Hello

Born in Argentina, I was raised in the United States of America in the village of Kiryas Joel, located approximately sixty miles north of New York City. Being a child of fundamentalist Ultra-Orthodox Hasidic parents, I experienced thick walls of insularity which strictly permitted only members to live among the community. No outside influences ever infiltrated. Any mainstream media, including the internet, was completely forbidden.

As a little girl, I already knew what was to become of me. There was no room for whimsical fantasies or career dreams. My future was imposed upon me and all the other girls too. We were to become wives and then mothers. But growing up I never felt I belonged in this community and never thought I could live the rest of my life as a member of it. 

The integration from a Spanish speaking culture into a Yiddish speaking society when we moved to the village in New York was a complete culture shock for me. Added to that, life was tough and painful in so many other ways. Trauma was at the centre of my childhood as I grew up enduring physical, emotional and sexual abuse. I never understood why and how humans could be so evil as to hurt innocent children.

 

However, there was one episode I experienced in the fourth grade of school that served as a catalyst to change my view towards humanity, from a place of deep disappointment to one of possible hope. At age 10, I went to school one day and a saw a new student being wheeled into the classroom. She was very different from all of us because she had Cerebral Palsy, a condition that prevents one from living day to day life on their own. I instantly felt a connection to this girl and I knew we would be friends forever. I stepped up and began assisting and caring for her and gave her my utmost support both in school and in her personal life. At this time, I knew very clearly that this was my calling. I now envisioned a future where I could be the one helping others in their lives by helping to alleviate their pain. 

 

But I was still bound by the rules of the Ultra-Orthodox-Hasidic community and like all the young girls in the village, I got married at the age of eighteen. We had three children in quick succession, which was in line with the customs. I did not have the courage to do anything but just simply follow all the rules blindly. After my first daughter was born, I would pray every single Friday evening when lighting Shabbat candles to God, talking my heart out, sharing that I felt that there was something more to this life other than the emptiness I was feeling. 

 

Incredibly, at one opportune point, we were able to flee the village and our family unit settled into a new community. The abuse continued though, due to there not being any model of a respectful relationship for us to adhere to. After a few years after fleeing the community, I found the awareness and courage inside to declare:

“I DON’T WANT TO BE ABUSED ANY LONGER!” 

 

Then another journey began. Slowly, despite the debilitating fear and deep trepidation, I started speaking my own mind. I began to respect and love myself enough to walk away from aggression.

 

“Always, when you know what you don’t want, that’s when the rocket of desire is born of what you do want.” - Abraham Hicks

 

My journey brought awareness and clarity to what no longer served me and I discovered that I can create my own reality. 

 

Having overcome such incredibly challenging circumstances, I am now able to help others identify what it is they truly desire. I am now in a position to empower others with the skills I have learned over the years. 

​

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and I look forward to learning more about yours.

​