From Mumbai to Motherhood: A Journey of Faith and Family

Hannah Amar's first transformation in life occurred at the age of three when she immigrated from Mumbai, India, to Dimona, Israel, with her entire family. Fortunately, as the youngest, she remembers little of the transition. The lively streets of Dimona left a more significant mark than distant India. "Financially, things were tough. We lived day-to-day, buying what we needed as we needed it. My siblings had to leave school to work and support our family. My sisters worked at a textile factory, and my brother found a job at the Dead Sea Works. It was a simple life, but it flowed," she recalled. At thirteen, close to finishing eighth grade, a silent revolution swept through her small neighborhood. "I couldn't quite grasp how it started, but suddenly I noticed all my friends enrolling in high school in Netivot," Hannah shared with a smile. Not from religious aspirations, but driven by the desire to stay with her friends, she reluctantly faced her father's firm refusal to let her attend a religious high school. A pivotal moment arrived when her father fell ill, and the idea of her attending school in Netivot seemed far-fetched. Her older brother, however, interceded, convincing their father that, despite their secular lifestyle, a good education might benefit Hannah—"not for religion, but for a future." Reluctantly, her father agreed. Thus began Hannah's new chapter: "After Chanukah, I was invited to interview and test for the religious high school. Initially, my attire did not meet their standards, but the acceptance and guidance I received there changed me," she fondly remembered. The high school became not only a place of education but a haven where Hannah embraced a new spiritual path. Yet her journey was not without grief. When her beloved father passed away, Hannah bore the weight of guilt for not being by his side, but the words of a kind teacher brought her solace, reminding her of the pride she brought her father in heaven. Hannah thrived in her studies and later pursued a teaching career, eventually watching her own daughter follow in her educational path, creating a poignant continuity. Marriage introduced further changes. After a brief and challenging first marriage, Hannah returned home to raise her newborn daughter alone, navigating the complexities of maintaining her faith in a secular household. A second marriage brought new hope and a blended family, eventually growing to seventeen children. "I never imagined having so many children," Hannah reflected with joy, crediting divine blessings for her family's growth and unity. Balancing her large family and photography studio, Hannah managed to create a harmonious household filled with love and support. Despite her husband's passing, she continues to celebrate life with her children, organizing family gatherings to keep the bond strong. Hannah's journey from a small neighborhood in Dimona to becoming a beloved mother and photographer is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of family.