Doctors told Mrs. Rhoda Friedland that she would be unable to have children and strongly recommended an operation that would permanently prevent pregnancy, warning her that she was putting herself in danger if she did not proceed. Seeking guidance, Mrs. Friedland visited the Rebbe, who assured her that the blessing of the Rebbe Rayatz would certainly be fulfilled and advised her to consult with the most prominent doctors, but not to have the operation.
At one point, the Rebbe suggested she visit the Rebbetzin’s doctor. After this doctor also strongly recommended the operation, Mrs. Friedland returned to the Rebbe’s office to report. While she was there, the doctor called the Rebbe directly to explain the danger. The Rebbe then told Mrs. Friedland, “Go see another doctor.”
The next doctor she visited scheduled surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital without even asking for her consent, dismissing her hopes for a miracle. Mrs. Friedland returned to the Rebbe to thank him for his encouragement and to inform him of the upcoming operation. The Rebbe asked her to do him a favor: “Please just visit one more doctor.”
Following this advice, Mrs. Friedland visited a specialist recommended by her cousin. This doctor acknowledged the concerns of the previous doctors but suggested she go home and rest, as she might be pregnant. A test confirmed that she was indeed pregnant. Despite a few complications during the pregnancy, she overcame them. Presented here, for the first time, is a letter of the Rebbe on the birth of her first child, named after her father, Binyamin Mendel.
