Shimon (name changed) was very sick. He had been diagnosed with a severe illness and needed to be operated on. Shimon was a Talmid Chacham living in Eretz Yisrael who spent his day in Kollel learning. The operation was very complicated and Shimon was advised to have the operation in America by a world-famous professor.
The cost of the operation was hundreds of thousands of dollars. Shimon had no way of getting that kind of money together. Shimon’s family was very worried. Shimon needed the operation and needed it very soon, but the funds were beyond their capabilities. Shimon had faith and the finances didn’t seem to bother him. But he had a different problem.
Shimon heard that the Surgeon was a world-famous professor. He wasn’t sure if on such a brilliant professor he could make the special Berocho ‘He who gave wisdom to human beings’ a blessing when seeing a very wise non-Jew. Shimon spent days studying the Halachos of this Berocho until he came to a clear ruling that this professor was in the league that this Berocho could be said in his presence.
Now Shimon was calm and ready to travel. Shimon arrived in America and continued on to the hospital. He waited in the doctor’s office waiting for him to enter. As soon as the professor walked in Shimon stood up and made the Berocho with great concentration, so loud that he could be heard all the way down the corridor.
The professor looked at Shimon and asked him what’s going on. Shimon explained the meaning of the Berocho how Hashem gave wisdom to human beings and this Berocho was only said when seeing special people.
The doctor listened and was nearly hypnotized from such honor. It took a few moments to recover. He turned to Shimon and said, “I am so taken by your blessing and honor that you will be my personal guest during your whole stay here in America. And in appreciation the operation fees will be waived.”
Reprinted from the Parshas Balak 5785 email of Inspired by a Story by Rabbi Dovid Caro.
