Pinchas Krinsky had developed a relationship with the Rebbe during the lifetime of the Rebbe Rayatz. As a student in the Lubavitcher Yeshivah, he would volunteer to help with various tasks that came up in the organizations Kehot Publications, Merkos (the Central Organization for Jewish Education), and Machne Israel which the Rebbe directed.

Pinchas returned to Boston before the Rebbe Rayatz passed away. On 14 MarCheshvan, 5711 (1950), three months before the Rebbe formally accepted the nesius, the mother of one of Pinchas’s friends called him with somber news. Her son, A.S., who had been a student in the Lubavitcher Yeshivah in New York, had been found unconscious in the street. Evidently, he had been hit by a car. He was brought to the hospital, where he remained in a coma.

Pinchas called New York and spoke to Rabbi Chodakov, asking him to inform the Rebbe of A.S.’s condition and request a blessing.

Rabbi Chodakov called back with the following message from the Rebbe: Pinchas should immerse himself in a mikveh before going to the hospital. He should approach the patient directly and speak the following words: “A., the Rebbe, Rabbi Joseph Isaac, son of the Rebbe, Sholom DovBer, has been notified. Therefore you will be well.” The Rebbe also asked that Pinchas apprise him of any positive developments.

When Pinchas got to the hospital, A. was unconscious and attached to various life-sustaining machines. After the nurses allowed him to approach the patient, Pinchas followed the Rebbe’s instructions to the letter.

Despite his absolute faith in the Rebbe, he was dumbfounded at what took place. Within moments, A. regained consciousness, looked at Pinchas, and said: “Hi, Pinny.” He then asked to have the feeding tube in his nose removed because it was uncomfortable. Pinchas went into the hall and relayed his friend’s request to the doctors. Without waiting to hear that it was A.S. himself who had asked that the tube be removed, they said: “It can’t be removed. He will be lucky if he comes to in a week or ten days.” They were shocked to find that he had regained consciousness. Pinchas then called New York to inform the Rebbe of what had happened.

The next time Pinchas went to New York, the Rebbe asked him: “Were there other people on the ward?”

“Yes,” Krinsky answered.

“Did you go to them as well?” the Rebbe asked.

“No,” Krinsky answered, suddenly aware of the Rebbe’s intent. Here the gift of life had been in his hands, and he had not used it fully!

When the story was told, the Rebbe said that his father-in-law was still performing miracles. The chassidim thought otherwise.