There are many things in our lives for which we pray to Hashem. These include health, shalom bayit, nachat from our children, and parnassah.
In Israel, we have been praying for rain for a while. Israel has been suffering from a dearth of rainfall for a number of years. The waterline in the Kinneret is visibly dropping, and the government has been scrambling for ways to conserve our dwindling water supply.
I find, as others do, that it is not always easy to concentrate fully on my prayers. In my case, I find that my friend Leah helps me out. I watch her in awe as she sits, totally immersed in prayer. Whenever I see her in shul on Shabbat, my tefillah is inevitably more inspired.
Leah is a wonderful young woman in her 30s. She has, Baruch Hashem, been successful in many areas of her life. She enjoys a challenging career, is surrounded by family and friends, and has good health. The one major thing she felt lacking in her life was not finding her zivug (life partner). Leah had been on my tefillah list for quite a while.
Recently, Hashem answered our prayers, and Leah and her chattan stood under the chuppah. She fulfilled her dream of getting married in Hebron, at the Me’arat Hamachpelah (Cave of the Patriarchs). It was so special seeing her sitting in such a holy site, giving heartfelt blessings to all who approached.
I had wandered over to pray at the room dedicated to Avraham Avinu when I heard the singing. It was time for the badeken (part of the wedding ceremony, where the groom covers the bride’s face with a veil). Suddenly, a drop of rain fell on myTehillim. The much-needed rain continued to fall throughout the chuppah, which was held outdoors.
A sea of umbrellas swayed in the strong wind, and the roshei yeshivot held tightly onto their hats. The chuppah ended with the blasts of a shofar. And the rain stopped.
The rain did not take away any of the pleasure of watching the couple wed. Rather, it enhanced the experience. It was as if Hashem was wedding the miracle of rain to the miracle of a young couple’s union. May their love continue to flourish, as Hashem sends forth His blessings from the heavens.