Oriya Matalon

Talia was the first person I met when I arrived to study at the Midrasha. We were both the first to arrive, before everyone else, and we had no idea where we were going. So within a few minutes we found ourselves heading towards the food store at Nov, where we bought all sorts of things that did not fall into the “diet” category. It seemed the most natural thing in the world, as though we had already known each other for years. Looking back, I understand that the whole situation was possible because Talia gave me the opportunity to feel that I was her best friend — me, and every person she met along the way. And I think about how every one of us is on a journey, and all of us meet many people each day, each week and at every stage; and how every one of the people we meet has something to give us, if only we allow them to give it to us. Talia taught me to give the people around me, even if I have known them only briefly, the opportunity to receive from them.