My Candle Light Story

Many times people asked, "what inspired you to become a bal teshuva?" they continue, What gave you the strength at such a young age to decide such a commitment.
I never really knew. I myself was unsure I would answer "hmm I just don't know
But recently after so long
Only till very recently the dots all connected. I do remember when I was at a  young tender age of about  7, going to the Israeli March to fund raise for the land of Israel. I was especially connected to Israel because I was born there living in America and I remember making the effort to be part of the fundraising March. Boy was I ever happy when after walking for so long finally to arrive at rancho park to see all the people together reaching our destination as if we really were landing in the holy land. Although feeling a bit tired I was ever so exhilarated and thrilled that I had raised money for Israel. Then there were the smells of Israeli food, falafel shawarma - but the excitement didn't stop there -what was more enticing were the many different booths to inspire people to get closer to Judaism. I remember the first booth I stopped at- gazing at those shiny Golden miniature  candlesticks wanting to own one
I dared getting closer to the man dressed in a black suit with a black hat  cause I didn't want to see what could not be mine. I didn't want to be disappointment ( because I didn't have money to by such a high commodity) as I got closer the man reached out his hand and said this is for u. I thought to me for free? I was shocked and I thought for sure must be a mistake, but then I saw him giving out more to other girls. I kept thinking wow what a nice man.
I totally remember feeling so privileged to have received the golden candle stick and  guarded them the whole day. The fair was over and the countdown began and I couldn't wait  wait till Friday to finally be able to light  them .
Every day was forever till  that holy day came. The intense feeling I felt that day of the march finally bridged over to Shabbos itself. and I  felt so serene and so connected to Israel and to my people. Miraculously I somehow started to get invited to celebrate Shabbas fully at different religious people's home
. The joy and  warmth at the Shabbos table just solidified my love for Shabbas for Judaism Receiving those bright shinning Shabbas candle started it all
Thank you Lubavitcher Rebbe for sending your shluchim to ranch park
Thank you Rebbe for caring that I as a little girl would have a chance to get ignited
So the flame of these Shabbas lights ignited the flame of my soul