ועיני ישראל כבדו מזקן לא יכול לראות (ויחי מח:י)

And the eyes of Yisroel (Yakov) became heavy as he aged and could not see.

A few years before Reb Aharon of Belz zt’’l was niftar (passed away), his eyesight weakened drastically.  When seeking an eye specialist, Reb Itzikel of Neshkiz zt’’l sent a messenger asking Reb Aharon not to visit an eye specialist.  Everyone wondered how Reb Itzikel could hold the Holy Reb Aharon back from seeking help. And a short while later, Reb Aharon became partially blind and could hardly see.

Reb Itzikel explained the phenomenon: “In the בית דין של מעלה – in the Heavenly Court, the tzaddikim who already passed on sit around and conduct loftier sessions.  Recently, one of the tzaddikim went up a rung in his place in Gan Eden, and they’re seeking a tzaddik from the world below to replace his seat.  After sitting on this decision, the ‘Beis Din Shel Maleh’ decided that Reb Aharon of Belz is worthy of filling such a revered position.”

Reb Itzikel surmised, “Since I knew we still need Reb Aharon of Belz in our midst – we need his holy influence, blessings, and guidance – I davened that he should lose his eyesight since it says in the Gemara (נדרים סד) ‘One who is blind, it is as if he has died.’ And that is why I withheld the Belzer Rav zt’’l from visiting an eye specialist, so we can still gain from his holy presence.”

Filed under Parshas Vayechei | Reb Aharon of Belz