Kindness Reflected in Cure
The following letter reached our office in France:
The first time I encountered Rabbi David Pinto was when I went to ask him for a berachah. I had undergone a turbulent year, and was suffering from numerous medical issues. I told the Rav about my situation. He stopped me in the middle, asking various questions. Afterward, he promised me a marked improvement in my livelihood as well as in my marital harmony.
I was pleased to receive berachot in this area, but the reason for my visit remained unaddressed. I told him about the catheterization I had recently undergone, and the resulting complications. But the Rav once again interrupted me, asking about my feet.
I was in utter shock. One of the illnesses I was suffering from was a problem of the nervous system, which caused me untold neurological issues, especially in the bottom of my feet. How did the Rav know about this?
I began telling the Rav the story of my feet, when he suddenly stopped me and asked, “Who is Yaakov?”
I replied that I had no idea who he was talking about.
We continued talking about my various health issues. The Rav instructed me to reduce my sugar intake and be careful about my cholesterol. The Rav’s words were an exact quote of the doctor’s orders.
We continued our discussion, but the Rav seemed distracted. He often repeated that I had experienced a great miracle. Only a few months earlier, on Shabbat, a decree of death had been hovering over my head. I merited emerging unscathed in the merit of a certain mitzvah which I had done. I asked the Rav which mitzvah he was referring to. He said he did not know, but he was certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I had done a certain mitzvah that had saved my life.
I was also surprised that the Rav knew that my illness had begun on the afternoon of a Shabbat.
The Rav directed me to continue my observance of mitzvot and to increase Torah study, and he blessed me with a complete recovery.
I returned home in an elevated mood. I told my wife all about the meeting and the Rav’s instructions. But one point gave me no rest. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out who was the Yaakov that the Rav had referred to. My mind was on this all day long. Suddenly, in the middle of the night, I shot up in bed, as realization struck. I finally remembered who Yaakov was.
The first Shabbat that I had become ill, my wife and I were participating at a weekend seminar, which was held from Wednesday through Sunday. On Thursday, I made the acquaintance of a fellow participant, a nice-looking religious Jew. I introduced myself and asked what his plans were for the Shabbat meals.
The man, who introduced himself as Yaakov, said he intended to buy some kosher food for the Shabbat meals. I immediately told him there was no need, as we had plenty of food and would be honored to have him as our guest. He accepted our invitation. We experienced a most wonderful Shabbat. Since then, our relationship has blossomed.
I returned to Rav Pinto and relayed the details of my friendship with Yaakov. The Rav’s face lit up. He asserted that it was the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim with Yaakov which had saved me from certain death that Shabbat. He spoke about the significance of this mitzvah and mentioned that people are unaware of the tremendous power of kind deeds.
The Rav asked that I publicize this message, with words of blessing for a complete recovery and all things good.
