A New Beginning: Elad Tzadikov's Mission to Support Jews Returning to Judaism

For Elad Tzadikov, who has spent recent years leading the revival of the B'Yachad-Netiot organization, which supports baalei teshuva (Jews who return to religious observance), a new beginning meant much more than a personal transformation. It marked the beginning of an ambitious public mission.

After years of serving in various senior positions, including on the Herzliya City Council, Tzadikov realized that the time had come to draw on his own experience as a longtime baal teshuva to help others who are navigating a similar journey. His goal was to provide them with something he believed they needed most: a sense of community and belonging.

In a conversation about unexpected new beginnings, Tzadikov reflects on the dramatic changes in the world of baalei teshuva, the challenges of building a support network from the ground up, and the message he hopes to share with anyone embarking on a new chapter in life.

My New Beginning

"Over the years, we've seen how each wave of Jews returning to religious observance in Israel has followed a very different path. During the first wave in the 1970s, people often made an abrupt transition from a secular lifestyle in Tel Aviv straight into the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim in Jerusalem.

"During the second wave, people began to understand that it was important to remain in their familiar surroundings, but that approach brought challenges of its own.

"Today, we're witnessing a third wave of Jews returning to religious observance, one characterized by a complete departure from conventional models. People from every background are finding their own way, without necessarily passing through a religious educational institution that shapes them into a particular mold or joining an established religious movement.

"What ultimately led me to leave my previous pursuits and devote myself to rebuilding this organization was the realization that the greatest challenge facing a couple returning to religious observance isn't simply finding their spiritual identity. It's answering a much more basic question: 'Where are we going to live, and in what kind of community will we raise our children?'

"The decision to establish a network of dozens of supportive communities throughout Israel, where every individual can find a place that feels natural and welcoming, represents the rebirth of this movement."

When Life Changes

"Building a grassroots organization is far from simple. Every beginning is difficult, and establishing communities and a nationwide support network requires tremendous energy, time, and careful planning.

"We've had to confront a reality in which even couples who returned to religious observance many years ago still find themselves struggling with fundamental questions. In some cases, they pay a heavy personal price because they lack a supportive community around them.

"This journey has been filled with ups and downs, just like life itself."

Why I Took This Step

"I came to understand that Hashem has given the Jewish people an extraordinary gift in this generation: baalei teshuva who are now part of every sector of society.

"But a gift also brings responsibility. We cannot continue relying on the old model, in which someone becomes religiously observant and is essentially thrown into the deep end without anyone to guide or support them through the practical challenges of employment, children's education, and community life.

"My goal was to establish a genuine support system that would provide comprehensive assistance, addressing every aspect of a person's life."

What I Gained Along the Way

"The greatest gift wasn't what I gave to others, but what I received myself: the privilege of helping establish a grassroots social movement that continues to grow.

"We've learned that with effective teamwork and serious organization, it's possible to bring about meaningful and lasting change. We've also seen very clearly, particularly during times of crisis such as the war, that strong communities are much better equipped to cope with challenges involving marriage, parenting, education, and maintaining harmony in the home.

"This experience has taught us the importance of moving beyond isolated personal responsibility toward a shared sense of communal responsibility, where people support and uplift one another."

My Message for the New Year

"Don't be afraid of new beginnings. There is no substitute for belonging to a community and working together toward a common goal. It's time to move beyond empty slogans and start building real foundations of support, education, and connection.

"When a person understands that they are not alone on their journey, but are part of a community that supports and uplifts them, the possibilities are limitless."