Many line up daily in the hope of seeing HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, including so many seeking a bracha for the well-being of a loved one. The Gadol Hador regularly sees people burdened with the pain of a loved one fighting a dreaded illness, seeking his intervention for Heavenly assistance. For some, the Gadol Hador is a last stop when doctors and the medical community have stated “There is nothing else to be done”.

Kikar Shabbos News tells of one story, a not-so-young man who asked for a bracha for his mother who is ill and suffering terribly. Rav Chaim gave him a bracha, but the man did not make due, exclaiming “I am willing to take the illness on myself if only it would prevent her from continuing to suffer. I cannot bear seeing her suffer anymore”.

It is reported when Rav Chaim heard his words he was shocked, responding “Chas v’sholom, never say this! Say ‘I will learn Torah on her behalf, for her refuah, and in this merit may this assist B’ezras Hashem’”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)