the world cannot be avoided or destroyed by denial and weakness. Those who do not have or do not feel a connection to the ancient homeland, gifted by God, should not identify as Jews.
Yasher koach! I loved reading this piece and it made me proud as a Jew. I see parts of myself in this story. Thank you for sharing it!
Such a gorgeous piece! Such a bodacious reclaiming of our narrative of truth, and our enduring ties to our land. Thank you!
Excellent!!! Thank you, Maia!
Totally inspiring and inspired piece of writing.
It took me a long time to read this, because after each paragraph—and sometimes each sentence—I felt too filled with “Yes! Yes! Yes!” to immediately go on. Deep breaths, and feeling the fullness in my heart, kept leading me forward. I finish this feeling my own Jewishness so deeply, my bones remembering my own trips to Israel (in this lifetime, and perhaps before). Thank you for this luscious experience!
Superb. Thank you.
What a refreshing piece. A Jew who is straight forward and aware. There are no excuses, no dodging and weaving, no I accept this but not that. If more Jews could become aware that they are Jewish and know (and accept) what being Jewish means, they would be formidable. The evil in the world cannot be avoided or destroyed by denial and weakness. Those who do not have or do not feel a connection to the ancient homeland, gifted by God, should not identify as Jews.
What a fantastic essay. Thank you so much for sharing.
Any breadcrumbs to help a person find these warrior-poets?? 🤩