“Hashem,” I pleaded, “please accept the prayers of our people and my own as well. Please perform a miracle that will be obvious to everyone and reveal Your Divine merciful hand. Let there be a sanctification of Your Holy Name. Let everyone see that You listen to prayers and bring about that which to the human eye appears impossible.”
Bear in mind that my Cat Scan and X-rays indicated surgery was in order. Against all logic, however, I prayed for the miracle of healing. When asked what time my surgery was scheduled, I would respond with an “if” – “if” it takes place. People looked at me in puzzlement. To which I responded, “I am hoping for a last-minute healing that no human hands can perform.”
I made a promise that if, in His infinite mercy, G-d granted me that miracle, I would, b’ezrat Hashem, share it with all our people. So I asked for yet another Cat Scan and hoped against all reason that it would validate my faith. I waited with bated breath as the surgeon examined the results.
He turned toward me with a big a smile. “Rebbetzin,” he said, “the healing process has commenced. You don’t have to come for surgery next week.”
My eyes became moist with tears of joy. I opened my book of Psalms and with a heart full of gratitude I thanked G-d.
To be sure, I am not out of the woods yet and have to return in a month to see if the healing process is continuing, but that does not diminish my joy. Anyone who walks the difficult journey of life knows no man is ever out of the woods. We are in constant need of G-d’s intervention and His guiding Hand.
My spirits buoyed, I called my children and informed my hosts in France, Hungary, Montreal, and wherever else I had been scheduled to speak. “We are on!” I say joyously. With the help of G-d I will once again have the privilege of teaching His Torah and disseminating His Holy Word.
During Sukkos this past week, the words in Hallel jumped out at me, saturating my heart and soul:
“Keli Atoh” – “You are my G-d and I thank You, my G-d; I will celebrate Your holy Name. Give thanks to Hashem for He is good. His kindness endures forever.”
With profound gratitude,
Esther bas Miriam
