On Sunday Chol HaMoed Sukkos, Rabbi Shmuel Lew and his in-laws, Rabbi and Mrs. Zalman Jaffe, were visiting Crown Heights. The Lews’ son, Shalom Ber, was running a high fever that day; his temperature had risen to 105.

Mrs. Jaffe was disturbed at the Lews’ apparent lack of concern. “You mean you haven’t made an appointment with a doctor?!” she told her son-in-law. “Do so immediately!”

Unable to argue with his mother-in-law, Rabbi Lew made an appointment with a local physician. He and his in-laws then hurried to get in line to receive a dollar from the Rebbe.

As they were waiting in line, who came to join them but young Shalom Ber, temperature and all! This was too much for Rabbi Jaffe. He had few inhibitions when it came to speaking to the Rebbe, and so, when he approached, he complained about his grandson and his high temperature.

“A fantasy,” the Rebbe replied. “He’s a healthy chassid!”

Needless to say, the Lews canceled the appointment with the doctor, and within a few hours, Shalom Ber’s temperature fell.

That same Sunday, Rabbi Lew’s son-in-law, Menachem Junik, went to the Rebbe with his infant son. When the Rebbe gave the man a dollar he said: “Refuah shelaimah (May he have a complete recovery).”

Rabbi Junik was surprised; as far as he knew, the boy was healthy! Several months later, he understood. His son’s health was affected by an unusual childhood ailment and required sustained treatment.