By Rabbi Baruch Lederman, Congregation Kehillas Torah, San Diego

The wicked Haman built a gallows for the purpose of hanging the pious Jew, Mordechai. That gallows appeared to be the worst thing in the world; but, it turned out the the building of that gallows was the best thing that ever happened to us. That gallows was used to eliminate the evil Haman. Had it not been for that gallows being ready for use, Haman would have had time to convince the king to spare his life and allow him to continue his death campaign against the Jewish people.

Often in life, what is initially perceived as bad, turns out to be good. We never know how Hashem (G-d) is orchestrating the events of our lives, as the following true story, told to me by Esther Fein, illustrates:

Esther Fein had been teaching in a public high school in northern California for many exhausting years. Teaching is a very draining experience. She needed a break – badly. She applied for a sabbatical for the upcoming year. If she were to be granted the sabbatical, she would get a full year off, with half salary, and would automatically have her job back when she returned.

A sabbatical is a great way for a teacher to get recharged, both physically and emotionally. Based on her many years of service, it seemed like a sure thing that she would be granted the sabbatical. She put in her application and waited anxiously.

Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity, the principal called her into his office to tell her the unhappy and unexpected news that her request was denied. This development was devastating. Esther, an extremely dedicated teacher, had been running on empty for quite a long time. Like all teachers, she loved her work, but her frazzled nerves needed refreshing.

Although Esther didn’t know it at the time, this was the best thing that could have happened to her. She now thanks Hashem that the request was denied, even though at the time she had no idea how important that outcome would be to her.

Esther girded herself up for another strenuous year of teaching. She also reapplied for sabbatical for the following year. This time, she was not to be denied. Her petition was granted for the 2002-3 school year.

During her sabbatical year, tragedy struck. Her 28 year old son Benjy Brandwein was diagnosed with an unexpected cardiac myopathy. Benjy was always a good-hearted person, who, even as a youth in San Diego, used to invite guests home from shul for Shabbos meals. He lived in Florida with his devoted wife Myra and their children. The shocking prognosis was that he had only a year or two left to live.

Her time off from work in California made Esther available to be in Florida with her beloved son. She spent Pesach with him and cooked him his requested chicken soup. Because she didn’t have to deal with work pressures and constraints, she could do all she needed to do in a relaxed, unstressed way. Esther had a peaceful and meaningful year with Benjy and his family; lots of celebrations and walks to Shul.

On one such walk, Benjy asked his mother if she were afraid that he would die (since he had an enlarged heart, a pacemaker and a defibrillator).

She answered, ‘Yes’  then gave him a blessing that he should be well and live to raise his children.

He said, "But, Mom, Hashem may have other plans for me."

As Esther recalled, “Benjy was a doctor and he didn't think he'd live past 30 with his heart condition. Yet he comforted me and said, "Don't be sad, Mom. I have a good life."

Later that year, Benjy (Yaakov) Brandwein returned his soul to his Creator. He was a loving husband and father. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and will always be remembered kindly.

Dedicated by Ricky & Ashira Kramer and by Michael & Rivka Spiegel