A Smile That Can Save A Soul

What happens when a Jewish man walks into a church ready to convert—and walks out transformed instead? That’s the question Rabbi Yosef Palacci explored in an early episode of Chazaq Torah Talks, a series that has since grown into a beloved platform for inspiring conversations with Torah leaders and thinkers.

Rabbi Palacci, a dynamic Torah educator based in Florida, serves as the Rav of Congregation Torah Ohr in Miami Beach and leads Shaare Ezra, an organization devoted to kiruv and Jewish learning. In his heartfelt interview, he reflected on his Turkish Jewish roots, his upbringing, and his path to becoming a leader in klal Yisrael—but one unforgettable story became the soul of the conversation.

While doing kiruv in a secular community, Rabbi Palacci encountered a man who had become so distant from Judaism that he intended to convert to Christianity. The man later explained that just before walking into the church, he saw Rabbi Palacci across the street, and the rabbi smiled at him. That simple act—the smile—caused him to turn around and abandon his plan entirely. That moment became the emotional anchor of the entire episode.

“Never underestimate the power of a smile; it can save a soul.”

The rest of the conversation explored themes of emunah, hitbodedut (personal prayer), and the silent spiritual hunger so many feel in today’s world. People are searching. They may not say it out loud, but inside, there’s a neshamah crying out for meaning.

Rabbi Palacci spoke about how even before he fully understood the meaning of mitzvot, their presence served as an anchor throughout his life. They kept him grounded. They connected him to something bigger than himself.

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Rabbi Yaniv Meirov is the CEO of CHAZAQ and Rabbi of Congregation Charm Circle in Kew Gardens Hills. Since 2006, he has led the organization’s mission to empower Jewish youth and families through Torah education, kiruv, and community initiatives. As Chazaq Torah Talks recently aired its 207th episode featuring Rabbi Arieh Friedner, Rabbi Meirov continues to uplift and inspire through candid conversations that bridge Torah tradition with contemporary challenges.