License to Observe a Miracle
One of my students, Mr. Roger Haziza, told me that for a very long time, he had an old car which was in dire need of an overhaul. He knew that if the police would stop him while driving this car, he could anticipate a hefty fine and even have his license revoked. From Heaven, he was spared this anguish, and he drove to his heart’s content.
One evening, after a Torah lecture, Mr. Haziza drove me home in his jalopy. While continuing on to his own home, he was stopped for a police check. Finding a large amount of cash and gold in his car, they immediately took him for a criminal of the underworld.
Mr. Haziza explained to them that the merchandise in his car was perfectly legal, for he deals with jewelry. But they ordered him to stop at the side of the road while they checked into the matter.
As they were investigating, a police officer asked Mr. Haziza, “Do you realize that it is dangerous to drive such a beat-up car?” Mr. Haziza lowered his eyes, while offering a prayer heavenward. “Ribbono shel Olam,” he began, “I have just now returned from doing a mitzvah of chessed by driving Rabbi David Pinto, shlita. How can it be that I will lose out by doing this? Messengers of a mitzvah are saved from harm, on the way to the mitzvah and on the way back.”
He found himself responding to the policeman, “Thank you for your warning about my car. You should know that with your words, you have saved my life, as well as the lives of others, who travel with me on a daily basis. Who knows what could have happened had you not warned me, and I would innocently continue driving this car? You may take my license, because that is what I deserve. In the future, I promise to be more careful.”
The officer was embarrassed at this show of remorse. He told Mr. Haziza that he could go without a fine and with his license. But he must have his car fixed the next morning.
Mr. Haziza entered his car and drove off, full of thanks to Hashem for this great miracle.
