Reb Meir Ba'al Ha-Nes was
one of the known Tannaim that lived in Israel in Roman times. He was
the student of Rabbi Akiva
and is mentioned in many stories in the Gemara. He is related with many
miracles and that is the source for the name Ba'al Ha-Nes (miracle
owner).
One of the known stories related to him is about his sister in law that
was captured by the Romans. Meir bribed the prison guard with a lot of
money and told him to give half of it to anybody who will wish to
inform the Romans. The scared guard asked him what to do when the money
ends? Rabbi Meir told him to say – ELOHA DEMEIR ANENI
and that’s how the guard was saved.
The meaning of the sentence ELOHA DEMEIR ANENI is ”G-D that light all the world answer me”.
It also means “G-D of Rabbi Meir
answer me” (MEIR is also ‘gives light’).
Another interesting story is about the writer known as Ka-Tzetnik who
was held for two years in a Nazi concentration camp. In all his books
appear the letters ALEF.DALET.MEM.AIN. When he was asked about these
letters he always refused to reveal their meaning. After his death it
was discovered that it are the initials of ELOHA DE MEIR ANENI which
protected him and allowed him to survive in the concentration camp.
The Rabbi
Meir pendant gives the wearer protection and reminds him to be self
confident.