This past week, I went to the dentist for a walk-in appointment because I’d been having severe tooth pain. After hours of waiting, I was told my tooth was infected and couldn’t be saved. They extracted it immediately. Everything happened so fast, and I left feeling stunned, my face numb, and in pain—surrendering to Hashem’s plan.
On my way home, I had to pick up my husband, who needed 20 more minutes to finish work. To pass the time, I decided to visit a store. At first, I considered getting something to eat since I hadn’t eaten all day. But I felt a pull to visit Goodwill in Troy, NY—a store I rarely go to.
As I browsed, I noticed a young woman who looked distinctly Jewish. The thought crossed my mind to approach her and give her a Shabbat candle lighting kit, but doubts crept in: What if she’s not Jewish? What if she reacts badly? I brushed it off and continued shopping. A few aisles later, I saw her again. This time, I could not miss the opportunity.
I approached her and said, “You look so familiar. Are you a college student? Maybe I know you from my friend’s Jewish student programs.” She replied, “No, I’m from Long Island, just visiting.”
Feeling a connection, I asked, “Are you Jewish?” She smiled and said, “Yes, my mother’s Jewish.” Excited, I asked if she had ever lit Shabbat candles. She shook her head and explained she wasn’t religious. I told her about the special light Jewish women and girls bring into the world each Friday night—how it brings peace and love into our homes and the world. I added that it’s a beautiful time to pray for anything we need personally and for the world. She smiled and said, “I like that.”
I told her I had a gift for her in my car: a candlestick and tea lights for her. As I ran to my car, I thought, Here’s a young Jewish woman from Long Island, a place with a large Jewish population, and yet here in Troy, NY, in a Goodwill, I found a lost spark!
I gave her the candlesticks and explained, “Your One More Light is needed in this world, especially now, with everything happening in Israel and California.” She looked deeply moved. I could see her neshamah (soul) being sparked, reminded of her Jewish identity. She gave me her email address so I could send her a reminder through the One More Light newsletter.
I walked out of that store feeling like a “Shluchah of Goodwill”—both literally and figuratively. Even on a day when I experienced the loss of my tooth and was feeling down, Hashem had guided me to this moment, reminding me that in the most unexpected places, our mission to spread light and goodness continues.
I hope this story inspires you to carry the light of Shabbat candles wherever you go and that we have the power to turn moments of pain or doubt into opportunities to brighten the world. Wishing you a Shabbat filled with light and connection,
Nechama Dina Laber
JGR, JGU, GROW Director
Melava Malka Stories 