When Near-Death Experiences Change Lives

A thought-provoking Facebook post sparked a significant discussion, garnering over 900 responses. It asked, "Who has had a near-death experience and wants to share?" Posted by Shani Ifrach-Ohana in the 'Super Mama' group, the call prompted many women to reveal their spine-chilling stories. Here are a few we found particularly moving.

“Years ago, I was lying face down in bed after a tiring day, just after my late mother suffered her first stroke,” recounts Nurit Becker. “I returned from the hospital, and my little kids were at the neighbor's. I collapsed onto the bed, my face toward the closet mirror.

"At some point, I felt paralyzed. I looked in the mirror, stuck in place, unable to move. I felt my soul rising and hovering above, looking down at myself. I struggled to wake up for my children, in seconds that felt like hours. Eventually, I felt my body stir from a deep slumber, confused and unaware of what had just happened. I'd love to hear if anyone else had a similar experience."

Chanit Trebalsi shares: "To this day, I cannot define the frightening and unsettling experience I had: a week after my sons' bar mitzvah, I went to sleep one night. Out of nowhere, I felt a shiver and sensed eyes on me. As I 'opened my eyes,' I saw two men in suits at the door, one so tall he seemed to ignore the ceiling, his face terrifying, and the other short with an especially sinister look.

"The tall one asked: 'Chana, daughter of Abigail?' In fear, I replied 'Yes,' then he said, 'Come with us, it's your time.' I was utterly powerless, floating from my bed to the living room, landing on the couch. I saw myself sitting on the couch as if detached, standing there while they began to float. I screamed these words: 'Mom, help me, I don't want to go. I have four kids. I promise to wear skirts.'

The moments that followed, Chanit will never forget. Her mother had passed away, a woman of likely modest dress in life. "The second I promised to wear skirts, I was flung back, waking up in bed, not the living room. I woke my husband, broke into tears. For a week, I couldn't sleep until needing a sleeping pill. But *Baruch Hashem*, I grew significantly in my spirituality. I embraced many practices I hadn't fully observed before. Thanks to the Creator for every second of being here in this world, and may my story be *l'ilui nishmat* my righteous mother, Abigail, daughter of Chana."

"The Closer I Got, the Farther He Drifted Until He Disappeared"

Sarit Azizian shares: "Five months ago, I was in a severe car accident. I lay unconscious on the asphalt but spiritually arrived at a crossroads with two corridors, one wide, one narrow, and both filled with bright white light. I stood there, unsure of which path to take, feeling entirely alone. The decision was pure soul-driven, without thoughts of my identity as a wife, a mother, etc. In the end, I stepped down the narrow corridor, and as soon as my foot landed there, I regained consciousness. Disabled, but alive and grateful."

Sara Hoff: "Well, it's not exactly a near-death experience, but this moment feels relevant. Tomorrow marks twenty-two years since I was injured in a terrorist attack. I clearly remember calming myself before the explosion, believing everything would be okay. I recall watching everything from a bird's-eye view once I'd lost consciousness. I saw horrors and the injured, then decided it was right to return. A wise choice."

Adi Kazado Tikochinsky: "While having my twins, I saw my late father in a brilliantly lit cave, reaching his hand toward me. The closer I got, the more he faded away until completely vanishing. When he was gone, I only saw the bright lights of the operating room, heard the newborns' cries. It was an indescribable experience."

Yafit Chaim Bar Lavi: "When I was three or four, I had a spinal tumor. During surgery, I recall watching outside my body as doctors worked on me. Hard to explain. I heard my name, then suddenly woke up, remembering everything. Incredible. I've never spoken of this until now."