A few months ago I received a call from a close friend who informed me that his father had suffered a heart attack. I immediately opened a book of Tehilim. With tears in my eyes, I read the entire book.

During that night, I focused on the miracle of the heart. The heart is responsible for circulating blood throughout our bodies. Protected from injury, it lies hidden behind the rib cage. The heart beats up to 100,000 times per day, 30 million times per year and over a billion times during one’s lifetime. An obstruction of a narrowed vessel less than an inch in diameter can cause a heart attack and, G-d forbid, death.

We must thank the Almighty for every breath we take and appreciate the wisdom that good health is wealth.
The following morning, my friend informed me that his father was going to be fine, thank G-d.

Hear our voice, Lord our G-d, have pity and be compassionate to us… Blessed are you, G-d, who hears prayer.

In the 16th blessing of the Amidah, we ask our merciful father to hear our voice and our prayers. In this blessing we can ask Hashem for anything we want. He hears all of our prayers and would never turn anyone away empty handed. Good health is the best thing to request of Hashem. With good health, we can appreciate wisdom showered upon us daily.

Upon asking G-d for health, we must make our own contribution. Physical health requires a regimen of nutrition and exercise. A healthy environment of family and friends is essential to obtain good emotional health. Faith in Hashem and learning Torah are the best steps towards a healthy lifestyle.

Financial status and honor are often barometers of wealth. But a truly wealthy person is one who is wise enough to be satisfied with his lot. When King Solomon became king, Hashem gave him the opportunity to ask for anything. He requested wisdom. With his wisdom, Hashem blessed him with riches and honor. King Solomon, the wisest man to walk the face of the earth, wrote the books of Proverbs, Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes. Proverbs discusses the importance of wisdom. Song of Songs relates to G-d's love for Israel. Ecclesiastes teaches us to fear G-d and keep His commandments.

True wealth is one of exceptional physical and emotional health. One can be blessed with the best of everything, but without good health there is no wealth.

Prayer is the best facilitator to obtain our requests. Prayer has been an effective tool used by our ancestors. Praying with our lips originated from Chana, a childless woman who was embittered and distraught. With her heart, she pleaded to Hashem to give her a son. Hashem heard her cries and sent her a son. Shmuel became the prophet of the generation and anointed King Saul and King David as the first two kings of Israel. This was accomplished due to prayer. When one prays with his full heart, the gates of tears in heaven can reverse misfortune.

With good health let's properly serve Hashem and pray for the rebuilding of Jerusalem in our time. Amen.

Written by: Norman D. Levy