BS"D

LATEST UPDATE…

Thursday, May 29, 2008/ 24 IYAR (OMER 39)

Lichvod all the holy neshamos continuing to daven for the holy Tzaddikel:

Shalom vi'rav bracha, and hoping that all is well with you and yours. Our overwhelming and sincere hakaras ha'tov we extend to you, yet again, for all of your persistent thoughts, special brachos, and heartfelt tefillos on behalf of the adorable Tinok ben Aviva. Unfortunately, Klal Yisroel's Tzaddikel has been having a bit of a rough time recently. Over the last two weeks, he had been experiencing acute and intense pains for much of his waking hours, due most likely to a severe case of reflux, also exacerbating his already difficult breathing issues. De-saturations and apneas were becoming way too frequent. So we discussed things thoroughly with additional doctors from the outside, and were even taking the steps towards a possible medical transfer to the States. With the risk perhaps too great for such a transport at the present time, the issue then turned to possibly moving him to Haddasah Ein Kerem for more aggressive care and treatment.

And just then HaKB"H decided to resolve all the vacillation. No need for further debate. Tzaddikel came down with pneumonia two days ago and was taken by ambulance to the PICU, the pediatric intensive care unit at Haddasah Ein Kerem. With his breathing in quite a difficult state, terribly high fever, and an extremely fast heart-rate (don't ask…things were pretty scary), he was immediately sedated and attached to a respirator—something he hasn't needed since the first few weeks of his life. But with rachamei Shamayim right from the outset, Tzaddikel was soon stabilized and, though still attached to the respirator, is now also breathing partly on his own. The pneumonia is still there, but gradually dissipating according to the latest x-rays.

I've lost count how many different machines and IVs Tzaddikel is currently hooked up to, but the important thing is that he is in the right place- exactly where he is supposed to be right now, precisely where HaKB"H wants him, and us, to be- and is under good care, being carefully observed by an excellent staff. But most important: HaKB"H is watching him ever so closely and we just keep telling ourselves, "Ein od milvado"… There is, quite simply, none other than HaKB"H Himself who is seeing this whole thing through each and every step of the way, bringing about tremendous tikkunim, zechuyos, and unbelievable amounts of tefillos benefiting Tzaddikel, cholei Yisroel, and all others in need of yeshuos and nechamos. HaKB"H, of course, knows exactly what He's doing, and has His little cute and beloved Tzaddikel under his constant hashgacha. And, believe it or not, even with all the wires and IVs (two of them are even attached to his head…ouch), my wife keeps saying that Tzaddikel still looks irresistibly cute… And I most certainly agree. Rachamei Shamayim, with such an unfathomable and ever meticulous cheshbon, every step of the way…

Is it incredibly tough seeing him like this, heavily sedated so he doesn't rip out his respirator attachment, wires all over the place, and minimal movement? And after four and a half months of an overall, albeit slow but gradual, progress? You bet. We can't even hold him very much at all these days, and thus far his eyes have only rarely opened. But we sincerely trust that all will be truly good, and all will work out for the best. It always does.

The renowned Chazon Ish would often say that the greatest—yes, indeed, the greatest—simcha one could experience in this world is the complete 'hisbatlus' to the Borei Olam: the all encompassing 'bitul atzmi,' total subjugation of self and utter subservience to Hashem's will. Knowing full well that we are completely His and are 100% in His hands only. Am I anywhere close to that madreiga? Certainly not. Very far from it. But I do thank HaKB"H that He has graciously- though I naturally would've opted for a very different route- provided us with a situation wherein all the doctors are still in continuous agreement that Tzaddikel is a full-fledged medical mystery, confounding them almost every step of the way. (Hence, they wish to start all over with myriad tests, blood work, and a team of top doctors in various fields.) What a unique opportunity HaKB"H has given us to at least taste, ever so slightly, what it means to truly feel completely in His infinitely loving and caring Hands. There is absolutely no one or nothing to turn to but HaKB"H. We are, as always, entirely His. And it's truly an incredible feeling.

Chasdei Hashem Yisbarach. It's not easy standing uncomfortably with a Tehillim in hand having to see one's dear and beloved child in such a difficult state. But HaKB"H is right there with us. Holy kids, delicate and precious neshamos, in this PICU—the Shechina is almost tangible. And so we're back now, four and a half months later (and with a few stops along the way), to the very same hospital where my dear wife gave birth to this munchkin of a Tzaddikel. I'll never forget that way too brief minute when I held this cute little guy with big warm eyes and an intense gaze tightly in my arms for the very first time. After waiting over twelve years for such a moment. It was a long-awaited and oh so special matanah, a precious gift from Above—and one for which I will forever be grateful. IY"H, HaKB"H will give us many more of those moments, with a fully hale and healthy Tzaddikel trying to squirm his way out of my arms to continue playing outside when Ima is calling him for dinner. Or, better yet, when he is learning Torah with utmost diligence, and has forgotten all about the mundane things like dinner…can't wait.

How to ever thank all of you? I can't even begin. Won't even try. But please continue to do your utmost to daven your hearts out for this precious neshama in need of more rachamei Shamayim—bi'soch sha'ar cholei Yisroel—so that we can write only about simchas and besoros tovos. And soon bring him into 'briso shel Avraham Avinu.' He's indeed Klal Yisroel's baby, this Tzaddikel of yours—and yes, we'll certainly let you hold him too.

Allow me to close with a few words penned by a sibling of mine, words that touched my heart and I'm sure will touch yours as well:

A Plea from Tinok Ben Aviva ("Tzaddikel")

Dear Acheinu B'nei Yisroel:

Though I love being called "tzaddikel" I still yearn for a real Jewish name…

Though I am thankful for my oxygen tank, I want to breathe Hashem's air…

Though I am in a caring surrounding, I wish I could be home with my parents…

Though I have learned to smile and cry, I must learn to how to better swallow…

Though I had a beautiful shalom zachor, I anxiously await my bris…

With all of your tefilos, I have come a long way, but I still have a long way to go…

So, please, please, please, daven…

Daven together as Klal Yisroel – for all of cholei Yisroel…

While B"H I am doing a little better, other are not…

As a united tzibbur, davening for one another, Hashem listens and Hashem answers…

He is our Father, and we are his children…

And I know from my parents how much a parent wants and needs to see his child properly grow as part of Klal Yisroel…

Much thanks again, on behalf of my wife and myself, for all of your admirable and continuous efforts for Tzaddikel's speedy and full recovery. Looking forward to henceforth sharing only great news—regarding all the holy neshamos of Klal Yisroel—and to maximizing together these remaining few days before the auspicious Z'man Matan Toraseinu. Ki'ish echad bi'lev echad.

Wishing you, mei'omek ha'lev, only Kol Tuv always and much hatzlacha in all areas of life,

Eytan Feiner

Tinok ben Aviva's Temporary Home

Click here.

UPDATE: From Rabbi Eytan Feiner

BS"D

Post Pesach Update…

Early Monday morning, 7 Iyar (Omer 22)/ May 12, 2008

Lichvod all the chashuv mispallelim on behalf of Tzaddikel:

Shalom U'vracha, and hoping that all is well with you and yours. Hoping, as well, that your Pesach was uplifting, meaningful, and most enjoyable. Once again, I can't help but make early mention of the tremendous hakaras ha'tov extended to you for all of your continued tefillos and zechuyos. Whether Tzaddikel is having a great week or not, your tefillos are doing incredible things-- for him, for cholei Yisroel, for all the Jewish people…though, at times, in ways we cannot readily see. How can one not continuously be forever grateful to HaKB"H for the zechus of being a yid…Cherish the zechus always. Especially as we gradually approach the z'man of Matan Toraseinu. I'd love to elaborate, but now is simply not the time…

To quickly catch you up to date: Tzaddikel's breathing hadn't stabilized sufficiently to move him to the Alyn Rehabilitative Hospital before Pesach as hoped, but we were, B"H, able to move him soon after the conclusion of Yom Tov. Not easy saying goodbye to so many of the dedicated and caring staff at Haddasah Har HaTzofim, but HaKB"H had clearly decided that Alyn was now the best place for him.

One quick "interesting" tidbit is called for here, something we only found out about during Chol Ha'moed: Tzaddikel had been having difficulty from the start keeping his milk down in his stomach. To help weigh the milk down, the doctors at Haddasah decided early on to add corn meal to all his milk intake. While having been taking the corn meal for almost two months, on Erev Pesach- right around 10:00am (z'man bi'ur chameitz) as the doctors began their morning rounds- for no specific reason, the non-religious doctors decided that the corn meal probably wasn't helping so much anyway so why not just stop giving it to him…corn meal, by the way, is "kitniyos," legumes, that which Ashkenazim refrain from eating over Pesach…And for no apparent reason, the doctors, on Erev Pesach, simply decided to remove it for good from his diet…(And all this is happening against a Pesach backdrop of Moshe Rabbeinu refusing to nurse from an Egyptian's milk…) Our Tatty in Heaven never ceases to amaze us.

It took some time for Tzaddikel to get acclimated to his new surroundings, new voices, new faces…got us (and the doctors) a bit worried the first few days as he seemed atypically wiped out. He gradually regained his alertness, and after over three months since his birth, was finally able to look out a window at Alyn and behold HaKB"H's beautiful world and the hills of Yerushalayim for the very first time. He seemed in awe…but we're still not yet allowed to take him outside for his first taste of fresh air… hopefully soon as he turns four months old in just a few days.

This adorable munchkin of a tzaddikel, bliay"h (it's getting more and more difficult to say good-night and have to head home…) continues to intrigue us. There is a television in the pediatric respiratory room at Alyn that is turned on quite frequently for the children to watch- for stimulation, to keep them busy, etc. Except for one very brief glance in its direction (and I could be wrong even with that), I have never seen Tzaddikel look at the T.V. screen even when he is fully alert. He seems to have no interest in it whatsoever (unless, of course, he's just waiting for his Tatty to leave the room…), though his attention is often triggered by other devices emitting a bright light. Added to this is the story of a non-religious therapist who remarked to my wife that Tzaddikel only seemed to look in her direction during therapy sessions when she was dressed in a more modest attire… Who is this Klal Yisroel baby??

It was time to get him a birth certificate. Though the bris has, unfortunately, not yet taken place and he therefore has not yet been given his future "real" name, we were told there was no problem at all writing in his real name to procure the necessary official documents. I was in line at the Misrad HaP'nim here in Yerushalayim hoping to be out in time to deliver a gemara shiur a little while later. B"H the line moved fairly quickly (miracles do sometimes occur there), and I soon sat myself across from a somewhat dispassionate clerk who seemed in no particular rush to speed my journey along. A minute later, someone approached with a claim that his earlier number had been skipped over, and he was therefore entitled to my place. I had no problem with that- I waited long enough, what's another few minutes…- and then took a seat across from another clerk soon after. This new clerk, interestingly enough, informed me that she herself waited for her first child for over ten years…needless to say, she delightfully took care of things with utmost alacrity—and a big friendly smile…I guess if there's one woman in the world (besides my wife, of course) who got to know Tzaddikel's future real name before anyone else, it's nice to know it's someone who underwent such a nisayon as well…

Interesting things happening, yes… but, unfortunately, Tzaddikel's breathing has not been that great as of late. Last night, in fact, was a pretty scary one (don't ask…), and compelled the doctors to have blood tests and x-rays performed. The results from all the recent tests? Things seem to be generally fine, B"H. So what then is going on? Well, they're not 100% sure, but Tzaddikel's lack of consistent swallow is certainly causing some difficulties with his breathing. He's been receiving speech and physical therapy (with occasional OT) and, Bi'ezras Hashem, that will help expedite the healing process.

But it really all comes down to the koach ha'tefilla (along with additional zechuyos). HaKB"H continues to demonstrate, day after day, that He alone is running this show—as He always does. And with abundant rachamim. One just has to keep his eyes always open. It's now almost four months in hospitals, and the head doctor just recently informed us that he doesn't realistically see how a bris could take place relatively soon—too risky regarding Tzaddikel's breathing issues to allow for a bris right now, and too risky, he feels, to allow him brought home, even with a full time nurse in tow. So our not-very-normal daily routines (a decent night sleep is by now somewhat of a foreign concept) will apparently have to continue for now. But what is "normal" anyway? B"H we have no doubts that HaKB"H, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, knows exactly what He's doing every step of the way, and, though admittedly not always easy to accept with true simcha, Tzaddikel is, unquestionably, precisely where he is supposed to be right now. HaKB"H is watching ever so closely over him-- along with all other cholei Yisroel.

In light of some recent breathing scares (and some other issues), we ask you special neshamos to please continue pouring your hearts out in meaningful tefillos to help bring this Tzaddikel of the Klal to a speedy recovery in all areas. To help bring him- AND ALL CHOLEI YISROEL- to their respective loving and caring homes, healthy and happy, in the very near future.

Granted, this update turned out to be not so brief after all- my apologies for the length. And I've also got to try getting a bit of sleep tonight. But much thanks again for all the incredible hishtadlus, the many tefillos and myriad zechuyos—you're all truly amazing people and special yidden. Never give up for a second constantly hoping and davening for complete yeshuos and nechamos for everyone. HaKB"H is ALWAYS listening, loving each and every one of us more than we could ever imagine, treasuring every precious word that escapes our lips, every precious tear that rolls slowly down our cheeks. Allow time to let the holy words of Dovid ha'melech's Tehillim pour forth as often as possible. Talk to HaKB"H constantly throughout the day, every day. He is kulo tov, and administers only kol tuv always. Believe it with everything you've got and trust Him wholeheartedly to run the show the way He sees fit.

May He answer all of your precious tefillos bi'karov, and may the ultimate geu'la come speedily in our days.

Best wishes for a great week ahead, and much bracha, hatzlacha, and siyata dishmaya in all areas.

With overwhelming hakaras ha'tov,

Eytan Feiner

Pesach Update: From Rabbi Eytan Feiner

BS"D

Sun. morning, Nissan 8/April 13

Lichvod all the chashuv mispallelim on behalf of Tinok ben Aviva:

Shalom U'vracha, A Gut Voch, and hoping all is well with all of you—and, of course, with all your Pesach preparations. My apologies for the lengthy hiatus since the previous update but, as you can imagine, things have been extremely hectic these last few weeks. In short, indeed it's been a roller coaster journey with several ups and downs, quite a scary breathing incident two weeks ago, and then B"H a few steps forward…

Naturally, with our son still in the hospital, we had to recently cancel our Pesach plans of joining the Gateways program in Connecticut for Pesach again this year. For those of you who will be there, we will certainly miss you. (Where exactly we will be spending Pesach is still up in the air.) After three months in the NICU at Haddasah Har HaTzofim, we are currently in the process of trying to move Tzaddikel to Alyn, a rehabilitative center in Bayit Vagan, where he can receive far more attention in expediting his swallow and suck reflexes and improving his muscle tone. They devise a thorough program entailing various therapies that would, IY"H, benefit him and help move him in the right direction. In order to get him there, however, and due to recent breathing difficulties, this morning he had to undergo a minor surgery and is currently recovering from the general anesthesia. Allow me to just add that the last two incidents (one a cause for very real concern), were both cases in which, once again, the doctors had no idea what caused them, what precisely they entailed, and how he recovered from them relatively soon afterward B"H. They performed x-rays, ultrasounds, EEG's, blood tests, etc., and were unable to come up with any real explanation… As they like to say, this child just continues to be one big medical mystery… (Parenthetically, our son's mohel, who is also a chashuv Rav and posek, is waiting for more stability in Tzaddikel's breathing before deciding to perform the bris.)

But this is not why I have decided to write this morning. In truth, I did not sit down now- and with a lot on my schedule today- to talk at length about Tzaddikel. Just before heading to the hospital for this morning's surgery, we were notified of the incredibly tragic news of the untimely petiros of the Rabbi and Rebbetzin of the Y. I. of Scarsdale, the parents of one of my wife's former students. No need to go into details-- a tragedy way beyond description… I must tell you that my wife and I simply could not stop thinking about the horrific news- even throughout our son's surgery and the accompanying Tehillim- and that is what has compelled me to just share some feelings with you, feelings that are likely bandying about your hearts and minds as well. Let me just preface that the following is not for a speech, a schmooze, etc.—just a few simple words from the depths of a simple heart being addressed to its owner, along with any others interested in lending an ear…

It is upon hearing of such news that we must constantly do our utmost to be "no'sei bi'ol im chaveiro," of trying to sincerely and wholeheartedly feel another's pain-- no matter the circumstances. To REALLY feel and to REALLY react. It's definitely an avodah. But Klal Yisroel is an unbelievable Klal endowed with tremendous kochos to care for another like caring for oneself- mamash. We must do our very best in that regard, while also taking out the time, significant time, from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, to make real changes (however small), to constantly grow (growth can only come through change) in our Yiddishkeit, and to cherish every single waking moment of our precious, all too short lives. In just our three months in the NICU, three babies in our ward have already sadly passed away (one Jewish, two Arab), with another Jewish baby, that of a couple whom we have befriended, in a very precarious situation. It is not an easy thing to witness, not an easy place to be in so many hours of the day…

But HaKB"H has His cheshbonos, and we must believe, bi'kol ha'lev, that in Hashem's masterplan, in the much larger scheme of things, it is all li'tov. Kulo li'tov. Period. And in a nutshell: Ein od milvado. Ein od milvado. Never let a Shemonei Esrei go by without ingraining within oneself that timeless truth. Say it over constantly throughout the day and try your utmost to really live it, to breathe it. Cherish everything you've been given. Don't take anything for granted. Know that HaKB"H loves each and every one of us more than we could ever fathom. Love Him back with all you've got and love every sweet drop of His precious and infinite Torah. And be makir tov continuously for that limitless ahavah and unparalleled chessed. And continue davening and wishing ONLY good for ALL others. Help get rid of all the ridiculous amounts of ayin hara out there and help others to the best of your ability.

Yes, I know, no chiddushim here. Just the obvious—but this morning it really hurts and I felt that I just had to share. The horrific tragedies and subsequent tears in our Klal keep flowing unabated, and we've all got to really keep doing our best to bring an end to it all and help foster the geula bi'karov. This tekufa of miracles began as we witnessed the unimaginable tragedy at Mercaz Harav. Let's never forget those holy neshamos and precious b'nei Torah, and let's keep davening for only yeshuos and nechamos for each and every yid, and the ribui ki'vod shamayim that only the miraculous geula ha'asida will bring about…

Much thanks for your time, and of course for all of your incredible continued special tefillos for Tinok ben Aviva bas Chana bi'soch sha'ar cholei Yisroel. Wishing you all an uplifting, meaningful, and enjoyable Pesach. May we only share besoros tovos tamid.

Chag Kasher Vi'sameach and only Kol Tuv always,

Eytan Feiner

UPDATE: From Rabbi Eytan Feiner!!!

LATEST UPDATE… (#3)Erev Shabbos Kodesh, Parshas Vayikra/ZachorMarch 14, '08

Shalom U'vracha to all the chashuv mispallelim on behalf of Tzaddikel: Hoping this letter finds you all well. Once again, our hakaras ha'tov to all of you is limitless, as we hear continuously of all the heartfelt tefillos and remarkable zechuyos that are taking place in the zechus of Tinok ben Aviva's refuah shi'leima. A tremendous yasher koach for your wonderful efforts, and may HaKB"H send you only simcha, bracha, and hatzlacha in all inyanim.

Without further delay, allow me to just tell you that, B"H, your tefillos are doing incredible things. Mamash incredible things. Chasdei Hashem Yisbarach... We should never underestimate the power of sincere tefilla and the power of Klal Yisroel joining together… Tzaddikel's health is gradually improving and recent tests showed great results. I simply can't go into the medical details here, but I do hope to share some of the nissim and nifla'os that we have been witnessing at a later date—perhaps at his bris, IY"H, which we hope will take place sometime in the near future. (I guess you'll all just have to attend somehow…) The three main doctors involved in our case, are, well, just to borrow their own terminology, "completely bewildered." They are now 'officially' calling tzaddikel's case a "medical mystery"—let me just add that tzaddikel is no longer taking any medication for a metabolic condition…bliay"h—and they have nothing really to say except that they realize fully that G-d is 100% running the show… To quote the neurologist involved, "I don't know what they're doing, but tell all your friends to keep doing whatever they're doing, because it's working…and I'm completely astounded by what I'm now seeing…" A therapist who works with him has told us that she would not be surprised if he became religious because of Tinok ben Aviva… And yet there are still essential functions that must be exhibited before we can even think about bringing tzaddikel home. He needs to learn, for example, to suck (and gag) and swallow… His lack of swallow also causes issues with his breathing (and de-saturations), and we must therefore humbly ask of you to continue all your special tefillos just as strong as before. An excellent therapist is involved who will also try to work on improving his overall muscle tone, and with rachamei Shamayim hopefully continuing, we will bi'ezras Hashem see only good results. Klal Yisroel is truly unbelievable. We can indeed accomplish great things together, so let's keep doing our utmost to help bring a refuah shi'leima to Tinok ben Aviva and to ALL OF CHOLEI YISROEL bi'karov. Let's push ourselves to keep maximizing our enormous spiritual potential- especially as Purim and the z'man ha'geula approaches- and let's help bring endless yeshuos and nechamos to all of the Jewish People. May HaKB"H shower us all with continued rachamim and may we be zocheh to share only besoros tovos always. Best wishes for a meaningful, relaxing, and enjoyable Shabbos Kodesh up ahead.With immense gratitude to you all,

Eytan Feiner

AUDIO of Rabbi Eytan Feiner at Sharfman's

A continued thank you to our readers...Someone just emailed us with a link to listen to the shuir by Rabbi Eytan Feiner that he recently gave at Sharfman's. Click here and receive chizuk from his words!!!

UPDATE: If you can't listen to the shuir with the above link please try this link.

Mailbag Time: Chizuk from Redondo Beach, CA

Since it's a mitzvah to publicize a miracle, then I'm obligated to tell how Tinok ben Aviva was directly responsible for a revelation of Hashem this past Shabbos, at our shul, the J.C.C. Chabad in Redondo Beach, California. Whenever I have tried to tell it, it always seems to come out as a "I guess you had to be there..." type of story, and so I hope Hashem will help me to give it over so that a reader will get some of the "juice" that I get just remembering it.

A couple of weeks ago, I paid a visit to one of several blogs I visit regularly, Yeranan Yaakov. His new post was entitled, "Pray for Tinok ben Aviva". Besides referencing another blog, "Modern Uberdox" as the source of his post, he also linked to Elchanan Shoff's wonderful article. I have to confess, I only glanced over the article briefly, but I added Tinok's name to my list of regular "mishabeirachs" for Mondays, Thursdays, and other Torah reading days.

Fast forward to this past Shabbos Tetzaveh. A good friend of mine has a family from out of town staying at his home for Shabbos. Aside from one of the sons, Matthew, who's visited our community once before I'd never met any of them before. After the Torah reading, the Rabbi started making the call for "Mishebeirachs - first for men, please." When my turn came, I called out, "Tinok ben Aviva" and after he repeated it, I turned around for a second, and I saw that my friend was having a somewhat serious discussion with two of his guests, the father and the son, Matthew. What was a little disturbing was that they kept looking at me with something like surprise on their faces, and seemed to be talking about me. I couldn't help but wonder what was up as I saw the son, break away from the discussion and start making his way up to me. At that point the Rabbis finished his bracha for the men, and made the call for, "Mishabeirachs - for women now, please" so i turned around to submit the two names who are always on my women's list. When I turned around again, Matthew had caught up to me, and asked me, "What connection do you have to Tinok ben Aviva? How did you know that name?" I told him about how the call to pray for this child was posted on this blog i regularly visit, and that although I didn't really know the full story, Baruch Hashem, I'm a father, and for that reason alone, I can sympathize with the parents of a sick child, so I was happy to take on adding his name to my prayers. Before I could ask him "why do you ask?" he was already into, "because Tinok ben Aviva... his family... that's my cousin! When my father heard someone call out that name, it made him jump. Who out here in Redondo beach would possibly be asking about Tinok ben Aviva? Thank you so much for doing that, that is so kind..."

At this point, we started to look at each other with that Yirat Hashem look on our faces, as it settled in that Hashem was "drawing back the curtain just a little extra" and revealing Himself to us, just a little more. The obvious precision coordination of events over a span of months that brought all of us together at that one moment, just to reveal Him ... wow, and I mean WOW. I barely made it back to my spot, I was so dizzy trying to process the Hasgacha Pratis that just happened, but when I did, something wonderful clicked with me. My "fear" aspect of the experience was replaced by an overwhelming sense of joy, and, I had to do everything to restrain myself from laughing and dancing right there. I was so overflowing that I went to the back of the room and spent the rest of the service pacing back and forth as i davened to keep myself in check. This little tzadik whom I had never met, was the catalyst that brought these four Jews to revealing Hashem.

It's a bittersweet feeling to somehow have merited a part in this story. As i thought about the events from this past Shabbos, I told Hashem that if I did anything of any merit that resulted in your being just a tiny bit more revealed in this world, while I don't think that I have anything coming to me, I can imagine you "rewarding" me in some way. I imagined a conversation which really was more like a prayer, "Hashem, the only reward I want is that You reveal Yourself even more, and give that boy a refuah shlaima. You want to reward me? I will accept an invitation to dance at his Chasoner in a few years, if you insist on giving me something.

I apologize for the ramble of this letter, and I sincerely hope that I have been able to give some measure of comfort or chizuk. My greatest hope is that by my publicizing what Hashem did this past Shabbos, that the little shliach who was catalyst for the whole series of events will have achieved whatever it was that he needed to be sick for, and begin down the road to a long, full, healthy life full of simcha and bracha and nachas, for him, his parents, and everyone else his life touches.

Rabbi Feiner: Emunah and Bitachon Speech

Thanks to a reader for sending us this link of a speech given by Rabbi Eytan Feiner at Bnot Torah Institute that wowed the audience!

Tinok ben Aviva Update from R. Feiner!

BS"D

YET ANOTHER BRIEF UPDATE…(early morning in Eretz Yisroel, 12 Adar I, Feb. 18) First and foremost, my wife and I feel an overwhelming sense of hakaras ha'tov to each and every one of you who continue to daven so intensely and continue to be marbeh zechuyos for the refuah shi'leima of Klal Yisroel's adorable little tzaddikel. A tremendous Yasher Koach is extended to you all- mei'omek ha'lev. Thank you so very much. To quickly update all the chashuv mispallelim, tzaddikel is now continuing to breathe on his own, and his breathing is B"H slowly, but gradually, improving. He can be held (and bathed- he really loves baths…) outside the incubator for a nice duration of time without decreases in his saturation level. He has also been steadily gaining weight and is now at approximately 6.5 pounds. We have recently had some very positive news: He has started to cough periodically, thus demonstrating a gag reflex not previously seen. Even more importantly, we have- as he just passed his 'first month' birthday- heard him cry, ever so slightly, for the first time. Can you imagine—almost five weeks old now, and we are davening to hear him cry…and B"H he has begun to emit short bursts of crying…his vocal chords are working… Chasdei Hashem. Certain essential reflexes and other important areas are still in need of rachamei Shamayim, so please maintain your incredible dedication and outpouring of precious tefillos. They are all so very much appreciated, and have truly accomplished a great deal thus far. May we only share in constant and overflowing besoros tovos for all of Klal Yisroel. Wishing you all only Kol Tuv always and thanking you once again for everything,

EF

R. Feiner: Letter Addendum KEEP DAVENING!!!

We just received an addendum to the above letter:

"only a few days after this email was written by Rabbi Feiner, tzaddikel was put back on the respirator, and is not, in fact, breathing on his own. IMY"H he will be very soon- its unbelievable what can change in just a matter of hours..."

EMAIL UPDATE: From Rabbi Eytan Feiner

We just received the text below from a person who said that R. Feiner sent the text below, and asked that it be spread around to inform people with a proper update of Tinok ben Aviva.



A BRIEF UPDATE… BS"D

Shalom U'vracha to all the chashuv mispallelim on behalf of Tinok ben Aviva:

As the father of Klal Yisroel's adorable little tzaddikel- and on behalf of our family- I would like to humbly ask that you please intensify your already potent and precious tefillos. We just returned from the hospital and an important meeting discussing numerous test results. Without going into much detail, we are dealing with a situation that, just to reiterate, the medical world and literature has never before seen. There have been some very positive signs, but some, unfortunately, not-so-great ones as well. (His breathing has, B"H, gotten much better- he is now breathing fully on his own- but certain significant reflexes are not yet working properly. And this is only part of the story.)

What the future holds in store? These renowned doctors are all in agreement that they haven't the slightest clue. In their words, there is nothing more they can really do but sit and wait and see. As time goes on, tzaddikel can, IY"H, experience a full recovery both mentally and physically, or chalila not. They, too, readily admit that tzaddikel's future is completely dependent on our koach ha'tefilla arousing rachamei Shamayim.

Please don't let up. Please do your utmost to daven sincerely and powerfully on behalf of Tinok ben Aviva bas Chana- TOGETHER WITH SHA'AR CHOLEI YISROEL- and may we only share besoros tovos always.

Yeshuos vi'nechamos for all of Klal Yisroel bi'karov.

Thanking all of you, mei'omek ha'lev, for all of your incredible and inspiring efforts thus far and hoping for the ongoing tefillos and zechuyos to bring a speedy refuah shi'leima.

Chodesh Tov and Kol Tuv,

Tinok ben Aviva: UPDATE!!!

At the behest of many readers we are posting this Erev Shabbos update as to the status of Klal Yisrael’s Baby. Baruch Hashem, he is off the respirator, his eyes are (now) open, his feet and hands are moving! That said, doctors the world over are still searching for remedies to allow for him to function fully—despite the missing amino acid. Until then…we need to all continue to daven and perform righteous deeds in the merit of a speedy refuah shelemah and the coming of Mashiach.

PLEASE REMEMBER: Take in Shabbos even just 5 minutes early and say Tehillim immediately after in the zchus of Tinok ben Aviva.

NEW AUDIO LINK: Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner—Klal Yisrael's Baby

Many thanks to a reader who provided us with this new link to hear the speech that has inpired Jews world wide.

Mailbag Time: Bracha Party in Austin Texas

A reader writes how she was one of 18 women who gathered at a Bracha Party in the merit of a speedy refuah for Tinok ben Aviva. Do you have an inpirational story revolving around Tinok ben Aviva? Email us.

Mailbag Time: Inspiring Article about R. Feiner & His Son

A reader sent us this link to a beautifully written article about Tinok ben Aviva and The Feiner’s, by a young aspiring author based in Israel—Mr. Elchanan Shoff.