Rabbi Kaduri’s Blessing That Changed My Life

I manage the Facebook page “Zocheh U’Mezakeh,” which means “Merit and Help Others Merit.” Usually, I don’t share my personal story, but this one carries a powerful message of emunah (faith) and gratitude. I want to share it in honor of Hashem and the holy tzaddik (righteous person), Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri, of blessed memory.

About 19 years ago, when I was still a boy, I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis. The curve in my spine had reached 125 degrees, and the doctors said I needed surgery urgently. Without it, my life would be in danger. But this wasn’t a simple surgery, it involved the spine, and there were serious risks, including the possibility of paralysis, G-d forbid.

I told my parents I wouldn’t go through with the surgery until I received a blessing from Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri. Only then would I feel truly ready and at peace.

Early Friday morning, my father and I woke up at 3:30 a.m. and traveled to the “Nachalat Yitzchak” yeshiva in Jerusalem, where the Rabbi prayed. After the morning prayers, the gabbai (synagogue attendant) motioned for me to wait by the exit door. I sat there, trembling with awe.

When Rabbi Kaduri finally passed by, he felt like a living Sefer Torah. Everyone kissed his tallit (prayer shawl) with great respect. Then he placed his hand gently on my head and said a pasuk (verse) that I will never forget: “Every disease that I placed upon Egypt, I will not place upon you, for I am Hashem your Healer” (Shemot 15:26). The moment he said it, a powerful feeling washed over me, like an electric current. My whole body shook. I’ve received blessings from many rabbis in my life, but this one was different. I felt something deeply spiritual.

With that blessing, I entered the surgery full of confidence and calm. The operation lasted seven hours. I don’t remember any of it, but my parents told me everything afterward. While I was unconscious, they waited outside, praying and saying Tehillim (Psalms). They lit a special candle that had Rabbi Kaduri’s blessing printed on it. The candle burned the whole time, filling the room with warmth and hope.

When the surgery ended, the doctor came out and said the words they had prayed so hard to hear: “The surgery was successful.”

I woke up later in the intensive care unit. I opened my eyes and whispered a heartfelt thank you to Hashem. We later discovered that someone had stolen the special candle. Apparently, some people sitting in the waiting room noticed its spiritual power and took it. Maybe even they felt something extraordinary was happening.

Baruch Hashem (thank G-d), today I’m healthy, alive, and well. I thank Hashem every day for this miracle. And if you ask why I’m telling this story, it’s because without that blessing, and without Hashem’s loving guidance, there would be no “Zocheh U’Mezakeh” page, no halachic teachings, no inspiring posts, no Torah shared with tens of thousands of people.

It’s all from Hashem. Everything.

May the merit of the holy tzaddik Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri continue to protect us, and may Hashem bless all of Klal Yisrael with healing, faith, and strength. Amen.