A Promise Fulfilled: The Unforgettable Encounter in Dreams

About two years ago, during the shiva for Rabbi Yitzchak Landa of blessed memory, one of the elders of the Belz community, some mourners arrived, including one family, sharing an incredible tale about their aunt, which began 30 years prior.

Their aunt was a righteous woman who lived in Jerusalem, Tzvia Savitsky of blessed memory. She did not have any children and worked for many years in an orphanage. She passed away in the month of Tevet, 5730, 30 years ago, and her funeral took place the following day. Her nephews were the ones who organized the funeral, and they were the ones sharing the story 30 years later at Rabbi Yitzchak Landa’s house.

"The funeral was on a Friday," they recounted. "It was a winter day, and Shabbat was entering early. We, the family, were there when suddenly we noticed an unknown man approaching us. He came closer and asked to say Kaddish for the deceased because she had left no surviving children. We wondered who he was, but due to the rush and preparations for the burial, we did not ask his identity. Instead, we told him we had someone arranged to recite Kaddish for her.

"After the funeral, we didn't see him again. However, during the shiva period, the same man arrived at our mother's house, who was sitting shiva for her sister. As he sat, he introduced himself and revealed his connection to the deceased. His story was told through tears, and so he began:

"'I arrived in the Land of Israel in 5705 (1944). My parents did not come with me, and they only arrived five years later. During those five years, I roamed here, a young boy without a father or mother—a kind of orphan. When I got to Jerusalem, I was sent to study at a Talmud Torah called 'Yavne,' and at night, I would go to a dormitory for orphans in the Katamon neighborhood. The house mistress there was Mrs. Tzvia, of blessed memory, a mother to all the children who were there. Part of her devotion to the children was ensuring they were clothed and clean, even from head lice.

"One of those days, as she was treating me, I suddenly began to cry. ‘Why are you crying?’ she asked, and I answered that I cried for her situation, having no children, the sorrow she endured, yet she still helped so much with the orphaned children. After calming down a bit, I asked 'How can I repay you for the kindness you've shown me?' She replied, 'As you know, I have no children and no sons. If you wish to repay me kindness, say Kaddish for me after I pass from this world.'

"Decades have passed since that moment, etched in my memory. Over the years, I lost touch with her and did not know if she was still alive. And then, in my dream, Mrs. Tzvia appeared. She was sitting on the couch, calling me: 'Itzikela! It's time to fulfill the promise.'

"I woke up with a great fright. In the morning, I told my wife about it, and then I left for the synagogue for morning prayers. Suddenly, I saw a fresh notice just hung on the bulletin board on Torim Street in the Makor Baruch neighborhood—where I live—announcing the passing of the righteous Mrs. Tzvia Savitsky, may her memory be blessed. When I checked the time of the funeral, I saw it was scheduled for 11:00 AM, and it was clear to me that I would attend and request to say Kaddish. I didn't do it during the funeral, but thereafter I fulfilled my promise," he concluded."

Rabbi Amon found himself volunteering to bury a "met mitzvah." Just before he left, he decided to investigate the man he buried, and what he discovered amazed everyone. Who was the man he got to bury, and how does this all connect to the effects of memory and forgetfulness? Watch the incredible story:

Adapted from the 'Dirshu' website, published in the 'Kehillot' supplement of the 'Hamodia' newspaper