Faith
Is it permitted to use the merit of 18 candles?
Question
Shalom Rav, I am asking based on the numerous positive publications regarding the merit of the 18 candles of Rabbi Mattiya ben Charash, and generally about such merits in general. It seems to have gained momentum on social media, and it appears to work for many people. I considered doing it, but I have doubts about whether it is permitted. I wonder where my humility is in accepting Hashem's will and not invoking forces to maneuver the world according to my desires. And of course, I try to live with confidence in Hashem that what will come (or in the case of finding a match, it currently hasn't come) is accurate for me in terms of timing, even if I really want and feel ready for it. One could say the same about prayer in a certain sense, yet something about this merit feels more powerful, and based on the many miracle publications I see, I wonder if it belongs here. Thank you very much ??
Answer
Shalom u'vracha
Hashem gives us the merits; it is not against Hashem's will. It is part of Hashem's will. When a person experiences certain delays, sometimes it stems from an obstruction due to a certain action or a specific accusation, and the merit has the power to break that accuser and remove the blockage that hampers you from receiving the abundance.
Wishing you a suitable match soon,
Benjamin Shmueli
עברית
