The Envelope, Please

Dr. Levine (all names changed) was just finishing up his consultation when he mentioned to Fayge Schwartz, “I’m going to Israel, so your next treatment will be in three weeks.” Dr. Levine then excused himself for a moment, and left the room.

I’d like to show my hakaras hatov to Dr. Levine, Fayge Schwartz thought, but how? Any physical gift would be meaningless to one of the top oncologists at Sloan-Kettering. Then she had an idea. She reached into her purse, pulled out a ten-dollar bill, placed it in an envelope, and wrote “shaliach mitzvah gelt.”

When he returned, Dr. Levine explained she was progressing just fine. Mrs. Schwatz thanked the doctor and added, “Baruch Hashem.”

“Mrs. Schwartz, I’ve  been treating you for almost a year now. Your progress has been remarkable. According to my professional prognosis, you will be cancer-free within two months. Why do you always thank G-d when I tell you about your progress? We never pray together. What does G-d have to do with my treatments?”