A Surprising Engagement: How One Call Changed Everything

Rabbi Gual Alkrief shares a powerful story about how what seems like a setback can turn into something far greater.

The organization “Rachsei Lev” established special apartments near Tel Hashomer Hospital for parents of hospitalized children. These apartments allow families to stay close to their children over Shabbat, offering both comfort and support during difficult times.

An Unusual Request

One day, the founder of the organization, Rabbi Reuven Geshaid, received a call from a widow whose daughter was hospitalized.

She made a heartfelt request. She asked to stay alone in one of the apartments for Shabbat, explaining that she needed privacy during this sensitive time.

“I understood her pain,” Rabbi Geshaid later shared. “I told her I would do my best to arrange it so she could stay there alone.”

A Difficult Decision

About half an hour later, another call came in.

A young woman wanted a place to stay so she could be close to a sick friend in the hospital over Shabbat.

Rabbi Geshaid agreed to help her, but it meant he would have to go back on his earlier promise. He called the widow and gently explained the situation.

“I’m very sorry,” he said. “We established these apartments to help those in need. I have to allow another girl to stay there with you this Shabbat.”

The widow paused and then replied, “It’s difficult for me, but I understand. It’s your apartment.”

That Shabbat, both women stayed in the same apartment.

An Unexpected Outcome

“To be honest,” Rabbi Geshaid later said, “I was expecting a call after Shabbat. I thought she might be upset with me. But no call came.”

Two weeks later, he received a very different kind of call.

The widow was excited. “I have wonderful news,” she said. “My son got engaged.”

“Congratulations,” Rabbi Geshaid replied. “That’s amazing. Who was the matchmaker?”

“You were,” she answered.

How It Happened

Rabbi Geshaid was surprised. “How did I become the matchmaker?” he asked.

The widow explained.

“That Shabbat, I was sitting there feeling broken. The girl you sent was so kind and thoughtful. She spoke to me, comforted me, and showed such beautiful character. I was so impressed that I immediately thought she would be perfect for my son.”

She continued, “My son receives many suggestions, but when I saw her, I felt there was no need to look any further. I arranged for them to meet, and now they are engaged.”

Seeing the Bigger Picture

Rabbi Geshaid reflected on the story with awe.

“Look at the ways of Divine Providence,” he said. “Two people come to the hospital because of difficulty and pain, and from that, a new home is built in Israel.”

Rabbi Alkrief concludes with a simple but powerful message:

When Hashem does not give us something we want, it is not always a refusal. Sometimes, it is a redirection.