While ascending a strenous hike, the winding trail led me into the embrace of a solitary forest. It was as if the universe conspired to create the ideal backdrop for a heartfelt conversation with my departed mother—a solace I find comforting. I said I missed her tremendously and think of her every single day. With a hopeful heart, I asked her to send me a tangible sign so I know she's watching over me and my family—I specifically asked for an orange butterfly (my favorite color). As I made my way out of the forest, I was greeted by a beautful orange butterfly. An overwhelming sense of wonder and awe washed over me. -- Yohanna C., New York, NY

I’ve had mystical experiences since I was a young child. They became more frequent and intense as I grew older, until now, when they have become an every day occurrence. One that stands out, along with a few others, involves my relationship with God.

Back in 2020, the Marlene Meyerson JCC of Manhattan held their Tikkun Leil Shavuot online starting at 9:00 p.m. on May 28th running through to my birthday, May 29th, at 5:00 a.m. Our own Rabbi Hilly Haber was speaking at 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. as I recall. I really wanted to hear her teaching. As the 9:00 p.m. start time neared, I began to hear thunder, getting louder and louder. I brought up the local radar and watched as the approaching storms grew larger and closer. The lightning became more intense. I was going to have to shut down my computer. I prayed to God, asking that He please make the storms go away, so that I could hear Rabbi Hilly’s teaching.

I told God I’d make a deal with Him; if He would let me watch that night and keep storms away when it was time for any services, I would always attend and worship Him. “Do we have a deal?” I asked.

As I continued to look at the radar, I received my answer. I watched in awe as an invisible hand swept the storms away from my area, until the sound of thunder faded into the distance and the rain stopped. My area was clear, but surrounded by storms.

I thanked God and watched Rabbi Hilly’s talk. The instant it was over, there was a bright flash of light from the window behind me, a house-shaking crash of thunder, and a sudden loud downpour. I shut down my computer and unplugged everything at warp speed. The storm raged for a solid hour and then abated.

It’s been over three years now, and God and I have both kept our ends of the agreement. I still watch the radar in awe as thunderstorms, sometimes quite violent, are swept away from my area when it is time for services. Sometimes it’s as much as 45 minutes in advance, and sometimes it is right up to just 10 minutes before. I swear I can see the hand of God brushing the storms aside as I watch. Sometimes they are gone for good, and sometimes, like that Shavuot night, they return with a BOOM as soon as service ends, resulting in a mad scramble to get off line. I am forever grateful for this deal and live in awe of it every day. -- Jeri F., Port Saint Lucie, FL

Mother's Day 2009.  The first Mother's Day in 28 years without my son Michael, who died unexpectedly in January. It was really awful and I said to God," Lord if I could hear from Michael one more time I think I can make it, I think after that day I could  make it.  I'd be able to move forward." My heart was so empty and lost.

On May 10, 2009 I go into my email to check my emails and there is an e-card from Hallmark from someone by the name of Pauletta Bracy. Not recognizing the name I figured that  an e-card had been misdirected or someone entered an email address incorrectly and I figured I wouldn't open it. I proceeded to look at my other emails and not give this email any more thought. When I finished looking at all my other emails this one still set in my list in bold as showing that it had been unread. As I was reaching for the delete button something stopped me and a thought came to my mind that this might be a misdirected Mother's Day card. I felt that I did not know what this card was, if it was a Mother's Day card, I  wanted it reach its correct recipient and I was going to do whatever I could to make sure it reached its destination. I could help anothet mom. 

I clicked on the link and the card opened and the card was addressed to me. It was a Mother's Day card sent to me from a Pauletta Bracy on behalf of my son Michael. Michael was a student of Dr. Bracey's while he was in graduate school. I have never met Dr. Bracey. I still have never met Dr. Bracey. I did write her a thank note, which still can't be fully captured in words. My heart feels it beyond measure, but I don't think my brain will ever be able to fully comprehend.

My heart and brain both agree, this is God. A complete stranger answered my prayer because she knew my son and somehow heard my anguish.  This is the hand of God! He heard me. -- Mary, North Carolina