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R.Chaim Cohen Perachyah
haChalban/the Cheesemaker - more stories


the following stories are excerpts from the book "BeTzel Ilan Hachaim" Vol.1 and 2 (with permission). see the book for much more.

R.Chaim Hachalban (the cheesemaker) was a hidden tzadik (holy man). He appeared to people as a simple laborer but in truth he was the chief kabalist, chief seer, the rabbi of the rabbis, a very lofty soul from ancient times. He reportedly recalls that in a past life he ministered as high priest (Kohen Gadol) in the temple of Jerusalem, including entering the holy of holies on Yom Kipur.

The book author, R.Yisrael Rabiyov, a close student of R.Chaim, writes in the intro: "everything written here we heard from reliable sources, testimony of his students, deeds done before their own eyes - original first hand eye witnesses".
 

When people remember me

About 20 years ago, R.Chaim told Rabbi Gideon Rabiyov: "I see on many people who have known me, that their lusts burn inside them, but when they remember me or see a picture of me, they refrain from sin. For they know that there is someone who sees all of their deeds".
     

Shofar From Above

When Rabeinu was a child, before bar mitzvah age, he prayed with his father, R.Ezrah the prayers of Rosh Hashana. When the time to blow the shofar came, Chaim began to tremble in fear and his face turned pale. The fear grew more and more until he told to his father what happened to him. R.Ezrah quieted him and put his hand on Chaim's face. Immediately, all his fears left. After the prayer service, R.Ezrah turned to Chaim saying: "what happened son that you became so afraid at the time of the blowing of the shofar?" Chaim replied: "I heard another sound of shofar than the one here in the synagogue, a very loud shofar until I started to tremble from the sound!" R.Ezrah rejoiced to hear these words and explained to him: "that was the shofar that goes forth and descends from the upper world.. this year you trembled in fear when hearing this. From now on you will no longer be afraid. This is the shofar blast from above which confounds the Satan and his minions. Thus, G-d blessed be He inscribes the Am Yisrael to good life and peace".

Thus, it was, from that year onwards, Rabeinu merited to hear the Shofar from above on every Rosh Hashanah and was no longer seized by fear.
     

Confronting a Witch

In Rabeinu's neighborhood there was a woman involved in witchcraft. She had times of the day when she accepted people and purported to help them. She used witchcraft and powers of tumah (impurity, which is forbidden by the Torah)... One day Rabeinu decided it was time to put an end to her, break her impure powers, and expose her true nature.

At the times when the witch was receiving people, Rabeinu went to her place and sat in the waiting area like the other people waiting to enter to speak to her. Usually each person was able to get a reply quickly. But when Rabeinu was at the place, a long time passed, a half hour or more, and the witch was unable to advise the person with her. She tried again and again but to no avail. Suddenly, the witch came out of her room and went to the waiting room to check the people waiting there. She checked each person one by one with her dagger eyes. When she looked at Rabeinu who was just a young teenager she stopped and started to yell at him: "what do you want from me? what did I do to you? Why do you disturb me in my work?"

But Rabeinu was not fazed and he too raised his voice and yelled back at her: "why do you deceive people coming to you as if you have holy powers and can save them?? I know very well that you summon demons to do your bidding, something which is completely forbidden by the Torah". He continued: "isn't it true that you are using demons?", "please admit it before everyone if it is true!"

The witch was now exposed before everyone and without choice was forced to admit that she uses names of tumah to summon demons which do her assignments. The witch told Rabeinu: "know that when you came here, they all fled away and no matter how much I call them, not even one [demon] appears to me".

When the people present heard this, they all got up and left and never came back. Thus, the impure witch eventually left the area.
     

What is Fear of Heaven?

The Kabbalist, Rabbi Shlomo Batzri said: "one time we asked Rabeinu (R.Chaim): 'what is fear of Heaven'? R.Chaim replied to us: one time I asked G-d to give me a taste of a lofty matter.. and that night I was shown enormous things, very very lofty... and in the middle of the night I woke up in great terrible fear of G-d's awesome might and exaltedness, blessed be His Name, and due to the tremendous fear, I had to change my clothing three times as they were soaked with sweat".
     

Guard Your Eyes

Years ago, there were floods in Israel which destroyed many homes. Some of these families had to live in hotels. Once a father of one of these families came to R.Chaim to tell over to him all his troubles.. But R.Chaim rebuked him saying: "you are dressed like a religious person, if so, why do you look through the window of the hotel to the television and see there things which are not kosher. What's with your guarding of the eyes? If you are careful on guarding your eyes, you will merit, with G-d's help, to all salvations".
     

Good Memory

When R.Chaim would arouse the public on guarding the eyes, he would recall the verse: "you shall not stray after your heart or after your eyes.. in order that you remember" (Bamidbar/Numbers 15:41) - he who guards his eyes properly merits to the blessing of "in order that you remember" - to remember in his head all the Torah he learned. There was a certain Avrech (Kollel student) who was proficient in the entire talmud, Shulchan Aruch, zohar, etc. by heart. R.Chaim said that he merited this through guarding his thoughts, to be clean, since his teenage years.
     

I am not Eliyahu Hanavi

One time R.Chaim was walking on the street and behold he saw before him a person wearing religious dress. But with his spiritual vision, R.Chaim saw that he had just sinned a severe sin.. R.Chaim approached him and began to yell at him: "aren't you ashamed of yourself? You just transgressed a severe sin carrying the punishment of Karet (excision) and not even one percent of feelings of repentance and regret enters your heart!?"

The man was completely shocked and thought for a moment that this must be Eliyahu Hanavi who revealed himself to him in order to rebuke him on hidden things. But R.Chaim continued: "I am not Eliyahu Hanavi! I am just a simple person who sees what you did just now. Please, repent quickly before G-d and retract from your evil deeds!". The words of R.Chaim penetrated deeply in his soul and the man repented completely.
     

What's with my son?

One time a man came to R.Chaim and showed him three small papers with three names for a blessing on various matters. R.Chaim, with his boundless spiritual vision responded within seconds on the names written on the first and third paper. But he refrained from answering the second paper. The man rejoiced on the answers he received and momentarily forgot about the second paper and started to walk towards the exit... Suddenly he returned and asked R.Chaim: "what about my son?" Without any choice, R.Chaim responded: "he is young, but he needs to go to (the Kabalist) Rabbi Batzri to do a tikun hayesod (rectification on wasting seed). Through this, he will go out of all his problems and especially matters of livelihood." The man was completely stunned and understood why R.Chaim did not answer him previously. For he did not want to pain him.
     

Peace in the Home

One person came to R.Chaim at the Dairy factory by Taxi. The man entered to ask advice while the taxi driver waited outside in the car. Before the man left, R.Chaim told him: "tell the taxi driver who brought you here that it is not for nothing that he is about to divorce his wife. If he wants me to explain to him, let him enter here!"

The taxi driver was surprised from what he heard and immediately entered the dairy factory to here from R.Chaim about himself. When he entered the room, R.Chaim raised his voice and told him sternly: "until when will you continue your evil deeds? Until when will you continue to transfer the holy sparks of souls to the Tumah (impurity by wasting seed)?"

The man stood in shock and was completely confounded. Then R.Chaim smiled to him and said in a kind voice: "repent of your ways, stop your evil deeds and immediately you will have peace in the home!". The man accepted on himself to repent and thank G-d, ten years later, he is still happily married with his wife.
     

When I enter the Synagogue, everything is rectified

When the kollel "Yeshivat Shalom" was opened in his Beit Midrash (synagogue), he was asked once how is it possible to bring Avreichim (kollel students) in such a neighborhood where the inhabitants are not religious and do not go around in modest dress? R.Chaim answered: "when I enter the synagogue, everything is rectified. There is no reason to worry".

Rectifying Souls

as known, R.Chaim was involved in manual work. From the morning until the afternoon, he worked at the dairy factory he owned. R.Chaim deemed this work very important as can be seen from what happened one time when R.Chaim did not feel good during the winter. He had a high fever of nearly 40 degrees celsius. Suddenly, one of his students saw him leave his house and go to his car. When asked: "where is Rabeinu going with such cold outside and while Rabeinu has such a high fever?"

R.Chaim answered him: "I must go immediately to the dairy factory. These are things which stand at the heights of the universe (Rumo shel Olam) and it is impossible to understand them!!" Then he drove with his car to the dairy factory and stayed there some time without doing anything. Afterwards, he returned to his home to rest. "the hidden things belong to G-d" (Devarim 29:29).

In books of Chasidut, it is brought that in the last generation, the lowly generation of the footsteps of the Messiah, the tzadikim can work on these lowly souls specifically by toiling in physical things.. Most likely R.Chaim was doing such things.

All the time he was involved in physical labor but its purpose was to bring the lowly souls of our generation to rectification, to elevate them level after level, and bring them to repentance and draw them to their Father in Heaven.

Thus it appeared many times when new people came to see R.Chaim which were not counted as his students and were not used to coming to the synagogue. Suddenly he started to move certain books next to him from one side to another. And likewise for the shtender he was holding. It seems that all of what appeared to be simple physical matters were really one big concealment that he was occupied in to rectify the souls of people in his surroundings.

R.Chaim felt a great responsibility on himself for the entire generation. When people came to him and told them about a certain spiritual trial they were going through, and that it was difficult for them to overcome it, R.Chaim would erupt in bitter crying and cry with them as if it was his own trial. Thus, he would pray for them and encourage them to continue in the holy path and he would give them strength to overcome their evil inclinations.

On the other hand, when R.Chaim saw a man toiling in a mitzvah he would rejoice greatly as if he himself was doing the mitzvah. He rejoiced on the good deeds others did.
     

Who is a student (talmid) of Rabeinu?

Years ago, when R.Chaim would travel on the 25th Elul to the graves of Tzadikim, he would arrange meals and one of the years he handed it out a paper which said that whoever wants to be his student needs to guard the following things:

1. to recite the Tikun Chatzot (midnight prayer) every night.
2. To immerse in a mikveh every day, or at least twice a week.
3. to read the "letter of the Ramban" every day.
4. to read the book of Tehilim (Psalms) every week. And if possible to finish the Tehilim during the weekdays and once again to finish the Tehilim on the Sabbath.
5. to toil in Torah every day for at least two hours.
One who signed and accepted on himself these resolutions, he would write their name on a paper and pray for him on the matters he sought.

R.Chaim would say: do not be afraid to accept on yourself these resolutions.. For one who thinks it will be difficult for him to sustain them every day, I will pray for him and he will easily be able to fulfill them.
     

In a Dream

R.Chaim would sometimes come to his students in a dream. Sometimes he would rebuke them to repent, sometimes he would encourage them and bring joy to their hearts for standing up to some difficult trial and overcoming their evil inclination. A certain Avreich (kollel student) who was not one of his students told over that there was a time when on his way to the kollel, he would stumble in looking at forbidden things. One time when the days of Shovavim started he resolved to overcome his evil inclination and conquer his lust and guard his eyes properly. In truth, despite that the evil inclination for this burned within him, he guarded himself in all ways to not stumble in forbidden sights. That night R.Chaim came to him in a dream and encouraged him and brought joy to him on this and blessed him with a Birkat Kohanim.
     

Candles in the Morning

R,Gideon Rabiyov told over: R.Chaim's custom was to light candles every day before the morning prayer. Most years he lit 10 candles - 1 candle in one plate, 2 candles in another plate, and 7 candles in a third plate. One of his students who also learned with R.Rabiyov wanted to take on this custom to light candles like R.Chaim but R.Rabiyov advised against this saying: "not everything Rabeinu does one should follow after him. He is a unique person and does things for his own reasons." The student was not satisfied and requested to ask R.Chaim if he could also do likewise. R.Chaim answered him: "not everything I do one should follow after me. Do you want me to reveal the reason why I light candles? Just don't publicize this!.. At night many souls come to me seeking a tikun (rectification). When I light the candles, I ascend up many souls together with the ascending morning prayer."

Another occasion, when someone took the bottle of olive oil Rabeinu uses saying it is too expensive to use olive oil fit for food to light candles, Rabeinu said: "if he knew for which tzadikim I light candles, he would not say that". He further said: "it is impossible to describe the great tikunim done through this". One time, he did not have matches to light the candles, he took a used match, did some gesture with his hands and lo and behold the match lit up in a wondrous manner. Thus he lit the candles before all those present.
     

The Windows

His student Menashe H. told over: twenty years ago, I noticed Rabeinu would often touch the windows in the synagogue near his place, opening or closing them many times. Eventually, I asked him what the reason for this was. Rabeinu replied: "know that when I give the class, many souls come here to receive a tikun (rectification). And every time I feel there is too much noise from the many souls, I am forced to close the window so that they don't disturb me in the learning".

Rabbi Nachman Meoded said: Rebbi Chalban told us once: "angels come to my shiur (lecture) but I don't look at them. I look only at you. I don't give them even a look." src
     

Waiting For Us

On the Sabbath before the Mincha (afternoon) prayer, Rabeinu would give a shiur (class) in Halacha (laws) from the book "Ben Ish Chai" by R.Yosef Chaim of Baghdad (former chief Rabbi of Baghdad and master kabalist). Many times Rabeinu would say that the [author of the] Ben Ish Chai was sitting right next to him all the time during the shiur. Sometimes the class digressed to other matters not in the book. Then Rabeinu would hit the table gently and say: "the Rav, Ben Ish Chai, is waiting for us. Let us continue in the Halachot". Another interesting matter which occurred frequently during the shiur on the Ben Ish Chai is that many times when Rabeinu said the name of the Kabalist Sasson Mordechai (author of "Kol Sasson" and disciple of R.Yosef Chaim) during the discussion on Halacha, he would stand up from his chair a bit as if honoring him during the study.

Souls of Tzadikim from all generations would reveal themselves to Rabeinu. See the questions and answers "Mili d'Chasiduta" in the book "Osri Lageffen" how Rabeinu would describe the form of the beard of the Arizal, and likewise the clothing of the holy forefathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, etc.), how they dressed during the week, on the Sabbath, and during the holidays, and other things which are impossible to know without eyewitness testimony of Rabeinu for whom all hidden things were revealed.
     

The Witch

A student of Rabeinu told over: that one time a woman from his work came to him and told him how she was full of troubles and bad things. Yesterday, she went to see a special woman who can see all hidden things that happen to people, "she knows future things". And she also knows how to save someone from his troubles, she can remove an "evil eye", "witchcraft", etc.. She seemed so impressed by her that she was trying to convince me to go and check out her amazing powers.

I refused and was not impressed and tried to continue to work. But she persisted and continued to say how impressed she was and would not leave me alone. When she saw I was not convinced, she asked me to write my name and my mother's name on a piece of paper which she would show the special woman and we'll see what she says.

The next day, she came back to work very agitated. She came to me saying: don't ask me what I did yesterday!!! I went to that woman and as soon as I put down the paper with your name on it, she ran away screaming saying: "take that paper away from me. I see that he is connected to a very powerful light that I am unable to stand up to.. take away the paper... take it and don't come back here again". I took the paper and left her embarrassed while the whole time she is cursing and screaming that I leave as fast as possible.
     

He Lost his entire level

A certain very famous Rabbi asked one of the students of Rabeinu to ask him for permission to come see him. This was about eighteen years ago. When Rabeinu heard this Rabbi wanted to come to him, he told his student: "avoid him and don't answer him! For he has merits and with them he can merit a revelation of Eliyahu Hanavi.. But for this he needs preparations and thus I need to come to him and prepare him beforehand... When he sees me dressed like a simple person and I will reveal myself to him, then he will be prepared for a revelation of Eliyahu Hanavi."

Thus, the meeting was postponed. But after some years, this famous Rabbi stumbled in a trial between man and his fellow. And when he stumbled and did not stand up to the trial, Rabeinu told his student: "that Rabbi just lost all his (spiritual) level". After some time, when this Rabbi came to Rabeinu, he refused to see him and had him sent away.
     

Through tzedaka (charity) the prayer goes up easily

Rabeinu was careful to give tzedaka before the prayer. He would say that through this a man redeems (Podeh) his prayer from all mekatregim (prosecutors) and the prayer can easily ascend favorably before G-d, blessed be He. Once he rebuked one of his students: "why are you not makpid (meticulous) to separate 3 perutot for tzedaka during "vayevarech David"? A person needs to prepare prutot (small coins) before the prayer and when he reaches "v'atah moshel bakol", he should immediately separate the tzedaka and through this he will also merit to good parnassa".
     

Motzai Shabbat he pays his neder

The donations and nedarim that Rabeinu would pledge for the synagogue on the Sabbath, he had a custom to pay this immediately after nightfall. He would prepare the money already before the Sabbath so that he will be able to immediately pay the debt he pledged on the Sabbath. He would exhort people on what is written in the book Reisheit Chachma: "all the time a person does not pay his nedarim, his prayers are not accepted in Heaven". Not only this, but already in the month of Tammuz, he would pay hefty sums for the nedarim he would pledge later on the High Holidays.
     

your son does a lot of kindness

Once a person came to Rabeinu for a blessing, a father with two sons. One was in the 7th grade and the other in 8th grade. The father wondered before Rabeinu on the difference he sees in both sons: "why does my younger son succeed very easily to understand the studies in school while the older son needs to work very hard in order to succeed in the exams?" Rabeinu answered him: "your younger son is used to doing a lot of kindness in the home without being told anything. But the older son does not act like this. For even when asked to do something, he does this only when greatly forced."
     

honor of the woman is honor of the Shechina

For many people who came to him with all sorts of problems, he immediately told them to honor their spouse and everything will work out. For their blessing cannot rest if there is no peace. He was also used to saying always: "when a person wants to check himself whether he began to rectify his blemishes, let him contemplate well how he conducts himself with his wife and household".

He also said many times: know that the general foundation of the Jewish people is already rectified. In this generation, the primary tikun (rectification) is Malchut (the final 10th of the kabalistic sefirot). And whoever toils in the tikun of Malchut, in all matters that relate to the Shechina - he will merit with G-d's help to Geulah Sheleimah (full redemption)". Many times Rabeinu mentioned honor of one's wife is honor of the Shechinah. He who honors his wife - he honors the holy Shechinah. And if the opposite, he causes tzar and galut (pain and exile) to the Shechinah".

He would also exhort and say: "a man who does not honor his wife, how can his prayer be accepted above? For the wife corresponds to the Shechinah and all the tikunim of the prayer is for the honor of the Shechinah. If a person does not honor his wife, the Shechinah, there is no greater pegam (damage) than this for his prayer."

One time a Torah scholar came to Rabeinu who was used to praying with the kavanot of the Rashash (kabalistic meditations). Rabeinu rebuked him: "what is there to pray with the kavanot of the Rashash, and not to fix time for your wife and to honor her properly? The wife is the tikun of the Shechinah, and the prayer of a man has no power until he honors his wife properly."
     

Kefitzat Haderech (warp speed)

One time Rabeinu was asked: are there people today who can do kefitzat haderech (miraculous travel between two places in a brief time)? Rabeinu replied: in order to do kefitzat haderech, besides that one needs to learn how to do this, one also needs for this very special holiness. There are many people who learned how to do this, but they did not succeed due to their not being whole in holiness".

Rabeinu added to one of his students, "many times I used kefitzat haderech for the Jewish people... one time during the prayer I prayed at night in order to annul a terrible decree, I saw suddenly that if I go to the Western Wall, I will be able to annul the decree easily.. I quickly went down to my car and did Kefitzat Haderech in order to not lose this time of mercy. In one second I was already near the Western Wall. I prayed there and with G-d's help, the decree was annulled. Then I returned home normally with my car.

In another incident, one day the elder Kabalist, R.Yitzchak Kaduri zt'l called Rabeinu on the phone and told him: "know that there is now a terrible decree hovering over the Jewish people. Please go immediately to the Western Wall, the place of the Shechina, and through the power of your prayer, you will annul the decree from the Jewish people". When Rabeinu heard this, he entered his car with one of his helpers who was going to drive. Rabeinu asked the driver to close his eyes, and within a few seconds Rabeinu told him to open his eyes again and behold they were next to the Western Wall.
     

Delaying a War

A certain year, America sent warships towards Syria and threats emerged from Syria that if America attacks them, they will immediately attack Israel. This was in the end of the month of Elul before Rosh Hashana.. Rabeinu was used to going to the graves of Tzadikim on Elul and when this happened he went to the grave of Beniyahu ben Yehoyada. In the middle of the prayer, Rabeinu stopped suddenly and started talking as if someone was next to him saying: "what do we need a war now?, in these days the Jewish people are surrounded by Mitzvot, Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, the four species, how can we have a war now? This is not possible. The Jewish people need to do the mitzvot in security without a war". Thus, he spoke as if someone was next to him and all the people present there felt tremendous fear in seeing this.

When Rabeinu finished his words, he did Hakafot (circles) around the grave.. Two days later, the Americans decided to retreat their boats and the threat facing Israel was lifted off.
     

Spiritual Soldier

Rabbi Chaim Feder told over that on the 20th of Iyar 5760 (2000-05-25) during the raging intifada, Rabeinu requested of him and the Kabalist R.Yechezkel Bing to go pray at the grave of the hidden tzadik Yosef Waltuch at the top of the Mount of Olives cemetery (Rabeinu who was a Cohen, was forbidden to go to a cemetery). For that day was his Yahrtzeit and that they should say there Tehilim for his soul and also take a paper from him and put it on the grave.

The two went by car to the Mount of Olives cemetery but the whole trip R.Feder felt tremendous fear to go there due to the great dangers at the time. When they arrived there, he was afraid to get out of the car. He called Rabeinu on the phone. Rabeinu answered the phone and immediately said: "why are you not going to the grave?". They explained to him that R.Feder is afraid to get out of the car. Immediately Rabeinu said: "if so, I am sending to you now a guard for the duration of your time at the cemetery". A moment later, both of them saw a soldier with a gun over his shoulder walking towards their car to escort them. The two exited the car and went to the cemetery to the grave of R.Yosef Waltuch. They did what Rabeinu sent them to do and placed the paper on the grave. The whole time there, the soldier was walking back and forth and watching to prevent any arabs from approaching them. When they finished their prayers and returned to the car, the soldier left. It was a wonder... When they asked Rabeinu afterwards on the soldier who guarded them, he replied: "this was not a normal soldier. It was a spiritual guard who came to guard you in the form of a soldier".


Yosef Waltach on Sukkot

     

Women should not go to cemeteries

In one of his classes, Rabeinu told over how one woman came to him who was used to going every friday to the cemetery to visit the grave of a relative of hers. Rabeinu said that evil spirits had clung to her and she was in very great troubles and her salvation from this was very far away from her. Rabeinu did a special tikun for her and thank G-d she came out of all the troubles surrounding her. Then he exhorted the women saying they should not go at all to cemeteries. Only the day of Yahrtzeit she can be lenient for the seven relatives (mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, spouse). He added and this is also found in the writings of the Vilna Gaon that most of the troubles in the Jewish people is due to women visiting the cemeteries. Therefore, women should not go near the cemeteries under any circumstances (except as above).
     

Graves of Tzadikim

Rabeinu once said: "when one goes to visit the grave of R.Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, know that despite that R.Shimon bar Yochai becomes angry on people who come to his grave with all sorts of sins and especially sins of holiness, but nevertheless, in the end he forgives all of them, and does not abandon anyone without rousing him to Teshuva (repentance) and to give him the salvation he needs".. He also said: "he who dances at the grave of R.Shimon bar Yochai while singing the song "Bar Yochai.." one can see mamash how R.Shimon bar Yochai dances with him".. He also said then: "at the graves of Tzadikim there is a special scent in the air from the holiness which rests there, and especially at the grave of R.Shimon bar Yochai in Meron. Some tzadikim merit to smell this scent.

He would say: at the grave of the Ramchal in Tiberias one can attain very high things and it is very worthwhile to pray and learn there. The graves of Yehuda ben Yaakov in Yehud, Shmuel Hanavi in Ramah, and king David in Har Tzion are good for praying for the Geulah. The correct place for praying by David is at the entrance to the cave. The grave of R.Tarfon is good for livelihood, and generally the graves of the Tannaim are good for Shidduch (finding a marriage partner).

When going to the grave of a tzadik in the cemetery, if one can immerse (in a mikveh) afterwards, he can enter. Otherwise, better not to enter the cemetery. For the tumah in a cemetery is great. Likewise for the graves of all tzadikim after the era of the talmud. But at the grave of R.Shimon bar Yochai, it is enough to wash one's hands after leaving the gravesite.

For while one is at the grave of a tzadik, holiness from above shines on the area but when one leaves, the tumah strengthens and has a hold (therefore immersion is needed as before).

At the cave of the patriarchs, the head of Eisav is buried near the entrance on the right side where the bookcases are. It is proper to stand there and have intent to extract the sparks of holiness there. But for other non-Jews it is dangerous to do so..

Each month, the forefathers and matriarchs (Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Sarah, Rivkah, etc.) come to the Western Wall on a different date to lament on the destruction of the temple and every friday they come at midday there for 3 hours. Most of the time, the Shechinah is there from midnight until midday, and likewise at mincha on friday. When the Shechinah leaves there, it goes to Kever Rachel and sometimes to the graves of other Tzadikim (pg.225).

The old cemetery in Tzfat has awesome holiness and there is a sort of fire hovering over it.



 
He would say: the souls of tzadikim are at their grave Erev Rosh Chodesh (the day before the new month, on the 29th) and likewise on the 15th of the month. Therefore, the time of hishtatchut (prostrating oneself) on the graves of tzadikim begins from sunset (night of the 29th) until midday (of the 29th). The custom is to go until three hours after midday but it is better before midday.. and on these days where the tzadikim are found at their graves one can turn to them. But when they are not at their graves, one should not turn to them. Rather, to only pray to G-d to hear his prayer in the merit of the tzadik. But one who knows and is able to summon them even at other times, he can also turn to them. On Chol Hamoed, the tzadikim are not found at their graves like on Yom Tov.

It is better to visit and prostrate oneself at the graves of tzadikim during the day rather than at night. One should not visit the grave two times in one day. But for this matter, midnight separates. Thus, if he was there before midnight, he can come again in the morning.

Rabeinu was very fond of the grave of R.Yehuda Leon Patilon and he said many times: "he who needs a salvation (from troubles), let him go to the grave of R.Yehuda Patilon and I promise that his prayer will be answered favorably".
     

Sue Me

Rabeinu was very pained at the troubles of the bnei Torah, the yeshivas, kollels, etc. - the torment from all kinds of anti-religious people in the government or the like.. Once he said: "if these defense people knew how much these yeshivas and kollels shield the country, they would banish them (the anti-religious ministers) from the defense department. For there is no defense for Yisrael except through the holy Torah. They (the yeshivas and kollels) are on the front lines of the battle against our enemies. Only through the merit of the Torah is there protection on the Jewish people and the land of Israel".

In one of his lectures, Rabeinu spoke against a government minister who would attack Judaism in Israel and speak bad of religious Jews. In the morning, the assistant of this government minister called Rabeinu and said: "you know that in your lecture yesterday you spoke against a minister of Israel. This a crime against the law!"

Immediately, Rabeinu raised his voice on the phone and began to list to the minister's assistant all of his past [misdeeds] one by one. Then he said: "if you want to sue me go ahead, but I have a lot of what to claim against you". The assistant was seized with complete shock and out of utter silence on the other line, Rabeinu hung up the phone, leaving the assistant to himself.
     

Who can learn Kabala?

When Rabeinu was asked: "who is fit to toil in the wisdom of kabala?" He would answer: "the matter does not depend on age but rather on the holiness of a man... A man who strives to guard himself in holiness and immerses in a mikveh, he can learn kabala and need not worry at all about all kinds of harm. Only someone who does not guard himself in holiness and toils in kabala - he can be damaged from this."

He advised always to start from the book Shaarei Orah saying: "the book Shaarei Orah opens up gates for a man and vast spaces in the wisdom of Sod (kabala)". He would also rouse people to study the book "Tomer Devorah", and especially in Elul and the High Holidays..
     

No Beard

Rabeinu in his great humility wore simple clothing and a beret hat, and was without a beard. The latter was due to his extremely sensitive skin whereby growing a beard would cause him severe skin problems.. (he even shaved during the sefirah omer period).. Nevertheless he would encourage those who grew a beard. Once a young student told him he was embarrassed to grow a beard to which Rabeinu replied: "if so, leave just the root of the beard hairs and you have done your obligation.. but know that I cry every night on this that I am unable to grow a beard due to my sensitive skin."

Once some young students of Rabeinu visited the Chassidish Rebbi, R.Yitzchak Meir Morgenstern asking for a blessing. The Rebbi replied: "it is written in the holy zohar that the primary shefah (flow) depends on the beard. They are the tubes of shefah. Therefore, if you want a blessing, take on yourselves to grow a beard, even to leave just the root of the hairs. Through this you will merit a blessing." The students asked him immediately: "if so, why does Rabbi Chaim Cohen, the Chalban, shave his beard?"

The Rebbi smiled and said: "on R.Chaim one does not ask questions. He is way above, from the root of Atika Kadisha, over there, there is no dikna (beard) and it is impossible to fathom his levels for they are above the place of the beard".
     

Tikun Chatzot

In his final years, Rabeinu testified on himself that in the past forty years, he has not missed one tikun chatzot on time. He would recite the prayer with great crying for an hour or more. He would exhort all his students to be meticulous in reciting the tikun chatzot every day. He would request this a lot from them and say: even a simple man who prays for the holy Shechinah, this makes a big impression in heaven, and G-d rejoices in such prayers. This greatly brings moshiach closer and that he comes with great mercy." In his lecture he once said: "in the Shulchan Aruch it is written: 'it is proper for every yarei shamayim lihyot metzer ..layla'. Does this imply one who is not yerei shamayim need not cry on the Shechina? Rather, one without yira shamayim must first of all pray on himself, on his spiritual state, and then when he improves his deeds, he can lift up the holy Shechina".
     

Gilgul of Kohen Gadol

Rabeinu Chaim's root soul is from the holy Tanna R.Yishmael Kohen Gadol who served as the high priest in the temple of Jerusalem and entered the holy of holies on Yom Kippur. R.Chaim testified on himself that he remembers well the entire order of the service in the Temple, and the place of all the vessels, and how they made the clothing and the Ketoret (incense). He could also show and explain the matters tangibly in fine details - everything from memory of the time he saw with his eyes in the holy temple and served as the high priest. (Btzel Ilan Hachaim vol.1 pg.272)
     

Soul of Kohen Gadol

Rami Avodi, a student of Rabeinu, said that one time he had a debate with a student of the tzadik, Rabbi David Abuchatzeira (a man of ruach hakodesh and grandson of Baba Sali). R. Abuchatzeira advised his student to do such and such but R.Chaim advised Rami to do differently. Rami went to Rabeinu and told him what the Tzadik R.David Abuchatzeira said. Rabeinu heard his words and told Rami: "go to R.David Abuchatzeira and tell him what I advised, then do whatever he says."

Both students went to Nahariyah (in northern Israel) and were received by R.David Abuchatzeira. When R.David heard the name of Rabeinu he answered: "R.Chaim the Kohen, nishmat kohen gadol (soul of the high priest) of the generation, whatever he says do. I annul my view before his view".
     

Order of Kohen Gadol

When the high holidays approached, Rabeinu would prepare himself and learn all the Kavanot (kabalistic intents of divine names and attributes) which the Kohen Gadol (high priest) would have intent during the service in the holy temple, and especially for the order of Yom Kipur. This was the great day, once a year, where the Kohen Gadol would enter the holy of holies and beseech G-d through the holy temple service and atone for all the sins of Israel. Rabeinu would review several times all the kavanot which the Kohen Gadol would do during the service, as brought in the book "Brit Menuchah" in order to be prepared for the great day. When he was the shliach tzibur (lead the prayer service in the synagogue) and he recited the order of the temple service (Seder Avodah), he would then have all the kavanot (intents) and pray the Yom Kippur prayer and the order of the temple service with great crying.
     

Where is R.Yehuda Patilon?

Rabeinu was used to praying and leading The Yom Kipur service in the "Eliyahu Hanavi" synagogue in Tel Aviv which his father, R.Ezrah founded. Rabeinu was used to saying: "on Yom Kipur, many souls of tzadikim come to this synagogue which my father founded". Indeed, many people who prayed there reported on spiritual phenomena they saw or felt on Yom Kipur in the synagogue. For example, one year, a student of Rabeinu came and told over: "in the middle of the night a man came here and asked me: 'where is Yehudah Patilon found here?' I answered him innocently: 'R.Yehuda passed away several decades ago'. The man went and disappeared".
     

R.Ezrah appoints a cantor

One of Rabeinu's students R.Yinon Y. told over that he sat next to the Teivah (platform where the prayer leader leads the congregation) on Yom Kipur. He then saw one of the members of the congregation, an old and very simple looking man sitting on the Teivah (platform), i.e. Adon Yechezkel, which Rabeinu regarded very very highly. Adon Yechezkel got up from his chair and tried to step off the Teivah. But suddenly, he was pushed onto the Teivah again and again. He was not succeeding in getting off the Teivah. It was clear as day that someone invisible was pushing him back on.

R.Yinon approached him and asked him: "Adon Yechezkel what happened? Why are you being pushed like that?" He answered innocently: "R.Ezrah - (the father of Rabeinu who died a few decades ago) - he pushed me and said: "you will be Chazan (lead the prayer) here!" He added: "Rabbi Avraham Cohen is also with him and two other tzadikim that I don't recognize". When people started to ask Adon Yechezkel questions, he put his hand to his mouth and said: "they forbid me to speak.." It was a wonder.
     

Final Yom Kippur

In the final Yom Kippur of Rabeinu, there was a special inspiration during the Seder Avodah, a spirit of holiness hovered around the people praying in the synagogue when Rabeinu was reciting the Seder Avodah - powerful emotions of the heart, inspiration, and holy clinging to the Creator of the world.

After a few days, one of the people who prayed there asked Rabeinu: "Rabeinu, this year I felt during the Seder Avodah that my soul was being healed". Rabeinu listened to his words intently, and then smiled broadly and said: "what a zechut (merit)! You were with me in the temple above (Beit Mikdash Haelyon)!" Thus, Rabeinu appeared in the Seder Avodah. He was in this world but not here. His head turned below but he stood (above) behind the pargud (curtain of the holy of holies) and prayed for all of Israel, like the Kohen Gadol entering the holy of holies.
     

I must check everything is all right

Due to great responsibility Rabeinu felt on the situation of Israel, Rabeinu acted like the ancient Tzadikim, shields of the generation, and would always ask questions from Heaven, and meyached great and awesome yichudim for the holy Shechina and for the people of Israel - and everything he did in complete concealment, without any person sensing or knowing his deeds and ways at all.

Likewise, every night he would do an Aliyah Neshama (ascent of soul) and hear torah from the Tzadikim above and do acts for the Tikun of the Shechina and the salvation of the Am Yisrael... One time a student asked him after the Tikun of Hoshana Rabbah (where the custom is to stay up all night): "was Rabeinu awake for the whole night?" Rabeinu answered him: "I must sleep a little bit, but only in order to do an Aliyah Neshama and to see if everything is all right. Thus is my custom to do every night, even on the night of Shavuot, I must go and look if everything is all right, and afterwards I wake up and toil in Torah."
     

Rectifying Anger

One time, Rabeinu spoke to one of his students on the awfulness of anger. Then Rabeinu told over: "know that sometimes it happens that I get a trace of anger during the day. Then at night, when I do an Aliyah Neshama (ascent of soul), there are obstructions.. The Aliyah Neshama does not succeed so much [to ascend]. Therefore I get up in the middle of the night and go to the mikveh and immerse 151 times (like the gematria of "anger") in order to rectify the anger and afterwards when I return home, the Neshama (soul) ascends without any obstructions".
     

Aliyah Neshama

One Sabbath in the month of Elul, after the minchah (afternoon) prayer, when Rabeinu was accompanied to his home, one of the students asked him: "please tell us some Torah from the Baal Shem Tov". But R.Chaim replied: "for me there is no difference between the tzadikim, all are equal for the good. It doesn't matter to me in whose name the Torah is, the primary thing is that it be from a tzaddik." The Rav continued: "you know how much the tzadikim are equal for me?.. At night when I do an Aliyah Neshamah (i.e. my soul ascends upstairs), the keeper asks me: "to whose palace (heychal) would you like to enter?" I am used to telling him: "for me there is no difference between the tzadikim, wherever you usher me is good". Due to this, I am given permission to enter by all the tzadikim since due to the power of unity I have towards all the different types of people, and all types of tzadikim, all of them are prepared to receive me by them..."

This student continued and asked: "did Rabeinu ever enter or hear Torah from the mouth of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov?" Rabeinu smiled and said: "R.Nachman took on himself to toil in rectifying souls, he promised, and he is obligated to fulfill [his promise].. He is all the time occupied in rectifying souls and has no time there to say words of Torah... One should not make such promises whereby he loses from them"..

However in a different occasion, Rabeinu added: "l'maaseh (actually) the matter depends on the times.. there are times that R.Nachman is occupied only with rectifying souls, and there are other times that he says a lot of words of Torah above. And the primary rectifying of souls is through the Torah, and everyone hears Torah from R.Nachman (vol.1 pg.278).

Rabbi Chaim Feder told over: every Sabbath afternoon, Rabeinu would sleep a bit. Then he would attain very great attainments, ruach hakodesh and big revelations from Heaven. One particular Sabbath, when Rabbi Feder came to him, after Seudah Shlishi (3rd meal), Rabeinu asked him: "do you know of some Chasidish Rebbi who lives in Antwerp, Belgium?" Rabbi Feder said a few names of great Rebbis there. When he said the name: "Yaakov of Peshawarsk", Rabeinu jumped and said: "yes, yes, this is the tzadik I was referring to! Do you know what is happening with him?" Rabbi Feder answered in the negative. Then Rabeinu said: "it seems to me he is going to pass away this coming week.. For when I slept in the afternoon and ascended to the heavenly academy, I noticed he was not there as he usually is."
In truth, sunday night this tzadik passed away.
     

Prayer to G-d

Rabeinu was used to preparing bread every morning for his brother who worked with him at the dairy factory. One time when he finished the morning prayer, he was busy fulfilling a certain mitzvah and arrived late at the dairy factory, forgetting to prepare breakfast for his brother.

When the time came for his brother to take his medical pills with a meal, he asked Rabeinu where is his bread? Rabeinu answered him sadly: "I was very busy today and forgot to prepare your breakfast, please forgive me!! I forgot."

Rabeinu's brother was not appeased and raised his voice a bit saying: "but I must take my pills with a full meal, what will I do now??"

Rabeinu was very distressed. He raised his hands towards the heaven and said: "Master of the World, my brother is hungry and needs food!" Before he even finished his words, a man entered the dairy factory with a tray in his hands. On the tray was cooked fish and bread rolls. There was steam and good scent coming from the fish and rolls. The man put the tray on the table and said: "here is breakfast for you!". Then he left and disappeared.
     

the Kameah

Rami Avodi told over: as known, Rabeinu did not like to benefit from others for free and anyone who did for him a small favor, he would repay him with a big favor.

A certain woman, about 55 years old, helped Rabeinu in medical tests and matters of health. But to her sadness, she did not have any children. Rabeinu promised her a special Kameah (amulet) through which she will merit to have a child.

I was there at his office when he wrote the Kameah and the special prayers said over it. It had powers to infuse supernatural holiness for the effects of the Kameah [to work].. I understood that this is the Kameah which the holy angels gave to Sarah our foremother, peace be unto her, whereby she merited to bear a child at an old age despite being barren. Rabeinu finished writing the Kameah, rolled it and wrapped it, and made me a messenger to deliver it to the woman at the medical center.

I left his office and went towards the Kupat Cholim (medical center) in Bialik street of Ramat Gan.. The Kameah was in the pocket of my pants. In the middle of the way, I started to feel spiritual holiness that I never felt before.

I sensed this holiness was emanating from the Kameah in my pocket. The holiness was intensifying more and more over time. An indescribable divine feeling filled me from head to toe.

While this was happening, I started to ask myself: "how can I part from this holy Kameah which elevated me to such high levels of holiness, supernal lights which filled my body, ungraspable to the mind?"

I strengthened myself knowing I am obligated to fulfill my assignment. I brought it to the woman with instructions Rabeinu gave me. When I finished my words, I told her in brief words what I felt when carrying the Kameah in my pocket: "you do not yet understand what the Tzadik gave you.. I am certain that you will see salvations".

That day in the afternoon, I went to the synagogue to pray the afternoon prayer with Rabeinu. After the prayer I travelled with Rabeinu to his home. The Rav had a broad smile on his face and asked me: "nu Rami, how was the Kameah?"

I smiled back and replied: "Rabeinu already knows everything.. I don't need to tell you anything! I felt supernatural things with the Kameah and deliberated whether to flee with it. But in the last second, I overcame this and fulfilled my assignment". Rabeinu heard the words, laughed and was happy.
     

Childless for 11 years

The daughter of one of the biggest Rabbis of our generation who is a mezakeh rabim (benefits the public) did not merit to have children for 11 years. Her father asked blessings from many tzadikim and many gedolim (big rabbis) over the years since he had connections with all of them. But his daughter still did not merit to have a child. When he heard of Rabeinu, they decided to come to him for a blessing. Those days, Rabeinu did not feel good and it was difficult to see him. But after they used connections with relatives, Rabeinu agreed to bless the woman.

When the paper came before Rabeinu, he looked at it and said: "it is already 11 years that she did not have a child? Now she will give birth to triplets!"

Indeed a year later, she gave birth to triplets. Her sister who had four sons, wanted Rabeinu to bless her for a daughter. Rabeinu heard her request and said: "you want a daughter? It will be a daughter!" Indeed after two years, she gave birth to a daughter.
     

Incompatible Couple

A certain couple did not have a child for over twenty years. Every time he asked Rabeinu for a blessing, Rabeinu replied saying: "may you merit for a free gift from Heaven". One of the times, Rabeinu explained to Rabbi Gideon Rabiyov that the root soul of the man is from such and such a place while the root soul of the woman is from such and such a place. Thus, they need a free gift from Heaven, for this is not like the natural order. In the end, they merited to have a child.
     

Keep Promise

One Sabbath, when Rabeinu left the synagogue after the mincha prayer, a woman said to him the name of a her relative who needed a blessing for having a child. The latter had only one child. Rabeinu heard the name while walking and said to those present: "this couple did not have a child for many years. I promised them a son if they promise me that I will be Sandak (at the circumcision). But they did not keep their promise. Therefore, I will not bless them".

Then he added: "It is not for nothing that I request to be Sandak. Do I need to be Sandak? Rather, it is very clear that from Heaven he is obstructed from having children since the soul that will come out of them will not be so good. But if there is a good Sandak, he can bring down a holy soul to the baby and then there is no longer a reason to obstruct them from having a child". One of the people present asked him: "what causes the soul to not be so good?" Rabeinu replied: "or due to them not guarding themselves properly in holiness or due to other causes".
     

Follow that Man

Many years ago, a man came to the hidden tzadik Rabbi Moshe Chaim Mendel for a blessing to have a child. Immediately the tzadik jumped and said: "did you see that simple man who just left here? Go ask him for a blessing for only he can save you!" That was Rabeinu who had just left the home of Rabbi Mendel.

Rabeinu knew exactly when each person will get married. Many times, he would give a date such as "until Purim he will get married" or "until Passover he will get married". And thus it was.
     

You met him already

One time a woman who was seeking to get married for a long time came to R.Chaim. But R.Chaim told her that she already met the man for her a few times but she refused each time the shidduch (matchup) and now there is nothing left to do.. But the woman did not let up and requested from R.Chaim to help her. He thought for a few seconds and told her: "a few months from now, on such and such a date, you will travel to Haifa by train and with G-d's help you will find your shidduch there."

When the day arrived, she travelled towards Haifa and in the middle of the journey, a woman approached her and proposed to her a shidduch. It was a certain man who had just divorced his wife since she had psychological problems... The girl heard the name of the man and indeed it was the man she had met several times and refused every time.. When the two met again, and received the approval of Rabeinu, they married.
     

Did you speak to the Shechina?

His student Rami P. told over: one time during the days of Shovavim, we travelled with Rabeinu by car. In the middle of the ride, a certain kabbalists phoned Rabeinu and asked him if all is well. Rabeinu asked him: "did your honor speak today with the Shechina?" The Kabalist replied: "we did a tikun hayesod (kabbalistic prayers), etc." Rabeinu replied to him: "no, not to this I intended. I asked if you spoke today to your wife?" He did not answer. Immediately Rabeinu told him: "so call her now and speak to her. The woman is the symbol (semel) of the Shechina, when you speak to your wife, you are speaking to the Shechina".
     

I know already

One day a man came to the synagogue for the mincha prayer and gave to Rabeinu a paper (with a name written on it) for a blessing. Suddenly Rabeinu started to yell at him: "here this is a kollel Avreichim, why are you disturbing here? Please get out of here!" The humiliated man left ashamed and confused. But Rabeinu explained to the Avreichim (kollel students) who were shocked to see these things: "know that on that man was decreed to be sent to jail. Through this humiliation that I caused him, I sweetened the judgments on him and removed the threat of jail." Rabbi Shlomo Batzri told over that afterwards they checked out that man and found out that in truth he was charged for a certain matter by the police. But after he came to Rabeinu, a miracle happened and the folder of evidence against him was lost. Thus, he was saved from a difficult situation. When he came afterwards to thank Rabeinu on this and tell him on the miracle that happened to him, Rabeinu said to him: "I know everything that happened to you".
     

Visit in a Dream

A certain woman was pregnant. But the doctors told her the fetus is in danger and will not live long. In her troubles she went to Rabeinu in the cheese factory and told him her trouble. Rabeinu told her: "from heaven you will have another son". But the woman did not leave the place and pleaded with him that she wanted that this son live.. After much pleading, Rabeinu answered her: "I am prepared to promise you that the son will be born healthy and whole on condition that you take on yourself to keep the Sabbath!" The woman agreed without hesitating and Rabeinu requested: "strive that your husband also guard the Sabbath. For the Sabbath is the source of blessings!"

The woman indeed began to observe the Sabbath, but her husband scoffed at this and did not approve of her deeds. Several weeks passed and one morning the husband tells his wife: "a certain man wearing a cap on his head came to me in a dream and said to me: 'do you want your son to live? If so, why are you not listening to your wife's words and not guarding the Sabbath?'"

When his wife heard the description of the man with the cap, she understood that this was Rabbi Chaim Cohen. Immediately she showed him a picture of R.Chaim. Her husband affirmed that this was the man who came to him in the dream and sought to travel to R.Chaim immediately. When he approached R.Chaim, before he even said a word, R.Chaim told him: "nu, in the merit of the dream, will you now keep the Sabbath?" The husband agreed and Rabeinu promised them that their son will be born healthy and whole and they should no longer be concerned by the words of the doctors. Indeed, a son was born healthy and whole without any blemishes whatsoever, contradicting the words of the doctors and the results of the medical tests throughout the pregnancy.

But there was one problem. In one of the hands, the baby could not open his fingers. The fingers were closed permanently around the palm. After the mother recovered from birth, they came to R.Chaim with the baby to thank him for his blessing. "But there is still a small problem with his hand", the mother said in distress. Rabeinu smiled to them and said: "what is the problem?" He took the baby's hand in his right hand and inserted his finger between the baby's fingers and palm. Immediately, the baby's fingers opened up and it was a wonder.
     

Moving Clouds

Rabeinu would say that one who guards himself properly in great holiness, then on his fingers shine Havayot (Tetragramatons) in a wondrous way and their power is great for all things and matters. One time after the Sabbath when the congregation went outside the synagogue to recite the prayer for the new moon, there were clouds that hid the new moon. Suddenly, the people there saw how Rabeinu was whispering a few words and waving his hands towards the clouds. The clouds retreated revealing the moon. Immediately, everyone recited the prayer for the new moon and afterwards Rabeinu again waved his hands to the heavens and the clouds returned to cover the moon.
     

Tumor in his Chest

During Chol Hamoed, one of Rabeinu's students went to the cheese factory. The doctors had discovered a tumor near his chest and he was in great distress. When the student arrived and told Rabeinu his illness, Rabeinu asked him: "where is the tumor?" The young man who was wearing a coat put his finger on the place of the tumor. Immediately, Rabeinu placed his finger on the man's coat while whispering some words.. The man felt a burning sensation on the place of the tumor and began to yell: "Rabbi, this is burning me! this is burning me!" After a few seconds, Rabeinu smiled to him and said: "you have nothing to worry about! there is no longer a tumor.. This is now just a piece of fat and with G-d's help it will disappear!".
     

Mute Child

One motzai Shabbat, a Chassidish Jew arrived with his six year old son to the synagogue and waited for Rabeinu outside the office room of the synagogue. When Rabeinu came out, the Chassidish Jew said: "my son is six years old and still cannot speak a word!" Rabeinu was silent for a few seconds while gazing at the boy and afterwards he put his hand on the child's mouth and made a motion as if he is opening the lock of a door. That very instant, the child called to his father: "Aba". Out of great emotion, the father and son both began to cry on each other.

     

Say my name

A certain woman was very afraid of dogs. One time a dog chased her and no matter how much she tried to drive it away, the dog did not let up and continued to chase her until she crossed the street and a truck separated between her and the dog. Then she went home. Afterwards, she called Rabeinu and told him about the dog who chased her.. Rabeinu replied that she needed to complete a certain tikun (rectification) for her mother.. and then he added: "any time a dog chases you, say my name (Chaim Avishalom ben Blanca) and the dog will leave you".
     

Barking Dog

One time Rabeinu was walking on the street with his mind concentrating on some matter. Suddenly a huge rottweiler dog was opposite him and began to bark.. Immediately, the dog turned around and dashed away, fleeing its owner several streets away. The owner of the dog yelled at Rabeinu: "what did you do to my dog?! why is he fleeing like that!?" Rabeinu was silent and did not answer anything.

Afterwards, he explained: "there is a holy name to have intent on against a barking dog to make it flee. Out of confusion that I was concentrating on some matter and the dog barked before me, I mistakenly uttered the holy name verbally instead of thinking it in my mind. Therefore, the dog ran away so fast due to the holy name it heard".
     

Lost Object

A man lost an antique Megilah in his home. After many unsuccessful searches, he decided to ask Rabeinu. Rabeinu answered him immediately: "it is on your bookcase, behind such and such a book".
     

the Sack Cloth

One of the sons of Rabbi Gideon Rabiyov bought a sackcloth of goat hairs when he was a young man. He would use it when reciting the midnight prayer. Rabbi Gideon held a ceremony for finishing a tractate (siyum) which Rabeinu attended. There they spoke on the qualities of the sack cloth. Rabbi Gideon asked Rabeinu where is it possible to buy a real sack cloth from goat hairs? Rabeinu answered him: "your son has a sackcloth. I see on him that he has the light of the sack cloth. Ask him to buy one for you."
     

Why no beard

A certain family in Jerusalem spoke good things on Rabeinu at the Sabbath meal. But one thing was difficult for them: "why does Rabeinu not have a beard like other kabbalists who are meticulous to grow a beard?"

On sunday, the father of the family travelled to central Israel. On the way he stopped by the dairy factory to buy cheese and receive a blessing from Rabeinu. After he bought the cheese, Rabeinu turned to him and said: "that which your family spoke at the Sabbath meal on why I don't have a beard, know that I have very sensitive skin and if I grow a beard, my face becomes full of sores, and this is hard for me."
     

You want to ask me such and such

A certain year, Rabeinu joined a Seudah (festive meal) of a student who had completed a tractate of the talmud. There were many big Rabbis there of various types. On both sides of Rabeinu sat two important Admorim (big Chassidish Rabbis) who did not recognize him so much. Suddenly the two Admorim started to speak in Yiddish to each other and ask each other on what is the nature of Rabeinu.. and especially since they saw him without a beard like a seemingly too simple person.. Eventually, one of the Admorim said to the other that he will think of a deep question from the talmud and we'll see if he is able to answer.

Rabeinu sensed this and suddenly turned to that Admor and said: "you want to ask me such and such. The answer to this is thus and thus". Then he turned to the other side and said to the second Admor: "does your honor also have questions that I can answer him?" The two Admors were in complete shock. Then Rabeinu told them that he is not able to grow a beard because it causes him skin sores and there is no need to belittle someone who does not grow a beard.
     

I have no time

Many people came to Rabeinu to test him, to see whether or not he is a tzadik. For he dressed unusually simple and did not have a beard.. Generally, Rabeinu did not give time to such people. He would speak brief words saying: "you came to test me, I have no free time". One time one such man came and Rabeinu rebuked him: "you came to test me? I will not waste my time on this!" The man felt bad and accepted the rebuke. He immediately regretted his deed and accepted on himself to be a student of Rabeinu. Amazingly, Rabeinu immediately sensed this and started to speak to him according to his needs and gave him advice and guidance in his service of G-d.
     

I heard good things on him

The son of an important Rosh Yeshiva from the Lithuanian (ashkenazi) side was found to have a cancerous tumor. The doctors advised surgery to remove the tumor. The Rosh Yeshiva sought to ask one of the biggest Rabbis in the generation. He succeeded in getting in to ask Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, the posek (halachic authority) of the generation. When the day came he travelled to R.Elyashiv with a friend to Jerusalem. On the way, his friend proposed to him to seek advice from the Cheesemaker on the surgery and that he knows things with ruach hakodesh, even for medical things. But the Rosh Yeshiva was not happy to hear on these kinds of Rabbis and stuck to his decision: "let's ask Rabbi Elyashiv and whatever he says we will do".

When the two entered to see Rabbi Elyashiv, the Rosh Yeshiva presented the details of the illness before the gadol hador and asked: "should we do the surgery?" After long deliberation, Rabbi Elyashiv said that he does not know how to decide on this matter".

When the Rosh Yeshiva saw that he was left with his question, he decided to ask R.Elyashiv on the Chalban (cheesemaker) from Givatayim and if it is worthwhile asking his advice. Rabbi Elyashiv answered affirmatively: "I heard many good things on him. It is worth it (kedai) for you travel to the Chalban and ask his advice, and do whatever he says!", ruled Rav Elyashiv.

The friend of the Rosh Yeshiva immediately phoned Rabeinu to know when is it possible to come receive his blessing. Rabeinu told him to come early morning to the prayer and then he will resolve his problem.

The next morning, when the rosh yeshiva came before Rabeinu, before he opened his mouth, Rabeinu told him: "your son needs to have the surgery in such and such a way, and with G-d's help it will succeed." Then Rabeinu added: "and also your daughter who is waiting a long time for a shiduch, with G-d's help she will marry within half a year and you have nothing to worry about!"

The rosh yeshiva stood shocked to hear the answers he received before even presenting his problems. He listened to Rabeinu and the surgery was a success and also his daughter married within half a year.
     

Get out

A certain Jew came to the dairy factory to receive a blessing from Rabeinu. But Rabeinu yelled at him loudly and told him to leave. Even after the man left the dairy factory, Rabeinu continued to walk behind him and yell at him all the way until he reached the main street.. This man was confused and did not understand why he received so much on his head.. From there he arrived at his car and drove away. Later on while driving on the road, he entered a tunnel and a huge truck ran into him. His car was completely wrecked but he emerged without a scratch. The man now understood that through the yelling, Rabeinu "sweetened" the harsh judgments over him. The next day he came back to the dairy factory to thank Rabeinu for the great miracle done in his merit.
     

Completely Clean

A short time after Rabeinu passed away, a businessman in need of salvation from his troubles asked several big Rabbis for advice but all of them said they could not help him. He went to Rabbi Gideon Rabiyov and told him his troubles and both of them went to the tzadik Rabbi Eliezer David Stern. When R.Stern heard his words he answered: "it is difficult for me to help you. I don't have broad shoulders like R.Chaim the Chalban.. He had great powers and was able to take responsibility on every thing. I am unable to take responsibility on this difficult matter". Rabbi Stern would often say on the Chalban, even while he was alive: "he is a holy Jew, completely clean of all sin, a unique Jew who is impossible to describe."
     

Various Segulas

Some segulot (special remedies) from the book Osri Lagefen written by R.Yehuda Sheinfeld section "Shaaylot V'Teshuvot, Mili DeChasiduta" which are answers he received from Rabeinu in various matters:

1. segulah to be very alert - to say every day the section beit of tehilim 119 seven times for forty days straight. This is also a segulah that others will not hate him. If he forgot one day, he must start over. For one who finishes tehilim every day, then when he reaches the section beit of tehilim 119 let him say it seven times and it will count for both.

2. in the seder maamadot in chok l'yisrael which is divided into the seven days of the week, the reading of parsha haazinu there is a segulah for wisdom. And tractate tamid has a big matter in this. Before every [Torah] study, one should say the leshem yichud printed in the chok l'yisrael and through this it will be considered Torah lishmah.

3. to learn a sugya (talmudic topic) in depth, clarifying all the views of the Rishonim (early authorities) until the final halacha - this draws holiness on a person like immersing in a wellspring. And chidushei Torah in the zohar and inner chambers of the Torah draws wondrous light on a person.

4. He who has bad thoughts, it is a segulah from Eliyahu Hanavi to say seven times the verse: "Esh Tamid Tukad Al Hamizbeach lo Tichbe " (Vayikra/Lev.6:6). The intent here is to kindle the inner fire of holiness to burn the bad thoughts and kindle holy fire. Another segulah is to think good thoughts and this will remove the bad thoughts indirectly. Another one, our sages bring: "I created the evil inclination and I created the Torah as its antidote" (Kidushin 30b) - to escape out of sadness and other illnesses of the nefesh (soul).

5. Also on Passover the Ushpizin come to the meal one makes in honor of the holiday. But every day only one of them comes whereas on Sukkot all of them come together every night. The seventh day of Passover is mesugal (favorable time) for all those things our sages said are "difficult like the splitting of the sea", such as parnassa (livelihood), marriage partner, etc. and likewise to annul all the bad decrees from the Jewish people.

6. In the high holidays when the chazan (cantor) says in kedusha of keter "ayeh makom kevodo" every person can request in thought one of three requests: parnassa, sons tzadikim, ruach hakodesh. One can divide them and request one for the first day of rosh hashana then the next one for the second day of rosh hashana and the third on yom kippur. One can also split with his wife, that one requests one of them and she the second. One who needs a shiduch can request sons and this includes also a shiduch.

     

After his death

His student R.Yinon Y. told over that Rabeinu advised him to be a scribe (to write mezuzahs, tefilin, and sefer Torahs), i.e. to learn Torah early day and work as a scribe late afternoon/night. But Rabeinu told him: "to be a sofer stam (scribe) is no joke, one needs holiness and purity. Write only in holiness and purity!"

After Rabeinu's passing, a certain student who was among the closest students of Rabeinu donated the money to write a sefer Torah in Rabeinu's memory.

Normally, after the scribe writes the sefer Torah, he sends the parchments to a checker for checking and correcting and after that for an additional check by computer. He said:

Normally, one does not need any further checking. After the first check by computer, I fixed all the errors detected by computer and behold that night I dreamt that Rabeinu came to me and told me "check parchment number 51". In the morning I decided to check myself the parchment and not rely on the computer. Indeed I found an error there the computer did not detect.

Afterwards, I sent the sefer Torah to someone for a human check. We agreed that he would return the sefer Torah within two weeks from today and I will pay him immediately. Unfortunately, for two months the man disappeared and he did not answer his phone. After two months he answered me saying: "I am on vacation and will get back to you in two days". After two days he called me and promised to do this within two weeks.

In the meantime Rabeinu came to me in a dream and said: "what's with the sefer Torah?" I woke up in the morning and understood that Rabeinu is aware of everything that is happening with the sefer Torah which is written in his memory (l'ilui nishmato). I called the checker and told him: "listen my friend, this sefer Torah is written in the memory of the Chalban. Know that you are dealing with him not me." The checker took this seriously and began to be very serious to fix the errors. In the end he returned the sefer Torah to me.

While the book was by him, I started to get a skin disorder. I had a strong burning sensation on my skin. I was almost unable to wear an undershirt due to the many scabs that burned my skin. One day I contemplated to myself and told myself: "It seems Rabeinu is in pain on the matter of the sefer Torah which is not progressing". I rose up and lit a candle in his honor and asked forgiveness from him: "I am sorry about the delays on the sefer Torah. It is not my fault! But I promise to try hard to move the matter as fast as possible!" Miraculously, that very second literally, all the painful sensation on my skin disappeared and the scabs began to dry out. I went to sleep.

Rabeinu came to me in a dream and said: "Machul lach, machul lach (you are forgiven, you are forgiven) but from now on push the matter. For you were paid such and such money to do this". He specified the exact amount I was paid.

I woke up in the morning and decided to be more serious in this. For a whole week I did not go to kollel and went through the entire sefer Torah myself.

When I reached Parsha Pinchas on the verse: "I give him My covenant of peace" I noticed the letter "Vav" was not split as it should be.

Apparently, the checker mistakenly filled it instead of leaving it split. I fixed the error but afterwards Rabeinu came to me again in a dream and said: "check what you did in the morning!"

I woke up perturbed. "five hours straight of work all over again?" In the middle of the check I remembered suddenly about the split "Vav". I immediately checked the verse and saw again that the ink on the "Vav" was smeared and it was whole instead of split. I immediately fixed the error.

Thus, I came to see how Rabeinu stands and gazes from above on everything done below, and especially for a sefer Torah written in his memory. The sefer Torah was brought to the synagogue "Talelei Chaim" in Petach Tikva which he founded and was called in his name.
     

Words from his daughter

Rabeinu's daughter, Levanah, said (after his death): "my father spoke to me one day after he left his pure body and ascended above. This was at the time people came to console. My father told me: "I was saved from chibut hakever and am now in the heychal (chamber) of Eliyahu Hanavi zachur latov". Of all those who consoled me, father was the unique one to console. And the moment he spoke his words to me, I felt happy and did not feel the physical loss. For he answered my heart and calmed me down. I know he exists in a different way than what we were used to but he exists and is among us... Father was a human being, a person. We never saw him as an angel or a holy being but rather as a father, a human being. He was very close to the thirteen attributes [of mercy]. He always knew how to mediate between people, to bring peace and contentment to all sides, to console, to give good counsel, and most of all, his greatest virtue was to forgive..
     

Greatest Kabalist, Greatest Seer

His student Menachem Mekover said in a hesped: "we saw many miracles done in simplicity and as if on the side. It was amazing to see how Admorim (chief chassidish rebbis), kabalists, and on the other hand even politicians and businessman came early morning to his door. They saw him as the gadol hamekubalim (greatest kabalist) and gadol haroim (greatest seer)... the joy that shined on his face was amazing to see. And this even in the most difficult situations. He would emphasize the importance of joy which testifies on the emunah (faith) of a person.

His power to see hidden things was stunning. As known, many were saved by his advice, businessmen, gedolei hador (great sages)... and all this out of humility and simplicity: "who am I, what am I?"
     

Seeing Things

Rabeinu once revealed to one of his talmidim that his father came to him to rebuke him for not toiling in tikunim of nefashot (rectifying souls). Therefore, he is obligated to receive people even though this is difficult for him. He added that he is revealing this only to this talmid and nobody else.

Rabeinu was once visited by a certain Admor who told him he merited a revelation of Eliyahu Hanavi. He even told Rabeinu special signs for this. But this Admor did not merit to see the hebrew letters which appear on a person's forehead. Rabeinu told him, that one who has shemirat habrit beshleimut will merit this. Hinting on himself, he told on some difficult trials he had. Nevertheless, he said that every man can merit all the levels, even of the holy Arizal, through guarding the brit and the Torah.

One of his talmidim said that Rabeinu told him that he lights a candle friday before the Sabbath and it stays lit until the middle of the week. But by R.Patilon, such a candle stays lit until from one Sabbath to the next (near sundown next friday).
     

Avoid that man

One day, R.Aharon Haelin was walking on Shavzi street and suddenly he saw R.Yehudah Patilon was calling him loudly to cross the street to him. "R.Aharon run away quickly from the sidewalk and come to the other side! I will explain to you soon why!"

R.Aharon quickly did as the words of the tzadik and when he reached the other side of the street, R.Yehudah told him: "know that the man who was about to pass you just came from the sea. There he committed severe sins and many mashchitim (evil spirits) surrounded him all around. He was literally surrounded by many angels of destruction (malachei chabala). Thus, how can you pass near such a tameh and sickening person? (pg.47)
     

Light of Talmud

His student R.Eliyahu said over: I once fixed an appointment with Rabeinu to come to the dairy factory to ask him advice on some matter. But when I entered his office and came to him, he started to rain down on me difficult words: "why don't you learn Gemara (talmud)? I don't see on you the light of Gemara!", Rabeinu said in sadness. I was shocked to hear his words. I tried to defend myself and told him: "but Rabeinu told me to toil in the study of halacha, and I spend my hours of the day in a kollel of halacha, learning the Beit Yosef and Shulchan Aruch and commentaries, etc." But Rabeinu cut my words and said: "but one needs also Gemara. How is it possible for a whole day to pass without studying gemarah?" Then he continued: "promise me that from today on, you won't go to sleep at night without learning gemarah. Even if it is 2 o'clock at night and you still did not learn gemara, you don't go to bed without sitting and learning some gemara."

Rabeinu said with a shining face and sweet words: "the light of gemara needs to shine on the forehead and you cannot go to sleep without this holy light". The faithful student understood full well from the facial expressions of Rabeinu the great importance of the study of gemarah (talmud). Immediately, he undertook on himself this resolution. Only afterwards, did Rabeinu turn to him with a smile and gave him the advice and blessings he came for.
     

Light of Torah

Rabeinu very much considered important the study of halacha with the Beit Yosef. He said that Maran, the Beit Yosef included the whole Torah in his commentary and whoever toils in his Torah, merits to enlighten his soul with the light of Torah in its full power..

In addition to Torah study which Rabeinu was very meticulous (in asking this of his students), he was also meticulous that the study be continuous (b'retzef), without interruptions. He would say:

"the light from above of Torah study does not shine on a man when he interrupts every second for other things. Only when man learns continuously does the light of G-d flow to him and shine in the chambers of his soul until the Torah becomes his acquisition (kinyano) and a part of him. Only such Torah can save a man from the yetzer hara (evil inclination), guide him to the way of G-d, and draw on him all the good and blessings which G-d bestows to those who study Torah and fulfill the mitzvot."

He would rebuke some people saying he does not see on them the light of Torah since they are interrupting all the time to talk useless words, eat, drink, etc. and are not learning continuously. For when the light of Torah begins to shine a bit, he already interrupts in the middle of the study...

On the other hand, when people who work most of the day came to him, he would ask of them according to their ability, that they strive to at least join a class in daf yomi every day and likewise in study of halacha, to know the laws of Shabbat, Berachot, prayer, and other practical halacha. When his students would do a siyum mesechet (finish a tractate) he would join in their simcha and rejoice with them greatly as if he himself finished the tractate. Thus, he would rouse them to continue further tractate after tractate and not abandon the Torah for even one day. For the strongest connection a man has with G-d is only and solely through the holy Torah.

There were years when he would say: "he who does not toil for one or two hours per day in Torah, is not my student". Thus, he would exhort the students to fix times every day for Torah study and he would check them on this to see if they fulfilled their resolutions to toil in Torah every day.

     

Visit from a Demon

The son of Naim Gabai told over: there was a certain Jew who came every day to the daf yomi class in the synagogue. One day we learned tractate Berachot on the section of demons and after the class, this Jew came to my father and told over that for some time, every night a certain dark figure appears to him and wants to harm him. He trembles in fear and does not know what to do. My father heard the words and told him: "tomorrow R.Chaim Cohen is coming here for tikun shovavim (special prayers). After the tikun, we can ask him what to do".

The next day after the tikun of shovavim which R.Chaim arranged with great rousing of teshuva, my father approached him and told him about the man [who sees a demon]. Rabeinu told him: "go to Rabbi Yaakov Itzlan and ask him to do a tikun and everything will be fixed". He went to R.Yaakov Itzlan and R.Yaakov would come to the house of the man every week. He read all sorts of verses and was meyached yichudim (unified holy names). Thus he did for three months straight. But the matter continued normally every night. The mazik (demon) appeared every night and threatened to harm him.

The man returned to Rabeinu and told him that nothing has improved. But Rabeinu continued: "tell Rabbi Itzlan to continue coming to your house". Thus, another few months passed and when the man saw that nothing improved, he went again to Rabbi Gavai and told him that nothing has improved. Rabbi Gavai proposed to him that tomorrow after the morning prayer the two of them would go to the dairy factory and ask Rabeinu what to do.

The next day, immediately when R.Gabai entered the dairy factory and told Rabeinu that the mazik still comes every night to the man. Rabeinu listened seriously to the words. He creased his forehead for a few seconds and afterwards said: "that's it, I annulled the mazik. He won't appear to you anymore to scare you". Indeed, from that night onwards, the mazik no longer came to the house of that man".

A similar story occurred to a Jew from England. He had many troubles, accidents, sufferings, etc. that befell him one after the other. His friend who was here in Israel and knew Rabeinu well brought the man before Rabeinu for a blessing. The man entered Rabeinu's office and told him his troubles. The man revealed then what he felt: "I think there is some kind of mazik (demon) which follows me around and causes me these troubles". Rabeinu jumped in his words and affirmed: "yes, you are right". But Rabeinu added: "I just annulled the mazik that was attached to you". From now you will see that you will no longer have such troubles". Indeed from that day on, the man started to live much better, without getting struck by continuous troubles.
 

     

Who is it?

One of the students of Rabeinu, R.Moshe L. told over: in a fixed way and over many years, whenever I called Rabeinu on the phone to ask him advice or request a blessing, Rabeinu identified me even before I revealed who it was. "yes, Moyshele" he would answer immediately while answering the phone. But this happened only when I would first meditate and do a regret on my sins. But if I were to call Rabeinu out of pressure and without putting to heart and without doing teshuva on my situation, Rabeinu would answer the phone saying: "who is it?". This was to me a great wonder.

(note in this recording, Rabeinu can be heard identifying a person calling him by ruach hakodesh)
     

Rich man from Venezuela

One time a wealthy man from Venezuela came to Rabeinu. The rich man was used to being greatly honored due to his wealth. He expected that Rabeinu would also receive him with a big smile and great honor. But when he arrived to Rabeinu, he refused to accept him in the dairy factory. All efforts and honorable titles which they represented this man with did not convince Rabeinu. Only after a certain time had passed did Rabeinu agree to allow him to enter his office. And this was on condition that no man will enter with him. Rather only the rich man alone would enter the room of Rabeinu.

When the rich man entered, Rabeinu started to explain to him his spiritual level in great detail. The man was humiliated and confused. All his high status transformed to one big embarrassment. Thus, for ten minutes, the man sat before Rabeinu, his eyes burst in tears and regret of Teshuva (repentance). After Rabeinu finished his words, he blessed him and sent him out.

The rich man came out of Rabeinu's room shocked, his eyes swollen from tears and feelings of teshuva on his heart. Immediately, Rabeinu came out after him with a plate of cakes and honored the man. From that day on, the rich man began to do teshuva, to wear tefilin, and keep Shabbat until he became completely religious.
     

Get out of here

Rabeinu was very makpid (insistent) in matters of holiness. One who was afflicted in this area, he would run away from him. Many times he rebuked those who came to him when he saw they were afflicted by this sin (wasting seed). He would rebuke them immediately in order that they rectify their deeds. His words would make an impact. For if Rabeinu could see what they do in their innermost chambers, then they would infer how much more so that the Eye above sees everything they do. Thus, they would refrain from sin.

One friday a certain Jew came in the afternoon to pray mincha with Rabeinu. As soon as he arrived, Rabeinu turned to him yelling: "how can you come here with piles of wasted seed? Get out of here!!" Everyone present trembled in fear and this man ran out in tremendous fear.

On sunday, the man returned to pray mincha with Rabeinu. He sat at the end of the synagogue with a sefer tehilim in his hands and he looked very scared. After the prayer, Rabeinu approached him and said: "I see you did teshuva on the holy Sabbath. Now I can speak to you! What do you want?"

Then Rabeinu blessed him great blessings and added: "come and join the prayer for tikun of sins arranged by the synagogue [on such and such a date]"
     

I will check you

A certain Torah scholar who had opened a yeshiva for boys in Jerusalem now had an idea to open a seminary for girls. He came to ask advice to Rabeinu on this. Rabeinu asked him: "a seminary (school) for girls?, how is it possible to be saved from forbidden sights?" The Torah scholar answered: "with G-d's help, and bli neder, everything will be run by female teachers and principals only". But Rabeinu was not fully appeased by his answer and said: "I will check you even on thoughts (hirhurim)!" The man refrained from opening the seminary.
     

Still no shiduch

Once a long list of names of men who still did not find their match was brought to Rabeinu. They asked Rabeinu why these men still have not found their match? Rabeinu replied: "all of them need letaken hayesod (to rectify the yesod) and through that they will merit for their match". Then Rabeinu started to specify in order: "this young man will marry in two years, this one in a year, this one in eight years, etc."
     

why does the Rav not receive me?

One time when Rabeinu was sandek for a brit there was a large crowd around Rabeinu. A certain young man was there which Rabeinu refused to receive him for a blessing. The young man began to yell very loudly: "why does the Rav not receive me? What is this that they won't allow me to come close?" Suddenly Rabeinu appeared behind him, grabbed his ear, and whispered in his ears what sin he committed for which he refused to receive him. That second, he turned white in tremendous fear and shut his mouth in complete silence.
     

In the name of Eliyahu Hanavi

Rabeinu would say: a man who wants to come close to G-d, blessed be He, must do a cheshbon hanefesh (spiritual accounting) and pray every day for at least half an hour wholeheartedly that he merit to be saved from all pegam brit and forbidden sights. He who does this, he is promised that his prayers will be accepted before He who dwells on High, if he does this with heart and soul mamash. Without this, one must know that there is no refuge to be saved from immorality (niuf) and forbidden sights. Even tzadikim cannot be saved from this unless they mitboded (seclude) half an hour and beseech G-d with heart and soul. Only then will he be saved." He ended his words,: "I am saying this in the name of Eliyahu Hanavi zachur latov".
     

It is not the time

A certain year, Rabeinu was sitting in the sukkah of Rabbi Yisrael Yitzchaki who was used to learning with Rabeinu's father - R.Ezrah Cohen Parachyah zt'l. The two were learning the book "Brit Menucha" and both began to unite great yichudim (kabalistic meditations on divine names) in order to bring the Geulah closer and to put an end to the pain of the holy Shechinah. But as they were uniting Yichudim, Rabeinu started to feel as if someone was strangling him in the throat and he started coughing uncontrollably until he almost choked. Then he stopped the matter and said: "That's it. This is a sign that it is not the time for this."
     

The boy cannot eat

Rabbi David V. told over that when his son was 3.5 years old, during the days of Sukkot, he started to vomit every thing he ate. When his parents noticed that this continued and would not go away, they took him to the hospital. But the doctors did not find any cause for the vomiting of the child.

The child was hospitalized for weeks, all the while not eating anything. His body became like a skeleton of bones and was attached to many tubes. The doctors gave up trying to heal him. The father of the child asked his friend to go see Rabeinu and ask his blessing.

His friend returned with the answer that the Rabbi said "everything is from Heaven" and that he blessed him with a complete healing.

After another two weeks that the father was at the hospital with his son, he asked his wife to switch with him on guarding the child. For it was tuesday and Rabeinu promised deliverance to those who come to his class. "I want to go to the class and have intent during the class that it be for a complete healing for our son".

R.David came to the class. He sat in his usual place and hoped that the Rabbi would gesture to him and show him a sign of encouragement regarding his son. But Rabeinu turned his gaze to a different direction. He did not look at all to the side of R.David. This roused David's wonder and he decided that after the class, he will immediately approach Rabeinu and ask him for a blessing for his son.

But when the class was finished, Rabeinu began to say the prayer "Rebbi Chananyah ben Akashia omer..." as he was rising up from his chair to say kaddish. But suddenly, Rabeinu began to vomit in front of everyone. Immediately, several aides and students brought him water until he calmed down and they prayed the evening prayer. Afterwards, they rushed Rabeinu to his home so that he can rest from what happened to him.

When R.David saw what happened to Rabeinu he did not dare approach him after the class and ask his blessing. Instead he immediately went straight to the hospital where his 3.5 year old son was lying down.

The next day R.David turned to his son and said: "perhaps you want to eat something?" But his son refused to eat: "Abah, I vomit everything that comes in my mouth. Why should I eat anything?" But the father, continued and convinced his son to eat a little something. After he agreed, the father put a few spoons in his mouth and lo and behold the child did not vomit.

After a few minutes, he continued to eat a bit more of the small bowl until he finished the whole thing. Afterwards, he brought more food and the child ate that also slowly slowly. Thank G-d, after some medical checks by the doctors who saw that everything was ok, the next day they allowed him to leave the hospital and return home.

After some days passed, R.David asked Rabeinu: "why did Rabeinu disappear from me all that time that I was busy with the illness that struck my son?" Rabeinu turned to him and raised his voice a bit: "is it not enough for you that I took on myself his illness?"

Days later, David's friend revealed that when he went to ask Rabeinu a blessing for the child, Rabeinu did not really bless him and he did not say "everything is from Heaven". Rather, Rabeinu replied to him: "I don't know what to do about David's son. According to his situation, he is going to leave this world".

But as understood, after many efforts, Rabeinu did what he did and he took the illness upon himself. He vomited in front of all his students in the class, and immediately the next day, the son began to eat normally and recover.

Many times people came to Rabeinu in need of salvation and he dropped everything he was doing that day and toiled and went to a mikveh specially for them in order to deliver them from their troubles. He would do this especially for women who were having complications giving birth. And even for people who he never met before, and this was the first time they ever came to him for a blessing, nevertheless he would annul himself completely and drop all his affairs and go for them to the mikveh. This was true helping one's fellow and feeling the pain of his fellow as if it were his own.
     

Stop arguing with your wife

There was a great Torah scholar who was one of the students of Rabeinu. One day he had a furious argument with his wife. Behold in the middle of the raging argument the phone suddenly rang. The man picked up the phone and it was Rabeinu. When he answered, Rabeinu told him: "stop arguing with your wife. The woman is the Shechinah and you need to honor her!" Rabeinu hung up the phone.
     

Honor your wife in order to become rich

There was a certain man who was struck with troubles one after the other, car accidents, illnesses, etc. One of his friends mentioned his name before Rabeinu for a blessing and Rabeinu immediately cited the talmud: "says Rava: honor your wives, so that you become rich" (Bava Metziah 59a). Rabeinu said: "the shefah of parnassah including all things a man needs, spiritual or physical, and protection from damages and influences.. Thus, when a man honors his wife, he merits good shefah parnassah (abundant livelihood) in all matters and all the bad decrees distance from him. Honoring the wife, is honoring the Shechinah. When the Shechinah is full of shefah and honor, it bestows great shefah tov to Beit Yisrael".
     

I have never gotten angry

One time a certain student came to Rabeinu to the dairy factory. When he arrived, Rabeinu yelled at him: "why did you come here?.." This student bent down his head and accepted the judgments with love. But after a few minutes, he lifted his head and asked with respect and honor: "but Rabeinu accepted that I come here".

Rabeinu laughed loudly and said: "sit, sit. Know that all my yellings are to sweeten judgments on a person and are without any anger, chas v'shalom! I love you all an infinite love! Know that I have never gotten angry on any Jew!"
     

with blessings, Chaim Cohen

One of his students told over the following story. During the winter of 2020, I went to the grave of Rabeinu in Sanhedria and I saw there a religious Jew crying bitterly. I approached the grave and started to recite some tehilim and various prayers. The Jew did not let up. He was still standing and crying before the grave.

I decided to ask him to explain. Perhaps he is in a difficult situation, has some kind of problem. Maybe I can help him? I put out my hand and tapped on his shoulder. The man stood opposite me and understood what I wanted.

He started to tell me his story: Know that I have never met this tzadik. Maybe I saw his picture once or twice when he was alive. But such a kind man, I have never seen. Then he told me his story.

I am a child of a family whose father passed away. I have eleven brothers who are all avreichim who learn Torah all day. My mother had great difficulty when the time of special occasions happened to us, whether a bar mitzvah or wedding. Before every happy occasion that occurred to our family, my mother would pray to G-d to send her a deliverance from above that she could pay for the occasion.

Amazingly to me and my brothers and sisters, a day or two later, after the prayer she said between her and her Maker, suddenly an envelope was sent to us signed "with blessings, Chaim Cohen".

Likewise, on my own bar mitzvah and that of each of my brothers a pair of tefilin were also sent. Such a kind man! He sent gifts in secret so many times to my mother. This was besides the ruach hakodesh that he knew what was happening with us. And it was as if he was an emissary from Heaven.

After the prayer of my mother, suddenly the tzadik sent his assistance. There are no words to describe his endless trait of kindness. Then the man took out one of the envelopes sent to his mother. Indeed it was written in Rabeinu's handwriting and was signed "with blessings, Chaim Cohen".
 

grave of R.Chaim

     

people who come to me repent

Once Rabeinu said: one who is with me at the time when I receive people can see that every person when he comes to me, he immediately does teshuva (repentance). For I rebuke them on things only they and their Creator knows. And when they see that their deeds are known to the tzadikim, they regret and are ashamed to sin further. Thus, they come afterwards to full repentance out of love of G-d and abandon their evil deeds.
     

Gilgul Sheleg

One of his students told over that during the days of Shovavim, he decided to do the full tikun gilgul sheleg (rolling on snow) with the 3 consecutive day fast. He fasted for 3 days and then traveled to the north with the kabala yeshiva "Beit El" of the kabalist R.Nissin Peretz. There they did gilgul sheleg with the special kavanot according to the instructions of Rabbi Peretz.

After he did all this and did not say anything to Rabeinu, he went to the synagogue on mincha of friday. There were many people requesting a blessing. But Rabeinu refused to accept them for he was in a rush to prepare for the Sabbath. Suddenly he turned to this student and started to bless him tremendous blessings. One of those present asked loudly: "why does the Rabbi not bless me also?" Rabeinu replied to him: "when you fast for 3 days and do gilgul sheleg like this person did, I will bless you too!"
     

how was the shower?

For people who did not immerse in a mikveh, it was very difficult for him to come close to them. But after immersion he would shine to them a smile and rejoice greatly with them. He would exhort people to immerse every day before the morning prayer for purity. Or at least tuesdays and fridays before the Sabbath.

He would say that one who does this, one can see on his forehead that he immersed. He could see well on a person if he immersed or not. A certain person, once went to the mikveh but did not immerse. Instead he just took a shower. And when he came to Rabeinu, Rabeinu told him: "nu, how was the shower?"
     

The Light of Mikveh

Everyone knew Rabeinu's great meticulousness in the matter of mikvah. He would say: "the light of mikveh is the light of the world of teshuva (ohr hamikveh olam hateshuva). A man is obligated to repent every day, and it is impossible to reach true teshuva without mikveh".

when the Kollel "Birkat Chaim" opened in his beit midrash, he told the avreichim that he asked of them to immerse at least tuesdays, fridays, and when needed. But one who does not immerse, it will be difficult for that person to look at him. Indeed there was fear on the avreichim to approach Rabeinu and speak wih him without mikveh. On the day they wanted to speak to him, they would first go to the mikveh and do teshuva.

Rabbi Shlomo Batzri told over: one time Rabeinu spoke on the maalat (benefits) of Mikveh. He said: "one is obligated to do teshuva before immersing and to say vidui and afterwards to immerse 13 times. But if one does not say vidui before immersing, it is better to not immerse."

He told on a certain Admor (chasidish Rebbi) who said that some people who go to the mikveh come back worse than their previous state. This is because they did not do teshuva. Afterwards, they come out of the mikveh with gaava (pride): "we immersed in a cold mikveh!" Better had they not immersed at all.

The kabalist and tzadik, R.Yehudah Zev Levovitz would say: when one puts his head in the mikveh, he should have intent to lower himself and to merit the trait of humility.

immerse his glasses
Rabeinu was accustomed to immersing his glasses in the mikveh. He told over how Rabbi Yosef Waltach would immerse his clothing. When one of hs students asked on this matter, Rabeinu replied: "don't get involved in what the big tzadikim do. What is incumbent on you to do, do. Immerse yourself in the mikveh. But there is no need to immerse with your clothing or do other acts which the big tzadikim are accustomed to do".

I heated the water for you
Menachem Shwartz told over: once a few students went with Rabeinu to immerse in a spring in nature. Suddenly, Rabeinu looked and saw there was one student who did not immerse. When Rabeinu asked him why he does not immerse? He answered that it is difficult for him to immerse in cold water. Rabeinu told him: "you can enter now! I just heated the water for you". And thus it was. When he entered the water, he felt that the water was indeed warm.
     

Angels whisper to me

A certain person presented Rabeinu with guava (fruits). I told Rabeinu: "perhaps these guavas fell on the Sabbath and are muktzah and it is forbidden to touch them". Rabeinu answered me: "know that since in all my ways, I strive to do beyond the law (lifnim mishurat hadin), therefore, from heaven I am assisted to not stumble in something forbidden. There are angels which whisper to me what to do and what not to do. Therefore you can rest assured that there is no issur of muktzeh on this guava". He added: "also if you see me sometimes eat something which according to halacha requires checking from worms, and I eat it immediately without checking, this is because of the angels who whisper to me that the fruit is clean and permitted to eat".
     

In the tikun hayesod all the judgments will disappear

One day a certain Jew came to Rabeinu with all kinds of court judgments against him. Rabeinu told him: "if you repent on matters of holiness, tikun hayesod, then you will see that all the judgments and charges against you will disappear".
     

I already turned him over

R.David V. told over: when my wife was pregnant, the fetus was very large. On the eighth month, she did a medical test and the baby was feet first. When the doctors saw the weight of the baby, they decided that we must arrange a date for a surgical delivery (c-section) for there is zero chance the baby will turn over. I traveled immediately to Rabeinu who was in an important meeting with one of the leaders of the religious world. Before I succeeded in entering inside, he turned to me from far and said: "you can go, I already turned the baby over and everything is ok. She can have a normal birth". I was shocked that he knew why I came and that within seconds he already turned the baby over. Indeed, in the next medical check, it was found that everything is ok. My wife had a normal birth.
     

To mention the merit of the Avot

Once Rabeinu said: when a person stands in prayer before G-d, he must feel that he has no merit to stand before G-d, blessed be He, and all the more so, to ask his requests before Him. Therefore, our sages instituted to mention the merit of the Avot and we open the amidah prayer saying: "the G-d of Avraham, the G-d of Yitzchak, and the G-d of Yaakov". Our intent in this is that in the merit of the holy forefathers, we the sons merit that our prayer ascends before the Master of All. For when we are by ourselves - what are we and what is our lives? But in the merit of our holy forefathers, we always have merit before G-d and He listens to our supplications favorably.
     

Segulahs for Parnassa

1. the best and most tested segulah (remedy) for parnassa (livelihood) is for a man to pray at all times to his Creator, to trust and believe that from Him is the Shefah and Beracha (blessing), and he should cast his needs on G-d alone and not worry at all whatsoever. One who trusts in G-d thus, that there is no creature which can withold his livelihood since everything is from G-d's hand - then G-d will send him his livelihood. Likewise at the time of prayer, one should put his thoughts only on G-d that He will help him and provide his livelihood abundantly from His generous hand.

2. to fix times every day for Torah study.. for the primary blessing on parnassa is to toil in the holy Torah.

3. one who is careful in grace after meals (birkat hamazon), he will attain his sustenance with honor all the days of his life (talmud). Namely, that one recites it from writing and with great joy.

4. a well known segula for wealth and success is to separate maaser from his profit as our sages said: "maaser in order that you become rich".

5. a segula for wealth. When one goes to the synagogue in the morning, he should prepare 3 coins. When he says "v'atah moshel bakol" he should put in tzedaka 2 coins first and afterwards the third... (see book for some kabalistic intents)...

6. one who is careful to say the pitum haketoret (temple incense) morning and evening will merit to expand his livelihood.

7. when saying the verse "poteach et yadecha umasbia lkol chai ratzon" - to have intent that everything is in G-d's hands and parnassa is from Him. It is not at all dependent on a man's efforts. Rather, G-d provides for all, "from tiny eggs of lice to the horns of wild oxen" (Talmud Avodah Zarah 3b)...
     

Wayward Child

A segulah (from the Arizal) for a wayward person (son, relative, or even non-relative): To take a new, non-broken brick (or ceramic tile. shape must be fully square or rectangular on all sides). Place the brick in the oven where the Sabbath Challot/bread is baked for 2 weeks straight. After, write on the brick: "פלוני בן פלונית וכשם שהלבנה זה בוער בתנור אש כך יבער הלב של פלוני בן פלונית שיצא לרע שיהפוך ליבו לשמים לטובה" (name written twice). He who wrote it should say the above verbally three times. Place the brick on the grave of an early tzadik, preferably where it will stay a few weeks if possible. One can write several names on the brick but on each name the full text must be written again. One can send someone else to place the brick on the grave. more details here

One time, Rabeinu sent someone to do the segulah and promised him within two weeks his son will change completely but it did not work. When the person returned, Rabeinu asked him why he put it on the grave of a tzadik in Bnei Brak. They are later tzadikim. The segulah needs specifically an early tzadik who has powers above (koach elyon) such as the Tanaim or Amoraim or Shmuel Hanavi or the like. After he did it again, indeed the son changed from one extreme to the other.
     

power of mikveh

When a man enters in the mikvah, he is like a fetus in its mother's womb. And just like forty days before an embryo is formed, the nature of the baby is formed, whether good or bad (wise or foolish, rich or poor, etc.) So too the segulah of forty se'ah of mikveh is to return a man to this situation and to transform his nature to good. Therefore, it is good to do at least one immersion in such a way that he does not touch the walls or floor of the mikvah with his hands or feet like a fetus which is entirely inside the water and is folded in there.
     

Before Prayer

a person needs to do teshuva before every prayer - shacharit, mincha and arvit. Only if he prays mincha and arvit together, it is enough that he does this before mincha and it will count for arvit also. One should know that through the power of prayer, one can reach levels of prophecy and ruach hakodesh. For the peak of prayer is prophecy, as written in the Shulchan Aruch in hilchot tefilah - that one thinks as if the Shechinah (divine presence) is opposite him and that he removes all distracting thoughts and imagines he is above before G-d and on the greatness of the merit to approach G-d and his own human lowliness. The immersion before prayer has very great power to help one reach these levels.
     

Acceptance of Prayer

The acceptance of prayer depends on the power of emunah - that a man believes that G-d is listening and hearkening to his prayer. The more a man does kindness or tzedaka before the prayer, so too will be the greatness of the yichud done above and it is more mesugal that his prayer will be accepted. For "the Dam (blood) is the Nefesh" and through the Damim (money) one gives, he attaches to the Shechinah and this is the gate of heaven that his prayer will be accepted favorably and there is nothing that annuls decrees like tzedaka. But on condition that it be also with teshuva and rectifying one's deeds.
     

Chilazon

Rabeinu once said regarding the Chilazon by the Machon Mikdash. He said that he checked this with spiritual vision and physical vision and it is indeed the Chilazon used to make the techelet (blue dye). He bought from them Chilazons and asked his students to dye for him strings of techelet. One of his students also wanted to do for himself strings of techelet but Rabeinu read his mind and told him saying that there is no need. You do not make for yourself strings of techelet. For all the time the temple is not built, there is no need for this. I do this in order to illuminate an ohr chozer for what will be in the future. But there is no reason to be makpid in this and every person can continue his minhag.

     

Entering the synagogue

When entering the synagogue, Rabeinu was makpid to ask permission from the holy Avot to enter the synagogue by saying the verse: "Vani berov chasdecha (to have intent for Avraham, the man of chesed), Avo beitecha, eshtachave el heychal kadshecha (to have intent for Yitzchak who is called "kadosh"), b'yiratecha (to have intent for Yaakov who said "ma nora hamakom haze). But on Shacharit one should not say this unless he is wearing the talit and tefilin as brought in the holy zohar. After this verse, one should say: "bebeit Elokim nehalech beregesh", and to have intent in the word "beregesh" the gematria of the Shem "Aleph-Beit-Gimel-Yud-Tav-Tzadik sofit"
---
the holy Avot come to the synagogue at the time of the tefilah. Therefore, a man should pray only in the synagogue. If he makes a minyan at home, they come to there at the time of the prayer only. He should be careful to read the Shemah in the same room where he prays the amidah.
---
One time, one of his closest students asked him: "is it really true that the Ushpizin come to the sukkah?". "Yes", Rabeinu replied.
"is it really possible to see them?", the student asked. "certainly it is possible to see them. Baruch Hash-em I merit to see them every day in the sukkah", Rabeinu said with a humble smile. The student asked: "what does Avraham look like?" Rabeinu answered: "even though you are tall, Avraham is twice as tall as you!"

One year, Rabeinu told over that the revelations on the festival of Sukkot are extremely great for one is sitting in the "shadow of faith", together with the seven Ushpizin. Therefore, it is possible to attain hasagot (attainments) of Ruach Hakodesh more and more in these days". He added: "also my father reveals himself to me every year many times in the Sukkah. And he speaks with me in words of Torah and many matters".
     

First to the Synagogue

For many years, Rabeinu was used to arriving first at the synagogue. His custom was to leave his home in the middle of the night to go to the synagogue. He would then toil in torah and prayers on am yisrael until the time of the morning prayer arrived.
     

To leave one's home with talit and tefilin

Countless times, Rabeinu would say: "it is impossible to describe the guarding from above (shemirah elyonah) for one who leaves him home wearing tallit and tefilin. For the holy Names and lights of the Mezuzah of his home shine on him together with the Names and lights of the Tefilin, and especially with the first chapter of the Shemah recited at the entrance [of his home]. There is no greater guarding (shemirah) than this, whether for physical guarding or spiritual guarding, to be saved from the yetzer harah and his minions. And there is no comparison between one who leaves his home adorned with talit and tefilin to one who dons them at the courtyard of the synagogue. For the latter is lacking the lights of the mezuzah and the reciting of the shemah at the entrance".

He also emphasized that all this is correct when the synagogue is near his home and he is able to go there wearing tefilin while guarding his eyes properly from all forbidden sights. But if the synagogue is far from his home, or that on the way there are forbidden sights that he might stumble in during the walk to the synagogue, then it is better to guard the holiness of the tefilin, to not stumble with them on forbidden sights and he should don them at the synagogue.

Rabeinu wore four types of tefilin -Rashi, Rabeinu Tam and at mincha he would don the tefilin of Shimusha Rabba and of the Raavad. He would switch the tefilin of Rashi for Rabeinu Tam between the silent amidah and the amidah of the congregation (chazarat hashatz) such that he would finish donning them before the beginning of the chazarah.
     

Order of Prayer

Rabeinu was very makpid (meticulous) to pray the entire morning prayer, starting from Patach Eliyahu, to L'Shem Yichud and the Korbanot, until the end of Aleinu Leshabeach (i.e. the full order of the morning prayer), and he was meticulous that it all be with the tzibur (congregation) and not b'yachid. Many times he revealed his heart saying: "although I can better focus on my intent in prayer by praying alone in my house, whereby the thoughts of the congregation do not disturb me in my prayer, but nevertheless I don't refrain from praying with the congregation for this is what G-d wants - that a person includes himself together with all Israel in complete unity (yichuda shalem)". Rabeinu was also makpid to say before the prayer what the Arizal writes: "I hereby accept upon myself the mitzvah of: 'love your fellow as yourself' and I hereby love...". He would also add "and will love" in future tense.

He would also say that according to how a person conducts himself in his deeds and how he looks at others, so too will it help that his prayer be accepted before the Master of All, and as the prophet says:

"but to share your bread with the hungry, and moaning poor you shall bring home.. then your light shall break forth as the dawn, and your healing shall quickly sprout, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the L-rd shall gather you in. Then you shall call and the L-rd shall answer, you shall cry out and He shall say, 'Here I am,' if you remove perverseness from your midst, putting forth the finger and speaking wickedness" (Isaiah 58).
     

Stop thinking on the lottery

Rabeinu was able to see clearly what each person's intents were during his prayers, where his thoughts were going. Many times when the thoughts of people around him were disturbing his prayer, he would ask the person to stop thinking thoughts which are not relevant to the prayer and to focus more on the words of the prayer he is uttering. This is one of the reasons, Rabeinu preferred that the prayer of the congregation be said quickly - so that one has no time to think idle thoughts and so that the thoughts of the congregation be only on the prayer.

Once Rabeinu sensed that one of his students was thinking on the Lottery. He went up to the student and said: "stop thinking on the lottery, this disturbs my intent in the prayer".

Another student told over how he sat a few chairs away from Rabeinu and he saw how Rabeinu covered himself with his tallit more than usual. Afterwards, he covered even his head with the tallit. The student did not understand why until Rabeinu approached him and said: "please stop thinking on your home and the problems surrounding you there. It disturbs my intent (kavana)".

He would exhort the chazan (cantor) to not think on all sorts of piyutim (songs) which confuse them when reciting the prayer. He said he once saw on a chazan (cantor) that in the middle of kaddish, he suddenly started to think on an arab song. Rabeinu even said the name of the song despite that he said he does not at all recognize this song. Just that he saw that the cantor was thinking on this during the prayer.
     

To pray to G-d for a good parking spot

Besides the prayers which our sages instituted, Rabeinu would say that also when a person is driving a car, already in the beginning of the ride, he should pray and ask G-d to prepare for him a good parking spot at his destination. And G-d who hears all prayers will surely hear his prayer. And instead of needing to search afterwards for a parking spot and go around in circles, with G-d's help he will quickly find a parking spot.
     

I forgive you

One time on a friday, Rabeinu was preparing for the Sabbath. He went to the Mikveh and washed himself in honor of the Sabbath. On his way back home, he parked his car and walked towards his home. Suddenly, a car stopped near his home. The driver waved his hand to Rabeinu and motioned to him that he wants to ask him something. Rabeinu approached the driver and the driver began to say loudly: "you are religious, one who observes the torah?" He then spit disgustingly on Rabeinu's face and dirtied his clean clothing. Rabeinu was quiet and did not answer. He then said that he forgives him completely... After a few days, that driver came to Rabeinu's home and asked him for forgiveness for what he did saying: "I dreamed at night that I must come to you to ask for forgiveness and if not, it will be the end of my life"..

A similar incident occurred another time when Rabeinu was driving on the road. The driver of a motorcycle was angry at him for his car was obstructing him from passing the traffic. He stopped at the side of Rabeinu's car when they reached a red light and knocked on the window. Rabbeinu innocently rolled down the window and the driver spit disgustingly on his face. Rabeinu composed himself and did not get angry. He said: "your spit tastes so sweet, maybe you can spit also on the other side of my face?" The extremely brazen motorcycle driver spit again on Rabeinu.. Immediately, Rabeinu had pity on him and said wholeheartedly: "I forgive you completely and I am not at all upset whatsoever". A few seconds later, from heaven the driver was claimed and a car plowed into him and killed him instantly. Rabeinu who saw this began to cry on his death.

note that after the kabalist R. Elazar Abuchatzeira was murdered, Rabeinu started to wear a special ring with holy names inscribed for protection. Indeed in March 2013 someone tried to murder him with a knife in his synagogue during the morning prayer but was overpowered by the people there and handed over to police (as below).
     

Dybuk and Spirits

Even though Rabeinu had lofty powers and he was occupied in things that not every tzadik occupies in, and he waged war against the forces of tumah (impurity) and was involved in rectifying souls and bringing the Geulah closer without limit. But there was one thing that Rabeinu distanced from very very much. Rabeinu was very meticulous to not be near a man in whom there was an evil spirit. He would say that being near a person in whom an evil spirit entered, even within his four cubits (~2 meters) - this can prevent a man from reaching great attainments.

Rabeinu was able to detect immediately on anyone in whom an evil spirit clung and he would distance from him and certainly not accept to shake his hand. One time, when Rabeinu was dancing with great joy and tremendous joy filled the whole congregation, suddenly he stopped and a look of heavy seriousness fell on his face. As he turned to leave the place, he asked one of his close students: "why did you let Ploni (so and so) touch me? He has an evil spirit and the second he touched me, they troubled me above..."

Many days later, this person came to the synagogue on the Sabbath. At the end of the prayers, the possessed person stood on the way between the place of Rabeinu and the exit of the synagogue and started to speak with someone. Rabeinu seized the opportunity. He walked between the benches and the Ark and left the synagogue quietly without the person sensing. Thus, he escaped from him.

     

I don't deal with people possessed by an evil spirit

Rabeinu told over that in his youth, he saw how a certain Torah sage who was a very great kabalist and who attained very lofty attainments and tremendous revelations (Rabeinu did not want to say his name out of respect for him), was involved in rectifying a soul. A dybuk (soul of a sinner) had entered a man. But since this was the soul of someone who was a very big sinner in his lifetime (and thus had very powerful forces of tumah/impurity attached to him), the dybuk succeeded in overpowering the tzadik. It exited the man and entered the tzadik. In that instant, the tzadik lost all of his levels and he became insane.

From then on, Rabeinu took on himself to never toil in these kinds of tikunim (rectifications) at all whatsoever. When such incidents came before him, he would refer them to other tzadikim (the kabalist R.Yitzchak Kaduri zt'l, R.Yaakov Atzlan, and R.David Batzri) who dealt with these things.
     

Go to Rabbi Atzlan for a Tikun (rectification)

A certain torah scholar came to Rabeinu at the dairy factory. He asked about a woman who had a miscarriage during pregnancy. He asked for a salvation for her. When Rabeinu heard her name, he thought for a few seconds and then said: "I cannot help this woman!". The torah scholar tried to push Rabeinu to at least bless her. But Rabeinu explained saying: "I was already damaged once! If she wants, she should go to Rabbi Atzlan for a blessing".
     

Unable to Sleep

One time, a person close to Rabeinu asked him to bless a certain Admor (big Chasidish Rebbi) who is unable to sleep at night. Rabeinu replied: "tell him that he has a dybuk - an evil spirit (ruach rah) and this spirit is preventing him from sleeping at night... Let him lower his pride and go to Rabbi Atzlan for a tikun (rectification). I don't give blessings to people with evil spirits".
     

One time on a friday, a woman came to Rabeinu and asked for a blessing. Immediately when she approached Rabeinu, he started to yell at her terrible screams. He told her that she has an evil spirit and he does not bless such people. "Go to Rabbis who deal with spirits and afterwards come back here."

Then he explained that sometimes evil spirits are very powerful and they are capable of disturbing him from his spiritual level. Therefore, he is obligated to use harsh words in order to shock them. Only thus are they willing to leave him alone. But chas v'shalom he certainly does not have any intent to hurt a person who comes to him. His words are directed only and solely to the evil spirit inside the person.

     

Attempted Murder

There was a certain man who came to Rabeinu for a blessing. But Rabeinu refused to bless him saying he has an evil spirit and he does not deal with such people. But the man did not stop to disturb Rabeinu. He came time and time again to the dairy factory asking for a blessing. But Rabeinu refused absolutely. Then, the man started to break things in the dairy factory and cause trouble. He continued to ask Rabeinu to bless him saying that only then will he leave the place and not return. But Rabeinu refused to bless him.

Eventually, one day this man came to the synagogue Tiferet Tzvi. There Rabeinu would pray Shacharit (the morning prayer) every day. He intended to attack Rabeinu and murder him. He entered the synagogue and headed straight to the direction of the holy ark. When he stepped back from there, he started to raise his voice and yelled towards Rabeinu and went to attack him. But divine providence guarded over Rabeinu and his attendant, R.Liron Zohar immediately sensed what was about to happen. He tackled the man on the ground and held him until the police came and arrested him. Thus, the danger was removed from Rabeinu.

It is interesting to note that in all that time, despite that there was a great tumult and great yelling in the synagogue, Rabeinu was completely immersed in his prayer and after the incident, he said that at that time, he was completely in the upper worlds and did not sense anything of what was happening around him.

It is also noteworthy that this incident occurred a few months after the tragic murder of the great kabalist Rabbi Eliezer Abuchatzeira on friday night 27th of Tamuz. Several students noticed that from that Sabbath on, Rabeinu began to wear a silver ring which had many holy names engraved on it. The ring was on his finger each and every day until the Sabbath after the attempted murder that the above wicked man tried to commit.
 

     

Learn Beit Yosef

One of his students said: over twenty years ago, when I began to recognize Rabeinu, I asked his student, Rabbi Yehudah Shinfeld: "does Rabbi Chaim know Halacha (Jewish law)?" Rabbi Shinfeld replied: "I know one thing. I asked him questions in all the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch and he was able to answer me on everything..

One of his students began to learn in a yeshivah gedolah (advanced yeshiva). Rabeinu asked him: "what do you learn in yeshiva?" The student told him all the schedule. Rabeinu replied: "and what about study of Halacha?" The student replied: "we learn every day a half hour of Mishna Berurah". Rabeinu was not satisfied with this answer and told him: "Mishna Berurah alone is not [enough] study of Halacha.. For halacha one must learn the Beit Yosef properly. From now on, start to learn the Beit Yosef in order outside the yeshiva schedule. Start with the easy Simanim (sections) in the beginning of Orach Chaim and thus you will habituate to understand the Beit Yosef, and succeed be'H. This is study of halacha, only with the words of the Beit Yosef from their source."

Rabeinu was makpid (meticulous) that anyone who is counted as his student must toil in torah daily for at least one or two hours, whether in daf yomi, or in halacha - to know what a Jew needs to do.
     

Complete the Angel

A certain year, a tikun was held and in the flyer to advertise, it was written: "after the tikun, every person will merit to be blessed from the mouth of the tzadik in a personal manner". They wrote this without informing Rabeinu.

When he found out about this, he was not pleased. "I did not commit myself to this". But since he did not want to disappoint them all, he decided that each participant will pass before him quickly and he will bless each person according to what he needs, through ruach hakodesh.

Thus it was. Each participant in the tikun received their blessing, this one for a proper shiduch (marriage partner), this one for parnassa, this one for children, etc. according to what each person needed.. Those who needed rebuke on shalom bayit (peace with spouse) or the like also received rebuke on these things. Every person including big Rabbis who passed before him received a rebuke: "why did you start such and such a book, or such and such a tractate but did not finish it? Finish the book, or tractate, and complete the angel created from your learning in that book". Rabeinu knew exactly what book each person began but did not finish yet. It was a wonder.

Generally, Rabeinu very many times told people the exact book they had started to learn but did not finish saying: "the angel is not complete until you finish the book.. finish the book in order to complete him". (see Pirkei Avot 4:11 "he who performs one mitzvah acquires for himself one advocate, while he who commits one sin acquires for himself one accuser")
     

What is happening to him in the upper world?

Rabbi Shlomo Meir's son died as a child. He refused to be consoled... One day he came to the dairy factory and knocked on the door. Rabeinu opened the door while wearing working clothing and boots.. Rabbi Shlomo told him about his little son who died and was such a completely good boy and on the sorrow which fills his heart until he refuses to be consoled. He was in grief all the time on this. "perhaps if Rabeinu tells me what is the situation of my son in the upper world, then my soul will calm down and rest from the pain which fills it", said R.Shlomo.

Rabeinu smiled a bit, went outside the entrance to the dairy factory and asked him the name of the child. He started pacing back and forth with closed eyes for about 1.5 minutes and afterwards he opened his eyes and started to tell him all that is happening to him in the upper world. Rabbi Shlomo refused to share what Rabeinu revealed to him about his son.

Another time, the brother in law of Rabbi Gideon Rabiyov died. The next week R.Gideon told Rabeinu this on the phone. Rabeinu said: "now I understand why I saw the soul of your son in pain last Shabbat. His soul sensed that his uncle was about to leave this world even though it was a few hours before he died". Rabeinu added: "I see that your brother in law is in a good place above".
     
 


A Posek is needed

One of Rabeinu's students had a certain problem which by nature caused him problems in his shalom bayit (peace in the home). When he arrived to Rabeinu to ask advice, suddenly Rabeinu's face looked very serious and turned red. When the student asked for an explanation, Rabeinu replied: "I am sorry. In your case, I am unable to help you.. an adam gadol (big man) is needed here. For in that he is a Posek (Halachic authority) in this world, it is accepted immediately in Heaven. Thus, you need to go to one of these two Gedolim (great men) - or to Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef or to Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky".
     

Final Year

Rabbi Yehudah Sheinfeld relates: "the last year of Rabeinu's life, he was very weak. He was asked how was the night of the Seder (Passover)? Rabeinu replied humbly: 'thank G-d, Eliyahu Hanavi came and said over beautiful chidushim (torah insights)'".
     

Surviving outside Israel

A student relates: before I left Israel for a few months due to work, I asked Rabeinu: "what should I fix so as not to have a [spiritual] fall in Chutz l'Aretz (outside Israel)"? Rabeinu replied: "be meticulous to go to the mikveh every day there".
     

With the Sabbath one does not play games

One time a certain man came who had a tumor in his head and asked for a blessing. Rabeinu sensed immediately that the man does not observe the Sabbath. He spoke to his heart on the greatness of observing the Sabbath and that it is the source of blessings and that if he takes upon himself to guard the Sabbath, immediately, the tumor will go away. After some back and forth, the man explained to Rabeinu that it was very difficult for him to take on himself to observe the Sabbath. Rabeinu answered him: "there is nothing to do, or life by observing the Sabbath or the opposite.." As understood, what will a man not do to stay alive? The man immediately took on himself to observe the Sabbath. After a few weeks, when the man did medical tests, the results showed that the tumor disappeared completely. However, after a period of time, the man returned to Rabeinu and said: "the headaches returned again and after comprehensive medical tests, the tumor returned as before". Rabeinu replied to him: "isn't it true that in the last few weeks, you stopped to observe the Sabbath? If so, the protection left you and thus the tumor returned like it was". Rabeinu added: "with the Sabbath one does not play games".
     

Measure for Measure

The manager of a medical branch told over that she accompanied Rabeinu over many years in the branch every time he came there for treatment. "I would accompany him when he entered until he left. During this time, he would tell me what he sees of what happens in the corridors; how this or that doctor acts with the patients. After some time, I discovered that his words were true. He knew exactly who was acting properly and who was not. He even warned me once: 'a doctor that does not act properly with his patients, in the end he himself will need these same treatments. For in Heaven he will be dealt with measure for measure'. Indeed, I observed and saw that his words were correct. Various doctors needed the exact same treatments that they had mocked to their patients".
     

There is no mussar book that I did not study

One time, a certain person was standing behind Rabeinu and was thinking in his mind: "if I had a father who was such a tzadik and a grandfather who was such a tzadik, I would also have become a tzadik. But who am I and what am I? Who is my father and grandfather.." Thus he was thinking in his mind. Suddenly, Rabeinu turned towards him and said: "If you had known how much I toiled in my life to reach what I reached, you would not think like this. Everything came to me only through labor.. There is no mussar book that I did not study to rectify my middot (character traits)".
     

They told me in a dream

In one of his shiurim (classes) Rabeinu said: "the greatest merit (zechut) is drawing closer to G-d, blessed be He, and to know that everything is from Him in each and every matter". Then he added: "before the shiur (class) I rested a bit in order to renew mind and strength and they told me in a dream to add for you in the shiur: due to this G-d is called '[the L-ord of] Hosts (tzevaot)' for He commanded (tziva) everything from the beginning, what was and what will be".
     

You see this stone?

The kabalist, Rabbi Shlomo Batzri told over: one time Rabeinu joined us for a Seudah (meal) of a Brit (circumcision). After the mincha prayer we prayed there facing the wall, Rabeinu pointed with his finger at a stone which jutted out and told me: "you see this stone? There was a gilgul (reincarnation) there of a person and thank G-d he was rectified through our mincha prayer". Likewise one time on the way to the synagogue next to the nursing home, there was a pomegranate tree there and Rabeinu pointed to one of the pomegranates on the tree and said: "there is here a nitzutz (reincarnated soul) and we need to make a blessing on it and eat it"...

Rabeinu would also see Neshamot Megulgalot (souls incarnated) in stones. He also knew for which sins they were incarnated there. At times he would enter a house and see there all sorts of Gilgulim in the stones of the house while seeing what they did in this world (when alive) and he also knew who they were.

Rabbi Shlomo Batzri told over: "one time I asked him regarding Gilgulim. When one slaughters a chicken, parts of the Gilgul are rectified through the Shechita (ritual slaughter). But sometimes the soul of a Gilgul can remain there half a year in a freezer. Sometimes souls pass in tuna fish and remain there (in the can) several years until they are eaten with a blessing." Rabeinu also said: "there are certain souls who don't know where they are, such as in Kaf Hakelah. Also, they may wait for hundreds or even thousands of years until they reach Gehinom which lasts 12 months."

Rabbi Batzri added: "one time I asked him if there is a way to know in which fruit is incarnated a holy spark and which no? He replied that it is possible but he did not tell me how. He added and said: 'know that when I see in some leaf a soul or souls reincarnated there, through certain verses I say, I raise them and rectify them'".
     

Knows the thoughts

Rabeinu could see the thoughts which pass in the minds of people and he could know every second what the person in front of him was thinking. Sometimes Rabeinu would tell over that yesterday during the lecture he laughed when he read the thoughts of one of the people in the lecture. He also said that the tzadik Rabbi Yehuda Shinfeld once arranged a test to check if he knows his thoughts.
     

During the lecture problems are solved

Many people testify that they had specific questions for which they sought advice from Rabeinu and during the lecture while giving over words of torah he would answer their questions. While saying this, he would look at the person and make eye contact with him. Thus, during his lecture he interweaved the words of torah with advice for people in the lecture.
     

Granting Spiritual Vision

The student of Rabbi Moshe M. from New York told over the following. Rabbi Moshe M. is a tzadik who toils much in kabala. Many times when he came to Israel, he met with Rabeinu. Rabeinu would esteem him and honor him greatly. Whenever R.Moshe did the tikun Shovavim (special kabalistic prayers) outside Israel, Rabeinu would telephone him from Israel and say: "your honor is quaking the land of Israel with his deep Kavanot (kabalistic intents)"!

One time when the tzadik came to Rabeinu, Rabeinu said to him: "I see you toil much in benefiting the public, to return sinners to the right path. If so, perhaps I will grant you powers of vision, to see the deeds of every person so that you will be able to rebuke the wicked on their deeds and return them to the good?"

R.Moshe answered: "if your honor thinks I am fitting for this and that I will be able to help people repent, then I accept this."

Immediately, Rabeinu hugged him strongly and from that second on, he began to see hidden things of everyone around him. But after two days, the man returned to Rabeinu and said: "Rabeinu, I am unable to see all this. I simply find myself judging people to the side of bad and I am unable to bear to see things like this!!!".

Rabeinu hugged him again strongly and in one second his powers of supernatural vision disappeared. It was a wonder.
     

The Seal of the Kohen Gadol

Another time Rabbi Moshe M. mentioned above came to Rabeinu. This was after he was at the grave of one of the prophets. Suddenly there he heard an extremely loud noise. All of his body began to tremble in great and awesome fear. When he came to Rabeinu, he asked for an explanation of this. Rabeinu answered him: "your honor merited to hear the seal (chotamo) of the Kohen Gadol".
     

I will bring to him the sage Abaye

One of the Tzadikim of the generation had a son who was going through a difficult time. This tzadik asked Rabeinu for advice on what could be done. Rabeinu replied: "do not tell your son anything. At night, I will bring to him the Amorah (talmudic sage) 'Abaye' in a dream. He will already encourage him and take him out of the crisis he fell into". The next day, in the morning, the son spoke to his father and told him with a shining face that the Amorah Abaye gave him encouragement and strengthened him to deal with the difficult situation he found himself in.
     

The Secret of the Shem Hameforash (special name of G-d)

Many years ago Rabeinu told over to one of his main students who was very close to him: "know that I visited all the great kabalists, sefardic, litai (ashkenazi), and chasidic. There is simply none that I did not visit. I spoke with all of them on the matter of the Shem Hameforash.. There were some who knew but none of them knew the secret of the Shem Hameforash thoroughly. G-d merited me to know the secret of the Shem Hameforash thoroughly and on all its acts - to do and attain through it each and every thing every second".
     
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