Gratitude
“A new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Yosef” (Shemot 1:8) Didn’t the Egyptians remember the kindnesses of Yosef? Certainly they did, but they did not act appropriately. Instead of displaying gratitude, they denied what he had done. Eventually, Pharaoh denied Hashem’s kindnesses, as well, as the pasuk states, “I do not know […]
No Room for Jealousy
No Room for Jealousy R’ Mordechai Knafo is my host in Morocco. Whenever I visit, he treats me royally. His hachnasat orchim knows no bounds. For many years, R’ Knafo lived in a small house in Casablanca, where he raised his family and hosted guests. What he lacked in physical accommodations, he more than made […]
The Gift of Recovery
The Gift of Recovery R’ Moshe Gopez of Mexico, may he live long, always hosts me with utmost kindness. On one such visit, he particularly went out of his way, above and beyond the norm, in order to make my stay as comfortable as possible. Before leaving his home, I felt compelled to leave him […]
Kindness Reflected in Cure
Kindness Reflected in Cure The following letter reached our office in France: The first time I encountered Rabbi David Pinto was when I went to ask him for a berachah. I had undergone a turbulent year, and was suffering from numerous medical issues. I told the Rav about my situation. He stopped me in the […]
Receiving Guests
“My L-rd, if I find favor in your eyes, please do not turn away from Your servant” (Bereishit 18:3) Avraham was asking Hakadosh Baruch Hu to wait for him while he would run and usher in the visitors (Rashi). Quoting the above pasuk, Rabbi Yehudah said in the name of Rav: It is greater to […]
Every Person Has His Hour
Every Person Has His Hour Mr. Gabi Samuel is a regular participant in the hilula of Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a, in Morocco. For many years, he and his wife were childless. They prayed from the depths of their heart that they merit holding a baby of their own. During one hilula, as Mr. Samuel prostrated […]
Operating with Faith
Operating with Faith As we ascended to the grave of Rabbi Chaim Pinto, during the hilula ceremony, we saw a woman standing off to the side, crying bitterly. She asked that in the merit of the tzaddik, her sick husband should not need an operation. Those nearby, hearing the details of her story, tried reassuring […]
The Fire of Faith
The Fire of Faith During one of the days of the hilula for the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a, a man sat down next to me, in order to share a l’chaim in memory of the tzaddik. This man had a brother who lived in Geneva, Switzerland, with whom I was acquainted. I took the […]
A Standing Ovation
A Standing Ovation Each year, as Lag Ba’Omer, the hilula of the Tanna, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, draws near, I am reminded of a story from my childhood in Morocco, which ended on a happy note, in the merit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. My eldest sister had sustained a head injury and, as a […]
Passing the Port without a Passport
Passing the Port without a Passport Two years before the passing of my father, zy”a, I participated in the hilula of the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a, in Morocco. Mr. Massoud Ben-Chayoun, a”h, a wonderful and kind-hearted individual, who helped me tremendously at the beginning of my career, also attended the festivities. He assisted in […]
A Blessed Discovery
A Blessed Discovery Among those who participated in the hilula of the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a, was Mrs. Bitton. She also joined us as we made our way to his grave. There, I blessed each person according to his request, including Mrs. Bitton. As we were leaving the structure in which the grave stands, […]
Fired up with Emotion
Fired up with Emotion During one of the days of the hilula of Rabbi Chaim Pinto, a fellow Jew told us the following account: Even before he had made up his mind to join us, he had a most disturbing dream. He dreamed that he was in a burning room, with no means of escape. […]
