בחרת בחיים Choose Life

Wow. I truly believe we find ourselves in the places we are meant to be. Our neshamot are guided to certain moments, and sometimes we don’t realize the meaning until we pause and reflect.

For me, one Shabbat this summer, that place was the Omni in Carlsbad. My family had gone for a weekend getaway, and by chance, many other families from the community were there too so we decided to have Shabbat dinner together. So there we were, gathered around picnic tables in the middle of the hotel courtyard—singing, laughing, sharing food, bringing in Shabbat together- such good energy.

People walked by, watching us with curiosity: a group of Jews, out in the open, celebrating, singing, living. Am Yisrael Chai. Two women in particular drew near, looking especially intrigued. I went to greet them, and one shared that although she isn’t Jewish, she has always felt a special connection to the Jewish people. Then she told me that she is a nurse caring for a 97-year-old Holocaust survivor in the area—who has even written two books.

Something in me froze. I looked at her and asked quietly, “Is the woman you care for… Dr. Edith Eger?”

“Yes,” she answered.

My heart stopped.

For those who know me well, Dr. Edith Eger has been a powerful presence in my life, both spiritually and professionally. As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors from Hungary, and as someone moved by her decision to become a psychologist later in life, her story of survival has always spoken to me. I once heard her lecture in Beverly Hills and was even lucky enough to win a signed copy of her book The Gift. Edith’s message—of resilience, of hope, of choosing life—has shaped me in countless ways.

And here I was, on an ordinary Shabbat in Carlsbad, suddenly connected to her through this unexpected encounter. Her nurse took my  number and invited me to visit Dr. Eger, something I will b’ezrat Hashem be doing soon (will share details about that in my next article!).

I can’t stop thinking about how this unfolded. In the middle of a hotel courtyard, enveloped by the essence of Shabbat and amazing friends, I was reminded that we are never alone. Am Yisrael Chai. We carry our history, our resilience, and our joy into every space we enter. Even in the most unexpected moments, Hashem finds ways to remind us of the miracle of our people and the sacred gift of life and moments of deep connection.

As it says in the Torah, “Uvacharta ba’chayim, l’maan tichyeh ata v’zar’echa” — “Choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Devarim 30:19).

Edith’s story, my grandparents’ story, and even this chance encounter are all reminders that choosing life is not just about survival. It’s about being open—welcoming others, embracing new experiences, and recognizing that every meeting can be an opportunity for bracha and growth.

On that Shabbat, I thought I was simply sharing  a fun dinner with friends. But in truth, as it turned out, I was given so much more.; A glimpse of something deeper: a reminder that our lives, our connections, and our very presence as an AM are a living testament that!

 Am Yisrael Chai!