LAST WEEKS IN NYU

In 1988 my father was hospitalized in the NYU intensive care unit. A few months before he passed away I brought the Rosh Hayeshiva Horav Chaim Pinchus Scheinberg to visit him.

They were very close, going back to the Chofetz Chaim days of 1945. He even officiated at my parents wedding in 1949.

I felt it would be a chizuk for the entire family to meet the Rosh Hayeshiva and for him to give us guidance during this trying time. I remember bringing the Rosh Hayeshiva into the Intensive Care Unit, where my father lay comatose. Needless to say the Rosh Hayeshiva was emotionally moved by all that was happening to one of his favorite old talmidim. He called out to him, letting him know he was there. Standing  by his bed he started to Daven fervently, crying to Hashem for for a miracle. All of a sudden, miraculously my father partially awoke, opened his teary eyes and made it known that he was aware of the Rosh Hayeshivas presence.

After returning to the lobby my mother turned to the Rosh Hayeshiva and asked him, how long we were supposed to allow our father to suffer. At that time the Rosh Hayeshiva happened to be carrying with him the Sefer Titz Eliezer. He opened it to the section dealing with this particular question and showed us inside that we were  required to allow time to take its course and not interfere with Hashems ultimate plan. As hard as it was for us to digest this psak, we followed his sagely advice. My father continued to live for another few months until he was nifter totally purified Erev Shabbos Kodesh.

Surrendering to Hashem’s will in difficult situations as this,

is the real test. Living the understanding, that life is totally in Hashem’s hands, is the challenge. That He gives life and takes life back on His timetable is a reality we all must face. Cherishing every single moment, enables us to have a greater appreciation for the life Hashem grants us daily. We always must thank Hashem for our past life and daven for a future life that will allow us to serve Him in good health.