Posted on 02/06/25
Traveling is often an adventure in itself. The people you meet along the way are often different from the usual faces you interact with daily. These “chance encounters” with individuals from diverse backgrounds tend to happen when you least expect them, adding an unexpected layer of richness to the experience.
This year, for our midwinter break, we traveled to Atlanta, GA with my children. With minyanim, kosher food, and plenty of attractions for the kids, it was the perfect spot. Plus, in our quest to visit all 50 states, Alabama is just an hour away, giving us the chance to add yet another state to our list!
As we neared Alabama, we noticed the “Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama” sign along the roadside, with a speed limit of 70 mph. My son and I jumped out for a quick picture by the sign. After crossing into the state, we spotted a welcome center and decided to stop there. To our delight, there was another sign, making it the perfect opportunity for a family photo.
The first person I noticed was an older gentleman from Mississippi, and I asked him to take the picture for us. He kindly agreed, and we struck up a conversation. He told me, "You are the first Orthodox Jews I’ve ever met in my life! It’s a delight to meet you." Curious, I asked, "How do you know we’re Orthodox?" He answered, "I’ve always been interested in you. I’m 73, and I’ve always hoped for the day I would meet someone like you. You may be the only ones I ever meet in my life!"
It got me thinking—how often do we interact with people, especially while traveling, where our actions might shape how they view us for eternity? Each encounter could be that pivotal moment that forms their perception of who we are. Our actions can leave a lasting impression, shaping not only their view of us but also how they perceive others from our community.
The following day, the day we were set to leave, I asked the hotel for a letterhead to write them a thank you letter. I had heard that they really appreciate it, and since they had gone above and beyond, it felt like the right thing to do. After finishing the letter, I wasn’t sure whether I should sign my name or not, so I called my grandfather, Rabbi Paysach Krohn, to ask for advice. "Zaidy, do you think I should write my name?" I asked. He responded, "Not only should you write your name, but write 'Rabbi' before it. That way, you’ll make a Kiddush Hashem, and everyone who sees it will know it was written by a Yid." I thought that sounded like a wonderful idea and followed his advice, feeling grateful for his wisdom.
A few hours later, I was in the hotel lobby and noticed what seemed to be a daily meeting of the staff. The manager was speaking and sharing a letter that sounded so familiar. As she read through it, she reached the end and mentioned my name—with the Rabbi before it, just as Rabbi Krohn had suggested.
The lesson I learned is that you never know the impact of your encounters or the opportunity for a Kiddush Hashem in any given moment. Every interaction has the potential to leave a lasting impression, and even the smallest actions can reflect the values we hold dear. It's a powerful reminder that we should strive to make those moments count, ensuring that our behavior is a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. You never know how a simple gesture can influence someone’s perception or shape their view of us for a lifetime.
Rabbi Moshe Dov Heber is a rebbe at Yeshiva K'tana of Waterbury and a division head in Camp Romimu. He is a writer and public speaker, focusing on topics related to inspiration and education. Rabbi Heber could be reached via email mdheber@ykwaterbury.org