Like Mother, Like Daughter
Mr. Jackie Edery and his wife were married for many years before they merited having children. They underwent numerous tests and treatments until they were physically and emotionally drained. Their doctors finally informed them that they would never have children, for one of them was infertile.
Despondent, Mr. Edery came to see me. “If Sarah Imeinu and all the other Matriarchs were barren but were eventually redeemed from childlessness, why do my wife and I remain barren?”
“The Matriarchs were extremely virtuous,” I explained. “Do you really believe that you and your wife are on their exalted level?”
Mr. Edery did not hesitate for even a moment. “Of course we do not reach their level, but aren’t we their children??”
I was left dumbfounded.
“May we, too, merit children,” was his conclusion.
“Amen!” was mine. I truly hoped that his dream would be realized.
A year and a half went by. I completely forgot about my talk with Mr. Edery. Suddenly, he contacted me one day and informed me that b’chasdei Hashem, his wife was expecting. He asked that I bless her with an easy pregnancy. Their baby should be born easily and in perfect health.
Of course, I blessed the woman and her child. I also expressed my wonder at this turn of events. “Which doctors did you see?” I asked.
He looked at me in wonder, and answered simply, “No doctors and no professors! Since the Rav blessed me, I placed all my hope in the ultimate Doctor. I fully believed that the merit of your fathers would bring me my salvation. Hashem has accepted the Rav’s blessing and come to my aid.”
I was touched by his tale. I told him that he had taught me an invaluable lesson in emunah. Simple faith has the power to revoke even a harsh decree and transform it into a good one. How fortunate is the person who reaches this level of faith.
