Gathering Sparks in Colorado - Monthly Gedolim Story
As we are now deep into the month of Elul, preparing ourselves for the the days of Rosh Hashana, Aseres Yemei Teshuva and Yom Kippur, we hope that this coming year will be a year of goodness, redemption and happiness.
We know that during this time of year, Hashem is close to us, within our midst, like a king in the field. We call out to Him to hear us and help us to return to the ways of pleasantness and true eternity. We know we must put in the effort, but we also know we need His helping hand, His love, His guidance, in order for us to fully achieve our dreams and goals.
Speaking of Hashem being close to us, this months' "Monthly Gedolim Story" is one where a young woman asked G-d for a sign, for a touch of His love, His guidance and received just about that. It is a simple story featuring the granddaughter of the late, Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis a''h, which, for those wondering, first appeared in a recent addition of the Mishpacha magazine, written in Rabbi Nachman Seltzer's "A Storied People" column. It is a story he first heard from one of his students. Although it doesn't feature Rebetzin Jungreis directly, still it is a beautiful story and a testament to her lasting impact and legacy on the world, in general and the Jewish People in particular.
I hope you will enjoy it
Have a blessed week ahead,
Yitzy Schweitzer
I had signed for a summer camp and was thoroughly enjoying myself, as along with fifty other Beis Yaakov girls, we toured all around the entire state of Florida. We had a lot to do, from visiting the Rocky Mountains, to eleven national parks and monuments, doing zip lining, shopping and going on some historical train rides and visiting gold mines.
But one experience we had stood out from the rest.
The nice motel resort where we were planning to stay for Shabbos had a banquet hall we could use for the meals and activities. As we were setting up on Friday afternoon, a young couple, also guests at the motel, approached us.
The husband who introduced himself as Jacob and his wife as Naomi, mentioned that they had noticed that we were part of an Orthodox Jewish program and asked if they could join our group for the meal. We sized them up - religious, probably not from birth, but still serious enough about their frumkeit. We advised the couple to ask the camp director Mrs. Schwartz if they could join. They asked her, she agreed and so they did indeed join.
***
After davening on Friday night, we all took our seats around the long table in the middle of the room, with the young couple sitting on their own little table at the side. We heard Kiddush and began to enjoy our meal. During the Zemiros (singing) the camp directors husband (Mr. Schwartz and Jacob stepped outside.
Mr. Schwartz was, naturally, curious about the young man and started a friendly conversation with him. As it turned out both Jacob and Naomi were in the process of converting. Well, quite obviously, this sparked quite some more curiosity and interest and Mr. Schwartz asked what had led the young couple to Judaism.
"Well, it was actually my wife's idea," Jacob replied "After the singing I'm sure you can asked her yourself".
***
After the Zemiros ended Mr. Schwartz and Jacob came back inside and brought Naomi into the conversation. Mr. Schwartz asked her what it was that had started the young woman on to the path of a Jewish life.
"It all began when I came across a book written by Rebetzin Esther Jungreis, called Life is a Test," Noami responded " The Rebbetzin's words spoke to my heart and made me want to learn more."
At this Mr. Schwartz smiled broadly and glanced over to our table.
"Well, it just so happens, that the granddaughter of Rebetzin Jungreis is sitting right here - in this very room".
Noami's face just lit up at the news . The Rebetzin's granddaughter was brought over to her and they wee formally introduced. Noami was moved to tears.
"I have to tell you something", Noami said, "We are almost finished with our conversion - soon we will be meeting with the Beis Din (Rabbinical Court), But the whole process has been very challenging and lately I've been having a very difficult time. I decided to turn to Hashem and ask for some kind of sign that He is on my side and happy with my efforts".
She paused, collecting her emotions.
"Hashem sent me that sign. He brought me to a place where I could spend Shabbos with the granddaughter of Rebetzin who made me want to become a Jew. In all honesty - I could not have asked for a better sign from Above."
We were all spellbound by her words and knew that this would be a Shabbos to remember for all time.
***
If I could add a final point. Sometimes, during these brilliantly holy days of the year, we get nervous, anxious, knowing that we could have done so much more. We wonder if this year, we did enough. We wonder if Hashem is happy with us.
All we need to do, is try our best and ask Him to help. He is our Father. He will answer us. Whatever our need.
May we soon see the answer - in the form of the Geula Shelema.
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