By Rabbi Paysach Krohn as told to Rabbi Moshe Dov Heber
Like many other kids growing up in America, I read Rabbi Paysach Krohn’s books and listened to his speeches. His messages always resonated deeply, but I never truly knew who Rabbi Krohn was — until I married his granddaughter in 2013. That’s when I began to understand the man behind the stories.
On any given afternoon, he received calls from all over the world. The phone would ring constantly. He offered chizuk, building up callers with his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support.
I once asked Rabbi Krohn what his secret is to reaching so many people. His answer was simple yet profound: “I never speak about something I don’t do myself.”
The personal connection that so many people feel with Rabbi Krohn became especially evident after his recent stroke at the Agudah convention. Thousands offered heartfelt wishes and prayers. Tehillim continues to be recited nationwide, demonstrating the profound impact he has had on so many lives.
Rabbi Krohn was initially treated at Stamford Hospital and is now in rehabilitation. As he has for nearly four decades, he is drawing upon his experience to share words of encouragement with others. Having been a recipient of chesed and bikur cholim, he is eager to pass on the ideas that have profoundly impacted him.
As he often says, “Don’t just go through it. Grow through it.”
I am writing to you from the Kessler Rehabilitation Institute in West Orange, New Jersey. It is my sincere hope that none of you ever find yourselves in need of a place like this. However, I am certain that at some point, you will know someone who is confined to a hospital room or a rehabilitation unit. I’d like to share some thoughts that I believe can greatly improve the experience for patients in such settings. You have the power to make a meaningful difference.
Coming to a rehab center can make one feel incredibly lonely. The hospital provides initial care, with staff constantly moving, focused on getting you to the next stage. There’s a lot of hustle and bustle. But when I entered rehab, it was a different atmosphere — much quieter.
We reached out to the local Bikur Cholim for help, and they responded right away. Upon hearing that a frum Yid was coming, they sprang into action. They even went so far as to bring a refrigerator and microwave into my room to make me feel more at home.
