He Who Turns Against a Friend in Distress

Posted on Wednesday, 9, November, 2022 by Rabbi

A certain man was condemned to death and led out to be stoned. Large stones were thrown at him but he remained silent, for he saw that evil had befallen him and that no outcry would help him or free him. But one of his close friends passed by and picked up a little stone and tossed it at him to show that he had never been one of his companions and had never listened to him. When the stone struck the man and he thought how the other had turned against him in his distress, he burst into a great and bitter outcry.

“Go and ask him,” said the king to one of his servants, “why he cried when a little stone hit him but remained silent at all the great big stones?” The condemned man answered: “Your majesty, when many large stones were flung by those who did not know me I kept still, but when a small stone hit me from a good friend I have to cry out for I remember how he was my companion at play and how he has now turned away. For now I see “even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted the heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9). Indeed, I find that death is sweet, and that is why I cried out.”

Then the king took pity on him and remembered that “every friend declares friendship, but there are friends who are friends in name only.” (Ben Sira 37:1) The king promptly ordered him to be released and free, saying: “Were it not that no man may be sentenced to death without clear and definite evidence, I would have stoned his comrade who turned against him in his distress.”

Mishle ‘Arav in haLevanon II 208 (13^th Cent)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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A Tale of Two Knights in the Desert

Posted on Wednesday, 26, October, 2022Sunday, 27, August, 2023 by Rabbi

A layer of sand shimmering like a sea of gold covered the desert floor for as far as the eye could see. The sky was bright blue. High above, the sun shined brightly, and the winds blew its hot breath across the desert.

A towering rock stabbed into the high noon sky. As the sun slowly moved across the horizon, it would begin to cast a shadow, resembling a giant sundial.

Those who knew this desert, called the rock “the Hour Hand of the Centuries.”

At the foot of the rock a cool spring of clear water mirrored the heaven, but the red sand at the bottom of the spring tinged the water the color of blood. The spring was known to desert wayfarers as “the Fountain of Blood and Sky.”

Missionaries spread the words of their faith to the desert winds and the winds blew forth armies to enforce the faith. It seemed the fire of faith burned bright and hot as the desert sun.

At this still moment of time there was peace in the desert, not a single footstep of man disturbed the sand.

From the desert haze, two figures appeared suddenly. From the west came a young rider his armour shined in the sun. His shield bearing the design of his family hung at his side and in his hand, he held a long lance.

Out of the east on foot came another man slender as a palm tree, wearing a dark blue head covering. His long dark brown hair cascaded out from under his head covering. He stopped and gazed at the knight who rode from the west.

Just then, the knight leveled his lance spurred his charger and road full gallop toward the stranger.

The horseless one, unafraid and unflinching cried out: “Oh knight! Is it customary for an armed knight to attack an unarmed wayfarer?”

The charging knight reigned his horse. Setting his lance down into the sand he dismounted and approached the young man. “Prithy tell, who art thou? From what people comest thou? To what noble order of knighthood dost thou belong?”

The young man looked into the blue eyes of the knight of the west and began: “I come from the people of Judah. I am a knight of the Creator of the World and the symbols of my order have survived for thousands of years. Surely your Crusading forbears had much to tell about the spirit and bravery of my fathers.”

“I have heard such tales of wonder and great feats,” said the knight

Our order continued the Knight of the Two Tablets of the Law, “flourishes in every corner of the world. Wherever men defend freedom and righteousness you will find us in the front lines of battle.”

“If thou art such stout warriors, why hast thou not taken back the Holy Land from which the Romans banished thee?”

“Have you ever wondered why the powerful Crusaders could not keep the Holy Land after they had taken it?” asked the Knight of the Two Tablets of the Law. “We believe that no one can possess the Holy Land until the coming of Messiah.”

There was silence. The red sun was setting in the west horizon and the shadow of the “Hour Hand of the Centuries” lengthened until it touched the horizon. The ‘Fountain of Blood and Sky’ no longer glistened red. The large moon silvered the stream and the two knights vanished into the distance.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Holy Bakers in the Market

Posted on Thursday, 1, September, 2022Thursday, 2, November, 2023 by Rabbi

In the Jerusalem market were two small stands next to one another where two pious Jewish women each sold tasty and fragrant cakes and cookies that they themselves had baked. Different from most peddlers, who loudly announce their wares, these two women sat modestly and patiently at their stands, waiting for the customers to come on their own. “Parnaasah [a livelihood] is from heaven,” they often said. “What a person deserves in this world, they’ll receive—even if he doesn’t call out about his merchandise.” So the two women sat at their stands, occasionally conversing. They were good friends and companions to each other.

Neither one was jealous of the other’s business. When there were few customers, each of them would become absorbed in reciting psalms from the book that was always resting on her stand. If one of them had many customers, she would say, “Why have you come just to me? My friend’s cakes and cookies are at least as good as mine! Go over there and see how fine her baked goods are. And I can tell you that they’re delicious. I know!” The customers would smile at hearing this, and some would go over to the other stand. Her friend and neighbor would do the same favor for her when the situation was reversed. “You’re looking for honey cake, my dear sir? Honey cakes are not my specialty. Go over to my neighbor’s stand. Her honey cakes are the best—they taste just like manna!” The customer would rush over to the other stand, somewhat amazed and confused by this strange behavior, thinking, “Maybe they’re sisters, and she’s worried about her sister’s livelihood.” Each one would send customers to the other so that one of them would not profit and the other be heartbroken.

when one of them became aware that her friend had debts, having recently married off her daughter she said to her husband, “My neighbor who sells cookies and cakes in the market stand next to mine burdened with many debts. I was thinking that I won’t go to sell in the market this week. Let me take a little vacation from baking and selling cakes. She needs the money more than me. Let the customers go to her this week.” Her pious husband nodded in agreement, saying, “That’s a very good idea, my dear.” He understood very well the ways of his pious wife.

The other woman stood in the market that week, selling her cakes. Every once in a while, she looked over at her friend’s stand, wondering where she was and what might have happened to her. It was already four days that she had not seen her. “Maybe she’s sick,” she worried. “I’ll go visit her today.” After she closed her stand, she went to her friend’s house. “Shalom,” she said as she entered her house. “I expected to find you in bed. Baruch HaShem [Thank God), you’re healthy! I was worried that you were sick and came to help you out. What’s the matter?”

Surprised and not knowing what to reply, her friend said, “I felt tired and fatigued this week and thought I’d take the week off and rest.”

“Come,” said her friend, “I know you’re not rich and need parnassah. Let’s go into the kitchen. I’ll help you bake some cakes and cookies to sell tomorrow. Come into the kitchen. Why am I bothering you with a lot of useless talk?”

She already had an apron on and began to vigorously sift flour for her friend. Then she energetically and diligently kneaded the dough in a trough, with the joy of doing a mitzvah.

These two women peddlers in the Jerusalem market loved each other without needing any special reason. Both of them had great faith and trust in the Holy One, blessed be He. They were truly holy women.

The love and goodwill of the two women further shows that we can exist on the physical and spiritual planes at the same time. Their simple actions towards one another showed how simple everyday business practices could be elevated to a holy level.

Techina Cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 cup raw (100% sesame) tahini*	1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg	1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup white sugar	1/2 cup brown sugar
3 cups flour (half all purpose flour and half whole wheat flour)	pinch of salt
almonds to garnish	2 tablespoons sesame seeds to garnish

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F
Lightly oil two baking sheets or line with parchment paper.
Combine all the dry ingredients (flour, white and brown sugars) in a large bowl.
Add the techina and then the melted butter (or margarine). Mix with a large spoon. At some point you will need to switch to mixing the dough by hand until it is fully mixed. The dough will have a sticky slightly crumbly consistency.
Take approximately one teaspoon of the batter at a time, and roll in your hands to form small balls. Place each cookie ball, evenly spaced, onto the baking sheets.
Place each ball on a baking paper-lined tray. Press each ball in the middle with your thumb and place an almond in the space. You can also use a fork to flatten each ball and make pretty lines.
Bake until golden brown (approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on how crispy you like your cookies). Let cool to room temperature and serve.

*If oil is floating on top, mix it in and then measure 1 cup.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Sultan Suleiman and Eliyahu haNovi the Prophet

Posted on Monday, 29, August, 2022 by Rabbi

In the days of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, that holy and magnificent, honorable, and princely rabbi, Rabbi Moshe Hamon of blessed memory, flourished. He was a man who devoted his life to his people and stood in the King’s Gateway facing every enemy and slanderer. He obtained an order from the king that any blood libel made, namely, that the Jewish people put blood in matzah, was not to be brought before any minister or judge but only to the King’s Gateway itself. It was said that the Sultan Suleiman he was a pious and G-d-fearing king because Eliyahu haNovi of blessed memory appeared to him.

The reason for this was that he loved the Jewish people and involved them in state affairs. Indeed, so great was his affection for them that the vizier, who hated the Jewish people, began to envy them, and thought of all kinds of plots in order to do violence to them, endanger their lives and damage the Kehilla. The evil vizier wanted to exterminate all the Jewish people, the young and old, children and women and blot them out from the world. (Esther 3:13) He ordered that a tunnel be built underground from his home to the royal palace and open into the royal bedchamber where the king slept. The tunnel was built as he ordered.

One midnight as the king was lying on his bed, he heard a voice speaking to him like an unearthly spirit from underground, “Suleiman, Suleiman, you cow, how long will you rest like an animal? When will you rise from your sleep? Rise swiftly and go away from where you are and destroy the Jewish people so that the name of Israel will never be remembered anymore and they have no remnant or remains and have no pity for this is what you are commanded.”

When the sultan heard this grievous charge, he trembled very much indeed and said, “Who are you to call upon the king?” Then the voice responded, “Have neither fear nor dread. I am your prophet, who speaks to you, and I do not do all this of my own desire, but Allah has sent me! Do not say in your heart that this is a dream. The words come from Allah, and He wishes you to perform this task speedily, since they are your enemies. This is what you must do to destroy them, in three days time send a host of fearless soldiers to destroy, slay and make an end of them, young and old, babes and women, and let their property be plundered, and all will be well with you, and I shall return to you another time.”

Though the king heard all this, he paid no attention, telling himself that it might be a chance or a dream or some evil spirit that wished to confuse him. So, he turned around and slumbered until daylight. But the next night the false prophet came to him again and repeated what he had said the night before. Then the king grew alarmed and thought, ‘This is a bad matter for the Jewish people, for it brings them evil.” So he sent and summoned his physician, who was the holy Rabbi Moshe, whom the king and queen respected most highly, in order to tell him all that had happened and what was commanded of him regarding the destruction of the Jewish people.

So the holy rabbi Moshe came and bowed down before the sultan and said, “I am ready and prepared to serve my lord.” The sultan said to him, “Know and learn that the King of the universe told me yesterday through our prophet that in three days time you will fall into the hands of your enemies, and those who hate you will overwhelm you and exterminate and destroy you till you are stamped out from the face of the earth, and you will not be able to stand against your foes, for the decree has been passed against you in heaven. Now I wish you to know this and tell me what answer I can give to those who sent the command.”

When Rabbi Moshe heard these words, his heart melted within him and turned to water. He cried a loud and bitter cry and fell at the sultan’s feet and wept and entreated him to make this evil pass away. He said, “Alas, my lord! I pray you, remember how I have gone about before you from my youth until this day with a whole heart and an eager soul, and deliver us, do not abandon us and do not turn your heart toward these words.”

Elijah the Prophet

Sadly, the sultan answered, ‘What can I do when I have heard from Behind the Curtain that you have all been caught in this snare. But if you so desire, come tonight and you will hear the voice speaking to me, for it will certainly come and without delay.”

Now on the third night the voice came again and repeated the same things as before. Rabbi Moshe heard this and fell on his face. When the sultan saw that Rabbi Moshe had fallen, he was astonished and confused at the sight and said, ‘Why do you slumber? Get up and leave this place and go to some mountain or valley to save your soul, for you are precious in my eyes, and flee swiftly to the mountains lest you meet your end in the city, for there is nothing more valuable to any man than his soul.” He wished to have a horse brought for him to ride upon it wherever he might desire to go and gave him a pass written and sealed with the king’s seal that no man might dare to do him any harm or injury. So Rabbi Moshe turned his face to the wilderness and rode away, weeping, and bewildered.

As he was riding, a man came toward him and asked, “What is your calling? And where do you come from? What is your country? And who are your people?” Rabbi Moshe answered each question in due order. Then the man asked him, “If you truly have faith in Hashem, why have you abandoned your people and forsaken your responsibility.” Then Rabbi Moshe understood that this must be Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet) of blessed memory. He leaped from the horse and fell at his feet, quivering and shaking and trembling, and he said to him, “Surely my lord is aware of the evil which is going to befall tomorrow. Now how could I stay and see this evil befall my people, and how could I stay to see the destruction of my birthplace?” Then Eliyahu haNovi answered him, “Return to the sultan’s palace and to his chamber, tell him I will be with your mouth and I will teach you what you shall say. (Exodus 4:12) Speak to him and tell him I shall meet him in the royal garden, but I cannot rise in his presence, since he is of impure soul. And let this be the sign that I have sent you. Go and tell him, “This is, indeed, a foul happening, but he can immediately purify himself of his polluted actions by washing and immersion.”

Rabbi Moshe turned about and went to the sultan’s inner chamber, where he bowed himself down. The king was startled to see him and said, “Come in peace!” Then he told him all that had happened, and the command given him by Eliyahu haNovi of blessed memory. At this the king rejoiced very much indeed and changed his garments and purified himself and went to the garden where he bent the knee and prostrated himself before Eliyahu haNovi. And Eliyahu haNovi said to him, “I have been fully informed of all that you do for the Jewish people. May the Holy One, blessed be He repay you for your deeds. But on this occasion, you almost behaved very foolishly, for who has turned his hand against them and come away clean? All this is the plan of your evil vizier, who seeks the kingdom for himself and wishes to destroy you from the very face of the earth. Let this be your test and trial of him. Have all the ground under your bedchamber dug up, and you will find that you will reach his home; for such was his plan and that he did.”

The he did as Eliyahu haNovi told him and he found the tunnel that led to the vizier’s house. So they hanged the vizier at the entry to his home. The incident was written in the records as a memorial and a sign for the rebellious. And it was then that the sultan made a covenant with Eliyahu haNovi of blessed memory according to which the latter came to visit him once in every month. And so it came about.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Rabbi, The Businessman and Learning

Posted on Monday, 3, January, 2022Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

We mention the Patriarchs (Avraham (Abraham), Yitzchak (Isaac) and Yaakov (Jacob)) at the beginning of the Shemoneh Esrei not only to remember and praise their merits but also to challenge ourselves to try to be like them.

Once a beloved and holy rabbi was learning with his students in the beis medrash (study hall) just before the prayers that welcome in the holy Shabbos (Kabbolas Shabbos). Suddenly a stranger entered the beis medrash. From the way he was dressed, it was obvious that he was a very successful businessman. After sitting down, he asked one of the students to point out the holy rabbi. When the student did so, the businessman’s face suddenly went pale.

After the prayers were over, the man approached the holy rabbi and greeted him. The holy rabbi politely returned the greeting, assuming the man was a stranger. Then the man looked straight into the holy rabbi’s eyes and asked him “Do you know who I am? I was your chavrusa (study partner) over thirty years ago.”

The holy rabbi looked at him closely and said, “Of course I recognize you, I am eternally grateful to you, because you are the one who helped me develop my potential in learning.”

After they chatted for a while, the businessman said, “I feel devastated. Look at you, you are now a holy rabbi, respected by all and held in high esteem as a talmid chacham (Torah scholar well versed in Jewish religious law). Yet we both know that when we were students, I was the one who helped you and explained the finer points of our beloved teacher and rabbi’s lessons. How can you explain why you developed so much in learning, while I just stagnated?”

The holy rabbi thought for a few moments and replied, “Do you remember that when we were students, there was a library in a room next to the study hall? In that library was a copy of the biography of Ari haKodesh (Rabbi Yitzchok Luria). When you read that biography, I remember how awed you were. You came out of the reading room with your eyes shining and declared, `He was really a great rabbi and a guiding light for his generation!’ When I finished reading that biography, however, I said to myself that the life of holy rabbi was proof of the great heights a person can reach. I decided without delay that I, too, would aspire to emulate him and try to become a great leader and rabbi. This strong drive helped me to realize my potential and develop beyond my greatest expectations. That is the difference between us. I was not satisfied to simply acknowledge that he was a great rabbi and a guiding light for his generation, but I wanted to become one myself.”

Similarly, when we come to the point in our prayers when we mention the merits of our Patriarchs, it is not enough to simply acknowledge their greatness. We must also take upon ourselves the challenge and try to emulate them. Thus, we say, “When will my deeds reach the level of the Avos?” Even though we may not ever reach their level, we can consider it a great accomplishment to at least try to follow in their footsteps.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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In the Opposite Direction

Posted on Tuesday, 9, November, 2021Sunday, 18, February, 2024 by Rabbi

Two young men learned together in the same yeshivah (school). They were both very gifted and hardworking, and each progressed steadily in his Torah (Bible) and religious studies. When they grew older, however, they went their separate ways: One of them continued to pursue his Torah (Bible) and religious studies in a different yeshivah, while the other one deviated from the path of Torah (Bible) and religious studies. He studied medicine and eventually became a world-renowned doctor.

The first man accepted a position as rabbi of a small town and earned a small livelihood that was barely enough to support him and his family The doctor, on the other hand, grew increasingly famous and wealthy.

One day, the two happened to be in the same city and chanced to meet.

Not having seen each other for so many years, they were overjoyed to meet again and took the opportunity to talk about many past experiences.

The doctor turned to the rabbi and said, “My dear friend, look at the fame I’ve achieved. I earn a tremendous amount of money and I live a life of comfort. Yet you make little and live a life of poverty. Would you not have been better off choosing the medical profession as I did?”

“I will tell you a true story,” responded the rabbi. “When it came time for me to return home this afternoon, I asked the wagon driver how much the trip would cost. He told me that the fare to travel to my destination was two silver coins.

“At that moment,” continued the rabbi, “a man happened to pass by and overheard our conversation. He told me that a magnificent coach harnessed to fine horses was parked on the outskirts of the city. If I so desired, he said, I could travel home in it. The ride would be comfortable and quick, and it would cost only a few copper coins.

“I left the wagon driver,” said the rabbi, “and hurried to the outskirts of the city. Indeed, there was a beautiful coach standing there, but it was soon brought to my attention that it was not traveling to my destination; rather, it was going in the entirely opposite direction.

“Had I boarded the coach without first finding out its destination, I would have indeed traveled in comfort, but I would not have arrived home as planned.

“That is the difference between you and me,” concluded the rabbi. “You may enjoy a life of luxury and comfort, but you are traveling in completely the opposite direction from that which you should be traveling. In this direction, you will never reach your destination.”

In this world every person must occupy himself with studying Torah and performing good deeds, which he will ultimately be able to take with him to the World to Come. However, if man chooses to pursue fleeting pleasures and all of the luxuries that this world has to offer, he may travel in comfort, but it will be in the opposite direction!

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Cardinal and the Counsellor: Part II The Cardinal’s Secret

Posted on Tuesday, 5, October, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

“But whatever gave you the idea to whisper the Shema Yisrael in my ear? Did you, perhaps, think that I too might be a secret Jew?”

“Not really. I had no reason to believe this at all. It has been my practice when called upon to administer the `last rites’ to whisper the Shema Yisrael prayer in the ear of the dying person, for several reasons. First, unfortunately, the practice of Judaism on the part of Jewish people who have been forced to convert has become gradually weakened. It is not easy to know who is, or who is not, a secret Jew. Therefore, I reasoned, if I whisper this prayer to one who is not a convert, but a born Christian, he would not know what it was, and would be none the worse for it. But if the dying person was, in fact, Jewish, the holy words of the Shema could awaken in him his Jewish spark and a feeling of repentance in the last moment of his life, and he would then feel that he is dying as a Jewish person.”

Both men were now silent, each lost in his own thoughts. The counsellor was the first to break the silence.

“I am sure you have told me the truth,” he said. “However, are you now prepared to forget everything and from now on behave as a true Christian priest? For, if not, I have no choice but to put you in the hands of the Inquisition. I beg you, don’t force me to do this.”

“This I cannot promise you,” replied the cardinal resolutely. “You do what you have to do, and I will do what I must. I am ready to give my life for my Jewish faith, as did my forbearers who died at the stake with the Shema on their lips.”

A feeling of great inner joy filled the heart of the Royal counsellor. He jumped up and lovingly embraced the “cardinal.”

“That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear from you,” said the counsellor with great emotion.

The cardinal was stunned, and the counsellor did not keep him in suspense.

“You are naturally astonished at my behavior. So listen to what I am going to tell you. I know I can trust you. I, too, was born Jewish, and my parents were also secret Jews like your own. But my parents died when I was a very small child and I was brought up by my uncle who had an important position in the Royal Court. Just before my 13th birthday, my uncle told me the secret that I was Jewish. He arranged for a teacher to prepare me secretly for my bar mitzvah. But here my Jewish education ended. Later, as I had distinguished myself as a highly educated young nobleman, the King appointed me to take over the position of Royal counsellor which had been left open after my uncle’s death. From then on I became further and further detached from Judaism, and soon forgot entirely that I had ever been Jewish.

“When I became ill,” continued the counsellor, “I felt that my days were numbered and that I would soon have to appear before the Heavenly Court to give an accounting of my life. I remembered then that I was Jewish and felt terribly troubled and confused. How could I have wasted all these years of my life? If only there was some way that I could die as a Jew, I would die peacefully, with the holy words of Shema on my lips. But try as I could, the words would not come to my mind.

Shema

“Now, my dear friend and brother, you can well understand how grateful I am to you that you have saved my life and my soul…”

The King’s counsellor paused only long enough to compose himself, for he was overcome with feeling and barely managed to hold back his tears. Then he continued:

“Words cannot express my gratitude, but I hope I can do more than that in return. Now that G-d helped me to get well, I began to search for a way to fulfill my vow. I thought of a plan that would enable us both finally to throw off this hateful disguise and openly be Jewish, without fear. Would you be interested in such a plan?”

“It would make me the happiest man alive!” the cardinal exclaimed.

“Not the happiest man,” corrected him the counsellor, “but one of the happiest; I would be the other. Well, here is my plan, I would go before the King and tell him that at the height of my sickness, when I felt that my end had come, I made a solemn vow that if the Almighty would spare me, I would settle in the Holy Land to spend my remaining years in seclusion and holiness. I feel certain that the King would give me permission to fulfill my vow, and then I would ask him for a special favor; to allow you, my dear friend, to join me, to be my spiritual mentor and teacher in my old age. So, what do you say to my plan? Agreed?”

Words were not necessary.

Within weeks all preparations were completed. The King did everything possible to see that his two loyal friends, the cardinal and the counsellor, left the shores of Spain with great honor and well provided with all their needs. After a long and exciting voyage, they arrived in the Holy Land and settled in Safed. At that time, the Holy Land was under the rule of the Ottoman Turks, who were Moslems. In the Ottoman Empire Jews could practice their religion freely. Thus, the former Royal counsellor and the Cardinal of Spain could start a new life here, a life of Torah, mitzvahs, and good deeds. They particularly devoted themselves to helping other Jewish people to come to the Holy Land and return to the Jewish fold as free, loyal and proud Jews like themselves.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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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Susan and the Fruit Seller

Posted on Tuesday, 27, October, 2020Tuesday, 12, March, 2024 by Rabbi

So many people today search for meaning in the world. Sadly, too many feel betrayed by faith and really question the validity of age old beliefs. In the hopes of finding spirituality or holiness, many turn to mysticism. People become lost in the lofty ideas and practice of the mystical teachings without realizing that everyday life is filled with the light of holiness and meaning. There are times when people open themselves to their souls, to the Holy One, blessed be He and reveal the holiness that surrounds us.

A young woman named Susan was trying to rediscover her faith through intensive study of the Holy books and mysticism. After one class, she listened to a simple story about the importance of greeting people. The discussion centered around the teaching, “Be first to greet everyone, whatever their faith.” (Pirkei Avos 4:15) Who would have thought that greeting another person was such a powerful act of faith that the ancient sages taught, “To welcome another person is to welcome the Shechinah (Divine Presence).” (Mekilta Shemos 18:12) After some thought, Susan shared something that had happened to her earlier that day.

Susan, who is a lawyer, sees that people have very little interaction with one another. They seem to always be preoccupied with their own lives. She decided she did not want to live that way and tried to be open and friendly whenever possible, as part of her spiritual practice. Every day on the way to her office, she would pass a fruit stand, and although she never bought any fruit, she always made it a point to say hello to the fruit seller.

While she on her way to her office earlier that day, she was thinking about her spiritual life and became discouraged, thinking that she had accomplished very little. As she approached the fruit stand, she realized she had forgotten her lunch and decided to buy something.

She selected an orange and then took out her wallet to pay, but the seller said, “Oh, no! I’m not going to take money from you. Every day you say hello to me, and I feel so good, it makes my day. Please take this fruit as a gift.”

Susan was so moved by the man’s gesture but also by the Divine intervention: that the moment when she had felt discouraged about her spiritual life—and thinking she was not making any progress at all — the Holy One, blessed be He had given her a clear sign: “Don’t be discouraged, Susan! You are accomplishing something for yourself and for others!”

She explained that she realized from this incident that it takes very little to make a difference in the world by lifting someone’s else’s spirits— a simple greeting can be so important.

About a week later, Susan was shocked when she went to the fruit stand to buy some fruit for her lunch, but changed her mind at the last minute. But as she walked by, the fruit seller, he had an orange already in a bag and gave it to her with a big smile. She was so touched that she began to cry because that simple gesture touched her so deeply.

Susan was so profoundly touched, that in a world so filled with mistrust and fear, a simple greeting could make a deep impression. She realized that belief and faith is not found in mysticism, but in the everyday living and interactions. A greeting can create moments of giving and taking, of being sincere and open to the world are the very meaning of life.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Angel of Friendship

Posted on Wednesday, 13, May, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There were two students of Tam and Chacham who did everything together. The time came that the students had to go their own ways. For more than a year, they had been separated from their beloved teachers, Tam and Chacham, and from each other. One student traveled to Yerushalayim Ir haKodesh – the Holy City of Jerusalem, and had just returned on a specific day. The other student returned on the very same day from more than a year spent in study at a well-known yeshiva.

As each student entered the House of Study, they greeted Tam and Chacham with the traditional blessing recited when seeing a great scholar of Torah: “Blessed art thou, Oh Lord Our God, King of the Universe, Who has given of His wisdom to those who fear Him.” But when the two friends laid eyes on each other after such a long time, they each instinctively cried out the traditional blessing recited when seeing a friend again after more than a year has passed: “Blessed art thou Oh Lord our God, King of the Universe, who raises the dead.”

Tam, Chacham and their students all rejoiced at this fortunate and coincidental reunion. Then one of the younger students asked: “Why is it that when we see a friend we have not seen for a year, we are commanded to bless G-d for reviving the dead? Surely this is a strange commandment, since no one has died.”

Chacham explained: “We learn in the Zohar haKodesh that everyone has a light burning for them in the world above, and everyone’s light is unique. When two friends meet, their lights above are united, and out of that union of two lights an angel is born. That angel has the strength to survive for only one year, unless its life is renewed when the friends meet again. If they are separated for more than a year, the angel begins to weaken and eventually wastes away. That is why we bless the dead upon meeting a friend we have not seen for more than a year, to revive the angel.”

Just as the Chacham finished speaking they heard a sound like the rustling of wings, and a sudden wind swirled around the room, brushing against them, and they knew that the angel had been reborn.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Confused Student

Posted on Wednesday, 6, May, 2020Monday, 15, January, 2024 by Rabbi

Tam and Chacham taught many students and listened to all who came to them for guidance. One student left his studies to help his struggling family.

Some time passed and no one heard from the student. In time he was forgotten. One day the student came to visit his old teachers Tam and Chacham.

He explained how hard it was to leave his studies, but he found a well paying job in a field that involved mixing freely with men and women in a relaxed atmosphere. He went on to say, “You would be proud of me, I think of your lessons all through my working hours, and never once had any inappropriate thoughts.”

Chacham thought for a moment and said, “From a woman did sin originate, and because of her we must all die. (ben Sira 25:24) By preventing yourself from getting involved with the people at your job, you may actually live longer.”

The student added, “I don’t talk to the women nor notice what they wear. The men ask me all the time to eat with them, but their food and what they talk about is not kosher.” The student noticed that Tam shook his head.

Chacham responded,” we learn that ’whoever engages in too much conversation with women, brings evil on himself, neglects the study of Torah and in the end will inherit gehennom’ (Pirke Avos 1:5). I’d say you learned your lessons well.”

Tam quietly asked the student for his name. The student was taken aback. His rabbi and teacher certainly must remember his name. Tam waited a moment and then said, “You have listened, but not learned ’The Holy One, Blessed be He created all things in accordance with His wisdom and whatever He created cannot possibly be shameful or ugly’ (Iggeres haKodesh 13th cent.) Please give me your mother’s name so I can make a proper Mi Shebeirach (a prayer for healing) for you.’ “

The student was confused. He felt well and he thought to himself why would his teacher want to make a Mi Shebeirach for him?

Tam saw the confusion in the face of his student and answered, “I am an old man. Yet, I can hardly walk down the street from my house without fighting off some unwanted thought. You claim that as a young man in the prime of life, you entertain no unholy thoughts. Surely there must be something wrong with you! I will make a Mi Shebeirach for you to have a refuah sheleima (complete recovery)!”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Mishle ‘Arav in haLevanon II 208 (13th Cent)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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A layer of sand shimmering like a sea of gold covered the desert floor for as far as the eye could see. The sky was bright blue. High above, the sun shined brightly, and the winds blew its hot breath across the desert.

A towering rock stabbed into the high noon sky. As the sun slowly moved across the horizon, it would begin to cast a shadow, resembling a giant sundial.

Those who knew this desert, called the rock “the Hour Hand of the Centuries.”

At the foot of the rock a cool spring of clear water mirrored the heaven, but the red sand at the bottom of the spring tinged the water the color of blood. The spring was known to desert wayfarers as “the Fountain of Blood and Sky.”

Missionaries spread the words of their faith to the desert winds and the winds blew forth armies to enforce the faith. It seemed the fire of faith burned bright and hot as the desert sun.

At this still moment of time there was peace in the desert, not a single footstep of man disturbed the sand.

From the desert haze, two figures appeared suddenly. From the west came a young rider his armour shined in the sun. His shield bearing the design of his family hung at his side and in his hand, he held a long lance.

Out of the east on foot came another man slender as a palm tree, wearing a dark blue head covering. His long dark brown hair cascaded out from under his head covering. He stopped and gazed at the knight who rode from the west.

Just then, the knight leveled his lance spurred his charger and road full gallop toward the stranger.

The horseless one, unafraid and unflinching cried out: “Oh knight! Is it customary for an armed knight to attack an unarmed wayfarer?”

The charging knight reigned his horse. Setting his lance down into the sand he dismounted and approached the young man. “Prithy tell, who art thou? From what people comest thou? To what noble order of knighthood dost thou belong?”

“I have heard such tales of wonder and great feats,” said the knight

Our order continued the Knight of the Two Tablets of the Law, “flourishes in every corner of the world. Wherever men defend freedom and righteousness you will find us in the front lines of battle.”

“If thou art such stout warriors, why hast thou not taken back the Holy Land from which the Romans banished thee?”

“Have you ever wondered why the powerful Crusaders could not keep the Holy Land after they had taken it?” asked the Knight of the Two Tablets of the Law. “We believe that no one can possess the Holy Land until the coming of Messiah.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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Surprised and not knowing what to reply, her friend said, “I felt tired and fatigued this week and thought I’d take the week off and rest.”

“Come,” said her friend, “I know you’re not rich and need parnassah. Let’s go into the kitchen. I’ll help you bake some cakes and cookies to sell tomorrow. Come into the kitchen. Why am I bothering you with a lot of useless talk?”

She already had an apron on and began to vigorously sift flour for her friend. Then she energetically and diligently kneaded the dough in a trough, with the joy of doing a mitzvah.

These two women peddlers in the Jerusalem market loved each other without needing any special reason. Both of them had great faith and trust in the Holy One, blessed be He. They were truly holy women.

The love and goodwill of the two women further shows that we can exist on the physical and spiritual planes at the same time. Their simple actions towards one another showed how simple everyday business practices could be elevated to a holy level.

Techina Cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 cup raw (100% sesame) tahini*

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 cups flour (half all purpose flour and half whole wheat flour)

pinch of salt

almonds to garnish

2 tablespoons sesame seeds to garnish

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F

Lightly oil two baking sheets or line with parchment paper.

Combine all the dry ingredients (flour, white and brown sugars) in a large bowl.

Add the techina and then the melted butter (or margarine). Mix with a large spoon. At some point you will need to switch to mixing the dough by hand until it is fully mixed. The dough will have a sticky slightly crumbly consistency.

Take approximately one teaspoon of the batter at a time, and roll in your hands to form small balls. Place each cookie ball, evenly spaced, onto the baking sheets.

Place each ball on a baking paper-lined tray. Press each ball in the middle with your thumb and place an almond in the space. You can also use a fork to flatten each ball and make pretty lines.

Bake until golden brown (approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on how crispy you like your cookies). Let cool to room temperature and serve.

*If oil is floating on top, mix it in and then measure 1 cup.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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Sadly, the sultan answered, ‘What can I do when I have heard from Behind the Curtain that you have all been caught in this snare. But if you so desire, come tonight and you will hear the voice speaking to me, for it will certainly come and without delay.”

In every generation there are those who rise up against us to destroy us, but the Holy and Blessed One delivers us from their hands. (Vehi Sheamda the Passover Haggadah)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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We mention the Patriarchs (Avraham (Abraham), Yitzchak (Isaac) and Yaakov (Jacob)) at the beginning of the Shemoneh Esrei not only to remember and praise their merits but also to challenge ourselves to try to be like them.

The holy rabbi looked at him closely and said, “Of course I recognize you, I am eternally grateful to you, because you are the one who helped me develop my potential in learning.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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The first man accepted a position as rabbi of a small town and earned a small livelihood that was barely enough to support him and his family The doctor, on the other hand, grew increasingly famous and wealthy.

Mishle ‘Arav in haLevanon II 208 (13^th Cent)