In a world where division and betrayal can erode our collective faith in humanity, the opportunity to thank a true friend, someone who stands by you when others turn away, must never be missed.

This powerful truth was vividly on display last Friday night at our synagogue in Efrat, Shirat David, when we were honored to host Ambassador and Mrs. Mike Huckabee for Shabbat.

Their visit was not publicized because we wanted to preserve the special, intimate nature of our Friday night song and prayer and offer the Huckabees an authentic experience. As our shul family arrived for services, greeted by the wonderful State Department security team outside, there was an unmistakable energy in the air, a sense that something magical was unfolding, and it was.