Shopping for Success

Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzira, known to all as Baba Sali, sought to implant his own unwavering faith in his disciples, as well as in the many, many followers who flocked to him for blessings and help, first in Morocco and then in Israel after his aliyah. They loved and honored him because he always found the apt word of comfort and encouragement for people troubled by difficult problems. He guided them in turning directly to G-d in prayer, with the confidence that the One Above could and would help them out of their various predicaments.

Once, a young man came to Baba Sali with his problem. Married several years without having been blessed with children, he begged Baba Sali to promise that his desire be fulfilled.

"Are you so certain that my prayer will be effective?" asked Baba Sali.
"Absolutely!" replied the young man.

"Very well. Then go shopping with your wife. Buy all the things that are needed for a newborn infant. When you have made all your purchases, come back to me."

The young man was surprised by the advice, but dutifully went home and reported to his wife what he had been told. He and she then made up a long list of things a baby needs and set out to purchase them.

When everything was in their home, he returned to Baba Sali for further instructions. The sage was very pleased. "You have passed the test. By following my advice, you have shown your good faith and trust. Now I am certain that your prayers will be answered, for when one prays to the Al-mighty, he must show a full measure of trust."

Baba Sali was right. Within the year, the young couple was blessed with a son.

[Adapted by Yrachmiel Tilles from Rabbenu Yisrael Abuchatzira - The Story of his Life and Wonders, published by SABA-FUJIE]

Biographical Note:
Rabbi Yisrael Abuchatzira [1890 - 4 Shvat 1984], known as Baba Sali, was born in Tafillalt, Morocco to one of Jewry's most illustrious families. From a young age he was renowned as a sage, miracle maker and master kabbalist. In 1964 he moved to Eretz Yisrael, eventually settling in 1970 in the Southern development town he made famous, Netivot. Several biographies have since been written about him, including two in English.

Yrachmiel Tilles is co-founder and associate director of Ascent-of-Safed, and editor of Ascent Quarterly and the AscentOfSafed.com and KabbalaOnline.org websites. He has hundreds of published stories to his credit.