I had two childhood aspirations. One was to be rich, and the other was to follow in the footsteps of my holy grandfather, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a. The stories of the miracles that he wrought were often related in my home. His noble image always stood before my eyes.
My holy grandfather, renowned for performing miracles, would distribute charity with an open hand to all in need. Before retiring at night, he made sure that all the money in his possession had been given to the poor. He had firm faith in Hashem that just as He had provided for him until now, He would continue to do so in the future.
My first aspiration to become wealthy was negated while I was yet young. But my second aspiration, to emulate my holy grandfather, I still carry in my heart. I try with all my might to walk in his ways, supporting Torah institutions and distributing charity among the needy. This is the only wealth I seek. And Hashem, Who examines man’s innards, is the only One Who knows if I have succeeded in coming any degree closer to the elevated heights which my grandfather reached.
