A Matter of Perspective

Posted on Tuesday, 22, November, 2022Thursday, 7, September, 2023 by Rabbi

One day a rich man received a letter from his son who was studying in another city. Being occupied, he asked his secretary to read it to him. The secretary, who was in a bad mood, read in a disagreeable irritable way, “Father! Send me some money right away. I need a new pair of shoes and a coat.”

When the father heard what his son had written, he cried out, “That insolent ingrate! How dare he write in such a disrespectful manner to his own father! He won’t get one copper coin from me!”

A little later, when the secretary had gone away, his wife entered. “Just see what kind of letter our precious son writes!” the aggrieved father remarked, handing his wife the letter.

When she saw her son’s handwriting her mother’s heart melted, and she began to read the letter aloud in the tender, supplicating voice she used at prayer, “Father! Send me some money right away. I need a new pair of shoes and a coat.”

“Well! That’s different!” cried the father. “Now he’s asking like a gentleman!

I’ll send him the money right away.”

People strive to learn and live according to Torah. Speech is a true test of a person’s feelings. It is taught that is acquired and learned “By study, Attentive listening, Proper speech, By an understanding heart” (Pirkei Avos 6:6)

The way a message is received can affect a person’s perspective and color their responses.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Value of Each Word

Posted on Wednesday, 7, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A ragged beggar was once walking along, head bowed and back bent, his entire body revealing misery and suffering. As he was trudging along heavily, he suddenly spied something shining in the sand ahead. He rushed forward and bent down to see what it was. There lay a jewel sparkling in front of him. He had never seen anything so beautiful in his life, and knew in his heart that it must be worth a great deal of money.

He put it in his pocket and went home to show it to his neighbor. The neighbor agreed that it must be very valuable, but could not tell him how much it was worth. Everyone to whom he showed it was overwhelmed by its beauty, but no one knew its true value. No jeweler was prepared it buy it either, for each one said that it was worth far more than he could pay.

The king heard about the poor man’s magnificent jewel and came all the way to his hut. Although accustomed to precious things, even he was stunned by this gem. “This stone is fit for a royal crown!” he exclaimed with wonder.

The poor man could not have imagined how this find would change his entire life. The king showered him with gifts and money and appointed him minister. Yet the poor man never did find out the exact value of his find, though he reaped much benefit from it.

The valuable stone can be compared to words for the great value of each word of young children studying Torah is priceless. Are we not taught, “For wisdom becomes known through speech, and education through the words of the tongue.” (Sirach 4:24) Although innocent children lack the deep spirituality and complex thought, we know that the world continues to exist only in their merit. They are a treasure whose value no one can rightly estimate or appreciate!

The same can be said for a pure tongue. A person who uses his gift of speech only for what it was created, and does not sully it with forbidden speech, possesses a very precious gem, whose value he cannot possibly imagine. Nor can he begin to know the great reward that awaits him for his care!

Let us see the fulfillment of the words of the prophet, “At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord” (Zephaniah 3:9) in our lifetime.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Power of Faith and an Oath

Posted on Wednesday, 29, December, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Keep far from a false word” (Exodus 23:7).

There were once two brothers who lived in the south of the land; and they were very wealthy. One of them married, while the other devoted his life to serving the Holy One, blessed be He with all his heart, with all his soul and with all his might (Deuteronomy 6:5). He mourned the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem saying: “The Temple of the Holy One, blessed be He has been destroyed, so I shall likewise be destroyed and shall not take a wife, nor shall I rejoice in the world. Since the Holy Temple is like a mourner, I shall also behave like a mourner.”

On every occasion he used to go to his brother to wish him well. Once he went to his brother’s house to wish him well and did not find him there. Now that day his brother’s wife was washing her garments and had taken off her jewelry which was worth more than ten thousand dinars; and she placed it in front of her. When her husband’s brother came to wish his brother well, he entered the courtyard and did not find him there. And when his brother’s wife saw him, she went away out of modesty,. There is nothing more desirable than “modesty. “Now there was a lofty tree there, a kind of palm. A certain bird made its nest in the uppermost fronds. When she retired before her brother-in-law, she left her jewels behind. When the good man found nobody there, he went his way; but the bird came down, took the jewels and went and placed them in its nest.

When the husband returned from the market, he found his wife weeping and tearing her hair. “Why are you weeping?” he asked; and she told him: “I was cleaning my clothes and took my jewelry off my neck and placed it down in front of me. A little later I looked for it but could not find it and I do not know who can have stolen it.” “Who entered the courtyard?” asked he. “The only one who came in,” said she, “was your brother and no one else can have taken it.” “Now he has abandoned all the contentment of the world,” said her husband, “and his inheritance and his money and all that belonged to him in order to go and serve the Ever-Present One, may He be blessed, with full love; yet you say that my brother was the one who stole your jewels?” At this, she stood and said: “Take him to the sages and let him swear an oath.” He listened to his wife and went and sought for his brother and then led him to the sages and began to tell them the story: “This and this is what happened.” And they said to him: “If a man abandons all the ease and contentment of this world, can he steal your wife’s jewels? Nobody like this saintly is going to do such a thing.”

Now the matter came before Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai, and he said to the pious brother: “What do you say? Will you take oath?” And he answered: “Yes, I shall swear truly and have no fear of anything.” Then Rabban Yochanan said to him: “Satisfy him with your money and do not take oath!” But he answered: “No, indeed, I must take oath in order that people should not say that I am to be suspected.” And he was prepared to take an oath even though God might punish him for doing so.

Then Rabban Yochanan said to him: “Come back to me tomorrow morning.” And when he himself went home, he prayed: “Lord of the Universe, You are well aware of all that is hidden and You know about this matter. Deliver him from this transgression.” Then he heard a divine echo: “Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai, go to his brother’s courtyard. There you will see a tree, and in the tree-top you can find the thing of which the man has been suspected.” They went and found it there.

Rabban Yochanan was very astonished at this. Because he had merely said that he would swear to the truth, the pious man who had not robbed or stolen had been punished. How much more so one who swears falsely and profanes the Name of the Holy and Blessed One! That is why the Torah says: “You shall not swear falsely by My Name” (Leviticus 19:12)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Prayers or Slander

Posted on Tuesday, 22, June, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A young boy loved to learn and was always trying to improve his everyday behavior. He was very enthusiastic in prayer and devotion. One night was learning with his father from the Holy Books in the House of Study. The young boy was so excited to study with his father he lost track of the time.

The father-son study was interrupted by the loud snores of sleeping men. The boy asked his father, “it says ‘Be strong as a leopard, and swift as an eagle, and fleet as a gazelle, and brave as a lion, to do the will of your Father who is in heaven.’ (Pirkei Avos 5:20) How can they just sleep in such a holy place?”

His father thought for a moment or two and then explained to his son. “Strong like the leopard means that one must not be ashamed by people who mock their service to the Holy One, blessed be He. Quick like the gazelle refers to the legs, that your legs should run toward good. And mighty like a lion refers to the heart, for strength in the service of the Holy One, blessed be He which resides in the heart. (based on Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 1:3)

Lashon hara

It seemed like most of the people in the House of Study had fallen asleep and the young boy said, “So very few of these sleepers opens his eyes or raises his head to study and pray. You would think that they were without any respect for holy things or behavior.”

“My son, these men work hard each day and their sleep is a blessing for are we not taught, ‘the sleep of the laborer is sweet’ (Ecclesiastes 5: 11) with all your learning you should has remembered to ‘Cast no aspersion on whom the Torah shielded’ (Shabbos 96b) We should always give others the benefit of the doubt.”

The father then sadly replied, “My beloved son, I would rather you too were asleep like them instead of slandering.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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An Open Gate, the World to Come and Speech

Posted on Tuesday, 13, April, 2021Tuesday, 24, October, 2023 by Rabbi

“Who left the garden gate open?” shouted the villager as he entered his cottage, “Those blasted goats have been at the vegetables again. It’s had enough that they jump over the wall every once in a while and do their damage. How many times do I have to warn you to keep the gate closed or we won’t have any garden left.”

His frightened family promised to follow this rule in the future and for a few days everything went well. But one day one of the children, in a hurry to join his friends, forgot to shut the gate. Some neighborhood hogs entered the garden and pulled out all the vegetables with their roots. When the villager returned home and saw what had happened he became furious. “That’s the last straw. We need vegetables from our garden in order to have enough food to eat, I see that I can’t rely on my family to keep the garden gate shut so I am going to wall up the gate opening so that those hogs will never get in again to destroy my garden.” “But Father,” asked one of his children, “how will we get in and out of the house if there is no gate?” “I am sorry,” was the reply, “but we still just have to climb over the wall each time.”

“But won’t it look ridiculous climbing over a wall every time you enter or leave home?” “It’s better to look e little ridiculous,” replied the father, “than to go hungry.”

Lashon Hara

A person’s lips are the gate for his tongue, whenever there is a temptation to speak evil gossip or make fun of somebody the gate must be closed so that the hogs don’t enter.” But if a person sees that he surrenders to the temptation of misusing his power of speech then he must sometimes wall up the gate by periodical exercises in silence. He may seem ridiculous to others as he tries in get along without speaking but if this is the only way to save himself from the terrible sins of a careless tongue then it is better to look silly in this world than to be ashamed in the World to Come. (Who Wants Life) (think before speaking)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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A Student and His Old Teacher Learn about Language

Posted on Wednesday, 17, February, 2021Thursday, 8, February, 2024 by Rabbi

A student was learning about language with his old teacher. He tried to understand the lessons and apply them to his everyday life. After all, “Man was endowed with two ears and one tongue, that he may listen more than speak.” (ben haMelech ve’haNazir ch. 26, c. 1230 ce) That made sense. If a person doesn’t listen, how can they learn?

The student studied and learned that if a person wanted to have a long life, they would have to “keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” (Psalms 34:12–13) The student was troubled because as he learned more and more, he found fault with those around him.

He tried to bury himself in his studies. He reviewed his old teacher’s lesson that “the Old Tongue means: Guard your tongue and sanctify it with old words. (Likutei Moharan 292). As hard as he tried, the student constantly saw the many shortcomings of the people around him.

The student was at a loss and went to his old teacher for guidance. He entered the old teacher’s study and respectfully asked:

“What shall I do? My tongue causes me trouble and whenever I am among people, I cannot control it and I condemn them in all their good deeds and contradict them. What, therefore, shall I do?”

The old teacher thought for a few moments and then answered him:

“You have fallen victim to the dangers of speech. Were we not warned that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits?” (Proverbs 18:21) Know that the sages of old taught that misused and negative speech “kills three people. It kills the one who speaks malicious speech, and the one who accepts the malicious speech when he hears it, and the one about whom the malicious speech is said.” (Arakhin 15b)

If you cannot control how you relate to those around you, go away from people and live alone, For this is a weakness—Those who live together with others ought not to be rigid, but pliable, In order to hear all and respond with understanding. Giving the opportunity for compassion.”

Further, the old teacher said: “I live alone not because of my virtue, but rather because of my weakness. You see, those who live among people are the strong ones.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Path to the Monster of the Woods

Posted on Friday, 27, March, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A young boy slowly hiked through the dark forest, the wind blew so cold it felt as though his very bones would freeze. Shadows of dancing tree limbs frightened the boy and the sounds of the night in the forest terrified him. The heavy rain and howling winds slammed into him, threatening to toss him off of the dirt path. The boy stumbled on, squinting through the dark to see the dim path ahead of him, wishing he was home, wishing he was anywhere but here.

The young boy set out on a journey to visit the Monster of the Woods. As he neared his destination, he became less and less aware of the rain and wind, their importance paling beside the fear welling up inside him. He grew up hearing tales about the Monster of the Woods, of his evilness, of the horrors that befall those who anger him. It’s madness to willingly go to him, but he have no choice. The young boy needed his help.

After what seemed like an eternity, the young boy came to a small clearing. In the center of the clearing stood a small shack, it was barely visible in the stormy night. Soaked to the bone with rain and exhaustion, the young boy slowly walked to the shack. As he got closer and closer, he started to hear the thump-thump-thumping of his heart, its steady beat carrying over the howling winds. The young boy begins to feel sick and his hands tremble with fear.

Then, almost without realizing it, he finds himself by the door.

He took a breath—a shaking, shuddering breath—and raised his hand to knock.

The young boy knocked a few times, hard and loud, before he heard movement in the shack. There is the creaking of a chair, then the sound of something crashing to the ground, and then footsteps slowly approached the door. With a loud squeek, the door swings open.

The old Jewish man looked at the young boy, straining to see him through the rain and wind. He was bent and older than the forest, this Monster of the Woods, The young boy saw that the old man’s eyes were bright, cunning and shrewd, reflecting the evil of his race.

“Yes? Can I help you?”

The young man swallowed. He needed this Jewish man, need what he knew, but he was still afraid. His words tumble over each other, coming out wrong and confused. The young boy stammers, “Medicine. I need medicine. I mean, my father does. He’s sick, you see, and the doctors don’t know how to help him. And you do. That is, I heard that you know medicines—herbs and such? And that I can describe the illness to you and you can cure it? I have money, too. To pay. For the medicine.”

The old Jewish man looked at the young boy. “Well. You’d better come in, then.” He said as he invited the young boy into his very small home.

The young boy filled with fear realizes that he doesn’t want to enter the Monster’s house—a thousand stories detail the dangers to be met, but what could he do? He’s already walked into his house. Plus, the young boy was so cold he had forgotten what warm feels like, and in the corner of the shack he could see a fire.

He slowly took off his coat and laid it over a stool. The young boy hurried over to the fire, crouching low and letting out a satisfied sigh as its heat spreads over him. The old Jewish man walked over and handed him a cup of steaming tea, which the young boy slowly sipped.

Old Jewish man sat down on a stool across from the young boy and said, “So. Start from the beginning. Describe your father’s illness.”

The young boy gave as much information as he could, having made sure to memorize every detail of it. When he was done, the Jewish man looked at him strangely.

“You’re John, right? Paul’s son?”

The young boy feels a stab of terror pierce his heart. “What of it?” He responded as he slowly bent his knees, so could jump up if he had to run.

“What of it?” The old Jewish man shrugs. “Nothing. I remember you, is all. I used to live in the town, years ago. Before they realized the gold mine in their midst—before they realized that they could blame any vices they have on the ‘evil Jews’ and avoid having to take responsibility for their own actions. Anyway, back then, I used to see you around, sometimes. You’re taller now, but I recognize you.”

For the first time, the young boy’s fear overpowered his anger. “Oh, that’s clever. Pretending that you’re the victim. I know what you are; everyone does. You’re the Monster of the Woods.”

The old Jewish man smiled, an odd, sad grin, and for a moment the young boy caught a glimpse of an immeasurable grief and pain in that smile. “Ah, yes. How could I forget? I am the terrible Monster, tricking his visitors and stealing their wealth.” He spreads his arms wide. “Can you not see it—the gold and silver lining my walls? This beautiful throne of diamonds I sit on? Look how majestically I live. Yes, I must be a terrible bandit—a monster, indeed.”

With his anger growing, the young boy answered, “Well, of course you don’t show it. If you lived in splendor, you wouldn’t be able to rob people. You need to appear poor to get them off their guard. When I leave, I’m sure you’ll revert to your true form.”

The old Jewish man responded, “Ah, yes. That is clearly the most logical explanation.” He applauded, slowly. “Well done, John, son of Paul. You have seen to the heart of my nature.”

The young boy glared at him, angry at being mocked, was ready to argue. Before the young boy could speak, the old Jewish man wearily raised a hand, “No, don’t. I’m not interested in arguing with you.” He walked over to a trunk by the wall and started pulling out herbs. As he sorted through them, he speaks over his shoulder. “Do you know why they call me a monster? It’s not because I’m dangerous or particularly frightening. No, I’m a monster because I’m something far worse. I’m different.”

The old Jewish man handed the young boy a packet. “Here—the medicine for your father. I’ve included instructions as to how he should take them. If he follows them, he should heal fairly quickly.”

The young man took them wordlessly and stood to leave. As he reached the door, he turned back to face the old Jewish man and asked, “If it’s so hard for you, why don’t you be like everyone else?”

The Monster of the Woods smiled. “How was the trek on the way here?”

“Difficult. I could barely see the path, and the winds kept trying to blow me off the path into the woods.”

He nodded. “You could have just walked off into the forest. Abandoned the path, stopped struggling through the winds and given up. The trees would have sheltered you; you would have had no need for light without a path. But you didn’t. Because you’d never have found your way here without the path to guide you.

“I could give it up. Live in the forest, be comfortable in this world. But then I’d have to give up my path, my difficult path through the forest. And what would be the point, then? What’s the point of entering the forest if you won’t walk the right path?”

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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The Mystical Melody Part II – The Search

Posted on Friday, 17, January, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

“Your Majesty, there was an attempt to take over your throne by that jealous Duke Maskil!”

Your Majesty, war has broken out in the kingdom of Tsumisht due to the squabbles of the two lords who rule there!”

The king laughed and thought to himself, “I’ve just returned, but it’s as though I’d never left. What a welcome!”

The king was back into numerous meetings, conferences and consultations. Many documents and papers needed urgent review by the king. Many dignitaries and officials waited anxiously to speak to him. His advisors busied themselves giving him advice he didn’t ask for. After several hours of a grueling schedule, food was brought before him. Doctors surrounded the king, telling him what to eat and what not to eat, what to drink and what not to drink.

Later that night, when he had a few quiet moments to himself in his throne room, the king thought, “It is the perfect time to hum the very special melody.” He leaned back, closed his eyes, relaxed, and imagined that he was in the valley. He began to hum. The melody didn’t sound right. He tried several times, but the king could not remember the song.

The king tried again and again to hum, to remember some piece of the melody, but he could not do it. He couldn’t remember one note of the melody that had that had no beginning and no end; gone too were the feelings, tremors and shivers that it had inspired.

There was pounding at the door now. “Your Majesty, the Duke of the Northern Kingdom has arrived. He must speak with you instantly. He has very important news. He may be able to settle the dispute among his lords.”

“Alright. Bring him in,” said the exhausted, tired king.

The king found himself in endless meetings, trying to make peace among his advisors. Sadly, the king thought to himself, “Life in the palace is so hectic and stressful. If only I could remember that melody.”

All through the meetings the king’s eyes kept drifting off into the distance. He heard almost nothing that was being said. He kept thinking, “The valley, the melody . . . if only I could remember that melody.”

That night the king tossed and turned in his bed. He could not console himself on the loss of the melody, and it seemed to be affecting his health.

In the wee hours of the night, the king’s private doctor was called in. The king looked pale and worn. He would not respond to any of his servants and only moaned, “If only I could remember the song.”The doctor looked into the king’s eyes and said, “Your Majesty, I have an idea. Why don’t we take you back to the valley? Why don’t we find the shepherd who played that melody? The shepherd can be brought right here to the palace, and he can play the melody for you. You can find peace and regain your health.”

The king looked at the doctor, and a smile spread across his face. “You are brilliant. Why that is the simplest idea. Let’s do that immediately.”

“Your Majesty, it is still night. Why don’t you get some rest and early in the morning, we will send our fastest couriers to the valley to find that shepherd and bring him here. I am confident that you will then be cured.”

The king relieved by the advice of the doctor, relaxed and fell asleep within minutes. He slept soundly until the sun rose in the sky.

As soon as the early light of morning allowed a safe journey, the king was up and waiting at his coach. “I must go off to the valley.”

“But, Your Majesty, the meetings . . . .”

“They’ll have to wait. This is much more important.”

It was only hours later that the king, along with twenty of his best soldiers, was standing at the foot of the valley. All they had to do now was wait for the shepherd. They waited for a long time, but the shepherd never came.

The king ordered his soldiers to go to the nearby village and ask, “Does anyone know a shepherd who plays a beautiful melody on the flute? Has anyone seen the shepherd who grazes his sheep in the valley?” they asked of anyone they met.

Sadly, no one knew, no one heard. The king decided to wait another day, hoping the shepherd would come then. The king and his soldiers waited in the valley. Everyone hoped that the morning would bring the shepherd and his melody.

Morning came but still no shepherd. The waiting began again. By now some of the king’s advisors seriously doubted whether the king had not made a mistake. Some began to question in a hushed whisper, “Is our king’s mind still sound?” The doctor believed that the king had indeed heard the shepherd’s melody in this place.

At the end of the third day, the sad king his coach and left with his soldier escort. His dream was crushed.

As soon as he got to the palace, the king shut himself in his throne room. No one was allowed to see him except his trusted doctor. The servants tiptoed through the hallways, and a sense of sadness hung over the palace.

The king’s advisors called meetings to determine what should be done for the king. They all agreed that he was getting sicker each day and that the shepherd must be found at all costs. They decided that a royal proclamation that would be heard throughout the land.

“Hear ye, hear ye…let it be known throughout the kingdom that any shepherd who can play the amazing melody that has no beginning and no end must make his way to the palace at once. He who can play the melody that the king remembers shall be handsomely rewarded.”

The word spread, and within a few days, a long line of shepherds formed at the palace gates. Hundreds of shepherds of all shapes and sizes, flutes in hand, waited for their chance to play their song before the king.

The king, hearing the commotion looked out, and was surprised to see the long line of shepherds.”What has happened here? Who are all these people?” he asked.

“Shepherds, Your Majesty,” said one of the advisors. “They have come here to try to play your song for you.”

“So many of them? Why, they are a bunch of imposters! Only one can know the melody for which I long.”

“That may be so, Your Majesty, but only you know right melody.

The first shepherd was brought before the king. He had only played three or four notes of his song when the king slammed his fist angrily on the table and said, “No! You are an impostor!” Quickly, the shepherd was left the throne room.

The same thing happened with the next shepherd and the next. Every shepherd began to play but was stopped almost immediately by the king and sent out. The king lost his patience. “The next impostor who steps across the threshold of my throne room will be put to death!” he thundered.

Afraid for their lives, the remaining shepherds quickly disappeared. The king sank back into sadness, and the advisors and the doctor were beside themselves with worry.

Days later, it finally happened! From a faraway valley, a shepherd appeared at the palace gates. The shepherd was brought immediately before the king. He bowed and humbly said, “Your Majesty, I am the shepherd that you await. My melody certainly has no beginning and no end, and I know the valley of which you speak. I would be honored to play my melody for you.”

The king looked pleased. He liked the look of this shepherd. As a matter of fact, although he could no longer remember exactly what his shepherd had looked like, this shepherd had a familiar look about him. He motioned to him, “Do sit down. Do play the melody for me.”

The shepherd sat himself down on the floor and said, “Your Majesty, please close your eyes and imagine that you are in the valley. All around you, you see the grass, the blue sky, the sheep, and you hear the echo of this melody.”

The king smiled. He threw his head back in anticipation and listened. The shepherd began to play a mystical song, a song that sounded like a gift from heaven, and the king listened very intently. The shepherd played about five minutes and then he stopped to rest. He looked up at the king. The king’s eyes were tightly closed, and for a long moment he did not say anything. When he opened his eyes, the king took a very long look at the shepherd. There was a deep furrow in his forehead. Softly, he said, “Please, will you play that melody one more time?”

“Certainly, Your Majesty. It would be my pleasure, but remember, lean back, relax and empty your mind of its worries, just as you did when you lay in the valley. Then concentrate on the sounds that come from this flute.”

“Yes, yes,” said the king, “go ahead.”

Again, the shepherd played his soulful melody. Tears streamed down from the eyes of the king.

When the music stopped, the king looked as if he had been shaken from a dream. The king started in his chair and said, “I’m not sure. This might be it. Please, shepherd, play it one more time.”

One more time, the shepherd lifted the flute to his mouth, and the
gentle notes filled the room with a sense of peace.

For a long time, the shepherd played. The king swayed back and forth, listening with great intensity to every note. The tears were all over his cheeks now.

At the end the king blinked several times. He then opened his eyes. It was hard to see clearly through all the tears. He patted his eyes dry and in a small voice said, “Thank you very much. You may go now.”

Excuse me, Your Majesty. Do you mean that I should wait outside?”

“No, I’m sorry,” said the king. “I’m afraid that it’s the wrong song after all. Your song is truly wonderful, and you play the flute masterfully, but still your song is not the right song. For a while there, I thought I had a glimmer of hope that it was, but I’m sorry, it is not.”

The shepherd sat down quietly for a moment. Then he looked deep into the eyes of the king and said, “Your Majesty, would you be so kind as to allow me to ask you one question?”

“Go ahead,” said the king. “You have been most helpful. You may ask your question.”

“Your Majesty,” said the shepherd, “if you do not remember the melody that you heard in the valley, how do you know that this is not it? Perhaps this is the melody that you have forgotten, Your Majesty.”

The king nodded several times. “That is a very good question. How do I know? How will I ever know when I finally hear the song for which I am yearning?”

“My dear shepherd, when I will hear the right melody, my soul will shake. My body will tremble. You see, that is what happened when I heard the song for the first time, and that is what happened each time I heard it again.”

“Today as I listened to your beautiful music, no tingles, no shivers and no trembling overtook me. That’s how I know that it is the wrong song. When the day comes and I hear the right song, I am certain that I will again experience the same feelings that I did every other time that I heard it. But until then, I cannot settle for a substitute. I must wait for the song that reaches my soul.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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He Who Shames Another Has No Portion in the World to Come

Posted on Wednesday, 11, December, 2019Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Tam and Chacham taught many students and frequently they were asked about how people treated one another. Once students were discussing a prayer that says, “Open our eyes to Your Torah, help our hearts to cleave to Your commandments. Unite all our thoughts to love and revere You. Then shall we never be brought to shame (v’lo nayvosh l’olam va’ed)” (Siddur).

One student shared that the TaNaCh asked, “Have we not all one father? Has not one G-d created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother…?)” (Malachi 2:10) He continued, “Why must many find ways to shame others in public? Aren’t we taught that ‘He who shames his fellow man in public… has no portion in the world-to-come.’ (Pirke Avos 3:15)”

Another student responded, “We learn ‘let the honour of your fellow-man be as dear to you as your own, and do not be easy to anger’ (Pirke Avos 2:15). If we treated everyone with respect and honour so they would not be shamed, less people would be angered by shame and embarrassment. If one would remember and consider ‘Who is honoured? He that honours his fellow men’ (Pirke Avos 4:1) the world would be a much better place.’ “

Chacham listened to the students as they searched for meaning and understanding about the honour and respect to be shown to everyone. After some time, he raised his hand and the room became quiet as the students eagerly waited for him to speak.

Many knew that he and Tam had very different views on matters concerning public behavior and the treatment of one another. He began by describing Tam’s respect for every individual as being unequaled. Tam did not discriminate between people, but honoured everyone equally, regardless of a person’s background or beliefs. Never did Tam say a disrespectful word.

Chacham recounted that he was once walking in the forest with Tam when a man with a severe speech impediment approached them to ask for directions to a doctor’s house that could treat him and possibly improve or cure his speech problems. Feeling uneasy about leaving Tam alone on the road, he directed the man to the doctor’s house by pointing out the way.

Tam asked Chacham if they could walk with the man all the way to the doctor’s house. Chacham asked why Tam felt it important to escort the man to his destination. Tam explained that he did not want the man to have to ask someone else for directions lest he be too embarrassed to reveal his speech Impediment to yet another person.

“Why is this so important? Asked Chacham, “The Torah (Scriptures) says ‘I (Moses) am not eloquent…but am slow of speech and tongue.’ (Exodus 4:10) it was not an issue to the Holy One, blessed be He.”

Tam answered, “Moses was not ashamed because he was speaking to G-d. He approached us because he saw two men dressed as rabbis and felt secure that we would not mock him. I wanted to save his having to ask again and thereby spare him any unnecessary embarrassment.”

Chacham turned to the students and reminded them of the prayer:

May it be the will of the Holy One, blessed be He that you should not embarrass others and not be embarrassed yourself? (Moed Katan 9b)

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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The Season of Lights – Chanukah is coming very quickly as it begins at Sundown On December 22, 2019. Most people in the Jewish communities throughout the world can rattle off a list of Chanukah traditions such as lighting the menorah each night; playing dreidel games; eating foods cooked in oil (latkes and Sufganiot); and exchanging gifts.

An age old tradition is telling stories in the glow of the Chanukah menorah. The stories tell of greatness, nobility, and wisdom while at the same time raising the hopes for a better tomorrow.

The very backdrop to the spiritual stories is attractive to its readers allowing one to peek into the beliefs, and lifestyles of a vanishing age of a faraway world and reminding them that the messages are eternal – just as strong today as they were yesterday.

The book, Story Tour: The Journey Begins will remind readers of forgotten stories of faith that strengthen and reaffirm hope for a better world.

Buy a copy of Story Tour: The Journey Begins as a gift for someone special today. Story Tour: The Journey Begins is available from the publisher, Xlibris, Booksamillion, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon

No One Could Understand

Posted on Monday, 18, November, 2019Sunday, 14, January, 2024 by Rabbi

…people without understanding comes to ruin. (Hosea 4:14)

The greatest gift that the Holy One, blessed be He gave to man was the ability to speak and communicate. Yet it is also the undoing of many, though we may speak the same language and believe that certain things need no explanation we still do not understand one another. It is so common in today’s world for people to talk at one another instead of to one another.

A shepherd was once strolling through a meadow behind his wandering sheep. As he walked, he played a merry tune on his flute. In a nearby field, a harvester was cutting sweet clover and loading it upon a wagon to take home for cattle feed. The harvester and the shepherd did not know one another, nor could they communicate, since they spoke different languages. And so each tended to his own business, while casting curious glances at one another from time to time.

Noon came and the sun was at its highest point. The shepherd looked longingly in the distance to see if his daughter was approaching with his lunch, as she did each day at this time. Sadly, there was no one in sight. A long time passed and he began to worry. “I must go home and see if everything is all right,” he said to himself.

He walked towards the harvester in the next field. “Listen here, my friend,” he said, accompanying his words with elaborate gestures to make sure the other understood, “I must go home for a short while and leave the sheep here. I cannot take them with me because it would take too much time to herd them together and get them moving. If I go, I will run both ways and be back in a hurry. Please keep an eye on the sheep. Don’t let them run away. They are resting now. I am sure they will give you no trouble. They are easy creatures to handle.”

The harvester heard the words but did not understand a single one. He interpreted the shepherd’s gestures in a far different manner than intended: “You are harvesting all that hay that grows so plentifully in the field while my sheep lie here where the grass is scant. Won’t you cut some down for them, too?”

This aroused the harvester’s anger. “That is very impudent of you! You sit at your leisure under the tree and expect others to do your work for you under the blazing sun? Go! Begone with you!” and with that, he gave a wave of his hand.

This sign of dismissal was clear to the shepherd. He interpreted it to mean: “Go home, if you must. I will keep an eye on your sheep, since I am here anyway.”

His heart set at ease, the shepherd went home, stayed a while and returned a short while later. How happy he was to see the sheep grazing quietly and contentedly as if he had been there all the while.

“How decent it was of the harvester to look after them,” he thought to himself. “I must give him something in appreciation.” He looked about him and wondered what would be suitable.

His eyes fell upon a little lamb that limped a bit. If he sold it, it would not fetch much. But as a gift . . .

He tied a rope about its neck and began leading it to the adjoining field.

“Good day, my friend,” he said. “I wanted to thank you for the favor you did to me. Here, take this lamb as a sign of my gratitude.” He held the string out to the harvester.

The harvester did not understand a single word, as before, and misunderstood the shepherd’s meaning. He thought he meant: “I asked you to watch my sheep and look what happened! This lamb became lame, thanks to you!”

The harvester was understandably insulted and turned to the shepherd. “How dare you come to me with complaints? Am I to blame? You are the one who left the sheep untended. What do you want from me?”

The shepherd thought that the harvester was dissatisfied with the gift.

He picked up the lamb to show him that it was really a decent gift, indeed. “See,” he gestured, “it is fat and healthy. The only thing wrong with it is its leg. It will make a tasty meal, I am sure!” He again pointed to the broken foot as if to say that that was its only defect.

Seeing the shepherd harping on the broken foot convinced the harvester that the shepherd was again accusing him of being negligent. Fuming, he shouted, “Leave me be, idiot! What business is it of mine?” And he shoved the shepherd backwards.

Shocked by such coarse behavior, the shepherd stepped forward and pushed the harvester. Before long, the two were pummeling one another with heavy blows.

Along came a traveler, hot and dusty from the road. Noticing a horse wandering in the field untethered, he was curious to see if it belonged to anyone, since he wished to ride it a bit. Seeing no one about, he decided to climb on its back for the time being, and ask questions later. He rode on until he came upon the two quarreling men. When they saw the stranger, they ran up to him, grabbed hold of the reins, and asked him to dismount, so that he could resolve their dispute.

The rider, who did not understand either of the two, was sure that they were the owners of the horse demanding an explanation for his having appropriated their animal. Afraid of punishment, he leaped off and ran away.

The remaining two were sure that he had gone off to get help and were afraid of getting into trouble. Both fled as well; the shepherd urging his sheep forward and the harvester shouldering his tools.

The scene returned to its pastoral serenity, with only the horse left to graze upon the delicious clover.

As for the three men, each ran off in different directions, feeling disappointed and frustrated.

The shepherd could not understand why the harvester had been so insulted at the gift he had offered. Had he owed him anything to begin with?

The harvester did not understand why the shepherd blamed him for the sheep’s broken leg, when he had not been to blame.

And the traveler wondered why the two men had attacked him for taking a ride on an untethered horse. He had not meant to steal it!

Each of the three was convinced that he was right. How, then, had such a misunderstanding resulted?

The reason is very simple: Each one interpreted the other’s actions according to his own way of thinking. No one tried to understand what the other was saying. Lack of communication was to blame for this argument.

We do speak the same language as our friends and acquaintances. Nevertheless, we still misinterpret one another’s true meaning and intent.These misunderstandings can often lead to ill feelings, quarrels and even blows.

The most important thing to remember and keep it in mind and you never can miss: Make an effort to really understand, not making your conclusions beforehand.

Such are the thoughts of one devoid of understanding; a senseless and misguided person thinks foolishly. (Sirach 16:23)

(Adapted from the Ben Ish Chai)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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.

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