Posted on 06/25/25
Baltimore, MD - June 25, 2025 - A few weeks ago, we had just finished Kiddush and were getting ready to wash for our shabbos seudah when it suddenly started pouring outside. Through the window, we noticed an older couple caught in the rain. Of course, we invited them in. As they waited for the rain to pass, we chatted for a few minutes and learned that they had recently moved to the neighborhood and joined an Orthodox shul as part of their journey toward Yiddishkeit.
In my mind, I thought: if Hashem brought them to our door, maybe I should take advantage of the opportunity. So I invited them to stay for the meal. I was a little surprised when they accepted right away without hesitation.
What followed was a meaningful and uplifting experience. They enjoyed our children’s company, and we were fascinated by their story—how they had both been previously divorced and had recently married, and how they were finding their way toward Yiddishkeit together.
In the middle of the meal, they told us, “You won’t believe how special this is.” The wife shared that she had been in a serious car accident just two nights earlier. Their car was totaled, and although she wasn’t injured, she was deeply shaken. She hadn’t been in a place—emotionally or practically—to prepare Shabbos. They had planned to go home from shul and eat tuna fish sandwiches for their meal. And then the rain started. And suddenly, they were invited in—and welcomed to a full Shabbos seudah.
They were deeply moved by the gesture and felt Hashem’s presence guiding them. They shared how the warmth of the Baltimore community has strengthened them, and how they continue to be amazed and touched by the kindness of the people around them.
It reminded me that Hashem places opportunities right in front of us to connect—and we shouldn’t hesitate to grab them.