Revved into Vitality
R’ Daniel Afriat’s family was ending their family vacation in North Morocco. They got into their car and headed home.
As they were driving, they realized that something was very wrong with their car. Strange sounds emitted from the motor, indicating that it had overheated. As they were weighing their options, the motor stopped completely, leaving them stranded on the road.
The family found themselves in the middle of a busy highway, unable to continue on their way. The hours passed as they remained there, frightened and helpless. Suddenly Mr. Afriat shook himself of his despair, and cried out:
“Ribbono shel Olam! This is the car that brings Rabbi David Pinto, shlita, every year, from Casablanca to Mogador, as he makes his way to the hilula of his holy grandfather, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, zy”a. How can You let us down in our hour of need? Please, Hashem, in the merit of the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto, allow us to arrive home. After that, do as You see fit with the car.”
- The hilula celebration in memory of the tzaddik, Rabbi Chaim Pinto Hagadol, zy”a, in Morocco
Mr. Afriat entered his car once more, this time armed with a strong feeling of faith in Hashem and His tzaddikim, those who do His will. With a sense of hope, he gunned the engine.
The miracle was not long in coming. The engine roared to life immediately, and the car swallowed the miles without incident. When the family at last arrived home, safe and sound, they offered a prayer of thanks to Hashem for His kindnesses with them.
Just moments after they entered their house, they heard a loud explosion. The car blew up into flames, and was burnt to a cinder.
They had witnessed an open miracle. Their prayers were answered completely, in the merit of their staunch faith in Hashem and His tzaddikim, who are capable of changing the laws of nature by the power of their merits, even after death.
