והפלא ה' את מכתך ואת מכות זרעך מכות גדלת ונאמנות וחלים רעים ונאמנים ... (כח-נט)
A young Rosh Yeshivah from Eretz Yisroel had his world turned upside down when his six-year-old daughter fell ill with a rare and unknown disease. Doctors in Israel were perplexed and could not provide a diagnosis. They advised the Rav to seek medical advice in America, specifically at a renowned medical center in New York. The Rav and his wife made the difficult decision to travel to New York in search of answers. It was a daunting journey to an unfamiliar place, but they held onto the belief that they would find a solution for their daughter’s illness. When they arrived, the doctors at the Medical Center conducted various tests and evaluations until they were finally able to identify the disease afflicting their daughter. Though the diagnosis brought relief, it was accompanied by a bittersweet revelation. Their daughter’s illness was treatable but would require a six-month course of treatment, including a risky but necessary operation.
The news hit them hard. They had planned to return to Israel right away and now it seemed to would have to remain in a foreign country for an extended period of time. With all their children accompanying them on the trip, they faced the challenge of finding a place to stay, enrolling their children in school, and coping with the uncertainty of their situation. Overwhelmed, the young Rosh Yeshivah spoke to his parents who lived in Brooklyn, explaining their predicament. Without hesitation, his parents offered their support and invited the entire family to spend the first Shabbos with them.
Friday afternoon, the Rav and his family embarked on the journey from the hospital to Brooklyn. However, their plans took an unexpected turn when heavy snowfall blanketed the area. Traffic came to a standstill, and they found themselves stranded on the highway. With the sun setting and Shabbos quickly approaching, it became clear that they would not reach Brooklyn in time. A sense of despair washed over them as they contemplated their situation. Stuck in a foreign country, their lives turned upside down, and now, stranded on a snowy highway, the Rav wondered what else could go wrong. Frustration and desperation consumed him. He quickly pulled the car off the highway, realizing he couldn’t continue driving if he wished to make Shabbos. Gathering his family, he resolved to find shelter and seek refuge in a home displaying a mezuzah on its door. Together, they trudged through the snow, searching for a house where they could find solace. After a relentless search, they stumbled upon a home adorned with a mezuzah. Bracing themselves, they mustered the courage to knock on the door. To their astonishment, the door swung open, revealing the shamash from the renowned MTJ Yeshivah in the Lower East Side in Manhattan. Welcomed with open arms, they were invited inside to spend Shabbos. The hospitality they received was overwhelming. The Rav and his family found comfort, warmth, and a sense of belonging in the midst of their challenging journey. The Shabbos they shared with the shamash and his family was a source of upliftment and inspiration.
During their stay, the young Rosh Yeshivah and his wife shared their daughter’s illness and the journey they had undertaken with their hosts. Deeply moved, the man arranged for them to meet with the great Rosh Yeshivah of MTJ, R’ Moshe Feinstein zt”l. In R’ Moshe’s presence, the Rav and his wife poured out their hearts, recounting the trials they had faced and the miracles they had witnessed. R’ Moshe, with his wisdom and compassion, listened intently. He offered words of encouragement, and then gave the young girl a heartfelt blessing, assuring her that everything would be alright.
With newfound strength and optimism, the young family returned to the hospital the following week for their daughter’s operation and treatment. However, as the doctors examined her, they were astounded. It was as if a miracle had occurred. The mysterious disease that had plagued their daughter had vanished without the need for the anticipated operation.
Filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of faith, the Rosh Yeshivah and his family returned to Israel. They shared their story, emphasizing the importance of unwavering belief, even in the face of adversity. Their journey became a clear testament to the power of a Tzaddik’s blessing, in the face of life’s most challenging moments. (Adapted from Stories to Inspire 718-400-7145. Call & Be Inspired!)