In Honor Of The Yahrtzeit Of The Holy Baba Sali

A young Israeli soldier who was injured in battle arrived at Rav Yisroel's home in Netivot in a wheelchair. He told Rav Yisroel his story: "I was injured by a bullet in my back during the Yom Kippur War. Although I underwent a series of operations, I am still a cripple and can't stand up. One of my legs is so bad that the doctors want to amputate it. A friend suggested that I visit the Rav, who is supposed to work wonders with his prayers. At first I refused. But in my despair, I decided to give it a try."

"Do you put on tefillin every day?" Rav Yisroel asked.

"No."

"Do you keep Shabbos?"

"No."

"If such is the case, " Rav Yisroel replied, "you should be thankful that only one leg is in such a serious condition. We believe that Hashem gives us healthy limbs so that we may serve Him. Those who don't keep the mitzvos should regard their healthy limbs as gifts."

At that, the young man burst into tears.

Rav Yisroel looked him the eye and asked, "If I bless you that you will be able to stand, will you begin to observe the mitzvos?"

"Yes," the young man eagerly replied.

"Then give me your hand, and may you have a refua sheleima (full recovery)."

After the young man kissed Rav Yisroel's hand, Rebbetzin Abuchatzeira told him to try and stand up. To his surprise, he was able to stand up immediately, and even take a number of steps without assistance.

Startled by the remarkable change in his situation, the young man ran out of the house in search of a telephone. The nearest telephone was in Yeshivas Hanegev, a few feet away from Rav Yisroel's home.

The young man raced over to the yeshiva, and called his family to tell them about the miracle. The yeshiva students, who overheard the conversation, were stunned. Taking him by the hand, they broke out into a fervent dance.

A short while later, the young man returned to Rav Yisroel's house with many of the yeshiva students, and a special seuda (party) was held in honor of the miracle.

Some time later a Rov publicly related this story. Afterwards, a man approached him and said that he is the soldier and that their is an ending to this story. He came to the Baba Sali another time and wanted a bracha to get married. The Baba Sali told him to go to Petach Tikva. He didn't know what was in Petach Tikva but he knew not to doubt the Holy Man. So he went to Petach Tikva and when he arrived he searched for a shul where he could daven mincha. He met an old Yemenite man who showed him the way. He related to the man why he was there and the man said "I have just the girl for you". He davened mincha - and found his wife.

Zchus Hatzadikim Yaazor Vi-yagein Vi-yoshea!!

[Documented story printed in this weeks Sichas Hashavua]

Li-zchus Rebbe Ephraim Abba ben Miraim Shoshana [and family] who has great Emunas Chachomim.