Every week, the flocks of Israel gather to drink from the “well of living waters” at Shuva Israel. In our latest podcast episode, Rabbi Moshe Yoel Pinto, Shlita, shared a message of immense hope as we prepare for the yahrtzeit of the Holy Or HaHaim, Rabbi Chaim ben Atar.
The Evolving Message
The Rabbi opened with a profound observation: The Torah is ancient, but its “wrapper” must change. He noted how the rebuke of Miriam shifted from a “spit in the face” in Moshe’s time to an “angry expression” in the time of Rashi. Why? Because G-d knows that as generations become more fragile, the way the Truth is delivered must become more refined to be effective.
The Law of the Tzadik
On the day of a Tzadik’s passing, the Almighty honors him by ruling in the Heavenly Court according to that Tzadik’s specific opinion. The Or HaHaim’s entire essence was finding merit for Israel and speaking of our virtues. This week, we have an open door to heaven to ask for mercy and abundance based on that “ruling of merit.”
The Mystery of Sustenance
Rabbi Pinto decoded the famous phrase: “The whole world is sustained for the sake of Chanina My son.” He linked this to a law in Tractate Sanhedrin regarding monetary loans. To ensure that “the door is not closed to borrowers,” the Sages waived strict cross-examination of witnesses in money cases.
So too in Heaven: G-d gives sustenance and “loans” of abundance even to those who lack merits, provided they turn to Him. Why? Because the L-rd does not want the door to be closed. He gives so that we have the resources to build ourselves and “repay” Him through mitzvot later.
Spiritual Self-Defense
Finally, the Rabbi provided a practical guide to the soul’s warfare based on Avodah Zara 25.
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The Sword (Immorality): Keep it on your right. The “right hand” is the Torah. Only through immersion in holy study can the urge for forbidden relations be subdued.
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The Stick (Heresy): Keep it on your left. The “left arm” is where we place the Tefillin, representing the heart’s simplicity. Doubts in faith cannot be answered by logic alone; they must be answered with Temimut—innocent, wholehearted submission to G-d.
This week, remember the Rabbi’s final instruction: When you climb the mountain of holiness, never look back in fear. The Evil Inclination is always beneath you. Keep rising.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Shuva Israel Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2cORSOnp0A4S7MQ6MxPjgN?si=908aea41a5cc4ec3
Stay connected. Stay holy. Shuva Israel.
