A Firm Footing in Faith
When I was once receiving the public at the home of the Zer family in Bnei Brak, a woman came, wheeling in her wheelchair-bound little girl.
As soon as she walked in, the mother burst out crying bitterly. “Honored Rav,” she began. “We have tried everything to bring about my daughter’s recovery, and nothing has helped. You are our last resort.”
I was quite surprised at her words. “Why do you say that?” I asked. “There are many Rabbis and Kabbalists among our nation, who bring salvation to our people. Why don’t you ask for their blessings?”
The woman was adamant, stating that she had already gone to other Rabbis, and, l’havdil, top specialists in the field, but since her daughter had been born brain-damaged, it was impossible to cure her. They claimed she would always be an invalid. With no other recourse, the mother insisted on coming to me.
I was still shocked at her attitude. “Why do you say I am your last resort? Doesn’t the world have a Creator? One may never lose hope in His salvation.”
“Exactly. Because I have faith in the Creator, knowing that only He holds the key to my daughter’s recovery, I turn to you. Please bless her in the merit of your holy ancestors that she be completely cured. I believe that the power of your prayers can effect a salvation for my dear daughter.” Once again, she burst into heart-rending sobs, which were heard in the waiting room.
This woman’s pain touched my heart. I told her, “B’ezrat Hashem, your daughter’s condition will improve. In the merit of your faith and pain, Hashem will hear your pleas and send you salvation.” But the woman was not satisfied, insisting I give her daughter a clear blessing for recovery, that she merit standing on her own two feet.
I tried explaining to her that she had no need for my blessings, for her firm faith and the merit of her pain would stand in her stead on behalf of her daughter’s recovery. But she burst once again into uncontrollable weeping and would not be calmed until I blessed her with a recovery, bisiyata di’Shemaya.
One year later, I again found myself accepting the public for audiences at the Zer household in the Holy Land. This woman came along with her daughter, walking like anyone else.
With great emotion, the woman related that after receiving my blessing, she had lit a candle in memory of Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a. Shortly afterward, her daughter stood up from her wheelchair and took her first steps to health.
Such is the power of pure, simple faith in the tzaddikim. It can reverse harsh decrees. With the power of this woman’s faith, her daughter gained, most miraculously, a complete recovery.
