The grave of Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy"a Mogador - Morocco Not for Sale! Published by "Peninei David" - Jerusalem No. 19 Under the Auspices of Moreinu v’Rabbeinu Elul Hagaon Hatzaddik Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita 5775

Ohr Haim Ve Moche, Lyon

Ohr Haim Ve Moche, Rova 19 - Paris

Yeshiva Ketana, Rova 17 - Paris

Or Jaim u'Moshe, Argentina Orot Chaim U'Moshe, Ashdod

Ohr Chaim U'Moshe, New York Mikdash L'David, Ashdod

Kollel Pinto,Manchester Yeshivat Torat David, Ashdod

Or Jaim u'Moshe, Mexico Peninei David, Jerusalem

Yismach Moshe, Toronto Chasdei David, Marseille Those interested in receiving the bulletin and pamphlet by email can order it at A Word the following address: from the Editors [email protected] A businessman sits in his office. Many merchants come and offer him merchandise. He exam- ines it well and chooses carefully. If it is good, he buys it in bulk, investing a lot in it with the hope that he will be able to profit and make a substantial income. He must always be on the look out to avoid falling into the trap of crooks, who try to pass on damaged goods. They may look good on the outside, but later their faults become apparent. Then he would sustain a heavy loss. This is business as usual, the way of commerce. Once a year, as is customary, the office doors are closed for a few days. The shutters and blinds are drawn over the shop windows. The businessman locks himself in his office with his records and carefully reviews the balance sheets. This is when the real numbers are revealed. This is the time he calculates all the transactions performed throughout the year. Was his business successful? Did he profit? Did he act with sharp acumen, or perhaps he was lured into making a quick profit, which ulti- mately fell way short of its promises? After taking stock, the truth becomes apparent to the businessman. Published by The profitable deals from the past year reflect well on his business. But the poor and unsuccess- "Peninei David" ful investments serve as warnings to act with greater wisdom and improve in the future. Then Institute he will continue to keep his business thriving and earn a substantial income for many years to Jerusalem come, with the help of Hashem. No 19 - Elul 5775 The Days of Awe are drawing close. We conduct many transactions during the year. We buy and sell; sometimes we are tempted to behave rashly, but we try hard not to. However, now, on these fateful days, the time has come to make an honest personal accounting, each one on his own, while facing his Creator, an accounting whose results are so significant! The pasuk discussing the war which Sichon waged against Moav says, “Al kain yomru ham- oshlim bo’u cheshbon,” hinting that the “moshlim” – the ones who rule over their negative inclinations are obligated to make a “cheshbon,” an accounting of their deeds during the previ- ous year. Will we merit doing this? Are we clean of sin and flawless, or not? Do we have profits to show in the Days of Awe and Judgement? This is the time to correct our ways. Editor in Chief Hopefully Hashem will be pleased with our deeds, and we will merit a good judgment. Harav Aryeh Mussabi The publication you presently hold includes the following inspirational articles: Editorial Board There are stories of tzaddikim and their messages, words of inspiration from Moreinu Rabbi Binyamin Cohen v’Rabbeinu, shlita, and sacred customs “Bechatzrot Hachaim” (in the Courtyards of the Tzad- Rabbi Mordechai Zer dikim) during the Days of Awe, in which we find ourselves presently. Rabbi Avraham Yair Naki We have also included information updating you about the worldwide activities of Moreinu Rabbi Yosef Sofer Harav, shlita, and his messengers across the world. Rabbi Binyamin Turgeman We are honored with the privilege of presenting all this to you. It is our fervent prayer that we all merit being inscribed in the sefer of tzaddikim, for a blessed Translators and editors and happy life. May we merit celebrating the festivals in joy and happiness, and may for the English edition our future year be many times more prosperous than the past. Mrs. G. Zemmel Mrs. E. Rosenhan The Editors Mrs. S. Bilgrei Bechatzrot Hachaim Graphics G. Luria,

Address: Bayit Vegan 8 P.O.B. 16253 Jerusalem 91162 Tel: 02-6433605 Fax: 02-6433570 Email: [email protected] CONTENTS Yamim Noraim during the Gedolei Yisrael Customs ofOur 24 even indeath The righteousare alive of theRighteous The Legacy 14 on YomKippur The JoyofShehecheyanu Yom Kippur 8 Much Appreciation With Rosh Hashanah 4 and the individual to prayfor the community Moreinu v'Rabbeinu's trip Buried in theEarth To theHolyOnes 48 Chasdei David Opening oftheCenter Marseille Scenes from 44 An Empire of Torah Mexico 32

69100 Villeurbanne -France Lyon -Villeurbanne Yismach Moshe,TorontoYismach Or Jaim u'Moshe, Mexico Kollel Pinto,Manchester Ohr Chaim U'Moshe,New York Or Jaim u'Moshe, Argentina Yeshiva Ketana Ohr Haim Ve, Rova Moche 19 -Paris Lyon Ohr HaimVe, Moche Mogador -Morocco The grave ofRabbi Chaim Pinto, zy"a Worldwide institutions New York NY10024- U.S.A Rehov HaAdmor 43 MiBelz Moreinu v'Rabbeinu under theauspicesof Fax: +331 42060033 20 bis, rue 20 bis, des Mûriers [email protected] , Rova 17 -Paris Tel: +331 4208 2540 Fax: +972 88521 527 Tel: +972 88566233 Fax: +972 3570 2643 Tel: +972 3605 2643 75019 Paris -France Fax: 1212 721 0195 [email protected] [email protected] Fax: 04786845 Tel: 1212 721 0230 [email protected] Rehov Bayit Vegan 8 Tel: 0478 03 8914 Peninei David Chevrat Pinto [email protected] 32, rue du Plateau 207 West 78thSt. Hevrat Pinto Jerusalem Israel Orot Chaim Jerusalem New York VeMoché Ohr Haim VeMoshe Ashdod Israel Ashdod Cover: Paris Hagaon Hatzaddik Rabbi Under the Auspices of Moreinu v’Rabbeinu Published by "Peninei David" -Jerusalem

David Chananya Pinto

, shlita Orot ChaimU'Moshe,Ashdod Yeshivat Torat David 5775 5775 Elul No. 19 Peninei David, Jerusalem Mikdash L'David, Ashdod Chasdei David

, Marseille Not for Sale! , Ashdod Words of Inspiration Delivered by the Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita

Rosh Hashanah With Much Appreciation

“In the Book of Life, to this realization. This is why seven of Avraham’s descendants blessing, and peace… the time of the shofar-blowing is fell at the hands of the Pelishtim. may we be remembered auspicious for Hashem to switch They were: Shimshon, Chafni and inscribed before You” from the Seat of Justice to the and Pinchas, Shaul and his (Yamim Noraim liturgy) Seat of Mercy. three sons. Furthermore, the How enormous is each Pelishtim caused the destruction On the Yamim Noraim, we person’s debt of gratitude toward of the seven sanctuaries of beseech Hashem to seal us for a Hashem! How do we repay Him Bnei Yisrael: Ohel Moed, Nov, good, peaceful life. How much for all the good He constantly Gilgal, Givon, Shiloh, and Beit gratitude must we have toward does for us? By wholeheartedly Olamim (a reference to the two Him for His benevolence! In resolving to fulfill His mitzvot, Batei Mikdash). And lastly, the truth, we are undeserving of all with fear and love. This is the Aron was held in Pelishti hands the good that He showers upon greatest form of gratitude we for seven months. us as He inscribes us in the Book can show Him. Our nation endured severe of Life. Hashem goes beyond the In the Torah reading of the repercussions for this treaty letter of the law in His dealings first day of Rosh Hashanah, we of “peace.” Why did Avraham with us. read about the covenant between enter into it, surely knowing his At the time of the shofar- Avraham and Avimelech, king people would suffer? blowing, Hashem rises from the of the Pelishtim (Bereishit 26). Avraham felt a strong sense Seat of Justice and sits on the How is this covenant connected of gratitude toward Avimelech, Seat of Mercy. Why doesn’t He to Rosh Hashanah? who had allowed him entry initially sit on the Seat of Mercy Let us study this covenant into his land. Such was the instead of switching places, so to in order to understand its trait of Avraham, the symbol of speak, as we sound the shofar? relevance to the day. Why did kindness. He could not refuse We deserve tremendous Avraham make a peace treaty Avimelech’s gesture of goodwill. punishment for our numerous with Avimelech? Moreover, in Avimelech asked Avraham, misdeeds, rachmana litzlan. this treaty, Avraham swore that “Now swear to me here by G-d… This is expressed by Hashem he would not expel Avimelech’s according to the kindness that I sitting on the Seat of Justice. progeny from the land. have done with you, do with me, However, in His infinite Avraham’s children paid a steep and with the land in which you kindness, Hashem analyzes our price for this covenant. The have sojourned” (Bereishit 21:23). deeds and perceives our inner Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Vayeira Just as Avimelech had granted yearning to improve and correct 54:4) says that because Avraham Avraham permission to stay in our faults. The shofar arouses us gave Avimelech seven sheep, his land, he asked Avraham not 4 How enormous is each to harm his progeny who wished to remain in Eretz Canaan. person’s debt of gratitude Avraham immediately swore to toward Hashem! How Avimelech’s conditions (ibid. 21:24). do we repay Him for all Although he was aware that his the good He constantly descendants would pay dearly for this covenant, he could not tolerate does for us? By the thought of being ungrateful wholeheartedly resolving toward one who had done him a to fulfill His mitzvot, with service. fear and love. This is the We read this on Rosh Hashanah in greatest form of gratitude order to learn from Avraham how far- reaching is the quality of gratitude. If we can show Him. such is the case regarding a human being, how much more must we display appreciation toward Hashem, Who demonstrates His love for us by moving from the Seat of Justice to “In the Book the Seat of Mercy! He wants to judge us favorably and inscribe us in the of Life, blessing, Book of Life. We show our gratitude to Hashem and peace… for His infinite kindnesses by wholeheartedly accepting His may we be sovereignty over us. This precept is in effect throughout the festivals remembered of Tishrei. A similar message is conveyed after we have closed our and inscribed Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur machzorim. before You” We sit in the sukkah to commemorate the Clouds of Glory in which Hashem ensconced Bnei Yisrael after redeeming them from Egypt, as it says, “So that your generations will know that I caused Bnei Yisrael to sit in booths when I took them from the land of Egypt” (Vayikra 23:43). Why isn’t it enough to remember the wonderful miracles that occurred at the Exodus, and thank Him for them with hearts bursting with gratitude? Why are we commanded to exert the effort to build a sukkah and sit in it? This mitzvah, too, is founded upon the concept of gratitude. The lesson of the sukkah is pertinent to 5 everyone. The sukkah reminds say that one who fails to express us of the miracles that Hashem gratitude toward his fellow did for Bnei Yisrael when they man will eventually deny dwelled in booths after they the goodness of the Creator. emerged from Egypt. We must Thus, gratitude rests at the feel a sense of gratitude and very foundation of our avodat thank Him for His kindnesses. Hashem. However, if we each did this For this reason, Hashem only in thought, the message commanded Aharon instead of would quickly evaporate from Moshe to strike the water and our national memory. Things the ground during the first three that are relegated only to the plagues of blood, frogs, and lice. heart have a tendency to become Why wasn’t Moshe asked to ancient history. initiate these plagues? Because Since “seeing is believing,” he had a debt of gratitude physical expressions of gratitude toward the river and the earth. are much more effective than The water protected him when The sefer continues: “If we mere “heartfelt” appreciation. he was an infant, as his basket will not actively perform the An act, as opposed to a memory, floated over the river, and the mitzvah, but just imagine it, has the power of etching an earth came to his rescue when he impression into the soul. When it will be quickly forgotten. killed the Egyptian and needed one puts all his energy into Anything committed to thought a quick burial plot. Thus, it was building a sukkah and expends alone is liable to fade with the inappropriate that Moshe should effort into beautifying it, he is sands of time. The heart is full strike the water or the earth declaring his thanks to Hashem of various distractions. With (Shemot Rabbah 9). time, one would likely forget to for His kindness in protecting How far does gratitude go? We think about the lofty concepts us with the Clouds of Glory. may not show ingratitude even of tefillin, shofar, etc. However, Every mitzvah contains the to an inanimate object, as our when one is commanded to element of action. The pasuk Sages teach us, “Do not throw a actively perform a mitzvah, he (Vayikra 26:3), “If you will go stone into a well from which you will not so easily forget about in My statutes and keep My drank water” (Bamidbar Rabbah it. By the natural order, things commandments to do them,” 22). We are told that “flesh in the that are done physically become seems to use a double language. field that has been torn, you shall etched into the heart and mind What is the difference between not eat; you shall throw it to the and, as such, are not easily “keeping” commandments dog” (Shemot 22:30). Thousands forgotten.” and “doing” them? The sefer of years ago, the dogs in Egypt Vayomer Avraham explains: With this in mind, we can went against their nature and The question is asked, “Since understand that the words, remained silent when Bnei the mitzvot were given in order “Keep My commandments to Yisrael left the land. For this to accomplish mystical things do them” are not redundant. It reason, we are commanded to in the World Above, why must is important to “keep” Hashem’s offer them any treif meat that we man make the effort to do the commandments in one’s heart, find. mitzvot in this world? Isn’t it but one must also “do” them. By At the end of Perek Shirah, we sufficient to imagine laying actually performing the mitzvot, recite an interesting passage: tefillin or blowing the shofar? we reinforce the faith which is in Rabbi Yeshaya, a disciple Every positive command our hearts. of Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa, should be performed merely by The obligation of gratitude is fasted eighty-five fasts in order contemplating it.” extremely significant. Chazal to merit understanding why 6 dogs which are “greedy and When I entered the will propel us forward in our are never satisfied” (Yeshayahu man’s room, there was quest for perfection. 56:11) merit singing shirah to Bearing this in mind, I was able Hashem. After his self-imposed no limit to his surprise. He well remembered to rise above my hurt and help fast, an angel appeared to him this man in his hour of need. His and answered him, in merit the angst he had caused daughter had complex health of his being the student of a me and could not issues and required my advice great man. The angel said that comprehend how I was and guidance. Putting aside all the dogs have the singularity personal agendas, I graciously contained in the pasuk, “And burying the hatchet so easily by paying him a offered my assistance. I was against the Children of Israel, empowered by Father’s words, no dog shall whet its tongue” visit. “Did you actually which had seared their mark (Shemot 11:7). This offered them come to visit me?” he into my conscience. the honor of singing praises to spluttered. Hashem. I remember, when, years later, this man lay on his deathbed Nearly four thousand years with a terrible illness, I made have passed since the dogs sure to visit him in the hospital. refrained from disturbing the man’s former kindness His room was close to that of Bnei Yisrael at the Exodus. with me. Father would calm my mentor, the tzaddik, Rabbi Nevertheless, Jews all around me down with the words, Gershon Liebman, zt”l. Both the world are enjoined to throw “Remember, my son, that treif meat to the dogs for this although this man is causing my rebbi and this man passed service they did our people. you untold grief at the away a short while later. How all-embracing is the moment, he was of invaluable When I entered the man’s quality of gratitude! assistance in your time of room, there was no limit to his The previous examples teach need. For this, you must show surprise. He well remembered us how deeply ingrained must him gratitude. Remember this the angst he had caused me be the trait of thankfulness. always. Certainly, you may and could not comprehend how One must constantly work on not, chas v’chalilah, harm him I was burying the hatchet so refining it. in any way. It is worthwhile easily by paying him a visit. “Did you actually come to visit When I first began my foray for you to remain silent. into public service, b’siyata “‘How is it possible to me?” he spluttered. di’Shemaya, I was immensely behave that way?’ you might Remembering Father’s sacred helped by a specific man. He ask. Always envision the good words, I calmly replied, “I came did his utmost to assist me and years, when he supported you to see how you are doing. I owe guided me in various areas. with help and good advice. you gratitude for all those years Over the years, we maintained This alone will enable you to that you supported me. I will a warm relationship. However, remove all grievances from always remember your sound little by little, I discerned a your heart and replace them advice.” cool attitude toward me. This with gratitude.” Praiseworthy is the man snowballed into his publicly My father’s wise words who takes these words to besmirching my name. Using contained a powerful message heart, viewing everybody various ploys, he attempted to regarding gratitude. We have favorably and remembering the defame my reputation. unlimited debts of gratitude kindnesses they have done for I was extremely hurt by this. toward others. We would do him. May Hashem allow us to However, my father, Rabbi well to see the positive in others see only good in each other and Moshe Aharon zt”l, insisted and focus on the benefits we polish the quality of gratitude to that I always remember have gained from them. This a high sheen. 7 Words of Inspiration Delivered by the Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita

YOM KIPPUR The Joy of Shehecheyanu on Yom Kippur

“In the assembly on High Ran explains (beginning with the Kiddush on a festival. On Yom and in the assembly words Rabbah says): It seems that Kippur, we neither eat nor drink, below, we allow praying the reason some congregations but fast in affliction. We do not with the transgressors” say Kol Nidrei on Yom Kippur… make Kiddush on this day. Thus, (Kol Nidrei) is because they have the intention on Yom Kippur there is no physical to nullify any vows that they pleasure to which we can attach “Blessed are You, Hashem, might make after this time. the berachah of Shehecheyanu. So our G-d, King of the More people than usual come to why do we say it? universe, Who has kept the beit kenesset to pray on Yom In various versions of the us alive, sustained us, and Kippur night. Perhaps some of tefillot, there is a special tefillah to brought us to this time” them did not nullify their vows request forgiveness from Hashem (Shehecheyanu) previously, and this might have a for all the sins that a person did negative effect on the prayers of throughout his life, “From the day Yom Kippur, the monumental the congregation. Therefore, we I was created until now.” This is day when Hakadosh Baruch Hu now nullify their vows so that the forgives and pardons the sins of His very strange. Every year, one’s entire congregation can pray as people, Am Yisrael, is celebrated sins are atoned for on Yom Kippur. one purified unit. in solemn fashion in every beit Why should he request atonement kenesset throughout the world. This is somewhat surprising. for sins he did in previous years? When the Jewish people gather During the rest of the year, we Perhaps we can explain in in their multitudes and begin their are not required to nullify vows in the following way, b’siyata prayers with Kol Nidrei, preceding order that everyone can pray with di’Shemaya. In the Shemoneh Ma’ariv, the gates of Heaven are the congregation. Why is Yom Esrei of Neilah, we say, “May you, opened. Kippur different? Why is it more in Your great mercy, have mercy What is the essence of this serious on this day to pray with on us, for You do not desire the those who have made vows? prayer? The Gemara (Nedarim world’s destruction… You favor 23b) states that one who wants to Immediately after reciting the repentance of the wicked and ensure that any vows he makes Kol Nidrei, we make the do not desire their death, as it says, during the year shall be void, blessing Shehecheyanu. The ‘Say to them… I do not desire the let him stand on Rosh Hashanah entire congregation fulfills death of the wicked, rather that the and declare, “Any vow that I their obligation by reciting this wicked will repent his ways and will make in the future shall be blessing in the beit kenesset. This live…’ and it says, ‘Do I desire the void,” [his vows are void] as is also unusual. We typically say death of the wicked? says Hashem long as he remembered this at Shehecheyanu on a new garment, G-d. Rather that he return from his the time of making the vow. The a new fruit, or when we make ways and live.’” 8 Hakadosh Baruch Hu, in His Yisrael are termed “those who go,” now in a purified state, dressed as great mercy, waits and anticipates since they continuously increase heavenly angels, even though they the return of every person who has their performance of Torah and sinned. The prosecuting angels sinned. Hashem bears the burden mitzvot. “These who are standing” are silenced. They are unable to of the sinner, supports him, and refers to the angels, who remain on recognize the people who created keeps him alive in the hope that he one level. them and cannot attribute any sin will do teshuvah. Chazal (Yevamot When Bnei Yisrael resemble the to them. 22a) tell us that a convert is angels on Yom Kippur, purifying The very essence of Yom Kippur considered to be a new person. It is their bodies through fasting, and atones. This is the most propitious as if he is reborn. Similarly, when dressing in white, Hakadosh time for a person to change a person does teshuvah, it is as if Baruch Hu helps them attain the his essence and improve. Yom he is a new person. Moreover, he lofty levels of the angels. The Kippur is the culmination of the purifies himself to the extent that “earthly angels” are surely more Ten Days of Repentance. During his sins are transformed to merits. exalted than the heavenly ones, these ten days, Hashem is closer On Yom Kippur, we do various since they nullify their nature in to us than usual. Rav Nachman things in order to resemble the order to become sanctified. In fact, tells us (Yevamot 105a) in the name angels. We wear white clothes, the prosecuting angels created by of Rabbah bar Avuyah that this is and when we recite the Shema, the sins of these “earthly angels” the time when we should “seek we say, “Blessed be the Name of throughout the year become Hashem when He is found, call His kingdom forever and ever” confused. They see these people out to Him when He is close” in a loud voice, rather than in a (Yeshayahu 55:6). whisper as we do during the year. ‘Do I desire the According to these thoughts, Many people stand throughout we can better understand why we the tefillot, resembling the angels, death of the introduce the holy day of Yom who are called “those who stand.” wicked? says Hashem Kippur with Kol Nidrei. We are This is indicated by the pasuk in G-d. Rather that told to “purify ourselves before Zechariah (3:7), “I have established he return from his Hashem” (Vayikra 16:30) and know for you those who go amongst that the tremendous sanctity of these who are standing.” Bnei ways and live.’” Yom Kippur purifies us. Anyone who sinned during the past year is fitting to stand before Hashem. He is close to Him, and Hashem does not desire his death. Who are we to proudly exclude these people from our congregation when Hashem Yitbarach, the King of kings, desires them? In Kol Nidrei, we affirm that we may pray together, in the knowledge that they resemble angels just as much as we do. This realization brings us to the pinnacle of spiritual heights. It is now fitting to say the berachah of Shehecheyanu. The neshamah, a portion of the Divine, constantly yearns to come close to Hashem. It longs to be on the level of the angels. But the neshamah 9 is trapped inside the physical help of Heaven, strengthening body, surrounded by materialism, his commitment to Judaism. which prevents its spiritual light Eventually, even his outward from shining in full force. On appearance reflected his fear of Yom Kippur, the neshamah is Heaven, as he now dressed in a unhampered by the physical. For suit and hat as befit the talmid this, it is most appropriate to make chacham he had become. the berachah of Shehecheyanu. My gratitude to Hashem for Let us examine how the words of this wonderful turnaround was Shehecheyanu reflect the essence boundless. “Look,” I told myself, of Yom Kippur. We thank Hashem “this man has merited becoming “that You have kept us alive… and an angel.” He was a living example brought us to this time.” On Yom of the power of Yom Kippur to Kippur, we become new creations. enable a person to change for the We are purified from all the sins good. Such a person can surely say of the past year and the negative the berachah of Shehecheyanu. influences of the materialism in was a Jew, and he did not even We must understand that true which we were immersed. keep kosher, consuming forbidden joy and satisfaction are not found In light of the above, b’siyata foods, rachmana litzlan. in the pleasures of this world, but di’Shemaya, we can offer a As he stood in prayer among the in keeping Torah and mitzvot. The wonderful explanation of Chazal’s congregation, with their prayers neshamah delights in spiritual statement, “There is one who resounding throughout the beit matters. Hashem gives us a acquires his world in a single midrash, the hidden spark in his wonderful gift on Yom Kippur: the hour” (Avodah Zarah 17a). This soul was lit. As everyone around ability to do teshuvah for our past is the hour when Yom Kippur him prostrated themselves amidst deeds, completely wiping them descends in every Jewish house. copious tears, accepting the yoke out. Sin itself is a defect, which During this hour, each person of Heaven upon themselves, his damages the neshamah. When a is able to acquire his world of heart was opened. person demonstrates his desire closeness to Hashem Yitbarach, He was now receptive to hearing to repair this defect, and then which is the sublime wish of every the speeches of inspiration and does so, he feels tremendous joy. Jew. David Hamelech declared, words of mussar delivered during Certainly, Hakadosh Baruch Hu, “And for me, closeness to Hashem the day. The messages they Who is merciful, compassionate, is good” (Tehillim 73:28). The Ibn contained made an impression on and magnanimous, will grant him Ezra explains, “Closeness as him. He came to the realization atonement. opposed to being distanced. The that a person who conducts his life This is illustrated by the reason it ‘is good’ is because according to the tenets of Judaism following moving story (brought this is the true good.” When one experiences untold joy. Then and in the kuntrus “Beit Tzaddikim comes to this realization, he will there, he determined to change Ya’amod,” published by my dear be urged to make the berachah of his life. He committed himself to brother, the tzaddik, Harav Chaim Shehecheyanu. living as a Jew in every aspect, in Shimon Pinto, shlita). This story I have witnessed the truth of this thought, speech, and deed. is related in the name of the holy many times. More than ten years Gradually, he started climbing mekubal, Rabbi Shalom Buzaglo, ago, a certain man from the United the ladder of teshuvah, steadily zy”a, as written in the sefer States came to the yeshiva in Paris progressing on this momentous “Mikdash Melech” on the Zohar on Erev Yom Kippur and requested journey. His decision to change Hakadosh on masechet Shabbat. to pray there on the upcoming holy was so profound that he influenced Harav Buzaglo was traveling by day. At this juncture, this man was his family to join him in his quest. boat from London to Tzefat. The far from Torah and mitzvot. His Throughout this time, I was boat stopped in a port along the appearance belied the fact that he aware that he was, with the way, and some of the passengers 10 disembarked to take a breather. Gradually, he started Thus, each night, Rabbi Shalom Rabbi Shalom was one of them. climbing the ladder would spend the night with one He was so immersed in his holy of teshuvah, steadily of them. This is exactly what thoughts that he did not realize happened. the boat had set sail again. It was progressing on this Apart from the wonderful Friday, and he was alone. momentous journey. message of the depths of loving Shabbat was approaching, so His decision to change a fellow Jew, this story illustrates he began to seek a place to stay. the exacting measure of judgment. Suddenly, he saw a large eagle was so profound that A person would do himself the coming closer. It spread its wings he influenced his greatest favor by refraining from in front of him, as if inviting him family to join him in sin. In this way, he will avoid to climb on its back. He did just much suffering. that, and the eagle soared into the his quest. The stirrings toward teshuvah sky and flew until it reached a generated by Yom Kippur are magnificent palace. tremendous, enabling a person to Many miracles were wrought According to certain opinions, sanctify himself in the best possible for the tzaddik there. He found a there was a slight aspect of chillul way. It is most appropriate to say mikveh in which he could immerse, Shabbat in this act. Because of the berachah of Shehecheyanu for this. When one contemplates as was his custom. The most this, the prosecuting angel said the that on Yom Kippur he is standing delicious foods were set out for man could not go straight to Gan before Hashem, Whose glory fills him to celebrate Shabbat Kodesh. Eden. the entire world and Who desires He prayed in unison with the Now the man’s judgment was to receive his teshuvah, he should prayers offered by the Heavenly changed. Although he had been be filled with joy. Assembly. forced to act as he did, since it was The following two pesukim that When Shabbat came to an end, a question of life and death, and he we say in the tefillotof Yom Kippur he fell into a deep sleep. In his had not sold the gentile the drink, describe the close connection Am dream, he saw how the Heavenly it was decreed that he must return Yisrael have to their Father in Tribunal judges those who had to this world. His punishment was Heaven on this holy day. It says died on Shabbat. to wander through it for seven (Vayikra 16:30), “For on this day He years; then he could take his place Among those being judged was will atone for you, to cleanse you in Gan Eden. a righteous Jew, who had owned a from all your sins before Hashem tavern near the city of Tzfat. It was Rabbi Shalom heard this and you shall be cleansed.” It also says decreed that he deserved a place in trembled. The wicked suffer the (Yeshayahu 55:6), “Seek Hashem Gan Eden. punishments of Gehinnom for when He can be found, call out to Suddenly, an angel dressed only twelve months. Why did this Him when He is close.” in black, with a terrifying man have to suffer a punishment On Yom Kippur, Hashem appearance, declared that this of such long duration? He enables man to resemble the man was not worthy to go to Gan requested to take the place of this angels, concealing his sins from Eden. What was his accusation? righteous innkeeper and suffer the the eyes of the prosecuting angels. One time, on a Shabbat, a gentile punishment in his stead, enabling On Motzaei Yom Kippur, we are had come to the tavern and asked him to go straight to Gan Eden. accustomed to say perek 85 of the innkeeper to sell him a bottle Rabbi Shalom’s desire to accept Tehillim. There David Hamelech of drink. This upright Jew did not upon himself the punishment of declares (vs. 2-3), “You have want to acquiesce since it was the other man was looked upon returned the captivity of Yaakov. Shabbat, but the gentile threatened so favorably that the judgment You have borne the offense of to kill him if he did not. In the was shortened from seven years to Your people, You have concealed end, he told the gentile to take the seven days; one day for each year. their entire sin, Selah.” Rashi bottle of drink himself. The innkeeper had seven sons. explains: If You have returned the 11 captivity of Yaakov, and You have open his mouth. Again, the man borne their iniquity and concealed said viduy. their sin, and You have turned Quickly, the tzaddik put a spoon away Your anger, then (as it says full of honey into the man’s mouth, at the beginning of vs. 2) “You will as he told him, “Your sins have have favored Your land,” and Your been removed; you have gained world will be at peace. Until You full atonement.” do this, Your land and Your world The man was stunned. He had will not be at peace. been prepared to die in order to In light of all the above, we cleanse his soul, and now the can resolve our former question tzaddik had filled his mouth with as to why some versions of the sweet honey to salve his broken tefillah include a confession for heart. sins from previous years. Have The tzaddik explained in a they not been forgiven on previous soothing tone, “Did you really think Yom Kippurs? Even though a I would kill you, chas v’shalom? person does teshuvah and raises tzaddik turned to him and said, By accepting your fate, it is as if his spiritual level on Yom Kippur, “Indeed, you have committed you were burned in atonement for unfortunately, he often returns to many sins. But there is still hope. your sins, since Hashem considers the very sins for which he repented. Are you willing to accept upon a good thought as a good deed. Thus, his teshuvah is lacking, yourself certain actions in order Your desire to repent is very and his sins are not completely to gain atonement?” precious to Hashem.” forgiven. “Certainly. I will do whatever This poignant story highlights This is a frightening thought. is asked of me in order to be the essence of Yom Kippur. One needs to do teshuvah for deeds forgiven.” The smallest stirrings toward spanning many years. When one “If that is the case,” said the teshuvah are highly valued by is inspired to improve his actions, tzaddik, “I recommend the Hashem. When a person regrets he must include what he did in the following afflictions and fasts. his past deeds, his willful sins are more distant past as well. Hashem When you have completed them, transformed to merits. Who can waits for our teshuvah and does come back to me. Then, you will stand in the presence of such an not desire the death of the wicked, have to drink boiling lead. Your elevated person? but that he should repent. death will atone for your sins.” Chazal (Berachot 34b) tell us I read the following astounding The man agreed to everything. that complete tzaddikim cannot story. There was a man who turned At the appointed time, he returned stand in the place of ba’alei to the path of wickedness, but to the house of the tzaddik. He teshuvah. In light of what we have after several years began to have was hardly recognizable. He said, perhaps one reason is that the stirrings toward repentance. But was emaciated from the many greater their sins, the greater their he was despondent. How could he fasts he had conducted, and his merits after they do teshuvah. improve? Was there still hope for contrite heart was reflected in his With all this in mind, we can him? Would Hashem forgive him expression. He knew the time had understand how appropriate it is to for everything he had done? come for him to die the strange say the berachah of Shehecheyanu He went to one of the great death decreed by the tzaddik, in on Yom Kippur. Hakadosh Baruch tzaddikim of the generation and order to gain full atonement. Hu gives us life, enabling us to poured out his heart. The tzaddik He began to prepare for death. stand before Him in order to attain asked him to describe the details First he recited Shema, and then atonement for the past. He waits for of what he had done. The man the viduy of Yom Kippur. The our teshuvah, always. “Fortunate began to do so, and the tzaddik tzaddik told him to sit down are you, Israel. Before Whom are listened attentively. while he heated the lead. He then you purified, and Who purifies When the man had finished, the told the man to close his eyes and you? Your Father in Heaven.” 12 It’s Finally Here: The iPhone App from Rabbi David Pinto Shlita Discover what’s now available through your iPhone: • Hundreds of classes on video • Articles on the parsha • Halacha of the day • Tehillim of the day • New pictures from the Rav • Send a request for blessings directly to the Rav …and much, much more!

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The righteous are alive even in death

14 The Holy Tzaddik, Mekubal, and Miracle Worker Rabbi Chaim Pinto Hagadol, zy”a

Over three hundred years have elapsed since the passing for them and help them merit salvation, and annul of the holy tzaddik and mekubal, Rabbeinu Chaim harsh decrees. Pinto Hagadol, zy”a. The saintly aura that surrounded The doors of his home were open throughout the the tzaddik in his lifetime stemmed from his greatness in day to all, rich or poor, prominent or simple. He Torah and his overwhelming kedushah. This was manifest would make an effort to assist each person who in his extraordinary power of speech, bringing miraculous turned to him, as a father caring for his son. results, which continues to this day, as it says, “A tzaddik When his esteemed teacher Rabbi Yaakov Bibas decrees, and Hashem fulfills his will.” Many people testify died, the members of the community turned to Rabbi in awe about the outstanding miracles they experienced Chaim Hagadol and asked him to fill his position as after praying wholeheartedly for the merits of the holy Rav of Mogador. At first, Rabbi Chaim refused due tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, to stand in their stead. to his immense humility. However, since the leaders The name of the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, was of the community insisted, Rabbi Chaim agreed to revered for centuries among the Jews of Morocco and fill the position of his holy mentor. He took upon beyond. His name and word of his Divine inspiration himself to bear the burden of the people in all matters, spread far and wide, across borders, oceans, and communal and individual. continents. Many stories have been written about this Rabbi Chaim was aided in his rabbinical duties wondrous tzaddik and holy mekubal. Some of them by his close friend Rabbi David Chazan, zt”l, who appear in the well-known sefer, Shevach Chaim, which served as his assistant in leading the community and was written in Arabic by Harav Makhluf Mazal Tarim, was also a member of the special Beit Din established zt”l. It was recently translated to Hebrew by Rabbi David under his auspices. Cohen, shlita, the student of Moreinu, Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita. Others were drawn after him, Blessed Is He Who Saw viewing it as a great merit to record for posterity the His Countenance wonderful conduct of the righteous tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a. Close to midnight, Rabbi Chaim Hagadol would Rabbi Chaim’s fame spread from a young age, since strengthen himself as a lion and begin his evening he adopted the exalted conduct of his holy ancestors, schedule of avodat Hashem. At that hour, his attendant dedicating himself to the study of Torah in complete Rabbi Aharon ibn-Chaim would fufill his holy duty of sanctity. His name was lauded throughout the land, and brewing a hot drink for the Rav. he became famous among the Jews of Morocco. The One night, the attendant heard two voices coming native Arabs also greatly respected him and considered from the study of Rabbi Chaim. Rabbi Aharon thought him a holy miracle worker. to himself, “If the Rav has a chavruta in learning Torah His good name reached beyond the borders of Morocco, tonight, I should also prepare a hot drink for the guest.” to Europe and the Middle East. He often received requests Acting upon his noble intentions, he took in two cups from Jews from far off countries, beseeching him to pray of hot drinks to the Rav.

The next day, following the Shacharit prayers, Rabbi Chaim called his attendant, Rabbi Aharon, and said to him, “Tell me, please, why did you bring me two hot drinks instead of one, as usual?” “I heard the Rav speaking with someone else, and I thought that I should honor the guest with a hot drink as well.” The tzaddik Rabbi Chaim nodded his head in silence and gazed at Rabbi Aharon, saying, “Blessed are you, my son, that you merited hearing the voice of Eliyahu Hanavi. His was the second voice that you heard last night. However, I forbid you to reveal this secret to anyone.” 15 The next day, following the Shacharit prayers, No Locust Remained Rabbi Chaim called his attendant, Rabbi Aharon, and said to him, “Tell me, please, why did you bring me The city of Mogador experienced years of famine two hot drinks instead of one, as usual?” and suffering, in which many of the residents became “I heard the Rav speaking with someone else, and impoverished and even lost their lives, perishing in I thought that I should honor the guest with a hot hunger and thirst. drink as well.” Every few years, a plague of locusts would strike. The tzaddik Rabbi Chaim nodded his head in Flocks of locusts would raid the fields and orchards, silence and gazed at Rabbi Aharon, saying, “Blessed leaving them bare of produce. The plague would lead to are you, my son, that you merited hearing the voice a sharp rise in the price of food, causing a huge financial of Eliyahu Hanavi. His was the second voice that crisis and widespread poverty. you heard last night. However, I forbid you to reveal One year, when the locusts descended in masses upon this secret to anyone.” the city of Mogador, the people were panic-stricken, Rabbi Aharon honored the Rav’s wishes for many anticipating the extensive losses that would follow. years and did not reveal even a hint of what he At this difficult time, the Jews of Mogador beseeched had heard. When the time came for Rabbi Chaim Hashem for mercy, as their ancestors had done in times to depart from the world, Rabbi Aharon felt that of trouble. A day of fasting and prayer was designated he could finally disclose this amazing secret to the throughout Morocco. Unfortunately the Jews of Mogador followers of the Rav. He told them how Eliyahu were not spared, but suffered greatly. Hanavi had come to learn as a chavruta with Rabbi In the midst of the plague, just as Rabbi Chaim Hagadol Chaim Hagadol. was engaged in learning with his students, the house Along these lines is the following account: suddenly turned dark. Hordes of locusts descended and Many people would frequent the house of Rabbi clouded the atmosphere. Some of the locusts covered the Chaim Hagadol, seeking advice in different matters sefarim of the students, making it impossible for them to regarding the religious community of Mogador. continue learning. Among those who came to his house one day was Rabbi Rabbi Chaim halted his lesson. He took out his shofar Makhluf Loyb (also known as Rav Lissa). He was and began to blow, in order to avert the terrible decree. summoned to Rabbi Chaim’s house on an urgent matter. Afterward, he prayed fervently, citing the Thirteen The incident took place late at night. Rabbi Makhluf Attributes of Mercy. He did not stop beseeching Hashem knew how to reach Rabbi Chaim’s study by the telltale until the decree was annulled. Suddenly, western winds candle that burned in his room. Upon entering the study, began to blow, scattering the locusts and saving the city. he saw two men. One was Rabbi Chaim, his face aflame, shining with The Excommunication of Adar Bet a brilliant light. The other was an unfamiliar figure, Hard times came upon Morocco. Half the month of who resembled an angel. Rabbi Makhluf felt his knees Adar Bet had already elapsed and not a drop of rain had buckling under, and terror gripped him. He turned on his fallen to dampen the earth. heels and fled. The Jews of Mogador approached Rabbi Chaim The next morning, Rabbi Chaim Hagadol met Rabbi Hagadol, beseeching him to save them from their troubles Makhluf and told him, “Blessed are you, Rabbi Makhluf, and pray for them. There was already a great shortage that you merited seeing the countenance of Eliyahu of wheat, and with tears streaming from their faces they Hanavi, of blessed memory.” begged the tzaddik to arouse Heavenly mercy. Rabbi Makhluf was astonished, but his heart pounded Rabbi Chaim declared, “Tomorrow, everyone should with the fear that perhaps he would be punished for gazing gather in the beit kenesset. Do not eat or drink. Immerse at the countenance of Eliyahu Hanavi. He beseeched yourselves in prayer and afterward head toward the Rabbi Chaim to pray for him that he should not die before cemetery, where we will await Hashem’s salvation.” his time. The next day, there was a public announcement about Rabbi Chaim promised to do so. He begged mercy the mandatory fast day designated for communal prayer. from Hashem that Rabbi Makhluf should not die young. The crowd gathered in the beit kenesset to pray, and when His prayers were accepted on High, and Rabbi Makhluf they concluded their supplications, everyone went to the lived a long life, passing away at the ripe old age of 110. cemetery, with Rabbi Chaim heading the procession. This incident was recorded by Rabbi Makhluf himself in the siddur from which he prayed. His sons and grandsons, who were close to the Pinto family, publicized the story.

16 Rabbi Chaim halted his lesson. He took out his shofar and began to blow, in order to avert the terrible decree. Afterward, he prayed fervently, citing the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. He did not stop beseeching Hashem until the decree was annulled. Suddenly, western winds began to blow, scattering the locusts and saving the city.

Rabbi Chaim stood next to one of the tombstones and Moreinu v’Rabbeinu adds the following: asked his attendant to proclaim loudly, “Adar Bet is I heard from my elders that one Shabbat, Rabbi Chaim excommunicated! Adar Bet is excommunicated! Adar Hagadol was singing the piyutim of the composer, Bet is excommunicated!” Rabbi Yisrael Najara, zt”l, with his magnificent voice, The attendant did as he was told, even though he did as usual. He sang with such enthusiasm and devotion that not understand the extraordinary procedures, which were Rabbi Yisrael Najara appeared to him. He gave him a hug way beyond his grasp. Just as he was waiting to see how and a kiss for singing with such intense emotion in honor things would develop, Rabbi Chaim called out in a loud of the Shechinah. voice, “Adar Bet, we allow you; Adar Bet, we forgive you; Adar Bet, we permit you,” just as one states in the Rabbi Yisrael Najara Is Waiting for Us procedure for annulling vows. Rabbi Chaim concluded the ritual and turned to go Rabbi Chaim Hagadol merited having his journeys home, with all the people following behind him. miraculously shortened. Once, while traveling to a distant As the congregants made their way to their homes, the location, he took another person along with him. This is skies suddenly opened, and torrents of rain came pouring what happened: down. Rabbi David Chassin, zt”l, was known as a famous It is told that before the people were able to reach composer of piyutim. He lived in Meknes, which was their homes, their clothing was soaked from the rain that very far from Mogador. Once, in the middle of the night, descended in the merit of the tzaddik’s prayers. Rabbi Chaim came to Rabbi Chassin’s house, woke him up and told him, “Come with me to Mogador. Rabbi A Hug and a Kiss Yisrael Najara is waiting for us there.” Shabbat was most beloved to Rabbi Chaim, more than Rabbi Chassin hesitated, since it takes several days to any other day of the week. On Shabbat Kodesh, he would get from Meknes to Mogador. “How can I go? My wife feel elevated and inspired, and would enthusiastically may get up in middle of the night sensing my absence and compose songs and lyrics. At every meal he would sing be worried.” zemirot in his beautiful voice, sounding the praises of Rabbi Chaim reassured him, “With the help of Hashem, Hashem, while concentrating on deep Heavenly secrets. we will leave and return quickly, even before your wife (As we know, Rabbi Chaim left bags full of manuscripts gets up.” of his songs and lyrics which he composed, but most of “Although I have heard about your greatness and them were lost when bandits looted the city of Mogador.) outstanding capabilities, I cannot leave, since I am concerned about my wife.” Rabbi Chaim continued persuading him. “I promise

17 One Shabbat, Rabbi Chaim Hagadol was singing the piyutim of the composer, Rabbi Yisrael Najara, zt”l, with his magnificent voice, as usual. He sang with such enthusiasm and devotion that Rabbi Yisrael Najara appeared to him. He gave him a hug and a kiss for singing with such intense emotion in honor of the Shechinah.

you that your wife will not know anything about our the people, and they began to sense that the tzaddik was departure.” about to return his soul to the Creator. In the end, Rabbi Chassin agreed. Their journey The bitter news passed throughout the city, quickly to Mogador was miraculously shortened. There they spreading to all Morocco as well, and a great cry arose. met the holy Rabbi Yisrael Najara, who descended Everyone began to recite Tehillim and pray for their Rav, from Heaven to sing with them the praises of Hashem. hoping that perhaps the terrible decree would be annulled When they finished singing, Rabbi Yisrael promised and Rabbi Chaim would continue to live. them that from then on, every Rosh Chodesh, he would appear to them and sing together the piyutim in honor of A Miracle Worker the Shechinah. Rabbi Chaim continued to speak passionately about Their meeting turned into a regular custom. Every service and fear of Hashem. Ultimately, on the twenty- month, Rabbi Chaim Hagadol would come to Rabbi sixth of Elul, 1845 (5605), his flame was extinguished, Chassin’s house and together they would travel from and his holy soul returned to its source from beneath the Meknes to Mogador in a miraculously shortened journey. Heavenly Throne. They would sing lyrics and piyutim together with the Rabbi Chaim was buried in the old cemetery in lofty composer Rabbi Yisrael Najara. (As heard from Mogador. Prior to his death, he requested of his sons Rabbi Aharon Chassin, zt”l, Rosh Av Beit Din Mogador, neither to build a monument over his grave nor to inscribe a grandson of Rabbi David Chassin.) any praise on his tombstone, but only to write his name. After a consultation with the city’s rabbis, it was I Will Not Leave You decided to inscribe the following words, which appear on In Elul 1845 (5605), approximately ten days before the tzaddik’s grave until today: Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Chaim Hagadol deviated from his “The tombstone of the holy Rabbi, a bastion of usual learning program in his beit midrash, and he began strength, who was the most senior authority and known preparing his students for the approaching Days of Awe. for performing miracles, Moreinu v’Rabbeinu, Chaim The Talmudic lectures that he customarily delivered were Pinto, zy”a, who returned his soul on the twenty-sixth of replaced by discussions of the virtue of teshuvah and its Elul, 5605, may he rest in peace.” importance in these days, when a person’s fate is pending. A few years ago, Mr. Shimon Levi from the city of The tzaddik requested that his students continue to Mogador built a magnificent shelter over Rabbi Chaim strengthen themselves in the observance of Torah and Pinto’s grave. May his merits serve as a protection for us mitzvot, promising them explicitly, “I will continue to and for all Am Yisrael to shower goodness and blessing stand in prayer before Hashem after I die, just as I did upon us, and may we all merit to be written and sealed during my lifetime. I will not abandon you in my death, in the Book of Life and experience the everlasting as I did not abandon you in my life.” redemption, Amen. The concern in his voice left a deep impression on

18 When poor children reached the age of thirteen, Rabbi Hadan would purchase tallitot, tefillin, clothing, and other provisions, so that they would be able to celebrate their Bar Mitzvah with complete joy. A few years later, when these boys grew of age to marry and build a Jewish home, Rabbi Hadan would undertake the important mitzvah of hachnasat kallah. The Holy Tzaddik, Mekubal, and Miracle Worker Rabbi Yehudah Pinto, zy”a, Known as Rabbi Hadan

The tremendous void left by Rabbi Chaim Pinto Hadan would purchase tallitot, tefillin, clothing, and Hagadol’s passing was soon filled by his righteous son, the other provisions, so that they would be able to celebrate tzaddik Rabbi Yehudah Pinto – known as Rabbi Hadan, their Bar Mitzvah with complete joy. zy”a. He was famous for his swiftness in performing A few years later, when these boys grew of age to marry mitzvot, fulfilling Chazal’s dictum, “Be bold as a leopard, and build a Jewish home, Rabbi Hadan would undertake light as an eagle, swift as a deer, and strong as a lion to the important mitzvah of hachnasat kallah. carry out the will of your Father in Heaven.” Rabbi Hadan was well-known for his vast knowledge Fulfilling a Promise of Torah and Kabbalah. He would diligently study sifrei Rabbi Hadan enjoyed an excellent reputation among his kodesh, day and night. He was an outstanding tzaddik and people. His kind heart and commendable character traits chassid, and performed many wondrous miracles. Many served as shining jewels in his splendid crown of Torah people flocked to him in order to receive his blessings. glory. One of his worthy customs, for which he was well- Because of his sagacity in all areas of life, the leaders known, was to escort each person as he left the city, whether of the city and state would consult with him. Foreign for business or for health purposes, or for any other reason. diplomats and representatives of various countries made Our story begins with two merchants, Chacham Bihu and their way to him, standing in line by his door to receive Rabbi Yosef Elmaliach, who set out for England by sea for advice and assistance in pressing issues. business purposes. Rabbi Hadan followed the two to escort Correspondence directed to him from foreign countries them to the port. passed through the various consulates that were situated When Chacham Bihu noticed Rabbi Hadan’s shining in Mogador. He shared his wisdom generously, giving countenance, the thought crossed his mind that perhaps the beneficial advice to every individual, both in spiritual and saintly tzaddik’s intentions were to request that they donate physical matters. This was in addition to praying for each some of their profits to charity. Somehow, he uttered scornful member of Am Yisrael to merit salvation and mercy. words to Rabbi Hadan. Rabbi Hadan heard the insults and Rabbi Hadan inherited from his father the virtues of suffered his humiliation in silence. He did not respond, but generosity and kindness, which were rooted in the very fiber the disparaging words caused him much pain. “Why? For of his being. It is told about him that he would distribute all what reason did Chacham Bihu embarrass me?” he agonized. his funds to charity. Rabbi Hadan was very careful not to Rabbi Hadan returned home humiliated. In his anguish, go to sleep at night if he still had a coin remaining in his he fell ill and began to vomit blood. His attendant advised pocket. He would hurry to donate it to the poor. him to ascend to the roof of the house and breathe fresh air When poor children reached the age of thirteen, Rabbi so that perhaps he would feel a little better.

19 On the roof of the house overlooking the ocean, royal, in addition to a watch and chain made of pure gold. they spotted two commercial ships sailing at sea. His prayers were answered. The ships were saved, and “Whose ships are these?” Rabbi Hadan asked his Chacham Bihu arrived home safely. Many people came to attendant. The attendant replied that these were greet him, happy to see him home. Amidst all the fanfare Chacham Bihu’s ships. One ship was carrying all of his homecoming, Chacham Bihu forgot about the vow the merchandise, and the other ship carried the he had made when his life had been in danger. passengers. That night, when Rabbi Hadan went to sleep, his father, Rabbi Hadan paused a bit and then said, “Just as Rabbi Chaim, appeared to him in a dream and told him, he caused me burning pain, bringing me to vomit “Wake up, my son, and go quickly to the house of Chacham blood, so too will Hashem do to him. The ship with Bihu. Remind him of the vow he made during the storm at all the merchandise will burn completely. However, sea, since he is obligated to keep his promise.” the other ship will be spared from any harm.” When Rabbi Hadan awoke from his sleep, he hurried to This is exactly what transpired. A short while later, Chacham Bihu’s house. Upon entering, Rabbi Hadan began to the ship carrying the merchandise went up in flames recount all the miracles that had happened to Chacham Bihu and sank to the depths of the sea. The attendant, who at sea. It was as if he himself had been present at the time. witnessed the event, ran frantically to Chacham Bihu’s When he finished describing the events, Rabbi Hadan house and told his wife what had happened. He described turned to Chacham Bihu and told him, “You made a how Rabbi Hadan had vomited blood because of the promise and now you must fulfill it.” humiliation that he had suffered from her husband, and Chacham Bihu, who had completely forgotten his vow, what had eventually happened to the ship. was absolutely amazed. How did the Rav know exactly Chacham Bihu’s wife hurried to the Rav’s house what had occurred? He turned to Rabbi Hadan and asked and begged him to annul the decree. However, the him, “Honorable Rabbi, who revealed all this to you?” Rav declared, “I cannot. The words that come out of “My esteemed father, Rabbi Chaim,” answered Rabbi my mouth are like bullets. The moment they are shot, Hadan. “He came to me in a dream and told me everything. they can never be returned. But, the most important Now, please fulfill the promise that you made.” thing is that the ship which your husband is traveling on Chacham Bihu immediately rose from his seat and with will not suffer any damage.” great admiration excitedly kissed the Rav with respect. Approximately one month later, Chacham Bihu set out on On the spot, he fulfilled his pledge and gave the Rav the his return voyage to Mogador with a fleet of five ships. He money that he had promised to pay (Shevach Chaim). longed to see his family, and dreamed of meeting them soon. The gaon, tzaddik, and mekubal, Rabbi Hadan, passed on But alas! Suddenly a storm struck at sea, which to the Heavenly Yeshiva on the sixteenth of Av, 1881 (5641). threatened to capsize the ships with all its passengers. The His grave is situated in the new cemetery in Mogador, and winds were so strong that everyone was sure that the ship on his holy tomb, the following words are engraved: would sink to the bottom of the ocean. “Here is the grave of the perfect all-encompassing At this critical time, Chacham Bihu remembered the Chacham, who brought merit to the public and was tzaddik Rabbi Chaim Pinto. He prayed from the depths of swift to perform mitzvot, stemming from holy ancestry, his heart to Hashem that if He would save him in the merit Moreinu v’Rabbeinu, Rabbi Yehuda Pinto. He passed of the tzaddik, he would give his son Rabbi Hadan fifty away on the sixteenth of Av Rachaman, in the year 5641.” The Holy Tzaddik, Mekubal, and Miracle Worker Rabbi Chaim Pinto “Hakatan,” zy”a

One of the spiritual giants, descendant of the grand Pinto directly from his holy grandson, the gaon and tzaddik, dynasty of Morocco, was the righteous tzaddik and miracle- Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita: worker Rabbi Chaim Pinto “Hakatan,” In 2003 (5763), on parashat Vayeira, zy”a. He is one who gained great merit when Moreinu v’Rabbeinu was staying in for himself while granting much merit to France, the following story took place: the public, both in spiritual and material A woman came to him in despair. She matters. He brought many of his brethren told him that she had been diagnosed with back to their faith during his lifetime and cancer in its progressive stages, rachmana continued doing so even after his death, as litzlan. Tearfully, she poured out her heart we learn: “Tzaddikim are greater in their in sorrow, bemoaning that she had not yet death than in their lifetime.” married off any of her children, and she Therefore, we collected several inspiring was on the brink of death. stories in honor of the tzaddik as heard Her dire situation touched Moreinu

20 Her dire situation touched Moreinu v’Rabbeinu’s heart. Since that night was the fifteenth of Cheshvan, the hilula of his grandfather, the tzaddik Rabbi Chaim Pinto Hakatan, he told her, “Go home, and the merit of the tzaddik will protect you. Tomorrow, on the day of the hilula, come to inform me of happy tidings.” v’Rabbeinu’s heart. Since that night was the fifteenth of The pilot, who was not accustomed to such reverence, Cheshvan, the hilula of his grandfather, the tzaddik Rabbi told R’ Refael Amar in Hebrew, so that the Arab would Chaim Pinto Hakatan, he told her, “Go home, and the not understand him, “Let’s buy the picture from the merit of the tzaddik will protect you. Tomorrow, on the Arab. We will offer him some money, and maybe he day of the hilula, come to inform me of happy tidings.” will agree to sell it.” The woman went home as instructed, and on the The pilot offered the Arab a sum of money, but the Arab following day, after the Ma’ariv prayers, a hilula was caretaker was not prepared to sell the picture under any celebrated in honor of Rabbi Elazar Menachem Mann circumstances. The pilot raised the price to one thousand Shach, zy”a, who passed away on the sixteenth of dollars, but the Arab still refused. The pilot offered to buy Cheshvan. The woman came to the beit kenesset, and in it for a sum of over four thousand dollars, and even for the presence of an enormous crowd of people, including this exorbitant sum (an amount of money with which one scholars such as Rabbi Bergman, shlita, (Rav Shach’s could buy a house in Morocco) the Arab was not prepared grandson), she publicized the following miracle she had to negotiate at all. experienced. The pilot was very moved and told R’ Refael Amar, “See At the hospital that day, after taking an ultrasound and how much faith the Arab has in the tzaddik. His faith is other tests, the doctors proclaimed that her illness had deeply engrained in his very being. Although the picture in entirely disappeared. The doctors could not explain the his hand is already old and torn, he will not part from it for strange turn of events. She was perfectly healthy and out all the money in the world. This is because he witnessed of danger. wondrous miracles wrought by the tzaddik. For him, the picture is his whole life. And if a non-Jewish Arab has such Four Thousand Dollars faith in the tzaddik, how much more so should we.” When Moreinu v’Rabbeinu heard this account, he R’ Refael Amar, a disciple of Moreinu v’Rabbeinu, shlita, commented: It is important to note that faith without relates that once he traveled to Morocco with his business Torah is not complete, since they are interconnected. For partner. He was a pilot in the Israeli Defense Forces and this Shlomo Hamelech prayed to Hashem (Melachim I had begun to take an interest in Judaism. The two went to 8:41) that when a non-Jew will pray to Him, He would Morocco to pray at the grave of the tzaddik Rabbi Chaim immediately accept his prayer. However when a Jew prays, Hakatan. He should not accept his prayer immediately. Why? When they arrived at the cemetery, an Arab caretaker For a Jew, a single prayer is not sufficient to bring showed them to the tzaddik’s grave and handed them Sifrei miraculous salvation. Simple faith is not enough, since a Tehillim. Jew is also required to be a bastion of Torah and observe The pilot noticed that the caretaker was holding the mitzvot with fervor. This is not so regarding non-Jews, something in his hand, and he asked him what it was. The since they have no connection to Torah. Therefore, if a Arab told him that he had a picture of the tzaddik Rabbi gentile exhibits faith, Hashem suffices with his prayers and Chaim Pinto, which he had once received from a tzaddik answers him immediately. who was Rabbi Chaim’s grandson.

21 A Jew must bask in the light of Torah, engaging disappointment. A short while later, all the sefarim he had in mitzvot and good deeds. Only then will Hashem sent were returned to him. He received a message from perform miraculous wonders for him. Agadir that no one wanted to buy the books, since they claimed that they were already familiar with stories about “Father, Why Are You Crying?” the tzaddik. Rabbi Moshe Aharon decided to send the The virtue of stories about tzaddikim and their sefarim again to Agadir and offer them free of charge. exalted conduct is evident in the following account: But even that was met with opposition. Shortly later, In 1962 (5722), a strong earthquake shook Agadir. the sefarim were sent back to his home. It seemed that the Entire buildings collapsed, burying thousands of people of Agadir did not want to read and learn about the people. Many who tried to escape from under the wonders of the tzaddik Rabbi Chaim Hakatan. rubble were electrocuted by the power cables strewn in That night, Rabbi Moshe Aharon had a dream. He saw his the streets. The Jewish community lost whole families. father Rabbi Chaim sitting on the ground and crying bitterly. All the yeshiva students and their teachers were buried Rabbi Moshe Aharon asked him, “Father, why are you alive under the ruins of the yeshiva’s building. It was a crying?” “You will yet hear,” he answered him ominously. terrible time of suffering for all the Jews. Rabbi Moshe Aharon woke up to the tremors of a What was the cause of this painful tragedy? massive earthquake. A few days later, he heard about the At that time, Rabbi Moshe Aharon Pinto published tragic events that had taken place in Agadir. The city lay the sefer, Shenot Chaim, in which he related stories in shambles, and many Jews and precious yeshiva students about his father, the tzaddik Rabbi Chaim Pinto had been killed, rachmana litzlan. This is probably the Hakatan. He sent the sefarim to all corners of the reason why Rabbi Moshe Aharon had sent the sefarim world so that people would read about his father and the second time. He tried his utmost to cancel the terrible strengthen their faith in tzaddikim. He also sent a decree, but the Satan’s ploy succeeded. These were the shipment of books to Agadir. consequences of refusing to purchase sefarim which would However, Rabbi Moshe Aharon experienced great have strengthened people’s faith in tzaddikim. The Holy Tzaddik and Miracle Worker Rabbi Moshe Aharon Pinto, zy”a

Great levels in avodat Hashem were achieved by the respect directed to him and, in a self-deprecating manner, tzaddik Rabbi Moshe Aharon Pinto, zy”a, the favorite son vehemently opposed any deference shown him. of the holy tzaddik, Rabbeinu Chaim Pinto Hakatan, zy”a, The outstanding trait of humility with which Rabbi Moshe and the father of Moreinu v’Rabbeinu, Aharon was blessed was immediately Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita. perceived by all those in his proximity. The saintly conduct which Rabbi Moshe Everyone was aware that they were Aharon absorbed in his parents’ home was standing in front of a great personality, carefully guarded by him and he continued who towered over them, but whose head excelling in his refined character traits, was bent in order to share in the burden of “rising in levels of saintliness and not each man who was created in the image of diminishing them." The piety of Rabbi Hashem. Everyone who came to his house Moshe Aharon was manifest by the way was greeted with blessings and a shining he scrupulously implemented the dictates countenance at every hour of the day. of Chazal in Masechet Avot. Regarding When someone would approach him, this the Gemara states (Bava Kama 30a), whether young or old, prominent or “One who desires to be exceedingly pious destitute, Rabbi Moshe Aharon would should implement the dictates of Masechet stand up to honor him. When he was once Avot." He meticulously observed every ruling of the holy asked about this behavior, he explained, “Every person Tanna’im, without exception. possesses a spark of Hashem, and I stand up in honor of Rabbi Moshe Aharon lived by the words of the Mishnah, that spark… Do not look at the vessel, but what is in it.” “Be exceedingly humble in spirit.” Every Shabbat, when Torah scholars testify that they saw with their own eyes he would arrive at the beit kenesset to pray, he would hunch how the tzaddik would humble himself completely before over at the entrance, as if trying to shrink, in order to be as those who study Torah and wave its banner. When they inconspicuous as possible. He was appalled at all signs of would approach him to ask for his blessings, he would

22 When someone would approach him, whether young or old, prominent or destitute, Rabbi Moshe Aharon would stand up to honor him. When he was once asked about this behavior, he explained, “Every person possesses a spark of Hashem, and I stand up in honor of that spark… Do not look at the vessel, but what is in it.” quickly offer his hand in greeting and then quickly pull his it to the tzaddik. However, Hashem orchestrated events hand away so that they should not kiss it. so that exactly at 12:00 noon people came to see the Rav When people would pour out their hearts and ask him on an urgent matter. The Rav veered from his routine to pray for them, his face clearly reflected that he did not and agreed to receive them. Afterward, he wanted to see himself worthy of this task. He would tell the Torah taste his food, but suddenly more people entered. The scholars, “Who am I to bless you? After all, you sit all Rav told Grandmother to allow the people in to see day in the beit midrash and merit engaging in the study him. The whole afternoon passed in this way. Rabbi Moshe of Torah. You are the source of all blessing.” This is as Aharon neither ate nor rested. Chazal say (Avodah Zarah 19a), “He who is occupied with When the Rabbanit returned from Tel Aviv, she asked the study of Torah, his desire shall be granted.” And they Grandmother if the Rav had already eaten. She told her also say (Berachot 5a), “If one studies the Torah, painful that he had not yet tasted any food, because he had been sufferings are kept away from him.” occupied with people throughout the afternoon. The Rabbanit was visibly distressed. He Guards the Steps of His Devout Ones “What should I have done? He asked to let the people in Chazal say, “In the way a person wishes to go, he is led.” to see him,” Grandmother explained. Then, the Rabbanit This indicates that if a man wishes to be righteous or become asked Grandmother, “Did you kasher the chicken?” charitable, he will be presented with opportunities by “No, I thought that you had already kashered it.” Heaven in order to achieve this goal. But if he, G-d forbid, Suddenly everything became clear. The Rabbanit entered wishes to do evil, he will also be assisted in his objective. the room, quickly grabbed the plate of food and threw it Chazal say, “Everything is dependent on Heaven, except away. She proceeded to take another chicken out of the for the fear of Heaven.” First, one must make the effort to refrigerator to kasher and cook it. Suddenly, the Rav asked be purified, then he will be assisted by Heaven. This lesson for food. She then told him the whole story. The Rav smiled was clearly evidenced by the tzaddik Rabbi Moshe Aharon, and said, “This is in accordance with Chazal’s statement, as is illustrated by the following story: ‘In the way a person wants to go, he is led.’ I never allowed Rabbi Moshe Aharon would always eat his main meal non-kosher food to pass my lips. Even when you were not exactly at 12:00 noon. At that time, no one would be present to supervise my meal, Hashem continued to protect allowed to disturb him. Afterward, he would rest a bit, me, assisting me to succeed in my spiritual endeavors.” receive people, and then resume learning Torah. At night, Rabbi Moshe Aharon never completely finished the food he was careful to go to sleep on time. At midnight, he on his plate during meals. Instead, he would begin eating would get up and pray for Am Yisrael. He continued doing and then discontinue. When his wife, the Rabbanit, noticed so until his last years. this behavior, she assumed her husband did not like the way Once, the Rabbanit had to travel to Tel Aviv. Before she prepared the food. The tzaddik sensed her uneasiness setting out, she asked Grandmother, a”h, to take out a and told her, “I enjoy your food, but nevertheless, I eat only chicken from the refrigerator, cook it, and serve it to Rabbi a little at a time. If I would eat the whole portion at once, Moshe Aharon at exactly 12:00. Grandmother willingly I would desire more and ask you for an additional portion. agreed, and she began to prepare the food in order to serve But I prefer that my desires should be consecrated only for Hashem and Torah, and not for the vanities of this world.”

23 Customs of Our Gedolei Yisrael during the Yamim Noraim

Rosh Hashanah

Inspirational stories describing the customs and behavior of our illustrious Torah teachers, from all segments of Jewry, throughout the ages.

Rags – Or Riches? Direct Line

One Rosh Hashanah, immediately before the Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz blew the shofar one year shofar was to be blown, Rabbi Zushia of Anipoli left in a barely-audible tone. After the tefillah, he asked his beit midrash, scanning the streets. his wife, “Did you hear the shofar blasts? They rent Every Jew, from young to old, was in a beit the very heavens!” kenesset. The streets were silent, without a soul in His Rabbanit admitted that she had asked somebody sight. But Rabbi Zusia did not give up. He eagerly else to blow the shofar for her, as she had not been went up one street and down another. Finally, he met able to hear her husband’s blowing at all. a neglected young urchin, wandering about in tatters. “The shofar’s sounds were accepted on High Rabbi Zusia seemed to have found what he had specifically because they were soft. The Satan did been looking for. “Tell me,” he gently asked the not pay attention to them, assuming they were not street-boy, “Are you envious of the gentile boy acceptable according to Jewish law. Since there was who lives on the other side of town? He lives in no one to intercept them, they went straight up to wealth and comfort. He eats to satiation and wears Heaven!” expensive clothes. Wouldn’t you like to switch places with him?” It Sounds Good “Chas v’shalom!” the boy spat out, his body From Rosh Chodesh Elul, Rabbi Yehoshua Leib trembling at the thought. “Let him have what he has. Diskin would invite professional shofar-blowers to I will never give up my faith!” test their abilities. Rabbi Zusia turned back to the beit midrash. He Only those who could emit a smooth sound without stood up on the bimah, his eyes turned heavenward vibrations, aside from conforming to the halachic and proclaimed, “Ribbono shel Olam! Who is like intricacies, were chosen to blow for him on Rosh Your people, Israel! You have heard as well as I that Hashanah. this pitiful boy accepts his situation with love. He is After the festive meal, Rabbi Yehoshua Leib unwilling to exchange his faith for anything!” was still afraid that perhaps the blasts had not been Only after this short soliloquy did Rabbi Zusia perfect. He spent the rest of the day listening to the begin blowing the shofar, with great enthusiasm. shofar being blown, until sunset. 24 Rav Binyamin Cohen Rav Aryeh Mussabi

a person who builds a building. If the foundation is Petrified shaky, he cannot expect the building to endure. We The year before his passing, Rabbi Chaim Mordechai must do mitzvot with pure hearts, so that they are one Levaton, zt”l, Rabbinical leader of Aleppo, appointed hundred percent perfect, without any flaw. his son, Rabbi Kalfon, zt”l, as the shofar-blower and “It is also imperative that we pray for Divine the shaliach tzibbur for the Mussaf prayer on Rosh assistance to do all our deeds for His sake alone.” Hashanah. Rabbi Kalfon dutifully blew the shofar blasts before the silent prayer. Suddenly, he could not A Prayer and a Tear continue. His father took his place and continued both Rabbi Yehoshua Greenwald described Rosh the prayers and the shofar blowing. Hashanah, 1944 in the Malek concentration camp in After the prayers ended, Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Austria: One of the inmates informed me that there approached his son with strong words of reproach. was a siddur located in a distant hut. I secreted my “What did you do?! Had I not immediately taken way there, grasping a piece of paper which I had up the position of shaliach tzibbur, the entire beit found one day on my way to work. I copied out kenesset, together with all its congregants, would have the Shemoneh Esrei prayers of Rosh Hashanah and gone up in flames from the sanctity of the angels that Yom Kippur from the siddur. When Rosh Hashanah you brought down with your shofar blows!” came, I was able to pray from this sheet of paper, “Indeed,” agreed his son. “I saw the angels descending unbeknownst to the German watchmen. and became so afraid, I could not continue.” I was not alone. Approximately two thousand people repeated the words of the Shemoneh Esrei Strong and Sturdy after me, in utter silence, but with copious weeping. At the onset of the Asseret Yemei Teshuvah, the As soon as we successfully ended our prayers, we Yerushalmi tzaddik, Rabbi Sasson Mizrachi, zt”l, rushed to work. Our workload was not reduced on would be cloaked in fear in anticipation of the upcoming this holy day. The sorrow and suffering were heart- Days of Judgment. He explained to his disciples: wrenching. How sad it was to have to spend these “We don’t have to do teshuvah only for our aveirot. holy days in this defiled place, amidst dogs and Even when we do mitzvot, thought of personal gain savage animals with human features! Hundreds of sometimes enter our minds. This can be compared to our brethren soaked their work tools with their tears. 25 25 First Response – Second Nature In a Timely Fashion For seven years, Rabbi Shimon Aluf, shlita, Rav of the Egyptian In the Zichron Meir community in New York, served as the shaliach tzibbur in the beit kenesset neighborhood in Bnei Brak, of Maran Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef, zt”l. He related tales of inspiration which 2011, the multitudes were are impressed into his heart, from those glorious days. gathered, as every year, in the On Rosh Hashanah, the Rav himself would blow the firsttekiot , and his study hall of Yeshivat Chachmei son, Harav Hagaon, Rabbi Yitzchak, would blow the rest. His blows were Lublin, to hear the Shabbat perfect, with nary a slight “off note.” Until this day, Rabbi Aluf cannot Shuvah lecture of the eminent explain it. It was like the Shechinah itself was emerging from the Rav’s gaon, Rabbi Shmuel Halevi throat. He would stand and blow his small shofar without covering his Wosner, zt”l, author of Shevet head with a tallit and without weeping. He was simply like a man standing Halevi. As was his custom for at the gate to the city, proclaiming, “The King is here! The King is here!” decades, at the culmination One saw his elevation of spirit in his service of Hashem and was quickly of his halachic discourse, caught up in the atmosphere. Rabbi Wosner offered words of inspiration to the masses. It was astounding to note the contrast between his avodah on Yom He mentioned areas in need of Kippur, when he rent the heavens with his tears in fear and trembling, and improvement. Here is a summary his service on Rosh Hashanah, when everything was done in a state of of his words: “It is known that controlled joy and a spirit of majesty. the recital of Kriyat Shema, in For three years, Maran prayed in the Beit Hametivta on the Yamim which the Jew accepts upon Noraim. One Yom Kippur night, I merited seeing something unbelievable. himself the yoke of Heaven, is As was his custom, at the conclusion of the tefillah, Maran would a positive Torah commandment bless the congregants to “merit many years of life.” After the last of the according to a majority of congregants left, Maran turned to leave, as well. The women’s section opinions. If one missed the time was located on the second floor. Maran noticed that some of the women of reciting Kriyat Shema, he has were still on their way out of the building. As if struck by a snake, he transgressed a Torah-ordained turned back into the beit kenesset, opened the door of the bookcase, and mitzvah. pulled out the nearest Gemara. He sat down and began learning. The entire “Unfortunately, many process took but a moment. minyanim are established in Only after he assessed that all of the women had exited and were quite which Kriyat Shema is recited a distance away, did he make his exit, as well. three or four hours after the I suggested to him that perhaps the next day, we should announce that correct time. Whoever prays in the women should wait until all of the men have left so that the Rav could such a minyan without reciting leave earlier. Kriyat Shema earlier, neglects a Torah-mandated mitzvah on a He replied, “It is not necessary.” daily basis. Those who institute I was left with an impression of the Rav’s intense efforts in guarding these prayer times, offering the his eyes. He has bequeathed to me a memory of a man who, through great option of annulling the recital effort, made shemirat ha’einayim second nature. of Kriyat Shema in its proper time, are essentially abolishing a mitzvah! I hope these people will remove this shame from the holy city, Bnei Brak. They are sinners who are causing the masses to sin.” A few days earlier, an announcement had been made in the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood by Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein, shlita, together with other neighborhood rabbis. 26 Asseret Yemei Teshuvah

They asked the residents not to thus absolved of the mitzvah of allow minyanim to take place after Kriyat Shema. They asked him the designated hour for saying The Steipler, zt”l, how he had perceived that they Kriyat Shema. Rabbi Yitzchak used to pray daily had not recited Kriyat Shema. He Zilberstein said this is urgent said he had smelled it on their in our day, when our enemies at 7:00 a.m. in clothes. are seeking various ways of the Lederman beit The Steipler, zt”l, used to pray destroying us. As it says in Sotah: midrash. He would daily at 7:00 a.m. in the Lederman In the merit of Kriyat Shema, we often look up to the beit midrash. He would often receive Divine protection from look up to the clock to ascertain our enemies. “He Who watches clock to ascertain that they had not missed the time Yisrael, will protect the remnant that they had not for Kriyat Shema, according to of Yisrael who proclaims, ‘Shema the ruling of the Magen Avraham. Yisrael!’” missed the time for Kriyat Shema, He once told the shaliach tzibbur Don’t Wait Until the that missing the designated time Last Minute according to the for saying Kriyat Shema is likely ruling of the Magen transgressing a Torah command. The Gemara in Berachot (10b) Avraham. One cannot wait until the last says, “Greater is the one who minute, in case the clock is recites Kriyat Shema in its proper inaccurate. time than one who occupies An Etrog and a Prayer himself with Torah study.” young son. The son came home Moreover, the Midrash (Kohelet from his Torah studies and his Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Rabbah 1:37) says, “If the time mother told him to approach the Auerbach, zt”l, was scrupulous in has come to recite Kriyat Shema rabbis for a berachah. He came reciting Kriyat Shema according and one neglected to do so, this close to them and then recoiled, to the time specified by the is an example of “a twisted thing telling his mother, “I don’t want Magen Avraham. He would say, which cannot be made straight” to get near them because they “If you were offered an etrog that (Kohelet 1:15). neglected reciting Kriyat Shema is invalid according to the opinion The Zohar relates the following today. I learned that one who of the Magen Avraham, you surely incident: Rav Yitzchak and Rav does not say Kriyat Shema on wouldn’t buy it. Why, then, are Yehudah were on their way when time is excommunicated the you not careful to adhere to his they reached Kfar Sachnin, the entire day!” ruling regarding Kriyat Shema?” town hwere Rav Hamnuna Saba The Sages agreed with him, (Halichot Shlomo 70:91). lived. They lodged in his home, but explained that they had been In his letter of approbation for where his wife lived with their involved in a mitzvah and were a sefer on the mitzvah of Kriyat 27 Shema, the gaon Rabbi Yehuda Tzadka, zt”l, writes: There are a number of opinions regarding Sukkot the hour of Kriyat Shema. One who is punctilious will try to follow all opinions. Everyone agrees that the earlier one prays, the better. When one purchases an etrog, he agrees to pay a lot. He will travel far and wide in his search of the perfect specimen. Why, then, regarding Kriyat Obtaining the Perfect Etrog – Shema, does he not try to follow all opinions? A Fruitful Endeavor There is no response for this. Praiseworthy are those congregations that make sure to pray on Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef, zt”l, cherished mitzvot, but time on Shabbat morning so that the people especially those that were seasonal. can merit reciting Kriyat Shema and its prior When Sukkot came, he basked in the mitzvah of blessings in time. sitting in the sukkah. All year long, he anticipated the mitzvah of taking the Four Species. A Reason to Weep His son Rabbi Moshe Yosef, shlita, relates: In his In one of his talks, Maran HaRav Shach, zt”l, last year, he spent Sukkot in the hospital. During the said: There are many bachurim who learn well holiday, he lost consciousness. He finally regained and have yirat Shamayim. They will look at their consciousness on Isru Chag. “Father awoke and conveyed to us that he wished to take the Four watches to see if six hours have passed since Species. We explained that it was Isru Chag (when eating chicken soup. This is proper. However, this mitzvah no longer applies). Instead, he asked nearly every day, they miss the appropriate time that we help him don tefillin.” of Kriyat Shema d’Orayta, which is a Torah- mandated mitzvah, similar to eating matzah and Maran always scrutinized the etrogim he would blowing the shofar. use on Sukkot, making sure they were blemish-free and fit to use for the mitzvah of bringing glory to “I never missed the time of Kriyat Shema Hashem’s Name. according to the Magen Avraham. Once, when There was a special segulah in these etrogim: A I was nine years old, I woke up late. I cried so woman who could not have children would receive much that day, like someone who fell asleep a dish made of the etrogim. After making a blessing before the Seder and woke up the next morning, upon it, she would invariably have a child. only to discover that he had missed the whole thing.” Supporting Torah Shameless and Slothful The Imrei Emet of Gur says the following: The schach of the sukkah hints to talmidei chachamim. Rabbi Nissim Karelitz, shlita, quotes the This is why it must be free of anything that receives Mishnah in Pesachim that speaks about the impurity. However, the walls, which allude to those Korban Pesach being slaughtered in three who support Torah, need not be made only of pure groups. Although the halachah states that materials. They may be made of things that receive the nation should be divided into three, the impurity. They receive rectification by playing their Gemara calls the third group the “group of the part in upholding the sukkah. indolent.” These people fulfill the mitzvah of Korban Occasion for Joy Pesach on time. Nevertheless, because they Rabbi Moshe Bolbin relates that once, he had did not hurry, they are called lazy. All the more the only set of Four Species in the entire town. Of so regarding the mitzvah of Kriyat Shema. Its course, he brought them to the gaon Rabbi Shimon earliest hour is vatikin (at sunrise). Those who Shkop, zt”l, to use first. Afterward, the rest of the perpetually pray at a questionable hour display town took them for the mitzvah. Rabbi Shimon contempt towards Heaven. They certainly Shkop asked that he place them on the table when cannot be called punctilious in fulfilling the people were done with them so that he could mitzvot. look at them throughout the day. When he saw 28 the Four Species, it infused him with the joy of the festival. Simchat Torah For Love of a Mitzvah The gaon Rabbi Shmuel Shinover said the following about his teacher, Rabbi Shlomo Yehudah Leib Mi’Lentchna, zt”l: When he performed the mitzvah of taking the Four Species, he nearly fainted Morning, Noon, and Evening from the delight he had in doing the mitzvah. Throughout the recitation of Hallel, he would Rabbi Meir of Primishlan, zt”l, was known to kiss the etrog. say that the hakafot are so powerful, that when the congregants circle the bimah with the Sefer Torah, one can abolish harsh decrees. Rabbi Chaim Vital emphasizes (Sha’ar Hakavanot) that the custom of removing the Sifrei Torah from their places to dance with them around the bimah, during Shacharit, Minchah, and Ma’ariv, as well as Motza’ei Yom Tov, is a true one. He quotes the Arizal, who learns from the Zohar, that one should be mindful to circle the bimah with the Sefer Torah and sing in its honor with all his might. He would make sure to circle the bimah seven full times, aside from the hakafot of the day of Simchat Torah. The custom of hakafot was especially dear to the Arizal, Rabbi Chaim Vital continues. “He would prance before the Sefer Torah and encircle it, with intense joy.” He would go from one beit kenesset to another in order to fulfill this custom. It is said that the Arizal earned his exalted level of sanctity in merit of rejoicing in this mitzvah with all his might. A Sukkah of Love The Chida mentions Rabbi Chaim Vital’s words in his sefer, L’David Emet: The Sefer Rabbi Yitzchak Mi’Letzan relates the following about Hakavanot says to make hakafot during the gaon Rabbi Chaim Leib Mi’Stavisk, zt”l: A visitor Shacharit and Minchah, and again on Motza’ei saw him get out of bed a number of times in the middle Yom Tov. I have seen it mentioned in the name of the night, when he assumed his guest was asleep. He of the great Kabbalist, the Rashash, that he would enthusiastically kiss the walls of his sukkah. He would make hakafot in his own beit kenesset hardly left his sukkah during the entire festival. after Ma’ariv on the night of Simchat Torah, again before Mussaf, during Minchah, and the True Beauty eve of Motza’ei Yom Tov. He says there are Rabbi Elchanan Halpern, shlita relates that his many esoteric concepts behind this. grandfather, Rabbi Shmuel Engel, zt”l would often The Vilna Gaon, zt”l, danced in ecstasy tell the following regarding the Divrei Chaim before the Sefer Torah. His face shone like a of Sanz, zt”l: As he entered the sukkah on Erev fiery flame. He would clap and dance with Yom Tov, his grandchildren hurried to display the every fiber of his being. beautiful decorations they had prepared. “Is this The author of Yesod V’Shoresh Ha’Avodah called beautification of the sukkah?” he chided them. writes that whoever is meticulous in this “Beautification of the sukkah is studying Masechet matter is guaranteed that the Torah will Sukkah in the sukkah!” remain in his family always. In the courts of 29 Ruzhin and Sadigura, they believe that during the Chaim Palagi, however, abolished this custom, as hakafot, all the Sifrei Torah rise until the Throne of it could become dangerous. The sefer Shulchan Glory. They encircle it and advocate on behalf of Hakriah says that in Vilna one of the distinguished Am Yisrael. congregants would wear royal clothes of a previous era, with a majestic hat on his head. He would lead Different Dances; Same Song the dancers. Many customs have evolved around the bimah. Dancing in Peace Rabbi Yichyeh Kapach, author of the sefer Halichot Teiman, writes that in Yemen, the number of hakafot Rabbi Chaim Palagi relates that some communities can reach twenty. Children are brought into the beit had the custom of postponing the hakafot from kenesset from the tender age of six months. Simchat Torah to Shabbat Bereishit, in order to They would take out all the Sifrei Torah. During prevent disputes among the congregants. In his sefer Beit Moed L’chol Chai, he says: There are the week, a light would be left on in the synagogue. some batei knesset that do not have In some batei kenesset, they removed eighteen hakafot on the night of or twenty-six Sifrei Torah, the gematria of the Simchat Torah, Name Hashem. because this The Chida describes leads to the hakafot in his sefer arguments Avodat Hakodesh: over who A Sefer Torah gets which Sefer. was placed in the They therefore Aron Kodesh. A conduct the hakafot yarei Shamayim on Shabbat Bereishit. would hold onto This is the custom it throughout the of the congregations duration of the in Portugal. Other hakafot. The Rashash congregations have was very meticulous taken their lead. about this. The Rav Rabbi Chaim and other esteemed Palagi himself did members of the not condone this congregation would practice. He advises be honored with to use only one Sefer leading the first Torah for hakafot. hakafot. The rest The one who holds of the congregation it should be the would be honored treasurer, Chatan with later ones. Torah, or Chatan They would kiss Bereishit. Another the Sifrei Torah suggestion is to sell which were carried the hakafot. Whoever by the congregants. pledges the largest Everybody participated in this joyous event. Even donation merits holding the Sefer Torah. youngsters below Bar Mitzvah age were allowed An unusual custom, which the Torah Sages did to carry a Sefer Torah. Of course, this was done not approve of, is mentioned in the sefer of Rabbi under parental guidance. In some places, only Sifrei Avraham Chai Adati. He says it has no reliable Nevi’im which were written on parchment were source and should be abolished. These are his given to youngsters to hold. words, “In the village Maslata, a three-day journey In Eastern communities, it was the practice to from Tripoli, they blow the shofar at each hakafah throw candies and pastries at the dancers. Rabbi on Simchat Torah.” 30 With the approach of the New Year, We extend our greetings and blessings to the Rabbanim and avrechim and all those who grace the courtyards of our institutions, To those who generously support the institutions throughout the world, To our dear friends, and to all Klal Yisrael.

May Hashem grant us a good New Year – A year of blessing and success, A year of redemption and salvation, A year of good health and sustenance.

May we all be written in the Book of the Righteous immediately, for a good life and peace.

From the editors of Bechatzrot Hachaim

לשנה טובה תכתבו ותחתמו לחיים טובים

31 A Venture of Virtue

“The beit kenesset will not be opened until it is completely finished, down to the last detail,” Rabbi Chaim Korson announced, regarding the new synagogue opening in his home. “Ohr Chaim U’Moshe” is the name proudly displayed on the sign at the entrance, inviting all those who wish to bask in the radiance of Mexico this majestic edifice. Rabbi Chaim’s motto is, “Beautify the House of our G-d.” An Empire He maintains that a majestic beit kenesset brings glory to Hashem. Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, of Torah shlita, went to great lengths to attend the splendid Chanukat Habayit held in honor of this palace. He was extremely impressed with its grandeur and spoke about the obligation to fill it with the sound of Torah. “Only Torah!” the Rav declared. Rabbi Chaim nodded in agreement. The impressive Chanukat Habayit of the center was attended by the Rabbanim of Mexico as well as distinguished Rabbanim from Eretz Yisrael. There will be a Kollel Shishi (Friday Kollel) and Kollel Shabbat, as well as a daily morning kollel, followed by shiurei Torah. B'ezrat Hashem,a kollel to learn Choshen Mishpat will also be opened in the center. Currently, the diretors are seeking a Rav to run the center. In the Kollel Shishi, the Shabbat is welcomed by a study group Ohr Chaim U'Moshe comprised of avrechim alongside businessmen who cherish the Torah. The sanctity of Shabbat extends Rabbi Chaim’s motto is, “Beautify the House to the Kollel Shabbat, in which the participants become sanctified of our G-d.” He maintains that a majestic beit together with the Shabbat. kenesset brings glory to Hashem. Throughout Shabbat, shiurei Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita was Torah are delivered throughout the day of rest, for the wider public, extremely impressed with its grandeur and who come in droves to soak up the spoke about the obligation to fill it with atmosphere of holiness. A festive the sound of Torah. seudah shelishit is arranged, spiced 32 with enriching Torah lectures. office had miraculously remained During the week, the day begins intact. with Tefillat Shacharit. After a short Many people came to see this breakfast, a study session for the wonder with their own eyes. What businessmen takes place. Before a kiddush Hashem! engaging in worldly pursuits, they The Rav was extremely earn a portion in the World to impressed by the dedication of the Come. This sets the tone for their entire day, steering it on the path of Mexican Jews to Torah. “There halachah and adherence to mitzvot. is no doubt in my mind that this office remained standing in merit The crowning glory of this of those Jews who closed their empire is the daily kollel of avrechim. Several men delve into businesses midday, in order to the intricacies of the Talmud, from hear divrei Torah and pray with 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. a minyan. Their strength of spirit The sound of Torah doesn’t fall was absorbed by the very walls, silent. Minchah is at 8:00 p.m., keeping them standing even while followed by Ma’ariv. Afterward, the earth shook.” there is a long stretch of Torah study in which avrechim learn Taken for a Ride together with businessmen. The Rav has often noted the “The sound of Torah resounds special siyata di’Shemaya that in our land!” Rabbi Chaim Korson accompanies him on his visits to proudly declares. And he has many Mexico. He is also exceptionally more projects in mind. touched by the unity of the people Shaken by the Hand who love Torah and tradition. of Heaven A strong bond has been forged between the Rav, shlita, and Inauguration Over 120,000,000 people live in Rabbi Chaim Korson, the initiator ceremony Mexico. The Jewish community of this wonderful beit kenesset is the third largest in Latin and other special projects. Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita America, following Argentina “Over twenty years ago, the Rav with Rabbi Chaim Korson and Brazil. The first Jews arrived arrived in Mexico,” Rabbi Chaim and Rabbi Moshe Gopez, there from Spain in 1519. To date, Korson reveals in a personal who both founded the community in Mexico approximately 50,000 Jews call interview with Bechatzrot Mexico their home. Most of them Hachaim. “Rabbi Moshe Gopez, are concentrated in the capital, who always designated a room Mexico City. in his house for Rabbi Pinto to Many years ago, a terrible receive people, was given priority earthquake took place in Mexico. to receive a blessing from the Thousands were killed and Rav, as well as the chance to ask hundreds of thousands were his advice.” injured. The site of the earthquake was a shopping center that held About eighteen years ago, shiurei Torah in one of its offices. Mrs. Gopez told her friend, Mrs. After the shiur, many people Korson, that the Rav would be would stay for Minchah services. staying at their home. Perhaps After the terrible tragedy, the she would like to receive a man who arranged the shiurei blessing from him? The Korson Torah approached the Rav, shlita. couple came, asked for advice on He reported that the earthquake personal matters, and received a had devastated the entire area, blessing. Just as they were about including the building where his to leave the room, the Rav called office was located. However, his after them, “Beware of Moshe!” 33 “Who is Moshe?” they When he got there, he was wondered. They decided to unceremoniously informed that beware of a certain acquaintance they had placed a lien on his bank with this name. However, the account, due to monies that had story doesn’t end there. recently been deposited. He was The Korsons live in Mexico, shocked to hear this, explaining but they also own a home in that he had just sold his car, and Monsey, N.Y. They spend their he showed them the papers to summer vacations there. Rabbi prove it. Chaim proudly announces that The looks on the faces of the this home was in close proximity police somewhat softened. They to Rabbi Kaminetzky and Rabbi understood that this man was Shwab, zt”l. He speaks with the not a criminal. They removed air of one who knows how to the lien, yet notified him that the choose the best neighborhood money from the car was being in town. His family spent two confiscated. months every year in this idyllic “Why?” asked Rabbi Chaim, location. utterly baffled. He was even Wealthy individuals are afraid to more shocked when he heard the drive in Mexico, due to the many reason: kidnappings and other forms of “The man to whom you sold violence. In contrast, Monsey is the car is a criminal. This kind of situated in the rural countryside, people use counterfeit money for far from any such fears. Thus, large purchases.” Rabbi Chaim purchased a car to He was told that his only choice use during their vacations. His was to open a file against this man wife did not like the fact that such at the police station. “If he will be an opulent car was purchased caught,” they explained, “it will for only two months a year. She help you get your money.” asked her husband to try to sell He opened a file and then it at the end of their vacation that returned home to Mexico. year, which he did. During that time, the Rav, He put an advertisement in the shlita, made a trip to Mexico. As newspaper and a fellow Jew came, was his custom, Rabbi Chaim tested the car, and said he wanted came to ask for advice and to buy it. “I am returning to receive a blessing. As soon as he “I forgive him with all Mexico tomorrow,” Rabbi Chaim walked into the room, however, informed him. “You can pay my my heart. I even secretly the Rav preempted him with the neighbor for the car. He will take thanked him for offering care of the paperwork and make grievance, “Why didn’t you listen me the opportunity to sure to transfer the money to me.” to me when I told you to beware of Moshe?!” withstand the challenge of About three weeks later, the man called up Rabbi Chaim to relate Rabbi Chaim was flustered by obeying da’at Torah even that he had the money for the car. the Rav’s outburst. “Suddenly, when it is uncomfortable. Everything was taken care of, as I remembered that the man who One never loses out by pre-arranged. had bought the car from me was named Moshe.” seeking rabbinical advice.” Suddenly, a month and a half later, Rabbi Chaim got a phone After Rabbi Chaim calmed call from the police. They down, the Rav instructed him impassively informed him that to cancel the complaint against he had to appear in court in “Moshe.” Monsey urgently. “If the police asks why I am 34 cancelling all charges, what the Rav’s rhetorical question the Korson home. Mrs. Korson should I tell them?” regarding whether or not I wanted picked up and was asked, “Did “Tell them your Rabbi told them to burn down my house.” you sell a car to a Moshe, you to do this,” he emphatically A senior agent came to Rabbi about sixteen years ago?” replied. “Are you waiting for Korson in secret and asked, “Who With rising suspicions, them to burn down your house?” is your Rabbi, who told you to she validated the facts. The “To be truthful,” Rabbi Korson drop charges?” man said that Moshe had reflects, “at that moment, I had “I admit that I was surprised mended his ways and would an inner battle whether or not to at this question. Nevertheless, very much like to return obey the words of a Torah Sage. I replied that Rabbi David their money. In the next phone It was extremely difficult for me Chananyah Pinto is my mentor.” call, Rabbi Chaim was asked if he was planning a trip to New York to approach the police and explain As if revealing a secret, the why I wanted to drop all charges. in the near future. He said that man turned to him and said, “You By doing this, I was effectively yes, he was planning to attend a should know that I am also a Jew. sealing the one chance I had of kosher food festival, scheduled to I have nothing but admiration for ever seeing my money. While take place on such-and-such date. your Rabbi, who is completely I managed to clear myself of all He even gave them the address right. These people can become connection with the underworld, of the Plaza Hotel, where he had extremely violent and penalize I was placing myself under booked a room. those who dare oppose them. suspicion.” Finally, he overcame “My son tried to dissuade me Their favorite form of vengeance his hesitations. He headed to from going there,” Rabbi Chaim is burning down houses.” the police in Monsey and filed a confided. “He logically explained retraction. The agent saw to it that all that I had little chance of getting As was expected, their suspicions were removed from the money from criminals. In the suspicions were on high alert at Rabbi Chaim. He lost a lot of best case, this was a practical this turn of events. They began money, but he obeyed the opinion joke. In the worst case…” investigating and inquiring why of Torah, as expressed by its Rabbi Chaim travelled to New he was making such a seemingly sages. York, as planned. On one of the foolish move. “I explained that my Approximately sixteen years days of the festival, he received Rabbi told me to do this. I added passed. One day, the phone rang in a phone message: We are coming

35 to give you your money.” Rabbi man wholeheartedly for all the took this plate out of the drawer Chaim waited in the hotel anguish he has caused you.” and looked at the young man’s lobby. Suddenly, he noticed “I forgive him with all my name, for some reason, he put it three rabbinic-looking heart. I even secretly thanked him back. figures heading his way. for offering me the opportunity For approximately eight years, They removed the stash of to withstand the challenge of whenever he thought of trashing cash and asked for only one obeying da’at Torah even when it, he ended up keeping it. Why thing: that he should sign it is uncomfortable. One never was he saving a piece of metal that he received the money loses out by seeking rabbinical with someone’s name written and completely forgive advice.” on it? And especially since he Moshe. had long forgotten what the boy The kosher money switched Mysterious Memento looked like. hands. The signature was given. from Mexico Moreover, whenever he did Rabbi Chaim had only one manage to throw it out, his question: How was it that a Rabbi Chaim Korson has a secretary would invariably return criminal reconsidered and even very special relationship with the it to his drawer, assuming he had sent Rabbanim to pay him, while Rav, shlita. He relates another asking forgiveness? Something fascinating story, which further deposited it in the wastebasket didn’t make sense. solidifies their bond: by mistake. Most mysteriously, this hunk of metal sat in his Rabbi Chaim sat back as he A certain young man once desk drawer for years on end, listened to the fascinating tale of visited the Rav and left him a seemingly a keepsake of no a Jewish man who spent his life unique gift. It was a metal plate, worth. in fraud and deception, thievery, shaped like a scroll, with his name and trickery. Suddenly, his engraved on it. The Rav took it Meanwhile, his daughter, Sara, children became very sick. His from him and put it into a drawer. reached marriageable age. Many finances took a downward turn. The Rav generally does not save shidduch prospects came in, but He understood that this was all gifts which people bestow upon he discounted all of them, for a punishment for his dastardly him as tokens of their thanks, or various reasons. A delegation deeds. He chose to do teshuvah any other souvenirs. Either he from Mexico once visited him, and return all that he had stolen. passes them on to others who suggesting a very familiar name “Please, we beg of you,” the rabbis could enjoy them, or he simply as a shidduch prospect. It was asked Rabbi Korson, “forgive this discards them. But every time he this very bachur from Argentina,

36 whose tablet sat in his drawer for shidduch from Mexico.” the past eight years. “Give thanks to Hashem, for It was then that the Rav He is good!” I declared. “May remembered the incident of a few He be blessed. I have not been years earlier. During the Purim mistaken. Baruch Hashem, for He feast, when he was in a most joyous has led me in the right direction. state and slightly inebriated, his This is His Divine intervention, wife asked, “From where will leading my daughter to her truly Sara find her happiness? Will it intended.” come from France? From Eretz The Rav’s daughter married Yisrael?” the young man from Mexico and To which the Rav responded, merited establishing a fine Jewish “From Mexico.” home with him. “From Mexico?” his wife asked, aghast. “What is in Mexico?” The Gift of Recovery “I have no idea,” the Rav Rabbi Moshe Gopez of Mexico replied, in all honesty. “That is is another man who is extremely what came out of my mouth.” close to the Rav. He is very Now, when these men came involved in supporting the Rav’s from Mexico, suggesting a match institutions throughout the world, with an Argentinean, the story particularly in Mexico. came to the Rav’s mind. He shared The Rav has stayed at his home the incident with his wife. “But on countless visits to Mexico. He you said her intended would come always enjoys true hospitality from Mexico, not Argentina. Did there. you perhaps make a mistake? Is this Sara’s intended?” Regarding one of his visits, the Rav confided: “Rabbi “You are right,” he replied. Moshe is so special. He literally “This point is what is holding sacrificed himself on my behalf. back the shidduch. On the other He made every attempt to make hand, I strongly feel Hashem’s my stay pleasant, all for pure hand at work here. For eight years straight, I have kept a intentions. memento with this boy’s name “Before leaving his home, I That very night, I had on it. Whenever I decided to get felt compelled to leave him a rid of it, for some reason, I put gift, in thanks for the wonderful a dream. Father, zy”a, it back in the drawer. Maybe hachnasat orchim which I was appeared to me and said, it is a Heavenly sign that this privileged to experience in his “There is one invaluable boy is Sara’s intended. But, as home. But what could I offer gift which you can give you pointed out, he is not from him? Anything I would give Mexico. That is enough reason would be a drop in the bucket, your host. His daughter to nix it.” nothing compared to the kindness has developed a serious The Rav did not have to worry I had received. I therefore turned intestinal disorder. She must to Hashem and asked Him to give for too long. As soon as he be operated on immediately. confided his hesitations to Rabbi me a good idea for how to repay Korson, the latter settled the my host. But her father is not yet entire matter with one statement. That very night, I had a dream. aware of this illness. Go and “Honored Rav, the boy was born Father, zy”a, appeared to me and inform him about it, so that in Mexico! His parents moved said, “There is one invaluable her life can be saved.” to Argentina only later. He is the gift which you can give your one referred to in your prophetic host. His daughter has developed words that Sara would find a a serious intestinal disorder. She 37 must be operated on immediately. Proud to be a Jew But her father is not yet aware of this illness. Go and inform him A warm heart beats within the about it, so that her life can be Jews of this hot climate. Although saved.” many are distant from Torah When I awoke in the Judaism, they feel an affinity to morning, I clearly remembered all things Jewish. my dream, but I was reluctant Jews have lived in Mexico for to reveal it to R’ Gopez. hundreds of years. Many of them Dreams are often figments of fled to its welcoming shores the imagination. Maybe it was from the Spanish Inquisition, just nonsense. I kept the entire when Mexico was a colony matter to myself. of Spain. In later times, Jews Later in the day, a meeting of immigrated to Mexico from Rabbanim took place at the home Eastern and Western Europe, a of R’ Gopez. Suddenly, I felt a conglomeration of Sephardim strong obligation to reveal my and Ashkenazim who found a dream immediately. I realized that haven in this country. if it was discovered that the girl It is not an easy thing to dwell in was deathly ill and I had kept this a land where the Catholic Church knowledge from them, I would is in full power. Many Jewish never forgive myself. Even if it identities have become obscured would turn out to be nothing at over time due to assimilation all, what did I have to lose? No among the Marranos and their harm would come from her father children. Nevertheless, the Rav bringing her to the hospital on a constantly points out the warm false alarm. Jewish heart that beats within I called aside R’ Gopez and the Jews of Mexico. On one instructed him, “Bring your occasion, he demonstrated this daughter immediately to the with the following story: Within minutes, the emergency room.” I then related On a visit to Mexico, a group entire batch of tzitzit the details of my dream. He of Jews came to see me, sporting heard the urgency in my voice, kippot in the traditional Jewish had disappeared. and hurried his daughter to the custom. But on Shabbat, I noticed hospital. Approximately one that they were bare-headed. As The Rav blessed the hour later, he called me up. they saw my surprise at their audience that in merit “Rabbi David!” he began, his uncovered heads, they were filled voice laden with emotion. “Your with shame. of this precious mitzvah, dream was 100% true! Had I One of the men, seeing me Hashem would fulfill waited any longer, my daughter’s approaching, suggested to his life would have been in grave comrades that they turn back so as their hearts’ desires. danger! The doctors wheeled not to encounter me and confront her into the operating room right my displeasure. But his friends, away.” who did not know me, could not The next morning, Baruch understand what the fuss was Hashem, the girl opened her about. eyes, and her father thanked me As our paths crossed, I profusely. “Honored Rav,” he nonchalantly removed the kippah started, in a tear-choked voice, from under my hat and placed it “you saved my daughter’s life. upon the head of one of the men. This is the greatest gift you could This was my silent rebuke to him have given me.” to be proud to be a Jew and never 38 feel ashamed by those who taunt Within minutes, the entire batch “Suddenly, his wife’s lawyer him for it. of tzitzit had disappeared. The called up to say that the judge The young man bowed his head Rav blessed the audience that in was looking favorably upon slightly and then lifted it. His eyes merit of this precious mitzvah, her case and was interested were full of thanks. He heard the Hashem would fulfill their hearts’ in releasing her very message in my act and felt proud desires. soon. The lawyer could to be identified as a Jew. A few days later, Rabbi Chaim not explain the judge’s Korson phoned the Rav. “An decision, but called to let Fringe Benefits amazing miracle happed to me,” them know that he was of Tzitzit he began. “It was in merit of releasing the woman from the tzitzit that you distributed in prison very shortly. On one of the Rav’s trips to Mexico.” “What joy was in their Mexico, Chevrat Rabbi Chaim household at that time! They Pinto organized a Shabbaton “My friend’s wife,” he began, thanked Hashem for His obvious for the Jewish residents. With “is sitting in prison for neglecting miracles.” siyata di’Shemaya, all who taxes. She has many years of jail attended experienced a Shabbat to look forward to. I suggested Rabbi Korson believes it is of exaltation and sanctity. to my friend to undertake the the merit of the tzitzit that saved his friend’s wife from a lengthy Whenever the Rav noticed mitzvah of tzitzit, to provide them prison sentence. When this man that the congregants were in an with a merit for her release. I even took the step of placing tzitzit on especially happy frame of mind, offered him a pair from those the himself, Hashem allowed his wife he removed packages of tzitzit Rav had distributed on Shabbat in to escape prison. and announced, “Whoever wears Mexico. tzitzit will merit success and “At first, my friend refused to A Release of Faith blessing.” wear tzitzit. However, I insisted, The Rav expected maybe one saying that they were blessed Rabbi Moshe Gopez, shlita, or two Jews to stand up to attain by the Rav. The Rav’s blessing was once sitting shivah in Eretz the mitzvah of tzitzit. To his great always bears fruit. He finally Yisrael. The Rav, shlita, paid him surprise, many people stood up, relented and undertook to always a condolence call, even delivering eager to undertake this wonderful wear tzitzit. He prayed that in this a shiur in Mishnayot for the mitzvah. merit, his wife should be set free. elevation of the deceased man’s

39 soul. After Tefillat Ma’ariv, his face as he recalls the details. the Rav intended to travel to In Mexico, a young man grew Yerushalayim. Mr. Yechiel Ben- up far from a Torah lifestyle. Moshe, manager of a branch of On one occasion, he visited the Bank Mizrachi, offered to drive Rav and they had an emotional him. His friend, Mr. Nachmani, discussion. The Rav somehow from Mexico, joined them. He convinced him to learn in a wanted to ask the Rav’s advice yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael. The boy regarding an issue he was dealing spent two weeks in Bnei Brak, with. where he got his first taste of During the course of the trip, Torah study. Mr. Nachmani related that a A year later, the Rav met this relative in Mexico had been young man once again. The boy kidnapped. His captors had been explained that although he wished holding him for the past month, to continue learning in a yeshiva, demanding the astronomical his parents were adamantly sum of ten million dollars for his against it. They insisted that he release. Due to the complicated take a college course and learn situation, there was a real danger an honorable trade instead. to his life. The Rav was touched by the After a few moments of boy’s sincere desire to grow in thought, the following words Torah knowledge. He therefore came from the Rav’s mouth, set aside time to speak with his of their own accord, “B’ezrat parents, trying to persuade them Hashem, your relative will be that it was in their son’s best released by the end of this week.” interest to broaden his Torah Mr. Yechiel Ben-Moshe wisdom. After much persuasion, joined the Rav for a most they finally relented. They agreed uplifting Shabbat in Ashdod. that he could learn in a yeshiva After Shabbat, he packed up for a specified amount of time, his belongings and turned on after which he would pursue a his cell phone, which had been degree. off all Shabbat. Suddenly, a call The young man accepted his came in from his friend, Mr. parents’ condition and traveled Nachmani. He tripped over his He tripped over his to Eretz Yisrael to follow his words in his excitement while heart’s true desire. In the short words in his excitement relating that the Rav’s words time allotted to him, he threw while relating that the had come true. During Shabbat, himself into his learning. After the level of security at the prison Rav’s words had come this period of time passed, he had somewhat slackened, and approached the Rav and asked true. During Shabbat, the the abducted man snatched the that he be allowed to continue level of security at the opportunity to escape to home and safety. studying Torah in a yeshiva. prison had somewhat “I knew the boy well and slackened, and the For Love of Torah realized he had tremendous potential. He was destined to be abducted man snatched The following story was told by a Torah genius. This is why I the opportunity to escape the Rav with great emotion. “This made the trip from Argentina to Mexico to speak with his parents to home and safety. story justifies all the difficulties I undergo and exertions I invest once again and encourage them in travelling to the most remote to allow him to continue in this corners of the world, especially pursuit.” Mexico.” A smile breaks out on The words emanating from the 40 Rav’s warm heart entered the hearts of this boy’s parents. No Way, José Hashem enabled him to offer A gentile Mexican boy went safety, as they had been doing them words of inspiration missing. His parents, middle- until now. I added, “G-d which hit their mark. They income people who worked in willing, you will return to eventually relinquished their a factory, tried to find their lost me on Sunday, together with dream of “their son, the child, but came up against a brick your son.” doctor.” wall. The factory owner was a The parents were stunned This boy made great Jew who used to come to me for by my words. They left my progress in his Torah studies. blessings and advice in the merit room with hope in their hearts. In four years, he managed to of my holy fathers. When I arrived The very next day, their son cover material that it would in Mexico, four months after the called up from the bus stop. He ordinarily take a boy fifteen boy had disappeared, the broken had just arrived from Acapulco. years to learn. He eventually parents came to me, relating their He asked that they come to get married and established a sorry story. They said that in spite him. fine Jewish home. of all their efforts, they did not That Sunday, the three of them Many Torah Sages from have a thread of a clue as to his came to see me. Before he could Eretz Yisrael and around the whereabouts. open his mouth, I asked, “Who world attended his wedding I asked them, “Did your son, is José?” in Mexico. “At that time, I by any chance, mention the city He answered that it was an thanked Hakadosh Baruch Acapulco before he disappeared? older youth who had gotten him Hu for allowing me to be Did he ask to travel there?” involved in drugs. the agent to help this young “No,” was their definite answer. I then turned to the father and man advance spiritually,” “Did he smoke drugs?” I pressed warned him, “Make sure not to the Rav confided. “He onward. strike your son, because the next successfully abandoned time he runs away, he won’t To the best of their knowledge, the pursuits of this world. come back!” he did not. With iron determination This story made waves “Does he by any chance, have a and a large dose of siyata throughout the entire city, friend named José?” di’Shemaya, he established resulting in a tremendous kiddush Torah as his profession. He “We have no idea.” Hashem. Even the gentiles has attained great levels in I instructed them to return home realized that Hashem performs Torah study and has become and pray to Hashem for their son’s wonders through His agents. a true ben Torah.”

41 "In every generation, Hakadosh Baruch Hu saves us from their hands"

42 Activities of the institutions Orot Chaim U'Moshe Ashdod for children living in the south of Israel during the military campaign "Protective Edge" Summer 2014

43 Scenes from Marseille Opening of the center Chasdei David

Harav Yosef Elkouby

For many years, Moreinu v’Rabbeinu, Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita, has regularly visited Marseille to increase Torah learning in the city and guide its members on the path of Torah. During these years, a very strong and unique connection has been forged between the kehillah and the Pinto family, with the Rav at its head.

44 Marseille, the second largest city in France. It has finally arrived! In the Eighth District (Paradise boasts the second largest Jewish kehillah in France. Road), Moreinu has opened the center “Chasdei For many years, Moreinu v’Rabbeinu, Rabbi David.” David Chananya Pinto, shlita, has regularly visited Moreinu v’Rabbeinu, Rabbi David Chananya Marseille to increase Torah learning in the city and Pinto, shlita, has established a Beit Midrash that has guide its members on the path of Torah. During quickly been filled with Torah activities throughout these years, a very strong and unique connection the day. These begin early in the morning with has been forged between the kehillah and the Pinto Shacharit, and last late into the night with a night family, with the Rav at its head. The Rav himself has kollel. The day itself is replete with Torah lectures. on many occasions described the mutual feelings of closeness between himself and the community in The center caters for all sectors of the community, Marseille. and all ages. Every Sunday, which is the official holiday from school, classes are given for children For thirty-five years, the community has pleaded with the Rav, shlita, to establish a Torah institution in the “Talmud Torah.” Those who participate in memory of the holy tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, are given snacks and are rewarded with prizes and zy”a. Now, to the great joy of so many people candies. who have thirsted to establish their own spiritual Each night during the week, there are interesting foundations under the Rav’s direction, the time lectures for “ba’alei batim,” as well as a night

45 kollel. A variety of Torah-based activities is included garb, shoulder to shoulder with young men whose for special occasions, such as on Rosh Chodesh and kippot are perched on top of a shock of hair, or a before the festivals. haircut that denotes that they have only recently The center is open every day, including Shabbat. come to this place. The sweetness of such a sight is Each Shabbat there is a special class given for the obvious to all. The enjoyment of Torah connects and youth, from three till eight, explaining different unites these very different people into one cohesive topics of Gemara according to the level of the unit – a unit where all differences are blurred. attendees. We extend our gratitude to all those who have The directors of the institution have plans to fill helped, and continue to help, this beautiful center the Beit Midrash with even more Torah. B’ezrat to open and thrive. May Hashem bless them and Hashem, in the near future, they intend to open a their families, and ensure their success in all their full-day kollel for avrechim. endeavors. There is great anticipation I asked how much money We would like to extend for such a kollel, which will special thanks to Rav Yaakov augment the activities of the they were asking. The Mattout and Rav Aharon center and enable all those who answer was 400,000 euro. Mattout, for their constant and enter its gates to enjoy constant This seemed an inflated continued efforts in increasing Torah study, throughout the day. the splendor of the Torah and Surely the blessing and sum to me, but I phoned thereby the honor of Hashem. success of this center is due Rabbi Rephael Pinto, shlita, We wish them continued to the presence and influence to ask what he thought. success and blessing. of the righteous members Yoel Marciano relates a of Family Pinto, says Yoel He agreed that it was too wonderful story concerning the Marciano, a resident of the city expensive, and that we establishment of the spiritual and one of the main organizers did not have a way to get center in Marseille: of events in the community. He I moved to this area, the continues: this amount of money. Eighth District, a short while We are full of praise and ago. Many Jews live here. One thanks to Hashem for this spiritual center, for day, I noticed a sign announcing that the long-term which we have waited for so many years. It is a rights of rental of a certain property were for sale. I tremendous pleasure to see the Beit Midrash filled thought this would be a wonderful place to establish with avrechim, who have merited immersing a center for Torah and tefillah and phoned to find themselves in the depths of Torah and filling out details about it. I heard that the rights of this themselves with the words of Abaye and Rava, property belonged to a brother and sister who were sitting side by side with the youth, who have not Jewish. I asked how much money they were now, due to these avrechim, merited experiencing asking. The answer was 400,000 euro. This seemed the pleasures of Torah, returning to the tradition an inflated sum to me, but I phoned Rabbi Rephael of their forefathers, and sometimes even to the Pinto, shlita, to ask what he thought. He agreed that essence of being a Jew. it was too expensive, and that we did not have a way They sit together, bnei Torah dressed in traditional to get this amount of money.

46 replied, “There should be good tidings.” After a short while, in a truly fantastic way and without any natural explanation, the owner informed us, “I will give you the rights of rental for free!” Words cannot describe the wonderful miracle that we witnessed in this event. This surely took place in the merit of the holy tzaddik Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a, in whose honor and memory the Beit Kenesset was established. Without a doubt, it was through the blessing of Rabbi David Chananya Pinto, shlita, that in the city of

The weeks passed, and I saw that the property was still available. I phoned again to ask the price and was told a slightly smaller sum than previously. But it was still a large amount, and we did not know how we could raise the money for it. I turned to Moreinu v’Rabbeinu, Rabbi David Marseille this Beit Knesset was founded, which Chananya Pinto, shlita, and explained the is a spiritual center for the community and will, situation to him. The Rav listened attentively to B’ezrat Hashem, continue to influence the entire what I had to say, clarifying all the details, and city for years to come.

47 To the Holy Ones Buried in the Earth Moreinu v'Rabbeinu, shlita, on a trip to pray for the community and the individual at the graves of the tzaddikim in the Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Poland

48 May the Merit of Our Forefathers Protect Us May the Eternal One of Israel redeem us and raise us from the pit of exile to serve Him eternally in the House of Hashem

49 To the Holy Ones Buried in the Earth Moreinu v'Rabbeinu, shlita, on a trip to pray for the community and the individual

Tzaddikim of the Tsarfati family, zt"l Rabbi Shmuel Elbaz, zt"l Rabbi Vidal Hatsarfati

The tzaddeket Lalla Soulika, z"l Rabbi Yehuda ben Attar, zt"l Rabbi Yitzchak Abuchatzeira, zt"l

The cemetery in Fez Rabbi David Abuchatzeira, zt"l Rabbi David Abuchatzeira, zt"l

50 In the Tents of the Tzaddikim

The hilula of Rabbi Moshe Aharon Pinto, zy"a

Moreinu at the grave of Rabbi Yichyeh Charfi, ztk"l, and his wife, Marat Mamach Charfi, z"l

51 In the Tents of the Tzaddikim

Inauguration of the new Jewish school in Cordoba, Argentina

Moreinu v'Rabbeinu visiting the community Chevrat Pinto, Argentina

52 In the Tents of the Tzaddikim

The hilula of Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy"a, Morocco

53 In the Tents of the Tzaddikim

Bein Hazmanim Orot Chaim U'Moshe, Ashdod

Distribution of Kimcha d'Pischa, Orot Chaim U'Moshe, Ashdod

54 In the Tents of the Tzaddikim

Distribution of the sefer "Pachad David" in Yeshivat Ore Torah

Siyum of Masechet Ketubot in the Night Kollel of Peninei David, Jerusalem

Moreinu v'Rabbeinu visiting the gaon Harav Kanievsky, shlita, and the gaon Harav Steinman, shlita

55 זה השער לה' צדיקים יבואו בו This Is the Gate of Hashem the Righteous Shall Enter through It

"The Temple was built of intact stone" The Institutions of Mikdash L'David Simulation of the building that will be built, b'siyata di'Shemaya, in "Ma'ar" Ashdod South