Unexpected Connections: A Shabbat Evening to Remember in New York

A convert from France, a Jewish professor, and a Christian judge. This may sound like the start of a joke, but it's a true and wonderfully inspiring story: "I feel like only you can pull off this unusual task," said Ofra from the north to Rebbetzin Naomi Cohen from the Hidabroot home gatherings department. Ofra explained that her niece was getting married, but it wasn't a simple story, and the guest list was far from ordinary.

"My doctor niece lives in the United States. She came to Israel for her wedding to a convert, also a doctor. As expected, the groom's family isn't Jewish, and they traveled to the Holy Land to celebrate with him. Additionally, the groom's Christian mother is a prominent lawyer, with Jewish friends who visited Israel yet are distant from Judaism. Among those invited was also the mother-in-law of my other sister, a convert from France who converted about 50 years ago," Ofra describes the complex human puzzle of women invited to that evening.

"So They Won't Think We've Come Down from Trees"

"I thought the Rebbetzin would be very intimidated by the group of women. I never imagined the non-Jewish women would show up, including those judges. It seemed better for them to sightsee; what could appeal to judges about such religious ceremonies? Especially with the groom's Catholic lawyer mother – what would she find appealing in a challah baking evening?" adds Ofra, expressing her hope for a pleasant evening but not expecting much. "It was clear to me that this was an impossible task. Whoever connects, connects; and whoever doesn't – well, there's food and music," Ofra summed up her expectations.

Rebbetzin Naomi Cohen was indeed surprised by the unusual request, but she didn't hesitate. "I learned to say 'yes' to tasks that seem complex," she enthusiastically notes, as a graduate of a drama school and an emotional therapist.

"Why say yes? I had faith in Hashem to provide me the right path and allow me to choose from the proper tools because, thank Hashem, I'm task-oriented," the Rebbetzin explains.

The Rebbetzin agreed and attended an evening where women who communicated in both English and Hebrew awaited her, so different from one another: Jewish and non-Jewish, close to Judaism, far from Judaism, women of modest means, and extremely high-ranking social media elites, quite wealthy.

(Photo: shutterstock)

"I Saw Women Who Seemingly Have Everything, But Have Nothing"

Ofra, the aunt of the event bride, adds her experience of that special evening:

"What happened that evening surpassed natural abilities. It was beyond nature. No logical explanation can clarify the connection and energy. It was something different – Hashem was present with us, entering each and every heart. We prayed, sang, and danced. I saw women with immense wealth and status, acting like little girls seeking the Creator for basics: one asked for a partner, another sought joy from her children. We saw women who seemed to have everything, yet had nothing. Ultimately, they all connected from the deepest place of their souls, including the non-Jewish women and the Jews who seemed distant."

"The Rebbetzin Had the Ability to Come from a Place of Humility"

How can this be explained?

"It happened largely because of Rebbetzin Naomi," Ofra replies, "she had the ability to come from a place of humility and purity. She accepted others without judgment. She made every woman feel they were children of Hashem, deserving of good. There was something beyond words she said. She made everyone feel good and didn't judge anyone," Ofra concluded.

Rebbetzin Naomi Cohen recalls, "At those moments, I realized a different approach was needed. I altered the framework of my plan, setting aside my personal desire to deliver the content I had prepared. I customized the evening to what they wanted to hear – messages at their level, simplicity, smiles, unconditional giving, and acceptance of the women as they are; empowerment from their current space, personal attention, and love. When I let go of my original desires, I observed, then my learned skills came into play, things took on color and shape, and a connection was fostered."

(Photo: shutterstock)

"I Didn't Think About What I Wanted to Say, But What They Wanted to Hear"

The Rebbetzin shares that even she was surprised by her improvisational capabilities: "Suddenly, I spoke English. It's not something I typically do. Much of what I've learned throughout my life was manifested in this holy event. Why? Because I focused not on what I wanted to say, but on what they wanted to hear."

One of the most touching moments of the evening occurred when the Rebbetzin approached the convert who had converted 50 years ago, asking her to bless everyone, recognizing her life journey joining the Jewish people.

Ofra remarks, "Rebbetzin Naomi is amazing; what she contributed that evening was a global sanctification of Hashem's name. Truly. To this day, the women talk about that night. It's a great light. Such an event ascends worlds, crosses worlds, reaching up to the Throne of Glory."

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