- Family and Society
- Aliya
832
Question
I made Aliyah last May, then made Yeridah [returned] three months later because I could find no work. I am single, and feared I would be on the streets, so I used my remaining funds for a ticket back to the USA. I returned to the USA, and though I am working towards returning IY"H soon, I want to know if I transgressed the principle of leaving Eretz Yisrael for an unjustified reason? I do have guilt.
Answer
I cannot address your particular case without knowing all the details. One is allowed to leave the Land of Israel in order to make a living. On the other hand, three months is a very short time to determine that one can’t find a living here. Did you attend an Ulpan? Did you receive all the government assistance to which you were entitled? Do you have a profession? Were you in contact with Aliyah representatives? The issue is not one of guilt but rather how to ensure that the same problems won’t reappear the next time you try to make Aliyah.

Omer Days I can shave/cut hair
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 2, 5774

spitting during the Aleinu prayer
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Tishrei 7, 5769
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

How old is the Earth?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 26, 5774

Egg slicer with grid
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 1, 5785
Separate beds while niddah
Rabbi Gideon Weitzman | Nisan 13, 5785

Which Prophets did Israel kill?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 25, 5785
