Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
The attached photo of two arms, each with four hospital wristbands, was sent to me by Rabbi Boaz Klein and it took me a few moments to understand. Yes, quaduplets were born to Boaz and Frady, Chabad emissaries in Barlioche, Argentina, "the most southern Jewish point on the map." Here's what Rabbi Boaz wishes to share about his experience:
"In this week's Torah portion Yaakov Avinu says, 'I am unworthy of all your kindnesses.' That is our feeling. Yaakov Avinu felt that he received so much light from above, so many gifts and kindnesses, that he had only this to say in response to such abundance: 'I am unworthy.'
We have been emissaries for 14 years. We have met thousands of hikers and tourists, and we never hid our difficulty in having children. But then three of the four mothers of the nation of Israel were childless -- Sarah, Rivkah, and Rachel. This challenging predicament accompanies us in the book of Genesis that we are presently reading. It's not easy to be open about our story, but we want to give strength to other couples who find themselves in such a situation, and also to publicize our personal miracle.
It's important for us to acknowledge that every baby born is a magnificent miracle, not only quadruplet babies. It's important for us to thank the medical team at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer. And it's important to thank our family and friends. You have no idea how much your encouragement and wise counsel helped us all along the way.
We felt that the blessing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe accompanied us throughout this journey. The Rebbe said that we should always speak positively. And so when Frady was hospitalized with a pregnancy that was "highly chancy" we called it a pregnancy that had a "highly good chance." My amazing wife continues on her mission even while in the Sheba Medical Center. It's as if she brought the spirit of Chabad of Barlioche to the hospital's maternity ward. Here she continually encourages and strengthens everyone. Her faith is infectious where a lot of it is needed.
The four babies were born one right after the next by Caesarean section. I felt that I was a partner to the Holy One blessed be He four consecutive times. The two girls are called Hannah-Liba and Rivkah-Malkah. The boy who just received his brit is called Yosef-YItzchak. The other boy needs to grow a little more before he enters into the covenant of Avraham with his brit, at which time he will receive his name.
I am humbled from all the kindness."
