Why Harav Elyashiv Learned to Say “Thank You” in English
After an American surgeon treated him, Harav Elyashiv insisted on learning how to thank him in English—because gratitude, like Modim D’Rabbanan, must be expressed personally.
After Harav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv underwent a complicated medical procedure, he asked those around him to teach him how to say “thank you” in English. The American surgeon who had treated him, Dr. Daniel Clair, would soon be coming to see him, and Harav Elyashiv wanted to thank him.
Those nearby suggested that Harav Elyashiv speak in Hebrew and allow them to translate his words. But Harav Elyashiv insisted on learning the words himself. He repeated “thank you” until he was able to say it properly.
When the doctor arrived, Harav Elyashiv personally thanked him in English.
His talmidim asked why it had been so important that the words come directly from him rather than through a translator.
Harav Elyashiv pointed to the Abudraham’s explanation of Modim D’Rabbanan. During Chazaras Hashatz, the congregation listens to the chazzan’s repetition of the Shemoneh Esrei. Yet when the chazzan reaches Modim, everyone bows and says a separate expression of thanks.
The Abudraham explains that a person may present a request through a messenger, but one does not properly thank his Master through someone else. An expression of gratitude must come from the person who owes that gratitude.
For Harav Elyashiv, this was not only an explanation of what takes place during davening. It determined how he would thank the doctor who had treated him.