The car begins to rumble as we leave the paved life and venture onto the dirt roads of rural Vermont. As we lose our GPS signal, we hope the signs will guide us. A right, a left, a hill, a bridge, finally we reach our long awaited destination. We switch vehicles for a golf cart and weave in and out of the 13 acre fruit-tree nursery. The mountainous terrain, the quiet serenity, the delectable fresh picked berries, all gave rise to the reason why the Baal Shem Tov wanted Jews to leave the crowed congested cities and earn a living working the land. Such a peaceful atmosphere, constantly aware of G‑d's wonders, leads one to a feeling of enhanced spirituality.
Near the end of our tour, our host, a truly special person, takes us to a quiet corner. He looks towards us with a serious countenance and describes his troubles with his business on Shabbat. Being in the fruit-tree nursery business, where most customers are local householders, Saturday is prime time. As they grew in their Judaism, He and his wife wanted to have a proper Shabbat; a Shabbat full of quality family time, pleasant meals and restful afternoons. Coupled with that, they both knew how closing their nursery could damage, even kill, their much invested business. With a heavy, but determined and trustful heart, they decided to close their business for one trial Shabbat. After a few moments of reflection, he turns with a smile, "That whole first Shabbat, I was worried. Right after Shabbat I checked my messages. I got an order for over five thousand dollars. G‑d said, 'I am behind you, brother.'"
As our visit came to an end, We were impressed with such a trust and belief in G‑d. Us, two young yeshiva boys, never had such a challenge of risking our families' livelihood for the sake of Shabbat observance. But this experience fortified our hearts with the knowledge that G‑d truly looks after those who follow in His ways.
