“In all honesty, I couldn’t have asked for a better sign from Above”

The Background

This story was told to me by one of my seminary students who witnessed the events.

My Student’s Story:

I

was anticipating a lot of exciting experiences in the summer camp I had signed up for — two and half weeks touring the entire state of Colorado with about 50 other Bais Yaakov girls. There’s a lot to do in the Centennial State — the Rocky Mountains, 11 national parks and monuments, zip lines, lots of great places for shopping, historic train rides, gold mines, and even dinosaur museums (not my thing, but still).

But one experience stood out from all the rest.

The nice motel resort where we planned to stay for Shabbos had a banquet hall for us to use for our seudos and activities. As we were preparing on Friday, a young couple — also guests at the motel — approached us.

The husband introduced himself, Jacob, and his wife, Naomi. He said they’d noticed we were part of an Orthodox Jewish program, and he asked if they could join us for the Shabbos meals. We sized them up — religious, probably not from birth, but serious enough about their frumkeit — and suggested they ask the camp director, Mrs. Schwartz. They did, and she invited them to join us for the meals.

After the davening on Friday evening, we all took seats around the long table in the middle of the room, with the young couple seated at their own table at the side. We all heard Kiddush and began enjoying our seudah. When it came time for us to sing zemiros, the camp director’s husband and Jacob went outside.

Mr. Schwartz was of course curious about the young man and started a friendly conversation. It came out that Jacob and Naomi were in the process of converting. This sparked even more interest, and Mr. Schwartz asked what drew them to Judaism.

“The truth is, the whole thing was my wife’s idea,” Jacob said. “When they finish singing, you can ask her the question yourself.”

A

fter the zemiros wound down, Mr. Schwartz and Jacob came in and brought Naomi into the conversation. Mr. Schwartz asked her what started her on this path.

“It all began when I came across a book written by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis called Life Is a Test,” said Naomi. “The Rebbetzin’s words spoke to my heart and made me want to learn more.”

At this, Mr. Schwartz smiled broadly and cast a glance at our table.

“Well, it just so happens that the granddaughter of Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis is sitting right here, in this very room.”

Naomi’s face just lit up at this news. The Rebbetzin’s granddaughter was brought over to her and they were formally introduced. Naomi was moved to tears.

“I have to tell you something,” Naomi said. “We’re almost finished with our conversion — soon we’ll be meeting with the beis din. 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’s on my side and happy with my efforts.”

She paused to collect her emotions.

“Hashem sent me that sign. He brought me to a place where I could spend Shabbos with the granddaughter of the Rebbetzin who made me want to become a Jew. In all honesty, I couldn’t have asked for a better sign from Above.”

We were all spellbound by her heartfelt words and knew that this would be a Shabbos to remember for all time.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 1076)