The Unpublished Epilogue

After multiple drafts, editing, proofreading, graphic design, printing, and distribution, the magazine finally finds its way to its final destination, the homes of our readers — and then the story’s over. Or is it? Sometimes that’s when the story just begins. Over the past 20 years, our staff has learned that often their handiwork sparks an equally fascinating epilogue. Now it’s time to share some of those stories

It Had a Name

As a contributor in the past to Mishpacha Jr. and now to Treeo, I answer questions sent by kids to the advice column. I know that children are avid readers, but I never realized how impactful the column could be until I was contacted by a family who didn’t even have email (ashreichem!), after they saw my response to a boy with OCD. After reading it, they realized that their son’s challenges had a name! Baruch Hashem, I was able to send them resources and refer them to the right place, so their son could get the help he needed.

—Chaim Ellis

Encore

I once wrote up a piece about the old Pirchei band, where a lot of the shapers of today’s Jewish music scene got their start. After it went to print, I was contacted by a man. “I was in that band!” He told me. “I recognized all the people you wrote about! But I went through some challenges and had dropped some Jewish observance. I moved away and lost contact with all my old musician friends.

“Now I’m on my way back,” he said. “I’m living in a Jewish community again and slowly returning to observance. But your article reminded me about the old chevreh — I would love to get in touch with them again.”

I was more than happy to reach out to them and restore the old connection. Later he called to tell me how thrilled and grateful he was to have reconnected with his musician friends.