The First Settlement and the Meaning of Existence
The first Israeli settlement wasn’t Jewish, nor was it in the land of Israel. It was in the land of Goshen—a place of refuge for Jacob’s family during famine. The roots of human existence are entwined with movement, creation, and survival.
Judah’s story, like ours, is one of loss, resilience, and transformation. He faced heartbreak—burying his wife, losing his sons—and yet, his lineage endured. What is it about creation, about family, that sustains us through life’s trials?
But creation in its purest form isn’t about commerce or consumption. It’s about intention, about the desire to shape something meaningful. So, why are we here? To perpetuate cycles of buying and selling? Or to create something greater, something lasting?
A Conversation with My Children
“Why do you smoke, Dad?”
“To bear myself.”
My children’s questions pierce through the veil of habit and rationalization. They don’t see the layers of stress, fear, and self-doubt that a cigarette seems to mask.
“You justify the cigarette’s existence and thus perpetuate death in your life,” one of them says.
And they’re right. But it’s not just about the cigarette—it’s about all the things we cling to in life to cope, to endure, to distract ourselves from facing the truth of who we are.
“Dad, why do you always seem sad?”
“Because I’m afraid you’re sad.”
“But we’re not. You are.”
Their words strip me bare. They see what I can’t always admit: my sadness isn’t theirs, and my fears don’t have to define their lives.
The Weight of Parenthood in Immigration
In a new land, far from familiarity, these moments take on an added weight. Immigration amplifies the challenges of parenthood. The uprooting, the uncertainty, the struggle to provide—it all tests the limits of who we are as parents and as individuals.
And yet, this journey also offers moments of connection, of raw honesty, of learning to let go of what no longer serves us.
The Call to Create
My children don’t just see me; they challenge me. They push me toward the truth I’ve been avoiding:
“You are who you think you are, Dad. I wish you’d wake up and understand that already. Just publish your masterpiece and give people hope.”
Creation is an act of faith. It’s a response to the weight of existence, a way of transforming pain into purpose. It’s not about external validation or material success—it’s about offering something real, something that connects us to each other and to the greater whole.
Lessons for Navigating Life, Creation, and Change
- Face Yourself Honestly
Your habits, your struggles, your fears—they are part of you, but they don’t define you. Recognize them without judgment and move forward with intention. - Learn from Your Children
Children see the world—and us—with clarity. Listen to their questions and insights; they hold a mirror to your true self. - Focus on Creation, Not Perfection
Don’t wait for the “right time” to create. Start now, even if it feels imperfect. What matters is the act of creating, not the outcome. - Embrace the Journey
Immigration, parenthood, and personal growth are all journeys. Allow yourself to learn, adapt, and grow along the way. - Offer Hope
Your story, your struggles, and your triumphs can inspire others. Share them honestly, and you may find that the connection you seek is already within reach.
A Life Beyond the Weight
To create, to parent, to live with meaning—all of it is tied to the same truth: we are here to build, to connect, to love.
In the face of doubt, in the moments of despair, remember:
- Your worth isn’t in your perfection but in your persistence.
- Your legacy isn’t in your success but in the love and meaning you leave behind.
- Your story, even in its rawest, most unpolished form, has the power to give others hope.
So rise above the noise, the fear, the excuses. Create. Love. And give those who follow you something to believe in.
To explore tools and support for families building a new life in Canada, visit the Government of Canada’s Family Services page.
Written by Wa Alikum Salam, Immigrant.