Alona Einstein: Reflections on Her Life

Alona Einstein was born as Alona Shochat in 1936 in Kibbutz Kfar Giladi, daughter to Malka and Gideon Shochat, granddaughter to Israel and Manya Shochat, founders of 'Hashomer'. From age five to thirteen, she had limited contact with her family and was taken in by a kibbutz family. At five, both her parents joined the British Army and fought overseas, while her grandmother Manya maintained limited contact due to public commitments. Following her parents' divorce, she moved with her mother to Haifa. As a teenager, she was well-liked, and known for her artistic and athletic abilities.

In high school, Alona sought spiritual and meaningful life paths, joining 'the Schechterists', a group led by Dr. Yosef Schechter, that focused on philosophy and current debates, not religious observance. She later served as a Women’s Corps officer in the army, disconnecting from the group.

After her military service, Alona studied at Bezalel, but struggled with loneliness. She married successful engineer Avraham Leshem, and they moved to the United States. The marriage did not last, ending in divorce upon their return to Israel. Meanwhile, her father, one founding member of the Israeli Air Force, had a commendable military career but ended his life in 1966. His sudden death shocked her, prompting her to hold yearly memorials, eventually including religious lectures in his memory. "She faced many struggles, pain, and loneliness," recalls family friend Rika Cohen, "but she wasn't bitter; she sought love and answers."

During the 60s, Arik Einstein rose as a talented singer and actor, marrying Alona in 1963 at the National Theater. She quickly bonded with Arik’s circle, including the Zohars, Shmuel Kraus, Josie Katz, and Tzvi Shissel. Their careers thrived, Arik's in music and Alona's as a successful photographer, capturing album covers and contributing to Arik's films through still photography and screenwriting.

The couple parted after four years, having their daughter Shiri, only to remarry later, bringing daughter Yasmin into the world. They divorced again, with Alona expanding her photography career, while Arik later married Sima Eliyahu.

By age 40, Alona remained a prominent figure in Tel Aviv’s bohemian scene, a skilled and respected photographer. She then discovered that friends Uri and Elia Zohar had turned to religion. Initially dismissive, she sought to 'bring them back,' attending a week-long seminar led by Rabbi Zvi Inbal at Porchei Chassidim.

She returned after four days, eyes sparkling: "I am becoming religious," she announced. "She didn't even stay until the end," said friend Leah Hanoch. "It was an epiphany, stronger than her, she couldn't argue with it. Her eyes were wide open, seeking answers, and she found total truth." She declared, "I’m religious now, guys. Follow my lead."

Alona moved to Jerusalem's Mattersdorf neighborhood, living near the Zohar’s. While initially connected to Tel Aviv friends, urging them towards faith, the visits diminished, becoming reserved for joys or sorrows. Her younger daughter Yasmin joined her spiritual journey while Shiri served in the army. Over time, their families interlinked, with the Einstein daughters marrying Zohar sons.

Alona sought constant spiritual enrichment at 'Neve Yerushalayim' and later at 'Netiv Bina,' a seminary for professional women returning to faith. She worked as a secretary at a yeshiva, leaving her photography career and lavish life for Torah and simplicity.

"She attended daily classes," recalls a student fondly. "After starting her day early with morning prayers and cleaning the study room, she would work, then come here daily, cleaning and preparing drinks for rabbis, staying for classes late into the night, helping any student. She was like a mother to us, intimately knowing everyone. She always participated in our joys and losses, devotedly believing 'it's all for the best.' She constantly prayed to Hashem 'not to abandon us' with humility, awaiting redemption. Conversations ended with 'may we merit a complete redemption.'"

Rabbi Shmuel David Marzel, head of Netiv Bina, fondly remembers her: "Alona came to us 22 years ago, saying, 'I want to learn.' She missed no classes, attending until two weeks before her passing. Our lessons are practical, focusing on Halacha, Rambam, and prophets. Her dedication made her a knowledgeable scholar, sharp and astute."

'Netiv Bina's' housemother Mrs. Yona Schweitzer, misses her: "She was a role model, an integral part of Netiv. I was so impressed by this reputable woman joining us. She truly was special."

In 2001, during one of the rare lectures she agreed to give, recounting her personal story, Alona shared: "I divorced, remarried, had daughters, lived by night, slept by day. This led me to realize, at 40, no one could answer why I live. At a seminar, I heard a clear lecture from Rabbi Tzvi Inbal, 'I know, I am wise, I say, you decide.' After four hours, at 40, I returned to faith."

At 69, Alona was diagnosed with lung cancer, which was confirmed after six months. "She constantly said she was fine," recounts Rabbi Marzel, "insisting there was no need to worry. After hospital treatments, she immediately returned to study, always saying, 'it's all good.'"

On the 6th of Tevet, after a prolonged battle, Alona Einstein passed away. "In terms of Torah, she reached as far as anyone could ask. Her knowledge was vast, she fully embraced her Jewish identity," attested a seminary student. In a poignant coincidence, her former husband Arik Einstein passed shortly after. May their memories be a blessing. T.N.Tz.B.H.