If one is a pleasure seeker but not a seeker of spiritual delight than the teaching, “If you allow your soul to take pleasure in base desire, it will make you the laughingstock of your enemies.” (Ben Sira 18:31)

A father wished to provide his son with an ample source of livelihood. He decided to buy him a tavern, as well as large barrels of wine and beer, which he placed in the tavern’s cellar.

“My dear son,” said the father. “You are permitted to allow any­one who wishes to drink in your tavern. I have but one warning for you: “You may have first-rate wine in your possession, but you are not to sip even the slightest amount.”

“Believe me,” continued the father, “I am speaking in your best interests leave the drinking to the drunkards of the town.!”

So it is with this world. The Holy One, blessed be He cre­ated the delights and pleasures of this world, and it is all intended to benefit people. The Holy One, blessed be He also instills wise counsel to us: “Do not waste your time with meaningless pleasures, ‘You shall be to me a kingdom of ministers and a holy nation!” (Exodus19:6) For “a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.” (Proverbs 18:2)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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

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