This year, in the span of 2 months before my birthday, I received 2 Rebbe Dollars.

Quick background: I didn't grow up Chabad.

I've always been a student of the Baal Shem Tov for as long as I can remember, but I didn't know much about the Rebbe. Along the journey of seeking and learning, I learned from every leader and teacher I came across. From mental and emotional health to energy medicine, consciousness teachings - I was thirsty, and I drank the nectar and received the nutrients.

I have never met a leader like the Rebbe. His fire is one that lit and still continues to light a Ner Tamid - a never-ending flame in the hearts of the whole entire world. I get emotional thinking about his legacy of love and impact.

The very first time I really learned about the Rebbe was in a story a teacher told me about a man searching for God, and the Rebbe's brilliant response. (Maybe I will share this story in a video - it impacted me so deeply.)

After that story, I cried for a long time. Then, I found a picture of the Rebbe that someone painted that inspired me, and I wanted to paint it too. I hadn't painted in 5 years, but I opened my art supplies and painted and painted and painted, using the picture as inspiration. From the moment the painting was in the world, my connection with him and his message has continued to blossom.

What I've learned about the Rebbe was that he saw everyone with an Ayin Tovah - a positive eye and for who they really are: their essence, their soul. That is the teaching I try to carry with me.

Thank you, Zelda and Makom Sanctuary, for gifting me the dollars the Rebbe gave to you. Thank you for feeling and knowing and passing that gift onto me. It means more than words can say.

It feels like a torch, a mission, and an invitation of love. Thank you for your generosity of spirit and for allowing me to be touched by what touched you.

And thank you, Makom Sanctuary, for the beautiful art piece birthday surprise. My home is elevated because of it.

Thank you, Coach Moishe, for sharing Torah with me at every opportunity, and Tsipa for always learning with me.

I love you all.

Thank you, Rebbe.