Keep Away from any False Word

Posted on Thursday, 15, December, 2011Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There were once two brothers who lived in the South, and they were very wealthy. One of them married a wife, while the other devoted himself body and soul to serving the Holy One, blessed be He with all his heart and with all his soul. He went to the site of the Holy Temple and lived there, 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 Temple of the Holy One, blessed be He is like a mourner, I shall also behave like a mourner.”

On many an 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 clothes and had taken off all of 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. When his brother’s wife saw him, she felt ashamed in his presence and went away. In the courtyard grew a very tall tree, a kind of palm. A certain bird made its nest in the uppermost fronds of the tree. When she went away so her brother-in-law should not see her, 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 placed them in its nest.

When the husband returned from the market, he found his wife crying and tearing her hair. “Why are you crying?” He asked and she told him, “I was washing clothes and took my jewelry off and placed it down in front of me. A little later I looked for it but could not find it and I don’t not know who could’ve stolen it.” “Who entered the courtyard?” He asked. “The only one who came in that I know of,” said she, “was your brother and no one else could’ve taken.” “He abandoned and renounced all the contentment of this world,” said her husband, “and his inheritance and his money and all that belonged to him in order to go and serve the Holy One, blessed be He with full love, yet you say my brother was the one who stole your jewels?” At this, she advised, “take him before the sages and let him swear by an an oath.” He listened to his wife and went and looked for his brother and then led him to the sages and began to tell them the story, “this is what happened to the best of my knowledge.” They said to him, “if a man abandons all ease and contentment of this world, can he steal your wife’s jewels? Nobody like this saintly person is going to do such a thing.”

The matter came before Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai, and he said to the pious brother, “what do you say? Will you take an oath?” And he answered, “Yes, I will swear truly and have no fear of anything.” Then Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai said to him, “Satisfy him with your money and do not take an oath.” But he answered, “No, sadly, I must take an oath in order that people should not say that I am to be suspected of wrong doing.” And he was prepared to take an oath even though G-d might punish him for doing so.

Then Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai said to him, “Come back to me tomorrow morning.” And when he himself went home, he prayed, “L-rd of the universe, you are well aware of all that is hidden and you know about this matter. Deliver him from his 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 treetop you can find the thing of which the man has been suspected.” They went and found the jewelry there.

Rabbi Yochanan the Zakkai was very astonished at this. Since the pious brother had merely said that he would swear to the oath that he had not robbed or stolen had been suspected, how much more so one who swears falsely and profanes the Name of the Holy One, blessed be He that is why the Bible says, “And you shall not swear by My name falsely, and profane the name of your G-d” (Leviticus 19:12).

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

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Prayer, Scales and Rain

Posted on Monday, 24, October, 2011Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

One can always find comfort in their service to the Holy One, blessed be He as their emunah (faith) is strengthened.

One should serve the Holy One, blessed be He with modesty and humility. We learn in Kedushas Levi: “It is right that a person should be modest in their service of the Holy One, blessed be He, as it is written in the Morning Prayers, “Let a man fear the Lord in private….” But in order to lift up the holy sparks that are hidden in others, it may be necessary to reveal his own fear of the Holy One, blessed be He, for by this means he may turn them also to the fear of the Holy One, blessed be He. And this was the purpose of Israel’s wandering through the desert.””

One’s service to the Holy One, blessed be He is private and is no concern of others for no one can duplicate the service of one’s heart.

Many many years ago there was a drought in Eretz Yisrael. The skies were clear and the sun shined brightly. Water was scarce and the children cried from thirst.

The holy rabbi of Sfas called for a community fast and everyone was to be in the shul (synagogue) to prayer that haKadosh Baruch Hu (the Holy One, blessed be He) be merciful and bless the land with life giving rain.

The people prayed and fasted, but the skies stayed clear and no rain came.

That night as the rabbi slept he dreamed that the rains would come if the shopkeeper would lead the morning prayer.

In the morning when the rabbi woke, he dismissed the dream because the shopkeeper was not very learned and was not knowledgeable enough to lead the community in prayer. That day the sun’s heat was great

The same dream came to the rabbi again that night. This time he knew there was something special about the shopkeeper.

As everyone gathered in the shul (synagogue) in the morning, the rabbi called the shopkeeper and told him to lead everyone in prayer.

The shopkeeper looked at the rabbi and saw that he was serious and could not understand why he was to lead the prayer. The rabbi knew he could not even read all of the words of the morning prayers. The shopkeeper looked into the rabbi’s eyes once more and then burst out of the shul.

Many saw the shopkeeper as he ran out of the shul with his tallis (prayer shawl) waving behind. After sometime he returned carrying something hidden in his tallis. He went up to the aron kodesh (cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept).

The shopkeeper opened the aron kodesh, kissed the sefer Torah and then removed from under his tallis the scales from his shop. Silence fell over the shul as the shopkeeper raised his hands towards the shamayim and began “Ribbono shel olam, Master of the Universe, hear me now. If I have ever mistreated anyone in my shop, let these scales be witness against me. Every day when I look at these scales I see Your holy name. As I look at the right pan I see a “yud”, the right pan and arm, a “hay”; the center post, a “vov”; and the left arm and pan, a “hay”. When I see Your holy name I think of the Torah and the many wonders You have provided to b’nai Yisrael. In your infinite mercy please grant the rains so that the people of Israel can sing your praises.

The skies grew dark and the rains came. The people wondered and asked the holy rabbi why this simple shopkeeper’s prayer was answered and not that of the community.

The holy rabbi answered that one should serve The Holy One, blessed be He with modesty and humility and many times our daily avodah becomes mechanical and it done by rote. The shopkeeper sees the greatness of The Holy One, blessed be He everyday and therefore serves him always in the words of the shema, “b’chol levavacha, uva’chol nasfshacha, uva’chol me’odecha (with all your heart, and all your soul and all your might)”

Let us all pray we can find comfort in our daily prayers as did the simple shopkeeper did many years ago in Sfas.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Dirty Treasure

Posted on Wednesday, 5, October, 2011Monday, 19, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A wealthy man was set to embark on a lengthy journey to a distant land. He therefore packed many belongings, as well as food for the way, piling everything into his magnificent coach.

Before he set out on his journey, he called his loyal servant and explained, “I am leaving my home for an extended period of time, and I am appointing you to faithfully watch over it. I have but one request: that you take extraordinary care of my private office, as its contents are very dear to me. Please take extra-special care of it!” The servant agreed, and the wealthy man boarded his coach and set off.

When the clouds of dust from the coach settled, the servant entered the house and thought, “I wonder why my master ordered that I carefully guard his private office, there must be an item of great value hidden inside.”

The servant entered the wealthy man’s office and found a huge wooden chest sitting in the corner. The chest immediately caught his eye.

The servant opened the chest and saw a beautiful treasure consisting of silver and gold, precious gems, and pearls. But much to his surprise, the entire treasure was covered with mud.

“How odd,” the servant thought to himself. “On one hand, my master cautioned me to take special care of his precious treasure, yet on the other hand, he himself is so careless with it that he allows it to become filthy with mud.”

So it is with man. When the time will come for man to stand in judgment before the Heavenly Court, the innermost parts of his heart are examined. Were the thoughts in his heart pure, and did he serve G-d with love and honesty? For the heart is the most precious treasure contained within man’s body, and if it is revealed that his heart is covered with filth and mud, it is clue to the mundane thoughts that fill it.

How terrible will his humiliation and shame be at that moment.

Therefore, during Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur we beseech the Holy One, blessed be He “who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do” (Ps. 33:15) Create in me a pure heart, O G-d, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Ps. 51:10) — Master of the Universe, please make our hearts contain only love and awe for you and not any alien thoughts!

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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Torah/Scriptures More Valuable than Wealth

Posted on Wednesday, 14, September, 2011Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

One day, a great rabbi and teacher traveled abroad. Along the way he met a man who greeted him and the rabbi returned the greeting. Then the man asked: “Holy rabbi, where do you come from?” The rabbi answered: I come from a town where there are only scholars and scribes.” Then the man asked: “Would it be the will of G-d that you could live in our city, I would gladly give you 100,000 gold coins, pearls and precious stones.”

The rabbi thought for a moment and replied: “My dear son, if you would give me all the money and all the jewels that are in the whole world, I would not live in a place in which there is no Torah (Scripture). I would live only where there is study of the Holy Word; for when a man dies, there goes with him neither gold nor silver nor precious stones, but the Torah (Scriptures) accompanies him to the other world, as we find it written in the verse of the Bible (Prov. 6:22): “When you go into the other world, it (the Scriptures) will guide you and will follow you even to your grave, where it will keep guard over you, and when you wake up, in the other world, it will plead for you before the L-rd!” Therefore I ask not for money; as King David said in his book of Psalms. G-d said to David: “Your study of the Law is much dearer to Me than 100,000 gold coins” (Ps. 119:72). And G-d says further: “All the silver and all the gold are Mine, and I can make rich whomever I wish” ‘ (Hag. 2:8).

Therefore a person should always study the Torah (Scriptures) and not run after silver or gold. For even when a person thinks he has much money, G-d can cause him to lose it in the twinkling of an eye. And when a person studies the Torah, G-d can make him rich. Therefore every man should try to increase his knowledge of the Torah (Scriptures) and should trust and confide in G-d Almighty, who can always provide for him.

based on Avos 6:8

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Debts and Faith

Posted on Tuesday, 6, September, 2011Sunday, 23, July, 2023 by Rabbi

A wealthy merchant made known that anyone in his city in need of a loan should come to him, and he would receive the entire sum that he needed.

Upon hearing of the wealthy merchant’s offer, many people came to his home. The wealthy merchant sat at his desk with his notepad open in front of him. He gave each person the sum of money that he needed and then jotted down the amount in his notepad. Sometime later, the wealthy merchant realized that of all the people he had lent money to, not one had paid him back.

It happened that one of the people who had borrowed money truly did not have the means of repaying the debt. He decided to go to the wealthy merchant and explain why he was late in returning his money. He hoped that the man would be kindhearted and understand his situation.

We are all indebted to the Holy One, blessed be He for the abundance of kindness that He showers upon us at each and every moment. But due to our small stature and limited skills and faith, we are incapable of repaying that debt. What we can do, though, is speak to others and inspire them regarding matters of faith, reminding them that they, too, are indebted to the Holy One, blessed be He.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

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The Shepherd’s Flute

Posted on Tuesday, 30, August, 2011Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Many times we ask: “What is prayer?” It is indeed a difficult question to answer, but are we not taught: Only that man’s prayer is answered who lifts his hands with his heart in them. Taanis 8a

Another thought: Every word of your prayer is like a rose which you pick from its bush. You continue until you have formed a bouquet of blessings until you have pleated a wreath of beauty and glory to G-d.

A shepherd once grappled with the question of payer:

There once was a Jewish shepherd who was very simple and had very little understanding of Jewish prayer and traditions. Everyday he would go out to the fields with the sheep and as he watched the flock, he would sit on a rock and play upon his flute.

As the Jewish Holidays neared he saw many people traveling on the road going to the nearby city. Each day more and more people traveled down the road. The shepherd asked the travelers what was so special that they were going to the city for.

“We are on the way to a holy rabbi, to spend the holidays with the tzaddik,(a pious and righteous man), and pray that the Holy One, blessed be He answer our prayers with goodness, mercy and health.”

“Why is this so important?” asked the shepherd.

“Come with us and see how special the holy rabbi is”

The boy was uncomfortable, for you see he did not know how to pray. He only knew that he was Jewish and that there is a G-d who provides for all our needs. Not knowing what to do, the boy went into the woods with his flute to think and play a soulful melody. He thought and thought for a long time and decided to go with the people to meet this special rabbi.

The shepherd left the woods and the fields behind him as he walked down the road to the city. He did not know what to expect. He felt everyone knew more than him. He could not pray and did not even know the language of prayer.

He slowly made his way to the old wooden shul (synagogue) and saw that everyone was deep in prayer. The holy rabbi looked so sad. The shepherd carefully watched the holy rabbi who stood under his large tallis (prayer shawl) in front of the shul. It covered his head and body, and the boy saw him swaying gently back and forth. The shepherd began to sway as he thought to himself, “the grain in the field moves with the wind out of respect for the Creator of all things and this is how everything in the world is holy.”

The shepherd sat when everyone else sat he stood up when they stood up, but the holy rabbi was different. He seemed to be shivering and standing most of the time. The young boy felt that each person in the old wooden shul (synagogue) was able to pray to G-d but not him. At one point, every one was standing up and it was so quiet in the shul that the shepherd could actually hear his very own heart beating. He looked at the holy rabbi and saw on the floor a wet spot, the rabbi was crying. He felt an urge to do something, but what could he do? He could not read Hebrew, he knew no prayer. With streams of his own tears, he pulled out his flute and played a soulful tune to the holy One, blessed be He.

As he began his melody, the people in the shul (synagogue) were shocked. They turned in anger to look at this terrible violation of the holy prayer service. As they shouted at him to stop this terrible thing, the boy looked terrified. The holy rabbi, ran up to the boy and said, “Sha shtil (quiet, be still) no one is to say anything harsh to this boy for it is because of him that the blessings of Heaven are possible this day.”

The people were awed of the tzaddik’s words, as he explained “All day we have prayed, but not one prayer ascended to the heavens. The gates of the heaven were closing as the holiday was ending when suddenly, this boy in his innocence and pure heart and tears began to play his flute. He prayed with all his heart, with all his soul and with all his might and the doors of heaven opened up and our prayers were accepted.”

“We should learn from this simple shepherd and his prayer.” He took the young boy by the hand and led him to the front of the shul (synagogue) and together under the holy rabbi’s tallis they finished their prayers.

Everyone can pray with true devotion. Let us just open ourselves up and let our prayers and thoughts rise to G-d, for He hears all prayers.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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Prayer and Comfort: Nachamu Nachamu Ami

Posted on Friday, 12, August, 2011Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

After three weeks of sadness and Tisha b’Av, a time of remembering the loss and destruction of the Holy temple in Jerusalem, the words “Nachamu, nachamu ami, Comfort ye, comfort ye my people” (Isaiah 40:1) ring out in synagogues this Shabbos throughout the world.

One can always find comfort in their service to Hashem as their emunah (faith) is strengthened.

One should serve Hashem (G-d) with modesty and humility. We learn in Kedushas Levi: “It is right that a person should be modest in their service of Hashem, as it is written in the Morning Prayers, “Let a man fear the Lord in private….” But in order to lift up the holy sparks that are hidden in others, it may be necessary to reveal his own fear of Hashem, for by this means he may turn them also to the fear of Hashem. And this was the purpose of Israel’s wandering through the desert.””

One’s service to Hashem (G-d) is private and is no concern of others for no one can duplicate the service of one’s heart.

Many many years ago there was a drought in Eretz Yisrael (the lad of Israel). The skies were clear and the sun shined brightly. Water was scarce and the children cried from thirst.

The holy rabbi of Sfas called for a community fast and everyone was to be in the shul to prayer that the Holy One, blessed be He be merciful and bless the land with life giving rain.

The people prayed and fasted, but the skies stayed clear and no rain came.

That night as the rabbi slept he dreamed that the rains would come if the shopkeeper would lead the morning prayer.

In the morning when the rabbi woke, he dismissed the dream because the shopkeeper was not very learned and was not knowledgeable enough to lead the community in prayer. That day the sun’s heat was great.

The same dream came to the rabbi again that night. This time he knew there was something special about the shopkeeper.

As everyone gathered in the shul in the morning, the rabbi called the shopkeeper and told him to lead everyone in prayer.

The shopkeeper looked at the rabbi and saw that he was serious and could not understand why he was to lead the prayer. The rabbi knew he could not even read all of the words of the morning prayers. The shopkeeper looked into the rabbi’s eyes once more and then burst out of the shul.

Many saw the shopkeeper as he ran out of the shul with his tallis waving behind. After sometime he returned carrying something hidden in his tallis. He went up to the aron kodesh.

The shopkeeper opened the aron kodesh, kissed the sefer Torah and then removed from under his tallis the scales from his shop. Silence fell over the shul as the shopkeeper raised his hands towards the shamayim (heavens) and began “Ribbono shel olam, Master of the Universe, hear me now. If I have ever mistreated anyone in my shop, let these scales be witness against me. Every day when I look at these scales I see Your holy name. As I look at the right pan I see a “yud”, the right pan and arm, a “hay”; the center post, a “vov”; and the left arm and pan, a “hay”. When I see Your holy name I think of the Torah and the many wonders You have provided to b’nai Yisrael. In your infinite mercy please grant the rains so that the people of Israel can sing your praises.

The skies grew dark and the rains came. The people wondered and asked the holy rabbi why this simple shopkeeper’s prayer was answered and not that of the community.

The holy rabbi answered that one should serve Hashem with modesty and humility and many times our daily avodah (service) becomes mechanical and it done by rote. The shopkeeper sees the greatness of Hashem (G-d) everyday and therefore serves him always in the words of the shema, “b’chol levavacha, uva’chol nasfshacha, uva’chol me’odecha (with all your heart, and all your soul and all your might)”

Let us all pray we can find comfort in our daily prayers as did the simple shopkeeper did many years ago in Sfas.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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Tisha B’Av and Teshuvah

Posted on Monday, 8, August, 2011Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Tisha B’Av, the Fast of the Ninth of Av is a day of mourning to commemorate the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people, many of which coincidentally have occurred on the ninth of Av.

Tisha B’Av primarily commemorates the destruction of the first and second Holy Temples which stood in the holy city of Jerusalem, both of which were destroyed on the ninth of Av (the first by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E.; the second by the Romans in 70 C.E.). It is also appropriate to consider on this day the many other tragedies of the Jewish people, many of which occurred on this day, most notably the expulsion of the Jewish people from Spain in 1492.

Though we remember the tragedies and are saddened by them, it is a time of joy. One should not be overcome by the sadness, but remember that the Holy One, blessed be He hears the prayers from our broken hearts and provides us with many opportunities.

It once happened that some rabbis walked through the holy city of Jerusalem everyday, and when they came upon the Western Wall they would remember the Holy Temple and cry.

One day as they approached the place of the destroyed Holy Temple, they saw a strange sight. There was a man singing and dancing. The rabbis went to the man and asked him, “don’t you know what this spot is?” The man answered not, he just continued to sing and dance. “Have you no respect? Do you not mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple?” The man answered not, he just continued to sing and dance. The rabbis became angry and began to scold the man.

The man stopped his singing and dancing, turned and faced the rabbis. “Rabbis, holy rabbis, you ask about my behavior, but understand not. I sing and dance because it says in the Holy Torah that we should love G-d with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our might. See the greatness of G-d who takes his anger out on wood and stone and lets us do teshuvah (repent), continue to do good deeds and study Torah.”

The rabbis left the man to his singing and dancing and realized that Torah is the basis of life.

May all your
tales end with Shalom (peace)

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According to the Exertion Is the Reward

Posted on Wednesday, 27, July, 2011Sunday, 29, October, 2023 by Rabbi

A king wished to build a magnificent palace for himself, the likes of which had never before been seen. The king’s officers therefore hired a world-renowned architect who was known to be an expert in his field.

The architect was brought before the king and, shortly thereafter, presented him an extraordinary blueprint for a palace that would be both enormous and awe-inspiring.

The blueprint found favor in the eyes of the king, and he gave orders to commence construction at once. He had but one request to make of the architect, however: He desired that the palace be completed on the anniversary of his ascension to the throne. He would then stage a gala celebration, during which the new palace would be dedicated.

The builders expended much effort and, indeed, a glorious new palace, whose beauty was unmatched by any other edifice, stood completed one month before the designated time.

In order to paint the palace walls, the king hired four expert painters. Each one was assigned one wall and was instructed to paint it with vibrant and cheerful colors.

Three out of the four painters began working immediately. They mixed colors together and decorated the walls with many wonderful designs and patterns. One of the painters, however, sat carelessly by and did not begin painting.

“Why have you not begun working?” asked one of the painters. “If you do not start now, you will be unable to finish in time!”

“Don’t worry,” responded the painter. “I will have plenty of time to finish.”

Nearly one month later, the three painters had produced walls of sheer beauty; a fantastic kaleidoscope of colors blended harmoniously into matching patterns that were amazing to behold. The fourth wall, however, stood embarrassingly empty of any color or magnificence whatsoever.

One day before the king’s anniversary, the painter went to the palace and hung large mirrors on the fourth wall that reflected the other three walls. Now the fourth wall appeared to be painted as well, and it looked quite splendid.

When the king entered the palace and beheld its sheer beauty, he was ecstatic. Wishing to show his appreciation for his workers’ efforts, the king ordered his servants to bring in three bags filled with gold coins and jewelry.

He then instructed them to hang the bags on the three painted walls.

“Here you go,” said the king to the painters. “Your reward is hanging on the wall that you painted.”

“But what about my reward?” asked the clever fourth painter. “Your reward,” answered the king, “is reflected in the mirror that you hung on the wall…”’

The lesson of this story is quite clear – “the reward is in proportion to the exertion” (Pirkei Avos 5:26)

May the L-rd reward you for your deeds, and may you have a full reward from the L-rd, (Ruth 2:12)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

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Rags to Riches

Posted on Sunday, 3, July, 2011Tuesday, 18, June, 2024 by Rabbi

A king’s son was once walking along the way when he reached a fork in the road. Suddenly, a band of thieves attacked him, intent on murdering him. Much to his good fortune, however, a poor man dressed in rags happened to be walking along the road at that very moment. When he saw the thieves, he gathered up his courage and in a display of great strength, set upon the thieves with his walking stick and saved the king’s son.

Upon hearing of the poor man’s brave deeds, the king had him summoned before him. When the poor man arrived, the king thanked him and exclaimed, “As a reward for having saved my son, I hereby permit you to spend an entire day in the royal treasury; you may take anything that your heart desires.”

When the gates of the royal treasury were opened for the poor man, he joyously fell upon the massive piles of gold and diamonds and began to gather all that he could.

When evening settled in and the poor man left the royal treasury, he had completely changed. In one day, he had gone from being a destitute beggar to a very wealthy man. The next day, this former poor man went into business, and in a short while he became extremely successful. He now became one of the wealthiest men in the land, and he completely forgot about his former life of poverty.

Every year, the former poor man staged a huge feast on the day that he had been blessed with the good fortune of entering the royal treasury. He invited all of his friends and relatives to the feast, and it was a custom that lasted for many years.

One year in the middle of the feast, the wealthy man turned to his friends and asked, “Which day of my life do you think was the happiest of all for me?”

“It must be this very day,” responded the guests. “This day on which you have made a feast for all of your friends must be the happiest day of your life! After all, on this day your palace is decorated, your servants surround you, and all of the distinguished individuals in the land accord you great honor!”

Jewish Feast

“You are mistaken,” said the wealthy man. “While this day is certainly one of great joy, it is but a remembrance of the day on which I was remade, literally transformed from a lowly beggar in ragged clothing to a man possessing enormous wealth. That day was the happiest of my life:

“I spent that entire day,” he continued, “inside the royal treasury. I felt neither hunger nor weariness; rather, it was as if my complete being was focused on only one goal — amassing the valuables that lay inside the treasury. The more valuables I amassed, the more joy I reaped. I have yet to experience a happier day than that one.”

So it is with us, the Holy One, blessed be He grants a person life as a gift. Throughout his life, man has the ability to amass as many good deeds and acts of kindness as his heart desires.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

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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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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One can always find comfort in their service to the Holy One, blessed be He as their emunah (faith) is strengthened.

One’s service to the Holy One, blessed be He is private and is no concern of others for no one can duplicate the service of one’s heart.

Many many years ago there was a drought in Eretz Yisrael. The skies were clear and the sun shined brightly. Water was scarce and the children cried from thirst.

The holy rabbi of Sfas called for a community fast and everyone was to be in the shul (synagogue) to prayer that haKadosh Baruch Hu (the Holy One, blessed be He) be merciful and bless the land with life giving rain.

The people prayed and fasted, but the skies stayed clear and no rain came.

That night as the rabbi slept he dreamed that the rains would come if the shopkeeper would lead the morning prayer.

In the morning when the rabbi woke, he dismissed the dream because the shopkeeper was not very learned and was not knowledgeable enough to lead the community in prayer. That day the sun’s heat was great

The same dream came to the rabbi again that night. This time he knew there was something special about the shopkeeper.

As everyone gathered in the shul (synagogue) in the morning, the rabbi called the shopkeeper and told him to lead everyone in prayer.

The shopkeeper looked at the rabbi and saw that he was serious and could not understand why he was to lead the prayer. The rabbi knew he could not even read all of the words of the morning prayers. The shopkeeper looked into the rabbi’s eyes once more and then burst out of the shul.

Many saw the shopkeeper as he ran out of the shul with his tallis (prayer shawl) waving behind. After sometime he returned carrying something hidden in his tallis. He went up to the aron kodesh (cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept).

The skies grew dark and the rains came. The people wondered and asked the holy rabbi why this simple shopkeeper’s prayer was answered and not that of the community.

Let us all pray we can find comfort in our daily prayers as did the simple shopkeeper did many years ago in Sfas.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

A wealthy man was set to embark on a lengthy journey to a dis­tant land. He therefore packed many belongings, as well as food for the way, piling everything into his magnificent coach.

When the clouds of dust from the coach settled, the servant entered the house and thought, “I wonder why my master ordered that I carefully guard his private office, there must be an item of great value hidden inside.”

The servant entered the wealthy man’s office and found a huge wooden chest sitting in the corner. The chest immediately caught his eye.

The servant opened the chest and saw a beautiful treasure consisting of silver and gold, precious gems, and pearls. But much to his surprise, the entire treasure was covered with mud.

“How odd,” the servant thought to himself. “On one hand, my master cautioned me to take special care of his precious treasure, yet on the other hand, he himself is so careless with it that he allows it to become filthy with mud.”

How terrible will his humiliation and shame be at that moment.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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based on Avos 6:8

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

A wealthy merchant made known that anyone in his city in need of a loan should come to him, and he would receive the entire sum that he needed.

It happened that one of the people who had borrowed money truly did not have the means of repaying the debt. He decided to go to the wealthy merchant and explain why he was late in returning his money. He hoped that the man would be kindhearted and understand his situation.

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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Many times we ask: “What is prayer?” It is indeed a difficult question to answer, but are we not taught: Only that man’s prayer is answered who lifts his hands with his heart in them. Taanis 8a

Another thought: Every word of your prayer is like a rose which you pick from its bush. You continue until you have formed a bouquet of blessings until you have pleated a wreath of beauty and glory to G-d.

A shepherd once grappled with the question of payer:

There once was a Jewish shepherd who was very simple and had very little understanding of Jewish prayer and traditions. Everyday he would go out to the fields with the sheep and as he watched the flock, he would sit on a rock and play upon his flute.

As the Jewish Holidays neared he saw many people traveling on the road going to the nearby city. Each day more and more people traveled down the road. The shepherd asked the travelers what was so special that they were going to the city for.

“We are on the way to a holy rabbi, to spend the holidays with the tzaddik,(a pious and righteous man), and pray that the Holy One, blessed be He answer our prayers with goodness, mercy and health.”

“Why is this so important?” asked the shepherd.

“Come with us and see how special the holy rabbi is”

The shepherd left the woods and the fields behind him as he walked down the road to the city. He did not know what to expect. He felt everyone knew more than him. He could not pray and did not even know the language of prayer.

“We should learn from this simple shepherd and his prayer.” He took the young boy by the hand and led him to the front of the shul (synagogue) and together under the holy rabbi’s tallis they finished their prayers.

Everyone can pray with true devotion. Let us just open ourselves up and let our prayers and thoughts rise to G-d, for He hears all prayers.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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After three weeks of sadness and Tisha b’Av, a time of remembering the loss and destruction of the Holy temple in Jerusalem, the words “Nachamu, nachamu ami, Comfort ye, comfort ye my people” (Isaiah 40:1) ring out in synagogues this Shabbos throughout the world.

One can always find comfort in their service to Hashem as their emunah (faith) is strengthened.

One’s service to Hashem (G-d) is private and is no concern of others for no one can duplicate the service of one’s heart.

Many many years ago there was a drought in Eretz Yisrael (the lad of Israel). The skies were clear and the sun shined brightly. Water was scarce and the children cried from thirst.

The holy rabbi of Sfas called for a community fast and everyone was to be in the shul to prayer that the Holy One, blessed be He be merciful and bless the land with life giving rain.

The people prayed and fasted, but the skies stayed clear and no rain came.

That night as the rabbi slept he dreamed that the rains would come if the shopkeeper would lead the morning prayer.

In the morning when the rabbi woke, he dismissed the dream because the shopkeeper was not very learned and was not knowledgeable enough to lead the community in prayer. That day the sun’s heat was great.

The same dream came to the rabbi again that night. This time he knew there was something special about the shopkeeper.

As everyone gathered in the shul in the morning, the rabbi called the shopkeeper and told him to lead everyone in prayer.

The shopkeeper looked at the rabbi and saw that he was serious and could not understand why he was to lead the prayer. The rabbi knew he could not even read all of the words of the morning prayers. The shopkeeper looked into the rabbi’s eyes once more and then burst out of the shul.

Many saw the shopkeeper as he ran out of the shul with his tallis waving behind. After sometime he returned carrying something hidden in his tallis. He went up to the aron kodesh.

The skies grew dark and the rains came. The people wondered and asked the holy rabbi why this simple shopkeeper’s prayer was answered and not that of the community.

Let us all pray we can find comfort in our daily prayers as did the simple shopkeeper did many years ago in Sfas.

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)

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

Tisha B’Av, the Fast of the Ninth of Av is a day of mourning to commemorate the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people, many of which coincidentally have occurred on the ninth of Av.

Though we remember the tragedies and are saddened by them, it is a time of joy. One should not be overcome by the sadness, but remember that the Holy One, blessed be He hears the prayers from our broken hearts and provides us with many opportunities.

It once happened that some rabbis walked through the holy city of Jerusalem everyday, and when they came upon the Western Wall they would remember the Holy Temple and cry.

The rabbis left the man to his singing and dancing and realized that Torah is the basis of life.

A wealthy man was set to embark on a lengthy journey to a distant land. He therefore packed many belongings, as well as food for the way, piling everything into his magnificent coach.

May all your
tales end with Shalom (peace)

Nearly one month later, the three painters had produced walls of sheer beauty; a fantastic kaleidoscope of colors blended harmoniously into matching patterns that were amazing to behold. The fourth wall, however, stood embarrassingly empty of any color or magnificence whatsoever.