February 2012 Somewhere out West

 

It had gotten dark, and the Rabbi offered to give me a ride home, which I accepted. As we entered his vehicle The-VOICE- plainly spoke saying: “Fill his tank!” As he pulled into a gas station my new friend said “We need gas.” When he got out preparing to pump the gas I said “Fill it! I’m paying.” This first afternoon started a six week stint of working with him in his Kosher Deli and then going home to be with my daughter in the evening after she got home from work. It was a great walk back and forth and wonderful days with a great person.

 

At the beginning of the second week my new friend looked at me seriously and said: “You trust too soon.” That comment started a lively set of days praying about the subject. It was six miles ONE WAY to the Deli, so I had four hours a day to walk and pray 12 miles. By mid-week of the second week I remember praying for guidance and maybe even some kind of sign, asking; “YAH, something like what happened on Shavuot.” From that point forward I set the issue aside.

 

By 4:00 pm that day he put on teffilin, and after saying the prayers we sat down in the deserted seating area. I was facing the plate glass windows with the front door way to my right. Causing me to look to my left, he said: "Ed, here is a song we sometimes sing." He started singing, keeping time with his palm to the table singing with gusto! As he sang, it was as if I split into two people. I could hear myself say "I know that song" and started singing along with him. The other side of me was screaming inside: "You don't know that song! Shut up, you are going to make a fool of yourself!" But I kept singing with great heart as if I had known that song all of my life.

 

As I was getting comfortable singing; to my right I heard a powerful sound and felt on the right side of my face a powerful rush of hot wind moving right to left. At first I thought the door had opened and the wind was blowing in. But its winter and the wind from the door should be cold?? Yes? Confused, I looked to my right and saw that the door was closed securely. At that very instant I heard clear, bright and bold:

 

“You prayed for this!”

 

I had my answer, and we spent a wonderful six weeks working together. I knew I could trust him, but just before I left, why did he quietly say to me: “Schneerson is not the Messiah.”?

Joel 2: (ISR98)

27“And you shall know that I am in the midst of Yisra’ĕl, and that I am יהוה your Elohim and there is no one else. And My people shall never be put to shame.

28“And after this it shall be that I pour out My Spirit on all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men dream dreams, your young men see visions.

29“And also on the male servants and on the female servants I shall pour out My Spirit in those days.

 

Acts 2: (www.AENT.org)

17: Elohim said, In latter days it will be (that) I will pour out my Ruach upon all flesh, and your sons will prophesy and your daughters and your young men will see visions, and your elders will dream dreams.

18. And upon my servants and upon handmaidens I will pour out my Ruach in those days. And they will prophesy.