A near-death accident can dramatically and drastically alter a person’s lifestyle and ordinary way of living. It can basically change his mental outlook and philosophy on life.

As a consequence, small, petty and trivial matters that were once a source of vexation and irritation to him fall by the wayside. Once he encounters a life and death situation and survives, he will likely gain a better and more profound perspective on life.

Henceforth, he may no longer be obsessed with a burning personal desire for recognition, honor and glory.

He may no longer be in hot pursuit after personal riches, power and pleasure as the highest good of life.

He now realizes how ephemeral and transient life is, and that all can be lost in a moment.  In gratitude to a merciful God, he strives to set his spiritual sights higher and tries to live a more purposeful and meaningful life.

I can forthrightly say, as the prophet Jeremiah said, “Ani hagever,” “I am the man,” who through a fluke accident came close to death, but a merciful God saved me.

I must now strive energetically and mightily to merit it.

I hope I can live up to whatever Hashem has in store for me. Such a harrowing and frightening experience clearly changed my perspective on life.

I realize that I am only here due to the grace of God. My relationship with God, as well as with my family, is now much deeper and more intense, and I am thankful for the time that I have been given.

As a spiritual leader, I feel that I must do whatever is in my ability to lead my congregation and Jewish community to grow in Torah and mitzvot (commandments). Maybe for this reason I was spared.

The fluke accident that I am referring to happened one evening shortly after I had returned home from a typical day in the synagogue.

I ran all day from morning minyan to a rabbis’ meeting, to Chumash class, to an unveiling, to a counseling session, to Rap-with-the-Rabbi, to another meeting, and then home, before returning to the synagogue for evening services and another class.

My car was parked in the garage and suddenly and unexpectedly started to roll slowly down our driveway toward our neighbor’s house.

To prevent damage to our neighbor’s home, I impulsively rushed behind the car and tried to stop it. It was drizzling, the driveway was slippery, and I lost my footing and fell backward underneath the body of the car.

The car dragged me a few yards underneath onto the neighbor’s lawn and then suddenly stopped before hitting their house.

It was a nes, a miracle, that I was not crushed. But I was pinned underneath the car, with my left leg against my chest, and I could not breathe. I remember thinking how just seconds before, life was good, and I was fine, but now, will I make it?

It was also a miracle that Chana and the children were home and rushed out right away to help.

Chana acted quickly but with great trepidation as she turned the key in the ignition.
If the car accidentally moved in the wrong direction backward or forward, it could be fatal for me.

I was able to maneuver my leg toward the ground. Fortunately, our prayers were answered. As the car slowly moved forward, I was soon freed from beneath the car. An ambulance arrived quickly on the scene and sped me off to Miami Valley Hospital.

I had multiple broken ribs and a double fracture in the ankle of my left leg, besides facial and bodily bruises.

I felt somewhat like the wit who remarked: “Aside from all my injuries, I’m in pretty good shape!”

Frankly, I was enduring excruciating pain, especially when the pain killers wore off. The alternative, of course, would have been far worse.

I am therefore thankful to Hashem that I am alive, together with my family, and I am gradually healing.

Baruch Hashem, I have progressed from hospital bed to wheelchair, to walker, to crutches, to cane, to limping. I am thankful that I can again serve my congregation and community.

I sometimes cry when I put on my tallis and tefillin. I can proclaim with joy: “Thank the Lord for He is good, for His kindness endures forever.”

Moreover, I am exceedingly grateful to the many people in our community who helped me through this ordeal with their prayers, cards, e-mails, donations, meals, gifts, visits, phone calls, rides, and various other assistance. I truly appreciate everyone’s good wishes and support.

I have good reason to count my blessings and be thankful to God for His abundant goodness.

My parents on Shabbat always bless me: “Yevarechecha Hashem V’Yishmerecha,” “God bless you and watch over you.”  May I always be deserving of this blessing.

Have a happy and healthy New Year! L’Shana Tova Tikateivu!