One Shabbat afternoon, as Dr. Lieberman napped, he dreamt that a distinguished-looking man was standing before him and reciting passages from the Mishna. He listened and recognized the teachings, for they concerned the requirement to treat critically ill women in labor even when the desecration of the Shabbat was involved. When he awoke, he pondered over the strange dream. Though the issue was obviously related to his occupation, he wondered about the identity of the figure in his dream.
His thoughts were interrupted by his attendant. “Doctor, someone is waiting to see you. He says it is an emergency.”
A very anxious-looking man entered the study. “I am from Horodok. My wife has been in labor for many hours and is in critical condition. Please come see her; it is a matter of life and death.”
“What a strange coincidence,” mused the doctor. Still under the impression of the dream, he agreed to accompany the man. Though there were several complications, the doctor’s timely arrival and professional experience enabled him to deliver a healthy baby.
Two months later a telegram arrived at Dr. Lieberman’s home from the Rebbe Rashab’s [the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe] home in Lubavitch, requesting him to come to Lubavitch to make a house call. The doctor came, examined the patient, and discussed his treatment with Rebbetzin Shterna Sorah. While they were speaking, the Rashab entered the room. Seeing the Rebbe for the first time, the doctor recognized him as the person who had appeared to him in his dream.
When he related his dream to the Rashab, the Rebbe shrugged. “I know nothing about your dream. I do recall the man from Horodok describing his wife’s complicated pregnancy to me. He asked me whether to hire a doctor or a specialist to deliver the baby. I advised him not to call upon a specialist since labor and delivery is often prolonged and a specialist usually makes brief visits. I suggested that he summon a doctor and recommended you.”
Reprinted with permission from “My Father’s Shabbos Table” by Rabbi Y. Chitrik
