A Peace Offering
A Peace Offering When I was about twenty years old, I once stayed overnight at the home of the Look family in Morocco. The next morning, as I was preparing to leave, my host gave me a large sum of money. He said, “This is in honor of your father, who used to visit us […]
Marital Harmony
“You will know that your tent is at peace” (Iyov 5:24) This pasuk is referring to one who loves his wife and honors her more than himself (Yevamot 65b). “Be among the pupils of Aharon, loving peace and pursuing peace” (Avot 1:12) Rashi explains: A man would tell his wife, “I will not be appeased […]
Struck Silent
Struck Silent A dear disciple of mine, named Pinchas, was in a tough situation. For a long time, a female co-worker demanded that he sin with her. She would not let up in her objective. His wife saw that he was dejected and encouraged him to share his problem with her. But he did not […]
This World Takes Its Toll
This World Takes Its Toll I was once driving with my escort, R’ Moshe Mirali, on a highway in New Jersey. After driving a few kilometers, the traffic was suddenly backed up. We were surprised at this and rolled down the windows, trying to figure out the source of the traffic jam. Our ears were […]
Judging for the Best
Judging for the Best Once, on a visit to Morocco, as I was praying, I felt a fellow congregant regarding me with derision and scorn, thinking bad thoughts about me. As I was steeped in prayer, I added one of my own. “Ribbono shel Olam,” I began, “please do not punish this man for his […]
Suffering in Shame
Suffering in Shame A man once asked me, “Honored Rav, how can one identify the cause of a certain punishment? For example, is there a modern-day version of karet, the punishment for acts of immorality, rachmana litzlan?” I offered him an example of one such incident: “I know of a man who took a trip […]
Doing As We Are Bidden
Doing As We Are Bidden A fund-raising event on behalf of a tzedakah cause ran an auction in order to help their cause. To encourage people to open their wallets, I stood up and pledged a considerable amount to this cause. Hushed murmurings of wonder rippled through the audience. Afterward, I was asked why I […]
Earning One’s Dough by Avoiding the Bread of Shame
Earning One’s Dough by Avoiding the Bread of Shame Whether in Morocco or in Eretz Yisrael, Father, zy”a, never exploited his stature for his personal benefit. He would never allow a fellow Jew to serve him without remuneration. This was a practice he inherited from his own father, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a, who was scrupulous […]
Reward and Punishment
“Do not fear, Avraham, I am a shield for you; your reward is very great” (Bereishit 15:1) “And it will be that if you listen to My commandments that I command you today, to love Hashem, your G-d, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, then I shall give […]
Flying Away from Problems
Flying Away from Problems A wealthy Mexican Jew found himself in hot water. He was scheduled to face a court trial. If he was found innocent, he would retain his assets. But if he was found guilty, he would be left penniless. Numerous lawyers were involved in preparing his case. They tried every trick in […]
A Gift of Value
A Gift of Value When I was once traveling by train to Lyon, an irreligious man sat down next to me. Seeing my Jewish appearance, he asked whether I knew Rabbi Pinto, to which I answered yes, without letting on that I was he. When he heard my answer, he began cursing out Rabbi Pinto […]
Serving Hashem – A Full-time Job
Serving Hashem – A Full-time Job I once knew a cardiologist who spent a long time looking for a suitable place to work. After five years, he found the right place. With great relief and thanksgiving, he arranged a seudat hodayah to express his gratitude to Hashem for His help. But within a few days, […]
