The Blessings of Risk-Taking  

It was Simchas Torah, and everyone was giddy. The women’s section of the shul where my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren planned to enjoy the early children’s hakafos was spilling over with happy clusters of families and friends. The atmosphere could not have been more jubilant and celebratory. People were happy to be there, happy to greet one another, happy to have reached this point. I, too, joined in the festivities, feeling young again as I held my newest grandson close to my heart and introduced him to my friends.

I turned around again and there she was, smiling at me.

“Mrs. Zirkind…?” she asked, stepping toward me with some hesitancy.

That’s when it came to me: Osnat Kuchinsky! My student from long, long ago. My heart swelled within me, and my eyes filled. I was thrilled to see her again. I threw my free arm around her shoulders and gave her the warmest, most loving hug I could while holding the baby. “Osnat! Wow, wow, wow! How wonderful to see you, after such a long time!”