Heshy Sternberg is a Belzer chassid who worked in the public relations office of 47th Street Photo. He shares a friendship with Rabbi Yehoshua Metzger, whose Chai Foundation is responsible for placing the attractive ads Lubavitch runs in the New York Times to heighten public awareness of the Jewish holidays.

Before one holiday, Rabbi Metzger was having difficulty securing ad space. At that time, 47th Street Photo was a major advertiser with the Times, and so he called Heshy for help. After a few well-placed calls, Heshy was able to assure Rabbi Metzger that the ad would run.

Rabbi Metzger was very appreciative, asking Heshy if he would like to bring his family to the Rebbe one Sunday for dollars. Rabbi Metzger promised to introduce them, and said they would have a chance to ask for a personal blessing.

Heshy jumped at the opportunity, for he felt very much in need of a tzaddik’s blessings. He had a daughter who was 18 months old but who was unable to walk or even stand. The family pediatrician had been observing her for several months, and feared the possibility of cerebral palsy. On his recommendation, the Sternbergs had already made an appointment with a noted neurologist.

When the Sternbergs met the Rebbe, Heshy’s wife told him of their daughter’s problem. The Rebbe answered: “She will walk. Your husband will walk her to the chuppah.”

Six days later, on Shabbos morning, the Sternberg’s little girl was playing on the living room floor. Suddenly, she stood up and began walking! She did not take hesitant baby steps, but walked confidently, like a child who had been walking for several months. When Heshy returned from shul, he was overwhelmed to see his daughter walking toward him!

The Sternberg’s appointment with the neurologist had been scheduled for Monday. Needless to say, they canceled it. What could the doctor tell them?