Tam and Chacham were learning together once when they came upon the pasuk (verse) in parsha Kedoshim (portion of holiness): “you shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.” (Leviticus 19:16). This speaks about the holy obligation of saving one from prison or captivity, for terrible things could befall them.

Chacham explained in great detail the importance of ransoming captives. He emphasized that the redemption of captives precedes sustaining the poor and clothing them, and there is no mitzvah as great as redeeming captives. (Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh De’ah 252:3)

Tam reminded Chacham: “that the most important thing is that no matter what one does, ‘all depends on deeds’ (Pirke Avos 3:15). For study without practice does not enrich one. ‘Anyone who undertakes to fulfill faithfully one precept is worthy of the Holy Spirit’ ” (Mekilta to Exodus 14:31)

Chacham listened to what Tom said and thought for a brief moment and countered that: “one should never expose themselves to danger. A miracle may not occur. (Shabbos 32a). In other words, when one is in danger. One must not rely on miracles (Yevamos 121b), so there is no need to leave the safety and security of the house of study.”

Tam replied to Chacham, “Every moment that one delays in freeing captives, in cases where it is possible to expedite their freedom, is considered to be tantamount to murder.” (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 252:3)

Tam and Chacham set out together to collect money for the special mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim (redemption of captives). They traveled through many towns and villages, but were very unsuccessful in their efforts. They soon grew sad and very disappointed. Tam wondered out loud: “surely I have done something wrong, but I don’t know what it is.” Chacham added: “this has been a tremendous waste of time, I could have stayed where I was and devoted my time to prayer and study. It would have been better for me to remain in the house of study. I shall return at once.”

As Chacham was preparing to leave, a thief was captured and dragged through the streets. The thief was being pelted by rotten vegetables and an occasional stone. Tam said to the thief: “look what you have brought upon yourself. You are publicly shamed and I hope that you will give up your thieving ways.”

 

The thief straightened himself up, and stood at his full height, took a deep breath and responded: “what do you mean, shamed? If I failed today, I will try tomorrow, and then the day after. I will keep trying until I succeed.”

Tam and Chacham were stunned by the shameless reply of the thief.

The more Tam thought about what the thief said he began to realize that the thief had actually taught him a lesson — to succeed in doing a mitzvah and to have faith that if I am unsuccessful today, I shall succeed tomorrow.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)

Rachmiel Tobesman is a motivational speaker and Maggid (spiritual Storyteller). He is available for speaking engagements or storytelling, Click here to contact us

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others