A Tsfat miracle story

In Israel Hashem is even more present than outside of it, evidenced in amazing Hashgacha Pratit (Divine Providence) moments. It was the inspiration for me to start this blog on the first place. To share the miracle with others and sanctify Hashem's name. So my adventure brought me to Tsfat. I'd been wanting to go there to learn from my favorite teacher in person, Rabbi Alon Anava. Because being in the same city while I was still on the Akiva program earlier on my trip just wasn't enough. I'd been trying to plan my accomodations in advance while I was still in Miami so all my days in Israel were covered. But the Tsfat part was particularly challenging. I didn't know where I'd be all of the days until I was already on my trip. The uncertainty made me anxious. Once again Hashem was testing me but He somehow allowed me to keep my cool.

I'm blessed to be very organized and I strive for order. So weeks in advance I was contacting everyone I knew to try and get someone to host me in Tsfat for a few days. My network grew larger and larger and next thing you know I was also posting on Facebook grops. No stone was left unturned, something challenging for someone who is shy by nature. But I wasn't giving up on my dream until I saw it a reality. As a single girl funds are limited so I was looking for some hospitality rather than a hotel. It's also part of the experience to be by locals and enjoy Hachnasat Orchim (welcoming guests).

The first shabat of my stay in Israel was with my group in Tsfat, we were there for three days. I knew the learning center of my Rabbi was closeby so I ran there with a friend when we had some free time Erev Shabat. I thought it'd be more effective to go in person and discuss my situation, instead of drowning under the countless emails with requests that they receive. I was nicely greeted by my Rabbi's wife and she shared their Shabat schedule for services, so I could see her husband live and in person. She also had some ideas of people in her community who could host me for a few days.

Rabbi Anava teaches a class early Shabat morning right before services. I couldn't sleep that night from the excitement and was also scared that I wouldn't get up early enough to make it. But Baruch Hashem I made it to the learning center in time and enjoyed wonderful words of Torah before Shacharit. I couldn't contain my happiness that I had the merit to be there in person. It's like when people visit Hollywood movie sets to take in their favorite locations, I was awed to see that background wall turn into a full building right before my eyes. So many classes that I enjoy online on a regular basis now was a tangible place.

I talked to Rabbi Anava after prayers and he gave me insight into my Tsfat plans. It's better to come during the week than on Shabat because there's more classes then. Also less demand for hosting arrangements from out of town guests. He suggested two concrete options of people who he knew had visitors sleep over. Now it was beginning to fall into place, Baruch Hashem. He was polite and nice as ever, and encouraged me to come back in the afternoon. They host a big Third Meal after Mincha (Aternoon Services) that has become a hotspot in Tsfat, with a lively crowd and inspirting Divrei Torah. I wasn't sure I'd be able to come since I had a responsility towards my group to participate in activities, but I promised I'd make an effort. After I pleaded with Rabbi Klatzko, he was very understading and allowed me to join Rabbi Anava for his third meal.

As I made my way inside the learning center I picked a seat randomly, or so I thought. A nice lady sat next to me and we striked up a conversation. I told her about myself and my trip. She's from Miami, made aliyah recently and lives in Tsfat. She then offered to host me at her place. And that's when the pieces came together. I realized that she's one of the options that Rabbi Anava had mentioned could host me. Who whould've thought of all people I'd seat next to her? What are the odds? And the fact that I met her in person before finalizing the hosting arrangements through the Rabbi. An extra nice touch to rest assured, actually meeting in person, and on a casual manner. Sure enough, after Shabat Rebetzin Anava gave me the lady's contact and I was finally set on coming back to Tsfat for a few days. Hashem is truly great.

But it doesn't end there. Fast forward two weeks, to the end of my stay in Jerusalem with my friend. I was prepared to take the bus up to Tsfat to meet my host there. Then she said she'd be spending the previous Shabat in Jerusalem for a special concert on occasion of Yom Yerushalaim. So not only the circusmtances under which I met her were G-dsent, but also she was staying conveniently close to me to give me a ride to Tsfat on top of that. She came straight to my friends' apartment in Katamon and I didn't even have to deal with public transportation and my suitcases. It felt like heaven on earth. And this is only the beginning of my Tsfat advemture! More to come on my next post...

To life!

Vivian Chaya Russo

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