“How to Die” – the three words on last week’s cover of Time magazine – made my heart race. I rushed to read what has assumed such powerful personal relevance ever since my unforgettable moment in the doctor’s office.
I had no previous warning.
It was just my annual physical exam. No health problems. No complaints. Both my mother and father lived into healthy old age. I figured I’d receive my usual reassuring words that all was well, coupled with the suggestion that I return in six months to a year.
It seemed strange that the doctor wasn’t smiling when he called me to his office to provide me with the results of his examinations. It was then I began to suspect something might be wrong.
"It is hard for me to have to tell you this," he began. “There’s no way I can sugarcoat it. You are a Rabbi, a man of faith, and I know you’ll find a way to cope with the news I’m about to tell you. You have a fatal disease that is extremely rare, and there is no known cure."
I hardly heard the rest of what he was saying.
My head began to spin. I had been the Rabbi of a congregation for almost four decades. In my pastoral duties, I counseled the sick and I gave strength to the dying. Most often I seemed to know what to say to those confronted by the gravest challenges. I helped people face death.
For the first time in my life, even though I am 78 years old, I realized I'm actually going to die.
But this time it was so totally different. It wasn't happening to someone else. This was happening to me!
For the first time in my life, even though I am 78 years old, I realized I'm actually going to die.
How do we forget that truth about our existence? It is the universal reality of life, yet something most of us choose to ignore. We assume we will live forever. We expunge the possibility of death from our minds as if by denying its inevitability we can prevent its certainty. As Woody Allen said, we claim we're not afraid of death but "We just don't want to be there when it happens."
Related Article: Steve Jobs Final Words
Death ultimately awaits us, we just don't know when. And hearing it as a medical diagnosis makes its certainty unavoidable. That's why I'm now obsessed with the subject and had to speedily devour the Time article.
Subtitled "What I Learned From The Last Days Of My Mom And Dad,” Joe Klein, the famous political journalist and columnist, movingly wrote the story of his parents’ tragic descent into dementia and eventual death as he valiantly struggled with the difficult decisions of finding the ethical balance between fighting to prolong their lives and yet permitting them to die with dignity.
It is a tragic and heartrending story that has countless counterparts in contemporary society. Pulling the plug seems immoral, even for those not constrained by religious dictates. Yet how much effort must we expend to keep the terminally ill alive, even at the price of unbearable pain and suffering? Where do we draw the line between not doing anything to hasten death as opposed to merely prolonging the dying process? How do we reconcile the opposing demands of reverence for life and concern for the insufferable torment and anguish of a patient?
The preservation of life is indeed of paramount importance.
These are all issues that need to be fully explored. For religious Jews they are thankfully resolved by Halachah (Jewish Law) – the magnificent insights of Torah and Talmud as brought to bear on almost every conceivable situation. It is not for an article of this necessarily limited space to delineate anything more than basic parameters. The preservation of life is indeed of paramount importance. Quality and duration of life is irrelevant – to declare otherwise is to ascend the slippery slope of judging who has the right to live and of condemning those who don't comply with our necessarily biased standards to death.
Judaism rejects the notion of unlimited personal autonomy. As we daily recite in our prayers, "You preserve the soul within me and You will in the future take it from me.” Our bodies and our lives are not our own to do with as we will. They are temporary bailments given to us by God for a specific purpose and duration which only God can terminate. And just as we don't have the moral right to kill or harm others, we don't have the moral right to kill, maim, or injure ourselves or to authorize other persons to do those things to us. Severe pain, however, may at times – with the consultation of rabbinic authorities – legitimize refusal of treatment, provided that what is rejected is not in the category of basic needs for life such as air, food and drink.
The above list is hardly exhaustive. It is meant merely to reflect Jewish law’s concern for the preservation of both life and personal dignity, the commandment to treasure the gift of our years on earth as well as our eventual right to a peaceful passing to another world of eternal rest and reward.
But what speaks to me most about the issue of the terminally ill is the remarkable conclusion of my personal story.
I was told I was going to die. A quick Google search advised me that my condition usually allowed for six months survival after diagnosis. That happened almost two and a half years ago!
Today I continue, thank God, to feel perfectly fine. My team of doctors is still wondering how that happened. I tried to explain to them that I am on a medication that has proven successful for thousands of years, although it's healing properties haven't yet been scientifically identified. Having successfully prescribed it to others many times, I put myself on the "Recitation of Psalms" program. I asked friends and family to join because I have oft times witnessed the miracle of the power of prayer. And although I continue to be aware of the fact that some day I will die, I continue to go about my life's tasks of studying and teaching Torah, of lecturing and writing in the hope of bringing people closer to God and to Judaism – because I'm convinced that it is in the merit of mitzvahs that I can best hope for continued miracles.
My primary focus isn’t on “How to Die;” thank God it’s on how to live.
(57) Josette Percival, November 11, 2013 4:08 PM
Naître et Renaître - English How to die.
Dear Rabbi Blech,
I just read today an abstract of your message in French with Ashi.fr on the line summary. I was touched by your wisdom.
I was raised as a Catholic in France but had many Jew friends in New York. So many mercis. You are a blessing
(56) Jennifer, August 1, 2012 3:52 AM
Refua shelema rabbi benjamin!
(55) Steven Fink, June 24, 2012 5:32 PM
Thank You, Rabbi Blech, for Inspiring Me
Thank You, Rabbi Blech for your good humored and inspirational divrei Torah, lectures & books that you have given us over the decades. May Hashem continue to Bless You & Your Family! -- steve fink
(54) Inbar, June 19, 2012 3:41 PM
Very good news, as your lessons and books improve my world (among others!). May you enjoy many more healthy and happy years before we will have to make do without you!
(53) Anonymous, June 18, 2012 2:33 PM
I also got a second chance from G-d
My story started over 30 years ago. I had a life threatening illness and it was all my decision to take the chance.Because of the pros and cons of surgery. If you want more of my story you can get in touch with me to write a about How G-d gave me a second chanceto live I will be it all started when I was 16 got worse after28. I found out that what I had could cause my to die. But no guarentees if I had it removed. I had a son at 28 and surery when I was 31. I will be 60 this year. I believe in G-d and the how he guided me and helped to have the strength to survive. There is more to how I found the Doctor and being a mother with a baby and I had live
(52) Dorit, June 16, 2012 5:09 PM
I thank GOD ...
that you're living and able to tell us part of your wisdom. I have experienced tremendous help through reading and praying your Psalms, too ... concerning difficulties at work, for example. Be blessed abundantly by your G'D. Shalom, Shalom.
(51) Anonymous, June 15, 2012 3:31 PM
how i was help by prayers and Tehillim
B"H that prayer and Tehillim helped you. I was not given a death sentence, but was told that i had a growth on my right kidney, that it had pretty much taken over the whole kidney (which now had to be removed), and that it was cancerous. I had the kidney removed of course. From the time of diagnosis to the removal was 10 days. The next week, we got the details: the growth was much smaller than expected and was NOT cancer (the doctors are right on diagnosis more than 92% of the time). The tumor was a type of pre-cancer that is basically handled by removal - no expectation of re-occurring. I am certain that reality was changed by HaShem in the merit of those who davened and said Tehillim for me, and I am truly grateful to HaShem and to those who helped me.
(50) Anonymous, June 14, 2012 2:12 AM
Every Thursday at 2pm ,I have a psalms lady groop,we see miricals all the time,tomorrow I will sher your story.if you sheared your Hebrew name in the article we could daven for you too.refua shlema umehira,A
Anonymous, June 24, 2012 1:47 PM
Rabbi Blech's Hebrew name is Binyamin ben Gittel
For the many who have asked, Rabbi Blech is Binyamin ben Gittel according to the recent Jewish Week article about him, which you can find at http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/new_york/midnight_sun_benjamin_blech, and as confirmed by Rabbi Blech himself.
(49) Anonymous, June 13, 2012 5:06 PM
Thank you!!!!
OUTSTANDING AND THANK YOU FOR THE INSPIRATION!!
(48) Gregory Landenburg, June 13, 2012 11:12 AM
A powerful cautionary tale....
As an RN, I've heard MDs tell patient's contantly "you have only X amount of months to live." How do they know? Down to the month even? What hutzbah! Rabbi Blech's recipe of Psalm prayer tree, the power of mitzvot and living today for today, studying Torah and Talmud every day; in essence - live today as if it were your last day EVERYDAY is the key. When the end comes, it will be sweet and a simple breath in and out as if turning the page of the Torah. Easy to say, but difficult to put into practice. Well, start today, then do it tomorrow and as soon as you know it, you'll be doing it every day, and the obsession as to when it will end wil be transformed into an obsession to wake up another day to study Torah.
(47) Imelda Peaarce (Uziel Yochevet), June 12, 2012 7:31 PM
inspiring and true
After an awful car accident in my freshman year in college, when I wasn't in the least harmed but a fellow passenger lost a leg and her teeth, and later when I suffered a stroke at only 36 years old, and I survived with hardly any residual, I realized when my time's up, it's up. In the meantime, I want to live as God's instructing me. I am 59 years old, and took up violin again at age 51. I had a son and got a master's degree after the stroke. I had a b'nei Mitzvah at the age of 53, and will have aSimchat Chochma on my birthday this year. Ah, life! Good for you for practicing "Psalm therapy."
(46) Anonymous, June 12, 2012 7:21 PM
thanks...so much
thanks ...so much. I will start today speaking the Pslams.
(45) Sara Yoheved Rigler, June 12, 2012 7:06 PM
I read this article with bated breath.
Dear Rabbi Blech, As a big fan of yours, who has gleaned so much wisdom from your articulate and informed articles, the beginning of this piece filled me with dread. The happy "ending" that is not an ending has me breathing again. May you continue to confound your doctors with many more years of good health, helping all of us. Sara Yoheved Rigler
(44) Andy, June 12, 2012 5:28 PM
to those who feel it's their right to terminate life
When the quality of life seems non existent or worse it's understandable one feels like "leaving the party quietly and with dignity.' According to the sages while one is alive one may still grow and continue to build themselves for eternity.Even in a very compromised condition one may effect changes of huge consequence.I know a woman with severe Alzheimer's who brought a waring family together as a result of their visits to her, in addition to the good deeds she inspired.[visiting the sick] All this accomplished in a condition where she seemingly did not recognize anyone. In a real sense it may well have been a most productive time in her life I understand that one without proper exposure to halacha thru loving teacher[s] will likely not agree. I wish Rabbi Blech continued success in his work in spreading the wisdom of Torah for many years to come in good health and peace.
Arvintin Golz, June 15, 2012 3:34 AM
to those who feel...
the missed point is that the sages are relevant for those who are healthy in the surrounding. have you red about agonize pain, is such a term familiar to you? have you ever seen a living being, in special a human being in agony? the only thing he is asking is salvation from the pain. usually they know that they are going to die. then why to suffer?
(43) Anonymous, June 12, 2012 5:02 PM
Death and prayer
What a story. It really shows the resemblance between prayer and daily life. I must say, because of this story my faith in God has increased a little bit more. I pray that you live a long and happy life and continue to inspire us all
(42) Richard, June 12, 2012 4:42 PM
Power of Prayer
Prayers have been recited since time immemorial They have two consolations: 1. we are in contact with our G-d. 2. We believe we can turn to G-d for help, just as G-d turns to us for reverence and worship. It is, in essence, a two-way street: (G-d helps us if we worship G-d). For those who have doubt: let me be the first to tell you: IT WORKS!. Don't come with a laundry l;ist, but if there's something important, you know where to turn. RMM
(41) Anonymous, June 11, 2012 11:35 PM
May I humbly suggest that it's not just Tehillim that is keeping you alive. You are much too valuable to all of us to lose. When I read "Death, My Companian" I panicked-you are my favorite Aish author...I couldn't imagine not reading-and being inspired by-your magnificent writings any longer. (I'm sorry that was my first thought...a little selfish, I admit.)
(40) Olivia, June 11, 2012 10:19 PM
Recitation of Psalms
Shalom - I am eager to know if you used the entire book of Psalms or certain chaper or verses. I firmly believe the great Creator's Word is alive and certainly gives life to those who believe. Thank you for your testimony and advice on above coment. Shalom
(39) Jane, June 11, 2012 8:06 PM
The power of prayer
Dear Rabbi, When my husband received a similar diagnosis in May 2009, we were shocked, hugged each other and cried. We thought we were good Jews and realized we need the Almighty's help. We prayed and asked our friends and family to pray with us. Our thoughts and prayers since then have helped us to accept and fight for life. We volunteer to help others who have received similar news and explain the power of prayer. We take one day at a time but never take it for granted. You are not alone and we will add you to our thoughts and prayers. We are trying to make our legacy a living one.
(38) Anonymous, June 11, 2012 5:06 PM
We don't do dying so well
I agree with Laurie Dinerstein-kurs. We don't do dying well because we do not respect the RIGHTS of the individual. See "Compassion & Choices" - make your OWN decisions regarding Death - just as you have made decisions regarding your OWN life.
(37) marta vega, June 11, 2012 4:41 PM
love it....
I love the article. I truly believe life itself is a miracle and that God keeps us healthy as we follow And keep His mitvoth.
(36) Rivka Rochel Kaplan-Pollack, June 11, 2012 4:13 PM
Our mitzvahs ARE eternal
Thank you for your inspiring words. They remind me, which I need daily, that those precious deeds are our reason for living. Whether it's saying tehillim, learning Torah, or giving from the heart; these things ARE eternal and the pulse of life itself.
(35) laurie dinerstein-kurs, June 11, 2012 2:02 PM
end of life choices.
Having personally been on the precipice of death, I want to address your comment, 'as our eventual right to a peaceful passing to another world of eternal rest and reward". Your phrase, "OUR RIGHT", is most significant. My right to "AND", Allow Natural Death" means DON'T force feed me food thru a tube surgically implanted, don't IV drip fluids don't put me on a respirator tethered to a wall,and DO NOT FORCE me to suffer the added humiliation of others...caring for my personal needs. IF we truly believe in Hashem - then we should be trusting enough lo NOT interfere with what Hashem is trying to do. Where is faith that IF G-D wants us to die...and is sending as many identifiable, messages where is ti written that we must interfere with G-d'[s work? Yes, perhaps we know how to interfere, but without cure, should we? How many ways does a person hve to be inflicted with pain and tzuris before we "AND" - Allow Natural Death? Laurie
(34) Reuven Grodner, June 11, 2012 12:27 PM
You live because your life's mission is incomplete.
Dear Rav Benny, I feel inspired by your battle for life using sefer Tehillim as your weapon. From the days we met as colleagues at YU's JSS to today, you have been disseminating Torah in your inimitable way. There are many more out there who need you. Continue on for many more years to come. Reuven Grodner
(33) Michael Fox, June 11, 2012 5:50 AM
Contracts
There is a subliminal spiritual contract between each of our individual souls and our creator. Science, as good as it is, takes a seat behind the power of faith and the contract.
(32) derek, June 11, 2012 4:28 AM
dont listen to everything
rabbi i was given 3 to 6 months ..i had a cancers growing again dr was crazy ..i left office and GOD was waiting to give me His Rx for life..prayer and meditation was first but GOD offered a machine for home.like radiation .but this machine only attacks the bad cells by resonation ..etc a psalm i believe ..happy is the man who puts his faith in G O D cancer is not a death notice but a concept of living life differently may we all be blessef with a long life derek maui
(31) Anonymous, June 11, 2012 1:37 AM
My husband lived with meaning and died with dignity
My husband of forty-one years was diagnosed with Lou Gerhig's Disease in 2007. He was a brilliant intellect and an inspiring professor of music. ALS is one of the cruelest of diagnoses because not only is it always terminal, it is untreatable, it strikes at any age, is incurable and has been since it was first identified over one hundred sixty years ago. It locks the clear thinking feeling mind in a prison of a body that does not function and eventually takes away the ability to breathe. When we first faced the news I said to him, "We are a team and we will go through this together. The important thing is not to despair." I shall never forget his reponse: "I don't despair. I am very fortunate; have had forty years to teach young people and coach them in understanding and enjoying music, Maybe I can do a little more, G-d willing" And he worked as long as he could, and then when he could no longer sit up, he communicated with his students from his bed via e-mail. When he could no longer move or speak, they visited him and talked to him and shared their music and ideas with him. His doctor visited him at home regularly and took him out for rides to see the beauty of G-d's world. People were incredulous that this happened. His students organized a tribute concert for him to which the entire community came - many whom I did not know. He was able to die at home and in his own bed surrounded by the books and music that defined his life. His students still stay in touch with me today and his influence continues. I do not believe that his illness was a punishment, as one person offered me but I did see the Hand of G-d in the way he faced death and the impact that his life and death had on so many. And I thank Hashem for his life and his influence.
(30) Les, June 11, 2012 12:47 AM
A wonderful summation - may the God of Israel continue to bless you and your/His people.
(29) David, June 11, 2012 12:45 AM
Docs don't get the last word on this sort of thing.
Refuah sheleima, Rabbi.
Ernest, June 11, 2012 8:32 AM
Refuah Sheleima, In the words of Pslam 121 "I lift up mine eyes unto the mountains......... my help comes from the Lord..."
(28) Chavie, June 10, 2012 11:52 PM
How to live!
Rabbi Blech, I am a big fan of your writings and you bring so much inspiration and enthusiasm to so many. You teach us "how to live!" in the true Torah derech. May you have a complete refuah and see great nachas from all klal yisroel.
(27) Anonymous, June 10, 2012 11:07 PM
I recieved the same news (very rare and rapidly fatal disease with no cure), also two-and-one-half years ago, and which continues to baffle my team of health care professionals to this day. Fortunately, I had received some of the the same treatment/medication as Rabbi Blech.
(26) Tzvi, June 10, 2012 10:55 PM
KEEP FIGHTING AND SMASH THIS THING
Rebbe, There can be no doubt whatsoever that your doctors need to read your book Understanding Judaism- The Basics of Deed and Creed. If anyone can take a doctor's prognosis and render it not worth the paper it's written on, it is you, my noble rebbe. Dare I suggest that most doctors have no clue about the power of Tehillim. As one of your Y.U. talmidim, I know first hand that you are a high ranking warrior in Hashem's Army. Remember that you come from a long line of great Torah scholars and B'Ezrat Hashem, their merits are also with you. As a great rabbinic warrior, rebbe, we need you strong and healthy to continue your Avodat HaKodesh. We will continue to daven for you. Just know that you are a wellspring of strength to Klal Yisrael and the Hakarat HaTov owned to you by the Jewish People is immeasurable. You are my hero. Respectfully, Tzvi
(25) Margarita Cardenas Gil, June 10, 2012 10:40 PM
please translate this article into Spanish. Many, many pleople need to hear this Faith that overcome. Dear Rabbi Blech I give thanks to God by He is doing with you. My best regards.
(24) Brenda W. Terry, June 10, 2012 10:39 PM
Rabbi Blech, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I have worked in hospitals for many years. One does not even have to be a believer to respond positively to the power of other people's prayers! Thank you for your straightforward article fstraight from the heart. May you continue to live long and well.
(23) Dr. Stoppe, June 10, 2012 10:27 PM
Important is how one has lived and how one wishes to die.
Important is how one has lived and how one wishes to die. You perhaps by profession might need remain as long as possible, and G-d bless you for your life's work. For others like me, when quality of life is gone, it is honorable to say: "Kol Tuv."
(22) onegr8singer, June 10, 2012 10:21 PM
POO..POO..POO!
Continued Good Health to you, dear Rabbi.Thank-you for your wonderful sharing of your story. Doctors are brought into our lives for various reasons...and as you see,various websites aren't "all- knowing" either! You and Hashem aren't finished with your journey here--and as you've been shown,he's the true-diagnostition......L'Chaim.......Malka A,Atlanta,GA.
(21) Mousie, June 10, 2012 9:10 PM
May you outlive the doctors!
Every day is a blessing, every meal is a celebration! May God smile on you, and see fit to let you be comfortable and happy. The last on is left up to you, by the way. Dec. 15th 1981 marks the day I was to die of severe hydrocephalus (pressure within the brain), at age 13. either that, or be in a vegetative state until I died, which wouldn't be very long. I survived, have also survived 43 more brain surgeries, having my whole skull taken off and made smaller, had a stroke, been in a coma.... And every day is a blessing, even with the terrible headaches I always have, I find thing to be happy about, even if it IS a cheap Happy Meal toy! I can hear, I can see, there is Matzoh Ball soup in the world, WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?! Mousie
(20) David Waterman, June 10, 2012 8:48 PM
Baruch Hashem
A truly inspiring story, Rabbi Blech, May G-d continue to grant you a long and good life
(19) Victoria, June 10, 2012 7:32 PM
With G-d's Blessings
I also was told I had a terminal cancer and had 6 months to live, that was 5 years ago. The doctors with their knowledge do not take into account the value of prayer and positive energy of friends and family.
(18) DAVID, June 10, 2012 7:24 PM
DOCTORS AND HASHEM G'D
36 years ago doctors gave my brother less then a month. The cancer has gone to far. After 6 months of chemotherapy and moving to ISRAEL COMPLETELY SUBMITTING TO G'D, BECOMEING MORE AND MORE TORAH OBSERVANT, he lived for 36 more years until last month. Man plans, HASHEM LAUGHS. BARUCH DAYAN EMET AHARON CHAIM BEN ESTHER A'H
(17) Paul Efron, June 10, 2012 7:05 PM
Thank you
Live each day like it is going to be your last---One day you will be right.A very insightful article..We will be here until our mission on earth is finished..Then we won't be here anymore.Obviously,Hashem still needs you here..
(16) Ephraim Dachman, June 10, 2012 6:39 PM
A love note to you Rabbi Blech
We need you now and always. We are all fortunate that you have the idea. May you continue to inspire us all. Love, Ephraim
(15) shira, June 10, 2012 6:20 PM
a prayer for you
we wish you a refuah sheleima and the zechus to fulfill many mitzvos
(14) Michal, June 10, 2012 5:48 PM
How to die - an unanswered question.
I find this article very interesting, but I am a bit disappointed, that the story itself has nothing to do with "How to die". It is all about living with the knowledge, that "the Doctor had said to a Rabbi, he will s o o n die" I was waiting how he died in the end (and how a Jew should die). Instead he ist still alive. I am old. So it is a normal thought, that one of these days I will be called "home", I will die. I would like to pass this last "test" as a godloving Jew. I hope I will be able to say the Shma in the end.
(13) Anonymous, June 10, 2012 5:22 PM
How to Die
I think your article should be titled How to Live. I am becoming more immersed in what you just wrote about mitzvah and reciting psalms. Your teachings and guidance I believe Hashem wants you to continue to help us learn and become more with Hashem.
(12) Dwight, June 10, 2012 5:20 PM
Yes
Only G-d decides whom shall live. We must do all we can to preserve it and make it as livable as possible for all. . .
(11) Craig Pinsker, June 10, 2012 4:04 PM
Terminal illness
We all have a terminal illness called life. We all will experience suffering and joy in what is left of our lives. It is hard to separate prolonging life from "playing G0d" by lengthining the process of dieing.
(10) Yossef, June 10, 2012 3:37 PM
Yeshar Koah Rabbi Blech
Rabbi Blech, I have studied your book "Fundamentals of Judaism" together with the online classes. You have contributed immensely to my understanding of Judaism. Thank you for everything you do and thanks G_D for keeping you alive!
(9) judith, June 10, 2012 3:36 PM
Only with dignity
Dying is just part of life. The way one dies is what is important. Dignity is paramount. When there is no quality of life it is time to leave the party, quietly and with dignity
(8) Uriela Obst Sagiv, June 10, 2012 3:26 PM
Amazing
Dear Rabbi Blech: That is just the most amazing story. You are beyond inspiration. May you live to 120 and beyond, as surely your teachings will. With admiration Uriela (your full Hebrew name?)
(7) Carnen Gomez, June 10, 2012 3:15 PM
God be with you. Love Light Blessings
God will give you the strength to resist pains and sufferings. God will receice you in his hands. Love Light Blessings
(6) Anonymous, June 10, 2012 3:09 PM
johanamedserv@aol.com
Only when my wife was told she had liver cirrhosis I realized she is against a big rock, and our kids have not finished their studies jet. Your article enourmesslly brings me hope an strength about the power of praying, she is a Dr and so am I, and she keeps telling: you know that I am dum yo die quickly, and for a reason I don't know, I feel the power in our prayers that HASSHEM will allow her to live a lo g life to see her kids graduating and see her grand kids if GOD so decides. The rabbj's statements have been powerful to me and will include him in my prayers
(5) RABBI AL, June 10, 2012 2:14 PM
I too have a disease with NO cure
I have an illness with NO cure, and not only that, I have pain 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and I have a special diet, and I can die at ANY moment. At times, I have asked my Dr. how do I stop the pain, suffering, and not only that, at times, the food is poison to me, and the pain is SO bad, that the pain puts me to sleep, sometimes I do NOT have the energy to even get out of the bed, or even go to the bathroom, and now I cry so many times a day, that now, when I am at a home for a meal and I exucse myself for going to the bathroom, it is for me to cry, and refresh myself and then go back to the table, and at times, I do not have the heard to even go to a meal. This illness has brought me to pain, suffering, crying, the pain from 1-10 it is usually at 30-60. I feel for you and your illness, but the answer is NOT the Dr., but HASHEM can bring you back, and the Dr. is only the Shliach of Hashem. A Refuah Shelamah.
(4) Jack, June 10, 2012 12:52 PM
Moving, but misses the point
We all share in wishing Rabbi Bleich a full and speed recovery. However by sharing his personal story here, he diminshes the true story. Time magazine is a respected, mainstream publication. And it's headline story advocates MURDER in order to save a little money. A society that accepts this is doomed. Anybody, who has a sense of appreciation for the preciousness of one moment of life should be outraged by the Time article.
(3) Anonymous, June 10, 2012 12:45 PM
Your life has helped to change mine!
I thank Hashem that you have committed your life to helping others. Your book, Deed and Creed, along with the course in the Advanced Learning section, has aided me in my search for truth. May he grant you many more years of living life as his trusted servant. L'Chaim!
(2) Anonymous, June 10, 2012 8:50 AM
Tehillim
What is your Hebrew name so we can daven for you?
Anonymous, June 10, 2012 2:02 PM
Rabbi Blech is Binyamin ben Gittel
As noted in the recent Jewish Week article about him, which you can find at http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/new_york/midnight_sun_benjamin_blech
(1) chaya, June 10, 2012 6:40 AM
Excellent...
May you live many long years and merit to see the Moshiach and coming Geula!! Many blessings to you.