A Journey of Faith: Overcoming Illness and Welcoming Miraculous Twins
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 20, Avia Peled overcame years of matchmaking rejections to marry and have five children under four, culminating in the miraculous unmonitored birth of twins.
When Avia Peled was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 20, no one could have predicted that within a few years she would be married with five children under the age of four. Looking back, she reflects on a journey defined by unwavering faith, overcoming societal hurdles, and a miraculous hidden pregnancy that left medical staff astonished.
"To be honest, at the time I didn't even understand what multiple sclerosis was," Avia recalls. "Since there were no visible symptoms, I continued my life without feeling threatened. I didn't search the internet either, simply because I saw no point in reading about things that didn't apply to me at that stage." Growing up in a home where optimism and trust in God prevailed, she viewed the diagnosis not as a tragedy, but as a divine path tailored specifically for her.
The Long Path of Shidduchim and Rejection
The turning point came when Avia entered the traditional matchmaking market. While initial meetings with potential suitors went well, the moment she disclosed her medical condition, the reactions changed drastically. "I met with a guy, and things seemed to be progressing nicely," she shares. "Shortly after, he informed me: 'I consulted my rabbi, and he recommended staying away, because I'm not sure I have the tools to handle such an illness.' That was the moment I realized I was facing a serious obstacle."
After several similar rejections where suitors vanished upon hearing the truth, Avia accepted this as her personal trial. Her single years stretched on for six years without a single match progressing to engagement. Yet, her perspective remained resilient. When invited to share her story in the media to encourage others, she did not hesitate, despite warnings that openness might further hinder her dating prospects. Believing deeply in radical honesty, she spoke candidly about living with the condition.
A Meeting of Minds and a Surprising Arrival
Shortly after the interview, Avia met her future husband. True to her nature, she disclosed her condition on their very first date, leaving the decision entirely in his hands. He responded positively, and within a year of marriage, they welcomed their first daughter, followed by two sons, and eventually twins.
The story of the twins remains nothing short of miraculous. Following a traditional lifestyle that avoids unnecessary prenatal medical interventions out of profound faith, Avia arrived at the hospital for her latest delivery with no idea she was carrying more than one baby. When the first healthy boy was born, the delivery room took an unexpected turn.
"The midwife tried to deliver the placenta, but it wouldn't budge," Avia recounts. "Suddenly, the doctor was called, and without any warning, we were told there was another baby." Four minutes later, the second boy arrived. Despite a complete absence of ultrasounds, fetal heart monitoring, or prenatal care, both babies were born full-term with healthy weights of 2.9 kg and 2.3 kg respectively, breaking all statistical norms.
Miracles and Blessings
The surprises did not end in the delivery room. Days later, her sister-in-law discovered that the twins were born on the exact Hebrew date of the passing of Rabbeinu Tam—a revered sage whose strict Sabbath observance Avia had personally adopted two years prior. Today, managing a bustling household with five young children under four, Avia uses her story to inspire other single women and those striving in their spiritual paths, reminding them that embracing life with absolute trust opens the door to infinite blessings.
