The Real Deal

Years ago, you crossed paths. It may have been a brief encounter, it may have been a relationship spanning years. In that meeting place, something changed. Her hands warmed your essence, left an imprint upon your soul.

Seven writers sought out the women who changed them — and told them of the impact they’d had

A lone spotlight shone as she made her entrance. She was radiant in white. If you’d look closely, you’d notice it was just a white graduation gown topped with a white fez sans tassel. But on her it was transformed and majestic. Her hands were raised, wide, accepting a heavenly embrace, and she danced down the stage steps while singing Mareh Kohein.

It wasn’t just the lighting. She was glowing. Her smile transcendent, her eyes closed in rapture. And through her effervescence, I felt it too. The beauty, the desire for Mashiach, the longing to witness mareh Kohein.