Invoke Blessings with 'G‑d of Meir, Answer Me': A Jewish Tradition

Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes was a notable Tanna, a revered Jewish sage and scholar. He was a devoted student of Rabbi Akiva and was one of five ordained by Rabbi Yehuda Ben Bava.

A well-known practice of longstanding tradition involves donating money to charity or lighting a candle while reciting three times "G‑d of Meir, Answer Me". This is a plea to Hashem, the G-d of Rabbi Meir, to answer our prayers in his merit.

The traditional prayer text is as follows, though personal requests can be included:

"I am giving to charity in memory of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes, hoping Hashem will, in the merit of Rabbi Meir, grant my requests."
"G‑d of Meir, Answer Me", repeated three times.

I call upon the Almighty G-d who accomplishes for me. Be gracious to me, Hashem, for I call upon You all day. Help, our G-d of salvation, for the sake of Your name’s glory, and rescue us, and pardon our sins for Your name’s sake. Act for the sake of Your name, for the sake of Your right hand, for Your Torah, for Your holiness. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing before You, Hashem, my Rock and Redeemer.

Here are ten facts about the greatness of Rabbi Meir and this amazing practice:

1. According to the book 'Tabur HaArtez': "Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes is named ‘Baal HaNes’ (Master of Miracles) because his righteousness is great enough to produce miracles and wonders for us, inspiring the practice of saying 'G‑d of Meir, Answer Me'."

2. The 'Ben Ish Chai' mentions it is meaningful to light a candle in honor of Rabbi Meir on the 1st of Tevet. The 'Chida' noted that if someone, heaven forbid, experiences a loss or hardship, many donate oil or money at his grave and say 'G‑d of Meir, Answer Me' in confidence of deliverance.

3. Why was he called 'Baal HaNes'? As described in Avodah Zarah, a story of redemption took place when Rabbi Meir's wife's sister, who was imprisoned, was saved. Rabbi Meir bribed a guard, providing him with dinars to mollify the rulers and instructed the guard, that if questioned, to say "G‑d of Meir, Answer Me," and indeed he was saved.

The emperor, upon hearing the guard freed Rabbi Meir’s sister-in-law, ordered him hanged. Yet, calling out 'G‑d of Meir, Answer Me' saved him from hanging, astonishing the emperor who demanded to know the secret. The guard relayed the entire incident.

5. In the Talmud, Rabbi Meir's name is revealed as Rabbi Nehorai, highlighting his illuminating wisdom in Halacha (Jewish law). He is effectively connected to the Torah characters, as all unnamed Mishnaic teachings are attributed to him.

6. Rabbi Meir was a descendant of Nero, as documented in 'Sefer Yuchasin', transforming into Judaism and became a luminary in the Jewish faith.

7. Among his many virtues, humility stood out fiercely. Described by Rabbi Yose ben Chalafta as a great and humble holy man, Rabbi Meir himself refused to act contrary to his peers' opinions. As quoted in Shabbat: "I never let pride lead me to go against my colleagues’ decisions."

8. A story of profound humility in the Jerusalem Talmud describes an instance of Rabbi Meir allowing a woman to symbolically spit in his eye to restore marital peace, demonstrating his willingness to forgo personal dignity for the greater good.

9. Rabbi Meir’s teachings in the Mishnah emphasize dedication to Torah and modest humility, bestowing vast, immeasurable rewards.

10. The story about his wife, Bruriah, and how they faced the tragic loss of their sons with faith is a powerful testament to their shared courage and piety.

Rabbi Yitzchak Batzri tells a compelling story about Rabbi Meir's dedication and transformative work, highlighting the invocation of "G‑d of Meir, Answer Me."