Personal Salvation through Bringing Merit to the Public
Many years ago, Harav Medina’s mother, from Venezuela, paid me a visit. I asked how her son was doing, and especially the state of his arms and legs. She replied that all was fine, and he was completely healed.
“Have you any idea why I asked specifically about his hands and feet?” I inquired, “Because I personally do not.”
She thought for a moment and then replied, “Maybe it is because my son was born paralyzed in his arms and legs. The doctors stated that his chances of living were very slim. But my family strengthened themselves in emunah that Hashem can do anything. We increased our prayers on behalf of the boy. We also visited different tzaddikim, such as the Baba Sali, zy”a, in order to ask that they pray on his behalf. Baruch Hashem, he has healed completely and even enjoys the position of Rav, teaching Torah to the multitudes.”
After hearing the wonderful words of the mother, I felt compelled to speak with the son. “In what merit was your health restored?” I inquired.
Rav Medina responded with a personal story. “Some years ago, I visited the northern city of Israel, Kiryat Shemoneh, which borders Lebanon. One day, a booby-trapped car blew up exactly where I was, claiming many lives, may Hashem avenge their blood. In a most miraculous way, I escaped unscathed.”
This story only intensified my question. So I asked, “In what merit did you deserve to have your life handed to you on a silver platter twice, once, after birth, and again, when you emerged safely from the terror attack?”
Rav Medina was quiet for a moment and then admitted that he did not know how he was worthy of these special miracles.
I told him, “Hashem watches over you directly in the merit of your constant involvement in zikuy harabim. He observes your constant Torah study and involvement in bringing people to do teshuvah. In this merit, He protects you from all harm, even against the laws of nature.”
