On the 14th of Iyar, we commemorate the yahrzeit (hilula) of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNeis, a day imbued with the potential for miracles and divine intervention. This date also coincides with Pesach Sheini, a holiday symbolizing second chances and spiritual renewal. By examining a famous story about Rabbi Meir, we can appreciate the extraordinary significance of this auspicious day.
Rabbi Meir Baal HaNeis is renowned for his miracles and profound piety. One of the most famous stories illustrating his miraculous abilities involves a woman whose husband was unjustly imprisoned. Desperate and with no other recourse, she sought Rabbi Meir’s help. He instructed her to donate charity and recite “Elaha d’Meir, aneini” (“The G-d of Meir, answer me!”). Trusting his guidance, she did exactly that, and miraculously, her husband was released from prison.
This story exemplifies the extraordinary power associated with Rabbi Meir. It is said that invoking his name through charity and prayer can bring about “nisim v’nifla’os” (miracles and wonders). This practice is recommended by great rabbis and tzadikim, such as Rabbi Palagi, the Ben Ish Chai, and the Chida, who affirmed its efficacy for obtaining divine salvation.
Another compelling story showcases Rabbi Meir’s commitment to justice and miraculous intervention. It is told that Rabbi Meir once rescued his sister-in-law from a Roman brothel. He approached the guards and offered them gold coins, promising more if they would look away and allow her to escape. When they questioned how he would fulfill his promise, Rabbi Meir assured them that they could recite “Elaha d’Meir, aneini” if they faced any repercussions. True to his word, when they later faced danger, they invoked Rabbi Meir’s name and were miraculously saved.
These stories not only highlight Rabbi Meir’s miraculous abilities but also underscore his deep empathy and dedication to helping those in dire circumstances. His life and legacy serve as a testament to the power of faith, charity, and the profound impact of righteous deeds.
Additionally, the brief prayer associated with Rabbi Meir Baal HaNeis for locating lost items has gained widespread recognition as an effective s’gulah for various challenges. Many people who have recited this prayer in times of need have reported positive outcomes, particularly in finding lost objects. The invocation “Elaha d’Meir, aneini” has served as a beacon of hope and assistance across generations, reflecting the enduring strength of Rabbi Meir’s legacy and the miracles attributed to his name.
List of People Who Need a r’fuah sh’leimah (a complete recovery)
Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.
David ben Liza Leah
Shmaryahu ben Raizel Shoshanah Miriam
Yisrael ben Raizel Shoshanah Miriam
Zhenya ben Zoya
Arvin Nesanel ben Sonia
Zoya bas Rachel Raya
Zhanna bas Zoya
Chayah Adelya Hagilo bas Rachel
Esther Hadassah bas Devorah
Mitali Naomi bas Gilah Farcha
Eden Libi bas Chanah
Orli Danielle bas Chanah
Nancy Elisheva Sarah bas Roza
Heleni Ornah bas Chen Chanah
Israeli Soldiers (Please recite Psalms 25, 26, 46, 83, 142.)
Yehoshua ben Aliza Esther
Menachem ben Aliza Esther
Gavriel Efraim ben Chanah Yafah
Netantel Akiva ben Chanah Yafah
Yonasan Ezra ben Chanah Yafah
Chaim Aba Menachem ben Naomi Baila
Daniel Moshe ben Devorah
Gavriel Yehudah ben Yaakov
Shmuel ben Aharon
Moshe ben Shoshanah Esther
Yehoshua ben Tzvi
Dvir Moshe ben Dinah
Oriel ben Dinah
To add names of individuals who need a r’fuah sh’leimah to next week’s T’hilim column, please email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and complete the Google form.
