Magazine «Orh Chaim Ve Moshe» N° 6 TICHRI 5766 • SEPTEMBER 2005 MAGAZINE OFFERED GRACEFULLY by ASSOCIATIONS PINTO

Magazine «Orh Chaim Ve Moshe» N° 6 TICHRI 5766 • SEPTEMBER 2005 MAGAZINE OFFERED GRACEFULLY BY ASSOCIATIONS PINTO

CONTENTSContents THE GREAT INAUGURATION...... 3

SHALHEVET MORDECHAI DISTRIBUTING THOUSANDS OF MEALS FOR PASSOVER ...... 9

THE HILLOULA OF RABBI HAIM PINTO ZATZAL...... 11

SHALOM BAYIT – PEACE IN THE HOME...... 19

NOT SIMPLY A WISH, A DUTY...... 19

THE IMPORTANCE OF ELUL...... 23

EMPIRE OF THORA ...... 27

THE WEDDING OF SARAH RUBY AÏSSA...... 31

TO BE A JEW ...... 35

THE MIRACULOUS STONES OF MOUNT SINAI ...... 40

LETTERS FROM OUR READERS...... 41

UNDER AEGIS OF RABBI DAVID HANANIA PINTO CHLITA

PARIS - ORH HAIM VEMOSHE 11, RUE DU PLATEAU - 75019 PARIS • FRANCE TEL: 331 48 03 53 89 - FAX: 331 42 08 50 85

LYON - HEVRAT PINTO 20 BIS, RUE DES MÛRIERS - 69100 VILLEURBANNE • FRANCE TEL: 334 78 03 89 14 - FAX: 334 78 68 68 45 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 ISRAEL - ASHDOD “OROT HAÏM OU MOSHE” REHOV HA-ADMOUR MI-BELZ 41/6 • ASHDOD • ISRAËL TEL: 972 88 566 233 • FAX: 972 88 521 527 ISRAEL - JERUSALEM KOLLEL “OROTH HAIM OU MOSHE” KOLLEL “MISHKAN BETSALEL” YÉCHIVAT “NEFESH HAIM” REHOV BAYIT VAGAN 97 • JERUSALEM • ISRAEL TEL: 972 26 433 605 • FAX: 972 26 413 945 - 972 26 433 570 Web Site: www.hevratpinto.orgwww.hevratpinto.org 5 THE GREAT INAUGURATION Thousands of people participated in the opening ceremony for the inauguration of the Orot Haim OuMoshe institution in Ashdod, the Nefesh Haim yeshiva and the Mishkan Betzalel kollel in Jerusalem, all under the auspices of Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita. Also inaugurated in this ceremony were four Sifrei Torah. Among the participants were great Jewish figures such as Rebbes, Roshei Yeshivot, Rabbis from Ashdod, and Roshei Yeshivot and Roshei Kollelim from Jerusalem and their students

During a magnificent ceremony Thousands of people arrived in holiday attire and heading in filled with the joy of Torah, thousands in Ashdod from all across Israel, one direction – the inauguration of people, with leading Torah as well as from numerous other ceremony. figures at their head, celebrated countries, to participate in this To- This great ceremony began in the inauguration of the Orot Haim rah celebration. By that afternoon a trailer that, even today, is a fo- OuMoshe edifice in Ashdod, which all the roads leading to Ashdod cal point for spiritual activities by is directed by the tzaddik Rabbi (especially the city’s Gimel dis- organizations in Ashdod. It began David Hanania Pinto Shlita. Also trict) were already darkened by with the completion of four new inaugurated were four Sifrei Torah crowds. The simplest of people Sifrei Torah, specifically written and the Nefesh Haim yeshiva and mixed with great talmidei cha- for the occasion, by the inscrip- Mishkan Betzalel kollel in Jerusalem. chamim, with everyone dressed tion of their final letters and the stitching of their parchments. The final inscription of the letters was assigned to the following gaonim: Rabbi David Yossef Shlita (the Rav of the Har Nof district of Jerusalem and the director of the city’s Yichave Da’at Beit Midrash), Rabbi Messod ben Shimon Shli- ta, Rabbanim from the Ramat El- chanan district of Bnei Brak, and to public figures and donors from around the world who contributed to the writing of the Sifrei Torah and the construction of the edifice being inaugurated. The last letter was written by the main party involved in the celebration, Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita, who

5 wrote it with a sense of great joy the city of Ashdod, are proud of gogue, one under the direction of and holiness. the so very important activities of the tzaddik Rabbi David Hanania Immediately after praying Min- the tzaddik Rabbi David Hanania Pinto, the son of the holy Rabbi cha, which a great number of Pinto Shlita, who thanks to his Moshe Aaron, may his merit protect us, and going back further, people participated in, the pro- continual travels throughout the a descendant of Rabbi Yehoshi- cession of the Sifrei Torah began. world to serve the people, brings us great strength.” yahu Pinto, may his merit protect Amidst singing and dancing, all us, the “Rif on Ein Yaakov.” the participants felt great emo- The Blessing of Rav Pinto The gaon Rabbi David Yossef tion before the impressive sight Shlita (the Rav of Har Nof and the of four new Sifrei Torah being The gaon Rabbi Saadia Aribi director of the Yichave Da’at Beit inaugurated together. When this Shlita (the Rosh Yeshiva of Yig- Midrash) began his discourse by transmitting the blessing of our teacher the Rishon Letzion Shlita. He then spoke about the passag- es dealing with the offerings, the subject of the previous parshiot. “Over these past few years, I’ve had the chance of getting to know the tzaddik Rabbi Da- vid Pinto. He has succeeded in building a magnificent ‘miniature Temple.’ I don’t know if anything like it exists elsewhere, but I want to add that with Rabbi David, it’s not only on the outside, but on the inside that he is imbued with Torah and the fear of Heaven – a love for Hashem both ‘inside and out.’ Rabbi David’s reputation precedes him. He brings many people to Torah, guiding our dis- immense procession arrived be- dal Torah and Rav of the city’s tant brothers closer to our Father fore the new edifice, people could Ezor Beit) began the divrei Torah in Heaven and bringing them un- hear the music of Rabbi Israel and blessings. He noted that we der the wings of the Shechinah all Parnass’ special band, which per- were very fortunate to participate around the world. He establishes formed during the entire evening in the inauguration of this syna- Torah institutions, yeshivot, and and did a superb job of entertain- ing everyone. As soon as the Si- frei Torah were inaugurated, the celebration began, with a host of great Torah figures in attendance making the event shine. A person normally begins a speech by praising the one whom he is introducing, which is exactly what the Mayor of Ashdod, Zvi Zilker, did. In the name of all the city’s residents, he expressed his great joy at the inauguration of one of the most beautiful buildings in Israel, one in which activities have been planned for every day of the year and every hour of the day. “We, the residents of

6 7 al yemei melech tosif burst out among the crowd, and even the most distinguished rabbis began to dance for the Torah and the great men of Torah for many long minutes. The Rav began by the verse Mizmor shir chanukat habayit le- David (“A psalm, a song for the inauguration of the house, by David” – Psalms 30:1), explaining it by the words of the Sages. He continued by speaking of the fact that the Holy One, blessed be He, considers good intentions along with deeds. “ ‘The Torah of Your mouth is better for me than thousands in gold and silver’ [Psalms 119:72]. Among those gathered here is a kollelim, which is a blessing for The gaon Rabbi Yedidia As- Jew who has given me tremen- the Jewish people. By his merit, saraf Shlita, the Rosh Kollel in dous help, and in his humility he numerous Jews have come clos- Lyon, described the numerous is seated among the crowd. Each er to Judaism. I would like, in the activities of the Rav, who has person has his own particularly brought many people under the name of my father and my teach- way of coming closer to the Holy wings of the Shechinah. His com- er Shlita, to bestow upon him the One, blessed be He, and this Jew munity comprises some 30,000 blessing of being able to continue began to draw closer by the merit people, most of whom are mitzvot his noble activities in the service of his deeds. He had often heard observant. All this has come as a of the Torah until the coming of people speaking of the different result of the Rav’s activities. Mashiach, may he come speedily Torah courses being given in and in our days.” In Honor of the Torah and the various places, yet he never took The gaon Rabbi Yosef Sheinin Great Men of Torah the time to come and participate. Shlita, the Rav of Ashdod, spoke Deep feelings of emotion were When he did come and hear what of the Torah’s great joy for the in- felt when the tzaddik Rabbi David was being said, he understood auguration of a synagogue and a Hanania Pinto Shlita was called that up to that point he had fol- Beit Midrash, as well as for the upon to speak. The song Yamim lowed a path of vanity, and so he inauguration of four Sifrei Torah that would rejoin Hashem’s Ark. The gaon Rabbi Reuven El- baz Shlita, the Rosh Yeshiva of Ohr HaChaim in Jerusalem, continued with the recitation of Shecheyanu in honor of this day’s celebration for the Rav, “one close to Hashem and the Torah, the Sages, and all the community of Israel. The Rav is a gaon and tzaddik of noble lineage, whose ancestors supported and spread the holy Torah among Sephardic Jewry. From the eminent Pinto family, the gaon Rabbi David Pinto Shlita spreads the light of Torah throughout the world with unstinting devotion.”

6 7 began to draw closer to his Father in Heaven. “Mizmor shir chanukat habayit – in this building there will be a kollel, and on the fifth floor a yeshiva is planned, where there will be absolutely everything. A great deal of money was lost during the construction of this building. A generous man had given me enough of a donation to con- struct an entire floor, but many losses were incurred during the construction, losses that, upon calculation, proved to be exactly equal to the man’s contribution! I am very careful not to accept donations from money that results their efforts. Among these was Rabbi Eliyahu Sitbon, who had succeeded in directing this great work, and the donors who were essential for the building and the Sifrei Torah. These individuals had arrived from the United States and France, and the Rav wished them every good thing by the merit of their help in the construction of this great edifice, where the sounds of the holy To- rah would be heard. The Joy of the Torah At that point the gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Ezrachi Shlita, among the Roshei Yeshivot of Mir, gave a stirring speech: “My dear and from a desecration of Shabbat. prepare a Mizmor shir chanukat close friend, the gaon and tzad- However it turned out that the habayit leDavid.’ ” dik who is devoted to every Jew donation of this Jew stemmed At the end of these impas- – Rabbi David – may Hashem from just that – a desecration of sioned words, the Rav thanked guard and protect him! It is a Shabbat. Each person has his his family, praying for their spiri- great merit that the inauguration own point of view. Many people tual well-being and their Torah. of this building by Rabbi David, this ceremony, speaks for itself. have said to me, ‘The Gimel dis- He also blessed his daughter trict isn’t considered a wealthy The Sifrei Torah that you, Rabbi and son-in-law, who had married neighborhood. Why did you build David, were worthy of inaugu- a day earlier, that their home be such a luxurious building there, rating here, and the bnei Torah established on the foundations of of all places? It would have been whose spiritual elevation you Torah. better to build it in a more afflu- work for without end, these are ent neighborhood!’ I respond by “This is a place that we can your witnesses and your immea- saying, ‘You are mistaken. Here call holy, meaning that it is devot- surable merits, and in this world we have true wealth, which exists ed entirely to Hashem,” the Rav they will also have an beneficial only where people study Torah. stressed. He finished with words influence on the inauguration of Here there is a great deal of To- of Torah for everyone who had your private home, which encom- rah, and here people are rich in contributed to the construction, passes the home of your newly- Torah. It is here that it is fitting to be it by their money or through married daughter.”

8 9 of the merit of the tzaddik Rabbi David. He spoke of Rabbi David’s merit for having brought closer those who were far from their Fa- ther in Heaven and Torah: “This is a very great thing in Hashem’s eyes, just as was merit of King David when he neglected his own honor to dance before the Ark of the Covenant, thanks to which the gates of the Temple opened during its inauguration.” The gaon Rabbi Sebag Shlita, the director of the Tiferet Moshe institution in Bnei Brak, spoke of the meaning of the verse, “As the deer longs for brooks of water” (Psalms 42:2). He said that deer find shelter from their pursuers Next, a unique sight began to unfold before the eyes of the audience when Rabbi Yitzchak Ezrachi took the microphone and, along with Rabbi Israel Parnass, sang Tehi Hasha’ah HaZot. The emotion created by this fervent song affected all those present, and the dancing circle created by the numerous bnei Torah began to grow ever larger. It was an un- forgettable experience. The great gaon Rabbi Berman Shlita, the son-in-law of Rabbi Shach Zat- zal and the director of the Rashbi institutions in Bnei Brak, spoke

8 9 among the vegetation that grows from overseas to participate in by the following words: “With the near flowing streams. Thus the the inauguration ceremony for the permission of the great Rav in To- merit of Rabbi David protects synagogue and the four Sifrei To- rah and good deeds, Rav Pinto Jews by sheltering them under rah. He underlined that the donors Shlita, we first wish him every the wings of the Shechinah. had special merit, for the Sifrei success for himself and his fam- We could see the chain of Torah which they funded has now ily. May the Shechinah rest upon transmission of the Torah when entered the ark of a synagogue his family ‘measure for measure,’ for Rav Pinto devotes himself en- the gaon Rabbi David Pinto where Torah is studied day and tirely to constructing Torah insti- paid honor to his own teacher, night, and in which people pray tutions and stirs people to study the gaon and tzaddik Rabbi Zev each day of the week from morn- Torah. Therefore may the Holy Kaufman Shlita, the Rav and ing till night. While he was speak- One, blessed be He, give him Rosh Kollel of Manchester, Eng- ing, the Rebbe of Toldot Aaron his reward measure for measure: land. Rabbi David stated that he arrived, receiving an enthusiastic and joyous welcome. May the home of his daughter owed him much, telling people: and son-in-law be completely “Look at him carefully, for he is a This was followed by Orech filled with light, the light of the man immersed in Torah day and Yamim bursting out in song upon Torah. May the Shechinah rest night.” The gaon Rabbi Kaufman the arrival of the eldest of the among them in order to build a expressed his joy at seeing such Roshei Yeshivot of our genera- great dwelling in Israel.” an impressive thing as the Torah tion, the great gaon Rabbi Michel The impressive ceremony activities, up to the present day, Yehuda Lefkowitz Shlita. All who ended with the departure of the of one who was his student from were seated at the podium came great Torah figures, accompa- his youth, blessing him that he down to welcome him, and the nied by thousands of those in at- too should enjoy great satisfac- gaon Rabbi David Pinto stressed tendance dancing and singing in tion from all his work. just how important his presence honor of the Torah. It was a mo- The gaon Rabbi Avraham Alt- was for him, wishing the gaon a ment that left an indelible impres- man Shlita, the Rosh Yeshiva of long life. sion on each of the participants, Ateret Tzvi, gave a blessing in Rabbi Michel Yehuda began an experience that strengthened Spanish to all who had arrived the central part of the evening them all.

10 11 SHALHEVET MORDECHAI DISTRIBUTING THOUSANDS OF MEALS FOR PASSOVER

SHE WAS STANDING NEXT TO THE TRUCK, WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COME AND UNLOAD IT AT ANY MINUTE. LIKE HER, ABOUT 20 OTHER RIGHTEOUS WOMEN WERE EAGERLY WAITING THERE. ALL THEY WANTED WAS TO BRING FOOD BACK HOME, ENABLING THEM TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAY.

She was standing next to the “The Rav wanted to lift the spirits of children’s schooling and transporta- truck, waiting for someone to come the residents, who’ve recently been tion. I’m left with 1,180 NIS, and with and unload it at any minute. Like her, threatened by missile attacks.” that I have to buy diapers, milk and about 20 other righteous women were Families began to arrive one after cheese, fruits & vegetables, bread eagerly waiting there. All they wanted the other, and it was a joyful moment and other basics, and also cleaning was to bring food back home, en- for everyone. This year, for Passover products. As for meat, fish and chick- abling them to enjoy the holiday with 5765, they could bring home a bas- en, they’re never on the table other special meals of fish and chicken. ket filled with food, including shmura than on Shabbat, when we eat mostly Perhaps if they were fortunate, they matzah. fish and chicken.” might also obtain meat and some Rabbi Messod said, “We prefer to It is a great sanctification of candies for the children. invest a little more money so these Hashem’s Name. Thousands upon A truck loaded with good things families can eat shmura matzah on thousands of people gather to col- arrived from Ashdod and began to the Seder night. It’s expensive, but if lect a basket for the holiday, regard- unload its merchandise. A long line of we don’t do it for them, who will?” less of whether they are Ashkenaz yeshiva bochurs stood along the path or Sephardic, orthodox or secular. that led to Sderot’s Torah high school, It was truly remarkable. The injunction of Kol dichfeen yay- as one crate after another was moved tay v’yachul (“Let all who hunger A woman by the name of Anat, a into a large hall, a process that took come eat”) on the Seder night does mother of five, said to me: “The merit more than an hour. The hall started not just speak of the needy, as the of the tzaddikim will help us, and with direct sense would suggest. It is also filling with containers of food for the Hashem’s help this will bring us good needy, parcels of Kimcha DePischa things for the entire year.” Anat’s story a command to bring closer those (Passover food). reflects the situation of the country in who are far, for they too are needy Written on a large sign overhead various neighborhoods and small cit- – in spirit. We must realize that we, was, “Shalhevet Mordechai. Distri- ies. She is a wife and mother whose as wealthy people, must bring them bution of Kimcha DePischa, with the husband works part-time. Their in- closer and invite them to our Seder support of the tzaddik Rabbi David come amounts to 4,000 NIS. “With table. They will then realize the differ- Hanania Pinto Shlita.” I was sur- that I have to pay 1,600 NIS for the ence between chametz and matzah. prised. Here, in Sderot of all places? mortgage on the house, 400 NIS for Thank G-d, these last years “Yes,” the director of the organiza- electricity, 120 NIS for water, 200 NIS have witnessed Seder nights that tion, Rabbi Messod Rebibo told me. for the telephone, and 500 NIS for my were observed by a great number of

10 11 This sanctified activity on behalf of the Shalhevet Mordechai organization was made possible with the help of the Rav and tzaddik Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita, who supports the organization in all its activities throughout the year, including Passover. “The extent of our work this year,” says Rabbi Messod Rebibo, the director of the organization, “is much broader than it was last year. This year we organized a large distribution in the city of Sderot, which finds itself – through no fault of its own – making headlines again and again. people. Not only have they satiated This year the Shalhevet Morde- When we approached the Rav Shlita the physical appetites of the needy, chai organization distributed Kimcha but they also served to satiate minds DePischa in unprecedented quanti- with a plan to organize this distribu- and souls by the words of the living ties to thousands of needy families tion, it turned out that he had already G-d. living in Bnei Brak and Ashdod. Also been thinking about it himself. It’s an These communal Seders nights for the first time this year, and with area that we’re going to especially are truly special. All in all, the partici- the help of the Rav and Tzaddik concentrate on this year, at the same pants are simple people, with some Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita, time as our ‘regular’ annual distribu- living alone and others without a fixed assistance was provided to families tion.” address. Most of them, up until today, living in Sderot. Rabbi Messod Rebibo notes that are new immigrants. It is only during As happens every year with the the decision as to which families re- these Seder meals that have an op- approaching Passover holidays, doz- ceive assistance is made according portunity to become familiar with Ju- ens of volunteers from the Shalhevet to multiple criteria. “I know a number daism and can start to understand it. Mordechai organization participated of recipients from previous years, in the distribution of Kimcha DePis- It is therefore a sacred duty – just and there are also spontaneous re- as we prepare matzot for Kimcha cha (Passover food) to thousands of quests made by families, which we DePischa and distribute meals to the needy families in Bnei Brak and Ash- agree to when we can verify their poor, to the needy, to large families dod. Also for the first time this year, – to encourage them yet a little more given the dangerous situation in the situation with the competent au- by organizing communal Seders. city of Sderot, Shalhevet Mordechai thorities. We purchase most of our products in cash, with some of the Who knows how many Jews, distributed hundreds of meals to res- following this experience, have idents of that city as well. money coming from our own funds, strengthened their Torah obser- These meals include a great va- and especially with the help of the vance? riety of Passover products such as Rav Shlita, whose activities extend A person who does not have the matzah, wine, oil, canned foods, and to many organizations in addition to financial means or ability to organize even candy for children. our own.” such a Seder has the duty to make an effort to invite to his home a spiritually distant Jew. He must invite him to sit together at the Seder table so he may witness the enthusiastic sight of a united family, of children who ask the four questions, and the words of the Sages on the Hag- gadah. It is in this way that we can return such Jews to their Father in Heaven throughout the year. With Hashem’s help, “In Nissan they were redeemed, and in Nissan they will be redeemed” (Rosh Ha- shanah 11a).

12 13 THE HILLOULA OF RABBI HAIM PINTO ZATZAL Essaouira, Morocco Elul 5764 / September 2004

THE YEAR 5764 IS AN EXCEPTIONAL ONE FOR THE HILLOULA OF THE TZADDIK RABBI HAIM PINTO ZATZAL. EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PILGRIMAGE TO ESSAOUIRA HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF CELEBRATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOLY AND VENERATED RABBI HAIM PINTO’S PASSING FROM THIS WORLD ON ITS EXACT DATE, NAMELY SUNDAY, ELUL 26 (SEPTEMBER 12, 2004).

The coincidence of having pants to land in Essaouira on As usual the Hilloula’s orga- the tzaddik’s Hilloula right after Thursday morning at 10:15 lo- nizing committee, particularly the Shabbat preceding Rosh cal time (with a two-hour time Mr. Knafo, Mr. Afryat, SOL ca- Hashanah is rare in the Jewish difference between France and terers, Patrick Alloul and William calendar. This bodes well for us, Morocco). During this flight, a Marciano, have to be congratu- since Rabbi Moshe Aaron Pinto minyan allowed a great num- lated on the professionalism Zatzal, the father of our teacher ber of the faithful to assemble with which the entire event was Rabbi David Pinto Shlita, al- for Shacharit. Because this conducted, with nothing being ways mentioned that the Name was not part of the flight plan, left to chance. We also cannot of Hashem which represents a request had been made to forget all the participants, from the attribute of mercy (Middat the flight crew beforehand, and near and far, who helped with HaRachamim) has a numerical they agreed to it. Afterwards the event. value of 26. This, along with the they served a kosher breakfast Within a few minutes the first fact that the tzaddik Rabbi Haim to all the participants. participants from the Paris morn- Pinto Zatzal left this world 159 Upon arriving at the airport ing flight were given the keys to years ago on Elul 26, means in Essaouira, Rabbi David Pin- their rooms. A light meal was that his merit protects all Klal to, much like a head of state, then served by the pool, which Israel by the invocation of Divine came to personally greet each for reasons of tzniut was closed mercy. participant on the tarmac to the during the entire pilgrimage. For most of the partici- pilgrimage of Rabbi Haim Pinto This was a time for hundreds of pants, the pilgrimage of 5764 Zatzal. people who had been participat- really began with their depar- A half-hour later we arrived at ing in the tzaddik’s Hilloula for ture from Paris on Thursday, the Ryad Mogador hotel, which several years to warmly reac- September 9, 2004. One flight once again welcomed a group quaint themselves. Some par- chartered from Air Horizon en- that had come to celebrate the ticipants devoted the afternoon abled more than 100 partici- Hilloula of the tzaddik. to resting in order to recuper-

12 13 sense of the merits of the tzaddik of Mogador. During his first drasha, the Rav stressed the merit of the saintly Rabbi Haim Pinto Zat- zal, as well as the importance of faith. A person must be able to submit himself to Hashem and wait for his prayers to be answered. The Rav recounted the story of a person by the name of Rab- bi Nathan, who had hired some workers to repair the floor in his home. While the workers were digging, they heard a voice coming from the ground: “Don’t dig any further. I’m buried here.” At that point they were ate from the fatigue of the flight. Others used the time to go into the city of Essaouira, visiting the marketplaces and purchasing Moroccan art. At 6:30 pm, Mincha allowed the faithful to gather in one of the hotel’s large halls, which served as a synagogue during the remainder of the pilgrimage. At 8:00 pm, the Lyon-Villeur- banne minyan was followed by a drasha from Rabbi David Pinto, who had just arrived from greeting a second flight of participants landing at the Essaouira airport. This flight had also been chartered specifically for Hevrat Pinto, and Rav Pinto was insistent on personally greeting every participant on the tarmac. The number of participants for the 5764 pilgrimage was greater than in previous years, and there could be no doubt that the event has become more and more successful. In fact across the entire world the number of those who were aware of Rabbi Haim Pinto’s greatness had only increased. The miracles that people had witnessed gave those with emunah (faith) an even greater

14 15 thrown into a panic and called out to the owner of the house. Once they left, Rabbi Nathan remained alone in the place where the voice was heard, and there he asked mi kan (“who is it?”). The voice replied, “I am a rabbi, and I’m buried here. Dig no further.” Rabbi Nathan replied, “If you’re buried, it means that you’re dead. But since when do the dead speak?” The voice answered, “I am truly dead. How- ever during my entire life I never envied anyone – neither their possessions nor their money – and a person who has never been envious of others merits having his body remain intact after death. That is why I’m not Rabbi David Pinto used this he was still going through on the like other dead people.” occasion to recount a story that trip to Morocco. He told his wife This is why a tzaddik, after a follower had told him. For the to be like him – to have faith in his death, is still called alive. Rabbi Haim Pinto pilgrimage of the power for the tzaddik – and Hashem would help. Thus the tzaddik is an in- September 2003, a man trav- termediary between man and eled to the tzaddik even though The man participated in the Hashem. This applies particu- he didn’t have a way to pay for pilgrimage to Essaouira in Sep- tember 2003, and during his larly to Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal, the trip to Essaouira. He was visit to the tzaddik’s mausole- who during his entire life lived out of work, had no financial um, he implored him with all his modestly. He is therefore our in- resources, and his wife told strength. termediary and advocate before him that they had nothing with Hashem on the eve of the sol- which to properly celebrate the Upon returning to Paris, emn days of Tishri 5765. holidays of Tishri. Nevertheless, our friend took a taxi from the airport’s Roissy III terminal. He told the taxi driver what he had experienced in the last four days since his departure from Paris. Thus for more than half an hour, the driver carefully listened to the man’s entire story. The driver then spoke to our friend, telling him that he too was a Jew. In fact he was so convinced by the words of this man – a family man who had undertaken a pilgrimage to Essaouira with faith and had spoken of the merit of the tzaddik of Mogador – that he refused to charge the fare, and furthermore he even offered to help the man! The driver explained that he didn’t have many expenses and that he lived com- fortably. He therefore offered

14 15 Some participants were still at their tables beyond midnight. Others, who had begun their day before 5:00 am, had gone to sleep. After a short yet refresh- ing night, the participants were awakened around 5:30 am to go and recite Selichot and Shacharit in the hall adjacent to Essaouira’s Jewish cemetery. All the prayers were said with exceptional enthusiasm, and the Chazan leading the prayers was the son of Rabbi David Pinto, Rabbi Raphael Pinto. After Shacharit, Rabbi David Pinto called upon people to support a charitable organization named Ohr Hanania, which is to lend our friend €7,000. This went to their respective rooms. sponsored by the Rav and helps enabled him to get back on his This was also a time for some the needy living in France. feet and to enjoy the holidays people to get together in the gar- At that point people proof Tishri in abundance. Further- dens of the Ryad Mogador hotel, ceeded to visit the mausoleum more, the taxi driver said that he which the clement weather al- of Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal, a had a brother-in-law who could lowed. By that time it was close place that hundreds of pilgrims offer our friend a job. to 9:30 pm (11:30 pm in France), visited. Everyone had the op- When he returned home that and dinner was being served in portunity of making personal night, after the pilgrimage to Es- the hotel’s reception hall. People prayers in an atmosphere that saouira on one hand and being ate in a warm and friendly atmo- was tranquil and comforting. driven home by an exceptional sphere, one in which one sump- Some participants lit candles taxi driver on the other, our tuous meal after the other made while others continued to pray. friend showed his wife the mon- its way onto their tables. They then returned by coach ey he had been loaned. He said to her, “Here’s the money that Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal sent me for the holidays of Tishri.” Thus our friend had the opportunity to spend the holidays of Tishri 5764 with all his family in comfort, and the next day the taxi driver’s brother-in-law offered him a good-paying job (the two men are still working together today). For this year’s pilgrimage, the man was present to thank the tzaddik of Mogador for the miracles that he had done for him. Faith in Hashem, reverence for the tzaddik, prayers, and good deeds bring results. After this first speech by Rabbi David Pinto, the participants who had arrived on the evening flight

16 17 this emunah that can help us to understand the world. After the evening prayers were completed, we were served in the large reception hall of the hotel. A solemn atmosphere marked that Shabbat evening. After Kid- dush, some piyutim (liturgical poems) were recited together, each as beautiful as the next, with special mention going out to the Chazan from Mexico who enchanted us with his Yerush- almi tunes. His golden voice bought a sense of holiness and a feeling of joy to all the participants. Rabbi David Pinto swept all the faithful into the singing, en- to the hotel, where they were the year. As Rabbi David Pinto couraging the most reluctant to served breakfast along with do- said, we are welcomed by the demonstrate their enthusiasm, nuts, cakes, tea and coffee, or- tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto Zat- for everyone should participate ange juice, and the like. During zal to his hometown of Mogador, in the joy of the Hilloula. The the course of that Friday morn- and for this occasion we honor evening dinner progressed un- ing, Torah classes were given all who are buried in this city. der splendid conditions, and for a number of participants, Rav Pinto gave a drasha, the large crowd for this year’s while others took the time to visit stressing the importance of te- pilgrimage sat down, as each the city or go shopping. shuvah and emunah. He men- participant found a seat for the A lavish lunch was served tioned the importance of prayer meal. at 1:00 pm, and the number of and placing one’s trust in Hash- Songs appropriate for the participants at that point was em, saying that everyone must occasion were sung, especially far greater than on the previous strive to have faith in Hashem Habibi, which is very dear to day. People spent the rest of the and in His tzaddikim, for it is only Rabbi David Pinto. The singing, afternoon awaiting Shabbat in various ways, with some taking a walk by the sea, others paying a visit to the home of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal, while still others used the Atlantic Ocean as a mikveh. At 5:30 pm an unusual ex- citement could be felt, as the last preparations for Shabbat were under way. It then came time to light the candles, and at 6:15 pm we found ourselves in the large hall that served as our synagogue for Mincha. The faithful recited Shir Hashirim, as one sweet voice after the other brought a special fervor to the whole event. For the city of Es- saouira, this was the Shabbat of

16 17 the Hilloula of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal took place in Essaouira under special circumstances, with a large number of participants coming from Mexico and Argentina. Rabbi David Pin- to recalled the role that he gave himself, hoping for all to be Kulo Torah. The Rav recounted that two days before the pilgrimage, he was in Casablanca to pray by the grave of his grandfather Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal of Cas- ablanca. While there, the Rav made a telephone call to his family, which was staying in Je- rusalem. As the Rav spoke to his daughter Julie, she was scold- ing her little sister Arielle, which bothered the Rav. He therefore which was often punctuated by as well as the key to the gate reprimanded her, telling her not chants of Mashiach, was then of “rain,” which symbolizes par- to get upset at her sister. The followed by shouts of Haoua nasa (livelihood, sustenance). young Julie then began to cry. ja y douina in honor of Rabbi Hashem may allocate two The Rav said to her, “Cry more now so that you’ll cry less later,” Haim Pinto Zatzal, the tzaddik of or three such keys to the tzad- Mogador. Most of the faithful re- and without knowing why, he re- dikim – Hashem’s partners in turned to their rooms around 11: peated this to her three times. the creation of the world – in or- 30 pm to sleep for the night. As he hung up the phone, the der to open these gates. Rabbi Rav thought: “David, is that any For the early birds among David Pinto then proceeded to us, Saturday morning began way a father should speak to his conduct Shacharit, which was children?” Upset with himself, at 7:00 am with a lecture given followed by the faithful uniting by Rabbi David Pinto. For this the Rav put some money into a in fervent prayer. At the end of first drasha of the day, the Rav tzeddakah box, and an hour later the first part of the prayers, just placed great emphasis on hon- the phone rang. It was his elder before the Torah reading, the oring Shabbat. He stressed the daughter, who said to the Rav: sale of mitzvot took place. As “Dad, we went to the park so the fact that one who honors Shab- previously mentioned, this year children could play, and Julie fell bat is Hashem’s “partner” in the creation of the world. For Rabbi David Pinto, one who stops doing his work, especially if it costs him, demonstrates his faith in Hashem. Unlike other men and women on earth, Jewish men and women each benefit from a special ruach (soul) that allows him or her to be close to Hashem. To this is added the respect of To- rah and Shabbat. During the same speech, the Rav reminded us that Hashem possesses the keys to different gates, specifically the gates of life and death,

18 19 and hurt herself. We brought her of his age: He can study Torah heart and emunah. He took the to the hospital and the doctors regularly and effect a profound example of Mr. Sammy Gabbai, gave her some stitches. It wasn’t change in himself. After all, we a faithful participant of the pil- so bad, and it could have been a know that Rabbi Akiva was 40 grimage. Since Mr. Gabbai’s wife lot worse.” The Rav asked how years old when he decided to was pregnant, he did not see she was, and if she was crying begin studying Torah. himself coming to Essaouira this much. His daughter replied, “No, Some people took a nap fol- year. However his wife’s doctor and I’m surprised that she isn’t lowing the afternoon meal on finally said that the birth would crying a lot more because of all that Shabbat day, enabling them occur, at the earliest, on the she’s been through.” The Rav to better prepare for the Hilloula Tuesday following the Hilloula. then understood the meaning of scheduled for that night. Various In reality, on this Saturday after- the harsh words he has spoken Torah classes were given during noon around 2 pm, Rabbi David earlier: “Cry more now so that the afternoon, in particular one Pinto spoke to Mr. Gabbai and you’ll cry less later.” It was to by Rabbi David Pinto, as well told him that he was sure that lessen the pain awaiting her, for as one by Rabbi Eliahou Da- his wife was now giving birth. Hashem diminishes the harsh han from the Lyon-Villeurbanne As it turned out, after Shabbat decrees against the Jewish yeshiva. Michel Sabban of Ar- Mr. Gabbai was informed that people by the merit of the saintly gentina gave a course for our his wife had given birth on that Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal. Spanish-speaking participants, same day at about 2 pm! Lunch was served at about who arrived from countries such Rabbi David Pinto spoke of half past noon on this Saturday as Mexico and Argentina. Michel the faith that we must have. He afternoon. Despite the large Sabban is the son of Raoul Co- spoke of the tzaddik, who acts number of participants for this hen Sabban, as well as the fu- as an intermediary and inter- year’s pilgrimage, everyone ture son-in-law of the Rav. He cedes on our behalf before the found the meals delicious and studies day and night in the Beit Almighty to help all who ask reinvigorating. After the diverse Vegan yeshiva in Jerusalem. Him. The Hilloula’s evening fes- appetizers, a traditional dafina Following Seudah Shelishit, tivities continued until half past was served, and during the en- which was served around the ho- midnight, with musical enter- tire meal songs were sung in tel’s pool, Rabbi David Pinto per- tainment being provided, as in honor of the tzaddik Rabbi Haim sonally took the time to sit down every year, by Mr. Elie Melloul’s Pinto Zatzal. As on the previous with each person who wanted to band. This group of musicians, day, Rabbi David Pinto was ada- speak to him. The Rav sat in the composed of Jews and Muslims, mant about everyone participat- middle of the hotel’s garden, and played Hebrew songs and Jew- ing in the singing. one after the other people would ish-Arabic melodies all evening During his talk, the Rav re- discuss matters with him without long. Thus Hebrew was mixed counted the story of Rabbi any special formality, everyone with Arabic, which the Jews of Akiva, whose wife influenced receiving a blessing from the Morocco are accustomed to. him to study Torah. Rabbi Akiva Rav. Around 7:20 pm the Lyon- This year Rabbi David Pinto saw the consequences of Torah Villeurbanne minyan was held. wanted candles to be sold as study by the effects of water The Rav stressed that everyone much in memory of Rabbi Haim constantly dripping on rock, be- should be properly prepared Pinto Zatzal as for other tzaddi- ing able to bore holes in it. Thus for the Hilloula of that evening, kim. Thus Rabbi Shimon Bar Yo- an action that is repeated over which would take place around chai, Rabbi Meir Baal Haness, and over again can bring about 9 pm. Thus after Havdalah, the and others were honored. All the a profound change in the natu- participants had about an hour money collected during that eve- ral order. Yet a drop of water will to prepare for the Hilloula of the ning went to funding Jewish Mo- have no effect on any rock that it tzaddik of Mogador, Rabbi Haim roccan organizations, as well as contacts just once. Pinto Zatzal. As we mentioned to helping the underprivileged, On the other hand, if thou- earlier, this year’s Hilloula was whoever they may be. sands of drops of water con- more solemn than in previous Just before one in the tact the same rock surface in years because it occurred on morning, the participants arrived succession, it will manage to the exact date of the Hebrew at Essaouira’s Jewish cemetery, bore a hole in it. The same is calendar. having traveled across the city true for each Jew who is called During his speech, Rabbi Da- in coaches that were specially upon to study Torah, regardless vid Pinto stressed values of the booked for the event. The

18 19 coaches had to travel from lowed by a second minyan, and the official visit was completed, the Ryad Mogador hotel to the then a third. The participants all the participants proceeded cemetery several times, as awoke more or less easily after to the gravesite of the tzad- more than 600 people visited a short night. dik. Besides the faithful from the gravesite of Rabbi Haim People had to pack their lug- abroad, this group consisted of Pinto Zatzal. gage quickly after breakfast, Jews from Morocco, all united Selichot were recited from since the end of the pilgrimage in the same prayers. 1:30 to 2:30 am, as shofar required a certain degree of With a single voice, rich and blasts echoed into the night. swiftness. Around 10 am some poor desired to testify to the fi- The sounds of waves breaking people were already at the delity of our faith. Rabbi David on the beach of the nearby At- mausoleum continuing their pil- Pinto recited Selichot, which lantic Ocean infused this night grimage, and until noon Rabbi were accompanied by the of prayers with a solemn at- David Pinto received all those sounds of the shofar. mosphere. The ocean borders who wanted to speak to him in It was a crowd swept up by the ancient Jewish cemetery a small room located at the en- faith that gathered around the of Essaouira, where the tzad- trance to the cemetery. tzaddik’s grave. The Rav spoke dik’s mausoleum stands. For At 12:30 am, official rep- words of Mussar in order for ev- more than two hours, groups resentatives of the Moroccan eryone to improve their deeds, of participants followed one government arrived, as they their words, and their attitude another to the resting place of did every year, to greet all the toward others. The commitment the tzaddik, and there a mixture participants to the Hilloula of to faith that took place in that of prayers, tears, and shofar the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto holy place only strengthened sounds were heard, all lending Zatzal. the convictions of all those a special feeling of holiness to present. the night. Some participants In order to honor all the vari- used their cell phones to speak ous representatives of the offi- Prayers, songs, and the im- with family members or friends cial Moroccan delegation, Rab- ploring of the tzaddik were such who wanted to address the bi David Pinto gave a speech in that Rabbi David Pinto was tzaddik from wherever they which he thanks all the Moroc- comforted in his faith that each were in the world. can authorities for everything participant would return home they had done for the partici- reassured and prepared for The great number of par- pants. He recalled the merit Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kip- ticipants in this year’s Hilloula of the Moroccan monarchs for required adequate planning to pur, each in his faith and with ensure that men and women the protection that each of his hopes. visited the tzaddik’s gravesite them provided to the Jews of At about 4:30 pm, the Elul in separate groups. As Rabbi Morocco. The memory of King 5764 (September 2004) pil- David Pinto specified during his Mohammed V and King Hassan grimage of the tzaddik Rabbi various talks since Thursday, II was recalled, and Rav David Haim Pinto Zatzal in Essaouira the “Gates of Mercy” are open Pinto gave a hashkava (memo- finished for most of the partici- on this night, and by his merit rial tribute) in their honor. To pants. They were scheduled to the tzaddik can intervene on conclude, Rabbi David Pinto take a return flight that Sunday our behalf before the Creator, gave a blessing for His Majesty night, and two planes had been that everyone in need may im- King Mohammed VI, as well as chartered for Hevrat Pinto to fly plore Hashem and be favorably for all the Moroccan people and them back to France. the land of Morocco. answered. A small group of par- The Jews who had traveled to ticipants stayed by the gravesite Next to speak was the Gov- Morocco before Rosh Hashanah of the tzaddik all night long. ernor of the Province of Es- of 5765 had once again dem- At about three in the morning, saouira, who thanked Rabbi onstrated their connection to an groups of people began to climb David Pinto and greeted all the authentic Jewish life. May the back aboard the coaches that participants who had come to merit of the tzaddik help us in our would return them to the Ryad Morocco for this event. lives – we and all our fellow Jews Mogador hotel, where a short After the Rav spoke, all the – and may the merit of the tzad- night’s sleep awaited them. As members of the official delega- dik bring about peace in Israel early as 7 am, the first minyan tion went to the mausoleum for and the Final Redemption by the began to pray Shacharit, fol- a moment of prayer. Then, after coming of Mashiach. Amen!

20 21 SHALOM BAYIT – PEACE IN THE HOME NOT SIMPLY A WISH, A DUTY

WITHOUT QUESTION, Scripture states, “The L-RD mayim (water) – elements that EXPERIENCING SHALOM said to Abraham, ‘Why then did seem to be opposites – they still (PEACE) IS A GOAL THAT Sarah laugh, saying: “Shall I combine to serve the Creator. EVERY HUMAN BEING surely bear when I am old?” ’ ” Thus man’s supreme objective WOULD LOVE TO ATTAIN TO (Genesis 18:13). on earth must be to submit all his PERFECTION. HE WOULD In reality Sarah had said, “My spiritual and physical energies to the Creator’s will so as to achieve LOVE TO MAINTAIN IT IN lord being old” (v.12), but when this state of shalom (Rav Eliezer HIS RELATIONSHIPS, AND Hashem told Abraham what she had said, He modified her state- Bendavid). ESPECIALLY IN HIS HOME. ment and said: “When I am old.” The same reasoning applies All this was done in order to pre- to the level of man and wife: Man We all agree that nothing is as serve shalom between Abraham (who symbolizes esh, fire) must valuable as tranquility and peace and Sarah. join with his wife (who represents in the home. Neither riches nor Elsewhere our Sages teach mayim, water) and together any of the supposedly supreme that in Hashem’s eyes, peace is merge into Shamayim (Heav- material pleasures that people so priceless and fundamental that en) where the greatest shalom enjoy in this world can compare “the world exists on account of it” reigns. to it. (Maalot HaMiddot). The Mishnah Let us go further and note Yet what exactly is so impor- also confirms this by stating, “The that in Hebrew the word shalom tant about shalom that it is so world endures by virtue of three has the same root as the word highly valued and its benefits so things: Justice, truth, and peace” shalem (perfection). This can be greatly praised? (Perkei Avoth 1:18). easily understood, since Hashem Also, how can we attain peace Moreover, the Rambam states is called “Shalom,” which fully in the home, and by extension in that its value is so great, “The en- represents the kind of perfection all our surroundings, given that tire Torah was given in order to that we must aspire to. so many “unpleasant” situations make peace reign in the world” A man must therefore follow and mistakes crop up in life? (Hilchot Chanukah 4:14). the words of the Sages to the If everyone claims with cer- We should also note that one letter. One such Sage, Hillel, tainty that being happy requires a of Hashem’s Names is “Shalom,” tells us: “Be of the disciples of person to be in a state of peace for He is the source of peace Aaron, loving peace and pursu- (shalom) at home, it is plainly be- and He wants us, here below, to ing peace” (Perkei Avoth 1:12). cause it is the ninth of the ten ex- permanently maintain it as well. According to him, it is not enough pressions of joy contained in the Peace, absolute tranquility, ex- to ohev (love) peace while do- wedding blessings, representing ists in the celestial heights, as ing nothing to attain it. We can- the highest level in human rela- it is written: Oseh shalom bim- not hope that it will “fall from the tionships. romav (“He makes peaces in sky” without any effort on behalf To understand the importance of His heights” – Job 25:2). Man of our supposedly “remarkable” shalom, all we need to do is to note must constantly seek to make emunah (faith). We must rodef the importance that Hashem has this state of harmony reign and (pursue) peace, meaning that given it. The Talmud states: “Great spread on earth. He is given we must work for it and strive is the cause of peace, seeing that help for this task, as the supernal to reestablish it in the world. Of for its sake even the Holy One, worlds have an influence on the course this work must begin with blessed be He, modified a state- lower worlds (since Hashem is at those closest to us – with our ment. At first it is written, ‘My lord the origin of shalom). loved ones, our spouses. being old’ [Genesis 18:12], while In the same way that the heav- Once we do that, it will then be afterwards it is written, ‘When I am ens, called Shamayim in Hebrew, possible (and even advisable) to old’ [v.13]” (Yebamot 65b). are composed of esh (fire) and rely on our emunah that Hashem

20 21 will grant us help from Heaven. that there are never any conflicts. long to one another. This is the Our Sages teach that when For example, the formation of a key to happiness. peace reigns among married couple can be compared to put- In fact Hashem said, “I will couples, it is as if the reflection ting two orange halves together make for him ezer kenegdo [a of Divine majesty were placed on to form a complete orange, with helper opposite him]” (Genesis them (Sotah 17a). This occurs each half being selected from 2:18). This is explicitly meant to when man and wife are zachut, among many others (Rav Yehia teach us that each woman is per- meaning they are “worthy” and Benchetrit Shlita). The odds of fectly suited to her husband. The they seek peace. putting together two halves that Netziv of Volozhin added that originally came from the same Although everyone desires each woman has the ability of orange are very slim. It is, on the peace, how can we become being the precise helper that her other hand, only after rubbing worthy of it? The answer is found husband needs, perfectly suited the two halves that they will fit in the same teaching, translated to the needs of his personality, together nicely as one. Conse- differently. Other than meaning including his negative traits. The quently, a close relationship in “worthy,” the word zachut comes objective of such a pairing is the which spouses are tightly knit to- from the root zah, meaning symbiosis of the couple. Thus gether necessarily requires con- purified. This means that by the words “you” or “I” should be flicts, temporary tensions, which constantly seeking to better replaced by a sincere and har- enable harmony to increase. their relationship, man and wife monizing “us.” Let us take the ex- will fully rejoice in the Divine With regards to this subject, ample of Rav Aryeh Levin Zatzal Presence and enjoy Heavenly let us cite the fitting advice of Rav (whose famous story may unfor- assistance. Wolbe: “Peace is obtained when tunately make us smile), who ac- two opposite forces manage companied his ailing wife to the Among other things, this is a to establish a bridge between doctor. The Rav explained the message contained in the Ge- them, despite their lingering dif- Rebbetzin’s problem as follows: mara: “If one comes to purify ferences.” “Doctor, my wife’s food is hurt- himself, he is helped” (Shabbat ing us.” 104a). This purification, as we The point that a couple must have said, only occurs after a understand and integrate into On the other hand, it is only in this way that the ahava (love) that person has put an effort into mak- their relationship at all costs is unites them becomes strength- ing peace reign in his home. We the following: We must never try to educate one’s spouse, who ened. Love is the fundamental all know that this is an extremely in any case has no intention of element that covers all wrongs complex task, a project that lasts changing. Every problem gets and masks all faults. The Talmud a lifetime. As the saying goes, worse when one spouse wants even goes so far as to express “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” to change the behavior of the this idea in the following way: In reality, when we think about other or attempts to reshape his “Concerning a man who loves all the benefits resulting from or her character. It would be wise his wife as himself, who honors our efforts to obtain shalom, our to always keep in mind that all at- her more than himself…Scripture perception of things will radically tempts of this kind are bound to says, ‘You will know that your tent change. With Hashem’s help, this fail. Finally, let us try to be some- is at peace’ [Job 5:24]” (Yebamot will create a willingness in us to what realistic: If it is extremely 62b). perfect our relationships and at- difficult for a person to modify his Moreover, we should note that titudes. own character traits, how much the word ahava (“love”) has the In addition to this, shalom is so more difficult will it be to modify same numerical value (13) as laudable that our Sages explicitly those of another person! Spous- the word echad (“one”). This is stated: “When a man agrees to es must understand their differ- because the achdut (unity) of a making sacrifices to preserve ences and try to reconcile them couple is the very expression of peace in his home, it is as if in order to form a perfect union, ahava. This is what makes way peace reigned among the entire with the goal of considering one’s for ever increasing shalom in the Jewish people” (Avoth D’Rabbi spouse as one’s “own body.” home. The word echad symbol- Nathan). This has a positive in- Nevertheless, in order to izes the oneness of Hashem, as fluence of peace on the Jewish merge with the other, a man must well as His 13 attributes of mercy people, and by extension on the convince himself that his wife that the Torah commands us to entire world. – not any other woman – was as- base our behavior upon (shalom Let us be very careful here: signed to him by Heaven to form being Hashem’s attribute par ex- Peace in the home does not mean a single entity, and that they be- cellence). Thus it is written: “You

22 23 shall walk in His ways,” which verbally encouraging others over pects of his or her character traits the Talmud explains as meaning that of helping them with money: and attitudes in order to highlight that we must emulate Hashem’s “Rabbi Isaac also said: He who them. attributes. That is, just as He is gives a small coin to a poor man If everyone were to at least merciful, so too should we be obtains six blessings, and he who sincerely think about the com- merciful. addresses to him words of commandment in Parsha Kedoshim: Rav Simcha Cohen Shlita fort obtains 11 blessings…as it Veahavta le’reacha kamocha explains that in reality, ahava is written: ‘Offer your soul to the (“You shall love your fellow as – which is the driving force be- hungry and satiate the afflicted yourself” – Leviticus 19:18), no- hind Shalom Bayit (peace in the soul…’ [Isaiah 58:10]” (Bava Ba- body would ever embark on list- home) – is born from the expres- tra 9b). ing the negative aspects of their sion of the couple’s feelings for The same applies to a couple, spouse, who is like his or her one another. A person can help the woman being her husband’s own self. Much to the contrary, a others in three ways: By means “poor” and the man being his person would only see the good of his money, by means of his wife’s “poor.” Each needs the points in the other and even try physical effort, and by means of other, and each must “feed” the hard to find positive things that his verbal encouragement. For other with food that his or her he has not yet discovered. Quite example, when a husband pur- body demands. This goes without frankly, we all agree that nobody chases a gift for his wife, this is mentioning the fact that all verbal likes being put under the micro- a way in which he demonstrates encouragement awakens in the scope and having their imperfec- his attachment to her by means other person a magical “will” to tions revealed. of his money. improve, to perfect each of his or The Torah specifically chose to Thus the fact that he used his her deeds with joy and pleasure, use the word reacha (not haver- money – shilem (“paid”), perhaps for the person in question realiz- cha) to teach us the following: not by accident having the same es that his or her efforts are seen Reacha is composed of the same root as the word shalom – will and valued. letters as ra’achah (“[your] evil”), give him satisfaction for having Everyone must try to share in meaning that even when your fel- shown his wife that he appre- the difficulties of the other and low (in our case, your spouse) acts ciates her. True, every sign of to congratulate them for their ef- improperly with you, you must still appreciation can only be com- forts. At the very least, a person love him or her, especially since mended. Yet often it is precisely must do so with every good thing this is the only way to encourage the third way, by means of verbal that he or she receives, even for that person to improve their ways encouragement, using warm and favors that seem the most natu- (Pachad David, by Rabbi David caring words, that seems to be ral for spouses to do for one an- Hanania Pinto Shlita). the most difficult. In fact people other. are ready to exert almost every In short, favorably judging a effort for others, all while re- In passing, let us cite the judi- person and then encouraging him maining restrained in their verbal cial advice of Rav Chaim Fried- or her allows each spouse to fulfill praise. Even though a person is lander Zatzal: “A person is like a their obligations. As the Rambam inclined to give his money or is diamond. Do not remove its dust stated, “The duty of the woman is ready to put physical effort into by using a course brush that will to respect her husband, to con- helping people, he has a difficult surely scratch it [avoid all harsh sider him as a high official, and time in giving a part of his soul by reprimands]. Instead, use a very to fulfill his will and avoid what encouraging others. A person will fine brush [verbal encourage- could displease him,” by using often explain his reluctance by ment] and in that way the dia- her sixth sense, her “woman’s in- saying, “It’s not natural,” or even, mond will shine more and more tuition,” which Hashem endowed “I can’t tell him something that I each day.” her with. myself don’t believe about him. Nevertheless, to truly reach We must therefore take note After all, I can’t lie to him.” Rav the level of sincerely giving ver- and learn the lesson of what a Simcha Cohen Shlita explains bal encouragement, the Mishnah good wife represents, one who that these arguments testify to tells us just what we have to do: concerns herself with pleasing the fact that a person desires to “Judge every person favorably” her husband. She does not try “keep his soul for himself” more (Perkei Avoth 1:6). Thus con- to convince him that her opinion than he seeks the truth. cerning our subject, judge your is correct, nor does she attempt The Gemara notes the su- spouse on the whole by taking to mold his will according to her periority of the emotional gift of account of only the positive as- desires.

22 23 As for a man, he must conform mistakes, misunderstandings lutely not get discouraged. This to what our Sages instructed him: or other misconceptions that is because nothing results from “One must always observe the are frequently at the center of getting discouraged other than honor due to his wife, because useless squabbles that (G-d help more feelings of discourage- blessings rest on a man’s home us) are liable to diminish Shalom ment, as well as an unwillingness only on account of his wife, for it Bayit in the long run. to progress. is written: ‘He [Hashem] treated In his book on Shalom Bayit, We should instead tell our- Abram well for her sake’ [Gen- Rav Aaron Zakai Shlita (the Rosh selves: “For though a righteous esis 17:16]” (Bava Metzia 59a). Yeshiva of Ohr Yom Tov) stress- one may fall seven times, he will In addition, in their wisdom our es the importance of prayer in arise” (Proverbs 24:16). After all, Sages eagerly advised men to maintaining peace in the home, nobody’s perfect, and if people consider the sensitive nature of warning everyone not to wait for were, it might even be boring. their wives and not to get angry, problems to arise before praying. Discouragement is another way thus not harming their sensitivi- To that end he cites a statement that the evil inclination uses to ties. As the same Gemara com- in the Gemara: “He who devotes attack us, as it constantly tries ments: “One should always be his strength to prayer below has to obstruct Shalom Bayit, so fun- heedful of wronging his wife, for no enemies above” (Sanhedrin damental it is to the relationship since her tears are frequent she 44b). He explains that even when between man and wife. is quickly hurt.” Now Hashem is a person comes to believe that he In the spiritual domain, the strict with a person who brings has put enough effort into obtain- more that something is precious others to tears. ing Shalom Bayit (distancing him- in Hashem’s eyes, the more dif- This is why a man must put an self from all strife, etc.), he must ficult it is to achieve. Yet at the effort into understanding his wife still crown his efforts by praying, same time, the greater the re- and being lenient with regards to for it uniquely through prayer that ward of the one who works for her sensitivities. he will obtain the fruits of his la- bors. it, as it is written: “Commensu- Another fundamental element rate with the effort is the reward” Moreover, let us not forget that we must absolutely not for- (Perkei Avoth 5:21). get is what a huge impact Torah the encouraging message of our study has on Shalom Bayit. As Sages: “The prayer of one who Furthermore, Shalom Bayit is the Sages said, “If he is worthy, pursues peace never returns a springboard to hasten the Final then she is a help. If he is not empty” (Kallah Rabbati). Redemption, since it is by the sin of baseless hatred that the Sec- worthy, then she is opposite him, When a man or woman im- to fight him.” plores Hashem through prayer to ond Temple was destroyed. Con- versely, by baseless love it will be Consequently, a woman must help make peace and unity reign rebuilt with Hashem’s help. strive to arouse in her husband in their home, in addition to peace a desire and thirst for daily Torah and unity, they also bring the fra- Moreover, it is probably not study. She must put him in the grance of Gan Eden and the Di- by accident that the word sha- necessary mood to study, mean- vine Presence into their home. lom is contained in the word ing in a tranquil state of mind, We must therefore concentrate on Yerushalayim, the abode of the without bothering him by mixing the Sim Shalom (“Grant Peace”) Divine Presence and home of the “business with pleasure.” This is request of the Amidah, constantly Temple. important because a woman’s praying that, with Hashem’s help, May Hashem bestow His bless- entire merit and reward in the there will be peace in the couple’s ing on every home, a blessing World to Come depends on it. relationship. without limit, in order to infuse it Finally, let us discuss the To conclude, by virtue of the with harmony, unity, and the most most important element in Torah study we engage in (how- perfect ahava. Thus by Hashem’s maintaining Shalom Bayit: ever incomplete), the importance great goodness, He will make His Prayer. This is indispensable of preserving Shalom Bayit at all Shechinah abide in every home for the growth of a couple’s costs will emerge, allowing us to of the Jewish people by enabling relationship (under wholesome be moshel (ruling) at all times. them to be united, joined together conditions), which requires a (Note that the words shalom in joy, and awaiting the ultimate great deal of Divine assistance. and moshel are composed of the goal for which they were created: Due to this fact, everyone must same letters.) Revealing His glory by welcom- pray for shalom to continue in When it happens that we act ing Mashiach Tzidkenu, soon in the home in order to avoid all inappropriately, we must abso- our days. Amen.

24 25 THE IMPORTANCE OF ELUL

(par Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Chlita)i

How can we awaken It’s all very simple. The At the time I didn’t know what a ourselves from our spiritual expression is not, “If one is helped, yeshiva was, and for me just the slumber? Some would say he purifies himself.” That’s not the pleasure of traveling by train was way it works. It is essential for thrilling. However a train ride of that it’s simple: Just wake a person to first decide to purify three days is no longer any fun. up! Yet we can still remain himself, and only then will he We can get tired of just about drowsy while awake. How receive help. anything. We may love traveling, can we truly wake up and How can a person wake up from but an 18 or 20-hour plane ride is escape from our spiritual his spiritual slumber? Some would grueling. lethargy? As it is stated, say that it’s simple: Just wake up! I did not see my father for seven “Awake, you sleepers, from Yet we can still remain drowsy while entire years, until I was about 17 your sleep!” awake. How can we truly wake years old. When people asked him up and escape from our spiritual how he could send such a young By the merit of my forefathers lethargy? As it is written, “Awake, boy so far away, he would reply, and teachers, I would like to say you sleepers, from your sleep” “But…he was studying Torah!” Now a few words to elevate the soul of (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4). that’s Divine service! my saintly grandfather, the tzaddik A person can perform mitzvot Our father Abraham controlled Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal, after without fully serving G-d, such as his emotions in order to serve his which we will recite Selichot. by putting on Tefillin, respecting Creator and perform a positive Today I read a commentary Shabbat, and so on. We see, mitzvah. Yet in addition to this, he by the Tzemach Tzedek Zatzal thank G-d, that people are fulfilling engaged in Divine service. That is, concerning the verse, “I am my mitzvot, but whatever happened as soon as the sun arose he went beloved’s, and my beloved is mine” to the concept of Divine service? about performing his task. He could (Song of Songs 6:3). Divine service consists of ma’aseh have performed his mitzvah later Most people know that the initials (action). Ma’aseh is the main thing. on, such as in the afternoon. This of this verse form the word elul. The I remember, when I was ten means that a mitzvah must be done Tzemach Tzedek makes it clear years old, that my father decided to in the spirit of Divine service. We that “I am my beloved’s” refers to send me off to a yeshiva in France. must not content ourselves with “an awakening below.” What does this mean? It has to do with a Jew’s spiritual awakening, an awakening to teshuvah (repentance), which must first come from below. When a Jew begins to examine himself, he merits that “my beloved is mine.” In other words, when a person awakens himself here below, then in accordance with the verse an awakening occurs in Heaven above. There is an awakening that occurs, as it were, with him. However if a person continues to spiritually slumber, then in Heaven “slumbering” also occurs. I gave some thought to this and arrived at the following conclusion: Chazal have affirmed, “If [one] comes to purify himself, he is helped” (Yoma 38b).

24 25 doing a mitzvah without service boat. From the time that he agreed I’m completely taken aback of the heart, for in that case we to help her out, he hasn’t returned to by this response. We know that may forget to love our Creator the yeshiva. How could such a thing Eliezer learned Torah from the very (G-d forbid). On the other hand, be possible? How could something mouth of our father Abraham, who if we perform a mitzvah with self- like this happen? had invested a great deal in him. sacrifice, with vigor and love, we The answer is simple: He had Furthermore, our father Abraham then fulfill G-d’s will. been performing mitzvot, but not entrusted Eliezer through an oath. In my opinion, the goal of Rosh in the spirit of Divine service. He As for Ishmael, at that point he had Hashanah and Yom Kippur is to had performed mitzvot without already done teshuvah and become rectify our service of G-d, which wholehearted devotion, without a tzaddik, for he too was raised in we have neglected throughout the self-sacrifice or enthusiasm. Torah. Yet Abraham still called them donkeys! How could this be? year. Over the course of the year When we study Torah to the we have, of course, performed point of exhaustion, without thinking Abraham yielded to G-d’s mitzvot. However we have also of the passing hours, and then we demands, yet he was not content committed sins. This is the reason run to perform mitzvot, now that’s with simply performing his duty. He why we have Rosh Hashanah and Divine service! arose at dawn to fulfill his task, his Elul, so as to atone for our sins. Divine service. If a person is told to When a person is eating, he Mitzvot that we perform in the spirit perform a mitzvah and he has the swallows everything that he puts into of Divine service do not leave room time to do it, he will usually comply. his mouth. Yet his digestive system for sin. Why not? For the very good However if a person is suddenly does its part and works effectively. reason that by acting in this way, told to perform a mitzvah – yet he It is said that when Rav Shach we demonstrate our wholehearted still runs to do it and embellishes Zatzal was very ill, he began to cry. devotion to performing mitzvot with its performance – he thereby When he was asked the reason for love. As a result, there is no place gives it sublime value. Abraham his tears, he said: “I’m distressed for the evil inclination or sin. The did not hesitate for a second, even by the fact that I can’t recite any problem comes when we perform if the mitzvah he had to perform blessings for food because I’m mitzvot without enthusiasm, without involved sacrificing his beloved being fed intravenously.” This eagerness. son Isaac. When Abraham asked reaction was a result of his Divine his son to accompany him, Isaac Back to the experience of my service. One who recites blessings did not hesitate either. He fulfilled first yeshiva. When I returned home with kavana (concentration and the mitzvah of honoring his father after an absence of seven years, reflection) enters the realm of without hesitation. Isaac’s thought the first question my father asked Divine service. On the other hand, was, “Where is the service of G- was, “Did you study well?” He didn’t one who eats and drinks, and d? I see the wood, the fire, and the ask me vital questions such as, then recites blessings in a routine knife, but what about serving G-d?” “How are you feeling?” “How did manner – automatically and quickly, you eat?” “Did you have enough without kavana – he has not fulfilled Here we clearly see Isaac’s money to make due?” He didn’t his duty before G-d. supreme love and complete even say, “My, how you’ve grown!” submission before his Creator. The Midrash states that when The main question to him was, “Did He arose early and followed his the Holy One, blessed be He, you study well, and did you put what father without saying a single word, spoke to our father Abraham and you studied into practice?” In short: without knowing exactly how G-d asked him to sacrifice his son “Did you serve your Creator?” was going to be served. Isaac, he went with Ishmael and We generally send youngsters to Eliezer. When Isaac saw the wood, “And the two of them went out a yeshiva without emphasizing the the flame, and the knife, he asked together” (Genesis 22:6). importance of Divine service, which his father, “Where is the lamb for True, Ishmael and Eliezer also I think is regrettable. the offering?” (Genesis 22:7). His followed their master Abraham, Let’s look at an example of what father Abraham replied, “G-d will yet they asked no questions. They can happen because of this lack provide” (v.8). Isaac kept quiet simply performed the mitzvah of emphasis. A Rosh Yeshiva in because he saw a column of fire without Divine service. This is why Jerusalem recently called me for in the distance. Abraham asked they did not accompany Abraham some help regarding a student who Ishmael and Eliezer if they also all the way to Mount Moriah. Just was giving him major problems. saw the column of fire. When they like a donkey obeys its master During the intermediate days of replied that they did not, Abraham without thought or question, so Passover, this student had traveled said to them, “Since you do not too did Eliezer and Ishmael follow to the Galilee with some friends, see it, ‘Stay here with the donkey’ Abraham. The Jewish people and there he met a young woman [Genesis 22:5]…for you are like the are different. When we perform who was having trouble with her donkey” (Bereshith Rabba 56:2). a mitzvah, we put our hearts,

26 27 thoughts, and intentions into it, structure according to the strict letters have a numerical value of and that makes all the difference. dictates of Halachah. Yet we 40, and together this comes to 108, This attitude is what we call Divine beautify the mitzvah by adding the same as the word kach (“take”). service. decorations, ornaments, pictures, Kecha is the wedding. In Elul, we Divine service is described by and so on. unite with the Holy One, blessed be the expression, “An awakening On Shabbat as well, we select He. There is a Ketubah (marriage below.” Yet exactly does the word the finest fruits and invest more contract), for up to this point our “awakening” mean? money for the needs of the day, all connection to Him has been Sometimes it’s difficult to get up “in honor of Shabbat.” broken, but now we are united. All this is due to our “awakening.” in the morning to pray. We may be Divine service beautifies and tired due to jet lag, for example, but crowns mitzvot. That is what the We therefore see just how we we don’t really have a choice. We Holy One, blessed be He, wants to must take advantage of these days therefore get up and pray. In that see from us. of Elul, a time in which we must case we may want to pray, but our strengthen our Divine service and Nevertheless, it is true that hearts are just not awoken. We’re do true teshuvah. we don’t always know what G-d just going through the motions. expects of us. No one truly knows I hope that with the help of Heaven sends us help when we exactly how he has sinned against the Almighty, our Creator will make an effort to perform a mitzvah G-d, or whether he is worthy or not. appreciate our service of the heart. with fervor and enthusiasm, with the Let us not say (G-d forbid), “Yes, we There is the incident of a heart. performed mitzvot, but they were young man, just 19 years old, who tedious.” There is a verse that says, “The traveled from France to Israel. L-RD looked down from heaven… He went to Israel to attend the Some bottles are beautiful to to see if there were any who wedding of his sister in Ashdod, look at, yet their contents may understand and seek G-d” (Psalms yet he was killed in an automobile not be seen because the glass is 14:2). accident while there. His body was opaque. We may think that we’re Why does it not simply say, left beyond recognition, and it was buying vodka in such bottles, but “to see if there were any who difficult to proceed with the funeral. find water instead. The same is true seek G-d”? Why are the words How could we think that a young of mitzvot. “who understand” included? An man of 19 years could travel from During these awe-inspiring days, understanding person is one who France only to die in Israel? Only our Divine service should stand out asks himself questions, one who is G-d knows. more than usual. It should achieve constantly looking for the truth. He Only G-d decides, and His ways the level of “an awakening below,” is not content with little. In short, are unfathomable. As for us, we so as to initiate “an awakening he is a person who seeks G-d. know nothing of Him. Yet one thing above.” Such is the meaning, in the context is certain: If we perform mitzvot In Heaven our sins may (G-d of this verse, of the expression with wholehearted devotion, with forbid) form a barrier through which “who understand.” True, such a zeal and love, we will say, “It would our prayers cannot pass. Let it not person performs mitzvot. Yet he have been enough for us.” This be said of a person, “What, he slept is also trying, above all else, to is because we will have fulfilled for the entire year, and it’s only now serve Hashem. All his wisdom is G-d’s will. Doing that is reason that he wakes up?” geared towards serving his G-d. enough for coming into the world. Even though such a person may Let it instead be said in Heaven, encounter every kind of problem G-d’s decisions are just. We would “This Jew has finally awaken, in fulfilling mitzvot – problems of obviously prefer that He grant us therefore we are going to help livelihood, health, peace in the long life, for in that way we could him.” home, and so on – despite all this, give Him greater satisfaction. Rabbi Israel Salanter used to he will perform mitzvot with a joyful The main thing is for us say, “Every month should be Elul.” heart and direct his love towards to constantly be initiating “an Chazal have said that G-d his Creator. The Holy One, blessed awakening below.” states, “Present to Me an opening be He, pays particular attention During the days of Elul, we of repentance no bigger than the to such a Jew and cherishes him must awaken Divine mercy without eye of a needle, and I will widen immensely. worrying about anything else. it into openings through which What is a mitzvah? The first letters of the words in wagons and carriages can pass” There is Halachah, and there is the expression, “I am my beloved’s, (Shir Hashirim Rabba 5:2§2). performing a mitzvah by beautifying and my beloved is mine” have a Despite the many times that it. For example, when we build a numerical value of 68, the same we have distressed the Shechinah sukkah, we can build just a bare as the word chaim (“life”). The last (Divine Presence), it is to our great

26 27 benefit that, despite all our sins, greater prophet than Moses, yet it hand and was damaged. It was we are still important in Hashem’s was only at the end of his life that therefore no longer fit to use for eyes. The evil, accusatory angels he said he understood. Moses, who the blessing. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak’s that have been created by our ascended to such great heights in dismay was compounded because, sins could prevent us from being order to bring the Torah to us, said as we know, the blessing on the forgiven. However in His goodness, at the end of his life: “G-d, I am lulav annuls evil decrees. Rabbi Hashem listens to and is interested beginning to understand You.” The Levi Yitzchak probably had very in the insignificant beings that we main concern of tzaddikim is that profound intentions in wanting to are, coming to our aid and forgiving they may not have served Hashem recite the blessing. us. with sufficient devotion. They worry Nevertheless, it is said that Is there someone who recites that they may not have properly there was great joy in Heaven, as Selichot with true heartfelt fulfilled their duty. if Rabbi Levi Yitzchak had indeed devotion? During the month of Elul, “The recited the blessing. What was In Heaven it is known that we L-RD is close to all those who call important was his ardent desire to have not yet started to do teshuvah. upon Him” (Psalms 145:18). The be among the first to perform the However what is important in the Creator looks down and sees “if mitzvah with zeal. That was Rabbi eyes of the Holy One, blessed be there were any who understand Levi Yitzchak’s primary intention. He, is our “awakening below.” and seek G-d” (Psalms 14:2). Is The main thing is for Heaven there a Jew who is eagerly looking In conclusion, during the days of to see our efforts in awakening for Rav, a Jew who is anxious to Elul a person must awaken himself ourselves. hear advice on how to study Torah, and “knock upon the doors of his a Jew who is persistent in doing heart.” This is not done simply As soon as a person decides absolute teshuvah? Is there a Jew to awaken himself, at that very by reciting Selichot, or simply by who wants to better himself at all performing the mitzvot, but also, moment the thought of committing costs? a sin will not enter his mind. and above all, by devoting oneself Instead, I would say that in completely to serving Hashem. G-d takes note of this general each of us thinks, “Why do It is in this way that a Jew shows “awakening below,” and there I need to ask a Rav for advice? I his Creator his desire to progress. occurs a reciprocal awakening in know everything I need.” It is here He demonstrates how much he Heaven at that very moment. A that we are completely mistaken. person is then viewed in light of his wants to change his ways and good angels. An understanding and wise come closer to Him. Jew is one who persistently tries Rav Shach, may his memory to better himself, one who tries to We wish each other Shana protect us all, made the following fulfill his duty in serving G-d. Tova during this time of year. Now remark: “I yearn to die having done the word shana comes from the teshuvah!” Rav Shach, a great sage It is said that Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev would try Hebrew shinui, which signifies who lived for more than 100 years “change.” We wish for a change and the tzaddik of our generation, to find the most beautiful etrog possible for Sukkot. One year in the other’s path, meaning a devoted his entire life, day and progression, an improvement in night, to serving Hashem. He no he discovered the most flawless their lives. longer had an evil inclination, yet etrog in the Ukraine, even though he still begged his Creator to lead etrogim were not harvested there. Sephardim have the custom him to teshuvah! Nevertheless, through great effort of placing a lamb’s head on the and willingness, it happened that table during Rosh Hashanah and How could he say such a Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was able to thing? saying, “May we always be the obtain the perfect etrog. All night head, not the tail.” This is to remind We know that tzaddikim are very long he expectantly waited for us of the sacrifice of Isaac, the meticulous in serving Hashem. daylight to arrive, in order to recite utter devotion of father and son. Obviously they perform mitzvot, the blessing on the lulav and thus yet they still ask themselves if they give nachas (satisfaction) to his The change that we wish for have truly put their heart into each Creator. He obviously did not sleep others by saying Shana Tova is mitzvah and serving Hashem. on that night, thinking so avidly meant to ensure that everyone That is their primary concern, for of this beautiful mitzvah. As soon understands their responsibility in perhaps, G-d forbid, there was as the time came to recite the serving G-d and performing mitzvot a mitzvah that they performed blessing, he quickly proceeded with devotion. We must put our without devotion? with his etrog in hand. However complete and wholehearted efforts Take our teacher Moses for he bumped into something, fell into serving the King of kings and example. Never has there been a down, and the etrog flew from his crowning Him as our King.

28 29 EMPIRE OF THORA

You notice it as soon as you make your way to the religious part of Ashdod. It is a strik- ing building of rare beauty, the likes of which are rarely seen in the entire country.

The likes of which are rarely seen in the entire country. A giant Torah center, under the direction of Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita, proudly stands in the heart of the Be’er Moshe district and Lying on the Atlantic coast, Mogador is ally considered the most impressive covers an area of about 6,700 square a picturesque town with colorful market- graveyard in Morocco. Once inside, you meters. As you come closer, you can places and quaint alleyways. One can will surely want to go and pray by the see the name Orot Haim OuMoshe see fortresses crowned with turrets and tomb of the saintly tzaddik, Rabbi Haim (“the lights of Haim and Moshe”) dis- battlements, along with crenulated ram- Pinto Zatzal and other tzaddikim of the played in illuminated letters above the parts and cannons by the dozen domi- Pinto family. Since the time of Rabbi entrance. What are these lights, and nating the landscape. In the mellah (old Haim Pinto Hagadol, rabbis of the Pinto where do they come from? We wanted Jewish quarter), once so vibrant with dynasty have always been influential, to find out, so we interviewed the amaz- Jewish life, there is now only a single both in their hometowns and throughout ing individuals responsible for this re- Jew, with Moslems occupying most Morocco. markable achievement. of the area. The only place occupied The last tzaddik of the Pinto family To understand what lies behind this exclusively by Jews is the local Jew- to live in Mogador was Rabbi Moshe grandiose project, one has to go back ish cemetery. If you ask the cemetery Aaron Pinto Zatzal, who was known for many years to a different city in a differ- shamash (custodian), he will open the his extreme piety. He secluded himself ent country, namely Mogador, Morocco. gate and you can enter what is gener- in his home for 40 years before moving to Eretz Israel with his congregation and settling in Ashdod. There he lived for many years, and the whole region benefited from his presence and felt the influence of his greatness and holiness. When Rabbi Moshe passed away, his saintly body was brought to its final resting place in Ashdod, where a prominent dome that can easily be seen from afar marks his grave. Twelve years ago an American in- vestor planned an ambitious building project for the orthodox community in Ashdod. After many families had en- rolled and paid for their apartments, a financial disaster occurred: The building contractor experienced unexpected problems and the whole project was in danger of going under. The families were left with the possibility of losing

28 29 yeshiva project a success, supervises the program. Although Rabbi David Pinto provided the incentive and financial backing for this entire venture, the only request he made was for the avrechim to study the commentary “The Rif on Ein Yaakov” for fifteen minutes each day. This commentary was written by Rabbi Yehoshiyahu Pinto, one of the illustrious ancestors of the Pinto family. Up to now all these activities have taken place in various temporary loca- tions, such as prefabricated buildings and bomb shelters. With the upcoming chanukat habayit, however, all these activities will occur under one roof, a splendid permanent home that is much all their hard-earned savings, money which is scheduled to take place in a more appropriate for such important To- they had invested in the project up to week, will be a day of rejoicing and rah activities. that point. The worst part was that they festivities for more than just the neigh- In the past, Rabbi David Pinto used had nobody to turn to. borhood. All bnei Torah will benefit to travel to Israel and spend time there At that point an angel in the guise from it, and many distinguished Torah “as a tourist.” (Rabbi David lives in Lyon, of Rabbi David Pinto, the son of afore- personalities will be there in person to France, where he has also established mentioned Rabbi Moshe Aaron, ap- participate. Torah institutions.) During his travels to peared on the scene. The timing could It is impossible to mention the hous- Israel, he would invariably find time for not have been better. Rabbi David Pinto ing project and the beautiful edifice his favorite project, regularly spending had been planning on erecting a large- without describing all the Torah activi- Shabbat in Ashdod. It goes without say- scale Torah center as close as possible ties and institutions that it will accom- ing that spending time with Rabbi David to where his saintly father lay buried, yet modate. The main kollel, with its 75 on Shabbat is spiritually inspiring for the he was at a loss as to where to begin, full-time members, is one of the most whole area, his presence being a true since there was no public land avail- important in Ashdod. Also housed there source of light. able near the burial site. He perceived will be an evening kollel for about 30 Rabbi Yakobi Shlita, a prominent G-d’s guiding hand behind the insolvent building project, and purchasing all 520 apartments in the housing development at full cost would give Rabbi David Pinto’s organization the rights to land reserved for communal development as well. Contractors normally use such areas to built shopping malls and trade centers that they sell or lease for their own profit. The only commercial project considered (and even that was ultimately rejected by Rabbi Pinto) was a supermarket for the residents of the neighborhood. As it turned out, Rabbi David pur- chased the entire housing development. From the outset he was determined that the area should have its own Torah center, and at first a prefabricated building served as a synagogue and communal center for daily prayers, regular Torah avrechim, as well as a ba’alei batim kol- maggid shiur, is a veteran of the neigh- lectures, study groups and youth ac- lel for working men. In addition to these, borhood and one of its first Torah lectur- tivities. The final jewel in the crown was children learn after school in an eve- ers. He remembers when the spiritual a kollel that Rabbi David established ning yeshiva. Three classes are given awakening began, with the first Torah there for young married men. for two age groups, with the traditional lectures taking place in bomb shelters. Moroccan intonations and rules for To- Some of the men who came to learn, he From Turmoil to Triumph rah reading being taught in one of them. reminisces, had never learned Gemara The chanukat habayit (inauguration Rabbi Messod Rebibo, who is extreme- before. Yet these same men now cel- ceremony) for the new Torah center, ly dedicated to making the after-school ebrate Siyum HaShas together with the

30 31 rest of the Jewish people. The first Bar since construction began. The actual One cannot fail to be impressed by Bei Rav learning program for the resi- building took longer than expected, with a guided tour of the completed building. dents of this section of Ashdod owes its constant delays, various unexpected On the ground floor is a reception hall beginnings to the same impetus. problems, and countless snags crop- that is served by a first-class kitchen. One Shabbat, Rabbi David Pinto ping up along the line. Rabbi Messod Also on the first floor is a mikveh that watched as about 150 boys learned en- Rebibo mentioned that he once heard is kosher according to the most strin- thusiastically with their fathers as part of Rabbi David Pinto say that he sus- gent of rulings, and adjacent to it is the Avot OuBanim program. The Rav pects the delays were because some another original idea: An enclosed area was overjoyed at this sight, immediately announcing his intention of starting the program in Lyon as well. All in all, the residents of the neighborhood are profoundly grateful to Rab- bi David Pinto for his concern with their youngsters, sensing that he has helped them in raising their children. All parents can relate to the unease they feel as school holidays approach. Rabbi David appreciates the scope of the problem, and in an effort to alleviate it he has launched a Yeshivat Bein Hazmanim program that he himself finances. This program offers several classes cater- ing to varying levels of learning. In the morning children enjoy a full learning schedule, and in the afternoon and on weekends they are occupied with a va- riety of other activities. It is important to note that when necessary, Rabbi David will sit down with individual boys donations were not “kosher.” Before specifically designed for tevilat kelim to discuss their personal problems and construction began, plans were sent to (ritual immersion of vessels). On the offer advice concerning their studies. hundreds of potential donors, and Ba- floor above are three prayer rooms that He continually shows interest in them ruch Hashem they were all interested are used during the week, while the primary synagogue, located on the main both on a personal level and with their in participating. However after so many floor, is for now only used on Shabbat learning. setbacks during the actual construction, Rabbi David did some investigation and holidays. Above the synagogue is We can confidently say that these and discovered that about half a mil- a spacious gallery for the women, and activities are one of the most important lion dollars had come from “non-kosher” during the week the women’s section factors responsible for the low dropout serves as the study hall for the kollel. rate among the neighborhood’s youth. sources. That is, it came from donors who had earned money by desecrating There are plans to make the top story (located within the dome of the building) the holiness of Shabbat. It was not easy What Took So Long? into a yeshiva, G-d willing. to replace the missing funds, since it re- The main edifice has finally been quired hundreds of other donations and The entire edifice cost a total of completed, but it has been a long time caused a great deal of inconvenience. $8,000,000, money well spent for a splendid dwelling place for Hashem’s glory. Rabbi Eliyahu Sitbon tells us that Rabbi David Pinto was personally involved in all details of the project, also providing a rough idea of what he wanted the building to look like. Rabbi Sitbon said that at that point they sat down with the best architects and in- terior designers to draw up plans and sketches, which were then presented to Rabbi David for his approval. Even more than outward appearance, he points out, Rabbi David was adamant that considerations of tzniut (modesty) be taken into account from the outset. Indeed, when one sees the edifice in all of its splendor, along with the attention lavished upon every detail of its construction – both inside and out – it

30 31 is obvious that a great deal of thought man. Lyon is also graced by the most chased. The plan is to erect a building went into erecting such a magnificent beautiful mikveh in Europe, as well as that will serve as a Beit Midrash and structure. a synagogue, a seminary for women, kollel for ba’alei teshuvah and working a Beit Midrash and a Chesed Chaim (a men. Torah Centers Around large charity fund that provides food for Rabbi David Pinto is also known the World the needy), all supervised by Mr. Terry throughout the world as a popular Liberty and Mrs. Zaddel. Due to the chanukat habayit cel- lecturer. Some of his speeches have ebration that will soon take place in Furthermore, when finances per- already been published in his Pachad Ashdod, we have gone to great lengths mit, there is not a yeshiva in the entire David series of books and in Kerem in describing Rabbi Pinto’s Torah em- country – big or small, famous or not David. He has been invited to address pire there. However the fact is that – that had not been helped at one time audiences of every possible kind and Rabbi David’s Torah centers can be or another by Rabbi David Pinto. The in every imaginable place. He speaks found all over the world, in places as far Rav says that he prays that he should to everyday working people and young- apart as Paris, Lyon, and Bussières in always be worthy of being counted sters who, both geographically and spir- France, as well as in Canada and the among “the bearers of G-d’s Ark” (i.e., itually, are about as distant as possible. holy city of Jerusalem. Each of these those who support the Torah). He also addresses audiences of bnei places is home to an active Torah center Deserving special mention is Nefesh Torah in the yeshivot of Yechave Da’at, launched by Rabbi David, with yeshivot Haim yeshiva in Jerusalem, which is Dushinsky and Belz, and he gives lec- and kollelim that serve as the focal point also financially supported by Rabbi Da- tures in countless other yeshivot and of the local Jewish community. vid Pinto. Rabbi Natan Margen Shlita di- Batei Midrashim throughout Israel and Community life in Paris has under- rects the yeshiva, and his students rank the Diaspora. gone a major change since Rabbi David among the best in the yeshiva world. Still living in France, Rabbi David Pinto began his work there. Among oth- There is also a kollel comprising about is on excellent terms with rabbis from er things, he has founded a synagogue, 80 avrechim that is headed by eminent around the world. Any Rosh Yeshiva coming to France usually makes his way to Rabbi David’s address as his first stop. Fifteen years ago, Rabbi Sh- lomo Zalman Auerbach Zatzal wrote to him and personally asked the Rav to help a certain Rosh Yeshiva who had fallen so deeply into debt that he was liable of serving prison time if he failed to repay. At that time money was being collected for many other worthy causes in France, and the amount that the Rosh Yeshiva in question had managed to raise was far from what he needed. Finding no other way to help him, Rabbi David decided to auction one of his new Sifrei Torah, and with the proceeds he paid off the Rosh Yeshiva’s debts. The central theme in all of Rabbi David Pinto’s work is Torah, Torah, and more Torah. Increasing the public’s awareness of the importance of family a seminary for women, a kollel and a rabbis: Rabbi Yitzchak Asraf Shlita, purity is also high on his agenda, and in yeshiva in the city. Thanks to Rabbi Da- Rabbi Yehuda Rakow Shlita, and Rabbi many unexpected places you may come vid’s generosity and spiritual backing, Yaakov Rakow Shlita, the last two being across a beautiful mikveh built by Rabbi many other Batei Midrashim, mikvaot the sons of the tzaddik Rabbi Betzalel David. When he notices that the issue and Torah schools (which are managed Rakow Zatzal, the former Chief Rabbi is being neglected in a certain place, he by Mr. William Marciano) have opened of Gateshead, England. The atmo- will often start financing the building of a as well. sphere in the yeshiva has a very posi- beautiful mikveh there. The city of Bussières has also been tive effect on the enthusiasm with which And Rabbi David Pinto is not yet fortunate, now boasting a kollel for avre- the boys learn. At times Rabbi David finished. chim and a yeshiva named after Rabbi himself comes and joins the Thursday It is late at night when we leave Gershon Liebman Zatzal. They receive night mishmar, when many of the boys Rabbi David. We have tried to jot down regular financial support amounting to stay awake to learn all night. Together some of our impressions, but our pens thousands of Euros every month. with these students, Rabbi David sits are incapable of doing justice to ev- In Lyon there is an imposing building and delights in Torah learning late into erything we have heard. In these brief that contains a yeshiva and a kollel, effi- the night. paragraphs we have attempted to give ciently run by two students of Rabbi Da- Nearby in the town of Bayit Vegan, a few glimpses of what stands behind vid: Mr. Gabi Elbaz and Mr. Francis Ma- a plot of land has recently been pur- this wonderful empire of Torah.

32 33 THE WEDDING OF SARAH RUBY AÏSSA The Daughter of the Tzaddik Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita and Yitshak Saban Hacohen (16 Adar II, 5765)

“The sound of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous”

A great number of people, Ashkenazim and Sephardim, from all colors of the rainbow and every community, were joyously making their way to the Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv. It was there that the wedding of the daughter of the tzaddik Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita, Sarah Ruby Aïssa, and Yitshak Saban of Argentina, from a family of Cohanim, would soon take place. limbs and 365 sinews – in the holiness blessings and prosperity. Rabbi David Such a celebration doesn’t happen of this celebration, one that will bring arrives, and all eyes expectantly every day. When Rabbi David Pinto great abundance into all the worlds wait to see the sanctified ceremony Shlita marries off his daughter, there and usher in great joy and success for under the chuppah. The Rav, who is isn’t Jew who doesn’t rejoice with him the entire Jewish people. guided by his concern for the holiness in the founding of this new home in and purity of the Jewish people, Israel, a miniature Temple that will be A Sanctified Moment at repeatedly asks for a complete built with Hashem’s help. It is certainly gender separation among the guests. with respect to such events that it is the Chuppah He does this in order to preserve the written, “Make for Me a sanctuary, The place is buzzing with people. purity of the chuppah ceremony, for and I will dwell among them” (Exodus the Sages have said that when men Everyone is awaiting the great 25:8). Everyone wants to see and be and women mingle during a wedding, moment, the chuppah ceremony, seen. They all want to participate with it is impossible to recite Sheva body and soul – with each of their 248 which will bring about abundant Berachot. The father of the bride, Rabbi David, walks toward the chuppah, his face clearly radiating with joy. The chuppah is located on a raised platform in order for everyone to witness the event. In his hand, the Rav is holding the cane that he inherited from his grandfather, the tzaddik Rabbi Haim Pinto Zatzal, which as we know has numerous segulot. Whoever holds it may be saved by the merit of the tzaddik and experience an abundance of blessings and prosperity. The moment is very moving, as all eyes wait to see what transpires under the chuppah. There is complete silence, an impressive, absolute

32 33 “When husband and wife are worthy, the Shechinah abides with them” (Sotah 17a).

Great Joy in All Corners of the World The chuppah ceremony has just ended, and the joy of the occasion is immediately unleashed in all its power. Many of the guests form energetic dance circles in honor of the great event, while at the same time a crowd of people starts pressing together from all directions. They are awaiting Rabbi David in order to congratulate him, as well as to receive a blessing from his sanctified lips. As we know, this is very lofty spiritual occasion, one of joy of bride and groom, when all the guests are blessed as they silence that can truly be cut with a father of the bride, is enveloped by pray for this newly established home knife. It is like the time of the giving of his tallit. With a moving voice that in Israel to endure forever. the Torah, when no creature opened is stamped with holiness, he begins Rabbi David gives a warm and its mouth and the entire universe was the kiddushin: “…Who sanctifies His exceptionally joyous greeting to silent, when the Holy One, blessed be people Israel through chuppah and everyone, and they all receive a He, gave the Torah to Israel. In fact kiddushin.” Rabbi Yossef Kaltsky brand new copy of his book Pahad this is the meaning of the chuppah reads the Ketubah, while Rav Ezrahi David. This latest volume, which has ceremony for the Jewish people, a recites the other blessings of the been published for the wedding, deals holy bond between the assembly of chuppah. The last blessing is recited with the Passover Haggadah and the Israel and its Father in Heaven, like the by Rabbi David Pinto. month of Nissan. It contains the laws of Passover, the Haggadah with the giving of the Torah on Sinai. Indeed, The atmosphere is utterly commentaries of Rabbi David, articles this is the main purpose of marriage: indescribable. An atmosphere of on the month of Nissan, the Passover The establishment of a sanctified purity and holiness hovers above holiday, and Olelot Ha-Kerem, brief home in Israel, one based upon the the holy people, who wholeheartedly tenants of Torah and holiness, upon comments on the month of Nissan bless the young couple. They have and Passover. the path that leads to the house of G- just begun building a new home in Thus for a long time everyone d, as our holy Patriarchs wanted. Israel; they have just added a stone greets the Rav, while nearby the The ceremony under the chuppah to the walls of holiness of the Jewish wedding meal is already prepared. has begun. Rabbi David Pinto, the people. Thus as the Sages have said, The Rav’s assistants spare no effort in welcoming all the guests, showing each person to their table and seat for the entire meal. A brief glance at the reception hall shows that there is no limit to the respect the Rav enjoys from every Jewish community. In all directions we see Jews from every corner of the globe, from all towns, large and small, and from all communities and every background – Chassidic and Litvish, Ashkenaz and Sephardic – everyone seated together to honor the Rav. Each group without exception accepts and respects the Rav, all Jews regardless of origin or affiliation. Included among the guests that have traveled from around the world to be here, we notice a tremendous number of French speakers, both

34 35 The guests respectful kiss the Rav’s hand, profiting from an outpouring of his blessings and words of Torah. At the same time, they receive some alcohol from the Rav to drink a l’Chaim. They congratulate him and receive his blessing for all areas of life, both material and spiritual. At such an elevated and important time, the key to blessings is surely found in such a place, and with that key the gates of salvation and Divine mercy can be opened for all. Thus everyone strives to approach the Rav and receive his blessings at this great spiritual moment.

This is the Table Before Hashem The meal goes on for several hours, a Seudat Mitzvah in the fullest admirers of the Rav and his students. rabbis and prominent figures, among possible sense. We await words of They have given their all to travel from whom are tzaddikim and gaonim. Torah and blessings from the Rav France and other European countries Such individuals clearly demonstrate in honor of this great celebration, in order to participate in the wedding to us what the Sages have said: “The and especially for the young couple. of the Rav’s daughter. This is their tzaddikim sit with their crowns on their Indeed, one great Torah figure after way of repaying, by their presence, a heads feasting on the brilliance of the another speaks during the meal. portion of the love and affection that Shechinah” (Berachot 17a). the Rav has shown them throughout The guests listen to the speech Everyone is now seated at their the year. of Rabbi David with reverence. He tables, yet in reality it is perhaps only peppers his discourse with words in Everywhere we look, we see their bodies that are there. The heart French so that those who have come joyous guests who have arrived from pays no attention to the sumptuous from overseas can understand and all corners of the globe to participate dishes placed before them. All eyes more fully appreciate the celebration. in this event. It is not without reason constantly look to the table of honor, that they have exerted a tremendous With each word that he utters, we where one after another, great Torah effort to come to the Holy Land and can sense the Rav’s elation. He heaps figures – tzaddikim and gaonim, as attend this wedding. They have done compliments upon the groom, Yitshak well as ordinary individuals – come to so to show the Rav how much they Saban, who to the present day has congratulate the Rav and receive his respect him, as well as to reciprocate continually advanced in Torah and blessing. the fear of Heaven, doing so at every the kindness that he has shown them. Their eyes sparkle in seeing just what a Jewish celebration is like; they shine in witnessing a Jewish home being built among good Jewish families. The Wedding Meal – A Joyous Occasion Graced by the Presence of Torah Scholars We can easily characterize the wedding meal itself by the words of our Sages: “If one partakes of a meal at which a scholar is present, it is as if he has feasted on the brilliance of the Shechinah” (Berachot 64a). This is because everyone can clearly see the brilliance of the Shechinah as it hovers above the guests. If that is the case for the guest tables, imagine what it’s like for the table of honor, where the Rav is seated like a king surrounded by his army. Next to him are great

34 35 hour and each instant. He has truly energy. The joy is overflowing, as recite Sheva Berachot. Each merited this great day. everyone is singing and dancing person hopes that the joy of the Everyone can clearly see how for the couple. Hearts are given newlyweds will bring an abundance the Rav opens the gates of Heaven no rest as bodies are constantly of good for everyone. and tries to infuse his listeners with on the move. People dance with An Abundance of Good for the the essence of this great occasion, incredible enthusiasm and without Entire Jewish People interruption, without respite. the essence of a wedding It’s late at night when the great celebration. Such an event evokes As the guests sit down to wedding celebration ends. It has the Torah’s statement: “Make for continue the meal, the dancing certainly brought great spiritual Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell begins again, and with even and material benefits to everyone. among them” (Exodus 25:8). greater intensity. The groom is The word beshirah is formed by When a couple builds a home on carried on people’s shoulders the initials of yushpa shefa rav the basis of Torah and holiness, as everyone dances for him, for bekol haolamot (“great abundance the Holy One, blessed be He, tonight he is like a king. From spreads to all the worlds”). It’s abides with them. time to time the Rav extends his true that by the power of shirah The enthusiastic words of the hand to one of the guests, dancing (song), and from the great joy that gaon Rabbi Meir Tzvi Berman with him in the middle of a circle occurred on this night, there will Shlita, the son-in-law of Rabbi of guests as applause breaks out be tremendous prosperity in all the Elazar Menachem Shach Zatzal, and reaches the heavens. The worlds. There will also be great are avidly heard. So too are the Rav stays close to those who have abundance for the Jewish people words of the gaon Rabbi Baruch traveled here from overseas, as (both collectively and individually) Mordechai Ezrahi Shlita (Rosh well as to those who have merited – an abundance of blessing Yeshiva of Ateret Israel), and returning to the Torah. They also and success, children, life, and Rabbi Yedidia Assaraf Shlita deserve a pat on the back and a bountiful sustenance – that only (Rosh Yeshiva of Orot Haim warm embrace. good things should be heard. OuMoshe in Jerusalem). They Those who have had the chance May Hashem cause this heap blessings upon the tzaddik to dance with the Rav can testify to celebration to exert a beneficial Rav Pinto by giving a brief the fact that it’s not everyday that influence on the entire Jewish description of his activities across a person merits such an honor, to people, that they may be saved the globe, wherever they occur. dance hand in hand with the Rav and quickly receive what is soon to They continue by describing the himself at his daughter’s wedding. come: That all flesh shall will the joys of marriage, pouring out It is truly a special moment that face of Hashem, that the Temple blessings upon the head of the can bring about all kinds of good will be build in all its glory, and young couple. things due to the great joy of the that Mashiach will be revealed, occasion. speedily and in our days. Amen, Other than the Rav’s book may it be so! Pahad David, each guest receives Rav Bergman leads the Birkat the marvelous work Pahad Yitshak, Hamazon, while the other Rabbis Torah commentaries from the groom himself, Yitshak Saban. He A great Mazal Tov to Mickaël Pinto son of Rabbi David wrote these commentaries while in yeshiva, and they include remarks Hanania Pinto Chlita on the occasion of his Bar Mitsva that he heard from his new father- which took place in Paris on June 5th, 2005. in-law, Rav Pinto. Along with this book, the guests are given a collection of commentaries by the avrechim of Mishkan Betzalel – Orot Haim OuMoshe kollel in Jerusalem, a collection that has just been released in honor of the Rav’s great celebration.

The Loftiness of a Jewish Celebration The meal continues, yet at the same time the joy of the participants knows no bounds. In the middle of the meal, the Rav begins to dance with all the prominent rabbis at the table of honor. They begin dancing by jumping about with incredible

36 37 TO BE A JEW (by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shelita)

When man comes derstood this, the people started not, even if their opinions are dif- close to the Eternal by to worship idols, the moon, the ferent. Why? Because the first man, as Abraham did, adjusted his studying the Torah and stars, the trees, etc... In fact, they were seeking something higher to convictions to the “other side”. observing the Mitzvot, he believe in. But each time it was a But the person who prefers to “comes from the other setback for they worshipped false- live by his own rules and has a side” (“Ivri” means one gods. permissive behavior without any from the other side of As we know, the human being faith in the Creator and thinks that the river) just like our is both physical and divine, mate- his successes are due solely to his patriarch Abraham did. rial and spiritual. The human body efforts, this person is worshipping is physical and material structure idols which in reality are money I am very upset to see an in- in which the Eternal has placed and glory. By doing this, he can crease in divorce among Jews in divine and spiritual elements mak- be compared to Abraham’s con- Jews. Yet, couples often separate ing spirit and soul inseparable. temporaries who believed that without having a good reason. Indeed, the soul can’t live without since the world was left in neglect The parties blame one another the physical body and vice-versa. they could live on “the other side”, and avoid taking responsibility for The Eternal gave man wisdom leading a life of debauchery. To the situation. The dialogue gets so and sense of equilibrium so that feed their souls, they worshipped false-gods. heated that it usually leads to in- body and soul can live in peace and harmony. sults and even fights. Children are There is another reason why the real victims of such conflicts. But the soul couldn’t live within the children of Israel are called They move from one home to an- a physical body without spirituality. “Ivrim”. The root of this word is other often witnessing cursing and Consequently, the Eternal created “Avar” (past). This means that yelling. This situation deeply af- the Torah to allow man to sanctify instead of being satisfied with ev- fects their mental health and jeop- the body and everything he puts in eryday life that keeps changing ardizes their future. his mouth. The body consists of from one day to another, they lived 248 parts and 365 organs. This to- attached to their past. They were There are many reasons for tals 613, which corresponds to the bound to the magnificent past of disagreements leading to divorce: number of Mitzvot that G— gave our Saintly Forefathers, and this 1. It is written in the Torah that us to observe. past is immutable in the image of the children of Israel were called Because of the blessings that the Holy Torah revered by our an- “Ivrim”. The first person to be man recites before eating any cestors. given this name was our patriarch food, he constantly sanctifies his Being still bound to their past, Abraham. The term “Ivrim” has body. The matter in his body is the Children of Israel are differ- two meanings: transformed into a divine spirit al- ent from other nations who live The first dates back to the time lowing the body to live side by side on “the other side”. These nations when Abraham understood that with the soul which is a spark of di- are attached to the present which the universe had a Creator and a vinity. Therefore, when man says changes from day to day. Master. blessings and studies the Torah, After being sold and reduced to His contemporaries assumed he turns his body into a sacred slavery in Egypt, Joseph the Righ- that the Eternal created the world and spiritual place. teous could have profited from his for Himself. This assumption was When man comes close to the exceptional beauty in order to im- very far from the reality discovered Eternal by studying the Torah and prove his fate. But instead of trying by Abraham. At that time people observing the Mitzvot, he “comes to look like an Egyptian, he pre- lived in total disregard of laws and from the other side” (“Ivri” means ferred not to change his person- without faith. Their permissive and one from the other side of the riv- ality or identity and stay Jewish perverted conduct led them to deer) just like our patriarch Abraham as he was when he lived with his spair because they lived without did. A man bound to the Torah is father, Yaakov, in the Holy Land. faith and spirituality. Having unable to live with another who is This loyalty earned him the name

36 37 “Eved Ivri” (Hebrew slave). In oth- It is written in the Torah, as without considering the repercus- er words, even though he was a well: “When you acquire a Hebrew sions. slave, he continued to live on “the slave, he is to serve you for six There is an explicit Halakha opposite side” unlike the other years, but in the seventh year he (law) according to which, in the slaves who lived, as the Egyptians shall be freed, without cost”. The interest of Shalom Bayit (peace did, the way they pleased. Torah also calls “Ish Ivri” (Hebrew within the home), it is better not to Moreover, despite the mockery man) the Jew who stole and who spend holidays with any parents. of his entourage, Joseph contin- is unable to reimburse. The Be- In the first place, the development ued to live bound to the past as his ith Din (tribunal) sentences him of a peaceful relationship within a ancestors did. This devotion to Ju- to work for the victim. Why is couple should prevail over respect daism earned him the trust of the he called “Hebrew man” and not due to parents. It is better for the Pharaoh who, as the Torah tells Jew? Because instead of being parents to suffer a little by not us, appointed him prime minister righteous and generous like his spending time with their children of the whole land of Egypt, reserv- Saintly forefathers, he stole from than to suffer tremendously by ing to himself supreme authority. his fellow man. seeing their children destroy each For he who is loyal to Judaism, This is why the Torah pun- other. ished the Jewish slave who will also show his loyalty in other Both spouses should decide, freed himself from the study of domains. willingly and without arguing, with the Torah and the observance On this subject, I heard about which parents the holidays will be of the Mitzvot by breaking the a Jew who did not observe the spent. If an argument is to erupt, commandment which forbids Mitzvot to the point of desecrating G— forbid, the couple should stay stealing. He, therefore, gets cut the Shabbat. One day, this person at home and invite the parents or off from Judaism and assimilates learned through the newspaper visit them at another time. himself with his contemporaries. that a private bank was looking Thus, he will serve his master as We should not desecrate the for a director. Having many diplo- a slave for six years in reference holiday by driving the car when mas, he applied for the job. The to the sixth of Sivan, the date on invited by the parents for a meal administrators were impressed by which the Children of Israel re- because the Brakha (blessing) the candidate. But, one of them ceived the Torah. Since he cut over it will become meaningless asked: himself from the Torah, instead and will serve as an excuse to - Your name sounds Jewish, of being attached to it with all his a Hillul (desecration) of a holy doesn’t it? heart and soul, he will be exempt day. The intention to observe The candidate said yes. The from studying it for six years until the Mitzvah of honoring parents next question was: he mends his ways and rectifies turns in fact into an Avera (trans- - Do you work on Saturdays? the sixth day of Creation, the day gression). - Generally, I don’t work on of his birth. Only then, he will No doubt, reverence for mother Shabbat. But if I had to close become free, without owing any- and father is a very important pre- a good deal on a Saturday, I thing as if he was just born this cept, so important that the Holy seventh day, on Sabbath, of this wouldn’t mind opening the bank one, Blessed Be He, conceded a seventh year. on this day. part of his honor to man so that Today, we still praise our an- he could revere his parents. But The president of the bank re- cestors who were always bound if there is a conflict between what plied: to their past and who lived on “the parents say and what the Torah - Sorry, I’m firing you before other side” contrary to the other teaches, it is the wishes of G— even hiring you. nations of the world. that must take precedence. One Everyone was surprised by this Unfortunately, silliness is the should not listen to the parents if answer and wanted to know the main cause of divorce today it makes us desecrate the Shab- reason behind it. The president and, strangely enough, it hap- bat and the Haggim (holidays). explained: pens often before holidays. Holi- The parents should also under- - This gentleman says he’s days should be a time for joy and stand that if they revere the Holy Jewish but he doesn’t believe in happiness within the family. But One, Blessed Be He, and believe his Torah which is eternal. Yet, mil- husbands and wives argue over in Him, they must first pay their re- lions of Jews died for being loyal which parents they’ll spend the spect to G—. Thus the Eternal will to their faith. Considering this, how holidays with. The parents, on reward them with a good health can I trust him to manage all the the other hand, instead of staying and blessings and prevent from money in my bank? away from the dispute, meddle in, evil.

38 39 A great number of people today they are building a shield around it reveal all the secrets of the Cre- follow a new trend and renounce that prevents them from assimila- ation? Isn’t it the only hope man their Hebrew names taking those tion. Therefore, they are living “on has for protection once he dies? of other nations, they don’t speak the other side” while the nations of Is it right not to give it the re- Hebrew and wear inappropriate the world are living on the oppo- spect it deserves? Is it right to clothes. Doing so, they break their site side. despise it? Is it right to ridicule it link with the past of our Saintly This being said, how can some and the people who commit them- Forefathers who for centuries people contradict themselves by selves to it? Is this behavior fair? studied the Torah, observed the leading a life of debauchery? One I would like to give you a brief Mitzvot, refused to assimilate with day, they seem to be bound to account of two events that hap- Egyptians, wore modest clothes, their past, but the next day, they pened to me in 1996. In regard bore Hebrew names and spoke undergo a drastic change and live to this, I am endlessly thankful to the language of their ancestors. in the present, without feeling any the Eternal for giving me the op- When an individual gets attached remorse for their wrongdoing. portunity to accomplish two great to traditions of other nations, he One day, a Jew was invited to Mitzvot. Maybe only they alone will distances himself from Judaism, the palace of the King of Spain. help me, G— willing, in this world rapidly assimilates and forgets his The King said: and even in the future world. eternal Jewish identity. Without One Friday afternoon, I was the Mitzvot his identity is empty of - I have a surprise for you in my very tired because of a migraine. I all meaning. Towards the end of palace. Look at all of the paintings didn’t want to take any phone calls his life, maybe, after seeing that and tell me which is out of the or- since the problems I was dealing his children became assimilated dinary. with during the day put me under at a faster rate than he did, he will The Jew gazed at the paintings a lot of pressure. But my secretary cry out of remorse and die without for a long time but didn’t see any- kept telling me several times that telling anyone the burden of his thing particularly interesting. He a lady wanted to talk with me. It pain. And even after his death, said to the King: was apparently an emergency. I he probably won’t hear the Kad- - They are all very beautiful told my secretary that I was very dish because his children never paintings. tired and that I was sure that there studied Hebrew and are unable The King said: was no emergency. I was used to to read it. - Aren’t you Jewish? hearing the phrase: “Connect me Today, it is possible to live side The man replied: with Rav, please. It’s urgent.” But by side with the new generation, - Yes, I am. usually, there was nothing urgent. benefit from the development of Anyway people who call always The King then said: the new technologies and, never- think that their questions need theless, stay faithful to our Jew- - Don’t you see that 500 year- an urgent response. Once again, ish past. Both are possible at the old painting entitled “A Jew pray- I refused to take the call. But all of same time. ing with phylacteries on his head a sudden, I felt like a electrical dis- A person who eats Matzah and and hand”? This work is worth a charge passed through my body. bitter herbs on Pessah is remem- fortune because it was painted I ran to the phone and said: “How bering that the Children of Israel 500 years ago. may I help you?” were slaves in Egypt and by doing Surprised, the Jew answered: She told me: so, he is bound to his past as if he - You mean to tell me, Your Maj- - Rabbi, I am a married woman too was a slave in Egypt. esty, that 500 years ago, the Jews with children. But there is a man A person who, in this techno- put on the tefillin? who is courting me. I am supposed logical era, fasts on Yom Kippur Leaving the palace, the Jew to meet him today. Please con- will certainly be forgiven by the felt a sincere desire to repent and, vince me and give me the strength Eternal. as a result, decided to go back to not to go to this rendezvous. If I A person who lights the Hanu- Judaism and started to observe all go, I know that I’ll no longer be kiyah for eight days is once again the Mitzvot. able to live with my husband. identifying with the past of his Why doesn’t the Torah attract I was rejoiced by this Mitzvah people and cherishes the miracle as much people as the most insig- that I had to accomplish and I of the oil that burnt for eight days nificant historical monument? Isn’t told myself: “This person must be instead of just one. the Torah eternal, created thou- saved from the sin she is about All of them are bound to the sands of generations before the to commit”. The Eternal sent me past and by observing the Mitzvot, world itself was created? Doesn’t a mitzvah to do that I wasn’t even

38 39 looking for and for which the re- Another day, a woman came complying strictly to the rules of ward is immense. Indeed, he who to tell me that she and her hus- Nida (separation due to monthly saves one soul, saves the entire band have money problems and menstrual period). Our Sages world. How could I fail? they can’t support their children. say that the night the wife returns Every person should feel that Her husband urges his wife, by home after having been in the the world was created for him abusing her verbally and physi- Mikvah, it is as if the couple just and that he truly belongs to it. cally, to go to hang around the got married. Our Sages also say Therefore, I saw myself at the public garden at night and have, that even during slavery, the Bnei point of saving a Jewish woman’s G— forbid, relations with the men Israel strictly abided by the laws of world. Every person born into this who frequent that place. Accord- Nida and family purity. As a reward world represents something new, ing to the husband, the money for their commitment to these pre- original and unique. The idea is she would make would help out cepts, Jewish women of that time expressed in the Talmudic quo- the family. This woman was so witnessed many miracles. We can tation “Bishvili Nivra Haolam” (It harassed that she came to see even claim that thanks to them, is for me that the world was cre- me for advice. What was she to the Bnei Israel were brought out of do? I was in dismay. How could ated). The Eternal could have slavery in Egypt. a Jew order his wife to indulge in created thousands of humans in During one of my visits to the such an abomination. I told her the beginning. But if all of human- United States, I asked a lady: “Do that she should absolutely not, ity comes from one man, Adam, you observe the laws of family under any circumstances, yield isn’t it to emphasize each individ- purity?” to her husband’s pressure. I told ual’s uniqueness? Everyone in her: “In this case, it is better to She said: “My husband and I this world can consider himself divorce that to commit such a discussed this, and decided that unique. There wasn’t, isn’t and degrading act for money; not to we weren’t made for it and that it won’t be anyone in this world mention, the divine interdiction on wasn’t for us!” similar to anyone else, otherwise extra-marital affairs.” I told her: “Who are you to ne- there wouldn’t be any purpose for gate only one of the Torah’s Mitz- that person to be born. Thank G—, the woman followed my advice. A month and vot claiming that it is not made This reflects reality: Among the a half later she came to see me for you? And you came for a billions of people on this earth, not and said: “Thank you very much blessing to increase the Parnas- two are alike. Even identical twins , Rabbi, for your advice. Today, sah (revenue) for you and your are different from one another. thank G—, things are much bet- children? It is of no avail to pray The Midrash poses the question: ter. Even my husband is happy to the Eternal if you ignore family What is the difference between that I didn’t do what he ask. He purity and don’t go to the Mikvah.” the Eternal and a National Mint? can’t understand himself, how I lectured her lengthily and today, The answer: With the same mold, he could ask me such a thing!” thank G—, she and her husband the National Mint strikes millions She continued: “A miracle hap- understand that they were wrong of coins, each identical. Any coin pened. The same week I came to about drifting away from their past with an imperfection is thrown see you, city hall, for no apparent and living on the side opposite to away. But the Eternal. with the reason, closed the garden that the Torah. same mold, created humans that my husband wanted me to go to. In these modern times, there are all different. But when my husband realized is only one way for man to stay Every person, in relation to his the ignominy of his act, he asked bonded with the past, that is, by uniqueness, has a unique task to me to forgive him. And the garden observing with all heart and soul accomplish. Every person, in or- reopened the same night.” the precepts of the Torah and ac- der to accomplish his obligations To avoid any misunderstand- complishing the Mitzvot. He will in this world should be himself. ing between couples, each side feel that even though he lives in a A Hassidic story illustrates this. should listen to one another with- modern world, he didn’t abandon Rabbi Zouchia says: “When I’ll out being stubborn. Sometimes, his ancestors’ ways whose com- confront the Heavenly Judges, to avoid arguments and quarrels, mitment to the past earned them they won’t ask me if I’m Moshe concessions should be made. the name of “Ivrim” (Hebrews). Rabenu or Rabbi Akiva. They’ll To preserve the Shalom Bayit Nothing should prevent the oc- ask me if I was myself. (peace within the home), one cupants of beautifully furnished That day, thank G—, my influ- should study the Torah, observe and luxurious houses from living ence over this woman prevented the Mitzvot, in particular the according to the teachings of the her from committing a grave sin. “Taharat Mishpaha” (family purity) Torah and its Mitzvot.

40 41 How many times have Jews the grand-son of Great Sages. He His words supported my belief who drifted away from their faith, might be able to help you. that the child was in Acapulco. I almost completely assimilated, The Mexican family accompa- told the father: “Go find your boy came to me for a blessing? I can’t nied by Jews, who were comfort- in Acapulco.” The father said: help saying, how dare they ask ing them, came to see me. The “But where should I look for him me for a blessing if they defied all father of the boy took out a map, there?” I said: “Search the areas the Mitzvot and will still continue pointed at it and asked me: where traffic is heavy. Your son is to live without the Torah and Emu- - Could you tell me where my probably making pocket money nah (faith)? son is? He’s been missing for a by washing windshields.” In Chicago, I happened to visit month. Is he dead or alive? The same day, the parents a Jew in a hospital. For 50 years, Never in my life, did anybody went to Acapulco. At the central he never put on Tefillin, never ate ask me such a bold question with bus station, they found their son. Kosher food, he didn’t know about so much confidence. Looking at They were very happy to see Judaism. The day he was be- the map, I asked myself: “How him. They kissed and hugged the tween life and death, he cried out can I solve this problem? Am I a boy and promised not to punish so loudly “Shema Israel, Hashem prophet who is able to decipher him. That same evening, back in Elohainu, Hashem Ehad” (Hear, mysteries and find a lost child Mexico-City, they came to see me O Israel, the Lord is our G—, the in a country with over 70 million with their son. I can still picture Lord is One) that all the doctors people?” our meeting: the father, the found ran to his bed. How can this be boy, the mother, the Jewish owner explained? How could a man who Everybody in the room, includ- of the business and the two Rab- never understood the meaning of ing many Rabbanim, were wait- banim came to thank G— for the the Shema express his faith with ing for my response. I lifted my miracle He did. I asked the boy: such fervor? To comprehend this, eyes to Heaven and prayed to the “Why did you run away?” one should know that every Jew, Eternal to help me at least find even the one who drifted away the appropriate words to comfort He answered: “I wanted a from Judaism, carries deep in his this man. It’s in G—’s hands to do bike to participate in the Mexico- heart a spark which bounds him to what was necessary in order to Acapulco race. But my father the past of his Saintly Forefathers sanctify His name among all the didn’t want to buy me one. I was and the Torah that he heard on nations, so that everyone knows ashamed not to have a bicycle in Mount Sinai, the day it was given that there is one G— in Israel. front of all my friends who do. So to the Bnei Israel. Indeed, all the All of a sudden, I heard a I hitchhiked to Acapulco. I was Bnei Israel were present when the noise coming from outside. While scared to call my parents. I slept Torah was given to them and all of laughing, somebody said to his on the street. And to buy food, I them heard the Ten Command- friend: “I’m bicycling to Acapulco washed windshields.” ments from the Eternal. tomorrow!” His friend answered: See, how good the Eternal is. Therefore, when the spark is “Are you kidding? It’s very far!” When someone prays with all kindled in the heart of the indi- At that moment, I picked up his heart and asks Him for help, vidual, it brings him to the other my fountain-pen and threw it on the Eternal uses many ways to side and links him once again to the map. It landed on the exact answer the prayer. There is no his past and to Judaism. place where Acapulco is located, need for the one who prays to I would also like to recount a leaving a spot of ink. I told myself be a prophet. Remember the miracle that took place in Mexico. that it was not a coincidence. It words of the two men I overheard This miracle had a great effect on was not in vain that the man was about the incredible bicycle trip the Jewish community as it did on talking about his impossible trip to Acapulco. These words were the local population. The son of a to Acapulco by bicycle. I told the spoken so that I hear them and Mexican who was not Jewish, but parents: “In my opinion, your son tell the worried parents where was working in a business run by is in Acapulco. He might have their son was. The Eternal helped a Jew, mysteriously disappeared. gone there with his friends by bi- me because I took those words It’s known that in Mexico, it is cycle or by bus.” seriously and I wasn’t afraid to very unlikely to recover a missing The father answered: “That’s repeat them. I was sure that the child. The Jewish boss said to the impossible! He doesn’t have a Eternal would intervene and His boy’s father: bicycle, but he could have ran Name would be sanctified. This - Come with me. We are going away because I refused to buy was the way, thank G—, things to meet a Jew from France. He is him one.” turned out.

40 41 THE MIRACULOUS STONES OF MOUNT SINAI

On the sixth day of Sivan in the year 2448, during Shabbat itself, Hashem descended upon Mount Sinai and transmitted the Torah to the Children of Israel. The entire Jewish people were present on that awe-inspiring day to receive the Torah, a Torah of truth, from the Master of the universe. It was an exceptional and unique event in the history of the world, never repeated since that time.

The stones of Mount Sinai have the fragment, regardless of how small it a science laboratory at the University extraordinary distinction of depicting was!” of Jerusalem. Although these samples branch-like images on their surface, Each stone carries the image of were ground to dust, microscopes images that recall the sneh (burning the sneh. If a person has any doubts, could still detect the imprint of a bush bush), where Hashem revealed he can try and break it into as many at a magnification factor of 600. In his Himself to Moses. These are dendritic pieces as he wants, and on each one book It Shall Be a Sign For You, he stones, which bear branching or he will see the same mysterious imprint wrote: “This branchlike dotting image treelike marks on their surface. The of the burning bush. Even by using a occurs due to a mass amalgamation tiniest flakes from these stones, and microscope on the smallest fragments, of tiny crystals of iron and magnesium even the dust from these flakes, bear we will see the same image, its size oxide. Such dendritic markings are the same treelike imprints. being in proportion to the fragment relatively common in all parts of the The discovery of such stones on being examined. Breaking such a world. On the other hand, dendritic Mount Sinai dates back to previous stone to bits only serves to prove that markings within rocks occur only on generations. Hundreds of years ago, it comes from Mount Sinai. Mount Sinai.” various researchers traveled to the The writings of Rabbi Yaakov Jebel Musa is a holy place for Sinai Peninsula and climbed Jebel Emden persuaded Rabbi Naphtali Muslims and Christians alike, for they Musa (the Arabic name for Mount Taiek to travel to Mount Sinai. Rav view Moses as a prophet. It goes Sinai), returning with these stones. Taiek did some serious research without saying that for the Jewish In his book Migdal Oz, Rabbi Yaakov while in the Sinai Peninsula, traveling people as well, Mount Sinai holds Emden cites the account of an author throughout the Taba region as he tremendous holiness. However for us who apparently came across one followed a route indicated on his map this holiness is due to its history, not such stone: “Know that I have reliable to the St. Catherine monastery on its location. sources who tell me that the stones of Mount Sinai itself. Once he arrived at It is because of Mount Sinai’s Mount Sinai bear the imprint of a bush, the base of the mountain, he began history that its stones have the and the reason the mountain is called his climb. He then discovered that ability to sensitize people’s hearts Sinai is because it was there that there was another mount atop the in complete holiness, in an amazing Hashem revealed Himself to Moses mountain, the upper one being Mount and powerful way. It may be that in a sneh. Sinai proper. It is composed of black our forefathers stood on these very A prominent figure from Barcelona, granite and contains thousands of stones and received the Torah from a grandchild of Hasday, brought me rocklike steps, with its peak rising Hashem Himself. On these stones the one such stone. I saw with my very some 7,500 feet about sea level. He Shechinah may have descended amid eyes the perfect resemblance of a climbed for more than 10 hours before flames, Shofar blasts, and the sounds shrub on it, this image being the work arriving at the summit. The presence of thunder that were heard from one of G-d. I broke the stone in half, and of the dendritic stones on Jebel Musa end of the world to the other in an the same image appeared on the did not surprise him. On each of them extraordinary revelation. On these inner face of each half! I continued to the imprint of a bush could be clearly very stones we may have exclaimed, break the stone into pieces, until its seen – both on the surface and inner all in unison, Na’aseh Ve’Nishma (“We fragments were no larger than a nut. I part of any fragmented piece – even will do and we will hear”), with a deep was then taken aback as I saw that the the smallest. Rav Taiek took some faith that emanated from the innermost imprint of a shrub appeared on each back with him and presented them to part of our beings.

42 43 LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

Mrs. Michelle Ohayon from Serres, the growth had shrunk to half its size, and that did not work out either. On France. and by the third one it had gone com- Yom Kippur he met another Jewish I would like to ask for a blessing pletely. The doctors said that such a girl, Nathalie, and they seem to get from Rabbi Pinto because his bless- case is rare and they still do check-ups on together. Everything was fine ings always help. occasionally. Now she is 21⁄2 years old until I found a letter from the goya Last time you were in Marseille and doing well. She has trouble using asking him come back to her or she I asked for a blessing that our home her right hand and does physiotherapy would die. Thank G-d I hid the let- should be more peaceful, that we for it. With G-d’s help and the merit of ter, because otherwise he would have should have children, and that my Rabbi Pinto’s prayers, we hope for the wanted to go back to her. I am asking husband should be sent to work some- best and ask Rabbi Pinto to give her a Rabbi Pinto to pray for him so that where where there are Jews. blessing. he should break off with her completely and go back to his studies. At long last my husband found work wvw Best wishes to Rabbi Pinto’s family in Frejus and I am expecting a child. Michelle and Daniel Chriqui, Par- and have a happy New Year. Since I am 42 years old the doc- is. 31 August 1990. wvw tors advised doing a certain test on the baby. It is scheduled to be done on the Just a few words to thank Rabbi Dr. Yaakov Lahiyani Pinto for his prayers which were ac- 13th of June. I would like to ask Rabbi My name is Dr. Yaakov Lahiyani cepted in Heaven. Every day I thank Pinto for a blessing on that day for the and I have a son, Binyamin, who is 8 G-d for the gift He gave my husband results to be good. I thank you very years old and suffered from a severe and myself. much and hope that, please G-d, we form of dermatosis, a skin disease. will all be well. Best regards to Rabbi We were a happy couple, and do- Rabbi Pinto gave him a blessing on Pinto and his family. ing well, but we did not have children. Shavuot and, thank G-d, within 4 Michelle Ohayon. After five years of marriage and many months he had recovered. Doctors say tests, nothing we tried had helped. We wvw that it usually takes years to heal. I am decided to try artificial insemination very grateful to Rabbi Pinto. May it be which is a surgical procedure. I was Mrs Martine Amar. G-d’s will that he can carry on with his hospitalised and before they began to good work. As you requested, I am writing operate the doctors realized that I was wvw about my daughter Anaelle who was six weeks pregnant. Just imagine the born is 1991. doctors’ amazement and our own de- She was born healthy but when light. Now we are happy to have a little Mrs. Madeleine Haddouk, Paris. she was three months old could not daughter called Marine-Lea. May G-d I would like to thank Rabbi Pinto hold her head straight. The doctor look after her and let us bring her up. for all the blessings he has given us. reassured us that there was nothing to We wanted to let Rabbi Pinto share our My husband’s cousin had a baby, worry about, and the condition would joy and wish such happiness on every called Ouriel, after being married for correct itself without treatment. We Jew. twelve years. My brother was very se- nevertheless sought a second opinion. wvw riously ill and Rabbi Pinto gave him An X-ray was done and it showed a a blessing; now all the tests show that sac of fluid in her head. We consulted Mrs. Lea Cohen. everything is normal. I don’t know to two specialists who said that noth- 4 November 1990. thank Rabbi Pinto for all the good ing need be done meanwhile, but at I would like to tell Rabbi Pinto things he has done for us. a later date it may be necessary to about my son Alain-Victor Cohen. operate. A lot has happened since the month My husband Yitzhak and my broth- Naturally I asked for an appoint- of Av. Then he went to live with a er Haim are business partners and ment to see Rabbi Pinto. He had been non-jewish girl and intended to leave want to buy a plot of land but it is not away and just come back, and I am off his studies and marry her. But he going smoothly. I would like to ask very grateful to him that he let me came back straight away because the Rabbi Pinto’s blessing for it, and that come straight away. Rabbi Pinto told goya was not interested in him any they should continue doing Torah and me that everything would be fine, and more. It is strange that some time mitzvot. My grateful thanks and best his prayers were accepted. A second later he met a Jewish girl with the wishes to Rabbi Pinto. X-ray 10 months later showed that same name as the goya (Laurence) wvw

42 43 Mrs. Nicole Belithy-Silam from rious, but ever since there have been I would like to thank Rabbi Pinto Creteil, France. many changes for the better. for all he has done for me, and I wish I read Rabbi Pinto’s letter in a Jew- On Shabbat I was looking at a him and his family all the best. ish newspaper and was very moved. newspaper and saw a picture of Rabbi wvw Two years ago I was going out with a Chaim Pinto. I began to pray and cry Mrs. Rachel Brey from Marne, boy but I didn’t want to get married; I out loud from the depths of my heart France. couldn’t make up my mind. I came to and begged him to show my daughter I want to thank Rabbi Pinto for how speak to Rabbi Pinto, and he advised the right way to find a good Jewish much he puts himself out to help Am me very positively and it was very boy. Then on the first night of Chanuka Yisrael because he loves G-d so much. good for me. We got married on the the miracle happened: My daughter The first time I came to see Rabbi Pin- day of the Hilloula of Rabbi Chaim announced that she had left the goy for to in Villeurbanne, David, my 5-month Pinto. I thank G-d that we have a son ever. I was overjoyed. old son was in hospital suffering, for and I thank Rabbi Pinto for all his On the third night of Chanuka there prayers and blessings. the second time, from an inflammation was a ceremony in the Rhone square in his head. I have a friend who is also going in Geneva. My daughter and I decided I believe in G-d but do not keep out with a boy and he didn’t want to to go to it and to see Chabad’s new get married. I spoke about my own ex- building. There, a friend introduced mitzvot. I came to Rabbi Pinto be- perience and suggested to her mother her to a wonderful boy called Patrick cause my grandfather David, who had to go to Rabbi Pinto. Now at last she who keeps mitzvot and is just what we the same name as my son, came to me is going to marry him, as result of wished for her. I would like to ask Rab- in a dream. My husband showed me a Rabbi Pinto’s blessing; it happened bi Pinto to bless him, and I hope to go picture of Rabbi Pinto and I was struck a few days after her mother spoke to to visit Rabbi Chaim Pinto’s gravesite. by the resemblance to my grandfather you. May G-d bless you and all Am I am very grateful and send best wish- as I had seen him in the dream. When Yisrael. es to Rabbi Pinto and his family. I came to Rabbi Pinto, I was amazed at the things about myself and my life wvw wvw that I heard. Thanks to Rabbi Pinto’s Mrs. Saada from Annemasse, Mrs. Simone Bellassin from Nice, prayers, and thanks to G-d, David is France. France. feeling fine. I would like to tell you about the The first time I met Rabbi Pinto When my daughter Sophie was miracle that happened to my daughter it affected me deeply. With Hashem’s born, the doctors discovered that she Simha Karine. She went out with a non- help, and Rabbi Pinto’s prayers, a mir- was suffering from a very rare condi- jewish boy for more than three years. acle happened to my daughter, Aziza, tion found only in North Africa. I came Three years of prayers and heartache, and brought her back from Spain. She to Rabbi David a second time and he and I couldn’t understand why it hap- went to Spain with a non-jewish boy gave me a bottle of water to give the pened: We keep mitzvot, although she and now she left him and came home. baby. After that, tests showed that the didn’t learn in a Jewish school. Now I I would like to ask Rabbi Pinto to illness has disappeared and everything know how important it is. give my husband a blessing so that he was fine. The doctors claimed that I tried to explain to her a few things should find it easier to earn a living. He from the medical point of view such about Judaism. I went through stages works as a joiner and does not seem to a thing can not be. G-d is with us and of desperation, fear and helpless- get promoted. Also please give a bless- with Rabbi Pinto. May He grant you ness, but I always prayed to Hashem. ing for my children that they should all success in all you do. Thanks to Rabbi Thanks to Rabbi Pinto’s merit the mir- marry Jews. I think very highly of the Pinto, I have managed to hold on to acle came about. wonderful work that Rabbi Pinto does Judaism and give it over to my chil- Some time ago I dreamt that I was for Am Yisrael. dren even though it is difficult. But we walking down a narrow lane and at the I would like to let Rabbi Pinto try to make some progress every day. end of it, on the right hand side, was a share our happiness at the birth of our I have discovered wonderful things in wall and a white box. I was in an open grandson, Haim, a son of our son, and Judaism and the way ahead is open. plaza and was searching for some- ask him to bless the child. With best wishes. thing. I dreamt it again, but this time wvw wvw I was in a room which looked like a Mr. Maurice Alfo from Villeneuve cave and was brightly lit. There was a Mrs. Monique Sangour, Paris. la Garenne, France. young couple there wearing beautiful I came to Rabbi Pinto about my caftans. I was speaking to them when health. I was ill and the doctors want- Paris, 18 October 1990. a carriage with four girls in it drew ed to do a second operation. I asked This is the story of a miracle that up. One of them wanted to come to me. Rabbi Pinto to bless me and Baruch happened to me. I suffered from a Their parents were the couple dressed Hashem the operation was successful hernia which needed surgical treat- in caftans. The dream was very myste- and tests show that everything is fine. ment. The operation was done with an

44 45 epidural by a doctor called Dr. Saada. Mrs. Hanna Asyag from Lyon, Mrs. Alia Levy from Mogador, Mo- The next day I was in great pain but France. rocco. the hospital staff did not take much 29 May 1994. I am a married woman with a two- notice. On Shabbat morning I was still After our meeting today I am writ- year-old daughter and I live in France. feeling very bad and was taken to the ing about my family’s problems as I In 1928 my daughter was very ill and emergency unit. There they discovered was asked to. half her body was paralysed. The doc- internal bleeding caused by the opera- tors could not cure her and we decided First, a few items of good news. tion. to go back to Morocco. We came to My cousin Mrs. Nouna bat Teffarah Marrakesh and our family suggested After I had been brought back to Dadoun contacted me two weeks ago that we go to pray at the grave of the ward I lost consciousness and to ask for a blessing for two young Rabbi Hanina Cohen. After that we the doctors found further abdominal men, 24 and 25 years old, who live in went to my parents in Mogador. They complications and my condition dete- Marseille. One of them, Shmuel Ste- were not at home and we waited at the riorated. They connected a device to phane Chiche, was unconscious after door. While we were waiting, a mes- my heart and did X-rays but it did not being involved in a car accident. An senger from Rabbi Haim Pinto came help. The situation was critical and operation was performed on his throat up to us. He said that the rabbi had relatives of mine went to Rabbi Pinto. and it put things right. The other young He gave them two small cakes with in- heard that we’d come back to Morocco man, Joseph Laurent Chiche, suffers and invited us to participate in a Seu- structions that I should eat them, and from an illness which called for an op- also Holy Names to be put in the pock- dat Mitzva he had prepared. I would eration on his liver and urinary tract have liked to see my parents first, but et of my pyjamas. I asked the doctor and it was successful. This is the good how I could eat, since I was hooked up the messenger was insistent. When we news, thank G-d, and thanks to Rabbi came to Rabbi Haim Pinto’s house to feeding tubes. The doctor said that Pinto’s blessings which were accepted even though it does not make sense he there were many important people in Heaven. Shmuel Stephane Chiche there and the rabbi called me to come believes in eating the cakes because is out of danger, and Joseph Laurent there is no other hope. It took me two forward. He knew what was happen- Chiche is getting better every day and ing even though I hadn’t told anyone hours to eat those cakes and then the is out of hospital. doctor asked if I felt any change. They about my daughter. He blessed me, We would like to thank Rabbi Pinto. did 2 or 3 X-rays and saw some im- and then told me to go to the women’s May G-d bless him and all his family. provement in the abdominal problem. section and eat something, because Each successive X-ray showed further There is also less pleasant news. eating from a meal which is a mitzva improvement. A few minutes later my My sister Mrs. Hava Halimi bat Zaina is an important thing. He blessed the bed was surrounded by about a dozen Dadoun who came to you this morning whole family, and my daughter made a complete recovery, because of Rabbi doctors. They decided to disconnect has a severe mammary problem which Haim Pinto. the tubes. Two days later the device tests confirmed to be a bone disorder was removed from my heart as well and will probably require surgery. Every word I have written is true and I started eating almost normally. Her gynaecologist wants to send her and it is only a very small part of what The doctors spoke about a ‘medical to a specialist but that won’t be before there is to tell about the Tzaddik. miracle’ because I had been so criti- September. This morning I told her wvw that I don’t think she should wait so cally ill. Mr. Yeshoua ben Abraham Derhy long and Rabbi Pinto advised seeing One Friday Rabbi Azran from Ris- from Essaouira, Morocco. to it as soon as possible. I would like hon leZion in Israel who works in the to ask Rabbi Pinto to give my sister a I am a businessman who had a shop Paris Beth Din paid me a surprise visit blessing. next door to the house of the tzaddik together with another rabbi and they Rabbi Moshe Pinto. The tzaddik’s chil- I would also like to mention my both blessed me. The rabbi explained dren used to come into the shop and aunt Mrs. Collette Valenza. Her hus- that I should have died, but because turn everything upside down. I went to band was not Jewish and he died a the mitzvot I’d done outweighed the complain about it to the rabbi’s wife sins, I was found worthy of being year and a half ago. She is ill with and she told me not to worry; by the saved from such a critical situation. cancer; the medication and treatment end of the day none of the goods would she has to go through are very difficult I consulted Professor Park of the be left in the shop to sell. And that is and her life is in danger. I am asking St. Antoine Hospital and showed him exactly what happened. Rabbi Pinto to give her a blessing that my medical history. He said that I was On another occasion, one of the she should not suffer. very lucky; he had never seen such a children came into the shop in the eve- thing in his life. Several other doctors May Rabbi Pinto be worthy of liv- ning and again made a mess of every- told me the same. I thank Hashem and ing a long life and I wish him all the thing there. Again, I went to complain the Tzaddik because of whose blessing best. and again was given the same answer. I am alive today. wvw That day too, all the merchandise got

44 45 sold. After that I begged the children already knew who was the real owner house and his wife was not there. I to come to the shop, but suddenly they of the wallet. My brother got the money enquired about her and was told that were not interested in coming any back, and he ran to Rabbi Haim Pinto she went to hospital because she was more. to thank him for what he had done. about to give birth. Rabbi Moshe said wvw wvw to me: This will be a blessed child. I went to learn in the Bet Knesset and Mrs. Alia Levy from Mogador, Mo- Mrs. Jocelyn Bohana from Villeur- two birds came in and stood on the rocco. banne, France. floor and then flew round my head. In 1920, Rabbi Haim Pinto, of In 1987 I suffered from extreme fa- I said to myself that the child which blessed memory, used to live next door tigue. Tests confirmed that I had that is going to be born will indeed be to my father, Nahman Jais, and they dreaded disease, cancer, in my liver blessed. I said to Rabbi Moshe that G- were as close as brothers. My father and blood. My husband sold his busi- d should grant him a long life because used to do business with Arabs and ness and made preparations to go and he sees things in the right perspective, he had to travel a lot. Sometimes he see Rabbi Pinto. He gave me a bless- and today we see the wonderful things became ill from travelling so much. ing, and because of it I am well today. that Rabbi Haim Pinto does. Once, when my father had gone some- wvw wvw where far away, Rabbi Haim Pinto came to my mother and told her that Mr. Yeshoua ben Abraham Derhy Mr. Daniel Knafo my father had been very ill, but he had from Essaouira, Morocco. I dreamt that I was in the old cem- prayed for him the whole night and One day when I was 22 years old I etery in Casablanca and I saw a very now he better, thank G-d. went to the house of the tzaddik Rabbi dignified-looking man there. He ad- Even though he was so far away, Haim Pinto. The rabbi’s wife, the tza- dressed me and said: “Your wife will the rabbi knew exactly how my father deket Mama Messouda, asked what I give birth to a son and you should give was. want and I told her that I’d come to him my name.” I asked him: “Who volunteer to accompany the Tzaddik wvw are you?” He replied: “I am Haim the whole day. She said to me: “Lis- Pinto.” My older brother was also a busi- ten, my son, he already has someone I woke up and told my wife to do nessman and once lost a wallet full of who goes with him wherever he goes.” a blood test. She did so and the re- money, some of which was not his own. However I was determined that only I sults were positive. According to the A cousin of his kallah had asked if he should go with him that day and I sat doctor’s findings, though, it was a girl. could lend him money to buy food for and waited until the rabbi woke up. Six months later they did further tests his horses. My brother gave him from After he got up and finished saying and again told her that it was a girl. his wallet, and then instead of put- his prayers, he sat down next to me In the ninth month I dreamt that I was ting the wallet back where it was, it and asked me very kindly why I had in big hall full of people and a police- fell down without him noticing. A few come. I told him the same as I had told man asked me to sit next to him. I told hours later, he realised that the wallet his wife. He tried to tell me that it was him that I had problems at work, and was missing, and went to the police to not necessary but I insisted. I took his he said, “Never mind, we will sort out ask if they knew anything about it. Not hand and we went towards the Souk the problems.” surprisingly, the answer was negative. El Jedid market-place. We went into The next day my wife gave birth, My brother was very upset because a small alley and the tzaddik stopped most of the money was not his own. and to everyone’s surprise the baby next to one of the buildings asked me was a boy. The day he was born was He ran to Rabbi Haim Pinto to tell him to go up and call Esther, the wife of what happened. The tzaddik said to the birthday of Rabbi Haim Pinto and Moshe the greengrocer. We went up his Brithh Milah was on the day that him: “Go and rest, there is nothing to to the family and spent the day there. worry about. The wallet will be found the tzaddik was taken from the world. In the evening we went back home and We called our son Haim David. tomorrow; this evening I will ask my the tzaddik told his wife that he had en- A year later, on the day before the father where the wallet is.” Early the joyed my company. I said that I would Hilloula of the tzaddik I dreamt that I next morning the rabbi knocked at the like to accompany him the next day as was amongst a large crowd of people door and asked for my brother. He told well, but my family wanted me to go to and candles were being sold. I wanted him that the police now had his wal- work instead and they were so insis- to buy a candle but I could not speak. let. tent that I did not go with the rabbi. An old man turned to me and said: What happened was that two Arabs wvw found the wallet on the ground and “Give $250 in honour of the tzaddik were arguing with each other about Mr. Yeshoua ben Abraham Derhy and ask for a blessing, first for your the money. A third Arab went up to from Essaouira, Morocco. son Haim and then for the whole fam- them and suggested taking it to the I made a practice of going to visit ily,” and I followed his instructions police and they would share it between Rabbi Moshe Pinto every Erev Shab- exactly. them. When they brought it, the police bat. On Erev Pesach I came to his wvw

46 47 Mrs. Renee Afriat. the chances of having a child were nil. believe it when I said that I could walk Mrs. Messoda’s son was very ill I would like to thank G-d for all the unaided and that I would go home that and she made a vow that when he’d be good He has done for my sister and day. I told them about Rabbi David better she’d give her ring to the tzad- her husband because of the prayers Pinto and how important the bottle of dik as a gift. The boy recovered, but of Rabbi David. I am grateful for all water was, and I gave from the holy she forgot the vow. Some time later her the good work the rabbi does for Am waters to whoever came to me. second son fell ill, and she wanted oil Yisrael and how he devotes all his wvw time for our people, even more than is from the tazaddik for him. She went to Mrs. C. Rabbi Haddoun, to get some oil, and humanly possible. May G-d bless you Eighteen months ago I came to he said to her: “You forgot about your with all the best. Rabbi Pinto because my son wanted vow, but don’t worry. Take this oil and wvw to marry a non-jewish girl. Today I put it on the child. Remember to fulfill Mr. Yeshoua Derhy. am able to tell you that he is going to your vow, and in the merit of the tzad- One Thursday I was in a cafe when marry a Jewish girl. dik everything will be fine.” a big fire broke out all of a sudden. The I would like to thank you for all Some time later Mrs. Messoda doors closed on me and I was unable to your prayers and for the strength you was about to give birth and her fam- escape. My trousers caught fire and my ily wanted to call a doctor, but she gave me. May all Am Yisrael go G-d’s legs were burning. I cried out, “Rabbi way and be successful in it. Amen. refused to let them call one. She said: Haim Pinto, only you can save me!” At wvw “My doctors are the family of Rabbi that moment the doors opened. It was Haim Pinto.” She sent her mother to as if someone had opened them with Mrs. Lucette from Ashdod. Rabbi Haim Pinto for a blessing. The a hammer, because otherwise it was Many years ago in Ashdod my fa- rabbi told her to take his stick to Mes- almost impossible for them to open. ther did not feel well after the Purim soda, put it on her abdomen, and then When the fire fighters came I asked seuda. We would have called a doctor she will give birth quickly, and the them to look for my wife who was still but he did not want, and asked only baby will be a boy. She did as he said, inside, and then I was taken to hospi- for a cup of tea. Half an hour later he and Messoda give birth to a healthy tal. The next day I woke up in hospital fell asleep, and so did I. I woke up at baby boy. and did not remember anything. My 6.00 o’clock the next morning and saw wvw wife was next to me and I asked her my father saying his prayers. When he Mrs. Renee Afriat. what I was doing in hospital and why I finished, I asked him how he was feel- had burns on my legs, and she told me My grandfather Yossef Sousson ing. He said: “Let me tell you what I what happened. I was in hospital for was a travelling salesman. The whole dreamt.” three months altogether. week he was away from home and In the dream Rabbi Haim Pinto came back only for Shabbat. Straight On the day before Rosh Hashana came to visit me and asked, “How are after Shabbat he was already on his a friend came to visit me and invited you, Avraham?” I told him that I was way again. Once when he went out on me to spend the festivals in his house. not feeling so well. He told me, “Don’t Motzei Shabbat, he saw Rabbi Haim I refused since I was still very ill and worry. I will leave you my stick; look Pinto. The rabbi asked him where he I did not want to impose on him. At after it for 7 days and you will feel bet- was going and he told him that he 12.00 o’clock at night one day before ter.” As my father was telling me the was going for his business. The tzad- Succot someone came to the hospital dream there was a knock at the door. dik said to him: “There is nothing for and knocked at the door of my room. A grandson of Rabbi Pinto had come. you to do on the road; go back home.” My wife opened the door, and when I He had also had a dream the night be- My grandfather listened to him and saw who it was I began to cry. I said fore. His grandfather had come to him went home, but early the next morn- to him: “Rabbi Pinto, please pray for in the dream, and asked him to bring ing he took the horse and cart and set me.” The rabbi told me not to worry, his stick to Avraham and leave it with off. On the way a car knocked into the and that all being well, the next day at him for 7 days. horse, and it bolted. My father fell to 10.00 o’clock I would be out of hospi- wvw the ground and broke his leg. He was tal. He gave me several boxes of cakes, Mrs. Elyette from Alfortville, bedridden for two months and then he a candle to light for Succot, a bottle of France. died. wine for kiddush and also a bottle of water. He asked me not to let the bottle I would like to tell about Rabbi wvw of water out of my sight and to drink Dasvid Pinto’s greatness and his un- Mr. Moshe Laloush. as much of it as possible. The next conditional love for Am Yisrael. Even After many attempts my sister fi- day a wheelchair was brought to me, as I tell about him, I am surprised that nally became pregnant, even though but I was up already and had dressed so many people do not know him. I the doctors had said that as far as both and showered on my own, without any would like to tell about a great miracle she and her husband were concerned, help. My wife and the doctors couldn’t that happened to me.

46 47 When my second son was 8 months did not know what to make of it, and • The Asarafs are a respected fam- old, he had many medical problems. went to tell the Pasha. He sent a mes- ily who live in Agadir. They are known He was in hospital and very ill. I went senger to look for Rabbi Haim Pinto as a family who always take part in the to Rabbi David at 10.00 at night and, and beg his forgiveness. When he celebrations of Rabbi Haim Pinto’s after waiting in a long queue, I went came, Rabbi Haim was received with Hilloula. They contribute a great deal, in. He looked at me and said that my all due respect. The tzaddik touched both with the refreshments they pro- marriage Ketuba is problematic and the chickens and as soon as he did so vide, as well as with the happiness they he must see it. I said that I had come they came back to life. bring to the Hilloula celebrations. Ten to ask him to bless my son and nothing wvw years ago Mr. Asaraf’s daughter swal- else. He asked for a picture of my son. lowed a coin and the family were un- Another of the stories: The next day we were in for a surprise. able to participate as usual. They were I brought the Ketuba and my husband Rabbi Haim Pinto had very faithful in a hurry to go to France because the came with. After Rabbi David read the servant. One day after he had closed coin had entered the child’s lungs, and Ketuba several times he called ten men the house, he took a tray with two cups there doctors would operate to remove and asked each one of them to read it on it and brought it to Rabbi Haim. it. carefully. Rabbi David was right; there The rabbi asked the servant; “Why How could the Hilloula take place were eight mistakes in it. He claimed did you put two cups on the tray?” without Family Asaraf who were al- that all our troubles were because of He answered: “Because I heard the ways so loyal to the tzaddik? Before the mistakes in the Ketuba. He gave the rabbi learning together with some- leaving for France they contacted photo back to me. Today my son is 10 one else.” Rabbi Haim said to him, Rabbi David for his approval to take years old and perfectly well, earning a “Do you know who it was? It was the the child to Paris and miss the Hill- living has become easier for us, and we prophet Elijah, and, as long as I am oula. Rabbi David told them to ask have four good healthy children. alive, I ask you not to repeat this secret the doctor to do another X-ray. “If wvw to anyone.” the coin has not moved,” Rabbi David wvw said, “go to France. If it is in a dif- Mrs. Monique from Paris. Mrs Esther Gabay. ferent place, go to the Hilloula.” They A few weeks ago I came to Rabbi did as Rabbi David told them, - and My father came from the town of Pinto to ask for a blessing because I the coin had disappeared! had to have an operation. Because of Mogador in Morocco and he lived in The Asarafs did not tell anyone your prayers the operation was suc- Casablanca in a house very near that what the X-ray had shown, and set off cessful and tests show good results. I of Rabbi Haim Pinto, of blessed memo- immediately for Mogador. They ar- thank you for all the blessings and am ry. In 1937, when my father was meant rived at the Hilloula at 6.00 o’clock in happy to tell you the good news. I wish to get married, he had only one drahm. the morning, full of praise and grati- you a long life and carry on with the He went out of his house and walked tude to G-d for what He had done for holy work you do with such love for down the lane, which was called Pinto their daughter, and sang and danced Am Yisrael and for all the good you do St. after the great tzaddik, and as usual, round the tzaddik’s grave as they did wherever you are. the tzaddik was sitting at the entrance every year. Their biggest surprise wvw of his house. My father was very down- cast as he went past. The tzaddik called came when saw they a shiny silver coin Mr. Benisti, grandson of Rabbi Sh- him over and asked what was bothering on top of the sign that marked Rabbi lomo Benisti, president of the Jewish him. My father told him that he didn’t Haim Pinto’s gravesite. community in Essaouira and of the have enough money to get married. wvw Hevra Kadisha. Whereupon the tzaddik told him to go Every Jew should know that G-d When I was a child I used to ac- to the Jedid Souk because someone had is all goodness, and He directs the company my grandfather who was the dropped a bag of money there. “Bring world with justice and with kindness. Rav of Rabbi Haim Pinto’s synagogue. me the bag,” Rabbi Haim said, “and If someone suffers from any kind of On the way he used to tell me wonder- half will be yours for your wedding troubles he has much to gain by ask- ful stories about Rabbi Haim Pinto. expenses and the other half will go to ing Bnei Torah to pray for mercy for The following is one of them: charity.” My father was overjoyed and him, because their prayers will be ac- The Pasha at that time decided to ran immediately to the market-place; cepted. The merit of Torah and leaning make a party for the Jewish commu- there he found the money exactly where it for G-d’s sake protects the whole of nity of Essaouira. He sent the chickens the tzaddik told him it would be. There our generation. for the meal to the shochet, and on the was enough for a respectable wedding I remember that when I was a child way his men unintentionally pushed and the needy received their share too. I was often taken to pray at my ances- the saintly Rabbi Haim Pinto. When May the tzaddik’s merit protect Am tors’ graves. The place was always they got to the shochet they found that Yisrael. crowded with people who had also the chickens were all dead. The men wvw come to pray next to the graves of tzad-

48 49 dikim and to light candles there. As a was. He asked Rabbi David to come bat and everything went smoothly; he child I never thought of asking what and see the sick man and pray for him. was interred in his final resting place those people were doing there; now Rabbi David came on Tuesday night an hour before Shabbat. Many people that I am 45 years old I certainly have and found more than thirty people in were there at his funeral. In Morocco it even less reason to ask. I sincerely be- the room, including Mr. Ari Gigi, Mr. had been a year of drought, but as soon lieve in the power of prayers made at Ari Amouyel, and Loulou Hazeh. The as Mr. Ben-Haim was buried it began the graves of tzaddikim. I have seen patient’s condition was deteriorat- to rain, and it carried on raining the people, who may be unsophisticated, ing; blood was not even reaching his whole Shabbat. On the one hand rain but have genuine faith in G-d and His head any more. Rabbi David told the denotes blessing, but on the other hand righteous ones and their prayers are assembled men that Mr. Ben-Haim it also signifies that the heavens shed more easily accepted than those of was a man who by nature had been tears because a very special man, who anyone else. For a very simple reason: a very happy person whose joie de suffered so much without complaining, Tmimut, which means innocence and vivre always shone from his face. Let had been taken from the world. sincerity. What does G-d want from us pray for him to get better and make Sunday, 10th Adar II, 5755. Kiddush with us on Friday night, said us? - To go His way with sincerity. As wvw King David says: G-d is close to any- Rabbi David. Quite understandably one who calls Him. That means that everyone was astounded, and found Rabbi Eliyahu Dahan is a good G-d is very close to anyone who turns it hard to believe that a man whose friend of the Pinto family, and Rabbi to Him wholeheartedly and sincerely, brain was not functioning any more David Pinto was the Sandek at the and without any doubts or questions. could come back to life. Rabbi David Brith Milah of his son. The baby was given the name Binyamin Meir, after People who are prepared to yield to called him by his name and asked him the tzaddik Rabbi Meir Pinto. whatever a tzaddik tells them, or who to make Kiddush, - and a miracle hap- go to a rabbi so that he should pray for pened: The patient opened his eyes Afterwards Rabbi David went and looked round at the people. Rabbi them with the merit of the Torah, en- straight to Paris to be Sandek at the David asked him: “Do you want to hance the chances of their prayers be- Brith Milah of one of the children of make Kiddush?” The sick man an- ing accepted. May Rabbi Haim Pinto’s David Cohen’s family in Serrselle. At swered that he did. Whereupon Rabbi merit protect us. the meal after the Brith, the Mohel David took a cup of water and said the told about the miracles he had seen wvw blessings (without pronouncing G-d’s performed in the merit of Rabbi Haim This story is about a man who was Name). The sick man repeated the Kid- Pinto, of blessed memory. very popular among both Jews and dush after him, word for word. He said He told a story about a man who Arabs because of his good heart and the whole Kiddush. When he finished, came to see Rabbi David because cheerful countenance. He was always he drank the water in the cup and then he was dangerously ill and needed happy and made everyone else happy slipped back into unconsciousness. On a very complicated operation. Rabbi too. To our great sorrow, and no doubt Thursday he passed away. David gave the man a cake and told because of our sins, he became very He had literally returned from the him to eat it before the operation. He ill. The situation was extremely grave dead, and everyone saw that it was a also advised him to believe firmly in and he was on the brink of death. His miracle. G-d did not want this good G-d’s strength and in His righteous name was Moshe Rahamim Ben Haim person to leave the world without ones, and to strengthen his own Torah and Rabbi David advised Mr. Ben- some of the joy of Shabbat. G-d gave and Yirath Shamayim. The man took Gigi to marry his daughter straight him a bit more joy, and an opportunity on himself all that Rabbi David said. away, before her father passed away. to make his family happy once more, He took the cake with him and went to Mr. Ben-Gigi followed Rabbi David’s before he left them for ever. Shabbat is have the operation. The doctors told advice and married R. Moshe’s daugh- the root of all happiness, the source of him to pray because they did not put ter. The wedding was a splendid affair our joy. The doctors could not believe the chances of success very high. Be- and many great rabbis participated. it because he had been in a state which fore they began to operate, he asked to Rabbi Joseph Sitrouk, the Chief Rabbi is medically termed as clinical death. be allowed to eat the cake. They had of France, directed the proceedings. After Mr. Ben-Haim’s demise his no objections, but said that he should Rabbi David invited the young couple family wanted to bury his body in Mo- eat only a small piece before the op- to come to his home in Paris for Sheva rocco, but could not get a permit. Rab- eration and the rest afterwards. The Brachot. bi David said that since he had been surgeon began to operate but stopped In February 1995 Mr. Ben-Haim worthy of saying Kiddush for Shabbat, almost immediately because the case was lying on his deathbed. There was he deserves to be buried before Shab- seemed hopeless. When the patient nothing else that could be done and bat. With G-d’s help, the family did re- woke up he was told that a piece of his family were all at his bedside. His ceive a special permit allowing them the cake was still left. He believed that son-in-law, Mr. Ben-Gigi, went to tell to bring him to burial in Morocco. The G-d can do anything, and knew that Rabbi David how serious the situation plane arrived two hours before Shab- He has the ability to heal him, - and

48 49 his condition did indeed get better. that the operation would not be sid from Brooklyn who was in a To the doctors it was something necessary. quandary. An acquaintance of his supernatural. A few days later he The next day I went to the hos- was having an affair with a mar- went home. The doctors performed pital and saw the doctors standing ried woman, and all his attempts many tests on him and the results next to the door of the room where to make him realise the severity of were all good. Thank G-d he was my husband was, and looking at it the sin, and persuade him to break well again. strangely. I thought that, G-d for- off the relationship, were unsuc- Another man present at the bid, my husband had died, and I cessful. Brith told about a miracle which cried out. They told me that there Rabbi David phoned the woman had happened to him at the Hillou- is nothing to worry about. On the to try and get her to realise the contrary, he is better and does la of Rabbi Haim Pinto, of blessed gravity of what she was doing and not need an operation. Exactly as memory. It was difficult for him to the penalties for transgressing. Rabbi David Pinto said. Because walk by himself, he said, and two She answered the rabbi that she men had volunteered to bring him of the prayers of the tzaddikim my doesn’t believe him. He asked her to the gravesite. He decided to husband is healthy. if she would like proof that what he stay overnight next to Rabbi Haim wvw was saying is true. She replied that Pinto’s grave, and in the tzaddik’s In the winter Rabbi David Pinto she would. Rabbi David spoke very merit hoped that G-d would cure went to Israel together with Rabbi sternly and told her that G-d does him. That night he dreamt that the Yossef Ben-Tatteh to participate in not forgive such things, and some- tzaddik, Rabbi Haim Pinto was op- a conference in Bnei Berak. thing very bad could happen. erating on his legs and said to him: Rabbi Shmuel Halberestam, Soon afterwards Rabbi David “My dear son, because you believe director of Mif’al HaShas, used so firmly in G-d and His righteous the opportunity to ask Rabbi Da- heard from the Chassid that his ac- ones, I was sent to heal you. Now vid for a blessing because the next quaintance had had a heart attack you can get up and walk unaided day he had a court-case in Jerusa- and was hovering on the verge of and go to France. Get up!” He lem. While he was speaking, Rabbi death. He left the woman, and G-d woke up, and at first thought it was David took a nail out of the wall saved him and he got well. just a dream. Then he realised that and told Rabbi Halbestam that for wvw he could move his legs. He tried to Rabbi Haim Pinto’s sake he should Several people in Bnei Berak stand up. The people around him bury the nail that night. He asked came up to Rabbi David to ask for said: “Mr. Ben-Soussan, were you if it had anything to do with the blessings. One of them was Rabbi joking? You can walk!” He told court-case. To his surprise, Rabbi Rahamim Bar-Moshe, head of the them about the dream and it made David answered that there was no Yeshiva of Rabbi Yoel of Satmar. a very great Kiddush Hashem at connection. The rabbi did what He asked for a blessing for his the time. Rabbi David asked. He won his mother. Without going into details, wvw court-case the next day, and still he told the rabbi that her life was Mrs. Gabay from Casablanca. didn’t know whether Rabbi David’s nail had anything to do with it or in danger. Rabbi David looked In 1992 my husband had a heart not. at him and said: “Your mother’s attack. He was taken to hospital lungs will heal and the inflamma- At the end of the day, he made in Rabat and was in the intensive tion will clear up.” Rabbi Raha- his way back to Bnei Berak. On care unit. For ten days he kept mim couldn’t believe his ears. He having repeated heart attacks, and the way there was a bad accident on the road, involving a number of ran to the hospital and saw doctors the doctors decided that he had at his mother’s bed. They were say- to have a pacemaker implanted. I cars and many casualties. Rabbi ing that they didn’t know how it had went back home, and Rabbi David Shmuel’s car was a write-off, but happened, but she had recovered. Pinto contacted me and asked me all the occupants escaped unin- to come. I told him what happened, jured, thank G-d. wvw and that my husband needed an wvw These stories are told in order emergency operation. Rabbi David Late one Sunday night Rabbi to strengthen our belief in G-d took a bottle of water in his hands David received a phone call at and his righteous people like Rab- and prayed aloud. Then he said home. On the line was a Chas- bi Haim Pinto.