Delayed Demise
Delayed Demise The grandson of the liturgist, Rabbi David Chassin, zy”a, was in critical condition, stricken with a difficult illness. He was literally hovering between life and death. For one month, his family pleaded with me to visit him in the hospital and bless him. But, unfortunately, my time was taken up with public matters, […]
The Coast Was Clear
The Coast Was Clear I had checked in my baggage in the New York airport, headed homeward. I turned to board the plane, but found two women speaking together, one on either side of the entrance. Of course, I would not walk between two strange women. I stood in place, patiently waiting for them to […]
A Safety Net
A Safety Net A man came to me with his young son. He asked that I bless him for salvation and success. Then he brought his son closer, asking that I bless him, as well. I blessed the father from the depths of my heart, as he had requested, and then blessed the boy. For […]
A Life-altering Name
A Life-altering Name I share a close relationship with Mr. Rosenthal, may Hashem preserve him. He is very helpful in many areas and supports our institutions. May Hashem send him blessing and success in all his endeavors. Every year, in the month of Elul, I travel with a group to the graves of the tzaddikim […]
Handling Things Right
Handling Things Right I was once invited to a visit with the esteemed mother of the Moroccan king, may he be blessed. During the entire meeting, I was concerned over one matter: What would I do when she would want to shake my hand? She might be insulted if I refused, and take it as […]
Far-sighted Vision
Far-sighted Vision It was on the anniversary of the death of Harav Shach, zt”l, that two wealthy individuals informed me that they intended to establish an educational institution. They asked that I bless their endeavor. In general, I am quite generous with my blessings. But, for some reason, I veered from the norm and asked, […]
Sage Advice
Sage Advice A good friend of mine once found himself enmeshed in a complicated judicial case. He hired the best lawyers to extricate him from his troubles, but they were at a loss as to how to help him out. Therefore, he turned to me for advice. I thought about his situation long and hard. […]
A Liberal Dose of Repentance
A Liberal Dose of Repentance I was once visited by a Liberal Rabbi, whose outlook on life is in direct contrast to mine. Nevertheless, he asked for my blessing in the merit of my forefathers. I was taken aback by his humbling himself in order to come to me. After asking for my blessing, he […]
A Noteworthy Blessing
A Noteworthy Blessing I had a very good relationship with the gaon, Rabbi Moshe Halberstam, zt”l. From time to time, I would visit him to spend time in his presence. He would occasionally come to see me, and also send over his children, in order to receive a blessing in the merit of my forefathers, […]
Lamenting Unwittingly
Lamenting Unwittingly At the beginning of Elul, 1985, I was in Morocco with my family, celebrating the bar mitzvah of Amram, the son of my host, Rav Mordechai Knafo. Father lay at home in a coma, each day bringing further deterioration in his condition. R’ Mordechai Knafo was an avid admirer of Father’s. He was […]
Heavenly Assistance
“Then you shall remember Hashem, your G-d: that it is He Who gives you the strength to make wealth” (Devarim 8:18) The Ramban adds: And if you will forget Hashem, your strength will diminish just like that of the nations, for all who forsake Hashem are destroyed. “If [one is attracted] to those who scoff, […]
Dutiful Dedication, Undisturbed
Dutiful Dedication, Undisturbed As I was driving through Mexico, I was deeply engrossed in divrei Torah with my seat-mate. Suddenly, my eyes alighted upon a most exquisite tree, the likes of which I had never seen. My first reaction was to praise Hashem for such wonderful creations, specifically trees, which bring pleasure to man. Suddenly, […]
