Who Is in Control of Whom?

Posted on Sunday, 24, October, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A man was charged with committing a serious crime against the king and was placed in prison until his trial. When it came time for him to stand trial, he was taken from his cell by one of the king’s guards to be escorted to the place of justice.

The king’s guard, suspecting that the prisoner might try to escape, took a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. He then placed one of the cuffs around the wrist of the prisoner and the other one around his own wrist. In this way, they marched through the city street.

A crowd of spectators gathered along the sides of the street to curse and make fun of the prisoner.

Insulted and humilated, the prisoner turned to the crowd and said, “You are making a mistake. He is not escorting me; rather, it is I who is escorting him…”

A wise man spoke up from among the many people in the crowd. “If that is the case,” he said, “then unlock the handcuff on your wrist! If you are capable of breaking free from your escort, it is a sign that you are in control of him. But if he can break away, then it proves that he is in control of you!”

The same thing applies to man and his yetzer hara – the evil inclination. There are instances when the yetzer hara binds himself to a person by accustoming him to a repeated transgression. If this person would like to know who is truly in control of whom, let him check himself to determine whether he is capable of breaking his “bad habits” or not.

This is precisely what we request in our morning prayers each day: “Let not the yetzer hara dominate us.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Fool and the Scoffer

Posted on Wednesday, 20, October, 2021Sunday, 28, January, 2024 by Rabbi

In a certain city, there was a simple man who had little learning and was sometimes foolish. One day, one of the young students who learned a lot, but had little compassion decided to amuse his friends. He told his friends that later that day, he would trick the simple man into leaping into the swamp located on the outskirts of the town.

How can one convince another to do such a foolish thing? He approached the simple man and offered him various types of foods and drink, in this way earning his trust. He then invited the simple man to go for a short walk outside the city.

As they neared the swamp, the young student turned to the simple man, pulled him aside and whispered to him, “I have a great secret which I am willing to share with you, but you must first promise me that you will not share it with anyone.”

The simple man promised.

“Are you familiar with the big swamp?” asked the young student.

“I certainly am,” responded the simple man, “But I heard that it is quite deep and marshy.”

“That is not true,” answered the young student. “And what’s more, you should know that a valuable treasure is hidden inside it…

“While there is a thin layer of mud that lies on the surface, if a person should leap in, he will avoid the mud and merit discovering an enormous treasure.”

When they arrived at the swamp, the simple man, believing the young student’s words, dived directly into the marshy swamp hoping to find the treasure.

“Help me!” called out the simple man as he sunk deep into the mud. “Get me out of here!”

“Absolutely not,” replied the young student. “Do you know how much effort I used just to get you to jump into the swamp in the first place? First I will call all of my friends, so that they can see you sunken up to your neck and get a hearty laugh. Only afterwards will I take you out…Have you never heard ‘Understand, O dullest of the people; fools, when will you be wise?’ ” (Psalm 94:8)

Yetzer haRa

So is the way of the yetzer hara – the evil inclination. First it attracts a person with meaningless temptations, even giving them fancy gifts and the like, which serve to trap them. However, once a person has been successfully tricked — sunk in the swamp — the yetzer hara stands there and laughs heartily.

The wisdom of old speaks to the simple man when it asks, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? (Proverbs 1:22)

The arrogance and lack of compassion is addressed in the holy writings when it teaches, “A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for one who understands.” (Proverbs 14:6) He learns but does not apply his knowledge to his everyday behaviour or life.

May we all be spared from the embarrassment and ridicule of the yetzer hara – the evil inclination.

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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The Groom and the Beast – A Jewish Tale from old Cairo

Posted on Tuesday, 10, August, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There once was a wealthy man and wife who longed, more than anything else, to have a child of their own. Over the years they had tried every known remedy in order to conceive, including potions of every kind, but still the couple was without children. Now the man, who was a merchant, heard from others that there was a wise old man among the Jews, whose name was Elijah, who could help them have a child. And when they had exhausted every other means, the merchant and his wife went to the Jewish Quarter of Cairo and sought out the old man.

They found that Elijah lived in an almost empty hut in the poorest part of the quarter. He possessed nothing except for the robe he wore and a prayer book. The merchant and his wife wondered to themselves how such a poor man could be of help to them. Still, they were desperate, so they told the old man how much they longed to have a child, and they offered to pay him whatever he asked if he could help them. Elijah said, “What do you want, a son or a daughter?” The merchant replied, “More than anything else in the world, I want to have a son of my own.” Then Elijah told them to bring him pen and paper, and when they did, he wrote out an amulet, using holy names. He told them to place that amulet in a cup of wine and for both of them to drink from that cup, and in nine months’ time they would have a son of their own.

Somehow the quiet confidence of Elijah soothed the pair and gave them hope. Then the merchant said, “We will always be grateful if what you have said comes true. Tell me, how can I repay you?” Elijah replied, “Do nothing for now. But when the child is born, make a donation in the charity box of the synagogue on the corner of this street, which serves the poorest Jewish people. That will suffice.” Then the merchant and his wife thanked him many times, and turned to go. But before they left, the old man said, “Wait. There is one more thing that I must tell you.” The merchant and his wife turned back, wondering what it was. And Elijah said, “The son that will be born to you is not destined to be wed. He must remain unmarried all his life. For it is written that on the night he weds, he will be devoured by a beast!”

As they heard this prophecy, the high hopes of the couple were suddenly shaken. They stood silent, but at last the merchant said, “Is there nothing we can do to spare our child this terrible fate?” And the old man answered, “No, I am sorry to say. All that you can do is avoid making any match for him, and when he is old enough to understand, explain that it is his destiny to remain unwed.” And the merchant and his wife assured Elijah that they would heed his warning, and that if indeed they were blessed with a son, they would see to it that he was never betrothed. Then they took their leave, but this time they were much more solemn.

When they returned home the merchant placed the amulet that Elijah had written into a silver goblet and filled it with his finest wine, a bottle that had been saved since he had been born. The merchant and his wife drank from the goblet, one sip at a time, until it was empty. That is when they discovered that the amulet had dissolved into the wine; not a trace of it was to be found. And when the couple saw this, they sensed that the prophecy of the old man would indeed come true, and they would become parents. But they did not think about his admonition.

To their mutual delight the merchant’s wife soon found that she was with child, and at the end of nine months she gave birth to a beautiful boy, and the merchant and his wife felt they had been greatly blessed. The merchant did not forget his promise to Elijah to give money to the synagogue for the poor. He gave them a great donation, enough to sustain them for a full year. But he did not dwell on the warning of the old man, for the time his son would think of marriage was far off.

In the years that followed, the man and his wife raised their son with loving care, for he was more precious to them than anything in the world. From time to time a marriage was proposed for him, for such early betrothals were the custom. The boy’s parents always turned down these offers, giving one excuse or another, but never, of course, the true reason. The day came, however, when the young man himself informed his parents that he wished to be wed. The parents argued long into the night about whether to tell him the prophecy of the old man. In the end they decided not to, and instead made up their minds to see to it that the boy was indeed wed, but under circumstances that would protect him from every danger. Now in his travels the merchant had once come into possession of a small island in a distant sea. That island was uninhabited by man or beast, and the merchant thought it would be the perfect place to have the wedding. Therefore, once the match had been made, the merchant saw to it that a fine mansion was built on that island, surrounded with a large stone wall that would protect his son from every kind of danger. So too did he have guards posted to guard the mansion day and night.

One year later, when the time for the wedding had arrived, the merchant was informed that the mansion was ready. Then the merchant had his finest sailing ship outfitted and brought both families on board, along with the bride and groom and many guests. (Of course the bride and groom were never permitted to glimpse each other, as was the custom.) The voyage was a time of great rejoicing, and the merchant and his wife never dwelt on the prophecy of the old man. For they felt that they had done everything possible to protect their son from danger.

When the ship docked at last on that lovely island, all expressed wonder and delight. The sand of the beaches was pure white, and there were fruit trees of every kind, as well as wild grapes and berries. So too were all the guests astonished at the extravagant mansion. It was constructed of marble, like a palace, and the chamber of the bride and groom was set at the top of a spiral tower. There, the merchant felt sure, his son would be safe.

The wedding festivities continued for three days and nights before the vows were finally said. It was then that the merchant’s son saw his bride for the first time. She was astonishingly beautiful, with raven hair that reached to her waist, and the young man felt himself to be the most fortunate groom in the world. At last he and his bride climbed the stairs to the tower together and stood on the threshold of the bridal chamber. The young man led his bride inside and closed the door. As he gazed at her he was filled with awe at her beauty. He admired especially her hands, with their fine, slender fingers and long nails. He smiled shyly at her, but she seemed afraid to lift her eyes from the floor. When at last she did, the young man was astonished to see a look of wild desire in them unlike anything he had ever seen. When he stepped forward to embrace her, he suddenly heard a low growl. The young man looked around in confusion, wondering where it could have come from. He turned back just in time to see the fangs of the beast as it leaped at him from the very place his bride had been.

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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A Reason for Every Custom

Posted on Sunday, 18, July, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

It happened once that a wealthy merchant, in the custom of the Jewish community, took care of all the needs of his newly married son and his wife. The son was of fine character and a good heart. He dedicated himself to helping the beggars and less fortunate of the village.

After a time, the young man and his wife were blessed with a son. In honor of the occasion, the happy grandfather arranged a great feast on the day of circumcision.

Shortly before the festivities were to begin the merchant’s son asked, “Tell me, father, what arrangements have you made for the seating of the guests? If you do the conventional thing and seat the rich at the head of the table and the poor near the door, it will distress me after all, “All the days of the poor are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15). You know very well I love to help the poor. At my own celebration, at least, let me honor them who get no honor. Therefore, father, promise me to seat the poor at the head of the table and the rich at the door.”

His father listened closely to his son and answered, “Reflect, my son: it is difficult to change the world and its ways. There is always a good reason behind every custom. Try to see it this way: Why do poor people come to a feast? Naturally, because they are hungry and would like to eat a good meal. Why do rich men come to a feast? To get honor. They don’t come to eat, because they have enough at home. Now just imagine what would happen if you seated the poor at the head of the table. They would sit there, very self-conscious of their every move, feeling everybody’s eyes on them, and, naturally, they would be ashamed to eat their fill. And what they’d eat they wouldn’t enjoy. Now, don’t you think it would be better for their sake if they sat unnoticed at the door where they could eat to their heart’s content without being ashamed?

“Then again, suppose I were to do what you’re asking and seat the rich at the foot of the table. Don’t you think they’d feel insulted? They don’t come for the sake of the food, but for the honor. And if you don’t give them that what will they get?”

“When the table was set and an abundance of food placed before” them, the wealthy merchant told his son, “Go, my child, and bring whatever poor person you may find…” (Tobit 2:2) yet the people of means sat in a place of esteem at the head of the table and the poor ate their share and all felt honored.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Orphan Girl and the Wealthy Merchant’s Son – a Jewish Tale from Italy

Posted on Thursday, 6, May, 2021Thursday, 16, November, 2023 by Rabbi

There once was a poor couple who were farmers, and they had a daughter they loved very much. One day, raiders came and wrecked their home and field. In all of the confusion, the little girl was lost. Her parents searched for her but sadly could not find her.

One day a wealthy merchant was traveling along the road when he met the young girl. She was sad and lost, and her eyes were red with tears, the merchant felt bad for her and invited her to come to his home. The merchant’s wife had always wanted a daughter.

The merchant and his wife raised the young girl with their son. They grew very close and, after some time, fell in love. The merchant did not consider the young girl as an appropriate match for his son, for she had no wealth, no education, and no family.

The wealthy merchant wanted to separate the young girl from his son and sent her to live as a servant to a hermit who lived deep in the forest. The hermit was a holy man who studied the Holy Books. He knew the revealed and hidden secrets of the Torah (Scriptures).

As time went by, the son of the wealthy merchant was betrothed to marry a girl chosen by his father. The news spread throughout the country about the wedding.

The news arrived at the hermit’s house deep in the forest, and the young girl asked them to wait so she could prepare a gift for the wealthy merchant’s son and his bride. She amazed the messengers by having the oven light itself. Then she reached into the fiery oven and took out a beautiful cake as a wedding gift. The messengers returned to the home of the wealthy merchant with the cake and word of the remarkable talent of the girl who lived with the hermit.

The intended bride, upon hearing about the young girl from the astonished messengers, claimed she was much more talented. She set out to prove herself better, but the poor girl was badly burnt by the flames of the oven.

In shame, she left the wealthy merchant’s home. In a short time, another match was made for the wealthy merchant’s son. The messengers returned from the hermit with a gift of golden fried fish, which they said the girl merely reached into the pot and pulled out the crispy fish. The proposed bride boasted how she was a master of the kitchen and was much better than a lowly orphan girl. She set a pot on the stove and plunged her fingers into the boiling oil to take out the fried fish and badly burned her fingers. Out of shame, she ran away.

The merchant’s son remembered the girl his father had brought into the home some years before, and his heart yearned for her. He stopped eating and took to his bed as he was sick to his heart. The merchant, afraid for the health of his son, visited the hermit and the girl to ask her to nurse his son back to health.

The hermit asked the merchant to allow the girl to marry his son, for the hermit knew many revealed and hidden holy secrets. The merchant replied that she was a poor orphan, not worthy of his son. The hermit reminded the merchant, “A woman of valor who can find? For her value is far more valuable than rubies, and the heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no gain in fortune.” (Proverbs 31: 10-11)

The wealthy merchant responded,” She has no family, no wealth, and no education. She is not fit for my son.”

The hermit looked at the wealthy merchant and answered, “She is ‘a woman of great refinement and beautiful in appearance.’ (Susanna 1:31) Do you not realize that ‘No other woman from one end of the earth to the other looks so beautiful or speaks so wisely’ (Judith 11:21) Take her into your house and let her nurse your son back to health. Let them be wed, for this is the will of Heaven.”

The girl went to the wealthy man’s home and prepared a wondrous soup of barley, onions, mushrooms, and fine herbs to feed to the merchant’s son. Every day she sat by his side and spoke to him. After many days, the young man rose from his sick bed and told his father that “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the lesson of loving-kindness is upon her tongue.” (Proverbs 31: 26)

They were wed, and the wealthy merchant learned a most important lesson. “A woman’s beauty lights up a man’s face, and there is nothing he desires more.” (Ecclesiasticus 36:27) And they lived and shared many years of happiness.

Zechariah 14:21

Mushroom Barley Soup

3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil		1 to 2 pounds fresh mushrooms, slicedr
2 medium yellow onions		3 medium carrots, sliced into 1 inch rounds
2 to 3 medium potatoes, diced		2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley		1 bay leaf
8 cups broth or water		Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup pearl barley, rinsed		1 tablespoon sweet paprika

In a large heavy pot heat the oil over medium heat, add the onions and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Add the parsley.

Add the broth, barley, mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, salt and pepper, and paprika.

Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer until the barley is tender, about 1-2 hours.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Kishefmacher’s Knife

Posted on Wednesday, 28, April, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There was a man in the city of Worms whose widowed mother died without leaving a will. Now he knew very well that she had been wealthy, and he searched everywhere in the house but he could not find where her fortune was hidden. The matter became an obsession to him. He searched through everything again and again. He looked between the pages of each and every book she owned. Nothing. Then he dug up the yard to a depth of three feet. Still nothing. After that, he began to tear out the floors, in case the money was hidden there. It was not. At last he realized that he simply could not find it on his own. So he decided to go to a kishefmacher for help.

Now this kishefmacher was famous for the power of her spells. She said, “Yes, yes, I can find it, if you are willing to pay the price—one half of the inheritance.”

The desperate man said, “One half is better than nothing.”

Then the kishefmacher said, “Good. Now you must leave, for no one can be present when I work my magic.” When he was gone, she took out a knife and said a spell over it. Then she hid the knife beneath her pillow and went to sleep.

That night the kishefmacher dreamed that a demon came to her who had a knife in his heart. The demon cried out to the kishefmacher, “Take the knife out of my heart!”

The kishefmacher said, “No! Not until you bring me this man’s mother, and she reveals where she hid the inheritance. Until then the knife will stay exactly where it is!” It woke her up, she felt beneath the pillow—, and the knife was gone. Feeling quite satisfied, she smiled to herself.

The next night the kishefmacher dreamed that the same demon came back to her, the knife still in his heart. He was accompanied by a younger demon and the man’s mother. The young demon demanded, “Take the knife out of my father’s heart!”

“No,” the kishefmacher yelled, “Not until she reveals where she hid her fortune.”

“That I will never do!” the woman said.” Why not?” asked the kishefmacher. “After all, you are dead; what good will it do you now?” The woman replied, “If I had wanted him to know where the money was, I would have told him. I don’t want him to know.” With that, the dream came to end and the kishefmacher awoke. The knife was still gone.

The third night the demon came back, in the same company, the knife still in his heart. He looked feeble and unable to speak. His son spoke for him and begged the kishefmacher to remove the knife. The kishefmacher insisted she would not take it out until the woman revealed the secret. Then the demon’s son begged the woman to take heed of the suffering of his father and to speak, and at last she relented, saying, “To spare you any more suffering I will reveal this much, and this much only: the money is hidden in a box.” At that, the dream ended.

When the kishefmacher awoke, the first thing she did was to pronounce another spell. Then she put her hand beneath the pillow and found that the knife was there. In this way, she knew that the demon no longer had the knife in his heart. Then she hurried off to the home of the man and told him the hint she had wrenched out of his mother. This clue astonished him, because he had looked in all the boxes first, and several times thereafter, and he had found nothing. That is what he told the kishefmacher, and the kishefmacher replied, “Look in the boxes. When you find the inheritance, remember that half of it belongs to me.” She then turned and left.

Now the minute the kishefmacher went away, the man tore each and every box apart, and in this way he found one with a false bottom, with the fortune hidden beneath it.

Now that the hidden inheritance was his, the man decided to leave town at once, for he had no intention of sharing the money with the kishefmacher. This he did, and on the third day, the kishefmacher came back to his house and discovered that he was gone. She was not worried. That night she placed the knife under her pillow again.

A Jewish-German folktale from the Twelfth Century

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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A Teacher’s Forty-Three Rubles

Posted on Wednesday, 31, March, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A holy rabbi took a position as a teacher in a distant town. He lived that winter in a Jewish-owned inn. In those days it was normal for a teacher not to see his family from Rosh Hashanah to Passover (September to April).

That winter was particularly bitter. Snowstorms with fierce winds caused the snow to fall so heavily that one could not see where they were going. The weather was so bad it stopped travel for over a week. One afternoon, a knock was heard at the door. The innkeeper opened the door and found three half frozen Polish peasants requesting a place to stay. He asked if they had the ability to pay and found that their combined funds were not enough for even one night’s stay. The innkeeper closed the door on them. The teacher was shocked. When he complained to the innkeeper, the innkeeper merely shrugged and responded, “Do you want to undertake their expenses?” Much to the innkeeper’s surprise, the teacher agreed.

The peasants thanked the holy rabbi and proceeded to enjoy themselves at his expense. That storm was particularly brutal and the peasants remained in the inn for two weeks. After the snow cleared enough for passage, they thanked the teacher for his kindness and generosity and then left the inn to continue their journey.

Passover approached and the holy rabbi went to settle his account. The innkeeper figured he owed the teacher 40 rubles for teaching his children, but the teacher owed him 43 rubles for taking in the peasants. The innkeeper wished him a Happy Passover and said he could bring the three rubles upon his return after the holiday.

The teacher did not know what to say. He bid his employer farewell and left. He traveled to his village, but could not bring himself to go home. He stopped into one of the local synagogues, opened a holy book and immersed himself in study. In the meantime, his son heard that his father was in town and went looking for him. He found his father in the shul (synagogue).

The young boy ran to his father and with great emotion and begged his father to come home. He wanted to show his father his new Passover shoes and clothes and all the other things his mother had bought (on credit). This made the father only feel worse. As they walked home a carriage came rumbling through the streets. The streets of that village were very narrow and people were forced into alleyways to avoid being trampled. As the coach passed by the two, it hit a bump and a parcel fell off the back.

The holy rabbi picked it up and began running after the coach, but was unable to get the coachman’s attention. The coach turned a corner and disappeared. The holy rabbi, seeing no distinguishing marks on the bag (according to Torah law, in such a situation it may be presumed that the owner would relinquish all hope of its recovery, and the lost object may be kept by the finder), and realizing that there was no possible way for him to locate the owner, opened the parcel. Inside were exactly 43 rubles.

The night of the seder, the young boy was given the job to open the door for Elijah the Prophet. When he opened the door, he called to his father, “Father, the coachman is here!” There was no one there. The holy rabbi pulled his son aside and told him that he must promise never to tell anyone this story until the very last day of his life. And so it was many many years later when the holy rabbi’s son was on his death bed, he told this story.

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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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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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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Tea for Three

Posted on Thursday, 11, February, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The old chacham lived in a small apartment in the Old City of Jerusalem where he would study Torah all day. It was said that he knew many secrets of the revealed and hidden torah. For breakfast he would have only a cup of coffee and a roll, for lunch he would have a yogurt, and for supper he would have a bit of rice and soup. He explained to his family why he ate so little. “If one wishes to rise to a high level of spirituality, they should not indulge themself by eating big fancy meals. Therefore, I eat only what I need.”

The chacham’s son lived next door with his family and he had an unmarried daughter. She was very kind and when she opened “her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is upon her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26). She personally took care of her grandfather every day.

One evening, the young girl noticed two guests entering her grandfather’s apartment. “These men look like great Torah scholars,” she whispered to her mother. “The RaMbaM said that lemons can stimulate and refresh the body and mind. I will bring each of them a cup of hot lemon tea to refresh them.”

The girl brought three cups of lemon tea on a tray to her grandfather’s house. She carefully opened the door to his apartment. Her eyes opened wide. She could not believe what she saw. “How could this be?” she exclaimed in wonder. There was only one person sitting in the room — her grandfather. Three open sefarim (holy books) were on the table — one in front of him, and one in front of each of the other two chairs.

He, too, was surprised by his grandaughter’s presence. “Thank you for the tea even though I did not want you to bring it now. Now please, shut the door.”

She closed the door and ran back to her own house. “Mother, you will not believe what I just saw,” she said. “I saw two men enter Grandfather’s

house. I am sure that nobody left. Then, when I opened his door, only Grandfather was there. And there were three open sefarim on the table!”

What had actually happened became very clear. Her holy grandfather, the old chacham was learning together with two heavenly guests. Because of his humility, it was important to him that no one find out about this. He was upset that his secret had finally been discovered, but he also knew that his grand-daughter was on such a high spiritual level that she was able to see them.

Lemon Tea

Lemon Spiced Tea

8 cups water		1/2 cup honey
8 Black tea bags		¼ cup lemon juice
4 lemon-flavored tea bags		1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
6 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)		Lemon slices and additional cinnamon sticks

DIRECTIONS

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from the heat; add tea bags and cinnamon sticks. Cover and steep for 6 to 10 minutes.

Discard tea bags and cinnamon sticks. Stir in honey and extract if desired. Serve warm in mugs. Garnish with lemon slices and cinnamon sticks.

A man was charged with committing a serious crime against the king and was placed in prison until his trial. When it came time for him to stand trial, he was taken from his cell by one of the king’s guards to be escorted to the place of justice.

The king’s guard, suspecting that the prisoner might try to escape, took a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. He then placed one of the cuffs around the wrist of the prisoner and the other one around his own wrist. In this way, they marched through the city street.

A crowd of spectators gathered along the sides of the street to curse and make fun of the prisoner.

Insulted and humilated, the prisoner turned to the crowd and said, “You are making a mistake. He is not escorting me; rather, it is I who is es­corting him…”

This is precisely what we request in our morning prayers each day: “Let not the yetzer hara dominate us.”

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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How can one convince another to do such a foolish thing? He approached the simple man and offered him various types of foods and drink, in this way earning his trust. He then invited the simple man to go for a short walk outside the city.

As they neared the swamp, the young student turned to the simple man, pulled him aside and whispered to him, “I have a great secret which I am willing to share with you, but you must first promise me that you will not share it with anyone.”

The simple man promised.

“Are you familiar with the big swamp?” asked the young student.

“I certainly am,” responded the simple man, “But I heard that it is quite deep and marshy.”

“That is not true,” answered the young student. “And what’s more, you should know that a valuable treasure is hidden inside it…

“While there is a thin layer of mud that lies on the surface, if a person should leap in, he will avoid the mud and merit discovering an enor­mous treasure.”

When they arrived at the swamp, the simple man, believing the young student’s words, dived directly into the marshy swamp hoping to find the treasure.

“Help me!” called out the simple man as he sunk deep into the mud. “Get me out of here!”

The wisdom of old speaks to the simple man when it asks, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? (Proverbs 1:22)

The arrogance and lack of compassion is addressed in the holy writings when it teaches, “A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for one who understands.” (Proverbs 14:6) He learns but does not apply his knowledge to his everyday behaviour or life.

May we all be spared from the embarrassment and ridicule of the yetzer hara – the evil inclination.

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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“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?”

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.

Then, suddenly, as if in a dream, I heard those elusive words Shema Yisrael, HaShem Elokeinu, HaShem Echad! My whole being became alive again… such a sweet feeling. I made a vow that if the Almighty spared me and let me live, I would return to my Jewish faith with all my heart and soul.

“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:

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

Words were not necessary.

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

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

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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

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

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It happened once that a wealthy merchant, in the custom of the Jewish community, took care of all the needs of his newly married son and his wife. The son was of fine character and a good heart. He dedicated himself to helping the beggars and less fortunate of the village.

After a time, the young man and his wife were blessed with a son. In honor of the occasion, the happy grandfather arranged a great feast on the day of circumcision.

“Then again, suppose I were to do what you’re asking and seat the rich at the foot of the table. Don’t you think they’d feel insulted? They don’t come for the sake of the food, but for the honor. And if you don’t give them that what will they get?”

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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There once was a poor couple who were farmers, and they had a daughter they loved very much. One day, raiders came and wrecked their home and field. In all of the confusion, the little girl was lost. Her parents searched for her but sadly could not find her.

One day a wealthy merchant was traveling along the road when he met the young girl. She was sad and lost, and her eyes were red with tears, the merchant felt bad for her and invited her to come to his home. The merchant’s wife had always wanted a daughter.

The merchant and his wife raised the young girl with their son. They grew very close and, after some time, fell in love. The merchant did not consider the young girl as an appropriate match for his son, for she had no wealth, no education, and no family.

The wealthy merchant wanted to separate the young girl from his son and sent her to live as a servant to a hermit who lived deep in the forest. The hermit was a holy man who studied the Holy Books. He knew the revealed and hidden secrets of the Torah (Scriptures).

As time went by, the son of the wealthy merchant was betrothed to marry a girl chosen by his father. The news spread throughout the country about the wedding.

The intended bride, upon hearing about the young girl from the astonished messengers, claimed she was much more talented. She set out to prove herself better, but the poor girl was badly burnt by the flames of the oven.

Insulted and humilated, the prisoner turned to the crowd and said, “You are making a mistake. He is not escorting me; rather, it is I who is escorting him…”

“While there is a thin layer of mud that lies on the surface, if a person should leap in, he will avoid the mud and merit discovering an enormous treasure.”