Washed over with Gratitude
Washed over with Gratitude Hashem has implanted within us the desire to live. When one is faced with danger, he uncovers supernatural powers which help him overcome the peril, allowing him to rescue himself from death. Throughout the world, people are willing to pay any price to protect their lives. Firefighters and rescue teams are […]
Young at Heart
Young at Heart I had a relative who celebrated his fiftieth birthday. He was in perfect health, but he decided to undergo intensive checking, just in case. B’chasdei Shamayim, all the test results came back clear. Even the doctor who checked his heart was extremely pleased with its regular rhythm, commenting that he had not […]
A Picture for Posterity
A Picture for Posterity Rabbi David Elbaz, shlita, is the principal of the Jewish school in Paris. He related that once, while straightening up his office, he decided to throw out old binders which were dusty with disuse. Suddenly, a photograph slipped out. It was a picture of a student who had learned in his […]
The Buck Stops Here
The Buck Stops Here I once attended the funeral of a woman who had lived over one hundred years. My acquaintance with her family was long and deep, going back tens of years earlier. This woman was exceedingly wealthy. She lacked for nothing. Her mansion boasted a staff of servants. Modern technology was at her […]
Dying by the Word of Hashem
Dying by the Word of Hashem R’ Yosef Buzaglo was a G-d-fearing Jew, precious to one and all, and a beloved chazan. He died a most sudden, tragic death, in his prime. My disciple, R’ Shmuel Moyal was witness to his death. This is his account: A few moments before Minchah was to begin, I […]
The Soul of the Matter
The Soul of the Matter A man came to me, all shaken up. His wife had awoken in the night in a fright. In her sleep, she had felt a woman press her eyes very hard. She was extremely traumatized by this experience and asked what she was supposed to do. I thought long and […]
A Daily Regimen of Teshuvah
A Daily Regimen of Teshuvah Sometimes, a tzaddik will bless a person with longevity. The person might come to the conclusion that since he is guaranteed a long life, there is no rush to do teshuvah. This is a fatal mistake. Hashem can take a person’s life whenever He sees fit. The tzaddik’s berachah is […]
Called up to Heaven
Called up to Heaven A wonderful man I know calls up his mother every day to ask after her well-being. He feels a tremendous sense of gratitude toward his parents for all they did for him and this is his way of showing his gratitude. One day, this man had his regular phone conversation with […]
Tough Love
Tough Love “Honored Rav,” a Jew from New Zealand addressed me, “a terrible thing happened to me, but because of it, I merited returning to my Father in Heaven.” He told his story: “One night, I dreamed that a figure came to me and said, ‘I have come to inform you that your son died […]
The Disappearing Snuff
The Disappearing Snuff I deliver a regular Shabbat shiur in Lyon every Shabbat morning. One man makes sure to bring tobacco and offers a sniff of the fresh, sweet-smelling snuff to the participants. This has been a custom among Jews throughout the generations. One Shabbat, before I even began delivering the shiur, the man offered […]
Life and Death
“And Hashem G-d formed the man of dust from the ground, and He blew into his nostrils a living spirit; and the man became a living being” (Bereishit 2:7) “I acclaim more the dead who have already died than the living who are still alive” (Kohelet 4:2) In Shir Hashirim, Shlomo Hamelech states that a […]
Staying on Safe Shores
Staying on Safe Shores The first day of the new secular year is a day of merry making. Many go on vacation at this time. Regrettably, this custom has crept into Jewish society, as well. Jews who admire the gentile culture above true Jewish values celebrate New Year’s Day, just as their fellow patriots. A […]
