I was invited more and more frequently to Shabbos meals at people’s homes on the Upper West Side. The children were so well behaved and I was always amazed when they’d give a d’var Torah. They had so much more knowledge of themselves than I had at their age. The homes were respectful and orderly and the whole atmosphere was great. I decided this was what I want for myself, but I still needed to find “The Guy.”
Before I started your classes I had been in a relationship for five years that went nowhere. I had no faith in my own judgment. I waited on line to speak to you after one of your classes.
I asked you, “How will I know if he’s the right one?”
You said, “Ask your mother; she’ll know if he’s the right one, and if you don’t have a mother to ask, bring him to me and I’ll tell you!”
I’ll never forget that, Rebbetzin. It made so much sense and I felt so grateful for your giving and nurturing spirit.
I became observant and Hashem rewarded me with a wonderful husband (whom you know). After we got married (I was then 38), I wanted to get pregnant. We had been trying for a few months when a friend suggested I go to you for a berachah. I came to your office, you gave me a berachah, and I got pregnant that month!
Baruch Hashem today we have two wonderful, healthy children – a boy and a girl – and live in Los Angeles. I’m now one of those people hosting Shabbos meals and when my kids get up to give a d’var Torah, I get happy tears in my eyes. I’m doing my best to hand down my Judaism to the next generation.
I know you’ve changed many people’s lives, but I wanted to give you a firsthand account of how your work is affecting generations to come.
You taught me to follow my Yiddishe neshamah. Thank you for re-directing the focus of my life. I will be forever grateful to you. I tell my story often to people and think of you with so much fondness and respect. I hope you are doing well. Please send my regards to your family as well.
(Continued next week)