The Tomb of the Tzaddik
Rabbi Meir Baal Haness
Each year, more than 1.1 million pilgrims come to the tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal Haness to pray, and hope with all their hearts to be answered. Their requests and prayers at the Tomb of the Tzaddik open the gates of heaven as their lips implore "Elaka DeMeir Aneni". And their wishes for longevity and deliverance are swiftly realized.
Enlightened the eyes of the Sages in the Halakha
Elaha deMeir Anéni
Rabbi Meir Baal Haness was Rabbi Akiva’s brilliant student during the period following the second exile.
The rule is that all the words of Mishnah quoted without the name of their author, refer to Rabbi Meir.
Over time Rabbi Meir has been given 5 names: Rabbi Nehoray, Rabbi Elazar Ben ‘Arakh, Rabbi Nechemia, Rabbi Micha, Rabbi Meir Baal Haness.
This last, the most famous and the most used of all his names, was attributed to him to remind us that he “enlightened the eyes of the Sages in the Halakha”.
The term “Baal Haness” was added by virtue of the marvelous miracle that took place when a Roman soldier was saved from the gallows after uttering these three words “Elaha DeMeir Aneni”.
Lighting, prayers, events
Around the mausoleum
Ignition
Pilgrims can light oil night lights in a room reserved for this purpose near the mausoleum.
On this occasion, a prayer and a wish for deliverance, healing and success are pronounced.
The Signing Hall
The Direction des institutions allows anyone who wishes to dedicate an electric candle to the memory of a loved one.
Blessings and Prayers
The Rabbanim present around the mausoleum and on the esplanade are ready to bless you in the name of the Tzaddik and to pray for your good health, your success and all that you desire.
Events
Pilgrims come of course to pray near the tomb of the Tzaddik, but many choose to celebrate special moments there: Bat-Mitzvah, Brith Mila, Haircuts, etc. Most of these events are agreed in advance with the Directorate of Institutions.