After 40 years of practice as a child therapist, Allan Gonsher positively oozes enthusiasm for his dual passions – his family and studying Torah.
Gonsher retired in 2019 and made aliyah to Efrat. He studies Torah 30 hours a week at the David Shapell College of Jewish Studies/Yeshiva Darché Noam and said he spends the rest of his waking hours with family.
“All of our kids live in Israel,” he shared.
“To be quite honest, because of my reputation, when I came to Israel I couldn’t retire. People knew my work, so I continue to see clients and provide a good deal of supervision/consultation. I squeeze that into all of the above. I don’t believe I will ever [fully] retire from doing what I do. But I certainly have adjusted my priorities at my age. Now I have no problem canceling clients or consultations for learning or family.
“I knew what I wanted to do when we made aliyah – what I call the ‘lamed’ stage of my life,” he shared, referring to the Hebrew letter that begins the infinitive form of the Hebrew verbs for “to help,” “to learn,” “to love.” “It was my chance to learn, help others, and really love my family.
“Not that I didn’t do it in my ‘real life,’ but now I could really do it. I immediately started adjusting as soon as we landed. I love my life! I am so blessed. I wish this on all who come.”
Gonsher has advice for Jewish retirees who live outside of Israel. “If you can’t live here and enjoy it the way I am, at least come for a month [or two]. Get an apartment and relax, learn, visit the land, make friends, volunteer, travel. If you are like me and grew up with a love for Israel, come and experience it. Just sit back, relax and feel the holiness,” he enthused.
