Aliyah

The Life Waiting For Me: A Letter

By Rivka Mazal Tauber | September 15, 2022

This essay was workshopped in The Layers Writing Workshops. Dear Hashem,  You know everything that I have been through.  You…

Where I’m Meant To Be

By Sefira Lightstone | August 29, 2022

THIS ESSAY WAS WORKSHOPPED IN THE LAYERS WRITING WORKSHOPS. There was something I wanted.  Something I was so busy dreaming…

Looking Toward the Heavens

By Shira Lankin Sheps | August 7, 2022

Last night was surreal. I sat with some of my sisters, my mother, and my daughter in the darkness listening…

Reality Under Rockets

By Shira Lankin Sheps | May 11, 2021

I had never heard a rocket siren before. I’ve watched countless videos of rocket sirens, rocket explosions, and all sorts…

Shira’s Story: Behind the Scenes of the New Layers Book

By Shira Lankin Sheps | February 1, 2021

(1/6) Some of you may already know parts of my story.  This next part I’ve been keeping to myself for…

Azi’s Story: “Finding the Light Within Us”

By Shira Lankin Sheps | August 24, 2020

(1/8): “Feeling Deeply” “From a very young age, I had a great capacity to feel. I recall watching an episode…

Tova’s Story: Finding My Inner Strength

By Shira Lankin Sheps | July 12, 2020

(1/6): Seeds For The Future “It all started when I was living in New Jersey. I was a teacher and…

I’m getting married today!

By Beth Magid | May 12, 2020

I will be getting married B”H today, Lag Ba’Omer, in Jerusalem. I am 34 years old and had been looking…

Yom Haatzmaut 2020

By Shira Lankin Sheps | April 29, 2020

This moment is like thousands of moments we’ve had before.  Life in Israel has historically never been easy. Life here…

Dad, You’ll Be Missed

By Yehudit Jessica Singer | April 20, 2020

(1/3) “I was hoping that the hospital had the wrong patient.  “Nurse, I just want to verify – you’re talking…

What I Understand Now

By Rayla Rappaport | April 13, 2020

Dear Abba, This past Shabbat marked 4 years since you left this world. I remember that day so well. Sometimes…

Mini-Layers Profile: #coronastories #pesach #tovabukingolts

By Tova Bukingolts | April 7, 2020

(1/2) “For the last 4 years, we have been going to NY for Pesach to visit my parents, brother (who…