The Secret to Miracles: Rabbi Shach’s Surprising Advice

A 14-year-old boy who struggled deeply with emotional and psychological pain used to visit Rabbi Elazar Menachem Man Shach regularly. Rabbi Shach was one of the greatest Torah leaders of the previous generation—respected, elderly, and deeply immersed in guiding the Jewish world. Yet this boy felt safe coming to him again and again, sharing his pain and seeking advice.

One day, the boy came to see Rabbi Shach while the Rabbi was seriously ill and very weak. Despite his condition, Rabbi Shach welcomed the boy warmly. He sat with him for a long time, far beyond what anyone could expect from someone in his state. Only when the boy seemed comforted did the Rabbi gently send him on his way.

Afterwards, someone close to Rabbi Shach asked in surprise: "But the Rav is sick and weak. Is there no limit to how much a person must give? Even if you weren’t the Rosh Yeshiva and a leader of the generation, is it normal for someone your age and in your condition to rise like that for a fourteen-year-old boy?"

Rabbi Shach answered with a warm smile and spoke from the heart. "You’re right. According to the regular rules of fairness, I didn’t have to do that. Maybe I should have waited for him to come to me and only spoken briefly, based on my strength. But you know this boy has a very deep challenge. He was here two weeks ago. He’ll come again in two more weeks. I try my best to encourage him and speak to his heart, but I cannot cure him. To heal him—we need a miracle. And I’m not a miracle worker."

Then Rabbi Shach said something unforgettable:
"But there’s one way I can help make a miracle happen. When Hashem sees a Jew acting beyond what’s natural—He too acts beyond what’s natural!"

He explained: "In Heaven, they surely see the effort I put in. I did more than what would be expected from someone sick and frail. But because I gave more than my strength, I hope Hashem will respond in the same way—with extra kindness and healing for that boy, beyond the rules of nature."

"Isn’t it worth pushing ourselves just a little past what’s comfortable, if it can bring full healing to a suffering child?" the Rabbi asked gently.

From this beautiful story, we learn something powerful: every one of us has the ability to open the gates of miracles. Whether we’re hoping for healing, a good match (shidduch), financial help, emotional peace, or clarity in life—the key is to give more than what’s expected of us. When we go beyond our natural limits to do good, Hashem responds in kindness and mercy that go beyond nature.

This idea isn’t only for great rabbis. It’s for all of us. A small act of kindness, an extra moment of patience, helping someone even when we’re tired—it all counts. It touches Heaven. And Heaven responds.