The thought of how Chesed Tzirel’s reputation was spreading made her glow with pride — but how much more work could she take on alone?

Ayala walked rapidly into the oncology ward of Hadassah Ein Kerem, glancing at her watch. The meeting with the social worker was scheduled for three o’clock; Ayala had known it would be tight for her to get there on time from work, but she’d assured a beseeching Leora she’d be there. Of course! This is exactly what we’re here for!

The bag with the Schwartzes dinner for that night swayed by her side as she strode; at least this meeting saved her a trip to Sanhedria Murchevet, she thought wryly.

When she reached Reuven Schwartz’s hospital room, she took a moment to catch her breath and then entered. The social worker was already there, conversing with the couple. Ayala winced; she’d wanted to save Leora and her husband the awkwardness of handling that initial introduction on their own, but what could she do? She’d come as fast as was humanly possible.

Leora brightened when she saw Ayala. “Thank you so much for coming. Liat, this is Ayala, my… friend.”

Ayala fully understood the hesitation in wondering how to describe her, though she could have saved her that discomfort; she and Liat had worked together many times, and now, they greeted each other warmly.

They all settled back down, and Leora said, “We were just discussing how to break the news to our family members.” Her voice trembled as she glanced at Reuven. “I know it’s already been a few days since he got the diagnosis, but we’ve been so busy processing ourselves… and it’s a hard thing to tell someone.”

Ayala nodded compassionately, but stayed silent, letting Liat do the talking. Her job was to sit in the background and chime in only when her assistance or advice was called for. Liat spoke a good English, though there were still certain terms that needed to be explained. But Ayala knew that the real value of her being there went beyond translations. When they discussed how to navigate the conversation with Reuven’s parents, and Leora broke down crying, Ayala was there to give her a hug. And when Liat brought up the subject of available governmental assistance, and asked the two of them to contemplate what kind of help they would need to get through this period, Leora instinctively reached for Ayala’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

“Bituach Leumi benefits kick in after you’re discharged,” Liat explained to Reuven. “But we need to begin filling out the paperwork in advance. At our next meeting, we’ll discuss the different benefits more fully, and determine which ones apply to you.”

Leora turned to Ayala. “Can you come to that meeting, too?” she asked, and Ayala felt a warmth spread inside, knowing she’d made a difference.