Cultures

Whether you dream of moving across the country or to another continent, or you are returning home after a prolonged absence, Jason Alster’s Leaving Home, Going Home, Returning Home is an illuminating and inspiring read. Alster paints a picture of his move to Israel, his palette of words reflecting the tones and hues of this Mediterranean nation, but the message he conveys could be applied to any move, to any change from one place to another. Why? Because this book is about the courage to change, to take risks, and to trust oneself regarding that place we wish to call home. How does one adjust to a new language, to a culture decidedly different from the one left behind? What new lessons must we learn? Is there a sense of isolation and longing, or is it possible to become part of that new place and create a sense of community and belonging? According to the author, the answer is a definite yes! Page after page, readers will discover the keys—and occasionally the secrets—to fitting in.

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Leaving Home , Going Home , Returning Home

A synopsis of this novel is in the author's profile/blog.

I never thought I would write a novel. To me, this book about life in Israel was just something that had to be told. I felt, and was told many times, that I had a unique perspective and could see things from many angles. That is because of my background and different endeavors. My mother was a traditional Jewish lady born to secular parents , while my father was a secular Jew born to a traditional family. I myself had went to Hebrew school , but had grown up with many gentile friends from my neighborhood, and am secular today. By age 14, I had moved away from home to enter a private Hebrew school in another state, Maryland, and by the time I moved to Israel in 1984 at age 28, I had moved as many as five times and lived in four different states; Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. I guess I could identify with people who moved allot. By the time I had published this book, I had moved about fourteen times.
To this I also add my different vocations that give me different perspectives; psychology/biology, electro-neuro-diagnostics, real estate agent, sleep-wake disorders research, biofeedback, natural medicine, art teacher, educational technology, and author publisher. Well, I wanted to have a positive book that would be a real joy to read, but at the same time identify with other people who are deciding to follow their dreams , but know that might mean relocating. So the novel may be read on different levels. As an informative book on life in Israel spanning the years from 1984, an exciting adventerous novel, and a book about following your dreams. I know you will enjoy this book and hopefully be inspired.