A Shabbat Story: What Will Happen to the Granddaughter of Rabbi Aharon of Chernobyl?

A heavy sadness filled the home of Rabbi Aharon of Chernobyl, one of the greatest tzaddikim (righteous individuals) in all of Russia. His beloved granddaughter had become critically ill, and her condition worsened with each passing day. The doctors could offer no treatment, no cure, and no hope.

Her parents, and even Rabbi Aharon’s wife, the girl’s grandmother tried to speak to the Rebbe and ask for his blessing, for healing, for mercy. But Rabbi Aharon remained silent. It seemed he was ignoring them. Perhaps, in his deep spiritual clarity, he saw that a heavenly decree had already been sealed.

Inside the Rebbe’s home, worry turned to quiet desperation. How could it be? Jews from all over Russia came to Rabbi Aharon to receive blessings for healing, for salvation, for children, marriage, and livelihood. So many had experienced miracles because of him. Was it possible that he couldn’t bring healing to his own granddaughter?

One of his sons thought of a bold idea. He called for the Rebbe’s elderly attendant, a man who had also served Rabbi Aharon’s father, the holy Maggid, Rabbi Mordechai of Chernobyl. He told him about the child’s condition and begged him to speak to the Rebbe and try to awaken his compassion.

The elderly attendant took a deep breath and entered the Rebbe’s room.

“Rebbe,” he said with trembling respect, “I am dust beneath your feet. But I must tell you what the family is thinking.”

Rabbi Aharon looked up from the Gemara in which he had been learning all day. He seemed puzzled by the serious tone in the attendant’s voice.

The man continued, “If the Rebbe cannot bring salvation as his holy father did and I knew him well then maybe it’s time to step down as Rebbe and give the position to someone who can still help Jews through miracles.”

Now, it’s important to understand that the tzaddikim of every generation are deeply holy souls, planted by Hashem to guide and help the Jewish people. But the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) teaches us to be cautious around the sages because their words are like glowing coals. Not because they are harsh, chas v’shalom (Heaven forbid), but because they hold great spiritual power. Even a curse spoken by a tzaddik, even if conditional, may come true as we see in the Torah, when Yaakov unknowingly cursed whoever had taken Lavan’s idols. That curse ended up causing the untimely passing of Rachel.

In this case, the elderly attendant was taking a big risk. If the Rebbe was insulted or upset, he could, G-d forbid, bring danger upon himself. But his love for the Rebbe’s family and for the sick child gave him the courage.

Rabbi Aharon listened. Then, to the attendant’s relief, he smiled.

“So,” he asked gently, “what did my father do in a case like this?”

The attendant let out a quiet sigh. The Rebbe was listening.

“Your father,” he said softly, “in a situation like this, he would command the angel Raphael to come and heal the person.”

He said it simply, like describing someone picking up the phone to call a friend.

Rabbi Aharon closed his eyes for a moment.

“My father,” he said, “had the strength to command the angel. I am not on his level. I cannot command but I can ask.”

And that’s exactly what he did.

Just a few days later, the Rebbe’s granddaughter recovered. Her strength returned, her health was restored, and she continued to live a normal, happy life.

Rabbi Aharon of Chernobyl, whose yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) is the 8th of Kislev, remained one of the most beloved tzaddikim of his generation. His greatness wasn't just in his ability to bring blessings to others it was in his deep humility, his quiet connection to Hashem, and his willingness to help even when it came with personal risk or pain.

Sometimes, it takes boldness to ask. And sometimes, it takes humility to answer. But always, healing comes from Hashem through the silent, powerful prayers of His most devoted servants.