Good News from Ill Tidings
Dorit Malka, of Morocco, could not find her intended match for many years. Since she had steadfast faith in the tzaddikim, and especially the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, she would approach me every so often, asking that I bless her in the merit of my holy fathers, zy”a, that she find her life partner soon.
This scenario repeated itself throughout the course of ten years. Eventually, I felt ashamed that I could help her no longer. I was especially vexed, since this woman had been very helpful in arranging my overseas flights, since she is a travel agent by profession. I really wished I could repay her with her life’s wish. Once, after a visit, I implored Heaven with all my might that she should find her intended in the very near future.
Some time elapsed. We were celebrating the hilula of my grandfather, Rabbi Chaim Pinto Hakatan, zy”a, on the 16th of Marcheshvan, 5760, in Casablanca. Dorit Malka approached me with the news that she had recently met a man who seemed suitable for marriage. But she had been burnt so many times in the past that she was skeptical about the entire prospect. When she finished speaking, she placed a picture of the man before me. As I studied the picture, I had a strong feeling that this fellow was in the hospital just then, undergoing surgery. In my mind’s eye, I clearly saw him lying under the scalpel. I realized it must be a message from Heaven.
“Where is this man at the moment?” I asked, to which she replied, “In France.”
“You should know that he is now in the hospital, undergoing surgery. I may be mistaken, but this is my gut feeling.”
The woman was shocked at my words. “Surgery?” she asked, uncomprehendingly. “How can that be?” she continued. “Just today, we spoke together.”
But I stood my ground. “He is having an operation as we speak. If it is confirmed that this is so, let it be a sign from Heaven that this man is your truly intended. If not, he is not for you.” She was quiet for a moment and then said that she would check it out.
Two days later, she phoned my host, R’ Mordechai Knafo, and related the end of the story, which turned out to be just the beginning: “For two days straight, I tried reaching my fiancé by phone, but was unsuccessful. Today, he finally picked up. I immediately asked where he had been these past two days, and why he didn’t take my calls. At first, he tried to evade my questions, but he finally relented. He said that he had, indeed, been in the hospital, undergoing surgery. Baruch Hashem, the surgery was successful. Upon hearing these words, I repeated Rabbi David’s words in Morocco. He was speechless, for Rabbi David’s words were true to the letter.”
Baruch Hashem, they were married and merited establishing a fine Jewish home. There is no doubt that Dorit Malka was rewarded for her unswerving faith in tzaddikim and their blessing.
