Instructions from the Chazon Ish
Stories have long been told about the medical knowledge of the Chazon Ish, indicating that he gave instructions on how to proceed with brain surgery. Recently a copy of one of these sketches made by the Chazon Ish came to light.
We had heard the story about the Chazon Ish's sketch about a heart surgery from a first person testimony of R' Chaim Bernstein regarding his father, R' Avigdor from Haifa who was the first to be sent to Boston per recommendation from the Chazon Ish.
This famous sketch was found in the files of Rabbi Dr. Moshe Rothschild zt"l, late founder and director of the Maayanei Hayeshua Medical Center. It was originally written on a sheet of wrapping paper which old timers will remember as the brown paper serving for shopping bags.
Rabbi Dr. Moshe Rothschild zt"l
We are reproducing here a copy of the copy in Dr. Rothschild's possession. The original was stolen from him on a London street dozens of years ago inside a piece of luggage. We can see that the paper was not even cut evenly and appears to have been torn off in urgency.
The Chazon Ish appeals to a friend bearing the initials R.S.Z. who apparently was involved in this matter. We were unable to determine who this was. The Chazon Ish explained the situation to him and asks on the note that he try to show this drawing to a specified person, probably a doctor. The sketch pinpoints the medical problem and indicates the method of procedure.
The Chazon Ish adds that he insists that his opinion be followed since this is a matter of life and death.
