By COLlive reporter
A Chabad boy who is soon turning 13 years old has begun preparing for his Bar Mitzvah with putting on Tefillin on his head and arm.
This may sound like a regular occurrence, only that the boy’s name is Lazer Galperin and the fact that he is alive and can even lay Tefillin on himself is a miracle.
As a child of 5 years old, Galperin was severely burned during a fire that broke out in his family’s home in the Israeli city of Kiryat Malachi in 2010. He suffered 3rd-degree burns over 80 percent of his little body.
Even if the boy would survive, doctors speculated, he will require more than 17 skin graft surgeries in his first year alone and that he’ll have his forearms and lower legs amputated.
More than 5 seconds of sun exposure would cause Galperin irreparable damage, doctors said, according to Juf News-Express. Even the slightest movement such as blinking an eye or a gentle gust of wind would cause him excruciating pain.
A mere 11 days after the devastating fire that had many praying for the boy, the father Shlomo Galperin took his coma-induced, critically injured and utterly unrecognizable little boy for treatment in the USA.
Accompanied by a team of doctors, father and son took a 12-hour plane ride to Shriners Burns Hospital for Children in Cincinnati, Ohio, juf.org reported.
While his son was fighting for his life, the father was provided with suitable housing near the hospital and other necessities by Rabbi Shlomo Crandall of the Chai Lifeline organization.
After 18 months of treatment at Shriner’s Hospital, Lazer Galperin returned home. He has since undergone years of surgeries, therapies and painful treatments.
This past Friday, Lazer was back on U.S. soil. He is about to become Bar Mitzvah and as customary in Chabad, he began practicing to put on Tefillin as a preparation.
Seated in a wheelchair and accompanied by his father, he prayed at the Rebbe’s Ohel in Cambria Heights, Queens. Fellow visitors could hardly believe the miracle before their eyes.
When Lazer Galperin put on Tefillin at the main shul at Lubavitch Headquarters – 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, it was a surreal moment for himself, as well as friends of the family.
Lazer wore a black fedora, had a jacket and stretched out his scarred left arm for the Tefillin to be wrapped on.
As his father turned to pray himself, he placed his Tallis over his head, said the blessing and then added the lines from Tefillin:
“How precious is Your Kindness, O G-d! … Extend Your kindness upon those who know You, and Your rigourousness upon those who are upright of heart.”
Lazer continued to Philadelphia where he is set to undergo reconstructive surgery at Shriners Hospitals for Children that would enable him to wear prosthetics.
“This surgery is long, extremely crucial and complex and the family needs to accompany him,” friends of the family said. “Recovery from the surgery spans between 4 to 6 months. We are raising money to help the family stay here during this treatment.”
Donate to the Laizer’s Bar Mitzvah Dance Fund
Shriners is really an awesome inspiring hospital. They have helped so many people. We drive 14 hours to be seen at the Philly Shriners. Mazal tov on your bar mitzvah may u know only simchas.
Mazal tov. I miss you!
Chaya kinn
Mazal tov. It will only be good from now going forward. Keep up your spirit you are the miracle of our time. Blessing coming your way. Peace
wow! thanks so much for the update! so happy to see him doing well b”H.
Hatzlacha Rabba, Mazeltov!!
SO beautiful!!! May he have a complete & speedy recovery! Brought tears to my eyes!!!!
I remember him when he was in Cincinnati.he would come to yeshiva for mishmar once a week and I would learn with him, he was avery special and unique boy. I wish him much hatzlacha in his surgury and that he should suffer no more from his pains.
nice Mazel Tov Simchas and Nachas
This is truly a big miracle!
May he and his family not have any pain anymore…
A question. Was anybody else injured in the fire? I want to say tehilim not only for him but for anyobdy else too!
A huge mazal tov and only nachas!
This is the nephew of Rivky Holtzberg, HDY.
The boy’s mother is Rivky’s sister…
The family should only see revealed goodness!!!
I give tzedokoh for him on a daily basis and often wonder how he’s doing. Thanks for the update. May Hashem continue to heal him.
I have no words
Mazal TOV
I often wondered what became of Lazar – I still say Tehillim for him every day. Please continue to update us with his progress.
Lazar, may you continue to brighten up this world after your bar mitzvah. You are an inspiration.
It’s amazing to look at the way everything turned out, bh! Much nachas!!
Mazal Tov! Heartfelt Brochos for the bar mitzvah to continue to grow as a true Chayil !
Bh may be have much health and success. Nadal tov!
Miracle! Awesome simcha!
Much nachas!!!!
Thank you for sharing this very special simcha with us!!!
Later we salute you!
What a Ness Lazar…
May Hashem continue to Bless you with all His Brocha’s from aleph to taf. May you always only know of love, health, & happiness…ad.120
Wishing your family a mazal TOV.
I am amazed at Laser. Look at his beautiful smile.
This is truly an amazing boy.
Im in awe