A melody floats through the air,

it is the song of ‘Ani Ma’amin’

I believe with complete faith,

in the coming of Moshiach (Messiah)

and although he may tarry,

nevertheless, I wait every day for him to come.

The song whirls its way into the ears of one precious soul, Leah.

Leah, who uses a wheelchair.

Leah, unable to respond with words.

Leah, whose loving husband stands by with tears in his eyes.

Leah’s caregiver is African-American.

She knows the Hebrew words of the song perfectly,

and she sings with emotion.

It is a moment that wraps itself around me.

This is Leah’s favorite song,

the tune haunting.

I recall the heartbreaking tale of the ‘Modzitzer Ani Ma’amin’

composed by Rabbi Azriel David Fastag on the train to Treblinka,

ultimately making its way to the Modzitzer Rebbe in America.

And here: Leah, whose story I do not know

but whose song I hear.

It was theirs. It is hers, and mine.

This caregiver’s ‘Ani Ma’amin,’

about our caregiver, G‑d in heaven.

I believe with complete faith in the coming of Moshiach.

May it be speedily in our day!