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Yulia Medovoy Edelshtain
YEHUDIT YERUSHALMIT יהודית ירושלמית

We have everything and we have nothing

I am rarely at a loss for words. I would like to share some tools I use to help me flow through times when I feel like I am grateful for what I have, but it also feels like nothing makes sense. The world is upside down, and while I usually have the positive view, lately all I can say is, day by day. What keeps me grounded is that I know everything is in the hands of God. We are not in control, and if you see all the connections, you will realize it is so important to do your part, but step back and see how miracle after miracle unfolds.

This is how my brain works, non stop gratitude and one hundred percent faith and trust. When life happens, I reach out, share information and try to figure out how to get back to my non stop gratitude and one hundred percent faith and trust.

The concept of gratitude has been researched and proven to change mindset. Jews say the prayer of Modeh Ani every morning to thank God for another day. Each day is a possibility for change, inspiration, and growth. We really are never stuck, however weaving through the waves of life needs a special tool of understanding that we have nothing. We are a soul passing through, lighting up everyone and everything around us. This nothingness is very powerful, because you know deep inside you have done your part. Stand back and watch how things start to make sense, new options become available, and there is endless possibility.

Even before October 7, I was shocked how easy it was for people to suddenly realize that Jews are the cause of all of the problems in the world. Friends and colleagues that have personally known me for many years, were telling me how now it all makes sense to them that the Jews are to blame. Now in my fifties, besides your standard hateful Antisemitism, the boldness and pride with which media and especially social media spew lies and distortions, while presenting them as fact is insanity.

I made Aliyah five months ago. We are all doing our part, and I knew that my kids brains, hearts and energy should flow into Israel. That is a story for another time, how we had no idea if everything would align, and did not know if we would be leaving Los Angeles, our home for over 25 years. All I knew was I trusted God’s plan, and did everything in my power to be clear about arriving on September 1, so my children could start school. We did not share the unknown with our community, and when someone close would ask if we were making Aliyah, all I could answer is that it would be my dream.

Now watching Los Angeles burn, hurts my heart. I personally know families who have lost their homes, and many are still on the brink of evacuation. I have not been able to articulate words of hope and inspiration, but I decided I must sit and share my tools of peace, connection, and trust.

What makes you, you? Write it down, and share with me and the world. We all need each other. We make each other stronger when we express ourselves fully. Find what brings you joy and gives you peace. These tools will help you when life gets hard. There are always unknowns, but when you know yourself, you feel confident to make decisions. Even if something doesn’t work out, you get life experience and skills. Everything is for the good. I refuse to be in worry, because it does not change the outcome. I do not want to stay in the chaos, instead I focus on solutions and pushing myself to keep trying.

What makes me, me? I love Torah, and this weeks Parsha, the weekly portion, is the new book of Shemot. I love to listen to commentary and learn weekly. I learned that the name of the Parsha literally means names, and how important it is to live fully in our Judaism. My Hebrew name is Yehudit, which has roots in gratitude and she was a heroin in our Chanukah story. I was named after my great grandmother who was born in the Caucasus. My parents called me Yulia, because in the former Soviet Union it was illegal to use Jewish names. I taught Yoga for twenty five years and was a Doula for 15 years. Now I am ready to transform in Jerusalem, and be a strong voice for Israel and the Jewish people.

LET MY PEOPLE GO.

FREE THE HOSTAGES.

BRING THEM HOME.

I want to introduce you to my soul.
What I know for sure, God is in control.

My faith and trust have never let me down,
trusting my gut is the only way I know how.

How to not know what the outcome will be,
Still going strong towards goals and dreams.

How to function when the world is upside down.
First and foremost a Jew, loud and proud.

I embrace change and jumping in head first,
Grateful for support a family, friends and the universe.

When I say universe, I mean trusting your gut, finding your own way,
We are all different, unique and need to connect to ourselves every day.

Find yourself fascinating and search how you shine,
Put yourself first, so you are able to give your all when its time.

Share your gifts with the world, what you have nobody else can provide.
It is up to you to make sure you are fully expressed and utilized on life’s wild ride.

 

About the Author
Yulia Medovoy Edelshtain loves to light up the world around her. Born in the Former Soviet Union, with magical parents. Mother from Moscow and father from Grozny, Chechnya, brought their family to the American dream in 1980, but on our exit visa it had to say Israel. Childhood in an orthodox community in Denver, Colorado, then followed relatives that came through Ellis Island to Miami, Florida. Fun place to grow up! Decided to find herself in Los Angeles, found Yoga and her husband, has three vibrant children. Just made Aliyah to Jerusalem. Miracle after miracle, Thank God!