In August 2021, I arrived in New Jersey from Israel to serve as our Community Shlicha (emissary) with my family – one husband, three boys, and two dogs! It has been an experience that, even as I write these words, is difficult to explain, describe, or sum up.
Each one of the past three years has been filled with unique challenges. I arrived during the “post-COVID” period, with the need to remind people that it was okay to leave the house and meet up. I welcomed and lead a delegation during that time when everything felt new, and I still didn’t fully understand the dynamics.
The second year was marked by the judicial reform in Israel, bringing confusion and questions to the community. Beginning the third year, I thought, “This will be a ‘normal’ year of shlichut.” Then, of course, October 7 happened.
Alongside the challenges, there were so many meaningful and unforgettable moments. I have been proud to accompany groups from Israel who visited the community, lead the “Peoplehood Program,” and have the opportunity to meet countless extraordinary people, whose creativity and vision are truly inspiring. These experiences helped me strengthen and refine the connection between the Greater MetroWest community and Israel. Looking back, I understand that every day brought something new.
One of the many gifts I will take from this experience is how the community deepened my connection and attachment to my Jewish identity. I had the honor of being called to the Torah for the first time in my life (in a Modern Orthodox synagogue, no less!), participated in Shabbat Shira, and celebrated my eldest son’s Bar Mitzvah with the community. I will cherish these moments forever!
I want to thank everyone who took part in this special journey of ours (I won’t risk forgetting anyone; you know who you are), and to the wonderful community that opened its doors to us. Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, both in NJ and in Israel, has been a second home to me throughout this entire period. Thanks to the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), for the Shlichut program, all the mishlachat, and all the rishonim I worked with over these three years. To Maya Lior, the Community Shlicha who shared the hard work with me, I wish the best of luck in leading the shlichut next year.
And, of course, a huge thank you to my amazing family, who joined me on this journey, to Yuval, my anchor, to Maayan, Aviv, and Shaked, who acted as mini-shlichim and “brought Israel” wherever they went. The experiences we’ve shared, the relationships we’ve built, and the lessons we’ve learned will stay with us forever.
Lastly, a small request: I am ending my shlichut while the war in Israel continues and 115 hostages remain in Gaza. Please, if you can, do something small, or big, each day to keep their situation in our awareness and help BRING THEM HOME! We cannot be whole until they return.
It’s time to say l’hitraot… bye for now.
Yours always,
Tamar Reshef,
for the last time as
Senior Community Shlicha, Greater MetroWest NJ