“My husband David was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and was hospitalized. One day the team of doctors came in and I could tell by the looks on their faces that it was not good news.
David and Janet Arfa began the process of healing their souls. And then G-d healed David’s body… The Zohar teaches that “A Tzadik who departs is to be found in all worlds more than in his lifetime.” Because he is free of his corporeal limitations, the Tzadik is able to grace those who connect to him with the full impact of his spiritual energies, imparting to them the love and fear of G-d, and showering them with abundant blessings and extraordinary miracles. Upon the passing of his father-in-law and predecessor, the Rebbe advised people to continue jotting down their requests and to read the note (or place it on the table) in the room where he received people during his lifetime or at his graveside. “The Rebbe,” he said, “will find a way to respond.” In a similar fashion, Jews around the globe today continue seeking direction, blessing, and advice from the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson by visiting his resting place, known as the Ohel, or slipping a note into a volume of his holy work, called Igrot Kodesh. Here is one of the stories and how the Rebbe came through for them in extraordinary ways.
When they left, I went out to the hall to talk to them. They told me that Dave was very critical, but that they were not going to give up on him. It also was not time yet to call the family but that he was critical. A little while later our son came up to the hospital and I told him what was happening. Then I called our rabbi, Rabbi Zimmerman from Chabad, and he told me to come over to his house and we would talk.
When Dave and I lived in California for 29 years we were very involved with our Conservative synagogue. When we moved to Tucson, we became secular Jews for various reasons. Eventually we found Chabad, and we found our Jewish home with Rabbi Zimmerman and his wonderful wife Mushkie.
I went to his home, and we talked. He told me, “Janet, I pray for David three times a day. The community is praying for him. I know your friends are praying for him. You and your children are praying for him. I don’t know what else we can do unless you are willing to write a letter to the Rebbe.”
I agreed to try. So, I did write a letter to the Rebbe telling him everything about Dave – how wonderful Dave is, what a wonderful husband he has been, what a wonderful father and grandfather he is. He is wonderful to my mother – he sees her and looks at her like his own mother. I finished writing the letter and handed it to the rabbi to send it to the Ohel of the Rebbe.
The rabbi looked at me and asked me if I fast Yom Kippur. I was embarrassed to tell him that no, I don’t. He asked me if I would be willing to. I agreed. So, I did fast, and I have continued to fast on Yom Kippur each year. He then asked me if I light Shabbat candles. And again, I said I was really embarrassed to tell him that no, I don’t light every week. It’s hit and miss. I really don’t do it all the time. If the kids come for dinner on Shabbat, I light candles or on the holidays. He asked if I would light Shabbat candles every Friday at the proper time (18 minutes before sunset). I agreed that I would light candles every Friday night. I also gave up doing laundry on Shabbat and I no longer do accounting work or clean the house on Shabbat. Not that we are that observant, but these were commitments that I made, and I have continued to keep.
Interestingly enough, a few hours later when I got back to the hospital, Dave was smiling. This was the first time I had seen him smile in weeks. And he was not in as much pain as before. Coincidentally his surgeon who had been out of town for three weeks – just happened to have popped in right before I got there and reassured Dave that he was going to be OK!
Last Wednesday we saw his oncologist and he told us that Dave is indeed a miracle and that he is now officially in remission. We are going to be able to celebrate our 50th anniversary this coming July. We are truly blessed.”
Dave shares: “It was truly a miracle. While I don’t remember all the details of being in the hospital during the time that I was there, I appreciate the miracle G-d did for me. I made my own commitments also. My first commitment was in eating, making sure I don’t eat any treif (non-kosher food). Little by little, as time goes by, I try to continue to improve in being a Jewish person and adding more mitzvot. Also, I am the lone Cohen of our congregation. I take that as something that is very important. I’ve committed to being there for all the occasions where I can bless the congregation and have an Aliya to the Torah.
I feel very fortunate and I thank G-d and I thank the Rebbe!”
“And that’s our story,” Janet concludes.
Transcribed from interview with Janet and Dave on January 15, 2020. This story took place a few years before in October 2014.
Update: Dave has remained healthy till today. Dave and Janet will be celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary G-d willing, in January 2024!
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