Reb Meir Ba'al Ha-Nes was
one of the well known Tannaim that lived in Israel in Roman times. He
was the student of Rabbi Akiva
and is mentioned in many stories from the Gemara. He is associated with
many miracles and that is the source for the name Ba'al Ha-Nes
(possesor of the miracle, or miracle maker).
One of the well known stories associated with 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
wished to inform the Romans. The frightened guard then asked him, "what
should I do when the money ends?" Rabbi Meir told him to say –" ELOHA DEMEIR ANENI" and
subsequently that’s how the guard was saved.
The meaning of the sentence ELOHA DEMEIR ANENI is ”G-D that illuminates the whole world,
answer me”. It also means “G-D
of Rabbi Meir answer me” (MEIR also means illuminates)
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 they are the initials of ELOHA DE MEIR ANENI which
protected him and enabled him to survive the concentration camp.
The Rabbi
Meir pendant protects the adorner and reminds him to be self-confident.