Meet the Rich family––Larry and Deborah with their son, Jake, daughter-in-law, Ariela, and their fourth child, baby Menachem Mendel.
Rewind to the year 2004. My wife, Ettie, and I were fairly new in town and I was doing some shopping at Publix on a Friday afternoon. I saw a woman, Deborah Rich, who looked like she might appreciate the well wishes of "Shabbat shalom." Sure enough, she responded enthusiastically. Just a few weeks later, her husband, Larry, asked me for a prayer book for their son. I was happy to help him procure one and I began a friendship with his son, Jake, who became a regular at Chabad of Naples and a dear friend of our family.
Fast forward to 2013, when I was blessed to attend Jake's wedding in Chile to a lovely girl, Ariela (Ettie set them up!), and now to 2024 with an invitation to come to Atlanta to be the Sandek (relative or friend who holds the baby) at the bris (circumcision) of their fourth child. It's a real "pinch me" moment, and it all started with a chance encounter and a small prayer book! Thank you to G-d for the layers and layers of little miracles that had to occur to lead to this joyous occasion!
As Rosh Hashana (the Jewish new year) approaches, we turn inward for reflection. This story, and the incredible journey that Jake has taken with his Judaism, reminds me that we don't always know which moments are the big and which are the small. Sometimes what we would consider a miniscule act of kindness or consideration can create a massive ripple effect in someone else's life. As we resolve to do and be better this upcoming year, let us not underestimate the value of small steps in the right direction. They may just lead you to the huge celebration of a tiny new soul.
It's a special moment for the family of course, but also for the Jewish people as a whole, as our nation is going through a difficult time. Having another child entered into the covenant as we have been doing for thousands of years is a beacon of hope for the continuation and triumph of the Jewish nation.
Thank you to Hashem for allowing Ettie and myself be a part of this miraculous journey. Mazel tov to the whole Rich family!