"The Milkman" Sedated and Ventilated in the Hospital: Recite Tehillim (Psalms)

Rabbi Chaim Cohen, the Kabbalist known by the nickname 'The Milkman', is hospitalized in serious condition, sedated and ventilated since Saturday afternoon about a month ago, in very grave condition. His family members have issued a mass call to pray for his refuah (healing).

The 84-year-old Rabbi is considered a well-known Kabbalist and is called "The Milkman" after his occupation. He is the last of a group of Kabbalists who studied together in the 1960s and were named after their professions.

From the Rabbi's home, it was reported to the 'Shuvu Banim International' website: "Yesterday evening the situation was critical. The Rav was in rehabilitation at Beis Rivka when suddenly his condition deteriorated, and with Hashem's help, they managed to stabilize him in the hospital. During the night, we traveled to the tomb of Binyamin ben Yaakov Avinu (Benjamin the son of Jacob our forefather) in Kfar Saba, and Baruch Hashem (thank God) the situation improved."

At a Bris Milah (circumcision ceremony) held about three months ago in the synagogue of the Kabbalist Rabbi Chaim Cohen shlit"a, "The Milkman," in Givatayim, for the great-grandson of our teacher, the holy Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Berland shlit"a—the son of Reb Tzefania Sheinfeld, son-in-law of Reb Yehuda Goldblum shlit"a, who is the son-in-law of Rabbi Berland—Rabbi Berland shlit"a and "The Milkman" met for the first time. They shook hands and spoke together for several minutes.

The interaction between the two was warm and loving, appearing as if two old acquaintances had met. Our teacher, Rabbi Berland shlit"a, blessed "The Milkman" with long life and health, and that he should lead the People of Israel to see the face of Mashiach (the Messiah). "The Milkman," for his part, kissed the hand of Rabbi Berland shlit"a and, with holy excitement, returned the blessing to Rabbi Berland as well, saying, "Together [we will lead the People of Israel toward King Mashiach]."

The public is called upon to pray for the complete healing of Chaim Avishalom ben Blanka, for a refuah sheleimah (complete recovery) among the rest of the sick of His people Israel.