Moving Miracles
The owner of an enormous manufacturing and marketing company for air-conditioners is a great believer in the power of tzaddikim, although he is a non-Jew. During the days of the hilula for the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a, in Morocco, we hire his services. In the year 2010, R’ Daniel Afriat, the one responsible for the air-conditioning at the hilula ceremony, wished to pay a deposit for the air-conditioning before we actually used this service. But the man refused to accept this, stating that he knows that Jews will pay up completely. After the hilula, R’ Afriat met with this fellow in order to arrange payment for the air-conditioning. R’ Afriat took advantage of the opportunity, and asked the man where he had gotten such a strong sense of faith in the Jewish nation.
“I was once stuck in the small town of Ouezanne in Morocco,” he began. “This is the resting place of the tzaddik, Rabbi Amram ben Diwan, a great miracle-worker. When my friends heard that I was here for some time, they recommended that I visit his grave, even though I am a gentile. I did as they advised. I suffered from financial as well as personal problems at the time. I kissed the grave, with perfect faith that the soul of the tzaddik could effect wonderful things on my behalf.
“The caretaker offered me a candle and instructed me to light it in a designated place near the grave of the tzaddik. Additionally, he poured some oil onto my hands from the lit wicks which were there, and told me to rub it into the nape of my neck. I did as I was told and, with a feeling of elevation, left with my comrade who was with me.
“After a short drive, we noticed a white-bearded, elderly man, who bespoke beauty and holiness. He signaled to us to stop for him, which I did. I offered him a ride in the back seat. The old man got into the car, and we continued on our way. Suddenly, without any forewarning, thick billows of black smoke emanated from the engine. I was filled with dread and quickly pulled over to the side of the road. I was ready to open the hood and check the situation, when a soft, musical voice assured me, ‘Do not worry. The car is fine.’ I turned to see who was speaking and, before my eyes, another white-bearded old man appeared. I was in shock. But the man continued, as if taking directives from elderly, other-worldly figures was the most normal thing, ‘The oil is not covered properly. This is what is causing the smoke. Close it securely and go on your way.’ Then he disappeared as quickly as he had come.
“I stood there spellbound. When I glanced into the car, I found that my back-seat passenger had also disappeared. Now I was really frightened. I quickly entered my vehicle and sped away from the surreal scene.
“But my story does not end there,” said the wealthy man. “Some time after my hair-raising experiences, I was invited to meet with an acquaintance on a business matter. While I sat in the waiting room, I picked up a book which was lying on the side, called Tzaddikim of Morocco. This is a rare book, containing a collection of the lives of various tzaddikim, who are now buried in the sands of Morocco. As I was leafing through the book, I suddenly came upon a picture which reminded me of the miracle that I had with the car. The very same man who had appeared to me then, appeared before me on the page.
“I looked at the name which was printed under the picture and found ‘Rabbi Amram ben Diwan’ written there. I fainted on the spot. After I came to, I told everyone my story, adding that this great man had passed on many years ago, yet I had merited seeing him in person. My eyes filled with tears as I understood that the tzaddik had been sent from Heaven in order to help me on the road, in the merit of the heartfelt prayer I had offered at his grave.
“The oil also had an effect on me,” he continued his spell-binding story. “When I was in Belgium, I was speeding along with some friends when an oncoming vehicle crashed into our car. All of the passengers were rushed immediately to the nearest hospital, in critical condition, their bones broken to pieces.
“When the doctors began working on me, they were afraid I had suffered a fatal blow to the back of the neck. But all the x-rays indicated that I had emerged unscathed. This was the exact spot where I had previously rubbed the oil at the tzaddik’s grave.
“The numerous miracles I experienced in the merit of the Jewish tzaddikim implanted in me a love for the Jewish nation and complete faith in their G-d and His tzaddikim.” The man ended his personal confession. “Now you know why I fully trust you that you will pay for the air-conditioning without demanding a deposit. I don’t need any forms of guarantee, because I trust you in the merit of the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto.”
R’ Daniel Afriat was dumbstruck in the face of all of these miracles. The gentile thought for a moment, and then said, most generously, “I would like to give you a 10% discount on the cost of the rental of the air-conditioners. Please do not refuse. Instead, you can put in a good word for me and my family at the grave of the tzaddik.”
