Reb Aharon Wohlberg is a Polish chassid who met Lubavitcher chassidim in Samarkand, Russia while fleeing from the Germans in World War II. When the war ended, and the Rebbe visited France to expedite his mother’s immigration to the US, Reb Aharon had the opportunity to hear him speak on several occasions.

After settling in Cleveland, Reb Aharon felt the need for a connection with a rebbe. And so, although he did not consider himself a Lubavitcher per se, he attached himself to the Rebbe, and would visit New York from time to time for yechidus or to attend a farbrengen.

As Reb Aharon grew older, he developed a condition known as “trigger finger.” His index finger became bent and could not be straightened. He went to several doctors, and their response was less than encouraging. “Surgery is necessary,” they told him, “but even then, we are not sure that the problem will be solved.”

Even before the affliction arose, Reb Aharon had scheduled a yechidus with the Rebbe, so he delayed his decision as to whether to schedule surgery until after he consulted with the Rebbe.

When Reb Aharon broached the subject, the Rebbe responded: “There is no need for surgery. A cortisone injection will solve the problem.”

When Reb Aharon relayed this suggestion to his doctor, the physician was incredulous. “Cortisone! That will never work!”

But Reb Aharon insisted that the doctor follow the Rebbe’s advice. After receiving the injection, he was able to move his finger and the problem did not recur.

Reb Aharon’s recovery was talked about throughout Cleveland’s Jewish community. Shortly afterwards, a friend developed the same condition. “Give me the same injection you gave Rabbi Wohlberg,” he told his doctor. The doctor complied, but the condition was not alleviated.

Reb Aharon wasn’t surprised. He understood that the cortisone was just an intermediary; it was the Rebbe’s blessings that had brought about his recovery.