“Approximately five years ago, when I was working at the Kingsbrook Medical Center in Brooklyn,” relates Renee Javer, “I was given a copy of L’Chaim, a weekly Lubavitch newsletter, by some young boys who came to the hospital every Friday to lift the patients’ spirits and to distribute literature.

“The publication was interesting, and I became a subscriber. This opened the door to a greater interest in Judaism and subsequently, I subscribed to other Lubavitch publications. After a number of years, a Lubavitcher outreach worker called and asked if I was interested in ‘learning.’ At that time, I had recently retired, my mother was severely ill, and I felt the need for spiritual guidance I readily agreed.

“I was contacted by a very pleasant young woman and we studied together for several months. We exchanged more than knowledge and became close friends. At one point, she asked me to come to a Sunday brunch in Crown Heights to be held for women who had begun to participate in these study sessions. I was happy to attend.

“After the brunch, my friend asked me if I wanted to see the Rebbe. I had heard that every Sunday the Rebbe would distribute tzedakah, but had never thought of going myself. After a word of gentle persuasion, I decided to join the line.

While we were waiting in front of “770”, my emotions began to mount. When I finally stood before the Rebbe, I was overtaken by awe. With tears in my eyes, I told him that my daughter-in-law desired to have another child, but was encountering difficulty.

“‘Think positively,’ the Rebbe replied, assuring me that she would have a child.

“My friend arranged that a picture be taken of my meeting with the Rebbe. Thirteen months later, my daughter-in-law gave birth to a baby boy. Today, the two pictures me and the Rebbe, and my daughter-in-law and her son hang on my refrigerator door. When friends and family see them, they ask questions, and it brings on a wonderful discussion.”