Rahel Leah’s Angel

The blockade of Leningrad. A time when deep hunger, enemy shelling and freezing cold wracked the countryside.   Following the siege, Rahel Leah contracted polio.  She also became bedridden and dependent upon her sister, who traveled hours each day to care for her.  When her sister died, Rahel Leah thought all hope had died too.  She was completely alone.

One day, Rahel Leah was visited by an outreach worker from the local Hesed, or Jewish welfare center. But Rahel Leah told her that help had come too late, that she was old and waiting to die. 

A home-care volunteer began to visit Rahel Leah twice a week, bringing loving kindness and the warmth of tender companionship.  One day, with a shy smile, Rahel Leah confessed to her, "My parents often said that angels can be found on earth.  I was losing faith that they even existed in heaven. But you have restored my faith."

Tonight, Rahel Leah will fall asleep in the comfort of her home, knowing that she is not forgotten and that she will never again have to face the depths of winter alone.