Perfect Vision

Rav Scheinberg would come to America several times a year to raise money for his yeshivah. During those visits, people from all different walks of life would come to him to ask for brachos or advice. Rav Scheinberg would give the brachos the petitioners requested and ask them in turn to help support the yeshivah in whatever capacity they could.

One time, a young woman from a more modern background came to see the Rosh Yeshivah. She told him she had a new baby, just a few weeks old, who had been born with a serious eye problem. The doctor had explained it was possible the problem would correct itself, but if not, at one year old the baby would need major surgery that would not necessarily salvage his vision. Naturally, the mother was frightened and overwhelmed, and a relative had suggested that she ask Rav Scheinberg for a brachah.

Rav Scheinberg gave her a beautiful brachah and reassured her that everything would be fine: With Hashem’s help, her son would be healthy and so would his vision. The woman was enormously relieved, and in appreciation, she undertook to support one avreich for an entire year.

The woman had a brother who was learning in Eretz Yisrael. Each month she sent money to him, and he would bring it to Rav Scheinberg. At the end of the year, when the woman’s brother came with the last check, he mentioned in passing to Rav Scheinberg’s son that his sister was not very pleased. The week before, she had taken the baby for a checkup and the doctor had said the situation had gotten much worse. His eye had deteriorated and they would need to do surgery immediately, with no guarantee his vision could be saved.