Once again the name of HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita is associated with a medical wonder, this time pertaining to a fetus of a mother from the Maalot Daphna area of Yerushalayim which had doctors more than a bit concerned. The story has since gone viral.

The wife of this avreich was in her fifth month of pregnancy when she underwent a number of diagnostic exams which led to the revelation of a serious heart problem in the fetus, one that doctors explained has no treatment. The avreich spoke with other doctors, all concurring regarding the bleak diagnosis, that the fetus should not brought into the world.

After one consult the couple was given a ray of hope, to travel to Boston, USA for surgery, which might present minimal hope of success. The couple then made their way to Rav Kanievsky, already despondent and uncertain what the future has in store for the baby. When they met with Rav Kanievsky he insisted “There is no problem. The fetus is healthy!”

The startled parents tried explaining the situation as described to them by the doctors to Rav Chaim, who repeated “there is no issue with the fetus!”

The couple returned with all medical file with the medical advisor who assisted them, who once again sent them to Rav Kanievsky, but this time they were armed with photos and video documentation of the fetus’ condition. Once again Rav Kanievsky said “the child is healthy!”

The parents realized the delivery date was getting closer and they continued contacting askanim in the hope of finding a hospital willing to address the problem at hand. They selected Schneider Children’s Hospital in Petach Tikvah.

The woman Baruch Hashem gave birth to a healthy baby a number of weeks ago. Doctors explained the infant was being admitted for observation as arrangements were made to send him to Boston for the complicated surgery. The entire file was sent ahead to the professor in Boston who was going to address the case. To the amazement of all, the professor informed them there is no need for surgical intervention. “I don’t understand what you want” he said to doctors in Israel, “the child is fine. There is no hole in his heart” he concluded.

The doctors and parents were amazed. The medical team looked at the file over and over again, and sure enough, the hole had disappeared. The parents realized immediately what had occurred, the power of a tzaddik who saved their son’s life.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)