“For Hashem will be your security, and He will guard your feet from being trapped”
“For Hashem will be your security, and He will guard your feet from being trapped” (Mishlei 3:26) To the extent that you trust and hope to Him, He will guard you (Metzudat David). “The Name of Hashem is a tower of strength; through it a righteous person will race and be strong” (ibid. 18:10) Generally, […]
Making Choices – For Better or for Worse
Making Choices – For Better or for Worse A young woman of approximately twenty-four was murdered in cold blood in Marseille, France. She was buried in the cemetery in that city. The day of her burial was the hilula of the tzaddik, Rabbi Shalom Abuchatzeira, zy”a. As is my custom, I visited his gravesite with […]
You Shall Choose Life
You Shall Choose Life I was once receiving the public in the building of our institutions in France. A man wished to enter my room. This man had married out and cut off all connection with Judaism. I asked him to wait until I called him in. I had ulterior motives for keeping him waiting. […]
For the Books
For the Books A student of ours in the yeshiva in Lyon began his career as a lowlife. Just like Reish Lakish of old before doing teshuvah, this man was involved in all sorts of crimes. He injured people and acted dishonorably. I once met him and suggested he visit our yeshiva. He merely laughed […]
Fear of Heaven Is in Man’s Control
Fear of Heaven Is in Man’s Control A woman, pained by her son’s difficult illness, approached me, asking that I pray for Heavenly mercy in the merit of my fathers, zy”a. She added that she was especially fond of her son and was concerned for his welfare, even though he was married to a gentile […]
Worlds Apart
Worlds Apart When I was a young man learning in Fublaines, France, I was beset by doubts regarding my future. I wasn’t sure whether I should continue my studies and spread Torah, as my fathers before me, or pursue a profession. Another boy had similar questions. Eventually, we parted ways, each to his own calling. […]
Man is completely in control of himself.
“I call heaven and earth today to bear witness against you: I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; and you shall choose life, so that you will live, you and your children” (Devarim 30:19) >Rabbi Chanina said, “Everything is in Heaven’s hands, except for fear of Heaven” (Berachot 33b). Our Torah […]
A Dreadful Drive
A Dreadful Drive I never told the following story in a public forum before, but since I clearly felt Heavenly intervention, I would like to publicize it now, in order to sanctify Hashem’s Name. It was during the days of the Intifada, when danger lurked at every street corner in Eretz Yisrael. The residents of […]
An Elevating Journey
An Elevating Journey Every year, during the month of Elul, the days of mercy and forgiveness, we conduct a trip for prayer and inspiration at the gravesites of the tzaddikim buried in Europe. People of all stripes and from all corners of the globe attend. One year, a large group of wealthy individuals from chutz […]
Close at Heart
Close at Heart One time, when I was in Eretz Yisrael, receiving the public, some people came from as far as Ramat Hagolan in order to receive a blessing in the merit of my ancestors. Ramat Hagolan is located in the northeast of the Land, bordering Syria and Lebanon. These people had to travel a […]
Where There Is Life, There Is Hope
Where There Is Life, There Is Hope On one of my visits to Eretz Yisrael, I sat and learned Torah together with Mr. Moshe Mirali. Suddenly, we heard a loud explosion. In panic, I cried out, “There’s been a terrorist attack!” Unfortunately, I was proven correct. Within a few moments, ambulance sirens could be heard. […]
Pure Air
Pure Air I spent one summer in the European countryside. What views! Tall, snow-capped mountains stood gracefully above lush, green foliage. Sparkling streams flowed all around. The scenery was breathtaking. I tangibly felt the beauty of Creation, and echoed the words of David Hamelech: “How abundant are Your works, Hashem!” (Tehillim 103:24). Wonders of Creation […]
