contentContent To Proclaim Your Kindness...... 2 Shalom Bayit (Peace in the Home)...... 6 Faith...... 8 “I Will Return”...... 10 The Power of Sight by the Merit of Torah...... 14 Making Peace Reign...... 15 The Status and Greatness of Women...... 19 Men of Faith...... 21 The Days of Man are Fixed...... 28 The Hilloula of the Tzaddik...... 37 Growing Stronger in Faith...... 40 Setting a Personal Example...... 42 Shabbat – The Source of Blessings...... 45 SHabbat...... 47 Stories of Shabbat...... 47 Amazing Stories...... 52 The Revolutionary...... 55 under aegis of The Jewish People in Exile on Account of Strife...... 58 rabbi david hanania pinto shlita a letter to rabbi david pinto shlita...... 62 Paris • orh Haim ve moshe Yossele “the rascal”...... 63 11, rue du plateau - 75019 paris • france By the Merit of Genuine Faith...... 64 32, rue du plateau - 75019 paris • france Tel: +331 4803 5389 • Fax: +331 42 06 00 33 LYON • hevrat pinto 20 bis, rue des Mûriers • 69100 Villeurbanne • france Tel: +334 78 03 89 14 - Fax: +334 78 68 68 45 israel • ashdod kollel “orot Haim u moshe” Yéchivat “nefesh haim” Rehov ha-admour mi-belz 41/6 • ashdod • israël tel: +972 88 566 233 • fax: +972 88 521 527 israel • jerusalem rehov bayit vagan 8 • jerusalem • israel tel: +972 26 433 605 • fax: +972 26 433 570 U.S.A • chevrat pinto 8 morris road - spring valley • ny 10977 • u.s.a Tel: 1 845 426 1276 • Fax: 1 845 426 1149

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Internet : www.rabbidavidpinto.com e-mail: [email protected] “To inProclaim the Morning and Your Your Faithfulness Kindness in the Nights” by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita his birth. Saddened by this fact, Adam in nature, for originally a tree’s leaves decided to give 70 years of his own and trunk had the same taste as its fruit, life to this exceptional soul, in order to a benefit that trees lost after the sin. grant David the possibility of accom- With each occurrence of Shabbat, a plishing his great deeds in this world. foreshadowing of the World to Come, We now understand why King David is we are being offered the possibility of described as being “old,” since the end immersing ourselves to a certain degree of his life actually marked the comple- in the atmosphere of the world before tion of Adam’s 1,000-year life. the sin. Our sacred books tell us the context in A person will usually thank Hashem, which Adam composed the Psalm, “It is blessed be He, for things that clearly good to praise the L-RD.” On the first seem good to him. As for things that a Friday of Creation, the day on which person does not clearly see as good, he he was created, Adam sinned by eating will not thank Hashem for them. Man’s fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. Ac- task in this world is to learn to thank G-d cording to the measure of strict justice, for everything, including those which he should have instantly died. Yet in His his human eyes do not perceive as be- compassion, the Holy One, blessed be ing good. For example, the fact that a He, prolonged his life by hundreds of person gets up every morning in good years. Hence it was out of gratitude that health constitutes an immense kind- Adam composed this Psalm. Moreover, ness from the Creator. Yet the everyday On Friday evening, with the arrival of the six days of Creation that preceded nature of this event has made it so com- Shabbat, we usually recite the Psalm: Adam’s sin had a particularly elevated monplace that a person loses all sense “It is good to praise the L-RD, and aspect to them. Mankind’s first sin tar- of gratitude, having come to regard to sing to Your Name, O Most High” nished the brilliance of the holy lights it as something completely natural. A (Psalms 92:2). Our Sages tell us that that shined in the universe. Neverthe- chassid originally from New York told this Psalm was originally composed by less, the arrival of Shabbat enabled me what happened to him. One Friday Adam, and it was later taken by King these lights to continue in the world, night he went to bed, and when he woke David and inserted into his collection until the close of that holy day, when up on Shabbat morning, he found his of Psalms. As we know, David’s soul Hashem put them aside. Adam, who wife dead. There are many other stories was a spark from Adam’s. had the merit of tasting the delight of like this regarding people who are in perfectly good health, and yet one day The Chida explains the verse, “King that Shabbat (which was infused with they just die, G-d forbid. David was old, advanced in days” (I these holy lights), hurried to compose Kings 1:1) in the following way: The this Psalm because his goal was to I recently witnessed a similar inci- final letter of each word in the phrase perpetuate the sweet sense of holiness dent. A man wanted to see me, and he “David…advanced in days” form the that reigned before the sin. In fact the tried to meet at a place where I was name “Adam,” from which we de- reading of this Psalm, composed in a receiving people. He had not arranged duce that King David emanated from spiritually elevated atmosphere, can for a meeting, and therefore he was a spark of Adam’s soul. In fact, how infuse us with a sense of holiness. Fi- given one for the following day. That can we say that King David was old, nally, Shabbat foreshadows the World same night, while he was having supper, since he died at the age of 70, which is to Come, and Adam’s Psalm constitutes he suffered a heart attack that proved relatively young? From here we derive a thank you to G-d for this holy day’s to be fatal. From Adam, we learn our another interpretation from the verse, extra dimension. duty to thank Hashem every day. Just namely that the years of David’s life Before his sin, Adam was an ex- the fact of being able to wake up every completed the years of Adam’s life. tremely elevated being. Chazal tell us morning in good health, despite our It is actually brought down that Adam that Adam’s heel shined like the globe transgressions of the prior day, make gave 70 years of his life to David, for of the sun, to the point that the angels us infinitely indebted to G-d. Adam saw by Ruach HaKodesh that mistook him for a celestial being. This We sometimes see that it is ostensi- King David would die on the day of sin also brought about a deterioration bly simple people who merit miracles, 2 a privilege that does not seem to be dollars. He was planning on giving it to doctors dumbfounded in the face of this granted to Torah scholars. I offer the me for my birthday, but he passed away miracle. Today, everyone who meets following explanation: It often happens beforehand. I’ve looked all around the this miraculous man exclaims, “How that such simple people possess the house, but can’t find it.” That was the great are Your works, O L-RD!” strongest faith, their entire lives being cause of her pain and the reason for her It sometimes happens that the Holy focused on the Holy One, blessed be coming to see me: Her husband had left One, blessed be He, reveals His om- He. On the other hand, there are great this world without telling her where her nipotence to His creatures in order to scholars who are versed in the most jewelry was. stir their hearts into having faith in Him. subtle secrets of Torah, and yet they I was completely taken aback by this This can be illustrated by the following lack the main thing – constantly hav- woman, who rather than being saddened case: A man was diagnosed with cancer ing in mind the One Who gave us this by her husband’s passing and trying to that had spread throughout his body, Torah. Now the fear of G-d constitutes find a way to elevate his soul, was in- and he had no further hope of survival. the foundation and prerequisite for stead preoccupied with her jewelry. My Despite the somber predictions of his observing the Torah. A person lacking dismay only increased when I learned doctors, he is still alive today, already this essential quality cannot witness an that her husband was a millionaire several years later. One of the doctors obvious manifestation of Divine provi- and had left her an immense fortune. himself said to him, “Know that your dence. Such is the meaning of the verse, In that case, why was she so worried survival is a miracle, because from a “Now, O Israel, what does the L-RD about this jewelry rather than mourn- medical standpoint, you should have your G-d ask of you? Only to fear the ing her husband’s passing? I therefore died a long time ago. Only your prayers, L-RD your G-d” (Deuteronomy 10:12). concluded that this is the difference your faith in G-d, and your observance From here it follows that the fear of G-d between a person who is a believer and of mitzvot are the source of this extraor- and genuine faith form the foundation respects the Torah and mitzvot, and a dinary merit.” of every Jew’s existence. person who is immersed in the physical The caretaker of my home in Mo- Another Jew, who was also from New world – a world that blinds people and rocco, Rav Mordekhai Knafo, told me York, told me that one Friday night hinders every attempt to see the truth the following story. The son of one of some thieves made their way into his as it really is. his friends, originally from Strasbourg, home and stole more than half a mil- “It is good to praise the L-RD” – was seriously ill. In fact doctors gave lion dollars. This man had entered into “good” is an adjective that designates him no chance for survival. Having a business venture and was planning the Torah. Hence this verse means that lost all hope, his relatives and friends on depositing the money in the bank. I only a person who possesses a solid went to the grave of the tzaddik Rabbi told him that it was Hashem Who gives foundation in Torah can thank Hashem Haim Pinto, and there they prayed from and it is Hashem Who takes back, and for all that happens to him in life, for the bottom of their hearts for the sick may this incident be an atonement for occasions that are joyous and for occa- youngster. Following these prayers, his soul. I also advised him to claim sions that are not. Rav Knafo told the father of the boy the stolen money from his insurance The passage continues by stating, “To that the grandson of Rabbi Haim Pinto, company. The man listened carefully proclaim Your kindness in the morning namely Rabbi David Pinto, was now at to my words and accepted Hashem’s and Your faithfulness in the nights” the airport. Rav Knafo advised the man judgment with love. He even reached (Psalms 92:3). The term “good” at the to present me with a bottle of water, on the point of coming to the following beginning of verse 2 refers to someone which I would recite a blessing. This conclusion: Given that this was obvi- with a solid foundation in Torah. Now man, who was a simple Jew, prayed for ously a Divine judgment, it was no a person who does not possess Torah my plane to be somewhat delayed. He use to ask his insurance company to be and lives in darkness, let him at least be then arrived at the airport and managed reimbursed for it, since Heaven did not filled with faith, which can illuminate to convince the airline personnel to let want to protect it. the darkness of his nights. him come aboard. When he presented It was then the turn of a woman, During one of my trips to New York, I himself to me, I recited a fervent bless- all in tears, to ask me for advice. Her was told of a man who was struck with ing for his sick son. Thank G-d, the boy husband, who was young and in good a malignant brain tumor. His doctors completely recovered, and later on he health, had suddenly died from a heart predicted that he would soon die. Told even had the merit of getting married attack, leaving his entire family in of his case, I telephoned him and left a and having three sons. The American tremendous distress. As I began to message in which I recommended that doctors who heard of this miraculous re- console this woman over the loss of her he strengthen his observance of Torah covery could not believe their ears. This beloved, she interrupted me to say: “I and mitzvot in order to tilt the balance incident brought about a tremendous didn’t come here to be comforted, but in his favor. This man seriously heeded sanctification of Hashem’s Name. for a very specific problem. My hus- my instructions, strengthening his fear During one of my trips to Montreal, band bought me some jewelry that was of G-d. In the space of a few days, his Rav Meir Gabay told me that he often worth two hundred and fifty thousand brain tumor disappeared, leaving his wanted to photograph the cemetery 3 in Essaouira. Yet each time, for some to meet her as initially planned. When and had been buried in a non-Jewish reason or another, he was unable to. my blessing reached her, she wanted to cemetery. She now wanted to transfer Once when he was in Essaouira, he was return her donation, but Mrs. Moyal told her daughter’s remains to a Jewish cem- finally about to realize his wish…until her that she could give it to me in person etery. When I inquired as to why she had his camera fell to the ground and broke! once we met. One day I was receiving been buried there, this woman said that Rav Gabay then left Essaouira, con- people in Canada, and a woman with a her daughter had married a non-Jew, vinced that all the pictures he had taken smile on her face, accompanied by her and he was the one who arranged for were ruined. Imagine his surprise when son, entered the room and gave me an her burial. She took the opportunity to all the pictures turned out alright except envelope. She said that on the day she add that her grandson, the son of her for those he had taken at the cemetery! was told that I would meet her, she was daughter, had also married a non-Jew He saw this as a sign from Heaven, for busy on the telephone as her son was and was living a completely non-Jewish it seemed that the tzaddik Rabbi Haim on the floor. Suddenly she felt some- life. This woman begged me for help. I Pinto did not want his gravesite being thing tugging at her foot, and when she asked her if she observed Shabbat and photographed. looked down she saw her handicapped ate kosher, to which she said no. I then A close relative of Rav Nissim Loeb, son standing on his feet! Thank G-d, asked her why she so wanted to die as who was a great follower of Rabbi this woman merited having the tzaddik a Jew and lie next to her daughter in a Haim Pinto, told me that a grandson of Rabbi Haim Pinto intercede for her to Jewish cemetery, since she had always Rav Nissim had been married for seven heal her son. The fact that she overcame lived at odds with Jewish law. This was years, but was still fatherless. Medically her anger and was ready to make this like the case of the wicked Bilam, who speaking, he had no chance of ever fa- donation also certainly contributed to had led a lawless life and yet wanted thering children. However his authentic the healing of her son, for “whoever to die like a tzaddik. I told this woman faith that the merit of the tzaddik would overcomes his impulses merits to have that only a person who has lived like work for him allowed him to overcome evil decrees annulled.” a Jew can merit to die like a Jew. It is this physical inability. His wife later During one of my trips, a couple important to realize the impossibility gave birth to a child in good health, having problems came to see me. Their of holding to both extremes at the same contrary to all medical forecasts. home was in complete shambles. When time. A person who wants to die as a Jew, to die in sanctity, must also live in A woman originally from Montreal, I learned of their problems, I tried to accordance with that ideal by sanctify- who had been invited to the Hilloula of find some sort of a compromise between ing G-d’s Name, each person at his or the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto, asked them, but without success. This couple her own level. I also gave this woman Mrs. Maguy Moyal to give her an ap- owned a large factory that was missing some practical advice, and I consoled pointment to see me. She wanted me a railing on its roof, from which one her because I felt very bad for her. to give a blessing to her paralyzed son. of their workers fell off and died. The In return, she promised to attend the owner was in shock, and I told him that A young woman who wanted to be- Hilloula and make a large donation to it was his duty to place a railing there come engaged with a certain young man my Torah institutions. I had to leave in order to comply with the Torah obli- came to see me for a blessing. I asked Montreal that day, however, and my gation, “You shall not bring any blood her for their names, and then I blessed extreme fatigue prevented me from upon your house.” I added that “one them. At that point I noticed that the receiving anyone. This woman, who transgression leads to another.” Fur- young woman didn’t seem completely was furious at having her appointment thermore, from the fact that this couple happy, and so I asked her about it. She canceled, asked Mrs. Moyal to give her had been fighting with one another, the told me that she was still thinking about back the donation she had made. Mrs. Holy One, blessed be He, brought about her old boyfriend, a non-Jew that she Moyal returned it to this woman, all another disaster – the death of one of had been seeing a few years earlier. I while advising her to fax me her request their workers. Who knows what harm told her that today we are living at a for a blessing. That way, she would could still happen? Perhaps one of their time like that of the Hasmoneans, who certainly merit Divine intervention. relatives could die as well? That same managed to overcome the destructive At first she was reluctant, questioning night, this couple returned to see me in influences of the Greek empire. I added the power of a blessing obtained by tears. They said that their youngest son that if these Chanukah candles did not means of a fax. When she was finally had fallen from that very same spot, but influence her enough, it was certainly convinced, however, she quickly faxed thank G-d had survived. This series of because she was still attached to her me her message. When I received it, I incidents greatly moved the couple, and past to a certain degree. If she did tes- gave her son a blessing for a prompt they completely repented and reestab- huvah, she would be able to break free recovery, writing that they should have lished peace in their home. of her past. Thank G-d, she wholeheart- the merit of witnessing tremendous During another trip, I was visited by edly did teshuvah and no longer had any miracles. I also promised to meet her an elderly woman who was a Holocaust longings for that time in her life. She during my next visit to Canada, and survivor. She told me that her daughter merited marrying the young Yaacov. apologized for not having been able had committed suicide 30 years earlier, Twenty years ago, I visited a certain 4 town whose Jewish community did not medically speaking he had no chance Rebbetzin to be allowed in. When she have a Sefer Torah. I did what was need- of surviving. came in, my father told her that he had ed to obtain one, which brought great Rabbi Castiel told me that when my written a letter that she had to bring to joy to the community. This town was father was dwelling in Morocco, he Toulouse. The Rebbetzin replied that known for its decadence, and I told a lived a very secluded life, and during she didn’t need to see the letter, because few of its residents, people that I was in the first years of his marriage he was she had just brought all the things that contact with, to move away from there. extremely poor. Rabbi Castiel added my father wanted and had listed in his They followed my advice. Some young that he learned from my father how letter. What could be more amazing men who moved away put a great deal “one who trusts in the L-RD, kindness than that! How could the Rebbetzin of effort into observing Torah and mitz- will surround him.” In fact his suste- have brought precisely everything vot, going on to establish solid homes. nance arrived at his door without him that my father had wanted even before One day a woman informed me of her ever having to leave the house. They having read his letter? This is a clear plans to move away from that town, as lived in Essaouira during that time, illustration of the principle, “The work well as to transfer the synagogue that under conditions of extreme poverty. of the righteous is done by others.” was located in her building. It was dif- Many of them shared a small living I head the following story from Mr. ficult for them to assemble ten men in space, and meat almost never appeared Cohen, who heard it from Mr. David their neighborhood for a minyan, and in their diet. It was almost miraculous Mor Yossef Larach: Whenever people her building, which was near the beach, that these women, having to cope with saw the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto, they was located in an environment that was such dietary deficiencies, could give would exclaim: “Money will come!” In known for its lewdness. It was agreed birth to healthy babies. Yet despite such fact whenever Rabbi Haim Pinto prayed that the people who lived in that build- crushing conditions, my father never for a person’s livelihood, his sustenance ing should move out first, followed by had any worries about food, for even was guaranteed. their belongings, and then finally by in the most extreme and seemingly I gave an important lecture at the Vin- the Sefer Torah that I had procured for hopeless of situations, the Holy One, cennes synagogue in Paris a few months them. The instant that the Sefer Torah blessed be He, came to his aid through ago. During that lecture, a woman was removed from there, the entire an envoy – a person who had vowed to insisted on speaking to me, saying that building collapsed. From this we clearly donate something to Rabbi Haim Pinto since she was old, she would not be able see that it was the Sefer Torah that had would miraculously visit him. to see me once I started to receive the saved them and kept them alive during Rabbi Castiel also told me that my public. Despite the pleas of numerous all the time they were living there, for father was sometimes obligated to leave people, I gave priority to this woman, at the Torah protects and saves people his home. One time he had to travel to which point she told me the following story: Her daughter had come to see me from all danger. The woman who told Casablanca, and there all the residents Le 11 rue du Plateau me this story is a convert, and I thought in town, both Jews and Arabs, went out several times before in order to ask for that it could not have been a coincidence to see this amazing sight – that this tzad- a blessing in finding a husband. Having that she had witnessed this miracle. She dik had left his home. The residents of still not had the merit of finding one, she had certainly emerged stronger in her Essaouira, who knew that my father was returned once again. It was then that battle against the non-Jews who wanted careful not to look out into the streets, I had struck the table and exclaimed: to marry her, and strengthened in her brought blankets to cover him, thereby “With G-d’s help, and by the merit of desire to marry a practicing Jew. protecting the sanctity of his eyes. Rabbi Haim Pinto, you will meet your future husband tomorrow!” In fact on A certain Dr. Assaraf, a respected When my father took the bus, he also the very next day, one of her friends physician in Toulouse, told me that his had the habit of placing a blanket over invited her over to her home in order son was involved in a serious accident. his head during the entire trip. Women to meet her brother, and they ended up In fact he had lost consciousness and who would see him traveling were getting married and having children. was close to death. This doctor knew overcome with emotion and exclaimed, I said to the woman who told me this that his son had practically no hope “G-d of Meir, answer me!” story that I wasn’t responsible for the for survival. However the Rav of Tou- Rabbi Castiel also told me of another miracle. It occurred solely because of louse, Rabbi Amram Castiel, spoke incident. When my father was very the merit of my holy ancestors, and to him about the incredible wonders sick, Rebbetzin Castiel came to see also because of the authentic faith of a connected with Rabbi Haim Pinto, and him, but my mother refused to let her mother and her daughter in the words he decided to pray for the merit of this in. The Rebbetzin insisted, saying that of a Rav. tzaddik to save his son. Dr. Assaraf also she wanted to receive a blessing from showed a picture of Rabbi Haim Pinto the tzaddik. My mother then explained to his son, who little by little began to her that she had already refused to let to regain consciousness. He says that many rabbis come in, so how could she he’s convinced thatLe it Mikveh was the pour merit of allow her this privilege? Suddenly, my Hommes au 11 rue du this tzaddik which saved his son, since father’s voice was heard calling for the Plateau 5 ShalomThe torah Bashapesyit the (Peace character in of manthe Home) (by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita) It is written, “Gladden the beloved compan- for her husband Adam, was related to the fact consecrated to me,” she remembered another ions as You gladdened Your creatures in the that there were no other human beings on the young man whom she loved, and she immedi- Garden of Eden in former times. Blessed are earth. Having no other choice, each based ately fled, clothed in her wedding gown.T hese You, O L-RD, Who gladdens groom and bride” their desires exclusively on the other, and no are difficult and painful examples of actual (Ketubot 8a). couple could haveLe Kollel been happier. de Paris They lived in situations that, unfortunately, occur from time As newlyweds stand beneath the chuppah this way, just as G-d had asked them to. It is to time. Even some couples who appear to be (wedding canopy), they receive seven bless- obvious that they were motivated by a fear of living in peace and harmony really struggle ings known as Sheva Berachot. Our hope is Heaven, the proof being that it was G-d Him- with constant friction and arguments in the that these blessings will accompany them and self who buried them in Ma’arat HaMachpelah home, for husband and wife are no longer help them establish a solid home among the (the cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron). faithful to one another, their hearts and minds Jewish people, a home based on Torah and In our time, a large number of problems being directed toward others. the fear of Heaven. concerning shalom bayit (peace in the home) We might be tempted to defend these In the sixth of these blessings, we wish the stem from the fact that people do not guard people by saying that, in the final analysis, it newlyweds the merit of loving one another and their eyes, nor do they invest enough time and is G-d Who gave man an evil inclination, an being united, following the example of Adam effort into studying Torah. Thus a man will look inclination that leads him to sin with his eyes and Eve, who loved one another with a love at other women, some more attractive than his and mind. That, however, is not the whole that was absolute, without bounds. When G-d wife, and a woman will also meet men who story. To fight this inclination, G-d also gave created man on the sixth day, He placed him appear to be more refined and caring than man the Torah, as our Sages have said: “I cre- in a perfect world that contained everything he her husband. And when the eyes of husband ated the evil inclination, but I also created the needed. In fact man is G-d’s chosen creation, and wife are not exclusively reserved for one Torah as its antidote.” The Torah is therefore His most cherished work and the jewel of another, problems of shalom bayit soon fol- the remedy that heals the damaging effects of Creation. Furthermore, G-d wanted to cre- low. This is because on the outside, people the evil inclination. By diligently studying and ate him only when the world was completely always appear better and more caring than laboring over it, a person will be protected established and ready to receive him, so he in the home. from the evil inclination. This allows us to could rejoice and be happy. As the couple stir with emotion while stand- understand the blessing given to the newly- When Adam opened his eyes, he was sur- ing beneath the chuppah, their love still intact, weds, namely that they should merit to be like prised to see all of G-d’s amazing creatures, they are given the blessing that this love Adam and Eve. In fact the Torah, which was and he hastened to thank Him. Nevertheless, should continue to develop and grow, and given to the Jewish people, is filled with laws something hindered his joy. While all the other that they should be happy together just like and advice that have the power to protect a creatures had companions, Adam was alone in Adam and Eve. Here a question arises, for person from sin. Hence by establishing their the world, having no companion with which to how can such a blessing be formulated today, home on the principles of Torah and the fear share his life. Above all, he found it impossible given that modern times are so different than of Heaven, husband and wife will merit for love to perpetuate the human race. Our Sages have at the creation of the world? There were no to constantly reign in their home and for strife explained that when G-d saw Adam’s distress, other people in the time of Adam and Eve, and and discord to be absent. He presented all the world’s animals to him, therefore it was natural for them to rejoice in Man’s purpose on earth is to acquire virtues but he was only satisfied when G-d created one another and to love each other uncondi- through the diligent study of Torah. At the his wife Eve from his side. Our Sages add that tionally. After all, they had no other choice, no same time, he must work on correcting his G-d used this approach in order for Adam to other competition. In our time, however, there negative character traits, which can disrupt his desire a companion that was like him in terms are so many men and women that the choice service of G-d. In fact G-d placed numerous of essence and characteristics. Thus even is huge. Therefore how can we formulate a and varied abilities in each person, and it is when his wife would upset him, Adam would blessing like the one above, a hope that runs possible to orient them in a positive way, for not be able to question her creation, since he counter to modern life? spiritual purposes, or in a negative way (G-d knew that he had asked G-d to create a woman I once saw a young man from London who, forbid), for destructive purposes. For example, who was like him. as he was standing beneath the chuppah, sud- a person who by nature is very stubborn can When Adam awoke from the deep sleep that denly began to grow fearful, thinking that the use this trait in a negative way – by clinging G-d had placed upon him, and when he saw young woman who was standing beside him to his ideas without any hope of changing or his wife Eve before him, no one could have was not blessed with all the characteristics that making any effort to understand others. Such been happier! Eve’s great beauty was appar- he was looking for. He abandoned her beneath a person will be unable to recognize his faults, ently the reason for this joy, since she was so the chuppah, leaving her covered with shame. and he will refuse to change because he thinks beautiful that the Matriarch Sarah – renowned I also heard the story of a young woman from that he is always right. Even if the members of for her beauty – was like an ape in comparison Paris who fled from the chuppah, since she the Beit Midrash (study hall) show him another to her. It also seems that the joy that Adam felt felt no real love for her young fiancé. In fact way to think and try to explain to him why he is for his wife Eve, as well as the joy that Eve felt when the time came for him to say, “You are wrong, he will cleave to his position, as stub- 6 born as a mule. This proves that the Torah he he is able to control his desires and submit will naturally follow the path that was laid out has studied was not for the sake of Heaven, them to the Torah’s will. for it. And just as it is necessary to maintain but only served to support his stubbornness G-d created man in His image, infusing him these tracks – to check for any debris that has and personal pride. with the life of the supernal realms. By doing settled on it, and to repair any twisted sections Alternatively, this same character trait – so, He also created his character in the best – likewise the work of maintaining peace in which can cause a person to stumble and lead possible way. Yet as soon as man sinned by the home never ends. A sensitive heart and a him to the very brink of disaster – can also eating from the Tree of Knowledge, he lost this watchful eye have to be maintained in order act as a virtue. For example, when a person perfection. That incident has continued to influ- to check and repair any damage, lest the train studies a subject that is difficult to understand, ence the generations up to the present day. jump the track, G-d forbid. and yet instead of losing hope and crossing The sin of the first man led to the existence Living together as husband and wife his arms, he continues to learn and tries to of the evil inclination, which tries to damage requires a tremendous amount of patience understand, this constitutes a positive and man’s spiritual traits and make him lose the and tolerance. A home in which a couple is beneficial type of stubbornness.I n fact this is character that was initially fashioned for him by constantly criticizing one another is bound to a kind of stubbornness that can elevate him the Creator. It is for this reason that G-d gave fail. Think of an infant taking its first steps. If to the highest spiritual levels, helping him to the Torah to His children, so that by putting an its mother were to get angry each time it fell or persevere and study Torah with diligence, and effort into it, they could correct their character dirtied its clothes, the infant would never learn enabling him to get to the crux of issues. and purify it in order to bring it back to its initial to walk. Likewise, living under the same roof demands a tremendous amount of patience, It is written, “Let one who is [like] a wild state before the sin. This is the blessing that tolerance, and understanding. The Rambam donkey be reborn as a man” (Job 11:12). is addressed to the newlyweds, namely that states that the event which had the greatest This verse teaches us that without the holy their love for one another should be like that impact on his life occurred when a pious man Torah, a person will focus all his abilities and of Adam and Eve, whose characters were per- was traveling by boat. Hoping for a little peace desires towards materialism and physical fect. How can they attain this love? When they and quiet, he decided to descend into the desires. However Torah study and mitzvot work on their character traits through the holy ship’s holds and lie down. Suddenly a man observance push him to work on himself, Torah, they will receive the strength and the entered and relieved himself on him. Rather enabling him to become a true man. Thus by means to continue being faithful to one another than getting upset or lashing out at the man for properly channeling his abilities, a person can and to constantly maintain their love. his outrageous behavior, the pious man had shape his character from a moral point of view, It is known that husband and wife have pity on him, for he was a poor individual who a character that can be gauged by his relation- very different personalities. They were, in fact, was at a very low level. Then, without uttering ship with others. The closer his relationship designed this way so that each of them could a word, he went to wash his clothes. with others is, the more his stubbornness will fulfill their designated mission. That being manifest itself – with the members of his own said, how can each of them eventually live The Rambam asserts that this is the most family foremost, and especially with his wife, together under the same roof, given that their incredible story he ever heard. In fact it con- who is like his own flesh. personalities are so different, sometimes even tains an important message about the power of silence when a person is insulted and does The Torah commands a man not to have diametrically opposed? It seems that when each tries to work on himself and does not at- not answer in return. One who acquires the any contact with a woman in niddah (i.e., ability to keep quiet under the most trying who is impure due to a flow of blood). Only tempt to correct the character of the other, they can establish a home in peace. However when circumstances has attained the greatest level when she has immersed herself in a mikveh in character building. On more than one oc- each forgets their true role and constantly tries (ritual bath), and only by having scrupulously casion, I have heard rumors that the actions I to improve the other, peace and friendship will observed all the laws regarding such a state, have taken were done for selfish reasons, and quickly flee the home, and resentment and is a man allowed to touch his wife and have that my real objective was to increase my own hostility will soon fill the void. conjugal relations with her. On the face of it, standing and honor in the eyes of the com- this prohibition may seem impossible to keep, It seems that we can express our desire munity. Such rumors are capable of robbing a for how can a man – if he and his wife are for a person in good health to stay that way, person of his peace of mind and discouraging alone at home – be ordered to overcome his not to experience illness or pain. Likewise for him. Nevertheless, I made it my goal to remain desires and instincts by not having any contact a couple standing beneath the chuppah, our quiet and not respond, hoping that by this merit whatsoever with his wife? The explanation is desire is for their love to remain constant and all my endeavors would succeed. the following: The Torah is the source from for peace to reside in their home. Every sen- To summarize, living together as husband which virtues are acquired, and the more a sible person knows that peace in the home is and wife demands a great deal of diligence person takes on the characteristics of a true not just something that is acquired, but rather and constant work. By working on oneself G-d fearing Jew, the more he can overcome is earned through hard work and dedication. and honing one’s character traits through hardship. Generally speaking, by working on Just as a young plant needs to be watered and intense Torah study, a man will merit peace himself a person shapes his character from a constantly tended, likewise building a home and contentment in his home. moral point of view. This morality is not only requires constant work and devotion that is external; it is also effective when a person finds without limit. The first years of a marriage himself alone with his wife, completely hidden are the most critical. They determine, for the from sight. It is for this reason that the Torah most part, the home’s future. The first area commands him to pay attention to the prohibi- that requires work when establishing a home tion regarding a niddah, for the Torah purifies a consists of shaping one’s character. When person’s traits and fortifies his character until railroad tracks have been set down, a train 7 Faith(By Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita) “When I behold Your heavens, the not feel that they are doing everything by band by using a picture of the Twin Towers work of Your fingers, the moon and themselves. It’s a pity that it is only during that depicted each tower upside down. the stars that You have set in place….” difficult times that a person manages to When the advertisement was published a (Psalms 8:4) wake up. Even in a normal situation, when month later, the towers had already been attacked and were in ruins. Someone with- King David wrote in the Psalms, “When everything seems to be going well, if we out faith will not think about this combina- I behold Your heavens, the work of Your could only sense our need for Hashem, tion of extraordinary circumstances. Such fingers, the moon and the stars that You as well as His proximity, we could avoid a person will think, “It was only a picture have set in place….” King David did not the difficulties that precipitate a spiritual for an advertisement.” Yet someone with need to search for Who had created the awakening. faith will stop and think about it, realiz- world. All he needed was to look at the I visited Rav Shach Zatzal several years ing that it was not a coincidence. It hides hosts of heaven in order to conclude that ago in order ask him how to improve the great Divine providence, namely that even Hashem was the One Who had created spiritual condition of Jews in France. He before the attack, this singer, who wanted the world. The term shamecha (“Your got up, looked at his hands, and told me to advertise his band by standing next to heavens”) is formed by the same letters as that although it is the hands that act for the towers, had prophesized even without shimcha (“Your Name”). When King Da- man, this does not come to us for free. knowing it, actually reversing the image of vid gazed up to the heavens, he could see Hence every morning we wake up and the towers so that they pointed towards the the Name of Hashem, which was enough give thanks by saying, “I offer thanks to ground. Nobody asked him why, but it was to make him sense the presence of the You, O living and eternal King, for You certainly because Heaven wanted to hint world’s Creator and to believe in Him. have mercifully restored my soul within to the world that the towers would come me. Great is Your faithfulness.” This pas- Today in our generation, however, this crashing down, which is what happened sage acknowledges the fact that Hashem has become very difficult. I know because soon afterwards. I have to put a great deal of effort into has restored our soul after we have been When the sea split, we read: “They convincing people to wear tefillin, despite asleep, which is somewhat like death, believed in the L-RD and in Moses His it being a fundamental and simple mitz- and that in His mercy He has given us wondrous limbs that enable the body to servant.” These words raise a problem: vah. It is not obvious for many people Did the Children of Israel not believe in because they lack simple faith. Thank move. All we have to do is to look at our bodies in order to realize that Hashem is Hashem up to that point, despite all the G-d, after numerous efforts, I have been miracles that He had performed for them able to obtain promises from people who the Creator of the world, His existence shining forth from every limb. in Egypt? Furthermore, did the fact that have taken it upon themselves to put on the Children of Israel went into the desert Rav Shach Zatzal descended to the tefillin, and I have obtained commitments – without even taking food with them – Beit Midrash one Shabbat morning and to observe the laws of family purity in not prove that they believed in Hashem, every detail. asked his students, “Do you know what trusting in Him to feed them and see to all Someone once came to see me and said Gehinnom is? Do you realize how severe their needs? That said, how can we say that that he only put on tefillin when he had an the punishment of Gehinnom is?” All his they demonstrated their faith only when opportunity and enough time for it. I asked students looked at him with astonish- the sea split for them? him, “Have you given up eating with the ment, taken aback by these words, words that they simply were not used to hearing I would like to explain this by saying same ease that you gave up putting on your that even before the sea split, the Children from their Rav. He continued by saying, tefillin? Or, since eating is essential, do of Israel certainly believed in Hashem “Yesterday, I felt what Gehinnom is like. you manage to eat something on the way because of all they had seen beforehand. On Shabbat evening, while I was studying out, even if you’re in a rush and don’t have However they believed that all which Torah, the timer suddenly switched off the an extra minute to spare? If you haven’t had been done for them up to that point light and I could no longer study. At that neglected eating because your body needs occurred by the merit of their holy forefa- point I felt tremendous pain, like the pain material sustenance to live, don’t forsake thers. Hashem had promised the Patriarchs of Gehinnom.” your tefillin either, because the body needs to bring their descendants out of Egypt spiritual sustenance to act, and its spiritual This story teaches us the spiritual level through miracles and wonders. This means sustenance consists of the mitzvot that the of the tzaddikim. From it we learn just how that Hashem had fulfilled His promise, and holy Torah has given us.” great the faith of this tzaddik was. Only a that these miracles were not done out of A person must constantly realize that he man who imbued in himself a robust faith His love for the Children of Israel. When needs tremendous faith in Hashem in order can appreciate the value of each precious the sea split, however, they saw that every- not to think that he is doing everything by instant of Torah study. We may say, “The thing was being done out of G-d’s love for himself in the world. I have noticed that tzaddik lives by his faith,” for only one them. In fact the splitting of the sea was most people who return to the Torah go who beats with faith can merit life. not included among Hashem’s promises through revolutionary changes in their I had a chance to see, not long before to the Patriarchs, and therefore it provided lives when faced with great financial the destruction of the Twin Towers, an ad- them with proof that He loved them and hardship, for during such times they do vertisement for a singer who promoted his sought their good. When the Children of 8 Israel became fully aware of this, their When we got back on our way towards to bring peace and harmony, for when faith in Hashem intensified, which is why the synagogue, I was rattled. There had the Holy One, blessed be He, sees that a the verse states: “They believed in the been a terrible accident in the exact same person is returning to Him and observing L-RD and in Moses His servant” – even spot that we had passed a minute earlier. His mitzvot, He will also go out towards after the sea split. A heavy transport truck had violently col- him and make things easier for him. A Moroccan Jew whose father and lided with an oncoming car, and we didn’t I met this same man a few years later, grandfather were great tzaddikim, men know if the two occupants in that car had and he told me that for a long time he had who were known as miracle workers, been killed or injured, for their bodies been trying to reach me. He wanted to came to see me. This man thought that I were lying by the side of the road. When tell me that he had followed my advice was going to receive him in a special way I saw that, I was completely overcome and that, as it turned out, peace had actu- because of his lineage. When he realized with emotion, for we should have passed ally returned to his home. The thought that this was not the case, he asked me if that spot at the same exact time that the of divorcing his wife had completely left I knew who he was. When I replied that accident occurred, and who knows what his mind. I did not, he told me that he was the son would have happened to us! A person has I have seen what occurs in the world. and grandson of these great men. I said to to be blind not to see that tzeddakah pro- Why are all eyes turned towards the land him, “Of course I know your father and tects from death, for we were on our way of Israel, this tiny country that can barely grandfather. You, however, I don’t know.” to the synagogue where donations were be seen on a map, and yet grabs the at- I continued by saying, “Is it possible that being collected for the poor. The Torah tention of the whole world? Furthermore, you’re a tzaddik like your forefathers, but also protects and saves, and I was saved there are many countries that would like that it doesn’t show – that you allow your- by the words of Torah that I had to give. to destroy it, and its enemies never stop, self to walk with your head uncovered and We clearly see from this story that there is changing all the time. Anyone who looks without putting on tefillin because your someone Who guides the world and directs at history, which is filled with the suffering forefathers were tzaddikim? That just isn’t all things. He is the One Who decides of the Jewish people, cannot ignore the possible, just as it isn’t possible for me to man’s fate, either for life or for death. We fact that enemies have risen to destroy us use my wife’s passport to take a plane for left there with even greater faith, a greater in every era, as we say during the Passover France, since it’s my own passport that I understanding of the fact that there is a Haggadah. Yet Hashem always saves us. G-d in Heaven. have to use.” I believe that this stems from the fact Similarly, the Children of Israel believed Hashem and His Shechinah have always that the Holy One, blessed be He, created in Hashem, but not with deep-rooted faith. been present in all places. Since the de- the world by the power of Torah, upon This was because they believed that ev- struction of the Temple, the Shechinah is which all the world’s religions are based. erything which had been done for them primarily found in synagogues and houses What proves the truth and eternity of the was due to the merit of their ancestors. of study, meaning in places where people holy Torah is the fact that the Satan at- However once the sea split – once they learn Torah. Furthermore, when peace ex- tacks all truth, threatening to destroy it saw Hashem face to face – they realized ists between husband and wife, the Shechi- because it cannot tolerate seeing the world the intense love that He had for them, and nah dwells in their home. Where there is dominated by truth. This is why non-Jews at that point they believed in Him with in- faith, there is inevitably the observance of constantly rise up against us. When we be- creasing intensity. Furthermore, the Holy mitzvot, and when we correctly observe lieve in Hashem and cleave to His Torah, One, blessed be He, wanted to give them mitzvot, there is peace in the home. At they cannot harm us. Yet when we neglect the Torah, which He had not given to the that point the Shechinah dwells there and Hashem and His mitzvot, this gives them Patriarchs, and this added even more to everyone benefits. strength, at which point they can attack their love for Him. When a woman goes to immerse herself and wipe us out. Living near New York City is a family in a mikveh, she thereby proves that she Hence there is no holiday in any religion that experienced a terrible tragedy. The has faith. How can we possibly explain that is entirely devoted to celebrating laws mother, who was pregnant, slid and fell, that all the water in the world cannot pu- that were given to them. It is solely among killing both herself and her unborn child. rify a woman of her impurity unless she the Jewish people that we see a holiday This caused a tremendous upheaval in immerses herself in a mikveh? Hence the dedicated to the joy of the Torah, when the community, and people asked various fact that she performs this mitzvah testifies we sing and dance with the holy Torah. We rabbis to offer them support and encour- to her faith. therefore prove that we are celebrating the agement following this terrible incident. A few years ago, a man came to see me Torah that was given to us, despite all the I too was asked to go and speak in this for advice. He told me that he wanted to prohibitions and barriers it contains, for community and offer my support. When I divorce his wife because she was making it is complete truth. A Jew’s soul comes arrived, the father came to drive me to the his life bitter, and since he saw that such from above, and it is drawn to this truth synagogue where I was to speak. During a life was meaningless, he wanted my and yearns for it despite all the difficulties the ride he asked me if he could continue advice. I told him that he should not get a involved in practicing it. driving straight, rather than turning left. divorce, but instead should commit him- Although it would extend our journey, he self to putting on tefillin every morning wanted to show me the yeshiva that they and that his wife should observe the laws had built. I was about to refuse, but since of family purity. In that case, with G-d’s he promised me that it would only take a help, peace would be restored to their minute, I agreed. home. In fact these mitzvot have the power 9 “I Will Return” Why Does G-d Do “Teshuvah”? (by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita) These words have a mystical and Who never sinned or transgressed (G-d ultimate good? For what “sin” must He secret connotation, a meaning that forbid) says: ‘I will return,’ how much do teshuvah? seems almost inexplicable. What is the more should we do teshuvah and return He Accepts Bribes from the response from G-d, Who is described as to G-d!” (Pesikta Rabbati 44). Wicked a “G-d of truth, without iniquity; righ- The words of the Midrash are clear. We may explain this difficult subject teous and fair is He”? We may speak of It is not only Shabbat Shuvah for the according to the teaching of our Sages sin and transgression when it comes to Jewish people, but also for G-d. He in Yalkut Shimoni: “Another explana- man, who was created from the earth and does, as it were, teshuvah on the same tion: ‘Let my judgment come forth from possesses both a good and evil inclina- day in order to teach us the importance Your presence’ [Psalms 17:2]. Rabbi tion. Yet what does teshuvah have to do and greatness of teshuvah. with the Creator, Who is Levi said, ‘The Holy One, blessed be the ultimate good? For He, said to David: “Have what “sin” must He do This is astounding! King David stood and addressed you set up a Sanhedrin teshuvah? for no purpose? Let them the Creator of the world, acknowledging his sin and try you.” David replied, On the Shabbat pre- “Master of the universe, ceding Yom Kippur, all looking for a way to be judged. He did not want to be You have written in Your Jewish communities read judged by the Sanhedrin, which would not allow him Torah, ‘Do not accept a the haftarah (a Bibli- to offer a bribe, namely teshuvah and good deeds. In bribe’ [Exodus 23:8]… cal passage taken from but You allow Your- the Prophets and read in fact only the Creator of the world can accept bribes. self to be bribed, as it synagogue on Saturday It is true that in the World to Come, “He will not fa- is said: ‘He accepts a morning after the reading bribe from the bosom of of the Torah) from the vor the offerer of bribes,” but in this world even the the wicked’ [Proverbs book of Hosea: “Return, worst sinner can offer G-d a bribe: Teshuvah and good 17:23]. And what is the O Israel” – Shuvah Israel bribe? Teshuvah…and – “to the L-RD your G-d, deeds! good deeds.” ’ The Holy for you have stumbled G-d is not even content with sending us constant One, blessed be He, said in your iniquity” (Hosea to Israel: ‘My sons, re- 14:2). Incidentally, this messages, for He does us yet another kindness by set- pent while the gates of is one of the reasons ting aside specific times by which a person can receive teshuvah are still open, that this particular Shab- for I shall accept bribes bat is termed “Shabbat special Divine help for doing teshuvah. This refers to offered in this world, Shuvah.” the Ten Days of Repentance, which according to our but not when I sit in Our Sages of blessed Sages is mentioned in the verse: “Seek the L-RD while judgment in the World memory have provided us to Come, of which it is with a parable to explain He may be found; call upon Him while He is near” said: “He will not favor this verse: “ ‘Return, O (Isaiah 55:6). the offerer of bribes” Israel, to the L-RD your [Proverbs 6:35]’ ” (Te- G-d’ – It is like a prince hillim Remez 670). who has fallen ill, and the royal physi- These words have a mystical and se- This is astounding! King David stood cians advise him to eat a certain type cret connotation, a meaning that seems and addressed the Creator of the world, of food in order to recover. However almost inexplicable. What is the re- acknowledging his sin and looking for a his fear of eating it is so great that his sponse from G-d, Who is described as a way to be judged. He did not want to be father must comfort him by saying, “G-d of truth, without iniquity; righteous judged by the Sanhedrin, which would ‘This won’t hurt you. Look, I’m eat- and fair is He” (Deuteronomy 32:4)? We not allow him to offer a bribe, namely ing it myself!’ Thus G-d says to Israel, may speak of sin and transgression when teshuvah and good deeds. In fact only ‘You are ashamed of doing teshuvah. I it comes to man, who was created from the Creator of the world can accept will be the first to do teshuvah,’ as it is the earth and possesses both a good and bribes. It is true that in the World to written: ‘I will return to you, says the evil inclination. Yet what does teshuvah Come, “He will not favor the offerer of L-RD’ [Malachi 3:7]. Now if the One have to do with the Creator, Who is the 10 bribes,” but in this world even the worst found meaning behind the concept of a be termed unintentional or ascribed to sinner can offer G-d a bribe: Teshuvah shochad. He states: some extenuating circumstance. If these and good deeds! “The answer is that there are two fac- would be deducted from the iniquities, Hashem Looks at the Heart tors by which G-d controls the world then a person’s merits would outweigh his faults and the name tzaddik would be We can now understand the “sin” (so from above: The attribute of justice, and assigned to him” (Ahavat Chesed, Part to speak) of the Creator, namely that [the attribute] of mercy. Now it is known II, Chapter 3). He accepts a shochad (bribe). Let us that man’s rewards and punishments in think about this. The verse states, “Man the World to Come will be determined Based on these words, the Chafetz looks at the outward appearance, but by the balance of his mitzvot against the Chaim goes on to explain King David’s the L-RD looks at the heart” (I Samuel sins that he committed, as Chazal have intention in saying, “But you allow 16:7). When a person presents himself asserted: ‘If the majority of a man’s Yourself to be bribed” – namely that deeds are righteous, he belongs in the before the court in order to be judged for through teshuvah and good deeds, a category of tzaddik; if iniquitous, he a sin that he committed, then even if he person can be judged with goodness belongs in the category of rasha.’ affirms that he is sorry and has repented, and compassion, and therefore end up and even if he rips his garments and cov- “Every intelligent person understands being called a tzaddik. Now even if it ers his head with ashes, he is still liable to that once G-d takes His seat on the throne is clear that this shochad is not really a punishment according to the law. This is of justice during a trial, then even a man bribe, the fact that David designated it as such, and that our Sages also defined it true not only in our days, but also in the whose merits were exceedingly numer- this way, demonstrates that this element times of the Beit Hamikdash (the Temple ous would leave the Heavenly court con- is still present. in Jerusalem) when the Sanhedrin (high demned (unless he had strained with all court) functioned at the pinnacle of its his might to fulfill all the mitzvot in all How to be Acquitted in Judg- glory. When a person committed a sin their detail). Each of his mitzvot would ment be subjected to meticulous scrutiny in by mistake or unintentionally, then From this we can draw some useful order to determine whether it conformed even if he subsequently did teshuvah, insights regarding the coming days of to every requirement of the law. Even the Sanhedrin was obligated to punish judgment. In fact we have learned how what is normally hidden from view (the him, namely with corporal punishment we can be judged advantageously dur- nature of his mental attitude at the time) or by obligating him to bring an offer- ing the Days of Awe through teshuvah would also be most carefully examined ing. Although such was the case in the and good deeds. Imagine that we had to for the proper love, awe, and joy at its earthly court, G-d in the Heavenly court appear in court and that the stakes were performance, as well as the other fac- looks at the heart. When He sees that a high. What would we do if someone tors required in every mitzvah. These person has done genuine teshuvah – tes- whispered into our ear and said that are described in Sefer Charedim, and huvah that was motivated by fear – then by giving the judge a certain amount as Scripture states: ‘For G-d shall bring his intentional sins will be transformed of money, he would rule in our favor? every work into judgment concerning into inadvertent sins. However if his Would we not reach into our pockets and what is hidden….’ He would certainly teshuvah was motivated by love, then gladly give this money? After all, the find many mitzvot whose requirements his intentional sins will be transformed main thing is not to be found guilty. That were not completely fulfilled, and these into merits. Can we logically understand said, how much more does this apply would be excluded from the count. A such a thing? Intentional sins – those when we are being judged by the King person’s sins would therefore outnumber committed with an attitude of rebellion of kings? Our Sages have whispered into his good deeds and he would, G-d forbid, – will be transformed into merits, into our ears, telling us how to be acquitted be designated as a rasha in Heaven. mitzvot! This is because G-d does not in judgment – through teshuvah and seek the death of the wicked, but instead “However if the Holy One, blessed good deeds. be He, decided to deal with man in ac- wants the wicked to abandon his ways “I Will Return” – Why does G-d and live. G-d will patiently wait for this cordance with His attribute of chesed do Teshuvah? to happen – waiting until a person’s dy- and compassion – although it certainly ing day – and when he does teshuvah, would make a great difference whether According to this, we can understand G-d will immediately accept it. This is all the dictates of a mitzvah were obeyed the words of our Sages that we cited at how G-d accepts those who return to or whether some details were over- the outset, namely why G-d told the Jew- Him and repent, those who return to the looked – nevertheless, some redeeming ish people: “I will return.” On the face Torah and good deeds. G-d does this, feature would be found for his improper of it, it is difficult to understand why even if it means that He has to accept a performance, and his merits would G-d has to do teshuvah. The fact that shochad, as we have said. not be rejected. It is even conceivable G-d takes a shochad – from the wicked, that a person’s sins might outnumber no less – is in some way connected to The Attribute of Justice and the his meritorious acts. Yet if G-d were the prohibition, “You shall not accept a Attribute of Mercy to exercise the full measure of His shochad [bribe]” (Deuteronomy 16:19) In his book Ahavat Chesed, the compassion, sins would be reduced in and it is necessary to do teshuvah for Chafetz Chaim Zatzal explains the pro- number. Assuredly, many of them could this. 11 The Teshuvah of Manasseh who said before everyone, “Do I do this point of view, Manasseh did not deserve We see an example of “bribing” G-d for any other purpose than to provoke to be forgiven. However the Creator was in the account of Manasseh. It is said my Creator?” (Sanhedrin 103b) – now forced, so to speak, to create something that he transgressed two prohibitions found himself in distress, his body being new – a hole beneath the Throne of for which the Torah commands us to placed in a furnace. As he was about to Glory – in order to prevent the angels die rather than commit, namely murder endure an unusual death, he called upon from blocking his teshuvah. (Note: The and idolatry. Regarding murder we read, all the idols that he served during his Gemara in Sanhedrin recounts how G-d “Manasseh also shed very much inno- lifetime, trying one after the other, and accepted his teshuvah despite the objec- cent blood, until he filled Jerusalem from yet none answered him. Only then did tions of the attribute of justice, which is end to end with it; aside from his sin of he think about the Creator of the world, in line with the statement of the Chafetz causing Judah to sin, to do what was and so he prayed and repented – and Chaim, cited above.) evil in the eyes of the L-RD” (II Kings even then with the thought that “if He The results of Manasseh’s teshuvah 21:16). With regards to idolatry, we read answers me, it is well; if not, then it is all are recorded in Scripture. Thus every that Manasseh “placed the Asherah idol one, and all gods are the same.” Can this person who wants to do teshuvah, yet that he had made in the Temple, concern- be considered proper teshuvah?! feels that it will never be accepted be- ing which the L-RD said to David and Our Sages go on to describe what hap- cause of his many sins, should reflect his son Solomon, ‘In this Temple and pened in Heaven following Manasseh’s upon what happened to Manasseh: “He in Jerusalem, which I have chosen from words: prayed to [G-d], and He was entreated by among all the tribes of Israel, I shall “At that moment the ministering an- him and heard his supplication, and He place My Name forever’ ” (v.7). Ma- gels arose and closed all the windows of returned him to Jerusalem, to his king- nasseh sunk to the lowest possible level, Heaven and appealed to G-d: ‘Sovereign ship. Then Manasseh realized that the having brought an idol into the Temple. of the universe, will You accept the L-RD is G-d. … He removed the strange He also made the people sin as he sat as repentance of a man who set up an idol gods and the image from the Temple of king, as the leader of the people. in the very Temple?’ He replied, ‘If I do the L-RD and all the altars that he had Despite all this, G-d accepted his not accept his repentance, then I close built on the mountain of the Temple of teshuvah, even though it was not even the door in the face of all who would the L-RD and in Jerusalem, discarding complete. Thus we read: “But Manasseh repent in the future.’ What did the Holy them outside the city. He rebuilt the Altar led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusa- One, blessed be He, do? He dug an open- of the L-RD and slaughtered peace-of- lem astray to do more evil than the na- ing for [Manasseh’s] prayer beneath the ferings and thanksgiving-offerings on it, tions that the L-RD had destroyed from Throne of Glory, where the angels could and he commanded Judah to worship the before the Children of Israel. … So the not reach” (Ruth Rabba 5:6). L-RD, the G-d of Israel” (II Chronicles 33:13-16). L-RD brought against them the officers The angels were trying to prevent Ma- of the king of Assyria’s army, and they nasseh’s repentance from coming before Manasseh did complete teshuvah. He captured Manasseh with hunting hooks, G-d, closing (so to speak) all the portals was not ashamed to admit, before his brought him in chains, and led him off to and windows through which teshuvah subjects and people, that he had been Babylonia” (II Chronicles 33:9-11). ascends to Heaven. They did not need wrong. He admitted that the L-RD is In the Midrash, our Sages give a de- many reasons to do this – the simple the true G-d and that there is none aside tailed description of how Manasseh did fact that Manasseh had placed “an idol from Him. Furthermore, without the hole teshuvah: “Rabbi Levi bar Hayyatha in the Temple” sufficed. This was an under the Throne of Glory which the said: They made a mule of bronze and idolatrous act of rebellion without equal, Creator made in His great compassion, seated him on it and kindled a fire be- and therefore his only goal was to enrage Manasseh would not have been able to neath it, and he cried out; ‘O idol [so- the Creator. Could there be any possible change his ways through teshuvah. and-so], O idol [so-and-so], save me!’ teshuvah for this? Placing an idol in the Love Changes a Person’s Conduct When he saw that it was of no avail, he holiest place, in the house of G-d, was There has never been a greater shochad said: ‘I remember that my father used the worst act of rebellion possible, so than Manasseh’s teshuvah. Despite all to read before me the verse, “When you how could there be teshuvah for it? This his sins, his split-second teshuvah en- are in distress and all these things have is stunning, that a person could lead oth- abled him to “bribe” (so to speak) the befallen you…He will not fail you” ers to sin and spill innocent blood, and Creator. He was acquitted of his sins and [Deuteronomy 4:30-31]. I will call unto yet teshuvah is possible for him! G-d could correct his deeds and his ways, for Him: If He answers me, it is well; if not, answered the angels indirectly. In fact this is how G-d acts in this world: “He then it is all one, and all gods are the their arguments may well have been jus- accepts a bribe from the bosom of the same’ ” (Ruth Rabba 5:6). tified in regards to Manasseh. However wicked.” He acts the same way with His This evildoer, who led tens of thou- other people risked being affected – “If children every year, accepting bribes of sands of Jews into committing the most I do not accept his repentance, then I teshuvah and good deeds from them, and heinous sins of idolatry, and who spilled close the door in the face of all who granting them an extra year. It is because the blood of thousands – a man who would repent in the future.” Logically of this, so to speak, that He desires to placed an idol into the very Temple, and speaking, and from almost every other do teshuvah. 12 From here we learn just how great along with all its secrets and myster- people whose goals are solely material G-d’s love for us really is, to the point ies – everything was created for man, as being “foolish,” for man’s goal in this that He is ready to transgress His own the crown of Creation. world is to serve G-d and toil in Torah. laws, to change His ways and accept We should not make the mistake of Therefore anyone who puts eternal bribes. As the Midrash that we cited thinking that man is the be all and end all life aside in order to devote himself to states: “ ‘Return, O Israel, to the L-RD of Creation. Our Sages say that man was this fleeting life is considered as being your G-d’ – This is like a prince who also created to serve his Creator, as it is “foolish.” has fallen ill, and the royal physicians written: “Man is born to toil…. Yet I still Teshuvah Above All advise him to eat a certain type of food do not know whether this toil is in Torah G-d is not content with all the kind- in order to recover. However his fear of or [secular] conversation. Yet when it is nesses that He has lavished upon us eating it is so great that his father must said, ‘This book of the Torah shall not until now. Out of His tremendous love comfort him by saying, ‘This won’t hurt depart from your mouth’ [Joshua 1:8], for us, He has done even greater good you. Look, I’m eating it myself!’ Thus I conclude that one was created to toil by granting us teshuvah. As Rabbeinu G-d says to Israel, ‘You are ashamed of in Torah” (Sanhedrin 99b). In fact the Yona states in the introduction to his doing teshuvah. I will be the first to do entire world was created for man, whose book Sha’arei Teshuvah: teshuvah,’ as it is written: ‘Thus says role is to toil in Torah. The Sages have the L-RD: I will return.’ Now if the One also said that if it were not for the Torah, “Among the favors that G-d has done Who never sinned nor transgressed (G-d Heaven and earth would not endure for us, His creations, has been to pro- forbid), has said: ‘I will return,’ how (Pesachim 68b). The Gemara (Nedarim vide us with a way to rise above our much more should we do teshuvah and 32a) also brings this same point regard- destructive acts, to avoid the traps that return to G-d.” Just like a father who ing the verse, “If not for My covenant we set by our acts of defiance, to ward loves his son and is ready to risk his [the Torah], I would not have appointed off personal devastation, and to deflect kingdom, health, and everything else in days and nights, the decrees of heaven His anger by kindly and justly teaching order to demonstrate that something is and earth” (Jeremiah 33:25). us how to return to Him, and by alerting us to do this when we sin against Him, not bad for him, likewise G-d is ready The Destiny of Man, the Crown to modify the mechanisms that have for He knows our impulses. Thus it is of Creation been established since the creation of the written, ‘Good and upright is the L-RD, world, to the point of doing teshuvah. As It is worthwhile to reflect upon this therefore He guides sinners on the way’ our Sages have said, “Love changes a subject. Look around and see what G-d [Psalms 25:8].” has created. Man is an incredible being, person’s conduct.” Because of His love The Creator has shown tremendous endowed with the ability to see – a sense for us, G-d treats us above and beyond kindness to man, granting him abilities that even today astounds thousands of the strict letter of the law. and talents, family and friends, as well scientists – as well as the ability to speak. as an infinite number of things. He has The World Was Created for Me A person’s hands and feet have ten dig- granted him Torah and Shabbat, and in If G-d does so much because of His its, each containing dozens of nerves that His abundant kindness and righteous- love for us, to the point of twisting what allow him to touch things, to sense hot ness, G-d has given him yet another is right – to the point of straightening and cold, wet and dry. It does not stop gift: Teshuvah. what is twisted and even digging a hole there, however, for G-d created man with under His Throne of Glory so we can do two ears in order to hear his fellow. He The more we reflect upon this gift, teshuvah – then how much more should also gave him a nose, endowing him the more we realize just how great His we learn to strengthen ourselves and do with a sense of smell. The goal behind love for us is. When a king of flesh and complete teshuvah! Although the King it all is for man to devote himself to the blood orders his subjects to respect Himself is making an effort to bring His Torah, as it is written: “Man is born to him, and yet they sin against him, he creatures closer to Him and rectify their toil” (Job 5:7). will immediately imprison and pun- distorted ways, do we take these things Furthermore, in order that we may sit ish them. The same does not apply to to heart? down and fulfill the mission for which G-d, for He is patient and waits for His We must deeply reflect upon why we came into the world, G-d created children to do teshuvah. Furthermore, G-d has done so much good for us. other people, as the Rambam states G-d is not content with accepting tes- We have learned from the passage in in the introduction to his commentary huvah after a person sins, for He tells Sanhedrin, “For this reason was man on the Mishnah: “If it were not for the man that he can rectify himself even created alone, to teach you that who- foolish, the world would lay in ruin.” before he sins! soever…saves a single soul of Israel, The Rambam qualifies “the foolish” as Has anyone ever heard of such a thing Scripture ascribes [merit] to him as being those who abandon the holy Torah – that a king will command his subjects though he had preserved a complete during their lifetime, and who work and to do something, and at the same time world. … Therefore every single strive solely for material goals. In fact he says that if they want to disobey his person is obliged to say: The world the world could not last without such orders and rebel, they can still escape was created for me” (Sanhedrin 37a). people, since it needs doctors, cooks, en- his wrath? Has anyone ever heard of The entire world in all its complexity, gineers, etc. Yet the Rambam describes such a king?! 13 Due to the Creator’s goodness and king for a brief instant. Of course, all of righteousness, however, He has given this only happens if he has found favor The Power of Sight us a way to correct ourselves and im- in the eyes of the king’s ministers and by the Merit of Torah prove our deeds. Not only that, but He servants, since in most cases it will be The commentary Shaarei Chaim has shown us the path to follow. these ministers who transmit requests on Shaarei Teshuvah cites the Smag In the Gemara, our Sages have said to the king. A regular individual will (38:13) in stating that even a very old that punishment only comes upon the generally not have the privilege of see- man cannot neglect the study of Torah world on account of the Jewish people ing the king in person. (Shaarei Chaim 3:28). This com- (Yebamot 63a). If an earthquake oc- Yet such is not the case when the mentary recounts that when Rabbi curs in Turkey or a hurricane strikes king goes out into the fields, for then he Shmuel Houminer Zatzal showed the United States, it is on account of comes into direct and almost unlimited the Smag’s remark to Rabbi Isser the Jewish people – in order to awaken contact with the common people. Ev- Zalman Meltzer, the latter said: “Let me tell you a terrible incident that and rouse them from their daily routine. eryone can then approach the king and happened when I was in Slutzk. One This is because the Creator, in His good- pour out his heart’s request before him. day a blind talmid chacham came to ness, does not want to harm us, not even It is, in effect, a favorable time when the my home. He brought me two books for the sake of leading us to teshuvah. king comes out to his people – when the that he had written, and he pointed to He first tries to awaken us through vari- king goes out into the fields. a certain passage and said: ‘This was ous signs: A punishment on the peoples The same applies to the Ten Days my last commentary.’ around us or a change in the natural of Repentance. In fact the gates are “I asked him what he meant by this, order of creation. It is only then, if we closed during the entire year, and when and he answered by telling me the still have not repented, that He strikes teshuvah wishes to enter, it must take following story: ‘With G-d’s help, I us, at first with trees and rocks, and then the royal path – it must break the gates used to put a tremendous effort into directly (G-d forbid). This is all due to and smash the locks. In other words, studying Torah, and I invested great His great kindness. only teshuvah that is done correctly energy into discovering novel tea- The Ten Days of Repentance will be accepted. Such is not the case chings. However this became more difficult as I grew older, and when I G-d is not even content with sending when “the king is in the fields,” for one who asks will then be answered and his finished my last commentary, which us constant messages, for He does us was later published in my book, I prayer will be accepted. Under such cir- yet another kindness by setting aside told myself that I should stop pushing cumstances, there is a direct connection specific times by which a person can myself so hard. Instead, I planned on receive special Divine help for doing between king and commoner – between studying more easily. Then, all of a teshuvah. This refers to the Aseret G-d and a regular individual. sudden, I could no longer see. I went Yemei Teshuvah (Ten days of Repen- Hence to not call upon the King to a renowned doctor, and after exa- tance), which according to our Sages is when He is present – when He is so mining me thoroughly he declared: “I mentioned in the verse: “Seek the L-RD close – would constitute an act of re- can’t restore your eyesight. However while He may be found; call upon Him bellion against His kingdom. In His I’m surprised that you’ve managed to while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6). goodness, the Creator lavishes us with see up to now. After the examination great kindness despite our bad behavior. I performed, it seems that you should The Baal HaTanya writes that dur- have lost your sight about ten years ing this time, G-d is like a king who Yet instead of doing good in return and coming closer to Him, we continue to ago. It’s a mystery as to how you’ve goes out into the fields (Likutei Torah, been able to see up to now.” ’ attend to our own affairs as usual. Deuteronomy 32:2). One possible way “The old man concluded: ‘The doc- to explain this statement is that a king We must therefore take note of this tor didn’t know what had happened generally abides in the royal palace, al- and wake up. We must love the Creator, to me, but I knew. As long as I put most never mixing among commoners. Who loves us, and come closer to Him. an effort into studying Torah, I was Therefore anyone who wants to present We must also give Him a shochad, able to see and come up with new a request before the king must first ask namely teshuvah and good deeds. Torah insights. Yet when I decided for special permission to receive an to stop pushing myself so hard, I lost audience with him. Even if granted an my sight.’ ” audience with the king, a person must This teaches us just how much ef- dress properly and undergo rigorous fort a person should put into learning security checks in order to ensure that Torah and performing mitzvot and he poses no threat. Afterwards, he must good deeds, even in his old age. go before the king’s guards and of- ficials, ministers and servants, passing one hall after the next, until he finally makes it before the king. Even at that point, he is only allowed to speak to the 14 and ‘Creator of man’ and ‘Who created man in His image, in the image of the Making Peace Reign likeness of His form, and prepared for A Look Inside the Jewish Home him from his own self an everlasting edifice. Blessed are You L-RD, Creator by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita of man.’ ‘May the barren rejoice and exult when her children are gathered I once saw a young man from Lon- that will serve as the foundations of in her midst in joy. Blessed are You don who, as he was standing beneath the home, and then reflect upon how to L-RD, Who gladdens Zion through the chuppah, suddenly began to grow attain them. her children.’ ‘Grant abundant joy to fearful, thinking that the young woman It is clear that in order to build a Jew- these loving friends, even as of old standing beside him was not blessed ish home, the “builder” does not need You bestowed gladness upon Your with all the virtues he was looking for. a degree from a university, nor does he created being in the Garden of Eden. He abandoned her beneath the chuppah, have to be specialized in architecture Blessed are You L-RD, Who gladdens leaving her covered with shame. I also from a school of higher learning. In groom and bride.’ ‘Blessed are You, heard the tragic story of a young woman fact with regards to such an important L-RD our King, G-d of the universe, from Paris who ran from the chuppah, issue, we do not look for people who are Who created joy and happiness, groom uncertain of her decision to marry and expert home builders. Instead we look and bride, rejoicing, song, cheer and her true feelings. She told herself that for Da’at HaTorah (the Torah view), the delight, love and brotherhood, and this young man was probably not for opinion of the great Torah figures of our peace and friendship. L-RD our G-d, her. generation, those who have built their let there speedily be heard in the cities Our Sages state, “Rabbi Yehudah ben own homes and those of their relatives of Judah and in the streets of Jerusa- Tema said: ‘Adam reclined in the Gar- and friends. These are individuals who lem the sound of joy and the sound of den of Eden, as the ministering angels have established “the house of Jacob happiness, the sound of groom and the roasted flesh and strained wine for him’ [as] a fire, and the house of Joseph [as] sound of bride, the sound of the sing- ” (Sanhedrin 59b). Is this what we call a flame” (Obadiah 1:18). To that end, ing of bridegrooms from under their simcha (“joy”) – eating meat and drink- we need the advice of the great Torah chuppah and youths from their joyous ing wine? Is this the kind of joy that we figures of our generation, so that we may banquets. Blessed are You L-RD, Who wish for the newlyweds? know how to build a Jewish home. gladdens the groom with the bride’ ” When a young yeshiva student For this purpose we will first address (Ketubot 7b-8a). prepares himself to establish a home, our Rav and teacher, Rabbi David Ha- Special blessings were instituted for it is crucial that he think long and nania Pinto Shlita, to hear his words this specific occasion, the establishment hard about the ideas and opinions and benefit from his experience on this of a “Jewish home.” It is a momentous of our teachers, the Rashei Yeshivot subject, which he is constantly occupied time, when man and woman take their (yeshiva leaders) in general, and the with. first steps as husband and wife, being teachers of mussar (ethics). How do Before citing his words, however, we given the privilege of rebuilding the ru- they view the establishment of a Jew- must add that the remarks made here ins of Jerusalem and making the Divine ish home? What have they defined as not only address those who are prepar- Presence abide among them. being its essential components, and ing to build a new home, but also those Therefore when people gathered at the on what basis have they established who have already established one. Such chuppah – acquaintances, friends, and their own homes? people should check that they have family members – says “Amen” to the The establishment of a home, which is gone about this task in the right way, blessings recited by the rabbi, they ad- essentially spiritual in nature, is similar performing a thorough “home inspec- dress these seven blessings to the new- to the physical construction of a house, tion.” Does their home conform to the lyweds, blessings that were established which is made of brick and mortar. A opinions of the great Torah figures of by our Sages. Their wish and hope is person who wants to build a house must our generation? Has it been established for these blessings to accompany and first decide what he wants, be it an apart- on the foundations of Torah and the help the new couple establish a solid ment or a small house, a multi-story or fear of Heaven? If not, a person must foundation among the Jewish people, one-story building. An engineer must reevaluate his lifestyle and question a one based upon Torah and the fear of then tell him where and how to lay its Torah scholar in this regard. Heaven. foundations, as well as where to place The Gemara states, “Our Rabbis It is therefore fitting to expand upon support structures and the like. He will taught: The blessing of bridegrooms is our understanding of the characteristics also need an interior designer to plan said in the presence of ten [men] for all of the “Jewish home.” We must delve the main stairwell, living room, kitchen, seven days. … What does one say? Rav into the secret of its tremendous power, and other rooms. The very same thing Yehuda says: ‘Blessed are You, L-RD so powerful in fact that Rabbi Elazar applies to the establishment of a Jewish our G-d, King of the universe, Who said: “If a man divorces his first wife, home. One must first set the objectives has created all things for His glory’ even the Altar sheds tears” (Gittin 90b). 15 Hence we must reflect upon these bless- only that, but Adam was spared from key, they were unable to perceive their ings, which were instituted by our Sages even the slightest effort, even the effort essence and give them appropriate many centuries ago. required to roast meat and press wine – names. They did not understand why “Grant abundant joy to these to prepare food to eat – since the angels one animal should be called “horse” loving friends” did everything for him. and the other “donkey.” Because of his wisdom, Adam was able to perceive the In the fifth blessing established by Adam and the Rest of Creation characteristics of the animals presented our Sages, we say: “Grant abundant When Adam opened his eyes and to him and gave them appropriate names joy to these loving friends, even as of beheld the splendors of Creation, the – calling one “horse,” another “donkey,” old You bestowed gladness upon Your perfect and extraordinary work of G-d, a third “cow” and so on. It was in this created being in the Garden of Eden. he was stunned. Of course he quickly way that he realized that no animal was Blessed are You L-RD, Who gladdens thanked and praised his Creator. suitable for him. He found no living be- groom and bride.” Here Rashi explains: Nevertheless, as he contemplated ing able to complete and help him fulfill “Grant abundant joy. This is the bless- and admired the marvels of Creation, his task in the world. Finally, G-d had to ing addressed to newlyweds – that they something was spoiling his joy. While create a new being, isha (“woman”), for succeed in joy and happiness.” We pray all the animals had companions, Adam she was taken from ish (“man”). for G-d to rejoice the newlyweds, just as was alone in the world, having no one He rejoiced Adam and Eve – “even as of with whom to share his life. Why Was Eve’s Creation De- old You bestowed gladness upon Your Our Sages have already mentioned layed? created being in the Garden of Eden.” this in the Midrash: “Rabbi Aha said: Our Sages raise yet another question. They should succeed in building their When the Holy One, blessed be He, G-d knew that among all the living new home in joy, just as of old, when came to create Adam, He took counsel beings He had created until then, none Adam was in the Garden of Eden. Now with the ministering angels, saying to was a suitable helper for man. In that exactly what was this joy in the Garden them, ‘Let us make man.’ They asked, case, why did He not create Eve before of Eden? ‘What will be the nature of this man?’ Adam asked for her? The Sages state, Here the Gemara states, “Rabbi Yehu- He answered, ‘His wisdom will exceed “Why did He not create [Eve] for him at dah ben Tema said: ‘Adam reclined in yours.’ What did G-d do? He brought the the beginning? Because the Holy One, the Garden of Eden, as the ministering animals, beasts, and birds before them blessed be He, foresaw that he would angels roasted flesh and strained wine and asked, ‘What should be the name bring charges against her, and so He did for him’ ” (Sanhedrin 59b). Let’s think of this?’ However they did not know. not create her until he expressly asked about this for a moment: Is this what we ‘And of this?’ They did not know. He for her. And as soon as he did, ‘The call simcha (“joy”) – eating meat and then paraded them before Adam, and L-RD G-d caused a deep sleep to fall drinking wine? Is this the kind of joy He asked him: ‘What is the name of upon the man, and he slept’ ” (Bereshith that we wish for the newlyweds? this?’ ‘An ox.’ ‘And of this?’ ‘A camel.’ Rabba ibid.). In order to properly understand this ‘And of this?’ ‘An ass.’ ‘And of this?’ G-d did not want to create Eve right remark from our Sages, we will stop ‘A horse.’ … He said to him, ‘And what away, for He wanted Adam to desire a and picture the sequence of events at is your name?’ He replied, ‘It is fitting woman whose essence and characteris- Creation. As the Torah states, man was that I be called Adam, for I was created tics were similar to his. If fact if Adam created on the sixth day, after G-d had from adamah [the ground].’ ‘And what had not wanted her, he probably would created the heavens and the earth, as is My Name?’ ‘It is fitting that You be have been jealous of her and com- well as after birds, mammals, creeping called Ad-nai [L-rd], for You are L-rd plained when she caused him problems. things, and everything else was created. over all Your creatures,’ was the answer. However by creating her after Adam It was only then that G-d created man, … He then paraded them again before had implored G-d for a companion, in a world which was then perfectly him in pairs. He said, ‘Every one has a arguing that he had no suitable helper, established, once G-d had prepared partner, yet I have none.’ Thus: ‘As for Adam could not complain. He knew everything. The reason is because man Adam, he did not find a helper for him’ that he himself had asked G-d to create is G-d’s “chosen” creature, His most ” (Bereshith Rabba 17:4). a woman, a being similar to himself. beloved work, and the crowing achieve- The commentators explain that when Adam’s Joy at the Creation of Eve ment of Creation. Thus we read, “Let G-d saw Adam’s pain, He brought all the When Adam saw his wife Eve upon us make man in our image, after our animals before him. Perhaps he might awakening from the deep sleep that his likeness” – G-d created a creature in His find among them a helper whose essence Creator had placed upon him, no one image, as it were, a being who possessed corresponded to his. However Adam could have been happier! Adam knew a Divine spark, the crown of Creation. was only satisfied when G-d created his that G-d had given him what he asked Furthermore, G-d wanted to create man wife Eve from his own side. for, providing him with what he lacked only once the world had been perfectly Adam was even loftier than the an- to be complete until that point. established and ready to receive him, so gels (“his wisdom will exceed yours”). Here we must add something that will he could rejoice in it and be happy. Not When the angels saw a horse or don- better explain Adam’s joy upon seeing 16 his wife. It was clear to Adam that Eve at which point doubts begin to creep within the home. Married individuals was “the mother of all the living,” the into the heart of man and gnaw at him. who think that someone else suits them only being that was suitable for him, “Maybe she really wasn’t meant for better than their spouse are making a for he had searched among every living me,” or “maybe another suits me bet- mistake. This is because things always being but not found a suitable helper. ter,” these doubts will say. Although a appear nicer and better at a distance. If There were no other human beings on person may succeed in chasing them G-d has united a couple and decreed earth, and therefore their eyes were set away at first, once doubts begin to settle that they should be together, then this is exclusively upon one another. Therefore in the heart, they become increasingly the way it should be, just as it was with no couple could have been happier. difficult to eradicate. As soon as the evil Adam and Eve. We can now understand the simcha inclination establishes a small foothold, Such is the blessing that we make at mentioned in the fifth blessing of the it will not budge, and over time it will the chuppah. It is precisely as the new- Sheva Berachot: “Grant abundant joy strengthen its hold and slowly inject its lyweds are stirring with emotion while to these loving friends, even as of old poison into a person. Thus little by little, standing beneath the wedding canopy, You bestowed gladness upon Your cre- various doubts make their way into a their love for one another still intact, that ated being in the Garden of Eden.” We man’s heart, preventing him from seeing we recite this blessing. We offer them say “Your created being” in the singular his wife who is standing by his side – the the blessing that G-d should make His (not “created beings” in the plural), for mother of all the living – as the “suitable Presence reside among them, just as He the greatest joy was that which G-d gave helper” that G-d specifically created for made it reside with Adam and Eve. Our to Adam. Up until that time, he had no him, and him alone. hope is that they find joy in one another, suitable helper. He then found a helper Knowing How to Guard the just as Adam and Even rejoiced in one he was certain of being the only one in Eyes – Emulating the Righteous another. the world who suited him. This is the Joseph Thus the foundation of the Jewish greatest joy possible – when newly- As we have said, problems arise home lies in guarding one’s eyes. In weds know and feel that they complete when husband and wife do not guard fact the proper approach to adopt in one another, harboring not the slightest their eyes, for they are not content with establishing a home should be simple, doubt or the least hesitation about one what has been reserved for them. Here clear, and direct: It is G-d Who forms another, not even for an instant. This is we must emulate the righteous Joseph, couples; He is all powerful, and in His the amazing blessing that we give to the for although he was only 17 years old wisdom gave a wife to Adam, the love newlyweds – that their home should be and the wife of Potiphar tried to seduce of his youth – “a help against him” harmonious and their eyes be directed (Genesis 2:18). Since G-d has decreed him every day, he did not give in to exclusively towards one another. this, it means that this is how it should his desires and refused to lay his eyes be. Even if it sometimes seems that oth- The Secret of Jewish Happi- upon a person who was not meant for ers are more suitable, that perception ness him. As the Gemara explains, “Rabbi stems from a spirit of foolishness. In This is the meaning of Rashi’s state- Abahu said: Scripture states, ‘Joseph is fact everything depends on man, and ment, “Grant abundant joy. This is the a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine through so: “If he is worthy, she is a help to him; blessing addressed to newlyweds – that the eye.’ Let the eye that would not feed if he is not worthy, she is against him” they succeed in joy and happiness.” upon and enjoy what did not belong to it (Yebamot 63a). If he acts correctly and Herein lies the secret of Jewish happi- be privileged to eat as far as it can see” guards his eyes – if he does not seek his ness, when husband and wife sense this (Zevachim 118b). Joseph knew that he own pleasure by looking at what does abundant joy. When they live in peace had a wife who was destined for him, not belong to him – he will be worthy with one another, aware that if G-d ar- a woman whose essence corresponded and she will be “a help.” However if ranged for them to be together, then it is to his, who had been created for him. he sins (G-d forbid), his wife will be truly “as of old, [when] You bestowed Hence “the wife of Potiphar” – who was “against him.” In that case she will be gladness upon Your created being in the married to another man – did not belong even more bitter than death. Garden of Eden.” It is exactly like when to Joseph, and so he was not to lay his G-d created Eve, “the mother of all the eyes upon something that was not his. How Can We Compare Regular living,” exclusively for Adam. There Therefore everyone, both man and People to Adam? exists no greater joy than this, no greater woman, must refrain from gazing upon Another question arises at this point: It happiness than this. Thus the newly- something that does not belong to them. is true that the foundation of the Jewish weds bathe in joy and happiness. As soon as the eyes of spouses are not home rests upon “guarding the eyes,” In our generation, it happens that exclusively turned towards one another, and the greatest happiness occurs when most problems regarding shalom bayit problems of shalom bayit arise. Outward a man’s gaze is directed exclusively (“peace in the home”) stem from the appearances can be deceptive, the work towards his wife, and vice-versa. Yet fact that many people do not guard their of the evil inclination. In fact outward how can a person reach this level in such eyes. In fact when the eyes wander, appearances always seem better, for a spiritually desolate world, where the the heart will desire what the eyes see, people appear nicer than they really are streets breathe arrogance and inundate 17 us with forbidden sights? How can we G-d has also created a remedy for him, Presence resides among them, they are reach the level of Adam and Eve, who as it is written: “I created the evil incli- ish and isha [man and woman], but were the only two people on earth and nation, but I [also] created the Torah as when the Divine Presence is absent, therefore knew with perfect certainty its antidote” (Kiddushin 30b). The Torah there is simply aish [fire].) In order to that they were right for one another? is this remedy, the cure for all the evil attain the level of Adam and his wife It was only natural that they rejoiced, inclination’s ills. By laboring and toiling Eve – in order to succeed in protecting since there was no one else on earth in Torah, a person will be protected from ourselves from sin (as the righteous besides them! Furthermore, they were the evil inclination. Joseph did under the most difficult of not subjected to the difficult trial of hav- We now understand the blessing that circumstances) – we must cleave to the ing to guard their eyes. That being the is addressed to the newlyweds, when Torah. If a person no longer invests his case, how can we recite such a blessing they are blessed to become like Adam time and energy into studying Torah, for the newlyweds? Such a blessing and Eve. Despite the spiritual state of the fire of desire and jealously will does not seem to apply to them. Today our generation and the temptations of consume his home. the reality of things is so different than the environment, newlyweds have a Working on Our Middot at the creation of the world. Today the vested interest in deciding to change In order to complete our discussion, streets are seductive and the surrounding their behavior and build their home in we need to mention another point, which culture is depraved. Even without such a the proper way. In fact a home based on itself could be the subject of a long bad environment, how can a young man “the pillars of Torah” – Torah, mitzvot, article. We will discuss it only briefly, who is searching for his soul mate know good deeds, and prayer – can never and G-d willing we will expand on it whether or not he is making the right collapse. This is because the Torah, when the time comes. It is known that decision? How can we bless a person which contains numerous precepts that men and women are different in terms to feel what Adam felt? This does not protect man and guard him from sin, of personality. In fact they are destined really seem like a blessing. was given to the Jewish people. Such to fulfill different roles, and they were I once saw a young man from Lon- is the blessing that we must give to the designed with different personalities don who, as he was standing beneath newlyweds, that they establish their and core characteristics. the chuppah, suddenly began to grow home upon the foundations of Torah Although they differ so greatly from fearful, thinking that the young woman and the fear of Heaven. In this way one another, man and wife must live standing beside him was not blessed they will merit for love to constantly together under the same roof. How is with all the virtues he was looking for. be present in their home, and they will this possible? We must realize that liv- He abandoned her beneath the chuppah, merit a home where discord and strife ing a shared life demands a great deal leaving her covered with shame. I also are completely absent. of patience and tolerance. Furthermore, heard the tragic story of a young woman This is what our Sages in the Gemara a home in which spouses are constantly from Paris who fled from the chuppah, allude to by saying, “A house in which criticizing each other is doomed to uncertain of her decision to marry and words of Torah are not heard at night, it fail. her true feelings. She told herself that shall be consumed by fire” (Sanhedrin The situation can be compared to a this young man was probably not for 92a). As soon as man and woman are child taking its first steps. If the child’s her. Unfortunately, although such tragic married, if their home is not established mother were to get angry each time it cases are relatively rare, there are many upon Torah principles and the fear of fell or dirtied its garments, she would similar cases, given that the vast major- Heaven, the Divine Presence will not hinder the child’s progress. Likewise ity of problems dealing with shalom reside among them. Our Sages have living under the same roof requires a bayit begin this way. Even if some already said in this regard, “When hus- tremendous amount of patience, toler- couples seem to be living together in band and wife are worthy, the Divine ance, and understanding. peace and harmony, in reality tension Presence abides with them. When they To summarize, living together as a and disputes may be the norm in their are not worthy, fire consumes them” couple demands a great deal of diligence home, for their eyes may no longer be (Sotah 17a). If the husband does not and constant work. By constantly work- turned exclusively towards each other. study Torah, the Divine Presence will ing on himself and honing his character How can we fix this problem and reach be absent from the home, and “a fire through intensive Torah study, a man the level of Adam and the righteous will consume them.” Simply put: It’s can merit peace and harmony in his Joseph? either the Divine Presence or fire. (The home. The Study of Torah commentators have already explained It seems that a person can, in fact, this by noting that the term ish [man] reach such a level. Be it an ordinary or contains the letters of the word aish refined individual, he can reach the lofti- [fire] plus the letter yud. The word est heights and attain the level of Adam isha [woman] contains the letters of once he becomes aware of his abilities. the word aish and the letter hei. Thus Although man possesses an evil inclina- together they form the word aish and tion and his temptations are very great, yud hei [G-d’s Name]. When the Divine 18 The Status and Greatness of Women By Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita It is said concerning Rabbi Levi and policemen, guards and prisons, have suddenly begun to make them- Yitzchak of Berditchev, the defender and yet when he decides that selling selves heard. What has happened in of Israel, that he once ordered his tobacco is a crime against the state, do the past few years to push women into servant to buy him some beer from any of his citizens obey him? emerging from the privacy of their Jews in Berditchev on the day be- “Your people Israel have neither homes to hear these cries? It seems fore Passover. His servant could not judges nor policemen, soldiers nor that this has happened because we believe his ears, since beer contains courts, guards nor prisons, and yet have lost the deep sense of respect chametz. How could anyone buy because it is written in Your holy To- that we owe to Jewish women and beer from a Jew on the day before rah that chametz must not be seen or mothers, who raise their children at Passover, especially at the command found on Passover, You will not find home with devotion and unbounded of the Rav! However since the words the least bit of chametz among any love. This respect is disappearing, of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak constituted Jew, for we could not find beer in even and all the foundations of the home his orders, he went and knocked at a single home within the city. Such is have become shaken and warped, the door of a Jew and asked him if the uniqueness of the Jewish people, for whoever consults books of Torah he had some beer to sell. He replied for although they have no supervision, and Halachah immediately senses clearly and without ambiguity, “We they observe Torah mitzvot.” the great respect and esteem that they demonstrate for women. Yet during don’t have any beer on the eve of I thought to myself that we find this these last generations, many among Passover.” When the servant heard same attribute among women. They our people have turned their backs on this answer, he went from house to constitute the essential part of the our ancestral traditions, thereby losing house asking for beer. Wherever he home, being responsible for every- the correct perspective on the status went, however, he received the same thing pertaining to family purity and of Jewish women. reply. He therefore returned to Rabbi the integrity of the household, and Levi Yitzchak empty-handed. who conduct themselves discreetly A home managed by husband and The Rav addressed his servant and with the utmost privacy. The wife is like a government. Just as a once again, giving him a new order: very fact that women are completely government cannot have two lead- “Go and purchase a large quantity of entrusted to uphold their role by ers at the same time, a home cannot function properly with two people in tobacco for me, as much as you can scrupulously observing Halachot – charge who want to fulfill the same carry.” This seemed like a mysterious although nobody can truly know if role. When a woman wants to imitate request to the servant, for the tobacco they have observed them in every her husband in terms of strength and trade was outlawed in the region, and detail – demonstrates the importance talents, the home is already doomed given the punishment that awaited and the greatness of women. It also to fail. We know the Midrash in which those who broke the law, who would demonstrates the tremendous honor the Sages state that during the first dare risk it? However since the Rabbi and respect that is granted to them. six days of Creation, the Holy One, had given him an order, the servant In the last few years, we have seen blessed be He, created the sun and the immediately left for a new round of feminist movements sprouting like moon as being equal in size. The moon house calls in Berditchev, but this mushrooms, movements advocating asked Hashem, “Can two kings wear time to its non-Jewish residents. Not equal rights for women. They loudly the same crown?” In other words, long afterwards, he returned carrying proclaim in every ear that the time how can the sun and moon be of equal some carefully concealed bundles of has come for all women to feel equal size and strength? There needs to be tobacco, hidden from the prying eyes to men. Just as men can assume im- a hierarchy in place in order to gov- of the authorities. portant positions that demand special ern the world, with the greater above The Rabbi looked at the bundles of talents and great intelligence, women the lesser. The Holy One, blessed be tobacco, and with a smile of satisfac- can imitate them and also take lead- He, immediately reduced the size of tion on his face he raised his eyes to ership roles without being seen as the moon, telling it: “You were the Heaven and said: “Sovereign of the strange birds that have no business one who questioned My creation, so universe, who is like Your people Isra- being there. your punishment will be to be made el? A fearsome and powerful Czar now We must ask ourselves why the smaller.” However since Hashem rules the people, controlling judges sounds of these feminist movements agreed with the moon’s argument 19 that two kings cannot wear the same home, to shoulder the responsibility Likewise, we can compare the re- crown, He gave the moon the hosts of putting food on the table, and to lationship between husband and wife of heaven in the form of the stars. We fight when the nest is at risk. to that of eating utensils. It is obvious must note that Hashem’s anger with On the other hand, a woman’s body that the function of a knife is to cut the moon was not directed against and her character traits are fashioned food, while the function of a spoon is what it said, for the moon had a valid in keeping with the kinds of activities to hold food and carry it to the mouth. point, but against the way that it had that take place within the home. Her True, food can be cut with a spoon and dared to question His creation. body is delicate, her voice soft. She carried to the mouth with a knife, but In fact for a government to function speaks at length, but gently, and she only with great effort. However this properly, it needs both a minister of possesses a refined esthetic sense. Her is not the normal way of doing things, domestic affairs and a minister of character is such that she takes more so why would people eat in such a foreign affairs, the two being selected things into consideration, and she is complicated manner when they can do according to their particular talents more sensible, more pliable, and better so in a calmer and simpler way? Just and characteristics. As for a minister prepared for change. All these factors as this example is clear and uncontest- of foreign affairs, we appoint a person make a woman better-suited for the able, the same applies to the division who has ties with leaders of other role of a minister of domestic affairs of tasks within the home and to the countries, someone who is skilled in in the home. She is better able to raise role of each spouse. languages and diplomacy. As for a children with patience and unbounded Just as the function of a knife is to minister of domestic affairs, we ap- love, and to contribute to a warm and cut, a knife will sometimes need a fork point a person who is competent in loving environment in the home. She to help with the cutting. Likewise we dealing with the needs of cities and also possesses special flexibility and can understand that a husband may their inhabitants, and who knows how a tendency to forgo he own opinions sometimes need his wife’s help to put to maintain good ties with mayors. We for the sake of her husband, which food on the table, in which case she need a wise and intelligent individual promotes greater peace in the home should do what he asks. For his part, who knows how to run local econo- and the creation of a strong relation- the husband should also be open to mies. Without a doubt, in cases where ship between husband and wife. the needs of the household and lend a the state relies on both two ministers Male and female characteristics helping hand whenever necessary, just at the same time, they should not resemble those of animals in nature. as ministers of domestic and foreign hesitate to help one another, realizing In looking at the animal world, we affairs hasten to help one another in that each needs the other. immediately see that the Creator has times of need, or when eating utensils It is exactly the same in a marriage: given carnivores two eyes located at need to be used in concert with one When spouses see their relationship the front of their head, giving them the another. as being like two people vying for ability to spot their prey and pursue it Concerning a woman of valor we the same role – like two people try- until caught. Animals that are destined read: “She will be blessed by women ing to be the head of one government to serve as food for larger animals, in the tent” (Judges 5:24). This clearly – their relationship is doomed to fail however, have received eyes located teaches us that, first and foremost, she from the start. Yet when each spouse at the side of their head, enabling them has the great merit of raising her chil- recognizes their individual role and to see what is happening around them dren in joy and love, without protest- is aware of their status, they can be and to flee from danger. ing or trying to change her role. As we assured of success. When we begin from the premise mentioned at the outset of this article, In looking at this more closely, we that created beings were given char- the fact that the Torah has appointed see that a husband’s role in the home acteristics that best suit them for their women to supervise the education of is like a minister of foreign affairs. He tasks, life becomes much easier to children, as well as to preserve the is to supervise what happens outside understand, for everyone is familiar holiness and purity of the home, dem- the home, which is why the Holy One, with their own talents and that of the onstrates the tremendous importance blessed be He, created his body and other. They do not try to imitate others and greatness of women. soul in perfect harmony with this role. or take their place, for everyone has A man’s body is strong and robust; he received the characteristics and talents has a deep voice, and although he sel- that best suit them for their respective dom speaks, he speaks with authority. tasks. Just as fish do not desire wings He also has a bolder character than a like birds, since their role is to live in woman, and he is more stubborn as the water and not in the sky, a woman well. These characteristics make a should rejoice in her role and recog- man better-suited to act outside the nize her status and greatness. 20 Men of Faith Elul 26 marks the Hilloula (anniver- was the main source of revenue for that Rabbi Meir Pinto was coming to sary of the passing) of the tzaddik Rab- the city’s residents, was destroyed. It see him, and that he should learn Torah bi Haim Pinto Hagadol. Large numbers was succeeded by a modern port that with him. In order to prove to Rabbi of people make their way to Morocco began to flourish in Mogador. Fol- Haim that this dream was real, these on this day, traveling to the grave of lowing this incident, members of the two tzaddikim woke him up and stood this great sage in order to recite silent Pinto family (most notably the young before him while he was completely prayers. As this date approaches, we Haim) were forced along with numer- awake. They even gave him their bless- have collected a few stories that can ous other Jewish families to move to ing and took hold of his hand. kindle within our hearts a love for the Mogador, where they could make an Upon awaking from his own dream, Torah and faith in the Sages of Israel. honest living. Rabbi Meir Pinto was overcome with These stories can transport the reader Rabbi Gedalia Yaakov, a wealthy fear. He immediately left his home and into another dimension, one filled figure in Agadir, provided these new- went to the synagogue in order to find with majesty, the dimension of Rabbi comers with great financial help. In the young man. When he arrived, he Haim Pinto (may his merit protect us), particular, he put Rabbi Haim Pinto in knocked at the door. “Who’s there?” a tzaddik for whom miracles were the contact with his relative Rabbi Meir asked Rabbi Haim from behind the norm. The accounts contained within Pinto, who then served as the French door. “Meir Pinto,” came the reply. these lines offer but a small glimpse Vice-Consul in Mogador. Although Rabbi Haim was still young, into his life, providing us with but a It is said that Rabbi Haim arrived and despite being tired from his jour- sketch of her persona. He served as a in Mogador at night, after a long and ney and experiencing both hunger and veritable Cohen Gadol (High Priest) tiring journey. Although hungry and thirst, he was still not satisfied with for his brothers, and we should be thirsty, for he had neither bread nor this answer. He therefore said, “Recite inspired by him. water with him, he did not want to go the Psalm Vihi no’am. That way I’ll After the passing of his first wife, to Rabbi Meir because he did not want be sure that you’re not an evil spirit” Rabbi Shlomo Pinto decided to leave to wake him. Hence he approached (evil spirits are afraid of the Psalm Vihi Agadir and travel to Marrakech. There the first synagogue that he saw – the no’am, as those who are familiar with he married again, his new wife being synagogue of Rabbi Meir ben Attar – Kabbalah know). a righteous and G-d fearing woman and there he fell asleep, completely Rabbi Meir recited the Psalm in its from the Benbenisty family. Some time exhausted. entirety, at which point Rabbi Haim later Rabbi Shlomo returned to Agadir, The wealthy Rabbi Meir Pinto, one allowed him into the synagogue. Rabbi where Divine compassion filled his of the most important figures in the Haim began to tell him that his father, home with joy by the birth of a son, city, was sleeping soundly at the time, Rabbi Shlomo, had appeared to him whom he named Haim. This boy would completely unaware of Rabbi Haim’s while awake and told him everything grow up to become a famous kabbal- arrival in Mogador. Yet while asleep, that was going to happen. Upon hear- ist, none other than the tzaddik Rabbi he had a dream in which two tzad- ing this, Rabbi Meir began to shiver Haim Pinto Hagadol. Regrettably, dikim, the holy Rabbi Shlomo Pinto with fright. At the same time, he took Rabbi Shlomo did not live to see his (Rabbi Haim Pinto’s father) and Rabbi it upon himself to bring the youngster son grow in Torah, for Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Tahuni Zatzal appeared to him. to his home and tend to all his needs, left this world 12 years after his son’s These two tzaddikim began to repri- both spiritual and material. Each day birth. He died on the first day of Nis- mand Rabbi Meir: “How can you be he would bring him to see the gaon and san, the month of deliverance. May his sleeping in your own bed, under your tzaddik Rabbi Yaakov Bibas (may his merit protect us all. Amen. own roof, while the young Haim Pinto merit protect us), with whom Rabbi “Leave…your father’s house” is sleeping in hunger and thirst?” Haim studied Torah until he became a When Rabbi Haim Pinto was 12 They continued: “Know that despite great Torah scholar. years old – even before reaching the being young, a great light will emerge Thus providence arranged things in age of mitzvot observance, and hav- from him. Now arise and bring him to such a way that Rabbi Haim fulfilled the ing already lost both his father and your home right away, and find him a teaching of our Sages: “Exile yourself mother – a serious earthquake struck rav who can teach him Torah.” to a place of Torah.” He left his father’s Agadir. This forced the boy to go into These two tzaddikim also appeared house for a place of Torah, his only exile, away from his home and his to Rabbi Haim Pinto in Rabbi Meir goal being to devote himself entirely father’s house. Agadir’s port, which ben Attar’s synagogue. They told him to learning Torah in a yeshiva that was 21 guided by a unique individual among time again, he agreed to take upon another: The first to be summoned to the Torah giants of the generation. himself the yoke of the community, the celestial academy would return and While Still Young along with all that it implied. reveal himself to his havruta in order to continue studying the commentary of From then on, the fame of the tzad- Rabbi Haim Pinto was aided by his the Alsheich Hakodesh on the weekly dik Rabbi Haim Pinto began to spread friend Rabbi David Hazan Zatzal, who parsha! throughout the land. First and foremost helped in regards to managing the Rab- he was known as a gaon, a genius in To- binate and leading the community, as In fact it is said that on the Shabbat rah. He was also known as a veritable well as with the extraordinary court following the passing of Rabbi David tzaddik – a person whose every thought that Rabbi Haim Pinto led. ben Hazan, Rabbi Haim Pinto waited was infused with holiness – as well as Our Great Loss for him to reveal himself. Since he de- layed in appearing, Rabbi Haim called a miracle worker. Rabbi Haim devoted Rabbi Haim Pinto also authored nu- his shamash (assistant) and asked him himself to learning Torah day and merous books in every field of Torah, to go to Rabbi David ben Hazan’s night, and none of its secrets evaded be it Halachah, Kabbalah, Shas (the home and ask his widow why her hus- him. The pursuit of holiness and purity Mishnah), and Chiddushim. Unfor- band was not respecting his promise to guided his every step, enabling him to tunately, he did not publish his many come and study the commentary of the reach new heights with each passing writings, and the majority of them were Alsheich that Friday night. day. Needless to say, he was greatly lost. A great loss indeed. Only a few respected by the people. of his piyutim (liturgical songs) and The shamash did not understand what his master meant by these words, and Rabbi Haim Pinto’s renown quickly Halachic rulings were recorded in the so he hesitated to go. Rabbi David had spread through the country. Even the She’elot U’Teshuvot (Responsa) of clearly died, and Rabbi Haim was fully local Arabs held him in high esteem, other great Torah figures with whom aware of it, the shamash reasoned. considering him to be a holy man and Rabbi Haim discussed Halachah. miracle worker. Requests reached him These were his only teachings that Rabbi Haim clearly understood the from all places, including Europe and were saved and published. reason behind the shamash’s reluc- Eretz Israel. Jews would ask him to Like a Single (Echad) Person tance, and therefore he repeated his pray on their behalf, imploring him for with a Single (Echad) Heart request. At that point the shamash realized that the Rav’s request was mercy, for deliverance from their trou- During this same time, Rabbi Haim justified, for it went beyond his un- bles. They would ask Rabbi Haim to studied with two other holy tzaddikim: derstanding. He then quickly made his annul evil decrees that had come upon Rabbi Avraham Koriat and Rabbi Da- way to the home of Rabbi David ben them. Although he lived in Morocco, vid ben Hazan. Each day they would Hazan. Once there, the shamash asked his influence extended throughout the learn together as havrutot (Torah study the widow why her husband was not country and around the world, be it partners), and they were also part of keeping his promise to study the writ- for blessings or for advice, and also in Mogador’s rabbinic court. Now since ings of the Alsheich every Friday night matters of law. “a three-ply cord is not easily broken” with Rabbi Haim Pinto. “How does The door to Rabbi Haim Pinto’s (Ecclesiastes 4:12), they studied to- Rabbi Haim know that my husband is home was open at all hours of the day gether and elevated themselves in the here at home?” she asked the shamash, to everyone without exception – be heights of Torah and the fear of Heaven. who was stunned by what he heard. In fact the initials of their names form they rich or poor. He strived to help The widow was unable to answer the the word echad (“one”), for they loved all who turned to him, just as a father tzaddik’s question. would do for his son. At the same time, one another with a deep love, like a he himself was still a student under single person with a single heart. They The answer to this question did not the direction of his teacher the Rosh helped one another study Torah and take long to arrive, for Rabbi David ben Hazan appeared to his friend on Yeshiva. acquire its wisdom, both with regards to its revealed and hidden teachings. that very night. He explained to Rabbi Devoted to the Community Haim Pinto that he had also promised The Havruta Still Comes After After the passing of the gaon Rabbi his wife that he would appear to her Yaakov Bibas Zatzal, Rabbi Haim’s his Passing every Friday night in order to recite teacher and Rav, the members of Every Friday night, Rabbi Haim Pin- Kiddush over the wine (as Rabbi Haka- the community turned their eyes to to and Rabbi David ben Hazan would dosh had done). That being the case, he him. They asked Rabbi Haim to take normally study the commentaries of could not be in two places at the same his place, to take up the reins of the the Alsheich Hakodesh (may his merit time. He also said that from then on, Mogador Rabbinate. Because of his protect us) on the weekly parsha. Rabbi Haim would be the only one he great modesty, however, Rabbi Haim They attributed so much importance appeared to while awake, whereas he refused. Yet after the leaders of the to this study session that they entered would appear to his widow in a dream, Jewish community insisted time and into an interesting agreement with one since she had revealed the secret. 22 It was not by accident that Rabbi to the celestial heights. He was laid to rained terror upon the residents of the Haim Pinto established a fixed study rest in the cemetery of Mogador, next region. session precisely with the tzaddik to Rabbi Haim Pinto Hagadol and the When Rabbi Haim Pinto realized Rabbi David Hazan, for he understood tzaddik Rabbi Yaakov Bibas, and to this, he immediately summoned one the scope of his greatness and piety. In this very day he is still there, resting of the demons (named “Gedadyaleh”). order to better perceive the greatness in peace. When this demon presented itself of this tzaddik, we will spend a little A Companion for the Shabbat before him, Rabbi Haim ordered it to time describing their friendship with Meal accompany Rabbi David to his home a few stories. and to protect him from all harm. Rabbi David ben Hazan would usu- The Akeidah of the Prophet ally have fish during each of the three Midway into the journey, a fasci- For many years, Rabbi David ben meals of Shabbat, doing so in order to nating conversation took place: The Hazan and his wife were not fortunate honor Shabbat Kodesh. He accorded a demon took out its tongue and a flame enough to have children. He constantly great deal of importance to the custom emerged from its mouth. Seeing this, asked G-d to grant them offspring, in of eating fish (dag) on the seventh day. Rabbi David said to the demon: “I’m order to have a son who would serve In fact the word dag is composed of the afraid that you’ve transgressed Shab- G-d and fear Him. letters daleth (numerical value: four) bat.” His prayers proved fruitful, for a and gimel (numerical value: three), The demon replied, “Please forgive certain time later Rabbi David rejoiced which together come to seven (Shab- me if I’ve dishonored you.” over the birth of a baby boy. His joy bat). On Fridays, he himself would “Not at all!” said Rabbi David. “The was short-lived, however, because go to the market and purchase food prohibition against transgressing Shab- the boy – his only child – died while for Shabbat, not worrying about his bat was addressed only to humans – be- still young, as the following story own personal honor or the time that ings of flesh and blood – not to you, a explains. it required. being of fire.” Rabbi David ben Hazan devoted him- One Friday, Rabbi David ben Hazan It is known that demons once ex- self to the study of Kabbalah and the went to the market to buy fresh fish isted in Morocco. They also existed in hidden mysteries of the Torah. It once in honor of Shabbat Kodesh. Imagine France, but the Ba’alei HaTosafot (may happened that as he was studying, his his distress upon hearing the same re- their merit protect us) prayed for them son (who was about seven years old), sponse in each fish store that he visited: to disappear from there, an absence that approached him and the two began “No fish today.” Surprised by this, he continues to this day. to study the hidden Torah, including asked for an explanation and was told “For they are life to one who Kabbalah and its marvelous secrets. that a freak storm had broken out at sea, finds them” The young boy fully understood what preventing the fishermen from casting Rabbi Meir Pinto, may his merit pro- his father was teaching him, and he their nets. Hence they returned to shore tect us, recounts a similar incident. One even revealed Torah secrets to his empty-handed. father’s students. All the residents in year there was a tremendous shortage At first Rabbi David ben Hazan was of fish. Rabbi Haim Pinto, who wanted town began calling him “the prophet,” frustrated by the fact that he could not and everything he saw turned out to be to maintain his custom of eating fish eat fish on Shabbat, as was his custom. true. His father was very afraid, for it on Friday night, summoned a fisher- However a solution immediately came is forbidden to spread Kabbalah to the man and said to him: “Go out to sea to mind: Rabbi Haim Pinto always had public. This is the hidden Torah, and it and catch some fish for me in honor of abundant fish on his table. Thus on Fri- should remain hidden. In fact everyone Shabbat.” The fisherman replied, “But day night after Arvit, Rabbi David ben received the order to grow spiritually Rabbi, there hasn’t been any fish in the Hazan went to see the tzaddik. with wholeheartedness, as it is writ- sea for some time now!” ten: “You shall be wholehearted with During the meal, the tzaddikim en- Rabbi Haim listened to him and said, the L-RD your G-d” (Deuteronomy joyed an abundant choice of fresh fish “Go out to the sea, and each time that 18:13). The statement of our Sages in honor of Shabbat Kodesh. They dis- you cast your net into the water, say concerning the four men who entered cussed Halachah and Aggadah during ‘Haim.’ The fish will leap into your the “Orchard of Divine Wisdom” – the meal, and they got so swept up in the net each time.” This fisherman obeyed the forbidden realm of Kabbalah – is enthusiasm of the Torah that they failed the tzaddik, and not long afterwards he known. Thus to preserve the honor to realize how quickly time was passing, found himself with a huge catch – ex- of the Torah and the innocence of the for the hour was growing late. ceptional fish for Shabbat Kodesh. city’s inhabitants, Rabbi David prayed Rabbi David ben Hazan was also When people heard that this fisher- for his son to be taken from this world, afraid of returning home at such a late man had caught fish, a large crowd which is precisely what happened. hour, for the roads were dangerous at gathered around his counter, desiring With his pure soul, the boy ascended that time. Thieves and armed bandits to purchase his merchandise in honor 23 of Shabbat Kodesh. Yet this fisherman, ordered the shamash to continue striking At the same time, the Rif also re- who had witnessed a miracle with his his foot until he said to stop. vealed himself in a dream to Rabbi own eyes, refused to sell even the Having no choice, the shamash began Haim and said: “You have obtained the smallest fish. He said that they did not to strike Rabbi Haim’s foot with all his forgiveness of Heaven and earth. With belong to him, but rather to Rabbi Haim strength. He continued doing so, as he G-d’s help, you will be in good health Pinto. Thus he went to see Rabbi Haim had been ordered, until Rabbi Haim’s when you get up.” Pinto and brought him his entire catch. foot became red and started to swell. The next day, when Rabbi David Rabbi Haim then distributed them to all This continued for several minutes, ben Hazan came to see Rabbi Haim to the residents in the community, leaving until the Rav finally told him to stop. tell him about his dream, Rabbi Haim only some for himself. That same night, Rabbi Haim’s pain preceded him by saying: “The one When his friend Rabbi David ben was so intense that he could not get up who appeared to you in a dream also Hazan heard the news, he went to see to recite Tikkun Chatzot in synagogue, appeared to me.” In fact when Rabbi Rabbi Haim on Friday night and said: as he usually did. As for the shamash, Haim arose from his bed, he was able “Rabbi Haim, I’ve heard that you have he was able to make it to synagogue, to stand on both feet, which were in ‘Haim’ in your home.” Rabbi Haim as he did every night, but was surprised good health. replied, “It’s true. I do have ‘Haim’ in to find himself alone. He was still more “They shall teach Your ordi- my home.” They sat down at the table surprised when he heard a voice ema- nances to Jacob” and began to eat the Shabbat meal, nating from the Aron Kodesh, a voice As mentioned earlier, Rabbi Haim, savoring the fish, according to the that was growing louder and louder. as well as Rabbi Avraham Koriat and custom brought down in the books of It asked, “Where is Rabbi Haim? Rabbi David ben Hazan, were mem- Kabbalah. Why did he not come to recite Tikkun bers of the Mogador rabbinic court. The Rav’s Order Chatzot, as he does every night? Why is he not singing hymns and praises to Together they dealt with the affairs The name of Rabbi David ben Ha- the Creator? The entire Heavenly court of the various Jewish communities of zan is also connected to the following comes at this time to hear his songs Morocco, be it with regards to civil or story: The light in Rabbi Haim Pinto’s and prayers!” matrimonial laws, as well regarding room stayed lit until the late hours of what is permitted and forbidden (is- Although the shamash was seized the night, when all the residents in town sur v’heter). Nevertheless, as we can with great fear, he still managed to were already soundly asleep. As was surmise, they also had to deal with the summon enough courage to ask, “Who his habit, Rabbi Haim devoted himself is speaking?” The voice replied, “It is I, fifth section of the Shulchan Aruch, to learning Torah without respite. Rabbi Israel Najara. Go quickly and tell namely with matters of jealously and One night as he was studying, Rabbi Rabbi Haim that he is a spark from the disputes between people and among Haim’s eyelids grew heavy, and he soul of the prophet Achiya HaShiloni. married couples. began to fall sleep. Half-asleep, he He should stop worrying, for his fault At the time that they carried out their mistakenly placed his foot on a holy has already been forgiven.” The voice duties on the court, there existed no of- book of Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto (the continued: “The songs that I composed ficial collection of secular laws. Hence Rif, may his merit protect us). When brought satisfaction to the Creator, and judges in secular courts were ruling on Rabbi Haim awoke, he realized what from the time that I left this world until matters without a solid legal founda- had happened and was very distressed, today, only Rabbi Haim has grasped tion. Each judge did what was right for he had dishonored the Torah and the depths of these songs.” in his own eyes, and bribes rendered the Rif. Although it happened by The shamash was frightened by judges blind and twisted rulings. Thus mistake, the damage had nevertheless these words, and he quickly returned it often happened that people left court been done. He immediately summoned to Rabbi Haim’s home and told him with grievances and complains about his shamash and asked him to take a what he heard. He had barely made the judge who had ruled against them, leather strap and come into his room. it back when Rabbi Haim said – even despite being in the right. Such litigants When the shamash arrived, Rabbi before the shamash could utter a word were unable to change things, however, Haim asked him to strike his foot, the – “You heard the voice of Rabbi Israel given that their appeals were brought one that had mistakenly stepped upon Najara in synagogue. Happy are you before the same judge that had ruled the Rif’s holy book. and happy is your lot!” against them. When the shamash heard this, he The following night, the Rif ap- Little by little, people who came to began to tremble. In fact he refused to peared to Rabbi David ben Hazan in a Mogador discovered that there was a carry out his master’s request: “How can dream and said, “Tell Rabbi Haim that place – a single place – where rulings I strike the Rav? I can’t do such a thing!” he should not be grieved by what hap- were rendered without bias, without Rabbi Haim insisted, however, com- pened by mistake. Tell him to get up fear or cowardice. This place was the manding him to do what he had said. He from his bed, for his foot is healed.” court of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto. 24 The doors to this court were open to sweet and pleasant sound emanating – that is what G-d reserved for Rabbi everyone, not only to members of the from a house. When they made their Avraham – for that was His will. Jewish community, but also to their way to the house, they found a young He Educated Many Students non-Jewish neighbors. Thus the name man playing a violin and reciting Numerous students came to find of the King of kings, the Holy One, piyutim. He was playing extremely refuge with this exceptional man, blessed be He, was sanctified. Non- well, for he was a skilled musician Rabbi Haim Pinto. They came to drink Jews, filled with great respect, pre- and poet. from his waters, a spring of purifying sented themselves before the judges, For an entire hour, Rabbi Haim and virtues. They came to hear his words especially Rabbi Haim Pinto, who in Rabbi David listened to this young and be infused with his novel Torah addition to his immense scholarship man, all while trying to determine who teachings. He warmly welcomed every and understanding in all fields of Torah, he was and where he came from. The single person and encouraged them was also an expert in worldly matters. young man replied that he was origi- to study Torah. In addition to Rabbi He understood the customs and habits nally from Tetouan, and his name was Avraham, who had the privilege of of people in both cities and villages, Avraham Koriat, the grandson of the both Jewish and non-Jewish. sitting with him on the court and rul- tzaddik Rabbi Baruch Zatzal. He lived ing on legal matters, Rabbi Haim had Here on the bench, decisions were alone in Mogador, without family or other students who served as rabbis and succinct and clear, and meandering financial support. When Rabbi Haim teachers. Included among these were or convoluted rulings had no place in and Rabbi David heard this, they said: Rabbi David Zagury Zatzal (who later court. Fortunately, Rabbi Haim Pinto’s “Such a wonderful voice! He should became the Rav of Lisbon, Portugal), great wisdom enabled him to take hear words of Torah. Come with us and the author of David Lehazkir, and each issue – be it the most difficult or study Torah, and we’ll see to all your Rabbi Yaakov Benshabbat Zatzal, the complex – and make it understandable needs.” Rabbi Avraham accepted their author of Ruach Yaakov. to all. His wisdom also enabled him to invitation and joined them for regular guide each discussion and lead inquests Torah study. Rabbi Haim was like a “Render justice in the mor- and investigations in a fair and just devoted and merciful father to him, ning” way, showing neither favoritism nor especially when it came to seeing to his Although there were countless rul- excessive justification. material needs. With time, after having ings that the court made, we shall cite Rabbi Haim greatly helped the non- perfected himself and acquiring a vast one that demonstrates its great wisdom, Jewish residents of town. He also degree of knowledge and a solid un- the discernment that G-d gave it to made an important contribution to derstanding of every Torah field, Rabbi render judgment. the Moroccan government’s secular Avraham had the privilege of joining A wealthy Jew from Mogador once judicial system by writing, along with the exceptional court of Rabbi Haim came before the court. He had sold the other members of his court, a com- and Rabbi David. From then on, these his apartment to a Jew from the city, pilation of laws and rulings regarding three were called echad (from the first and both the buyer and seller agreed civil matters, legal arbitration, and letter of each Rav’s first name). to all details of the transaction. After financial contracts. This work served Rabbi Avraham did not live long, the buyer paid in cash for the full as a reference for those who appeared for he left this world at the age of 45. amount of the apartment, he moved in court, both Jews and non-Jews. Thus When Rabbi Haim heard that he had in. A few days later, it happened that non-Jews could not harm Jews through died, he burst into bitter tears and tore the seller, who lived in a nearby apart- the legal process. his garments. He gave a long eulogy at ment, opened his window shutters that The Voice is that of Avraham his funeral, saying: “Woe to me, for I overlooked the apartment he had just As we have said, seated on Rabbi have lived to witness his passing. I see sold. He could therefore see everything Haim’s exceptional court was the gaon a world upside down. Instead of him that was happening there. Rabbi David ben Hazan, whom we dying young – instead of him giving a The buyer, who noticed this, asked spoke of earlier, and the gaon Rabbi eulogy at my funeral – it is I, old as I the seller to close his shutters because Avraham Koriat, the author of Brit am, who is reciting a eulogy for him.” he wanted to protect his privacy. This Avoth. Although he was one of Rabbi He then melted into tears, him along was a case of hezek re’iyah (“damage Haim’s youngest students, Rabbi Avra- with everyone there. caused by visibility”). However his ham had the merit of sitting on the After uttering these words, Rabbi repeated requests fell on deaf ears. court and handing down rulings with Haim found an allusion to Rabbi The seller did not want to listen to him. This took place because of the Avraham’s age, 45, in the verse: “Mah the buyer at all, and he continued to following incident: Rabbi Haim Pinto [How] abundant is Your goodness that keep his shutters open. In his distress, and his friend Rabbi David ben Hazan You have stored away for those who the buyer turned to the court and were once walking along the streets of fear You” (Psalms 31:20). The numeri- summoned the seller to a din Torah Mogador, when suddenly they heard a cal value of mah is 45. Forty-five years (rabbinic judgment) with Rabbi Haim 25 Pinto. On the day of the case, both for the meal, and with the money that and you are lying – that your document buyer and seller presented themselves remained he purchased some furniture is fake!” before Rabbi Haim Pinto and explained for his brother’s home. After the Brit Thus Rabbi Haim placed the docu- their positions. When they had finished Milah, the father of the child opened a ment in the Aron Kodesh, and on the speaking, the Rav saw that the buyer business thanks to the Divine blessing following day the two litigants once was in the right, since the open shutters that rested on his money. In fact his again appeared before Rabbi Haim. of the seller were harming him. Hence business flourished, and he gradually The tzaddik opened the Aron Kodesh the Rav ordered the seller to close his became a very wealthy man. with fear and awe as he whispered a stutters. The more that his financial situation prayer to render a just verdict. He then The seller did not appreciate losing improved, however, the more that his took the document out of the Aron his case, and he felt that his honor had wealthy neighbor (the man who had Kodesh and showed it to the litigants been slighted. Nevertheless, since he originally sold him his apartment) – it was completely white! feared Rabbi Haim, he obeyed the wanted to avenge himself. When he “The paper is white; it is pure,” said ruling and closed his shutters. Still, in learned that his neighbor had become Rabbi Haim to the wealthy cheat. “The his wickedness, he forged a document quite wealthy, he seized the oppor- defendant is innocent, but you have which stated that the buyer owed him tunity to use his forged document in forged a document in order to defraud a large sum of money. He kept it hid- court. He therefore presented himself him of money. Acknowledge your sin, den for a long time, his plan being to before Rabbi Haim’s court to claim the for otherwise you will immediately eventually use it to claim money from supposed debt. receive a punishment from Heaven.” the buyer. The former buyer was appalled by this Having no other choice, the man low- Numerous years passed, and the false claim and affirmed to the Rav that ered his head and admitted that it was a buyer had a baby boy. In fact he was it was completely fake. He had never fraudulent document. He acknowledged preparing for the child’s Brit Milah, borrowed money from that man, and his sin and pledged to never repeat it. yet had nothing but a few pennies. In apart from purchasing the apartment Rabbi Haim Pinto had thus rendered a other words, he didn’t know how he from him, he had never entered into perfectly just decision, receiving help was going to pay for the ceremony. any financial agreement with him what- from Heaven to acquit the righteous Not only that, but he didn’t have soever. Rabbi Haim reflected for a few and condemn the wicked! enough money for the mitzvah meal, moments. On the face of it, the man’s Let Him Awaken the Dawn nor enough furniture in his home for claim seemed to be authentic, for he In the third chapter on the laws of To- his guests to sit on. possessed an IOU to support it. On the rah study, the Rambam writes: “Even The buyer went out for a walk, other hand, the defendant was forcefully though it is a mitzvah to study during quite worried. Without realizing it, his asserting that he had never borrowed legs brought him to the local market. money from him! What was Rabbi Haim the day and at night, it is only at night Although he had but pennies in his to do? “Render justice in the morning” that a person gains most of his wisdom. pockets, he placed his faith in G-d (Jeremiah 21:12). Rabbi Haim turned Therefore anyone who wishes to earn and prayed for help during this time towards the men and said: “Come back the crown of the Torah should be care- of distress. to see me tomorrow morning, for I will ful with all of his nights, not to waste even one of them sleeping, eating, At the market, as he walked around render a decision at that time.” drinking, talking, and so on, but rather in a sullen state, a woman drove past The next morning, the two neighbors to engage in the study of Torah and him in a donkey cart carrying fragrant went to see Rabbi Haim in court, where words of wisdom” (Hilchot Talmud herbs. With the little money that he they repeated their positions. The Torah 3:13). Rabbi Haim Pinto fulfilled had, he purchased all her merchandise plaintiff said, “I have an IOU that has these words to the letter. He remained and made his way back home. been signed by the defendant,” while seated during the nights – hour after The man’s brother, who was stay- the defendant denied the veracity of the hour, from midnight until dawn – de- document, asserting that no loan had ing with him at the time, immediately voting himself to learning Torah with ever taken place. Rabbi Haim turned realized what had to be done, given extraordinary diligence. The members towards the plaintiff and said, “Give that he had a sharp business mind. of his household knew that if during the me the document and I will verify its The value of these herbs was dozens day they were not to disturb him as he authenticity in the Aron Kodesh. If dots of times greater than what his brother studied, how much more were they not appear on the document tomorrow, it had paid. Realizing the financial dif- to disturb him at night! ficulty that his brother was in, espe- will mean that you are right and the cially with the arrival of a newborn, defendant is guilty. However if the The Revelation of Eliyahu Ha- he quickly took these herbs and sold it writing on the document disappears Navi at the market for a huge gain. He then and the paper becomes entirely white, One night his daughter Mazal (may went to buy everything that was needed it means that your neighbor is correct she rest in peace) entered her father’s 26 study because she needed something replied, “Your honor certainly knows voices coming from Rabbi Haim’s inside. As soon as she entered the that there was a decree enacted against room. He thought, “If the Rav has a room, however, she saw another man my daughter Mazal, a decree that she study partner tonight, I should prepare that she didn’t recognize. When Rabbi will become blind in both eyes because something for him to drink as well.” Haim noticed his daughter’s presence, she saw Eliyahu HaNavi. It was for this That is precisely what he did, and he he sprang from his place and uncharac- reason that I refused to allow her to entered the Rav’s room carrying two teristically exclaimed: “My daughter, marry your grandson Aharon.” Rabbi glasses. why did you enter my room without Kalifa said, “Don’t worry, Rabbi Haim. In the morning, after Shacharit, permission? Know that the man whom My grandson will accept the decree, Rabbi Haim summoned his shamash you saw was Eliyahu HaNavi [the whatever may happen.” and said: “Please tell me why you Prophet Elijah]. Since you saw his face In the morning, Rabbi Haim sent a brought me two glasses during the without possessing the necessary merit, letter to Rabbi Aharon Melloul, asking night, rather than one?” The shamash a decree has been enacted against you: him to come to Mogador. When he ar- replied, “I heard you speaking with Either the eyes that saw a forbidden rived, Rabbi Haim told him what had someone, and so I brought a second vision will become blind, or you will happened, as well as the sad fate that hot drink for your guest.” leave this world, G-d forbid.” awaited him if he were to marry his The tzaddik Rabbi Haim nodded his The young girl, paralyzed by fear and daughter. Rabbi Haim explained that head in silence. He looked at Rabbi dread, could not speak. She was unable this was why he had refused to give Aharon Ibn-Haim and said, “Happy are to explain her actions or implore her her hand in marriage to him. Not fright- you my son, for you had the merit of father the tzaddik for mercy. Her father ened by what he heard, Rabbi Aharon hearing the voice of Eliyahu HaNavi. begged the Creator for mercy again and said: “Even so, I’m prepared to marry His was the second voice that you again, praying for his daughter not to your daughter. Merit such as hers does heard on that night, and I forbid you go blind before getting married. Rabbi not present itself every day.” to reveal it to anyone.” Haim later told his daughter what he Thus it was arranged, and not long Rabbi Aharon obeyed his master. For had done, and his daughter (who was afterwards Rabbi Aharon Melloul was many years, he revealed nothing of a great tzaddeket) accepted the decree what he had heard. Nevertheless, when with complete love. standing under the chuppah (marriage canopy) with the daughter of Rabbi Rabbi Haim left this world, Rabbi Years later, it happened that Rabbi Haim Pinto. They were married ac- Aharon felt that the moment was right Aharon Melloul, the grandson of the cording to the laws of Moses and to reveal this extraordinary secret to holy tzaddik Rabbi Kalifa ben Malka Israel. the Rav’s family – the revelation that (may his merit protect us), arrived in Eliyahu HaNavi studied with Rabbi As it turned out, the evil decree Mogador. Each time that he passed Haim Pinto. against Rabbi Haim Pinto’s daughter through the city, he would stay with As we noted at the outset, we are not Rabbi Haim Pinto. was annulled. Because of the merit of her fathers, she continued to see nor- claiming that these brief accounts can When Rabbi Aharon Melloul saw the mally, and both she and Rabbi Aharon fully define the greatness and majesty virtues of the young Mazal, her mod- Melloul lived a long time. In fact they of Rabbi Haim Pinto. Our goal has esty and righteousness, he approached merited seeing righteous offspring as been to give people a heartfelt sense her father Rabbi Haim (as was the well. of this man, a giant among giants, in custom at the time) and expressed his order that we may strengthen our love desire to marry his daughter, who de- When the time came, they passed for the Creator, our faith in the Sages, scended from a long line of tzaddikim. away within the same week and were and our study of the holy Torah. May Without explaining why, Rabbi Haim buried next to each other in the old the strength that people draw from this Pinto categorically refused to give his cemetery in Mogador. text be added to the merit of Rabbi permission. Eliyahu HaNavi revealed himself at Haim, who will be for us and all the Rabbi Aharon returned home upset other times to Rabbi Haim Pinto and Jewish people a defender at the coming and somber. He began to worry that the studied with him, although we don’t of Mashiach and the resurrection of the Rav had perhaps seen some flaws in his know how many times. We do know dead. Amen. character, flaws that made him decide of one such incident because of his not to let his daughter marry him. shamash, Rabbi Aharon Ibn-Haim. Soon afterwards, the tzaddik Rabbi Rabbi Haim Pinto would begin his Kalifa ben Malka revealed himself in day in the service of G-d at midnight, a dream to Rabbi Haim Pinto. He said, as strong as a lion. Rabbi Haim’s “Rabbi Haim, I sent you my grandson shamash, also awake at the time, would happy and content, and you sent him typically prepare a hot drink for him. home sad and upset.” Rabbi Haim One night, the shamash heard two 27 The Days of Man are Fixed (By David Hanania Pinto Shlita) It is written, “Let me know my end, O who was the High Priest, and Moses, who shorter than those of another person, he can L-RD, and the measure of my days, what it was the origin of all the souls of the Jewish still accomplish the mission allotted to him is; that I may know how frail I am” (Psalms people and whose soul was equal to that of during that time. 39:5). all the people? Numerous spirituals giants, men such King David turned towards Hashem I think that Samuel merited this impor- as the Arizal, the Rema, and the Ramchal and implored Him to reveal the day of his tance because he was among those “who (may their merit protect us), died while still death, so he could prepare for it. Hashem called upon His Name,” meaning that he young. However that did not prevent them refused his request, saying that He does not was among those upon whom Hashem’s from leaving a profound mark on all the normally tell the living when they will die. Name rested. It is known that the Torah is generations that followed. This is because Nevertheless, when David insisted with composed of Hashem’s Names, and from they made the best out of the few years they Hashem, asking to at least know what day the fact that Samuel diligently studied and were given, managing to complete their of the week he would die on, He told him traveled from one place to another in order mission in this world. Hashem did not want that it would be Shabbat. to spread the Torah, Hashem let His Name to remove even a day from David’s life, for King David was saddened when he heard rest upon him. Since Samuel was among just a single day could have allowed him this. He asked Hashem to let him die a day those “who called upon His Name,” his im- to complete his task. Likewise Hashem did earlier, on a Friday, because he did not want portance was comparable to that of Moses not want to add even a single day to his life to die on Shabbat. Hashem refused David’s and Aaron. True, Moses and Aaron were either – not because it would have been request, however, telling him that each day exceptional individuals, but they studied difficult for Him to add a day to Solomon’s in the life of a Jew is precious in His eyes, Torah in the desert and in complete peace reign – but because the addition of a single more precious than the thousand sacrifices and harmony, without having to go from one day would have been useless, for David did that King David’s son Solomon would offer place to another. On the other hand, Samuel not need it. On the contrary, it could have Him in the future. This is why He did not was unique in that he never established his tarnished the perfection that he had attained want to advance the day of David’s death, home in a place of honor. Instead he would in his lifetime. not even by a day. travel from one town to another in order to From here we learn that Hashem has King David turned to Hashem once again, spread Hashem’s Torah among the Jewish reserved a fixed number of years for each asking Him to add a day to his life in order people. Since he gave his soul for the To- person, a time in which one can elevate for his soul to leave the world on a Sunday, rah, he merited for Hashem’s Name to rest himself and fulfill the role for which he not Shabbat. Hashem again refused his re- upon him, which is why he was compared came into the world. Once that is done, if quest, telling him that if He prolonged his to Moses and Aaron. a person were to be given more years, they life, it would shorten King Solomon’s reign From all that we have said, we learn that would serve no purpose because he has by one day, something that Hashem did not there are no limits or boundaries to the already fulfilled his task on earth. On the want. Hence there was no other way than value of the Torah; it is simply the most contrary, each extra day could only ruin for David to die on Shabbat. precious and lofty thing in existence. I can what he has already accomplished and built through effort and determination. This exchange between King David and personally testify to the fact that the ability Hashem reveals something astonishing. In to understand a profound passage from the From here we can derive a lesson about fact how are we to understand that Hashem Talmud – or to resolve a question that has the importance of time. We learn that it is could not diminish the time allotted to bothered me for a long time – is what gives everyone’s responsibility to use each day of Solomon’s reign by even a single day? me the greatest joy. his life in the best possible way. A person must not come to the end of his days having Hashem can do anything! That being the It is written, “There is a time for ev- failed to fulfill his mission in life. He must case, it would be no problem for Him to add erything” and also, “Once the time for a realize that this world is a place of action, an extra day to Solomon’s reign at the end sacrifice has passed, it can no longer be after which he will no longer have the op- of his life. Why would it be impossible to offered.” From these verses we learn that portunity to rectify what needs to be recti- add a day to David’s life without damaging everything in this world has a fixed time. fied. Once a person’s days are over, even if Solomon’s reign? When that time has passed, it no longer has he were to be given many more years to live, It seems that we may answer this question a reason to exist. If someone went to the he would still be unable to rectify things in by turning to the words of King David in the Beit Hamikdash to offer a sacrifice, and yet the same way that he did before, during the Psalms: “Moses and Aaron were among His the time for offering sacrifices had already years that Hashem initially gave him. priests, and Samuel was among those who expired, his sacrifice would be meaningless called upon His Name” (Psalms 99:6). This because the time to accept it had ended. In means that David compared the importance the same way, we may say that Hashem has of Moses and Aaron to that of the prophet given man a fixed number of years in this Samuel, and found them equivalent. This world, years that he must use to complete verse seems quite astonishing, for how is it his mission. During his lifetime, he receives possible to say that Samuel, who was but a special Divine aid in order to help him fulfill prophet, had the same importance as Aaron, his mission. Even if the years of his life are 28 Album

29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 TRabbihe H illoulaHaim Pinto o inf Moroccothe Tzaddi (Septemberk 2007) Each year lends its own special Zatzal in order to pray by the grave to go see Rabbi Moshe Aharon Pinto qualities to the Hilloula of the tzaddik of the tzaddik. Zatzal, who uttered the words n’daba of Mogador, Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal. Around 6:30 pm, Mincha began in ma (“no more evil”). As it turned out, In fact celebrating the Hilloula of the the hotel’s main hall, which would his son was healed at that very mo- tzaddik on the very day of his pass- serve as a synagogue for the remain- ment. Thus the man pointed out to Mr. ing adds even greater significance to der of our stay. At the end of the Cohen that his very own son – having the event. service, Rabbi David Pinto Shlita been healed by Rabbi Moshe Aharon The tzaddik passed away on Elul 26, took the opportunity to remind us of Pinto Zatzal – was leading the prayer which for the year 2007 corresponds the importance of the days preceding service at that exact moment. to Sunday, September 9. Rosh Hashanah, during which time As Rabbi David Pinto Shlita pointed As early as Thursday morning, most repentance should help us return to out, when the tzaddik makes a pro- notably in Paris, several hundred the wellsprings of Judaism. The Rav nouncement, Hashem supports and people participating in the Hilloula stressed the importance of the tzad- instantly carries it out. Thus the tzad- boarded planes for Essaouira (Moga- dik’s role in Jewish life, especially dik always works for the good. dor) Morocco. Besides those who the role of Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal, That first Thursday evening of the were traveling to Essaouira for the for whom this Hilloula was organized. Hilloula was marked by the inaugu- Hilloula by other means, two planes Regarding the three days that were to ration of a new Sefer Torah, which were specifically chartered by Hevrat follow, the Rav underlined the impor- was offered by the Cesar family. It Pinto for this event. These flights to tance of tzniut (modesty) and the pre- essentially marked the first inaugura- Essaouira were chartered on Royal cautions that people were absolutely tion of a Sefer Torah in Essaouira in Air Maroc, which illustrates the im- required to take with regards to their the last 50 years. manner of dress. portance of Rabbi Haim Pinto’s A drive to collect funds for the poor Hilloula. Around 8:15 pm, the participants was organized by a sale of letters for Over the last few years, the organiz- boarded chartered buses that took the last words of the Sefer Torah, fol- ing committee for the Hilloula has them to Essaouira’s Jewish cemetery lowed by a sale of other mitzvot. for the Hilloula’s first evening. A lav- consisted of Mr. Mardoché Knafo, Mr. Selichot were recited around 11:45 ish meal was served around 9:00 pm, Albert Knafo, Mr. Daniel Afryat, Mr. pm, as men gathered around the mau- and all the participants appreciated William Marciano, as well as other soleum of Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal. the musical entertainment provided individuals who will forgive us for These prayers were recited only by the by Mr. Elie Melloul’s band on that not mentioning them by name. men. On that very night – Thursday, night. Rabbi David Pinto Shlita ad- Following a flight of nearly three September 6, 2007 – close to 400 dressed the participants, stressing the hours, during which time a strictly people prayed within the confines importance of the tzaddik’s words. He kosher meal was served, our arrival of Essaouira’s ancient Jewish cem- recounted a story told by Mr. David at the Essaouira airport was a particu- etery. Cohen about a person who had known larly solemn event. After all, we were Rabbi Moshe Aharon Pinto Zatzal At the end of these prayers, and a group of people whom Judaism and (Rabbi David Pinto’s father) three de- accompanied by the sound of shofar faith had brought together on Moroc- cades earlier: On a recent trip, Mr. Co- blasts, everyone went to pray by the can soil, where numerous tzaddikim hen found himself in synagogue read- grave of the tzaddik of Mogador. were buried. The temperature at that ing a book of Psalms that contained Rabbi David Pinto Shlita then took time of the year hovered around 25°C photographs of some tzaddikim. The the opportunity to discuss the im- (77°F). person sitting next to him cited the portance of teshuvah. This Hilloula The participants settled in their names of these great men. When Mr. was taking place at a fitting time for respective rooms at the Hotel Ryad Cohen came to Rabbi Moshe Aharon teshuvah. Most of the people gathered Mogador Hotel in Essaouira, which Pinto Zatzal, this person (who turned there were praying around the grave regularly hosts the Hilloula. out to be Ashdod’s police chief) of Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal, as others Some people took the time, as early recounted how, more than 30 years were lighting candles. as that Thursday afternoon, to visit earlier, he had a son who experienced At around one in the morning (3 am the mausoleum of Rabbi Haim Pinto epileptic seizures. The man was told in France), buses returned the partici- 37 pants to the hotel, where they went to weren’t afraid of dipping in slightly the baby to France for surgery, the sleep for a few hours and prepared cool water. coin “naturally” emerged from the themselves for Friday’s activities. The faithful gathered in the Ryad baby following a beracha, meaning The most courageous among the Mogador Hotel’s main hall at around that a surgical intervention became participants began their morning on 6 pm, as the men prayed Mincha and unnecessary. Friday by reciting Selichot around 6 the women lit candles for Shabbat. Following the Friday night service, am, followed by Shacharit. A second In the hall that served as our syna- we sat down to eat supper in the morning service also took place, gath- gogue, about 300 people gathered to hotel’s main hall. As usual, the qual- ering a large part of the faithful. pray. For the reading of Shir HaShirim ity and superb organization of the We ate breakfast around the pool and Arvit, we heard all those who Hilloula was illustrated by, among at the Ryad Mogador Hotel. For rea- possessed a beautiful voice and could other things, the efforts put into the sons of tzniut, the pool was closed sing well. It was an opportunity to catering. Thus the participants ap- during the entire Hilloula. Breakfast hear traditional Moroccan songs that preciated exquisite meals on that included Moroccan cakes, donuts, possessed the appropriate local flair. Friday night. coffee, tea, and juice. The architecture of the walls and The evening was adorned with At around 9 am, Rabbi David Pinto ceilings, as well as the building as songs befitting the occasion. Rabbi Shlita welcomed a group of women a whole, made it clear that we were David Pinto Shlita encouraged the to the mausoleum of Rabbi Haim really in Morocco. most reluctant among us to demon- Pinto Zatzal, where they had the During the course of his speech, strate their enthusiasm, since every- opportunity to receive his blessing. Rabbi David Pinto Shlita stressed the one should participate in the joy of Afterwards, people who wanted to path that we must take in life and the the Hilloula. visit the house of Rabbi Haim Pinto drive that exists in us all. For the Rav, As usual, all the faithful in the hall Zatzal in the old Jewish quarter of Es- the time preceding Rosh Hashanah – began singing Mashiach and Habibi saouira (close to the Jewish cemetery) a time that we were now experienc- Ya Habibi together. Finally, the tra- could do so. ing – is suitable for doing teshuvah. ditional Haoua Ja Y Douina in honor The house had recently been reno- He recalled the principles of Torah, of Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal was also vated, and the quality of the work- Shabbat, and Faith. sung. During the course of the eve- manship added special flair to the The Rav mentioned that someone ning, we were visited by Mr. André building. The blue and white colors of had come to see him for a beracha Azoulay, an advisor to His Majesty the house were in complete harmony (blessing). This person regularly King Mohammed VI. with the sky and the sea. participated in the New York City The meal ended at 11:30 pm, and Rabbi David Pinto Shlita welcomed Marathon, and he wanted to be among on Saturday morning classes began a group of men inside and gave a Dvar those who won it. His performance at 7 am for the early risers among us. Torah, stressing the holiness of the in previous marathons, however, did Each of the rabbis in Essaouira chose house. At the end of this visit, some not bode well for a future victory. a particular subject to speak about. people went to the market in search Nevertheless, the important thing was Rabbi Hai Amram underlined the of bargains and to purchase souve- for him to participate in the upcom- role of the shofar during the prayers nirs. Another group of participants ing marathon. The main thing was of Elul and Tishri. gathered on that morning to visit for him to be there – “to participate The Saturday morning service fin- the mausoleum of Rabbi Nissim ben because that was his choice.” ished at 12:30, during which time the Nissim Zatzal, located along the road As he usually does, Rabbi David faithful had an opportunity to fully between Essaouira and Marrakech. Pinto Shlita described miracles that appreciate the caliber of the “Chaza- Lunch awaited us at around 1 pm he personally witnessed. The faith nut” of certain participants. Fervent on that Friday afternoon, beginning and greatness of a tzaddik enable prayers were recited, and Rabbi Da- with entrées consisting of salads, and spectacular events to take place. Such vid Pinto Shlita delivered a speech on followed by grilled sardines. The fish- was the case regarding an 18-month the theme of teshuvah. ing industry in that part of the Atlantic old baby that had swallowed a coin Lunch was served after the morning Ocean is quite advanced. We were and was facing the possibility of sur- service, and all the participants found then served fresh fruit for desert. gery. The parents, from the Asseraf the meals delicious and reinvigorat- Everyone had a chance to prepare family, lived in Agadir, and it was the ing, including of course the “Dafina.” for Shabbat during the course of that day before the Hilloula of the tzaddik Songs were recited during the meal Friday afternoon. The Atlantic Ocean Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal. Although in honor of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim served as a mikveh for those who the parents were advised to bring Pinto Zatzal. As on the previous day, 38 Rabbi David Pinto Shlita stressed nance) was then recited. During this pilgrimage a success. This includes that everyone should participate in time, hundreds of men and women the efforts made by the Moroccan the singing. gathered to pray to Hashem and authorities, as well as by everyone Following this meal on Shabbat invoke the merit of the holy Rabbi connected to Hevrat Pinto. We also afternoon, some people took a nap in Haim Pinto Zatzal. cannot forget the work done by all order to better prepare themselves for Rabbi David Pinto Shlita gave us the staff at the Ryad Mogador Hotel the Hilloula of that evening. During a blessing at that late hour. The Rav in Essaouira. the course of the afternoon, various asked us to transmit this blessing to Rabbi David Pinto Shlita headed Torah classes were offered. We had others upon returning to our families towards the mausoleum of the tzad- the opportunity to hear a Dvar To- and friends, in the hope of seeing dik Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal. In his rah from Rabbi Y. Benchétrit, who Mashiach. He added that we can remarks, the Rav stressed to everyone stressed the importance of commu- certainly hasten his arrival, for we that they had to write down all the nication between human beings and are believers and children of believ- requests that they wished to make the significance of words. ers, and nothing is impossible for of the tzaddik. The participants then Mincha then took place, followed Hashem. followed one another to the grave of by Seuda Shelishith around the ho- Rabbi David Pinto Shlita gave the tzaddik of Mogador in an atmo- tel’s pool. Other Torah classes were a blessing to each of the faithful, sphere of serenity. Some participants given as people awaited the evening blessings said in the merit of his read Psalms, others prayed on their service. As soon as Arvit ended, forefather, the holy and venerated knees by the grave, while still others Havdalah was recited in the hall used Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal. At the end lit candles in designated areas. for prayers. of the ceremony at the cemetery, we Within the mausoleum, groups of returned to the Ryad Mogador Hotel The Hilloula began in the main hall men followed groups of women in for a short sleep. at around 8:30 pm. We were visited uttering personal prayers, sorrows, On Sunday morning we enjoyed by Mr. André Azoulay and His Excel- and wishes. breakfast around the pool. The first lency the Governor of the Province of For most of the participants, the of two morning prayer services took Essaouira. Rabbi David Pinto Shlita return to Paris took place early that place in the large hall that served as thanked the Moroccan authorities Sunday afternoon. During the final the hotel’s synagogue, followed by for the reception we received and the visit to the mausoleum of Rabbi Haim the second. It was then time to return efforts made to facilitate our stay in Pinto Zatzal, everyone came for one to the building adjacent to the Jewish Essaouira, as well as for the security last time to invoke the merit of the cemetery. Thanks to well-organized forces deployed for the Hilloula. tzaddik of Mogador, may his merit planning, buses allowed us to travel protect us. The Rav discussed the importance between our hotel and the cemetery. Prayers, hymns, and the sound of of commemorating the anniversary We must once again thank the Mo- shofar blasts accompanied the par- of the passing of Rabbi Haim Pinto roccan authorities for the efforts ticipants, and it was not without some Zatzal on Elul 26. Rabbi David Pinto they made in providing us with the regret that the Hilloula ended. People Shlita stressed the love that we should best possible security. As a local taxi returned to their homes following a have for others, and he recited a bless- driver explained to me, police officers flight from the Essaouira airport. For ing for King Mohammed VI and the and soldiers were usually seen during Jews returning from the 5767 Hilloula Moroccan people. Accompanying the the Jewish pilgrimage for Rabbi Haim of the tzaddik of Mogador, this event Hilloula celebrations of that evening Pinto Zatzal. was the music of Elie Melloul’s band, marked an important step that brought A light meal was then served. them closer to Rosh Hashanah and which played the traditional reper- Joining the participants at that time toire of “hilloulotes.” Yom Kippur, for Rabbi Haim Pinto were the Governor of the Province Zatzal provides us with real help in Around midnight, the participants of Essaouira and Mr. David Azoulay, life. May his merit protect us all! boarded buses that took them to the official Moroccan representatives. Amen. grave of Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal. Rabbi Raphael Pinto (the son of The reading of Selichot began at Rabbi David Pinto Shlita) then said the cemetery around one in the morn- a prayer for King Mohammed VI and ing. These prayers were marked with the Moroccan people for this special special kedusha, uttered in unison occasion, the Hilloula of the tzaddik and spurred on by Rabbi David Pinto Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal. Shlita to the accompaniment of shofar We must thank everyone, both blasts. A Psalm for parnasa (suste- near and far, who helped make this 39 G ro wing and S trongerthe Service of in Hashem Faith By Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita In the Shacharit prayer of Shabbat answer is that man does not ask Hashem that we are faithful servants, meaning we say, “Moses rejoiced in the gift for help with his own things. Instead he that we do not take things that do not of his portion, for You called him a asks for help with regards to sustenance, belong to us. faithful servant.” On Friday, the eve understanding, holiness, and the like in Young unmarried yeshiva students of Shabbat, my father always helped order to serve Hashem with perfection. should realize that they can reach this out at home, and he would say in a Hence we ask Him: Grant us wisdom, level while they are in yeshiva. This loud voice: Yismach Moshe be’matnat sustenance…in order to serve You with is because the service of Hashem is chelko (“Moses rejoiced in the gift of a perfect heart, for our desire is to serve something that we must acquire through his portion”). I asked my father if he You to the best of our abilities. much work, and it is impossible to at- was saying this because his own name Moses also felt that it was a gift that tain it without effort. Yeshiva days are was Moshe. He told me that this wasn’t G-d considered him to be His servant. a time when it is possible to reach this the reason why, but that the meaning of In fact even more is said with regards to level. I remember that when I was in ye- these words had to be understood. My Moses: Not only was he a servant, but shiva, I always wanted to reach an age father told me this when I was young, “a faithful servant,” something that car- at which I could take classes given by and I did not realize just how profound We must realize that it is not Rabbi Chaim Lopian Zatzal, and thank it was, although today I understand the G-d I did. If a person really yearns for only Torah study which leads meaning of “Moses rejoiced in the gift something, he can attain it. a person to become G-d’s ser- of his portion.” What was the gift that Yeshiva students must realize that Moses received from G-d? The answer vant. Simply put, it takes a real during this time in their lives, they follows immediately afterwards: “You effort to become G-d’s servant. should elevate themselves and become called him a faithful servant.” This is What kind of “service” does faithful servants of Hashem. They must the gift that Moses rejoiced in – being this consist of? It consists of especially focus on perfecting their called a faithful servant of Hashem. perfecting one’s character traits character traits and relationship with We must realize that it is not only and concentrating in prayer. others. It is also important for them to Torah study which leads a person to Furthermore, a servant of G-d be neat and organized, and to respect become G-d’s servant. Simply put, is the happiest of men. themselves insofar as being the sons of it takes a real effort to become G-d’s the King. A person who grows in terms servant. What kind of “service” does ries a whole other meaning. There is a of his relationships with others will this consist of? It consists of perfecting tremendous difference between a faith- experience happiness throughout his one’s character traits and concentrat- ful servant and an unfaithful servant. A life, for by doing so he will also learn ing in prayer. Furthermore, a servant person can have a servant who serves to respect and appreciate his wife. This of G-d is the happiest of men. I once him eagerly, and yet steals from him will lead to love and friendship between saw someone who was smiling as he at the same time. Such a servant is not husband and wife, and the Shechinah prayed, although I didn’t know why. I faithful, and his service is not at all ethi- will reside among them. later asked him why he had been smil- cal. Thus with regards to G-d, there can I once saw a young man looking at ing, and he told me that it was the first be faithful and unfaithful servants. himself in a mirror. He was dusting time in his life that he sensed the con- I once had a very bad experience himself off and carefully examining cept of “the holy King.” Someone who when I was young boy. It was the his hair and overall appearance. I ap- prays with so much effort and reflects Shabbat before Tisha B’Av, and I was proached and asked him what this all upon the words he recites is a servant in synagogue. There I saw a collection meant. He said that he was about to of Hashem. box for tzeddakah, and an evil thought conclude a shidduch, and he wanted to It seems surprising that someone who crossed my mind – the thought of tak- look appropriate. When I thanked him, prays in this way, reflecting upon the ing it. Happily, the shamash arrived and he immediately asked me: “When you meaning of his words, is considered to saved me from this, but I remember it had a shidduch, didn’t you do the same be G-d’s servant, since he is asking Him to this day. The evil inclination is so thing?” I told him that I did not, but I for so many things. How can this be? In powerful that it can push a seven-year- still thanked him for having taught me general, a servant does not ask his mas- old boy to take a tzeddakah box on just to what point we must look good ter for things, but instead provides them. Shabbat. A person must therefore really before Hashem. In fact if a person goes Therefore how can servants of G-d ask sense that he is serving Hashem, and to such lengths in order to look good for for so many things as they pray? The even in such situations he must realize a woman, with whom he will live for 40 just a few decades – although his soul however, they stood at a distance and Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa could come exists for eternity – then how much attained the fear of Heaven by them- before Hashem whenever he pleased more should we adorn our deeds and selves, by their own realization of the because he was like a servant (since habits in order to please Hashem, the Creator’s existence. This is a higher servants can always come before the eternal G-d? form of the fear of Heaven. Thus both king to inquire of his needs), but Rab- The Sages teach, “He overturned things were true: At first the Children ban Yochanan could not do the same the mountain on them like a barrel,” of Israel were coerced, and later on they because he was like a nobleman, and and it is written: “The people saw and themselves put an effort into acquiring noblemen only appear before the king trembled and stood from afar” (Exodus the fear of Heaven. at fixed times. 20:15). Now if Hashem overturned We know the story of the gaon Rabbi Rabban Yochanan said that Rabbi the mountain on the Children of Israel Yitzchak Blazer Zatzal, who once saw Chanina ben Dosa was like a servant, like a barrel, it means that they were one of his students standing by a win- being able to come before the king at standing beneath the mountain. How- dow. When he asked him why he was any time. He truly was like a servant, ever the verse states that they stood standing there, the student replied: “To for he never came to ask for himself, at a distance! Exactly where were the get some fresh air.” Rabbi Yitzchak since he completely ignored his own Children of Israel standing? The fear said to him, “Perhaps you are a thief?” desires. Hence he was considered to be of Heaven comes in two forms: That Shaken by what he had just heard, the Hashem’s servant. When Rabbi Chani- which results from misfortune, and student replied that he was not a thief, na ben Dosa was in need of sustenance, that which results from personal effort. but was simply standing there for some he prayed to Hashem and a golden table I once met a person in Paris who was air. Rabbi Yitzchak told him that by leg immediately appeared for him. He very ill, and on his face it was clear standing in front of a window, he was then had a dream in which he was eating that his life was nearing an end. As his stealing the air of others who were upon a table that was lacking one leg. dying day approached, he changed his inside, for he was blocking the air that From this he understood that because ways and began to put on tefillin and do would have otherwise reached them. of the table leg he had received, his other things, for he possessed a fear of From here we learn just to what degree table in the World to Come would be Heaven that resulted from misfortune. we must consider the needs of others. lacking a leg. This requires an explana- This is one way of attaining the fear of This is called the fear of Heaven, and tion, for does it mean that a person is Heaven, but there is another way, one it requires that a person be sensitive to forbidden to ask G-d for his sustenance? that results from personal effort. Thus what others are feeling. It requires that If someone asks for something and the verse states, “What does the L-RD a person serve Hashem in truth by con- receives it, does it mean that it will be your G-d ask of you? Only to fear the centrating in prayer, especially without deducted from his reward in the World L-RD your G-d” (Deuteronomy 10:12). harming others. to Come? The answer is that Rabbi Here the Gemara asks, “Is the fear of Rav Shach Zatzal said that the fear of Chanina ben Dosa was a complete Heaven such a minor thing?” (Berachot the day of judgment is not about being servant of Hashem. Now as we know, 33b). It is a major thing! Therefore judged per se, but about standing before what a servant acquires belongs to his how can the verse say, “Only to fear Hashem. Simply being summoned in master. Hence everything he possessed the L-RD your G-d”? Actually, it was judgment awakens fear in man, who really belonged to Hashem. Yet in this a minor thing for Moses, since he was grows fearful even if he is righteous, for instance he asked for something for Hashem’s servant through and through. “there is no righteous man on earth who himself, and it would not belong to his This fact is concretely expressed in a does good and never sins” (Ecclesiastes master. He would therefore be lacking statement by the Ba’al HaTurim: “The 7:20). Only a perfect servant of Hashem it in the World to Come. At his level, name Moshe is formed by the same let- has nothing to fear. Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa could not ters as Hashem.” Moses served Hashem The Gemara recounts the story of even ask for his sustenance, since he with all his strength, to the point of Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai, whose was truly a servant of Hashem. ascending to Heaven in order to bring son became ill. He prayed for him, but These are extremely profound con- down the Torah. Hence the letters of his his prayer went unanswered. When cepts, and we must all aspire to be a name are those of Hashem, and Moses’ his disciple Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa “faithful servant” of the Holy One, fear of Heaven stemmed from the power prayed for him, however, his prayer blessed be He. Not only should a person of his own service of Hashem. was answered. The wife of Rabban become a servant, but a faithful servant. Let us now explain this in a different Yochanan asked him if his disciple How does one become a faithful servant way: At first the Holy One, blessed be was greater than him, since his prayer of Hashem? It is only by annulling his He, overturned the mountain on the went unanswered while Rabbi Chanina own desires before Hashem’s will. Children of Israel like a barrel so they ben Dosa’s prayer did not. He said that could possess the fear of Heaven that Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa was like a results from external factors, meaning servant before the king, who comes and that it was forced upon them. Later on, goes as he pleases. This is astonishing: 41 SettingThe Secret a to Personal Exerting a Real Exam Influenceple on the Community: Question: What difference do After spending three years in Eretz when a man wears a kippah and a hat, you see between Jews living in Israel, I felt a tremendous spiritual thereby sensing that his head is always Eretz Israel and France, from elevation, but meanwhile the students covered, he becomes infused with the where you are returning? that I had left behind in France began fear of Heaven. Answer: In terms of spirituality, there to regress. I therefore had no other I once heard it said in the name is no difference. Wherever a person choice but to return. Baruch Hashem, of a great rebbe that people would might be, he can grow. I have seen the religious community in Eretz Israel wear heavy coats when going to see a people becoming great Torah figures is at a tremendous level, possessing a tzaddik, even if it was very hot. They precisely in the Diaspora, for there we great deal of Torah and a large number wanted to sense the warmth of the know our limits; we know our place of people doing teshuvah. All the same, tzaddik through these garments. We and our desire is to move to the Holy working on one’s middot [character must approach prayer with the same Land. On the other hand, there is a tre- traits] is essential. Leading Torah in- attitude. We must be able to sense the mendous degree of assimilation within stitutions, mainly yeshivot, have a difference between those who live in the Diaspora, and only the Torah can great role to play here. We must first Eretz Israel, and those who live in the protect a person. This is not only from completely eliminate the cell phones of Diaspora. Now sometimes it is the a physical point of view, but above all opposite, for in the Diaspora there are from a spiritual point of view. A person Jews upon whose faces we can see the What everyone can do is fear of Heaven. who pays no attention to his spiritual to learn mussar [ethics], state is in danger regardless of where Throughout the Talmud, there are nu- he finds himself. Thus as soon as the as it is written: “Hold fast merous discussions between the Sages Torah is present, there is no difference, to mussar; do not let go. of Babylon and those of Eretz Israel. as it is written: “In all places where I Guard it, for it is your life” We know that the air of Eretz Israel is conducive for acquiring wisdom, since cause My Name to be pronounced, I [Proverbs 4:13]. Before will come to you and bless you” [Exo- it is “a land that the L-RD your G-d dus 20:21], as well as: “I am with him going to sleep, I also study cares for. The eyes of the L-RD your in distress” [Psalms 91:15]. Likewise mussar or read accounts G-d are always upon it.” All the same, our Sages say that the Divine Pres- of the tzaddikim, for this purity and impurity always come in pairs, and it is known that a place which ence accompanies the Jewish people rouses the emotions, which wherever they have been exiled. Still, contains a large degree of kedusha the main problem throughout Europe is important. [holiness] also contains a great degree and the Diaspora is assimilation. of tumah [impurity]. The gates of Gan Only a person who respects the limits young yeshiva students and supervise Eden and the gates of Gehinnom are imposed on him by the Torah will be them closely. Such devices have no both found in Hebron. In Eretz Israel it saved from it, for he will know what place in a yeshiva, for they generate is possible to grow to a great extent, but is forbidden and will stay away from tremendous impurity. Likewise it is it is also possible to take a tremendous it. It is for this reason that I have been crucial to impose limits on outings, spiritual plunge there, G-d forbid. We working in France for more than 30 for numerous students have met death are witnesses to a stunning phenom- years now, in order to explain to people during such excursions. Even while on enon, one that takes place nowhere else. that Judaism is not just about reciting vacation, we must know what young- Some people prevent the spreading of Kiddush on Friday night. Instead, it is ster are doing. Torah, while others study and spread it. about personal devotion. The Torah Baruch Hashem, I was very content Although I don’t get involved in poli- warns the Jewish people that although whenever my teachers would reprimand tics, I have often shed tears as a result, a person may sometimes be called to me. I think that in general we have to and I have prayed for hearts to return a certain place, he is still forbidden emphasize the study of mussar [ethics], with G-d’s help. to adopt the local customs. He must which leads to the fear of Heaven. A Some mitzvot apply only in Eretz instead burn their idols. Now it is pos- man must recite prayers while wear- Israel, such as the observance of the sible to burn idols, but one cannot burn ing a hat and suit, not simply a dress Shmita year. The goal of these precepts an entire culture. Only the Torah can shirt. My father and teacher, may his is to increase kedusha in the land and burn a culture and make it disappear. merit protect us, always told me that to diminish tumah. 42 Q. What areas must a person They were fighting for control over studied in yeshiva with my teachers and strengthen himself in during this the month of Elul. There it is said rabbis, with the gaon Rabbi Shammai vacation period, with the month of that Jacob took the month of Nissan Zatzal and the gaon Rabbi Chaim Shm- Elul approaching? and Sivan – the month of preparing uel Lopian Zatzal in Sunderland, and to receive the Torah, which is well- in France with the tzaddik Rabbeinu A. What everyone can do is to learn suited to rectifying our middot – as Gershon Liebman Zatzal, we could mussar, as it is written: “Hold fast to well as the month of Iyar, which is sense the tension, as the verse states: mussar; do not let go. Guard it, for it well-suited to healing our middot: “The entire people saw the thunder” is your life” [Proverbs 4:13]. Before “I am the L-RD your healer.” Esau [Exodus 20:15]. The fear and anxiety going to sleep, I also study mussar took the months of Tammuz and were palpable. Elul was engraved upon or read accounts of the tzaddikim, Av, difficult months for the Jewish the faces of these teachers. for this rouses the emotions, which is people, as well as the month of Elul. important. The letters composing the world However Jacob came and fought with Elul form the initials of the verse Ani We often see reshaim [evildoers] suc- him, taking the month of Elul. How ledodi vedodi li [“I am my Beloved’s, ceeding. This can lead a person to think did he manage to defeat Esau’s angel and my Beloved is mine” – Song of that he can also act badly and succeed. and take the month of Elul from him? Songs 6:3]. It would seem that he word Yet this is not so. Our Sages teach that We must realize that the Torah saves dodi designates Esau. The explanation the reshaim succeed in this world be- and protects. When the Jewish people is the following: The month of Elul, cause G-d gives them their reward in use the days of Av and Elul – days of which belonged to “dodi” – to Esau this world, whereas punishment awaits vacation belonging to Esau, a difficult – now belongs to us. During a battle, them later on, in the World of Truth. time for the Jewish people – to study opposing forces each raise a flag over A well-known physician came to Torah and perform mitzvot, it then territory they control. Once a territory me and said that it was precisely his becomes possible to obtain the days has been conquered, the flag over that friends that worked on Shabbat who of Elul. It was in this way that Jacob territory changes. Likewise we must were successful. I said to him, “But defeated Esau and also managed to change the flag of the month of Elul. what purpose does all their money take control of Elul. We must change Esau’s flag with our serve? You also have a great deal of The reward that we receive for the own, thereby justifying the fact that money in safekeeping with G-d, Who Torah is proportional to our effort. A we took control of the month of Elul will repay you.” This man told me that person who devotes himself to Torah from Esau. he wanted to see his “savings” now. I during this vacation period will merit Q. Describe the atmosphere in replied that he had to die in order to see a tremendous reward. The Patriarch Ja- the home of your father, may his them; there was no other way. Hence cob greatly elevated himself during the external influences are so great that we months of Tammuz and Av, thanks to merit protect us, during the Days must study mussar regularly, each and which he was able to take the month of of Awe. What was the atmosphere every day. It is also very difficult not Elul away from Esau. We are therefore like in the city of Essaouira? to fall into the trap of Lashon Harah obligated to effectively use the month A. In the home of my teacher and [gossip], which is impossible without of Elul so as not to be blamed for hav- father the tzaddik, may his merit protect studying mussar. ing taken it away from Esau without us, one could sense a great preparation Rabbi Israel Salanter Zatzal said using it to grow. taking place during the month of Elul. that even the generation of the desert, Q. In the yeshivot where It could be seen on his face, just as it the generation that ate the manna, you studied as a younger, what was with my teachers, may their merit needed 40 days of preparation in order was the atmosphere like in the protect us. During this time, my father to receive the Torah. That generation Zatzal added a special saying to the month of Elul? How was Elul also included people who transgressed blessing he recited: “Shana Tovah [a unique with Rabbeinu Gershon Shabbat. That being the case, how good year], a year as good and as sweet much more does it apply to us? … In Liebman Zatzal? Could one see as honey.” that he was afraid? And what every situation that we find ourselves, The Moroccan town of Essaouira we must try to elevate ourselves was it like in the yeshivot that contained numerous synagogues, and through the study of mussar and books you frequented afterwards, with during the entire month of Elul we on Chassidut such as Avodat Halevi, as the gaon Rabbi Chaim Shmuel could hear Selichot [supplications re- well as through the works of the Vilna Lopian Zatzal? cited during Elul] coming from every Gaon, Rabbeinu Yerucham Zatzal, Rav A. Elul is the month of mercy. The direction. When I was young, I would Shach Zatzal, and others. great Torah figures of the generation go to the synagogue of Rabbi Shimon I read a passage from the Ben Ish feel tremendous fear during this time, Amar Zatzal. He was the chazan, and he Hai which explains the fight between just as great joy appears on their faces made us listen to audio tapes of Torah the Patriarch Jacob and Esau’s angel. during the month of Nissan. When I lectures that he heard from his teachers. 43 For the entire year, we waited for this heart, especially the words of the Baal Q. What impression did you time in order to hear Rav Amar Zatzal Shem Tov, the gaon Rabbi Akiva Eiger, have when the great Torah figures and his tapes. It was truly extraordinary Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal and others. of our generation, the gaon Rabbi for us, because few people had tape From the time they were created un- Aharon Leib Steinman Shlita and recorders at the time. That was how til they left this world, they lived in the Rebbe of Ger Shlita, visited we felt about the month of Elul, and it holiness and purity as they devoted France? awoke us! There is a famous saying: themselves exclusively to the Torah. “He who does not exert himself on the All their actions were unselfish, as it is A. Their visit was a very important eve of Shabbat will not eat on Shabbat.” said regarding Moses, who went from event that led to tremendous spiritual In other words, in order to eat on Shab- the people to the mountain, and from growth. Although it was very brief, their presence had an enormous effect. bat – something that everyone desires – the mountain to the people, without A man from Marseille was about to we must first exert ourselves. The same tending to his own affairs. marry a woman who was not Jewish. applies here, for each person is aware I’ve heard that the holy Rebbe Haim of his sins and knows what needs to be Now this visit from the great Torah of Sanz Zatzal would sell his share in fixed, which he must do while there is figures of Israel, and the acceptance of Gan Eden every day, and then give the still time. One must scrupulously ana- the Divine yoke that I recited before money to tzeddakah. These were true lyze his deeds in order to know what thousands of people, made him change tzaddikim, men whose greatness we needs to be fixed. In fact without deep his mind and decide to do teshuvah. cannot even grasp. introspection, it will be impossible for Naturally he left his non-Jewish girl- a person to realize just how much he The tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto, may friend and promised that he would needs to rectify himself. his merit protect us, was endowed with visit the Gedolei Israel [great men of the Divine spirit, and all his words “On this day the world was created” Israel], who changed the course of his were fulfilled to the letter. Neverthe- – on Rosh Hashanah we are judged and life and gave it meaning, allowing him less, we ourselves are still very far on Yom Kippur the verdict is issued. to merit true paradise. Today numerous The Satan knows that it is a period of from this level, having numerous Gedolei Israel diligently devote them- judgment, but does not know who G-d personal interests at heart. I often try selves to Torah and live a simple life, is judging at each instant. This is why to rid myself of personal interests; seeking neither glory nor honor. I’ve it is difficult for the Satan to accuse. A sometimes I succeed, and sometimes paid several visits to the gaon Rabbi person must realize that the Satan is I don’t. True tzaddikim, however, suc- Michel Yehuda Lefkovitz Shlita. This weak during these days. We must also ceed in doing this all the time, for the tzaddik could have been very wealthy, use this opportunity to return to G-d, Torah is their real occupation. We, on but instead he left everything behind for otherwise the accusations against the other hand, handle large amounts for the Torah and the Jewish people. us will be even greater. of money, and anyone who does so Unfortunately, many people wrongly cannot claim to have purified their assume the title of “Rabbi,” for they are With G-d’s help, we can all do com- heart. Although money allows us to singularly devoted to obtaining money, plete teshuvah and emerge from exile. build and support Torah institutions, The verse, “great is our joy” will be with no free time to devote to the needs we must nevertheless decide what and fulfilled in us. After this deliverance, of the community. Although true Gedo- we will forget all the misfortunes that how much to give each one, meaning lei Israel are few in number, thank G-d we lived through, and we will experi- that personal interests can come into we still have some. We should avail ence true joy. play, G-d forbid. ourselves of their knowledge and emu- late their ways. May it be G-d’s will to Q. Because of special Divine Thank G-d, I’ve had the merit of bringing many people back to G-d in grant them long days. Amen. aid, you have succeeded in assem- France, Argentina, Eretz Israel, and May it be His will to make us suc- bling thousands of Jews to listen other places. Because of my experi- ceed in our path, and may we merit to G-d’s words. What do you tell ences, I can give people advice and to continue growing and honoring the such large audiences in order to even warn them by citing what hap- Torah in Eretz Israel and the Diaspora. strengthen and encourage them? pened to certain individuals. Thank Amen, may it be so. A. First of all, to succeed in return- G-d, I’ve benefited from tremendous ing a person to G-d, one must first set Siyata Dishmaya [Divine aid] in this a personal example. I often ask my- regard, which seems to have come from self, “Have I already rectified my own the merit of my fathers. Without this deeds? Am I an appropriate example great merit, I would not have been able for others?” to return even a single person to G-d. There are many tzaddikim who have Of course, it goes without saying that never sinned. Their words are really with each person who does teshuvah, like a fire, words that penetrate the I also gain strength. 44 Shabbat – The (BySource Rabbi Davidof Blessings Hanania Pinto Shlita) For six days work shall be an enormous amount of money. We him in the World of Truth and speak done, but the seventh day shall can tell them that they are mistaken, in his favor. Looking at this more be holy for you, a Sabbath of that this is an argument of the evil closely, we see that the first letters of inclination, for the money that people the expression sheshet yamim (“six rest to the L-RD. Whoever does earn by desecrating Shabbat carries days”) form the term shai (“gift”), work on it shall be put to death. no blessings. It only appears that a whereas its last letters form the term ( Exodus 35:2) person becomes wealthy because he tam (“upright” or “blameless”) and Moses gathered all the people and keeps his store open seven days a met (“dead”). This seems to indicate gave them the mitzvah of Shabbat. week. The truth is that everything can that whoever works on the six days According to the verse, we may say be done during the first six days of of the week will merit a “gift” and that the expression “shall be done” the week, and a person has no chance blessing from Hashem insofar as his teaches us that it is not man who does of seeing blessings emerge from the endeavors will be successful. It also work – nor does he become rich as a work that he does on the seventh day. indicates that a person who conducts result – for work gets done by itself. As we already mentioned, the work is himself uprightly with Hashem will This is because Hashem orders it to be already done, and it only seems to a merit an abundance of blessings and done, just as the world was created by person that he becomes wealthier by success. On the other hand, a person the word of Hashem. It follows that a increasing his work. In fact the very who is not content with working on person has no reason to grow proud of opposite is true. the six days of the week – meaning his success. Rather, he should realize Moses tried to arouse faith among someone who tries to work on Shab- and become attuned to the fact that the Jewish people and make them re- bat – will quickly find death, as the work gets done by itself during the alize that a person’s livelihood comes verse states: “Whoever does work on six days of the week. In other words, to him from Heaven. He tried to teach it shall be put to death.” it gets done not because of a person’s them that everything has its own time. A person is forbidden to think that efforts, but because of Hashem’s will. A person is forbidden to spend his life the more money he makes and the There are people in this world who do chasing after money by desecrating larger his bank account grows, the not have to work hard to earn a living; the sanctity of Shabbat, for in that longer he will live, for everyone they make a few phone calls and their case he is not helping himself. On the eventually dies. What will he be able work is done. On the other hand, there contrary, he only does himself harm. to tell the Creator about the fact that are others who must put an enormous Likewise there are many people who he desecrated Shabbat and lost eternal amount of effort into earning a liv- make no effort to pray with a minyan, life? ing, and yet they are unsuccessful claiming that they have to hurry off Someone once came to see me and and barely make enough to eat. This to work and open their stores so that said that his wife was constantly teaches us that a person’s sustenance nobody has to wait for them to open. complaining and getting upset at him does not depend on him alone, nor on When a person does not know how because he devoted too much time to his efforts or commitments. Every- to divide his day and establish a clear observing mitzvot instead of working. thing is fixed for him from the begin- boundary between the sacred and This man wanted to know how to deal ning of the year to its end, and only mundane, he loses more than he gains. with his wife’s complaints. When I Hashem decides who will be rich and He thinks that because he manages to heard this, I tried to convince his wife who will be poor. open his store earlier, at the expense of that a person does not lose anything Also from the same verse, we learn communal prayer, he will earn more on account of observing Torah and that the time for work is exclusively money. The reality, however, is that he mitzvot. On the contrary, doing so the six days of the week, for the sev- will lose true riches, the capital await- bestows blessings upon a person and enth day is a “Sabbath of rest to the ing him in the World to Come. enables him to prosper in every pos-

L-RD.” We sometimes see people who A person will lie in his grave after sible way. His wife, however, refused do not observe Torah and mitzvot, 120 years on earth, and all the wealth to listen. When I saw that it was no use people who open their businesses on that he amassed on earth will stay be- trying to convince her, I told the man Shabbat. When we speak to them and hind; he will take none of it with him. to listen to his wife and spend more reprimand them for this, they quickly Because of this fact, a person must time at work. The man returned to see explain that Shabbat is their most lu- search his soul and think about what me a year later, but this time he was crative day, and if they were to shut is more important: Money, or the mitz- very distraught. He asked me why I down on Shabbat, they would lose vot and good deeds that accompany had told him to spend more time at 45 work, for he was now bankrupt and towards the World to Come passes the Jewish people so they could study had even lost what he had before! I through the avenue of Torah learning Torah in peace and harmony. replied that I had given him this advice and mitzvot observance. The obser- The Gemara cites a difference of because I was afraid he would lose vance of Shabbat strengthens a person opinion between Rabbi Ishmael and both his money and his wife. He said in his Torah study and observance of the Sages regarding whether it is to me, “Today that’s exactly where I mitzvot. We can compare this to a permissible to study by the light of stand – I’ve lost both my money and person being given a very hot cup of a lamp on Shabbat. The Sages say the peace in my home.” When he fin- tea to drink. Although the tea is sweet that it is forbidden, since a person ished telling me about his misfortunes, and very flavorful, it cannot be swal- is liable to tilt the lamp by mistake I advised him to return to his former lowed all at once. It has to be tasted while immersed in Torah study. Rabbi habits by spending more time learning a little at a time, until a person gets Ishmael believed that nobody could Torah and practicing mitzvot, promis- used to the heat and manages to taste ever forget that it is Shabbat, even ing that the Holy One, blessed be He, its flavor. Likewise the World to Come when immersed in study, which is would help him in all his endeavors. is perfect in every way, a pleasure why he felt that it was unnecessary I also told him that even if he does beyond all description. Yet before a to forbid studying on Shabbat by the not see the shai (“gift”) that Hashem person can properly attain and absorb light of a lamp. A certain time later, gives to those who study Torah in this this Heavenly delight, he must first Rabbi Ishmael was studying on Shab- world, it does not mean that he will get used to the spiritual experience of bat with his students. As he was doing not receive a reward. Instead, he must observing Shabbat, studying Torah, so, however, he moved his hand to tilt realize that the Holy One, blessed be and practicing mitzvot. the lamp, having forgotten that it was He, sometimes chooses to reward such I’ve read statements by the Chafetz Shabbat. He immediately corrected deeds in the World to Come, giving a Chaim and other commentators that himself and regretted not having lis- person shai (310) worlds of deliver- learning Torah on Shabbat entails tened to the words of the Sages. If he ance and blessing. a tremendous reward, much more had not opposed their words, he would Another person came to ask me than learning Torah on a weekday. not have tilted the lamp. In fact he why he was unsuccessful, and why he We need to understand why this is was so upset by what he had done, he stated that he would bring an offering saw no blessings from all that he did. so. I think the answer is that during when the Temple is rebuilt. I asked him if he observed Shabbat, the weekday, a person is occupied and he said that he did. I then asked with earning a living and seeing to We need to ask ourselves something him if he watched television on Shab- the needs of his home. He therefore regarding this point: If the study of bat, and he said that he did, but only cannot put all his energy into study- Torah on Shabbat is so important and with a timer. I said to this Jew, “You ing Torah. When he sits down to spiritually uplifting, why did the Holy should realize that although you are study, his head will still be occupied One, blessed be He, not arrange things not transgressing Shabbat by perform- with thoughts of unpaid bills, the such that a person could not desecrate ing one of the forbidden forms of neighbor that he need to talk to, and Shabbat as he studies? The answer is work on it – since you’re not turning so on. Thus his Torah study is not that Hashem wanted to teach us that on the television yourself, but have it completely untainted, but mixed despite the tremendous importance on a timer – the very fact that you’re with the worries of this world. On of Torah study on Shabbat, the ob- watching television gives Shabbat a the other hand, Shabbat enables us servance of Shabbat is even more important, for with regards to Shabbat mundane taste and dampens the spe- to rest from all our work, and our it is written: “Whoever does work on cial holiness and purity of this lofty minds become clear and free of all it shall be put to death.” Such a state- day.” I also said that it is written that the problems that have assailed us ment is not made with regards to one Shabbat is the source of blessings, during the six weekdays. This is why who neglects the study of Torah. This and that we must put an effort into we can completely devote ourselves means that despite the great need to put observing and sanctifying it as much to learning Torah and wholeheartedly an effort into learning Torah, especial- as possible. As such we will merit for immerse ourselves in it on Shabbat. ly on Shabbat, we must be fully aware the Holy One, blessed be He, to allow This situation – when a person com- of the immense importance of Shabbat us to see blessings in this world. pletely immerses himself in learning and strive to observe it in holiness, for Torah and his mind does not delve It is said that Shabbat is a foretaste it is the source of blessings. of the World to Come. This means on other things – is why Torah study that a person is given a real sense of on Shabbat is pure and considerably the World to Come through the obser- greater than during the week. Hence vance of Shabbat, so he may taste the the reward for such study is much flavor of Shabbat and acquire the life greater. I have read in the Ben Ish of the World to Come. In fact the path Hai that Shabbat was only given to 46 Stories of sLetHAb Us Go andB WelcomeAt Shabbat, For it is the Source of Blessing Shabbat By the Merit of Observing Shabbat It was the year 5634 (1874), and the Sab- The Shabbat table is the ideal place for members of the bath queen was descending upon the city Jewish household to grow together spiritually. of Frankfurt. Joyous emotion reigned in the The atmosphere is even more conducive for spiritual palace of the Baron of Rothschild, a promi- growth when family members gather around the dinner nent and wealthy figure. The community table to saver the delicious meals of Shabbat and enjoy would often invite a Rav, a talmid chacham, its marvelous songs. They can best absorb the eternal and or some other noteworthy individual to fundamental values of Judaism in this setting, and the spend Shabbat with them in order to gain strength through his words of Torah. Every- discussions that take place at such times remain indelibly one knew that it was the Baron of Rothschild engraved in everyone’s mind, the long term benefits of who would have the honor of welcoming the which are significant. distinguished guest into his luxurious home. We all know that it is impossible to correctly observe He literally treated his guest like a king. Shabbat if we do not study the laws that relate to it. Eve- Thus when Rabbi Aryeh Mordechai was on ryone can testify to the truth of this. his way to Eretz Israel, he was invited by the community to spend Shabbat with them, These laws are presented in a way that makes them ac- and as usual it was the Baron who had the cessible to everyone. With regards to the main laws, the privilege of hosting him. language of the Poskim (“legal decisors”), as brought by All during Shabbat, an atmosphere filled the Mishnah Berurah, has been meticulously preserved with kedusha (holiness) reigned in the home so as not to deviate in any way from their words. of the Baron. Divrei Torah (words of Torah) As the reader will see, these laws have been divided and followed one after the other as topics of con- organized by chapter. Each Shabbat corresponds to one versation sprang up from every direction. chapter, and at each meal one page deals with a series of And it goes without saying that the Shabbat laws related to the subject of that chapter. meals were served in abundance. The Baron also had a splendid custom: Each time that he In order to make learning more enjoyable, a short story hosted a special guest in his home for Shab- is presented on each page. Each story describes the vigi- bat, he would invite all the members of the lance of previous generations with regards to the honor community for an Oneg Shabbat (to savor and sanctity of Shabbat. These stories are meant to infuse the “delights of Shabbat”). He also wanted the reader’s soul with a fear of Heaven. them to have the privilege of sitting next to a tzaddik, in order for them to be soothed by It is by regularly studying these articles, on each Shab- his amazing songs and chiddushim (novel bat and at every meal, that a person will be able to derive teachings) on the weekly Torah section. The a tremendous benefit from it. members of the community cherished those The great teachers of Israel have told us that studying moments, aware of the renewed spiritual laws at the Shabbat table is a unique way of elevating strength that they could derive from them. Shabbat in the eyes of family members, either by reading Thus they came in large numbers, wanting them together or by choosing one of the children to read to be seated as close as possible to the Rav them. and drink in his words of holiness. This Shabbat as well, crowds flocked to We hope that this endeavor will attain its objective, the residence of the Baron. People rejoiced which is to spread Hashem’s word to each Jewish home in hearing the Rav’s divrei Torah and talking and among all its children. With G-d’s help, the detailed about what awaited him in Eretz Israel. The knowledge of these laws will only increase. Rav recounted experiences in his life, and he spoke to them of his forefathers. He also 47 revealed what his plans were upon arriving The Laws of Hadlakat Nerot in Eretz Israel. Once Shabbat ended, but before Rabbi Introduction Aryeh Mordechai left, one of the Baron’s Over the course of the generations, the mitzvah of Had- servants presented him with a tray upon lakat Nerot Shabbat (lighting the Shabbat lights) has been which dozens of letters had been placed, letters that had arrived during Shabbat. carried out with the greatest of care and attention. Still, the details of this mitzvah are quite numerous. Some laws apply Wealthy individuals such as the Baron when a person is at home on Shabbat, “Every man by his of Rothschild had business dealings with various Gentiles all around the world. Now own camp, and every man by his own standard” (Numbers in the Diaspora, mail was delivered on 1:52). Other laws apply when a person is invited to someone Shabbat as well as during the week. Nev- else’s home for Shabbat, or spends it elsewhere. In order to ertheless, the Baron of Rothschild would properly fulfill the mitzvah of Hadlakat Nerot, it is necessary always say, “I don’t attend to my business to study and clarify the details concerning this mitzvah. affairs on Shabbat. The Sabbath queen is The Mitzvah of Hadlakat Nerot the source of blessing, and all mundane The mitzvah of Hadlakat Nerot Shabbat was instituted by things that I deal with on Shabbat will not succeed. Everything can wait until after our Sages: Each person must have a lit ner (light) at home Shabbat!” during Shabbat, this being to fulfill the mitzvah of Oneg Shabbat (experiencing pleasure on Shabbat). That said, the Baron withdrew to read his mail once Shabbat ended. Among the Hadlakat Nerot Where One Eats letters that he had received during Shabbat In general, the essential part of the mitzvah consists of were three of a particular color, indicating lighting nerot (lights) where one eats. The fact that they that they were telegrams. The Baron saw provide light for the Shabbat meal constitutes a major part them and noticed that they all came from of the oneg, the pleasure being to eat in a place where there the same sender: The Russian government. is light. As Chazal have said, a person should have his meal He placed them in the order which they had only during the day, or in an illuminated place at night. arrived, and then he began to read them. When he read the first telegram, a look of Large Nerot surprise came over his face. When he read This is why the nerot of Shabbat should be sufficiently the second, it was the look of shock and large, so they can remain lit until the end of the meal. confusion. And when he read the third, his face began to shine. In fact a smile of great Chapter 1 satisfaction appeared on his face. Lighting Nerot for Shalom Bayit The Baron asked his guest to forgive him for having attended to his mail, at which In addition to where we eat, we must also light nerot in point the Baron explained its contents. A other rooms of the home that will be used during Shabbat. few years earlier, the Baron had built a large This is in order to allow shalom bayit (peace in the home) factory that produced steel cables. It was a to reign. In fact there should be no dangerous places in the time when the demand for steel products, home. Therefore when there is light in a room, family mem- especially cables, was quite high, and the bers will not trip over a piece of wood, a rock, or any other Baron had invested a great deal of money object, allowing them to live in peace within the home. into building his factory and starting its Illuminated Places production run. The price that he had been asking for his cables had apparently been too In reality, by lighting nerot where we eat or in rooms that high, however, for a competitor in another we use on Shabbat, we are fulfilling the mitzvah of Hadlakat country was selling the same kind of mer- Nerot. Hence if the light of the nerot also illuminates other chandise at a greatly reduced price. Thus his rooms in the home, it is not necessary to have a ner in each inventory of steel cables remained unsold, room, since there is no reason to worry that people will and he almost had to shut down his factory. trip over an object. We have thereby fulfilled the mitzvah of The Baron ended up loosing a great deal of Hadlakat Nerot, which is incumbent upon every Jew. money in that venture. 48 Likewise, when other rooms in the home are illuminated Now, however, the Russian government by street lamps or other lights (and especially if there is had suddenly decided to purchase his inven- already a light shining in the room itself), this light will tory of steel cables. In the first telegram that suffice, and there is no need to light nerot there. had arrived on Friday night, a government official had offered to purchase a large quan- Nevertheless, we must always respect the rule imposed by tity of his cables, but at a low price (albeit our Sages, namely that every person should have a light in higher than what the Baron’s competitor had their home (the main part of the mitzvah being, in general, been asking). Receiving no response from to light nerot where we eat). Even when the home is filled the Baron on that night, the government of- with light, we must light nerot for Shabbat. ficial concluded that the Baron was not will- ing to sell at such a low price. He therefore Chapter 2 sent a second telegram, this time on Saturday Those Obligated to Fulfill the Mitzvah of Hadlakat Nerot morning, in which he offered the Baron a higher price for his merchandise. The Men and women must have a ner (light) in their homes Russian official had no idea that the Baron that remains lit during Shabbat. Even a poor person who simply did not read his mail on Saturday, lives off of tzeddakah is obligated to observe this mitzvah, and when he realized that the Baron failed and he must ask for money in order to purchase a ner for to reply to his second telegram, the official Shabbat and light it, since this is an obligation of Oneg sent a third one on Saturday afternoon. In Shabbat. it, he offered to purchase the Baron’s cables Women Have Precedence Over Men at a price that was about double that of his initial offer! Women are given more warnings than men with regards to the mitzvah of Hadlakat Nerot. Thus if a woman is at home, “My honored guest can see,” the Baron concluded, “just how much good Shabbat she has precedence over a man in fulfilling this mitzvah. does to those who observe it, even with Even if a man desires to light the Shabbat light, a woman regards to their business ventures. Because has precedence in this regard. of the price that the Russian government The Rambam explains that the reason for this is that a was willing to pay me, I can now reopen my woman is at home and deals with the needs of the household. cable business, recoup my losses, and even Hence this mitzvah is more incumbent upon women. make a nice profit.” The Midrash brings another reason: It is because a woman Rabbi Aryeh Mordechai left the Baron’s extinguished the light of the world, namely Adam. Since it home, stunned by how a single man could was a woman (Eve) who made him sin by giving him to eat possess so much Torah and wisdom on one from the Tree of Knowledge – thereby darkening his soul, hand, and wealth and fear of Heaven on which is called a ner (light), and thus bringing about his the other. Every Shabbat in Eretz Israel, death – it is women who have received the mitzvah of Had- he would recount the story of the Baron and describe his extraordinary devotion to lakat Nerot. This is in order to obtain atonement for her sin Hashem and His Torah. and rectify what she damaged. The Obligation for Men to Light The Sanctity of Shabbat A single man who lives alone should light the nerot at During the Second World War, the Bob- home and recite the blessing. Likewise, a married man over Rebbe, Rabbi Ben Tzion Zatzal, was whose wife is not at home (or does not light the nerot for being chased by the Nazis, whose efforts to some reason), is obligated to light the nerot himself and catch him were unsuccessful. Having fled recite the blessing. with Rabbi Mordechai Rokach Zatzal, the Av Beit Din (head of the rabbinical court) Chapter 3 of Bulgaria, the Bobover Rebbe reached a small town in the middle of Shabbat. As he The Preparation of the Nerot by the Husband was preparing to continue on his journey, Although it is a woman who lights the nerot, the Pos- he turned to Rabbi Mordechai and asked kim have nevertheless stated that it is good for a man to to borrow his Shabbat clothes for a brief also participate in the mitzvah by preparing the nerot. instant. He then replaced his weekday 49 Thus even before a woman lights the nerot, a man should clothes with those for Shabbat. He thereby make sure to light them and then immediately extinguish prepared himself for the prayers of Shab- them. A woman will then be able to light the nerot more bat, which he fervently recited. easily. Rabbi Mordechai recounts, “I then looked at him and saw that he was literally One Who Regularly Lights Will Have Talmidei Chachamim transforming. The look of distress on his as Sons face disappeared, as if it had never existed. The Gemara states in Masechet Shabbat: “He who habitu- His face began to radiate joy, shining with ally practices [the lighting of] the lamp will possess talmidei the holiness of Shabbat.” chachamim [Torah scholars].” Rashi explains these words according to the verse, “For a mitzvah is a lamp and the Candy for Shabbat Kodesh Torah is light” (Proverbs 6:23). This verse teaches us that Near the end of his life, Rabbi Aharon because of the ner of the mitzvah of Shabbat, we will merit Kotler Zatzal lost consciousness. He was unable to eat normally and had to be fed the light of the Torah. intravenously. This is why a person must be careful to embellish the ner His mouth was extremely parched, and of Shabbat, especially by purchasing beautiful nerot for he could barely speak. Yet for medical this mitzvah. reasons, the doctors forbid him from eat- A Woman’s Prayer When Lighting ing and drinking, not even so much as a drop of water. Since the reward of the mitzvah of Hadlakat Nerot is meriting sons who will become talmidei chachamim, it is Eventually one doctor allowed him to fitting for a woman, after having lit the nerot and recited the suck on a candy in order to ease his suf- fering. blessing, to pray for G-d to give her sons who will shine in Torah. Whenever we fulfill a mitzvah and pray at the same The student standing by Rabbi Aharon’s bedside was happy when he heard this, time to merit its reward, it is a favorable time and G-d lis- and he joyfully announced the good news tens even more to prayer. to his Rav. Yet Rabbi Aharon, with great It is good to give tzeddakah before lighting the nerot. effort, said to him: “I’ll save the candy for Shabbat Kodesh.” Chapter 4 It wasn’t Friday when he said this – it How Many Nerot Should We Light? was only Wednesday! We usually light two nerot, one for zachor (“remember the The Chafetz Chaim Prepares for Sabbath day”) and another for shamor (“guard the Sabbath Shabbat Kodesh day”). Some say that one ner corresponds to the man and the other to the woman. Nevertheless if the need arises, we Rabbi Chaim Yitzchak Poupka, a student of the Chafetz Chaim who served for a brief can light just one ner in honor of Shabbat. time as the Rosh Yeshiva of Torat Haim in In addition to two nerot, it is possible to light even more. New York, recounted the following story: Some people have the custom of lighting a ner for each of “I once found myself in the home of the their children. Chafetz Chaim as Shabbat was approach- A woman who usually lights a certain number of nerot ing, and I could see the great effort he made should not light less than this number. in preparing the nerot of Shabbat. I offered Some have the custom, when spending Shabbat outside to help him, but the Rebbetzin intervened their home, to light only two nerot. In such cases, there is and said: ‘He doesn’t even allow me to do anything, since this is his mitzvah. How no reason to worry about lighting less nerot than usual. much more will he not allow you to do A Woman Who Forgets to Light the Nerot of Shabbat anything!’ ” A woman who has forgotten to light the nerot of Shabbat should, from then on, light one ner more than she usually The Prayer of a Simple Mother does. This is a kind of “penalty” to ensure that she is more The gaon Rabbi Aharon Shemuel Kaid- careful with regards to the honor of Shabbat. anover Zatzal was one of the leading Torah 50 Spacing Out the Nerot scholars of his generation. He was the au- When several women light nerot in the same place, such as thor of the famous book Birkat HaZevach in a hotel or hospital, they should be careful not to place the (a reference work on Seder Kodashim), Tiferet Shemuel on the Rosh, and other nerot too close to one another. Otherwise the heat emitted books. by the flames can melt a ner, in which case the mitzvah will not have been fulfilled. (Note: With regards to the reciting It is said that his mother was a simple woman who didn’t even know how to of the blessing in such places, see Chapter 11.) pray. However when it came time to light the Shabbat nerot, she raised her hands to Chapter 5 Heaven and prayed in Russian, her mother With What Do We Light? tongue. She would say, “May it be Your The nerot of Shabbat should be lit using oil and wicks, will that my son Shemuel becomes great in Torah.” which will provide good illumination. Our Sages have for- bidden the use of wicks or oil that do not light or illuminate Needless to say, her prayers were an- swered. well, lest a person tries to “tilt” the ner in order to bring more oil towards the wick. By doing this, a person trans- gresses the prohibition against mavir (“kindling”). Jews of Times Past Lighting with Olive Oil The Rebbe of Toldot Aharon said that there was a time when people would It is better to use olive oil for lighting the nerot of Shab- feel the sanctity of Shabbat as early as bat. This is because olive oil is better absorbed by the wick Wednesday. Everyone waited for Shabbat than other oils. with great anticipation, and people every- Furthermore, since our Sages have said that people who where could sense the unique atmosphere regularly light the nerot of Shabbat will merit talmidei cha- of Shabbat. chamim for sons, it is better to use olive oil. This is because The sense that the Sabbath Queen was the Torah is compared to olive oil, and therefore they will approaching was constantly with them, merit having sons who will shine in Torah. accompanying all their deeds and endeav- ors. It is also stated that using olive oil to light the nerot of Shabbat is a segula for long life. Hovering over every street corner was a solemn atmosphere, as well as a sense of If a person does not have olive oil, it is a mitzvah to use joy brought on by the approach of Shab- other oils that produce a bright light. It is preferable to use bat. these oils rather than wax candles. A person should use wax candles rather than candles made Lighting the Shabbat Nerot from fat, since wax candles produce a better flame. in the Early Morning The Mishnah Berurah states that we must choose nerot The author of Hit’orerut HaTeshevuah with regards to the quality of the flame they produce. The was known for the zeal with which he candles that we buy which are made from a refined base practiced mitzvot. As early as Friday of combustible products (stearin, paraffin, etc.) no doubt morning after prayers, even before having produce a better light than wax candles. Furthermore, we taken off his tefillin, he hurried to prepare do not attempt to tilt them in order to increase their light. It the Shabbat nerot for his wife. He did is also preferable to use them instead of wax candles, and not wait until the last minute, but instead maybe even all oil-based lights, for it is certain that we will hurried to perform this task as early as not attempt to tilt them. the morning.

51 Amazing Stories Our Sages ask: Why did previous will perform miracles. We can now it was that Mr. Arthur Dahan had the generations merit to witness so many understand how personal devotion merit of being shown, from Heaven, miracles, supernatural phenomenon brings about miracles, tremendous just how influential the tzaddikim that have become more and more supernatural events. are, for they are called alive even uncommon? Our Sages explain that Mr. Arthur Dahan was struck by after they have died. When Mr. Da- the first generations performed To- cancer that spread throughout his han returned to his doctors and they rah mitzvot out of love. They also body, and his doctors gave him a examined him, they were stunned merited seeing the hand of G-d and month to live at best. His wife told to see that his cancer had stopped witnessed miracles from time to him to go and pray by the graves of progressing. In fact soon afterwards, time. Yet just as the spiritual level the tzaddikim for G-d’s help, but Mr. it completely disappeared from his of the generations diminished with Dahan said that he didn’t believe in body, something that his doctors time, likewise the people’s devotion this. If his doctors, who were alive, could not logically explain. to fulfilling G-d’s word diminished could not save him from his illness, One day Mr. Abittan was struck as well. It is for this reason that we how could the tzaddikim, who had by tragedy. Doctors told him that have not merited to see miracles, already left this world, help him? His his baby was suffering from a brain extraordinary events that previous wife continued to insist, finally tell- tumor, and that surgery was neces- generations witnessed. Miracles ing him that even if it did not help, sary. Although the doctors were not occur in our generation as well, it certainly could not hurt. very optimistic about their chances although their magnitude certainly Mr. Dahan finally consented. He of success, they explained that there cannot compare with the splitting of therefore traveled to the grave of was no other way of saving the baby. the sea, or with the miracles that took the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto (may Panic-stricken, Mr. Abittan did not place in the desert. Nevertheless, a his merit protect us) to pray. When know what to do. In his distress he person who wants to see G-d’s guid- he arrived, he saw people weeping decided to go to the yeshiva, and ing hand in this world can easily do and praying over the tzaddik’s grave, there he promised to offer a meal so. All he must do is open his heart and his initial reaction was one of in honor of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim and eyes. ridicule. How could these people Pinto. He also wanted to go to the In every generation G-d sends think that the dead could save them? yeshiva each day and study Torah tzaddikim (righteous individuals) After a few minutes, he realized that for the healing of his son. I told into the world, sparks from prior everyone was praying over the grave Mr. Abittan that he should be very generations. It is through them that except for him, who was standing careful not to limit his pledge to the people witness miracles. Otherwise, beside it. He then resigned himself, period in which his baby’s life was in the merits of the people would be somewhat unwillingly, to say a few danger, meaning when he needed G- insufficient to change the laws of prayers over the grave of the tzaadik. d’s help, since such teshuvah would nature. These tzaddikim, an elite At first his prayers were cold and dry, be considered temporary. By doing group, protect the generation. In and he wasn’t feeling like himself. so, he would run the risk of being fact everyone turns to them and However as he continued to pray, reminded once again (G-d forbid) seeks their help and prayers. Now his heart slowly opened up and he to wake up and return to the right by praying for someone who is sick, began to implore Hashem from the path. He took my words to heart, it seems that a tzaddik is putting depths of his heart to protect and committing himself bli neder (with- his life in danger, since his prayer completely heal him by the merit of out making a vow) to study Torah at is an act of war against the accus- the tzaddik. the yeshiva. ers standing at the head of the sick This prayer, said over the grave of On the day of the scheduled person and asking G-d to kill him. the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto, had operation, the doctors took x-rays Thus when a tzaddik prays for the its desired effect. Mr. Dahan left with of the baby’s brain to verify the sick to be healed – when he fights renewed strength and complete faith state of the tumor. Yet to their utter against accusers – he is sacrificing that G-d had heard his prayer; he felt astonishment, the x-rays showed himself for the community. Even if that he would live by the merit of the no signs of the tumor! When the the attribute of justice cannot bring tzaddik. When G-d sees that a person doctors told Mr. Abittan about his an accusation against him, by his has pure intentions, He helps him to strange occurrence, he said to them: devotion the tzaddik merits that G-d advance along the right path. And so “What is difficult for you to explain 52 and achieve is not difficult for the shass” came to see him for a blessing difficult time for Hashem doesn’t tzaddikim.” because he was expecting a verdict forgive this kind of behavior”. My mother-in-law Zal once told the following morning in Jerusalem. Several moments later, on another me that her grandfather, a tzaddik While in discussion with him, Rabbi line, there was an emergency call who worked at the Chevra Kadisha David pulled a nail out of the wall and the Hassid was told that his (“holy society” – those who prepare and said to Rav Halbershtam that friend just had a heart attack and the dead for burial), was overseeing by the virtue of Rabbi Haim Pinto, a sudden respiratory arrest. This the burial of a woman. Upon return- he bury the nail that night. Rav Hal- person has now gotten out of the ing home, he realized that he had bershtam asked if this had anything coma he was in. lost his wallet, which no doubt had to do with the verdict. The Rav said These are two stories among the fallen from his pocket during the that it absolutely didn’t. So he did as thousands which came this year. burial. He therefore decided to return Rabbi David asked. The next day, the By the virtue of Rabbi Haim Pinto, to the cemetery to look for it. It was verdict was in Rav Halbershtam’s we are only telling them in order to nighttime, and when he arrived he favor and he had a doubt; maybe strengthen the Emuna in Hashem could hear the groaning sounds of a the nail did have something to do and his Tzadikim. And when the woman, sounds coming from near a with it. That afternoon, he went to Rav sees that practically all he says grave. To his utter shock, it seemed Bne Brak and a terrible multiple car comes true, we can’t help thinking that the woman he had buried on that crash occurred. There were unfor- of the words of our Sages who say: same day was sitting there! She was tunately several deaths and injuries. “He who sacrifices himself com- weeping and tearing out her hair. He Rav Shemuel’s car was seriously pletely to Hashem; Hashem will asked her, “Are you the one that we damaged but, Baruch Hashem, he grant him miracles”. We can see buried today?” She said that she was. and its occupants came out of the that the strength of Hashem reveals As he stood there in shock, she com- accident unscathed. This incredible itself through the service of man and manded him to warn all the women story was told to us by Rav Shemuel everything depends on the Sacrifice who did not cover their hair that their Halbershtam himself, three hours that man makes for Hakadosh Ba- fate would be similar to hers. She after this deplorable accident. ruch Hu. warned him not to divulge her name, A more recent fact! Sunday eve- During one of his trips to Israel, lest he die on the very same day. ning, March 5th 1995, at around Rabbi David was accompanied by Rav Yossef Bentata of the Kallel of My mother-in-law continued. She 10:00 pm, the phone rang at Rabbi David’s residence. It was a great Lyon Villeurbanne. They were going said that from then on, her grandfa- Hassid of the Rav calling from to a meeting in Bne Brak. More than ther organized meetings for women Brooklyn he was present at the Bar 300 Talmudei Hakhamim (students) in order to warn them about the im- Mitzvah of Raphael in Paris. He were present and many Rabbanim portance of the mitzvah of covering had a serious problem. A woman came from all around Israel. When the head. He would tell them what who was recently married started the event was over, everybody went he had seen, without mentioning the seeing another man who was a to see Rabbi David for a blessing. dead woman’s name of course. friend of this hassid. He tried to Among them was the brother-in- It once happened that he was try- convince them, in vain, to put an law of Rav Rahamim Bar Moshe, ing to convince a woman who was end to this forbidden relationship. Director of Yeshiva of Rabbi Yoel of about to get married that she should He asked Rabbi David for advice. Satmar in Bne Brak. He approached cover her head. This woman was The Rabbi called the young lady Rabbi David but hesitated to confide stubborn, however, and absolutely himself, explain the gravity of her to him that his mother was seriously refused to cover her head. Having acts and give her a lecture about ill. At that exact moment, Rabbi run out of arguments, he told her the morals. But instead of listening to David looked him in the eyes and story of the woman at the cemetery, the Rabbi’s advice, this young lady said: “Your mother will be cured of but her name escaped from his lips. said the following: “What you say the lung infection that is afflicting He died on that very same night, his is not true. I do not believe in you her”. soul rejoining the Heavens. and everything that you do is only Stunned and surprised, this person During the month of February, the an illusion”. To this, the Rabbi who had never spoken to Rabbi Da- Rav, accompanied by Rav Yossef replied: “Do you want proof of the vid, let alone mention anything about Bentata, went to Bne Brak, Israel, veracity of my words?” “Yes”, the his mother, couldn’t believe his ears. to take part in an evening reception. woman answered. The Rabbi then He quickly ran to the hospital and For this occasion, the Rav Shemuel said harshly: “The proof is that your found his mother surrounded by doc- Halbershtam, director of “Mifaal Ha- lover is at risk of going through a tors. They couldn’t understand the 53 changes in the course of the disease. Pinto (son of Rabbi Haim Pinto of himself with the other bodies that But she was no longer suffering. In Mogador) and said: I have just re- were scattered on the ground. fact she was feeling well and looking stored your tomb. If you don’t want The Israeli Military Command forward to go home. me to come near it, say so. All I want notified the “death” to the “widow”. The Great Hizuk (Strengthening is my passport, otherwise I will never She started to mourn and took the of Faith) fell upon Bne Brak, and be seen again.” usual steps required for this kind of even now, people are still talking As soon as he finished pronouncing situation. It was all the more tragic about it. We were happy to learn these bold words, there was a knock since the Red Cross mistakenly re- that this person lives a normal life at Mr. Knafo’s door. When he opened turned Mrs. EZERZER her husband’s and doesn’t have any more difficulty it, a Moroccan was holding the pass- personal items. But, thanks to G-d, in breathing. port in his hands saying that he found Mr. EZERZER was actually taken This story, authentic as all the oth- it and that it had to be returned to its prisoner. ers, concerns Mr. Knafo and more rightful owner. And the man disap- Mrs. EZERZER and her friend precisely his daughter Fabienne. By peared, never to be seen again. who unfortunately lost her husband the way, she recently got married The moral of this story is that the (on another front), decided to see the (Mazal Tov, again.) and despite of true Ness which favored Mr. Knafo Holy and Venerated Rabbi Moshe the fact that on the day of the Hupa, can be achieved through Emuna in Pinto (Z.L.) for moral comfort. Rabbi David wasn’t feeling well and the Tzadikim which breaks all bar- First, the Saint addressed the even came over dizzy for 20 minutes, riers. prayers for Mrs. EZERZER’s friend. he still decided to take the plane be- On Shabbat Nasso (June 2nd, He then turned to Mrs. EZERZER cause he and Mr. Knafo built close 1990), we had the joy to receive one and gazed at her. After a few seconds ties and it would be inconceivable for which seemed very long, he said: “I of our friends, Mr. Elie EZERZER him not to be there. cannot offer the prayers you are ask- of Los Angeles accompanied by his ing for. I see that your husband is still Anyhow, Mr. Knafo had to request wife, born Patricia MARCIANO. alive, and I feel that he will be back a new passport for his daughter. She She is the daughter of one of our home very soon.” was about to start her studies in Ac- very good friends, Mr. and Mrs. counting in France. But the passport MARCIANO of Marseille. Stunned and shaking, Mrs. EZER- was lost and one can imagine the ZER couldn’t believe her ears. One During his sermon, Rabbi David consequences related to such a loss. week after this conversation, an spoke about an event that Mr. Ar- officer came to her house to offer Mr. Knafo came back home sad- mand EZERZER, Elie’s uncle, lived the Tsahal apologies. He also said dened, anxious and even nervous. through. This was quite counter to his usual that Mr. EZERZER was among the During the “war of Yom Kippur”, joyous mood. He drank a small shot prisoners that the Red Cross was ne- Mr. EZERZER was on the Bar-Leev of whisky, lit a candle in memory of gotiating the release of with Egyptian front. Surprised as many others, he the Holy and Venerated Rabbi Haim authorities. managed to escape the massacre that Pinto and said: “I have been loyal to All’s well that ends well. A year you for 15 years and I did the work some of our young soldiers were after this stunning story, Mrs. and in the rooms meant for the Hillulot. victims of. Mr. EZERZER Armand had a boy If you decided that I shouldn’t do Mr. EZERZER was suddenly being and named him...Moshe. so any longer, tell me. But I only aimed at by an enemy. He immedi- Mr. EZERZER Elie, who prayed want one thing: that the passport be ately called upon the Holy and Ven- with us at the Yeshivah had tears in returned to me.” erated Rabbi Moshe PINTO (Z.L.), his eyes and a lump in his throat. He He drank another shot of whisky Father of Rabbi David, to rescue him, could hardly answer Rabbi David’s and lit a second candle, this one in the and the Kalashnikoff rifle jammed. questions. It’s very understand- name and memory of Rabbi Moshe He was aimed at a second time able... Aaron Pinto and said: “You know and again he called upon the Holy how much I love you, but if you think and Venerated, while trying to hold that I shouldn’t serve your son Rabbi back his fear. The weapon jammed David Pinto, tell me so. All I want is once again. my passport.” The enemy soldier decided to use A third shot was necessary and our another weapon. Understanding the friend Mr. Knafo lit a third candle, danger he was in, Mr. EZERZER this one in memory of Rabbi Yehuda pretended to fall and camouflaged 54 The Revolutionary By Aharon Granot Shmuel Ezriel and the gaon Rabbi Avner Revah. The Rav is also concerned with children. He Like a spiritual meteor landing A second kollel (“Even Haezer”) was established recently established a Hevrat Tehillim program on our planet, the tzaddik Rabbi to produce rabbinic judges, and it is led by the in Ashdod called “Pninat David.” This program David Hanania Pinto has revealed gaon Rabbi Shlomo ben Hamou. There is also attracts numerous children, who come to recite the world of Judaism in all its a kollel for ba’alei teshuvah that is led by the Tehillim and participate in other activities offered grandeur. He opened a yeshiva in gaon Rabbi Mordechai Ohayon. Avrechim at to them. In fact this Hevrat Tehillim program is France and a kollel in England a higher level of learning, as well as ba’alei meant as a stepping stone to attract children to when he was only 29 years old. teshuvah who have deepened their connection the great Torah revolution being led by the Rav. Jews around the world suddenly to Torah and mitzvot, study there. Another kol- It organizes activities for children during religious holidays and Chol HaMoed (mid-holidays). discovered him, which led to hun- lel, recently established, is designed to produce dreds and then thousands of people teachers. Led by the gaon Rabbi Nissim Attia of In the summer as well, during the bein Jerusalem, the laws of Yoreh Deah are studied attending his lectures. As for Rabbi hazmanim (yeshiva vacation) period, the center in this kollel. Finally there is a kollel for ba’alei overflows with activity. In fact the kollel of the Pinto himself, he once thought of batim, which operates primarily at night. It is ba’alei batim never goes on vacation. Ba’alei becoming a merchant! designed for men who work full-time during the batim circulate in the building, each studying at day, and who therefore come to study at night. his particular time from morning till night. A Daf It is impossible to understand what the Orot Leading this kollel is the gaon Rabbi Yossef Yomi program is also offered within the frame- Haim OuMoshe center adds to the dozens Ya’akovi, who also gives classes to those who work of the kollel. A bein hazmanim yeshiva, of Torah institutions and Talmidei Torah that study full-time during the day. meant for the children of Ashdod who study at already exist – until we step inside the magnifi- other yeshivot during the year, has also been cent edifice located at the entrance ofA shdod, Upstairs, the sound of young men learning Torah reverberates. These individuals joined opened. These young yeshiva students go there the third largest Charedi city in Israel. After to study for a few hours during the day, so that visiting the five kollelim operated by Orot Haim the Rav after having been swept up in the revolution that he initiated. It is also on this floor they will not neglect their studies even during OuMoshe, and after having heard accounts of their yeshiva vacation. the happenings in Paris and other cities around that a mechina (preparatory class) for the Torat Apart from the bein hazmanim period, when the world under the influence of its leader, we Haim yeshiva ketanah takes place, where the the building is humming with avrechim who are realize that a social revolution in Torah is tak- youngest pupils prepare for a more thorough studying in various capacities, ba’alei batim ing place. In fact the prestigious building that and complete study of Torah. This mechina has come and go each day from morning till night. houses this Torah center has witnessed the given birth to an extra shiur aleph class in the The center is truly overflowing with Torah, as growth of exceptional bnei Torah who call out yeshiva ketanah. The team of educators, who avrechim spend countless hours there. to the people. They have grown up in the Beit are very familiar with the vision of the center’s Midrash, nourished with a Torah education that leader, began to prepare youngsters for their Leaders of the Jewish People includes – besides the standard studies for the mission in the world, to help Rav Pinto lead his Members of the yeshiva listen to classes exams of the dayanut (for becoming a rabbinic Torah revolution. It does an incredible job of given on Jewish philosophy and perspective, judge) – a deep understanding of Torah and creating deep and special bonds with youngsters with the goal of becoming leaders of the com- hashkafa (Jewish thought) this is designed to in order to educate and transform them into bnei munity, talmidei chachamim (Torah sages). Such produce exceptional bnei Torah, future leaders Torah who are able to lead. The team wants to individuals do not keep their Torah knowledge of the Jewish people. This revolution is be- help them absorb the message and have them to themselves, but use it to guide the people ing dynamically led by our Rav, the gaon and transmit it in turn. This has given birth to a superb and spread Torah among them. This is where tzaddik Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita. He yeshiva ketanah, one of exceptional quality that the flames shoot out, the flames of the Torah is perpetuating the traditions of his holy ances- is found nowhere else. revolution being led by our Rav, the gaon Rabbi tors the tzaddikim: His grandfather the tzaddik On Friday (which in Israel is part of the week- David Hanania Pinto. Rabbi Haim Pinto (may his merit protect us) end) many ba’alei batim who want to participate “The programs are extremely important, and and his father the tzaddik Rabbi Moche Pinto in Rav Pinto’s revolution flock to the center.T hey the Rav has even more projects that he wants (may his merit protect us). Although the Rav come to immerse themselves in an atmosphere to put into effect,” testifies theR osh Kollel, Rabbi lives in Paris, his influence extends around the of Torah, to study and deepen their understand- Shlomo ben Hamou. world. His Torah centers reflect the personality ing. They want to join the bnei Torah studying The Rav does not simply want to produce of their leader, going beyond standard learning there during the week and acquire a Torah per- bnei Torah, but exceptional bnei Torah who and teaching its students to deeply probe all spective on the world. This revolution must be will enlighten everyone around them. To that areas of Torah. able to reach everyone, even those who cannot end, he has asked the leaders of the kollelim to The Uninterrupted Sound of Torah be present during the entire week. In order to work very diligently with the avrechim. “I passed The center’s magnificent edifice, whose very establish a connection between these ba’alei through several yeshivot,” says Rabbi Shlomo construction is a story in itself, houses five kol- batim and the bnei Torah being educated at the ben Hamou, “and somebody told me that there lelim. First and foremost is a classic kollel where Orot Haim OuMoshe center, a “Friday kollel” has was a Jew in Bayit Vegan that I should meet. I 60 avrechim learn. It is a traditional yeshiva kollel been established, a kollel that unites the ba’alei was taken there almost by force. A meeting of in which tractates are studied in great depth, and batim and bnei Torah in order to give learning its 15 minutes with this charismatic figure created it is led by two Torah giants: The gaon Rabbi broadest possible scope. a deep bond. After 10 minutes of speaking with 55 him, I realized that I was standing before a Jew The Rav asks for an effort from all the leaders created as a result of his influence around the who was in a class by himself, a tzaddik who of his centers, for it is important to see the merits world,” people say. yearned for perfection. He wanted to enlighten of Klal Israel increasing. “The generation needs Returning from his worldwide journeys, the the entire country by means of bnei Torah who bnei Torah like these, and there is no time to Rav confides in his avrechim: “I speak before would lead the people and be able to initiate a wait,” he constantly says. wealthy and famous individuals, multi-million- revolution of their own. I’ve answered the call, He also asks that the leaders of the kollelim aires.” He tells them, “They live in complete and I’ve been with him ever since.” deal with the problems faced by the avrechim, darkness, thinking only about money. That is The Rav envisions this world of Torah as being problems that are likely to prevent them from what speaks to them. Now a man who has no connected to the ba’alei batim with an unbreak- reaching their goals. Thus the leaders of his connection to Torah is a man whose light has able bond, men who themselves become bnei centers often find themselves resolving prob- been extinguished, a person who has no real Torah. Little by little, they acquire a Torah view of lems encountered by the avrechim. This enables objective in life or in the world. I prefer speaking the world, seeing things in a way that the Torah them to study in peace and invest all their efforts in an ordinary synagogue to 100 avrechim, full does. They all become a single group carrying into Torah so as to advance the goal established of Torah enthusiasm, than in a luxurious hall the banner of this Torah revolution. “I’m looking by our Rav. The fire of the Torah burns with all built of marble and gold to 3,000 wealthy men for special avrechim – insightful, full of energy, its strength in the Orot Haim OuMoshe center who are empty and dark. They have posses- able to deepen their Torah understanding on of Ashdod. sions and money, but are empty. When I speak one hand, while knowing how to establish a It is a veritable revolution that is taking place before you,” he tells his students, thereby living bond with the outside world on the other. in Torah, and it is what the Rav demands. “If giving them a sense of satisfaction, “I’m filled They must be able to integrate the outside world Rav Pinto could,” say those who know him, with spiritual joy and can recharge my batteries. and the Torah world with a Torah perspective,” “he would cover the entire planet with a huge This is what enables me to speak to people says the Rav as he restates, time and again, his Gemara.” More than once, wealthy individuals whose light has gone out, people before whom apprehension of the world. have offered to establish gmachim (free loan I must speak.” It is also on the basis of this vision that a societies) and chesed (charity) organizations, Twenty-five Thousand Miles for a learning program has been established in all but the Rav has declined them all. “My role,” Single Jew he says, “is to spread Torah, to increase Torah. the centers he directs. And the Rav gets results. Although Rabbi David Hanania Pinto has be- There are some people whose role is to revive He makes frequent visits to his center in Ash- come famous in Eretz Israel, his impassioned chesed. My role is to revive Torah.” dod and closely monitors the progress of the personality as a revolutionary Torah figure is avrechim and the results of their studies. Not Connecting the Ba’alei Batim to Torah known around the world. The Rav travels from only is he personally interested in each avrech, “Just as I want the ba’alei batim to be con- city to city and from yeshiva to yeshiva in order he also wants to know how the centers have nected to Torah, I also want them to be recep- to spread his teachings. The places where he influenced life around them. He wants to know tacles of Torah,” the Rav often says. “I want to speaks threaten to “collapse” under the weight if his centers have drawn new groups of ba’alei hear the sound of Torah resounding from the four of those who flock there to hear G-d’s words batim to them, individuals who have adopted a corners of the earth. I want to see ba’alei batim from his mouth. Rabbanim, leaders of the Torah perspective and have Torah figures as who have learned to open a Sefer because of community, wealthy individuals, members of examples in their lives. you,” the Rav repeats to his avrechim. yeshivot and batei midrash – they all implore It is not simply Even Hazer that is studied in The Rav’s vision also influences the ap- him to reveal a dimension of the Torah that is these kollelim, the usual practice in yeshivot proach taken in accepting avrechim into various readily accessible to every Jew. As for the Rav, over the generations. Also offered are courses programs. Whereas avrechim in other places those who know him say: “He will travel 25,000 dealing with perspectives onto the world, are sometimes confronted by a lack of space, miles by plane in a week if he knows that a Jew perspectives based on Jewish thought. The this does not happen in Rav Pinto’s programs. will be strengthened by his words. He is content avrechim, even those studying to become If an avrech fulfills the required criteria – if his with sometimes getting two hours of sleep a rabbinic judges, listen to numerous courses character is that of a future supporter of the day if he knows that his words will contribute on the weekly parsha, thereby acquiring an Torah revolution, if he will become a leader of even in the slightest way to strengthening the understanding of the text and its commentar- the Jewish people – then he will be accepted in a Jewish people.” ies. “Rabbanim [teachers] and leaders must kollel even if there is “no space” for him. Thus the A director of one of the most important be able to address the people,” says the Rav. Orot Haim OuMoshe programs are constantly yeshivot in Eretz Israel, aware of the Rav’s “Yet the people want to hear the parsha of the filled with new avrechim who are destined to tremendous power, asked that he accompany week, not discourses on civil law; they want to lead the Torah revolution being waged by the him to a dinner he was preparing for his yeshiva be guided along the path to follow. An avrech leader of the center, the tzaddik Rabbi David in a European capital. The Rav had just finished who leaves this place must be able to speak to Hanania Pinto. traveling around the world, during which time he Jews. I want him to know how to guide them in People from various regions around the had spoken to tens of thousands of people. He the path of the Torah, to know how to confront world have been able to get acquainted with arrived at the dinner exhausted, which frightened challenges. These are the kind of avrechim that the exceptional personality of the tzaddik Rabbi the Rosh Yeshiva. After all, if the Rav wasn’t in the Jewish people need.” The Rav goes further: David Hanania Pinto. He is regularly invited to top form, who was going to be swayed by his “An avrech who knows how to study The Kuzari give impassioned discourses before wealthy words? It requires skills of persuasion in order and Moreh Nevuchim will also be able to go individuals from various places around the to convince a Jew to make a donation. Yet not deeper in terms of practical learning. It is like world. His words have resounded in presti- the Rav, as the Rosh Yeshiva describes: “He a driver who starts his car and goes out onto gious halls, where he also tries to influence went into the hall and told the audience, ‘Morai the road. If he knows that he has a job to do, people into joining his Torah revolution. “We v’rabotai, there are 300 men here and an im- he will drive much more seriously, because he sometimes hear about new yeshivot for ba’alei portant yeshiva is at stake. Let everyone give knows what his objective is.” teshuvah and bein hazmanim yeshivot being $1,000 for the mitzvah.’ ” 56 He didn’t have to say anything else, for not a avrech must feel like as he sits in the presence to him, some of them have become much more single person went against the Rav’s sanctified of the center’s director and closely sees what mitzvot observant, saying that they would have words. Each person took out his wallet and gave devotion for Torah really means. almost assimilated without his classes. About 50 $1,000 by either cash or check. It was in this Not long afterwards, the Rav added another students come to the ezrat nashim each night. way that $300,000 was raised for the yeshiva program: “The Sunday kollel.” Sunday is part In all, the young Rabbi Pinto, along with his in a span of ten minutes. of the weekend in Europe, when people do brother Yoel (who was named after the Satmar About a year ago, after having lived in the not work. It was therefore possible to use this Rebbe, may his merit protect us), have a hand holy city of Jerusalem for a few years, the Rav time for learning Torah. Dozens of ba’alei batim in educating 300 students a week. felt obligated to leave this captivating place and who have rediscovered the Torah now join the The chavruta (study partner) of the young return to where he had started his Torah revolu- avrechim in learning on Sunday. They came to Rabbi Moche Pinto says of him, “It doesn’t come tion, namely France. He did this after consulting the Beit Midrash for a spiritual revival, to taste to him automatically. Sometimes he sits down with the Gedolei Israel, who told him to go. Since authentic Torah study. In all, about 60 avrechim to prepare his shiur, hesitating on the choice he had been away in Eretz Israel, the work that learn in the Paris kollel. of answers that he should propose for certain he had started so many years earlier in Paris Each week the Rav gives a lecture on topics issues. His puts all his focus into answering the was about to collapse. currently being studied, a lecture in which all his concerns of youngsters in the most relevant and Since the Rav had moved from Paris to Je- greatness in Torah is revealed. The Rav com- effective way possible, all through the greatness rusalem, Torah centers in France were slowly bines his immense understanding of Gemara, of Torah.” flickering out as their activities diminished. Yet Halachah, Chumash, Kabbalah, and Jewish The high point of the students’ Torah revolu- those who thirsted after G-d’s words were more thought in firing up his listeners. He encour- tion occurs on Shabbat, which is spent close numerous, clamoring for Torah and understand- ages them to serve G-d, study Torah, abandon to the Rav himself. Moche Pinto invites the ing. The Gedolei Israel who guided our Rav materiality, and put an effort into spirituality. students over for Shabbat, and his father also told him to return to Paris, which is precisely “He has an uncanny ability to combine the left, joins them. These Shabbats are an extraordinary what he did. which pushes away, with the right, which draws experience for all who participate. The Rav sings “In order to act, we need the power of Torah. near,” say Parisians. On one hand he soothes with them, dances with them, and delivers divrei Without it, nothing will work,” said Rav Pinto to his listeners and reassures them, while on the Torah as they delight in his light and his pres- the gaon Rabbi Yehoshua Salomons, the Rosh other hand he delivers stinging words of mussar ence. “With our Rav on Shabbat, it’s like being Kollel in Paris. In an old building that they were that pierce the heart. He says everything that with a rebbe,” say the members of his community planning to renovate, he opened a kollel in which is on his mind, without weighing the pros and who participate in these Shabbats, a source of about 25 avrechim study iyun (intensively) for the cons, for truth knows neither fear nor shame. spiritual growth. The Jewish community is now whole day. People study Torah there just as they He will remind people of their absence from a trying to rent a small hotel in which these Shab- do in a classic yeshiva in Eretz Israel. Someone Torah class, and he will encourage them to set bat celebrations can take place. The demand finding himself there would not suspect that aside a time to study Torah. He tells business- is increasing all the time, and nobody knows he was really in the middle of Paris. Instead, men, some of the largest supporters of Torah where it will end! he might think that he was in the heart of Bnei institutions, that their wealth means nothing if Activities in Lyon Brak. “We are now studying tractate Sukkah very they do not set aside some time for Torah. His Another of the Rav’s sons, Rabbi Raphael intensely,” says the Rosh Kollel Rabbi Yehoshua listeners know that all his words of mussar are Pinto, is also working closely with his father in Salomons. said with a sincere love for them, and it shows. Lyon, France. He has established a network of It is perhaps for this very reason that he attracts This old building, located in the 19th district of Torah classes for ba’alei batim in the city, thereby so many people. Paris, does not know the meaning of rest. In fact pursuing the work of his father, who began his the Rav was not content with just having a kollel Since the Rav arrived in Paris, members of Torah revolution in Lyon. Rabbi Raphael also di- that operates during the day, for he decided to its Jewish community say that something has rects a kollel for avrechim, and like his father he strengthen the Torah’s ranks by also opening an changed. The Beit Midrash has exploded every never refuses anyone; indeed, everyone must erev (evening) kollel in the same place. Ba’alei night with people who come there to learn, join him for the sake of Torah. In fact since Rabbi batim who want to taste a little kedusha after a leaving not a single spot available. The ba’alei Raphael’s arrival in Lyon, a Torah revolution has full day’s work flock there from all aroundP aris. batim find study partners, and the avrechim begun, exactly like the one his father started all They come to the kollel and join the avrechim in have “adopted” the ba’alei batim. New study around the world. He is accomplishing all this in their studies, meaning that the building is buzz- groups have been created that gather each close collaboration with his father, Rabbi David ing with activity both day and night. night, with everyone studying together in the Hanania Pinto, who travels to Lyon from time to The Left Pushes Away and the Right Beit Midrash. time in order to help his son. He also strengthens Draws Near Three Hundred Students a Week the members of the community with his profound “The most interesting thing,” says Rav Salo- And that’s not all. Our Rav also has sons Torah lectures, which draw hundreds of people. mons, “is that from time to time the Rav himself who are following in his footsteps. His son After these lectures, the Rav receives people will join the men as they study, behaving exactly Moche Pinto, who is just 21 years old, assists and gives them advice and blessings. Our Rav like one of them. He sits among the avrechim his father. During the day he studies intensively has had the merit of raising a generation of and his greatness makes itself known.” The Rav for two sedarim, which is standard practice in righteous sons, individuals who are carrying on studied Torah in batei midrash and yeshivot dur- yeshivot in Eretz Israel, while at night a large his work around the world. ing his youth, and today he transmits what he number of students come to listen to his classes, learned to the young men who study there. He which take place in the ezrat nashim (woman’s offers explanations and arguments, clarifying section) of the synagogue. This young man is tractates as he adds to the “fire of theT orah” of full of energy; he is overflowing with life and the avrechim. It is not hard to imagine what an has a great influence on the students. Thanks 57 The Jewish People in Exile on Account of Strife (by Chlomo Kouk)

It’s impossible to stop the singing, Thousands of Jews from every background and commu- and for many long minutes the audience nity have come from the four corners of the world to see refuses to stop. It’s hard not to get swept up in it! the Rav, the tzaddik Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita. Rabbi David walks through the audi- Chlomo Kouk accompanied Rabbi Pinto during his ence and blesses the people, making his journey in Eretz Israel, as the Shovavim period (Shabbat way to the podium. Only after a long time does the evening formally begin with the Shemot to Tetzaveh) approached. The goal of Rabbi Pinto’s reading of psalms, recited by the young- journey was to strengthen the Jewish community, and est, as the signal is given. Chlomo Kouk heard the Rav speak out on burning issues, The highlight of the evening, the speech painting a portrait of his personality in the process. of the Rav and tzaddik, lasts more than an hour, the audience remaining completely Concerning the world of Torah, the Rav said: “There focused. Every few minutes or so, more has never been a generation in which the Torah is as ever- Jews join the hundreds already there. The Beit Midrash is filled from one end to an- present as our own.” other, and there’s no longer any place to Concerning the knowledge of G-d, “It is true that in sit. Everyone present, standing or sitting, our community we study and pray. But do we truly know is captivated by the Rav’s speech, which is a combination of words of wisdom, G-d?” Aggadah, and Mussar, all conveyed in Concerning the fire of strife, “The Jewish people were plain language and containing messages exiled – an exile that continues to the present day – on that everyone can relate to. “The Shovavim are awe-inspiring account of strife among the tribes, even though it was for days that are meant to rectify deficien- the sake of Heaven.” cies, to rectify the exile. They are days during which we must return to G-d and Concerning his activities, “Had I never benefited from do teshuvah,” exclaims Rabbi David. the merit of my fathers, I would not have been able to bring He concludes his speech by accepting even a single person back to G-d.” the yoke of Heaven with those gathered there: “May He annul evil decrees and It is the Hebrew month of Tevet (cor- ness tycoons and brilliant young yeshiva may we merit the coming of Mashiach responding to December-January), but students. All are ready to implore Rabbi our righteous one!” on Ha-Admour Mi-Belz Road in Ashdod, David for help and draw strength from his Cries of Shema Israel pierce the the atmosphere is more like the awesome impassioned speech, which he is about to gates of Heaven, the atmosphere on days of Elul and Tishri. give during this large gathering for the that night being like that of Neilah on Yom Kippur. “Each person must take it Dozens of Jews whose hearts are stir- period of the Shovavim. He has traveled upon himself to observe one mitzvah,” ring with emotion are standing at the from France just for this occasion. Rabbi David enjoins the crowd. “The entrance of the majestic “Orot Haim When Rabbi David appears on the floor best way is to undertake the Shnayim OuMoshe” Torah center. of the study hall, silence reigns supreme. Mikra V’echad Targum [reading of At the entrance, dressed in formal attire, This evening marks the beginning of the weekly Torah section twice in He- dozens of children from the “Pninat the Shovavim, as people flock there from brew and once in Aramaic]. We must all corners of the country. The gathering David” Tehillim program run towards increase the time that we commit to is not limited to the members of the com- him. They kiss his hand and ask him Torah study, and we must abstain from munity of the Rav and tzaddik, Rabbi for a blessing, each waiting to receive speaking during prayer, for that is David Hanania Pinto Shlita. All groups his share. what brings most evil decrees upon the are present – Sephardic and Ashkenaz, Meanwhile in the study hall, a song Jewish people. Strengthening yourself Chassidim and Lithuanian, religious suddenly rings out: Yamim al ye’mei in Torah study and prayer also means and non-religious, young and old, busi- melech. turning off your cell-phone for a few 58 minutes of Torah study or prayer.” Rav house? Not only that, but they made a Is this happening in France as well? Pinto then assures the crowd that “a special room for him! “Of course, it’s happening all around cell-phone won’t lead anyone to the “The answer is that the problem lies the world. During a lecture that I gave in World to Come.” with us, among the Jewish people. It France last Hoshanah Rabba, more than During such uplifting spiritual mo- is obvious that the house of the holy 2,000 people attended. ments, the hundreds of people gathered Patriarchs is open to every Jew, at least “Each day I say: Today, Mashiach will there had the feeling that he – Mashiach like the house of our Patriarch Abraham, arrive. I sense that he can come at any our deliverer – was present, just behind which was open to the four winds. In minute, unless it’s Friday, for our Sages the wall, and that he would immediately Hebron, the gate of Gan Eden is open. have said that Mashiach will not come appear. Only when people left the build- Yet what happens? Ishmael bars the on the eve of Shabbat, nor on the eve of ing did they feel disappointed to return entrance, Esau bars the entrance. We are a holiday. My heart tells me that he must to their regular routine. prevented from going to see our father. come any day now, but transgressions Such was the scene during Rav Pinto’s Why is that? It is because we have defi- stand in the way.” first night of his short visit to Eretz Israel. ciencies. The gate is open only when we Are we witnessing Ikveta d’Meshicha During the next few days, each minute possess Torah, chesed, prayer. When that [a term given by our Sages to designate was obviously used to the utmost. Rav happens, everything is open. Now if we the period just before the arrival of Pinto went to see the Gedolei Israel cannot enter, it is because we are lacking Mashiach] today? (great Torah figures of our generation), something. When we follow Hashem’s “Almost all the signs are here. We his self-effacement and admiration for path, everything is open and there is sense that he must come, for the situation them being famous. He also prayed by the nothing to fear.” today is bad. ‘The face of the generation graves of the tzaddikim and gave lectures In the end, the choice is ours. Why is like the face of a dog.’ Today we see the to thousands of people. do we choose to travel in a bulletproof audacity that children show to their par- Four days after that evening in Ashdod, bus? ents, even to the point of striking them, we had the privilege of touring Rabbi “It is true that if a person travels in a G-d forbid. How many people come to Pinto’s “Orot Haim OuMoshe” Torah bulletproof bus, it’s because he is lacking me with bruises on their face, bruises center on Bayit Vegan Street in Jerusa- something. If we had been whole, there given to them by their very own children! lem. At the back of the room we could would naturally have been no reason to How many people! In Morocco, Paris, hear the sounds of dozens of avrechim be afraid. Incredible stories of Rabbi the United States, there is no shame! who were studying in the kollel, and Haim ben Attar, the Vilna Gaon, and the There is also a great deal of immorality, outside, on the other side of the door, Baal Shem Tov have been told regarding people whose eyes have no fear, G-d help crowds of people were gathered together. the fact that they were afraid of nothing us! Today it is absolutely necessary to We once again found the same variety of but G-d. On the contrary, evildoers were strengthen ourselves. people as in Ashdod. What they had in afraid of them! It is plainly spelled out: “Today, Baruch Hashem, ‘The spirit of common was that they were all Jews who G-d moved upon the face of the waters’ had heard that the Rav was in town for a ‘Then all the peoples of the earth will see [Genesis 1:2]. What is the spirit of G-d? short time, and they all wanted to get his that you are called by the Name of the It is the spirit of Mashiach, as the Gemara advice or obtain his blessing. One person L-RD, and they will fear you’ [Deuter- says. It is for this reason that G-d created came with his wife, another came with onomy 28:10]. If we fail to inspire this this spirit at the creation of the world, his three-year-old son for his chalakeh fear, however, it means that we must still in order for the remedy to precede the (first hair cut), while another came with ‘work.’ ” illness.” his business partner. Rabbi Pinto proceeded to adopt a more Rabbi David was still under the influ- optimistic tone: “On the other hand, as The Knowledge of G-d from In- ence of the prayers that he had recited by I left Ma’arat HaMachpelah, I thought tensive Torah Study the graves of the tzaddikim, especially to myself: It is simply the kelipah that “The verse states, ‘The living should in Hebron. wants to scare us, for there has never take it to heart’ [Ecclesiastes 7:2],” Rav been a generation in which the Torah is With an emotional tone in his voice, Pinto continued. “What must a person as ever-present as our own.” his eyes shining and deep, the Rav ad- take to heart? What does the heart ac- dressed the audience. “We went to pray Rabbi David interrupted the flow of cept? The answer is that a person must by Ma’arat HaMachpelah [the tomb of his words and forcefully struck the table, take the chai – meaning his own life – to the Patriarchs] in a bulletproof bus, which saying: “I’ve done some investigating. heart. He should understand from where greatly upset me,” the Rav told us with I have traveled around the world, and he comes. This is the meaning behind the sincerity. “I asked myself: How could I have seen that there is no generation verse. Instead of devoting his life to the this be? Does someone go visit his father in which the Torah is as ever-present as pursuit of pleasure, a person must take in a bulletproof bus? What’s happening our own. There’s an important spiritual his own life to heart. here? When I arrived in Hebron and saw awakening taking place today that didn’t “We must start a revolution in this area. the room in which Esau’s head is buried, exist before, with thousands of people Baruch Hashem, we study and pray in I asked yet another question: What is the doing teshuvah and thus spreading the our community. But do we know G-d as head of this evildoer doing in our father’s fragrance of Mashiach.” we should? A Jew possesses the key to 59 attaining the knowledge of G-d, namely us), the author of the Rif on Ein Yaakov, “I acted in accordance with my father’s the Torah – an intensive study of Torah. was the ancestor of this dynasty, and later demand, not moving to Eretz Israel. We must use this, for otherwise we will on, Rabbi Haim Pinto Hagadol (may his After I got married, however, I wanted be missing the basis, the foundation, the merit protect us), the great-great grand- to become a businessman. At the time, I root. However we must remember that father of Rabbi David Hanania Pinto didn’t see myself working with people in the Torah by itself is not enough, for ‘it Shlita, followed in his footsteps. Rabbi order to bring close those who were far. I is good to combine derech eretz [good David was born in Mogador (Essaouira) then remembered the words of my father manners] with Torah.’ Morocco, the son of Rabbi Moche Aha- Zatzal, and I decided to give it a try.” “A person may think that he knows ron Pinto (may his merit protect us), who Rabbi David Pinto opened his first kol- G-d, but deep down he may not be com- was the son of Rabbi Haim Pinto Hakatan lel in Manchester, being only 29 years pletely committed to Him. Such a person (may his merit protect us). old at the time. will spend the entire day thinking about The young David Hanania exiled The rest, as we say, is history. his work, and when he comes before G-d himself to a place of Torah in France, Besides a brief period when you lived to pray, his mind will be filled with the where he infused himself with the Torah in Ashdod, you still haven’t stopped futile thoughts of this world. of Novardok through Rabbeinu Gershon living in Europe. Is that because your “The knowledge of G-d is acquired Liebman Zatzal. father’s demand is still in effect? through the study of Torah. When a As a young man, Rabbi David Pinto “I still feel an obligation to fulfill the person studies it, he becomes aware of went to study in a yeshiva in England, duties of Rabbi Haim Pinto’s foreign his actions and thereby finds himself where he cleaved to his teacher and Rav, minister, and G-d willing when the time connected to his Creator. Rabbi Chaim Shemuel Lopian Zatzal. comes, I will move to Eretz Israel and “We must also pray. Without prayer, the settle down there.” situation becomes like that described in Rabbi David’s children pursue the very the verse, ‘The pit was empty; there was same path, thereby strengthening the no water in it.’ I now want to speak on chain of this great dynasty. It is upon his a personal note. There is no father like son, Rabbi Raphael, that the Torah revo- G-d. When I was a child and I wanted lution in Lyon, France is based, while his something, I would go to my father. father visits from time to time in order Sometimes he would refuse my request, to offer his encouragement and support. in which case I went to my mother and His younger sons, Moche Aharon and eventually got what I wanted. The ques- Yoel, study at the yeshiva and give Torah tion is, how do we ask? If we pray for classes at night. Attending these classes something and do not receive it, this in are hundreds of French students, many no way means that nobody is listening, of whom have been brought closer to G-d forbid. It is either because we have observing mitzvot as a result. not prayed hard enough, or we do not fully realize to Whom we are praying. No “I Don’t Get Involved in Poli- prayer is ineffective. If a person is think- tics” ing about meat as he prays, his prayer will What’s the difference between the help the butcher.” Rabbi Chaim Shemuel Lopian Zatsal spiritual situation of Jews in Eretz Israel “I Want to be a Businessman” Later on, he studied with his teacher and and Jews in the Diaspora? During the course of his speech, Rabbi Rav, Rabbi Zeev Kaufman Shlita, the “In terms of spirituality, there is no David evoked the memory of his father Rosh Kollel of Manchester, England. difference. Wherever a person might be, and forefathers on several occasions. After the Six-Day War, Rabbi David he can grow. I have seen people become Yet more than that – and something that Pinto’s parents left Morocco for Is- Gedolei Israel precisely in the Diaspora, could clearly be seen in a corner of that rael, but Rabbi David stayed in Europe, for there we know our limits; we know incredible edifice – were 11 tzaddikim thereby following his father’s instruc- our place and our desire is to move to from the Pinto family (may their merit tions. As Rabbi David revealed to us, “I the Holy Land. On the other hand, there protect us) whose memories had been didn’t move to Eretz Israel when I was is a tremendous degree of assimilation immortalized. It was as if to say: These a young man because my father didn’t within the Diaspora, and only the Torah men comprise the powerful engine of allow me to. My father told me, ‘You’re can protect and save a person. A person this great and holy house, under whose the foreign minister of your grandfather, who lives his life by respecting the limits guidance we find today, from the same the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto. There are imposed on him by the Torah will be family line, the Rav and tzaddik Rabbi enough Torah centers and yeshivot in protected from assimilation. David Hanania Pinto Shlita. Eretz Israel. You have to spread Torah “This is why, after more than 30 years This glorious lineage has its origins in in the Diaspora.’ He continued: ‘When of working in France, I tell people that Damascus about 400 years ago. Rabbi the time comes, you will come and live Judaism is not limited to reciting Kiddush Yoshiyahu Pinto (may his merit protect in Eretz Israel.’ on Friday night, but instead is based on 60 self-sacrifice. The Torah warns the Jew- “Many people live in complete dark- from him. After a long time in Rabbi ish people that there are places where ness. They think only about money. That David’s presence, which nevertheless they must burn all their idols. is what speaks to them. Yet a person who passed very quickly, and during which “A person can burn idols, but he cannot has no connection to the Torah is a person time I had the merit of receiving his burn an entire culture. Only the Torah can whose light has been extinguished, a blessing and hearing his views on current burn a culture and extinguish it. person who has no real objective in life issues, I felt like a magnet being pulled or in the world. off some metal. Just before leaving, after “It is known that the air of Eretz Israel we said goodbye to one another, Rabbi is conducive for gaining wisdom, since “I prefer speaking in an ordinary David called me back. it is ‘a land that the L-RD your G-d cares synagogue to 100 avrechim, full of Torah for. The eyes of the L-RD your G-d are enthusiasm, than in a luxurious place With a warm gesture, he placed both always upon it.’ Now purity and impurity filled with marble and gold to 3,000 hands on my head, closed his eyes, and always come in pairs. The gates of Gan wealthy individuals who are empty and gave me a fervent blessing: “May the Eden and the gates of Gehinnom are dark. They possess goods and money, but L-RD bless and protect you. May the both found in Hebron. It is possible, in they are empty. L-RD shine His face upon you and be Eretz Israel, to spiritually grow to a great “When I speak to avrechim who study gracious to you. May the L-RD lift up His extent. However it is also possible for a in our kollelim, I’m filled with spiritual face upon you and give you peace. They person to, G-d forbid, take a tremendous joy and can recharge my batteries,” Rav shall put My Name upon the Children of spiritual plunge. Pinto concludes. “This recharging allows Israel, and I shall bless them.” Many peo- ple have tried to understand the “secret of “We are witnesses to a stunning me to also speak to those who regularly his success,” the reason why he is held in phenomenon that takes place nowhere attend my classes, before whom I’m such high esteem by Gedolei Israel from else. Some prevent the spreading of obligated to speak.” every background and community. “It’s Torah, while others study and spread it. And These are the Names… true,” they say, “that he receives Siyata Although I don’t get involved politics, This tremendous Torah revolution, Dishmaya” – Divine aid – “but there’s I have often shed tears as a result, and which is being dynamically led by Rabbi something else.” I have prayed for hearts to return, with David Hanania Pinto through his “Orot His greatest secret, the one that allows G-d’s help.” Haim OuMoshe” Torah centers, is the him to lead this worldwide Torah revolu- fruit of immense efforts that combine Thank G-d, each day new avrechim tion, is his great love for every Jew. The a dozen giant enterprises spread out in are joining the national Kiruv Rechokim Jewish community, in all its diversity, several countries. program [the aim of which is to bring returns this love to him a thousand times close those who are far]. Since you have At the core of these Torah institutions over. dozens of years of experience, what is the “Orot Haim OuMoshe” center in Yet his greatest strength lies in finding must a person do if he wants to bring his Ashdod, which includes no less than 5 the right balance between demonstrat- brothers closer? kollelim, a yeshiva ketanah called “Torat ing love and admonishment. That is, he Haim,” and a Tehillim program for chil- “In order for a person to bring someone knows when to show his students and dren called “Pninat David.” Orot Haim back to G-d, that person must himself set admirers overflowing love, and when to OuMoshe kollelim and yeshivot are also an example. I often ask myself, ‘Have I admonish and encourage them to observe found in Jerusalem, Paris, Lyon, New already rectified my own deeds? Am I an mitzvot, regardless of whether it is his York, and Toronto. There is also a Kiruv appropriate example for others?’ closest student or wealthiest supporter. “Thank G-d, I’ve had the merit of be- Rechokim movement and large-scale charity projects that work discreetly, An article that appeared in a local ing an emissary to bring many people Ashdod newspaper immediately after back to their Father in Heaven. And with thereby finding favor in the eyes of its recipients. Passover illustrates this remarkable qual- every person who does teshuvah, I also ity of the Rav: strengthen myself. In Jerusalem, the Torah center’s build- ing is located in the Bayit Vegan neigh- “A harshly worded criticism, without “There is tremendous Siyata Dishmaya precedent, regarding the Mimunah fes- [Divine aid],” Rav Pinto acknowledges. borhood, and it houses one of the Rabbi Pinto’s greatest projects, namely Orot tivities that were organized by the city of “I think that because of my experience Ashdod, was issued at the conclusion of with people, I can offer advice and Haim OuMoshe’s publication center. It is there that dozen of books and works Mimunah by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto, sometimes warn them by citing what who is considered to be one of the most happened to so-and-so. It seems to me from Rabbi David and great teachers of our people are published. influential figures in Ashdod religious that I’ve been successful because I’ve circles. It occurred in front of hundreds The results of this work are clearly benefited from the great merit of my of people, gathered to hear lectures and visible. During our visit to Ashdod, we fathers. Without that merit, I would not discourses on current issues from rabbis could see crowds of people passionately have succeeded in returning even a single who had emigrated from Morocco. This reading each word from Derech Haim, person to G-d.” event was called ‘Moroccan Judaism – Its the weekly journal of his Torah centers. We have also seen great figures and Customs and Sages.’ Contrary to what he wealthy individuals asking for advice May Hashem Bless and Protect You! normally does, Rabbi Pinto expressed and blessings. It is difficult, if not impossible, to part one of the most harshly worded criticisms 61 on the events surrounding the Mimunah festivities that had just unfolded on that same day and the day before at Ashdod’s opera center. A Letter to “ ‘I usually don’t express my opinion Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita on what happens in Ashdod, nor in Israel, From Mr. Maurice O. of Paris for I don’t live here,’ he began. ‘But this November 4, 1999 time I must protest. Mimunah was an initiative of the rabbis of Morocco, who Dear Rabbi, I would like to use this opportunity, Rabbi David, to describe to you what will forever remain called this day Mimunah because of the engraved in my memory. However to do this, and at the risk of seeming longwinded, I need to word emunah [faith]. It was an evening relate everything to you. and a day meant to bring hearts closer to In 1999 I went through a difficult and painful period in my life. As it turned out, I was deprived of G-d, and to strengthen Jewish faith. Yet my liberty. During this time you met with my mother, who conveyed your blessings to me, as well what happened today in Ashdod has no as your certainty that I would soon be released. You also assured her that I would be by your side connection to emunah or to Mimunah. If at the Hilloula set to take place in Essaouira during the month of September. the rabbis of Morocco were to rise from Now at the time, my lawyers (who were quite prestigious) weren’t telling me such good news. their graves and see what was happening, On the contrary, they expected me to be incarcerated for several months. they would shudder,’ he concluded. During my first appearance in court, and to the great surprise of my lawyers (and myself for “Rav Pinto continued by saying, ‘For- that matter), I was instantly released. It was my mother who reminded me that I had to immediately travel to the pilgrimage that was to give me gentlemen if I am lecturing you begin on the day after my release. I therefore took steps to book a flight, but it was impossible to on ethics, but I cannot remain silent. I make it to Essaouira without transgressing Shabbat. My mother and I agreed that I had to cancel don’t know if anyone has already spoken the trip. Ten minutes after I made this decision, however, you called me from Essaouira and told up against this, but I must do so.’ ” me that you were waiting for me at the big event. One more thing – something that no- I again contacted my travel agent, and this time she told me that a seat was available. It was to body can deny – is Rabbi Pinto’s “sixth leave for Casablanca on Sunday, September 5 at 6:00 am. My travel agent also found a private sense.” flight from Casablanca to Essaouira. Arriving at Roissy in Paris for my trip to Casablanca, I found no trace of the flight on the monitors, A chassid, a rav from a well-known and I was told at the information desk that the flight didn’t even exist. I insisted that it did and got religious neighborhood, gave us a first- out my ticket, thinking that maybe it was flying out of Orly. It turned out that it wasn’t. A manager hand account of it this week. Like many at Royal Air Maroc was therefore called and did a little bit of searching. He then discovered that other people, he visits Rabbi David from an empty plane was being sent back to Morocco, and that I should never have been sold a ticket time to time for advice. Once, when his for a non-commercial flight. son was hesitating about whether he Thus a flight had appeared on my travel agent’s monitor on a Friday (when it shouldn’t have should continue studying in his yeshiva appeared), and yet on Sunday it didn’t appear at all! How was that? Only G-d knows. or change to another one, the chassid The pilot eventually accepted me aboard as the only passenger. Without a crew, I was the entered the room where Rabbi David was only one on the plane with the pilot and copilot, as the accompanying photo shows and my travel in order to tell him about his son’s doubts. agent can attest to. Even before greeting him, Rabbi David I hope to be among your guests for a long time to come. turned to him and briefly said, “I don’t Very touched by your concern and your blessings, I wanted to present this story so everyone think he should change yeshivot.” can believe in the power of a tzaddik’s blessing. I swear before the Alm-ghty as to the accuracy of my statements. That’s what he said, not a word more. Rabbi, I thank you with all my heart.. “The merits of Rabbi David are numer- Rabbi David Pinto’s Comment:. ous in every area,” this same chassid A person who wishes to attribute the things mentioned in this letter to a combination of coinciden- added. “He is level-headed, elevated ces, or simple luck, by finding all sorts of “logical” explanations for them, will only end up decreasing above the people, connected to Heaven, his faith and increasing his doubts. On the contrary, one must always be certain that everything is G-d-fearing, and he spreads Torah to the fruit of Divine providence, not the result of coincidence. Hashem is present in all places, and thousands of people around the world. a person’s entire life is filled with miracles. The more that a person increases his faith and allows Happy is he and happy is his lot!” himself to be guided by Hashem, the clo- ser he will get to Him and the more he will serve Him with a love that grows stronger and dee- per.

62 Yossele “the rascal” There was a young boy from the town of leaving, he arrived in Volozhin. large sum of money to his mother in order to Slutzk known as “Yossele the rascal,” a mis- Upon arriving in the city, he took the road to help the family. chievous boy that everyone knew. In contrast the yeshiva, and once there he asked some A short time later, Yossele received a second to the other boys his age, Yossele could never young students to show him the Rosh Yeshiva’s letter from his mother: “Your father has become stay seated in his cheder class. Instead he office.Y ossele knocked at the door, and he was deeply depressed over our situation. In fact he’s preferred to spend most of his time walking on summoned inside. “Shalom Aleichem, Shalom fallen ill and is confined to bed.” the rooftops with the pigeons or in the streets Aleichem. What can I do for you, my young Yossele went to see the Rosh Yeshiva a with the dogs. Other times, he would go swim- boy?” the Rosh Yeshiva asked him. second time, who sighed once again. “Listen to ming in the river with the non-Jewish children. Yossele replied, “I want to study in the me: Return to your studies.” Yossele followed When Yossele was 12 years old, he was yeshiva.” his teacher’s instructions and returned to his walking along the streets in town when he “And what have you learned?” learning. He then received a third letter from his suddenly heard a voice of reprimand coming “I’ve learned nothing, but I want to study!” mother: “You’re father has died!” Yossele burst from a house. He approached the window into tears and hurried to see Rabbi Haim, who Rabbi Haim fixed his glimmering eyes upon and quickly glanced inside. He saw a father could only join him in weeping. He said to him, him and realized that standing before him was striking his son for his bad behavior, saying to “Observe shiva [the mourning period of seven a boy with a promising future. He pinched his him: “What were you thinking? Do you want to days that follows the death of a relative] and cheek and said, “If you really want to study, you become a scoundrel like that boy Yossele? I’ll return to your studies.” never let you become like him!” can. Get up and enter the yeshiva!” Without Several years later, the Rav of Slutzk passed hesitating, Yossele entered and sat down to Yossele was very hurt by these words, and away. After the period of mourning had passed, study. Rabbi Haim assigned teachers to help he thought: “What? Have I sunk to the point five members from theS lutzk community trav- him in Chumash, Mishnah, and Gemara. Yos- that my name means something shameful in eled to Volozhin. They sought Rabbi Haim’s sele put a great deal of effort into studying, and Slutzk? Has it gotten to the point that children recommendation for a new Rav, whom they after three months he was able to learn Torah in who are acting fooling get reprimanded and were committed to supporting in every way. a rigorous manner, demonstrating tremendous told that they’ll become like me?! If that’s the He said to the delegation, “Wait for a moment. diligence. case, I have to change!” He therefore went to I have a Rav for you.” He immediately sum- see his father and said, “Papa, I’ve decided to Two years passed, and he celebrated his Bar moned Rabbi Yossele. When he entered the go study in yeshiva!” Mitzvah at the yeshiva. By the age of 14, he room, Rabbi Haim rose from his seat as a sign When his father heard this, he was dismayed. already reached the level of a young scholar of respect, and had him sit next to him. He then He thought, “What’s gotten into the boy’s head, in various fields, and he continued to diligently asked the delegation, “Do you remember an and who knows what he really plans to do?” He study Gemara, Rashi, and Tosaphot. He even unruly child in Slutzk by the name of Yossele? therefore said, “You’re giving me a headache. joined the privileged group of “the 18” – a Do you know what happened to him?” They Go play with your pigeons and dogs, and leave concept in Volozhin wherein young men would replied, “We don’t know what became of him.” me alone!” study 18 hours a day, devoting only six hours Rabbi Haim said, “Rabbi Yossele, get up. This Yossele, however, didn’t budge: “Papa, I’m to their needs (eating, sleeping, etc.). is Yossele – who will be your new Rav!” Rabbi completely serious. I want to go to yeshiva, and Years passed, and Yossele earned a reputa- Haim then began to praise him in the pres- if you don’t let me, I’ll go on my own!” tion as a great Torah scholar. ence of the delegation. “Do you agree with my His father had to think about this. He looked One day he received a letter from his mother. recommendation,” he asked them. “Of course, at the boy straight in the eyes and said, “It The news was not good. She wrote that a fire if that’s what you say.” They drank a le’chaim seems to me that you’re serious this time.” He had broken out in the city, and that his father’s and had a light meal. then asked him, “What yeshiva do you want shop, along with others, had been destroyed. Rabbi Haim later said to Rabbi Yossele, “Do to attend?” The boy replied, “The Volozhin She said to him, “You’re already an adult, and you remember when your mother asked you yeshiva.” you’ve studied quite a bit. The family really to return home, and I ordered you to continue His father burst into laughter. “Volozhin?! needs money, so come back home and help studying Torah? This tested your incredible You want to go to the Volozhin yeshiva? You’ve your father restart his business.” devotion. It certainly wasn’t easy for you to stop never learned a thing! To get into Volozhin, you Yossele was stunned by the news. On one your mischievousness behavior as a boy and have to know at least two tractates of Gemara hand, his mother’s heartfelt request called to take upon yourself the diligent study of Torah. like the back of your hand. You don’t even know him. On the other hand, given that he had al- You were tested three times, and the third time a single page of Gemara!” ready reached a high level in Torah, how could was the most difficult of all. Nevertheless, you “Papa, I don’t care. I want to go to the Volo- he now close the Gemara and return home? In overcame them all. Your father is happy in Gan zhin yeshiva and start learning.” his distress, he went to the Rosh Yeshiva and Eden, and he is rejoicing in your Torah.” Faced with such determination, his father handed him his mother’s letter. Rabbi Haim From this story we see just how powerful a gave him a small sum of money and helped carefully read it and let out a deep sigh. A mo- person’s will can be. At the same time, we pray him pack his things for the trip to Volozhin. ment later, he said: “Listen to me: Return to to Hashem with a contrite heart to allow us to Thus Yossele began his journey. He traveled your studies.” Yossele returned to his studies. properly educate our children, and that they by wagon, and then by foot. Three days after The administration of the yeshiva then sent a become G-d fearing and upright. 63 By the Merit of Genuine Faith The sage Rav Meir Cohen once told me Therefore when a person places all his extraordinary being with life. This simple the following story: A Jew needed some faith in G-d and implores Him for help, he recognition is enough to awaken our faith, money for a specific project, but was can only emerge a winner. Someone once for it provides us with evidence that man short a certain amount. Not knowing how told me that he waited numerous years cannot be considered a simple mechanism, to solve his predicament, he implored the before finding a wife. As it turned out, but instead was fashioned by the hands of Almighty to save him by the merit of the she had been living in his neighborhood the Holy One, blessed be He. Today, some tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto. As he was be- for close to 20 years, but had never been of the most respected doctors have con- seeching the Creator, his hand slipped into introduced to him before. I told him that if cluded that the extraordinary complexity of his pocket and suddenly felt the presence of he had implored the Almighty with greater the human body could only have occurred some money, the very same amount that he fervor, beseeching Him to help him find a by constant and individual Divine supervi- needed! This story serves as a lesson for us wife, he could have avoided such a long sion. A person who places all his faith in all. The Holy One, blessed be He, rewards and frustrating wait. the Almighty can even be the recipient of a man for having genuine faith, rescuing I also heard another interesting story miracles that defy the laws of nature. him and sending him blessings, even if about a man who was preoccupied with a It is important to realize that stories re- He has to overturn the laws of nature in personal problem. He never stopped think- garding the tzaddikim have the ability to order to do so. ing about it, even at night, for he would awaken faith in the heart of man. For that The same scholar recounted another dream about it. In his dreams, he promised matter, I have met simple people – those incident to me. One of our relatives, Yeho- that if he managed to find a solution to who do not know how to study the Gemara shua Derhy, suffered from an excruciating this problem, he would donate a certain or the Poskim in great depth – who are tooth ache. In fact the pain was so severe amount of money to Rabbi Haim Pinto. infused with ardent faith and supported by that he could not even eat whole fruits and The next morning, barely after waking up, their habit of reflecting upon the meaning vegetables, only soup. He decided to go to he suddenly heard someone knocking at his of stories about the tzaddikim. Conversely, the grave of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto door. Who could be knocking at so early some people are very well-versed in the and lament his sharp pain. Logically speak- in the morning? Imagine his shock when Gemara, and yet their faith remains very ing, only a professional dentist could have he opened the door and found himself face tenuous. These people have never accus- relieved his pain, but since he possessed to face with the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto! tomed themselves to be inspired by such genuine faith, he was convinced that the When the man asked the Rav why he had stories. tzaddik would help him. His faith produced come to see him in person, Rabbi Haim Many non-practicing Jews who have fruit, and from then on he felt considerable Pinto replied: “I know that you made a vow been struck by a grave misfortune – be it relief from the pain that had previously in your dream to give a certain amount of an illness, marriage problems, childless- been a regular part of his day. money to tzeddakah when your problem ness, or financial difficulties – have come Rabbi Meir Cohen recounted a third is solved. I therefore came right away, for to me for advice and blessings. Thank G-d, incident to me. Three men, originally from I need the very same amount, and with G- prayers on their behalf were accepted and Essaouira, were looking for an honest way d’s help your problem will be solved at the their problems disappeared, after which they adopted a completely different way to make a living. They decided to open a right time.” The man stood there stunned, of life. I sometimes get jealous of the pure peanut business, purchasing peanuts at a asking himself how the Rav could have faith of such simple people, people who are low price and selling them at a high price. known about his dream. Yet the look on convinced that G-d will save them from all Unfortunately, the price of peanuts kept Rabbi Haim Pinto’s face prevented him their difficulties. When a child asks his fa- on falling after they purchased them, to from asking any further questions. ther for something, he knows that his father the point that our friends were about to Chazal explain that although the Chil- will do all that he can to fulfill his request. lose all their money. When their failure dren of Israel breached the 49th gate of We should turn to the Holy One, blessed became painfully obvious to them, they impurity, they were still delivered from be He, in the same way, by considering went to see the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto Egypt by the merit of having remained Him as our merciful Father (“our Father and implored him for help. In fact they faithful to three customs: Their names, is a merciful Father”) Who does not have promised that if their business prospered, their language, and their manner of dress. the heart to ignore our requests. they would devote a portion of their profits They managed to resist Egyptian influ- to charity, to the merit of the tzaddik. At ences in these areas on account of their Written within the mezuzot that are af- the time, Morocco had commercial links ardent faith in G-d, Who would soon save fixed to our doorposts is the term Shad-ai, with England, which imported peanuts them from their long exile. I remember the which constitutes the initials of the expres- from Morocco. Overnight, England made words that I once heard from Rav Shach, sion “Guardian of the gates of Israel.” an urgent request for a large shipment of who said that it is actually quite easy to The plural term “gates” tells us that the peanuts from Morocco, much larger than acquire faith in G-d. All a person needs Almighty possesses numerous ways of pouring out His storehouse of blessings usual. Despite the greatly elevated price is to notice his fingers moving, his feet upon His children. asked by our friends, England agreed to walking, his heart beating, or his blood buy their produce. The result was that these coursing through his body. Doing so is men prospered, and they did not forget to all that is needed in order to recognize the keep their promise. handiwork of G-d, Who endowed such an 64