The Value Of Time: Rabbi Aryeh Zev Ginzberg’s Journey Back To Life

A Miracle and a Mission

Episode 4, April 15, 2021, Chazaq Torah Talks

It’s not every day you hear a story of open miracles, but in this unforgettable edition of the Chazaq Hour, I had the privilege of sitting down with Rabbi Aryeh Zev Ginzberg—Rav of the Chofetz Chaim Torah Center in Cedarhurst, a pillar of Klal Yisrael, and living proof of Hashem’s wonders. Rabbi Ginzberg’s ordeal with COVID-19 was the kind you read about in headlines: three months in a coma, every major organ failing, doctors giving up hope, and thousands davening for his recovery. Against all odds, he survived—a living, breathing miracle.

 

A Nais Goli—An Open Miracle

Rabbi Ginzberg spoke about his harrowing ordeal with humility and awe. “I was put on a ventilator, in a coma for three months, and every major system failed. My wife was told she had just hours to say goodbye. But Hashem had other plans.” When Rabbi Ginzberg finally returned home, he was the sole survivor from his ICU. His doctor admitted there was simply no medical explanation. “Some doctors just called it a miracle. I know it was from Hashem.”

Life after an open miracle is never the same. Rabbi Ginzberg described waking up at home, hearing the rain against his window and being overcome with gratitude for the simple gift of life. “Every morning since childhood, I said Modeh Ani. Now, I truly understand it.” The experience gave him a renewed sense of mission: “I used to say no when I was too busy. Now, Hashem didn’t give me back my life so I could say no. If I can help, if I can inspire, I have to show up.”

 

Grabbing Every Mitzvah

Rabbi Ginzberg shared a story from the last days of Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l. Too weak to leave his bed, Rav Moshe insisted on a minyan for Musaf, grabbing one last mitzvah before passing away the next day. “Life is precious—every mitzvah, every moment is a gift. We have to grab every opportunity.”

 

Emunah Amid the Birth Pangs

So many in Klal Yisrael are hurting—illness, loss, uncertainty. Rabbi Ginzberg quoted the Chofetz Chaim: in the final stretch before Mashiach, the pain will intensify. He shared a powerful story from Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, reminding us that Mashiach isn’t just around the corner—he’s on the block, ready to enter our homes if we just hold on with faith. “Those who fear and believe in Hashem’s word will be the ones to greet the redemption.”

 

A Prophecy for Our Times

Rabbi Ginzberg also brought to light a striking prophecy, passed down from the Chofetz Chaim to Rav Simcha Wasserman and shared with our generation. The Chofetz Chaim predicted that the world would experience three wars. The first two, now known as World War I and World War II, would take countless lives and shake the Jewish people. But the third—yet to come—would be different. This final upheaval would usher in the redemption, and only those who are “yarei d’var Hashem,” those who truly believe and are steadfast in their faith, will merit to see Mashiach. The message was later echoed by Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l, who assured a grieving family that Mashiach is not just near—he’s “on the block,” about to enter our broken homes.

 

Don’t Wait for the Wake-Up Call

With a moving parable, Rabbi Ginzberg reminded us to look up—not just when things are hard, but when Hashem showers us with blessings. “We don’t want to be the cow that lifts its head at the noise and then goes back to grazing. Let these times move you. Strengthen your emunah. Don’t wait for pain to open your eyes—be grateful now.”

Rabbi Ginzberg’s story is more than survival—it’s a call to action, to live every day with purpose, gratitude, and readiness for redemption. As he said, “We all have emunah inside us. Now is the time to strengthen it, to thank Hashem, and to make every day count.”

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Rabbi Yaniv Meirov is CEO of Chazaq and Rav of Congregation Charm Circle in Kew Gardens Hills. Since 2006, he’s helped thousands of Jews reconnect with Torah and tradition via community events, lectures, and public school outreach, earning recognition from gedolim, elected officials, and community leaders
 As Chazaq Torah Talks approaches its 200th episode, Rabbi Meirov continues to bring thoughtful, heartfelt relevant conversations to the Jewish world—bridging tradition with today’s challenges, one episode at a time. The rav can be reached for comment at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..