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CHASSIDISHE STORY ON THE PARSHA
Parshas Vayechei

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
