A Kaddish

Rav Yeshaya Gross of Williamsburg, a descendant of Rav Yeshaya of Kerestir, writes that it is well known that his great-grandfather had no male heir who lived, because the boys all died very young. When his son, Rav Avrohom, fell ill, the Rebbetzin travelled to Rav Mordechai of Nadvorna to ask for a blessing for his recovery.

"Why do you come to me?" Rav Mordechai asked in surprise. "Your own husband Shaya has an open road in Heaven, with no obstacles." But the Rebbetzin would not give up and kept begging for his blessing. Finally he told her, "I promise you that after 120 years on this earth, you will have someone to say Kaddish for you."

And so it was. The Rebbetzin passed away on 22 Tammuz 5681, Rav Yeshaya on 3 Iyar 5685, and Rav Avrohom on 18 Adar 5687. Just as Rav Mordechai had promised, both parents had a son to say Kaddish after them.