The Water Didn't Drown Me, It Raised Me Up

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This week I had the biggest scare of my life. In the middle of the night, something was blocking my airway. My wife Dina and my nurse tried desperately to clear it, but nothing was working. I can't begin to imagine what Dina was going through, but she did what had to get done and because of that I am alive.

For me it was terrifying, not being able to breathe, slowly fading, thoughts racing. The thoughts I had, first of my wife and children, then I thought, "I can't believe this is happening."The last thing I remember thinking is, "Okay Hashem, if you want me, I am yours, shema Yisrael..."

The next thing I remember is glimpses of the hallway, and I came to in the ambulance.

If it wasn't for this near death experience, I wouldn't have gone to the hospital. Now that I did I am so grateful, because they did routine tests and found a serious issue, that is now under control.

The outpouring of love from the community, from all over the world, was amazing. We were falling and you caught us. Though we were going through what was possibly the most traumatic experience of our lives, because of your love, instead of drowning into the dark abyss, the turmoil raised us up to heights we could never imagine.

That is the way struggles, traumas, difficulties, etc. are, they could destroy you, but with the right attitude they will lift you up. It also helps to have a great support system, which makes you part of something greater than you can be on your own.

In parshas Noach we read about the flood, the turbulent waters that destroyed so much. However, it was the exact same water that lifted the Ark high above the highest mountain tops, and carried Noach, his family and the animals that repopulated the world.

The key is to enter the Ark, especially when the waters get rough.

The Ark symbolizes an environment of hope, trust and closeness and commitment to Hashem.

The word for Ark in Hebrew is teiva, which means a letter of the Hebrew Alef Bet, this symbolizes the Torah. The Torah is a source of strength and a refuge in times of difficulty. It also gives you the right perspective, which will keep you positive.

In the Ark, animals of prey coexisted with the other animals, because the light of Moshiach shined, when there will be no strife. It is the goal of our existence, and when you understand the purpose and are focused on the goal, the waters are easier to navigate.

Being on the Ark was hard work for Noach, feeding and taking care of the animals, but the outcome was that he saved the world. Doing what Hashem wants is hard work, but what it accomplishes is amazing. We have to realize that our struggles are of extreme importance, and when we finally complete our work, we will have brought the world to its ultimate destination, and the reward will be unlimited.

May we merit to see the completion of our toil and our struggles once and for all, with the coming of Moshiach. The time has come.

I would like to thank all of you who contributed to the fact that I am alive. Especially Hatzolo, and LAFD. And thanks for all of you who advocated for us to have the best treatment. Thanks to the doctors, nurses, hospital and ambulance personnel. And thanks to all of you who prayed for me, and all the well wishes. I am happy to be alive.