iSavta | 20.09.2025

For many people in Israel, Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) are the most important holidays of the year. Families gather together, meals are shared, and people take time to think about the past year and the year to come.

Even if you are a migrant caregiver who does not celebrate these holidays, this season can still be meaningful for you. It can serve as your own moment of reflection, forgiveness, and renewal. Working far from home is not easy, but these days can give you an opportunity to pause and think about your life, your goals, and your future.

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Reflection: Looking Back at Your Journey

Life as a caregiver is often busy. You are focused on the needs of your employer, and sometimes you forget to think about yourself. The holidays are a natural time to stop and reflect.

Ask yourself questions like:

• What have I achieved in the past year?

• What challenges did I overcome?

• What lessons have I learned from my experiences?

For example, maybe you learned how to be more patient, or you became stronger while facing homesickness. Even small achievements matter. Reflecting on them reminds you of your strength and resilience.

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Renewal: Setting Goals for the Year Ahead

Rosh Hashanah is about beginnings, and Yom Kippur is about forgiveness and renewal. Together, they offer a chance to start fresh. You can also use this season as your personal “New Year” in Israel.

Here are some areas where you might set goals:

1. Financial Goals

As a caregiver, one of your main reasons for working abroad is to support your family. Think about your money management.

• Decide how much you want to save each month.

• Avoid unnecessary expenses when possible.

• Consider sending part of your salary home while keeping some savings for yourself.

2. Self-Care Goals

Caregivers often focus so much on others that they forget themselves. This year, try to promise yourself:

• To rest whenever you can.

• To eat healthier food, even on a budget.

• To walk or stretch daily for your health.

3. Learning Goals

Every new skill is an investment in your future.

• Improve your English or Hebrew by practicing a few words each day.

• Explore online courses that are free or affordable.

• Think about skills that can help you after caregiving, such as computer knowledge or small business ideas.

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Forgiveness and Letting Go

Yom Kippur is known as the Day of Atonement. It is about asking for forgiveness and forgiving others. Even if you do not celebrate this holiday, the idea of forgiveness can be powerful for your personal well-being.

As a caregiver, you may have faced misunderstandings with your employer, conflicts with friends, or moments where you felt judged or disrespected. Holding on to anger only makes life heavier. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing wrong actions. It means letting go of the pain so you can move forward with peace.

You can also forgive yourself. Maybe you regret being far from your children, or you feel guilty for mistakes you made. Remember that nobody is perfect. Allow yourself the same kindness you give to others.

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Finding Hope in a New Beginning

Starting a new year does not mean changing everything at once. It is about taking small steps toward a better version of yourself. Even one small decision—saving a little more money, making healthier choices, or setting aside time for learning—can create big changes over time.

Think of the holidays as a “reset button.” Just like people in Israel use this season to wish for a sweet and meaningful year ahead, you too can use it to imagine a brighter future.

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Final Thoughts

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are special times for families in Israel, but they can also carry meaning for you as a migrant caregiver. These holidays remind us that every year brings both challenges and opportunities. By reflecting on your journey, setting new goals, and letting go of past hurts, you can create your own sense of renewal.

Even far from home, you are building something important—for your family, for your future, and for yourself. This season, give yourself the gift of reflection, forgiveness, and hope. Just as the Jewish tradition wishes for a “sweet new year,” may this be your time to start fresh and move closer to your dreams.