Faith Pays Off
Faith Pays Off I was once asked to help a specific Rabbi raise funds for his institutions. I arranged a collection. Hashem shined His favor on me, and within one day, I managed to amass a respectable amount of money. All that was left to do was wait for this rabbi to come and collect […]
Evading a Tough Fine
Evading a Tough Fine During the days of the hilula for our holy mentor, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, Mr. Chaim, a noted supporter of our institutions, related the following inspiring story regarding the mitzvah of tzedakah. When he once gave in his tax report, he reported his contributions for tzedakah as well, so that he could […]
A Fiery Message
A Fiery Message A tzedakah collector once came to my home, collecting for his community. I offered him a generous donation, and he left in good spirits. My daughter, who witnessed the scene, turned to me in wonder, “Father,” she began, “why do you give so freely like that? Your institutions are also in need […]
Standing up to Adversity
Standing up to Adversity Mrs. Maguy (Moyal) Lebée, may she live long, is related to my grandfather, the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a, through her mother. She is a distinguished person, who devotes her time for the benefit of Klal Yisrael in the capacity of running the institutions in memory of the tzaddik in Montreal. […]
Nothing Is by Accident
Nothing Is by Accident In a city near New York lived a family who was hit by tragedy. The expectant mother slipped and fell. She and her unborn child sadly passed away. This calamity shook the entire community. In its wake, the community members asked various rabbanim to deliver words of inspiration. I, too, was […]
Gaining by Giving
Gaining by Giving I was once invited to a fund-raising evening on behalf of the yeshiva Kol Torah in Yerushalayim. I merited sharing the dais with the Rosh Yeshiva, the tzaddik, Rabbi Moshe Yehudah Schlesinger, shlita. In order to encourage others to donate, I pledged an honorable amount of money. Then I doubled my pledge, […]
A Network of Charity
A Network of Charity I remember the first time I donated a sizeable donation to tzedakah. I was already living in France when a poor man pleaded with me to help him marry off his daughter. Up until that time, I was used to offering small donations to those who asked. I had intended to […]
An Exact Exchange
An Exact Exchange I noticed a certain Rabbi out of the corner of my eye, entering and exiting our office a number of times, shame and humiliation written on his face. Finally, seeing no other choice, he gathered the courage to approach me. He asked that I raise funds for his yeshiva, which had been […]
In One Pocket, Out the Other
In One Pocket, Out the Other One Friday, a Jew approached me in the street near my home and asked for a donation. Since I did not have my wallet with me, I asked him to wait a moment. Within a short time, I promised, I would give him five hundred shekels. I went upstairs […]
Charity Saves from Death
Charity Saves from Death The following story was publicized throughout the world for its strong message. It resulted in a tremendous kiddush Hashem. Two wealthy brothers pledged to give me the sum of nine thousand dollars for kimcha d’Pischa. Some time passed. Pesach was coming shortly, but there was no sign of the money. It […]
A Charitable Consideration
A Charitable Consideration Three brothers from Marseille owned a successful chain of stores that sold clothing and fashion items. Someone once informed on them to the authorities, stating that they were dealing illegally. They were in serious trouble. The tax collectors investigated their accounts and revealed a few discrepancies. The brothers were summoned to court, […]
A Storm of Generosity
A Storm of Generosity The charitable organization Chessed Chaim, which is connected to our institutions, is very active in France. Like its name implies, its goal is to provide resources for the destitute of Lyon. Its entire purpose is kindliness and charity. A large fundraising dinner is held annually, and I am often called upon […]
