Shloime Zionce | שלומי זייאנץ 👑

This evening at Olive Branch in Toronto!!! 🇨🇦 ✡️ 💪🏻

Last week, after launching the @MitzvahTruck, I drove down to Washington to report from the White House. As I headed to D.C., I was overwhelmed with doubts about the project I was now embarking on. The goal is to take the truck to all 50 states in the next 2.5 years, and to meet and connect with Jews from all backgrounds and stripes. How am I going to accomplish this while working full time? How will I find lost and forgotten Jews in all 50 states? How will I cover the expenses? The doubts were endless, and they were dragging me down. Towards the evening, after a successful day at the White House, I drove over to the Library of Congress to attend a dinner with Elected Officials, Business magnates, and leaders of the Jewish community. As I parked the truck, a young man on a bicycle, whizzed past me and then turned around and stopped near me. “Mitzvah Truck!” He exclaimed. “I’ve gotta get a picture of that.” He said, reaching for his phone. Seeing his excitement, I asked him if he was Jewish. Just then I noticed a large cross, pinned to his lapel. Silly me. I already had my answer. “I’m an evangelical Christian.” He said, confirming what I already knew. “But my mom is Jewish.” he added. “That means you’re Jewish too!” I said. He reached into his shirt and pulled out a hidden Star of David necklace. 30 seconds later, the young man had is sleeve up and I was wrapping Tefillin around his arm. I lent him my Yarmulka, so he could say the appropriate blessings. We then prayed together, exchanged contact information, and before you could say, “Mazel Tov,”he was on his way. I stood there smiling, pleasantly surprised by what had just transpired. The Mitzvah Truck, which I had been having doubts about only a few minutes ago, had attracted a practicing Christian, yet very Jewish, young man to approach me, and thereby get the opportunity to put on Tefillin and engage with his heritage through a simple, yet profound act of connection to G-D. I still not sure how I’m going to accomplish my goals with the Mitzvah Truck, but I trust that G-D will guide me to the right places, and guide the right people to me. Join me on the journey following @MitvahTruck on all social media platforms, or by visiting MitzvahTruck.com