A Warm Welcome at the Seudah

A young man, confused and drawn to leftist politics and astrology, first heard of Rav Shlomo Carlebach in the East Village. He went to the shul on West 79th Street and had a memorable experience, though it did not change his life at once. Only after a few years of college, and growing more confused, did he decide to visit the Carlebach shul again.

He was surprised that Rav Shlomo was not there, but in many ways Rav Elya was even more welcoming. Rav Elya warmly invited him to the seudah. Afterward the rebbetzin told him he could stay upstairs and read for the afternoon. He took the subway home that day, but he had liked the visit enough to return for another Shabbos soon after.

Rav Elya welcomed him again and told him he was very happy to see him. So he kept coming back, and as he came to know Rav Elya better, he began to voice views he had picked up in college and in political meetings. No matter how far he had strayed, and no matter what outrageous opinion came out of his mouth, Rav Elya Chaim always made him feel welcome and loved.