Tag Archives: Acts of Kindness

Travelling to Israel: Tales of Serendipity and Human Connection

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Embarking from Montreal to Jerusalem is more than just a physical experience; it’s profoundly emotional and spiritual. Travel has a way of unravelling the distance between places and the borders between people. As I touched down in Israel on March 2nd, 2023, from the bustling airplane cabin to the sacred streets of Jerusalem, my travels unfolded, weaving tales of serendipity and human connection. With every moment, I etched a chapter in the chronicles of my travel encounters,

The adventure began on the flight. I was seated beside a young Ukrainian man from Odesa, a city that has become synonymous with resilience in recent times. As he shared his story, I was struck by the sheer determination it took for him to navigate the challenges of obtaining a work transfer and crossing borders during such a tumultuous period. His visit to his cousins in Tel Aviv was more than just a family reunion; it was a testament to his spirit. As we shared the space of that airplane cabin, I realized how travel can compress time and space, bringing together people from different walks of life, each with their own unique journey.

Next to us sat a woman, deeply engrossed in a well-worn Bible. I couldn’t help but wonder about her story and what brought her on this journey. When she finally looked up, we struck up a conversation. She was from Switzerland, and her enthusiasm for experiencing the places mentioned in the Bible was infectious. I offered suggestions for her travels, excited to share a piece of the land I had come to know and love. By the end of our conversation, she had invited me to visit her in Switzerland. What started as a simple chat turned into a warm connection, leading to a shared meal in Jerusalem a week later—a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful connections are those we never see coming.

On the communal Sherut taxi, I sat beside an American woman with a baby on her lap. She was returning from a wedding in Montreal, a city that suddenly felt much closer in the warmth of our shared experience. Her husband, a teacher at a Yeshiva in Jerusalem, was waiting for her, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie—two women connected by our ties to this city, yet from such different backgrounds.

On the other side was Orit Elgavi-Hershler, an Israeli neurobiologist and educator who had just published her book, “Neuropedagogia: Where Souls and Education Meet.”

Neuropedagogia Where souls and education meet

Neuropedagogia: Where souls and education meet

Her passion for her work, especially on the latest methods for addressing autism and schizophrenia, was palpable. We peppered her with questions, and I left that ride feeling richer for having met her, grateful for the serendipity that placed us in that taxi together.

But the most remarkable moment came when I stepped off the Sherut, burdened with two oversized suitcases and two hefty carry-ons. As I stood on the narrow sidewalk, trying to figure out my next move, a woman suddenly stopped her car and parked right in front of me. Without hesitation, she got out and offered to help with my luggage. It was such a simple gesture, but in that moment, it felt profound. The kindness catches you off guard, making you realize how deeply connected we all are, even to strangers. It was the perfect welcome to my new apartment in Jerusalem, a city that has always felt like a second home to me.

As I reflect on these moments—each unexpected, each filled with sincerity—I am reminded of why I love to travel. It’s not just about the destinations or the landscapes; it’s about the people we meet along the way and the connections that turn a journey into a story worth telling.

Making a Difference in New Hampshire

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Winchester New hampshireJoel Yan, a Jewish spiritual leader, and I were returning home from a week-long retreat. Little did we know that our journey would come to a halt on a scorching Sunday afternoon when our car stalled on the roadside. As we stood there, feeling lost and helpless amidst the tranquil landscapes of New Hampshire, we were suddenly surrounded by the warmth and generosity of strangers in the small town of Winchester. What happened next was nothing short of remarkable – a display of compassion that left us both awestruck. This unexpected turn of events showed us how much kindness still exists in the world, and we’ll never forget it.

To our surprise, people began stopping by to offer help almost immediately. First, a kind woman named Katherine Stewart pulled over and gave Joel her phone number, insisting we call her if needed. Shortly after Katherine’s offer, others started showing up, each with their unique way of lending a hand. A man in a pickup truck shared his experience with a similar car issue and offered to diagnose the problem for us.

While waiting, Bruce and his wife pulled up in their pickup truck and invited us to their place for a cold drink or a rest. As they did, another person drove by in a jeep, proudly displaying a small American flag, showing us that kindness was always in motion in this town.

To pass the time, Joel pulled out his guitar, and soon enough, the quiet roadside felt a little less lonely. The music drew in yet another kind of stranger. A man named Norm rode up on his bike, balancing a broken air conditioner, and joined us for a while. It was incredible to see how many people were willing to stop and help.

Norm with his broken air conditioner

 

At a nearby Mobil gas station, the attendant let us charge our phones and use the restroom while we waited. After what felt like hours, the AAA truck finally approached, and it seemed like our ordeal was nearing its end. The driver assured us that the car was safe to drive once we got it into gear, saving us from needing a tow.

But the real hero of the day was Ralph Scott Britton, a motorbike rider who came to our aid and stayed with us for over 3.5 hours. Scott helped diagnose the issue, pushed our car off the road, and remained until the AAA truck arrived. As if that wasn’t enough, he escorted us to Keene to ensure our safety and even taught Joel how to manually switch the gears under the hood before sending us on our way. He refused compensation and simply asked us to pay it forward by helping others in need.

We safely made it to Vermont, Montreal, and Ottawa, thanks to Scott and the many kind people we encountered. Our friends in Vermont even provided us with a place to stay for the night. We are so grateful for the generosity we experienced in the small town of Winchester. We hope to pass it on by sharing our story and inspiring others with the same compassion that sustained us.

Experiences like this remind us that kindness still thrives in a world that sometimes feels disconnected. People like Scott and the others we met didn’t just lend a hand—they restored our faith in the power of community. Their actions showed us that even small gestures can make a lasting impact. Let’s take their example to heart, and when the opportunity arises, be the kind of person who steps up, making a difference when it matters most.