Kim opened her phone and pointed to my home address. I still didn’t understand what she was saying.
“It was me who sent you those flowers.”
I froze in astonishment. How could this possibly happen?
The woman on the treadmill—who introduced herself as Karen—witnessed our statistically improbable encounter and was as completely blown away as I was. To add to this miraculous afternoon, she turned out to be Israeli.
Karen shared this miraculous encounter with other passengers. There were about 160 passengers on board, and surprisingly, about a quarter of them were Jewish.
This meeting infused me with a sense of purpose—there was clearly a Master Plan at play here. I felt compelled to align with that Higher purpose.
Sailing through the wilderness of Greenland with breathtaking scenery all around us as Shabbat approached, fellow passengers who were impressed by our story of Divine Providence approached Kim and me to inquire about lighting Shabbat candles.
Calculating the correct time for lighting candles had required lots of research and input from rabbis who understood the complexity that arises in a part of the world where the sun rarely sets.
Now, our dramatic reunion had catapulted us into the position to share Shabbat with our fellow passengers. People gathered around as we lit as many candles as we could gather. We said a prayer together, and my husband, Sasha, made Kiddush. Miraculously, there were bottles of kosher wine on board. How and why they got there is a mystery.
We then settled in for a Friday evening of sharing stories of our shared heritage. Other passengers joined in. We were one big Jewish family who had come together on this holy day. One of the passengers, a medical doctor, shared his thoughts: “A couple dozen Jews on a small expedition ship in the Arctic Circle gathering to say prayers, light candles, and break bread on a Friday night, led by a charismatic and energetic woman who brought smiles and stories, were able to transform a small corner of the dining room and remind everyone that we’re all connected and tasked with bringing G-d’s light to the world. It’s what we’re called to do.”
That Shabbat laid a foundation of lifelong friendships. Throughout the week, travelers shared ideas about spirituality, faith, and connection to the Creator. With the majestic Arctic sun behind huge, magnificent icebergs floating nearby, spiritual ideas felt real and viable.
During our stop in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, many visited a local store and bought tea light candles to use that coming Friday night. By the time we were ready for our second Shabbat on board, we felt an undeniable connection. As old friends, we gathered in the cafeteria to welcome our holy day.
Earlier, my husband had asked the Guest Services to make an announcement: “Jewish passengers are invited to welcome Shabbat and hear Kiddush in the cafeteria at ...” It was also printed in the daily program brochure.
It felt like a taste of living in Messianic times to have everyone enthusiastically helping us welcome Shabbat.
Another passenger, also named Karen, whose husband hadn’t participated in any Jewish observances since 1968, shared her experience: “I don’t know how we found each other, but we felt honored and welcomed by sharing Shabbat. It’s a testament to having an open heart and mind and the valuable experiences that await.”
Kim, my forever profound “soul sister,” reflects on our reconnection, “Life is an adventure of growth. Every day we need to wake up with a thought of awe and curiosity, asking, ‘What does G-d have ahead for me today?’ ” We stay in touch almost every day.
Every week I send “Shabbat shalom” messages to the incredible people I met on that ship.
Our trip to Greenland taught me a few very important lessons. First, never underestimate a small act of kindness. The ripple effect of Kim’s action created infinite consequences. Second, nothing is too difficult for the Creator of the World, and the most statistically impossible events can become reality. And finally, together with other fellow passengers, we have witnessed that spirituality and connection can be found in every corner of the world. There is no place void of potential, and it is always up to us to reveal it, one moment at a time.
Reprinted from the Chabad.Org website.
