Receipt of Merit
Receipt of Merit My wife once purchased a piece of furniture which we needed at home. After paying, the salesman gave her a receipt to sign. She signed, “Pinto.” Looking at her signature, the man let out a low whistle. “Pinto?” he asked, in incredulity. “Are you perhaps related to Rabbi David Pinto?” “Yes. He […]
Worthy Winnings
Worthy Winnings One Friday, Reb Moshe, one of the members of the congregation, entered the Beit Hakeneset. He wasn’t happy; he was euphoric. Beaming broadly, he cried out, “I won! I WON!” Did he win the state lotto? Perhaps he won the big prize in some other raffle drawing? “Reb Moshe,” I asked, most curiously. […]
Dual Personality
Dual Personality I often meet Jews who are punctilious in fulfilling the maxim of “immersing while holding an impure object,” meaning that they talk the talk and walk the walk of G-d-fearing Jews, while, at the same time, subscribing to inappropriate modes of behavior. A Jew who I used to know is a case in […]
Influencing Others to Do Hashem’s Bidding
Influencing Others to Do Hashem’s Bidding I once wished to impart a most crucial message to the public. It was imperative that as many people as possible hear it. Therefore, it was decided that a raffle drawing would be held among the participants of the shiur. This would draw people to come and hear the […]
An Appropriate Answer
An Appropriate Answer Often, people approach me with various Torah-related questions. I am familiar with many of these questions and have ready replies. But frequently, I am asked questions which I never considered before. Nevertheless, I feel a special sense of siyata di’Shemaya enabling me to respond in a satisfactory manner. I am certain, beyond […]
Personal Salvation through Bringing Merit to the Public
Personal Salvation through Bringing Merit to the Public Many years ago, Harav Medina’s mother, from Venezuela, paid me a visit. I asked how her son was doing, and especially the state of his arms and legs. She replied that all was fine, and he was completely healed. “Have you any idea why I asked specifically […]
Following My Lead
Following My Lead Once on a flight, as the meals were being handed out, I discovered that a fellow Jew was following my every move. He did not seem to be observant, but when I noticed his interest in my actions, I decided to do something interesting. I decided that I would pretend to pray […]
Fitting Vessels
Fitting Vessels My teacher, Rabbi Binyomin Zev Kaufman, shlita, who taught me in Sunderland when I was young, once came to visit our home in Lyon. He said that he came for only a short time, in order to receive my words of inspiration in Avodat Hashem. The yeshiva building in Sunderland, England I was […]
A Man with a Mission
A Man with a Mission I often feel overwhelmed by the load of the public which I carry on my weary shoulders. Especially when I am required to wander from one country to another in order to support Torah institutions, I feel the burden heavily. As I traverse the miles, by land and by sea, […]
Bringing Merit to the Public
The Midrash says (Shir Hashirim Rabbah 1), “Whoever teaches Torah in public merits Divine inspiration.” Shlomo learned Torah and received Divine inspiration, which enabled him to produce the three great works: Mishlei, Kohelet, and Shir Hashirim. The Pele Yoetz (Mezakeh) relates that there are numerous methods of bringing merit to others. One is in the […]
Mysterious Memento from Mexico
Mysterious Memento from Mexico A certain young man once visited me and left me with a unique gift. It was a metal plate, shaped like a scroll, with his name engraved on it. I took it from him and put it into a drawer. I generally do not save gifts which people bestow upon me […]
Fruits of Faith
Fruits of Faith When my son, Rabbi Refael, was yet a young yeshiva bachur, he wished to marry at a young age. But whenever he broached the subject, I rejected it, for I wanted him to remain in the tent of Torah, free of worldly problems, for a while longer. It was Simchat Torah of […]
