The smile on the Rebbe’s face could hardly be contained. His demeanor was always one of infectious joy, but his elation on this day was unusual. The Rebbe was at the berit milah of the son of a Bobover Hasid and had been honored with the distinction of being the sandak. When asked about his incredible happiness the Rebbe could not help but share with the crowd an extraordinary tale of kindness and hope.
The Couple Despaired, Not Knowing Where to Turn
Meir and Rifka Zoberman were terribly despondent. Nothing seemed to work. Not the doctors’ advice, not the berachot and, as of yet, not their prayers either. Their dream of becoming parents was fading away. Meir had been the beneficiary of berachot from the Rebbe on many occasions, and the Rebbe’s blessings had always been fulfilled - until now. The young couple despaired and did not know where to turn.
With a lot of extra time on her hands, Rifka decided to visit local hospitals. She initiated many friendships on these visits, and felt fulfilled to be helping those in need.
One day as she was about to leave Maimonides Hospital, Rifka heard a woman groaning in one of the rooms. Peeking in, she noticed an elderly woman, all alone, so she walked in and sat down on the chair next to the bed. The woman, who seemed to be in her 70’s, was not at all interested in making conversation with Rifka, and was even a bit rude, but Rifka somehow sensed desperation and loneliness in the woman’s tone. The room, Rifka noticed, was bare - not one card, not a single flower. Just bare walls. Carefully, Rifka asked, “How long have you been here?”
The Woman Had No Family
The woman ignored her and stared at the vacant wall next to her bed. But Rifka would not back down. She prodded, until the elderly woman finally began talking, although with some resentment in her voice. Rifka was satisfied that she had won a round in this struggle. An hour passed and Rifka had even elicited a smile from the woman. As it turned out, this woman had no family and no one to whom to turn. Rifka promised her that she would be back and she kept her promise.
The next day Rifka returned and was greeted with a smile. The two spoke for an hour. The woman had so much to say and finally had someone who would listen to her.
Day in and day out, Rifka visited with this lonely woman and slowly the barriers were worn down. Their relationship continued to develop - clearly the highlight of this woman’s day was Rifka’s visit. But as her happiness improved, her health deteriorated. Sadly, within a few months, her illness ravaged her body. Rifka sat by her side and cared for her as if she were a longtime friend.
Finally, the day came. Her breathing slowed and it was becoming more and more evident that she was going to die. Rifka sensed that her older friend was anxious and worried. Rifka assuaged her fears and noticed that for the first time the woman was crying. She wiped the tears from her wrinkled cheek and calmed her. An uneasy silence filled the room when, finally, the woman spoke. “Rifka, I don’t know how I can ever repay you for what you have done. I have no money and no family who can pay you for your time. But one thing I can promise you. After I go up to Heaven I will approach the Heavenly throne. I promise I will not leave there until the A-mighty grants you the child that you want.”
And then she closed her eyes one final time.
The Rebbe smiled at the entranced crowd, “And this is that child.”