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Another in the numerous booklets published on the subject of who controls the receipts of Rebbe Meir Ba'al ha-Nes income. Throughout history there have always existed large numbers of Jews in need of help and organizations to accommodate. The one name invoked most often “Rebbe Meir Ba’al ha’Nes” was utilized to collect monies throughout the Diaspora to help the settlers in Eretz Israel. It likewise created numerous battles for control of collections and distributions.
Beginning with the 18th century a Rebbe Meir Ba'al ha-Nes box was found in almost every Jewish home, and housewives dropped small change into it just before kindling the Sabbath lights. Due to the miraculous deeds connected with the tomb of Rebbe Meir, it was customary to contribute money, candles, or oil for lighting as a specific protection against all kinds of ailments and dangers; it was also done in the hope of finding something lost, of having children, or of driving away evil thoughts. It is clear, however, that the box also symbolized the longing for Erez Israel where the money was distributed through several competative Kollels.
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