The 8th day of the month in three months — Yom Meyuhad (a special day)

The 8th day of the month in three months — Yom Meyuhad (a special day)

The mekubal Rabbi Eliyahu Mani—Chief Rabbi of Hebron, a kabbalist and friend and teacher of the Ben Ish Chai, with whom he corresponded while the Ben Ish Chai was still living in Baghdad, teaching him through their correspondence about the customs of the Holy Land—reveals the great secret of the day: the eighth of Iyar. In the book “Bati LeGani” (דף קסז), Chacham Rabbi Sasson Mizrahi cites a passage from a manuscript by Rabbi Eliyahu Mani that was sent to him by Rabbi Shaul Chai, a great and hidden mekubal and student of the illustrious Rabbi Yehuda Fatiyah. It states: “Ve-Dalecha”—you should know that if the month of Iyar, Elul, or Tevet arrives, and the eighth day of that month, “chet la-chodesh”, falls on the second day of the week—Yom Sheni (Monday)—then that day is truly “Kadosh, ve-Nora, ve-Adir me’od-me’od” (holy, awesome, and exceedingly mighty). Hashem grants this day an abundance of holiness, especially for Torah study. On this day, it is important to study more Torah, recite Tehillim, and perform Gemilut Chasadim. Above all, do not let this day pass by, for it occurs only once every three years. On this day, one can draw down great blessings, both spiritual and material. Rabbi Yeshayahu Pinto has given special prayers for this day. In particular, before Mincha on the eighth of Iyar, it is important to recite “Akedat Yitzchak” seven times, followed by Pitum HaKetoret three times. The Zohar HaKadosh teaches that there are 60 segulot in Pitum HaKetoret—a prayer that removes all negative forces. Then one should pray for personal needs and for all of Am Yisrael! May the merit of the mekubal Rabbi Eliyahu Mani protect our people!