A Bird Shall Carry the Voice

Posted on Monday, 27, December, 2010Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Once a Jewish merchant was traveling through a strange land and as he traveled the road through a mountain pass, he was attacked by a robber, who took away everything he had. After the robber striped him of everything, he told the merchant: “Now I am going to take your life, for if I let you live, you will tell the sheriff about me and if caught, I will be hanged. For that reason I will kill you, and then I shall feel safe.” The Jewish merchant begged with weeping eyes: “Let me live and I will not report you. If you kill me, the birds will betray you and you will lose your life.”

The robber laughed and said: “Birds, report me? I see that you are making fun of me.” Sadly the Jewish merchant replied : “No, I am not making fun of you, but it says in our Scriptures:

`The birds which fly between heaven and earth will reveal the secret’ (Eccl. 10:20).

You see the bird on that tree over there? He will report your crime.” Then the robber grew angry and said: “You are surely making fun of me,” and he killed the hapless merchant.

The robber went his way and came to an inn, where he asked for food and drink. The innkeeper brought him a plate of roasted birds. When the robber saw the birds, he began to laugh. The innkeeper, who stood near the table, seeing that the guest was laughing, asked him: “Why are you laughing? Since you are laughing to yourself, it must be something clever, so tell me what it is about.” The robber, thinking that no one would concern himself about the death of the Jewish merchant, told the innkeeper the experience he had with the Jewish merchant, and how he had made fun of him and told him that the birds of heaven would report him. That’s why, seeing the birds on the plate, he laughed. The innkeeper thought that the Jewish merchant had spoken the truth and said to himself: “As he killed a Jewish merchant, he no doubt did other things too, and is surely a murderer. For that reason it is my duty to report him.”

The innkeeper went to the mayor and told him that there was a man in his inn who had committed a murder. The mayor said to him: “Go home and I will be there soon.” The innkeeper returned home and sat down by his guest. In a quarter of an hour the mayor came in with three men and said to the murderer: “You are under arrest.” The robber was very much frightened and almost died for fear. He was thrown into prison and tortured until he confessed to the murder of the Jewish merchant and other murders besides. Then he was broken on the wheel, and in this way the words of the Jewish merchant that the birds would report him, came true.

Based on Shalsheles haKabalah 56b-57a

No One Understood

Posted on Sunday, 12, December, 2010Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

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

No One Understood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Raven and the Eagle

Posted on Wednesday, 1, December, 2010Wednesday, 20, December, 2023 by Rabbi

A hungry raven circled above a quiet river. Birds chirped merrily, and the wind blew pleasantly. It was a perfect spring day in an idyllic setting.

The raven had no interest in the beauty of nature. It was on the lookout for food. Anything would do — the carcass of a bird, a rabbit, or a field mouse.

Raven

You can imagine its joy when the smell of a dead cat reached its nostrils. The raven swooped off in the direction of the odor, cawing loudly in eager anticipation.

How happy it was when it came upon its prey.

Just as it was about to feed on this fat meal, a shadow fell across the ground. The raven looked up and saw an eagle flapping its great wings very slowly and swooping down towards him.

“I heard your cheery cawing,” said the king of birds. “Thank you for informing me of this juicy meal. And now, you may leave. I claim this carcass all for myself. If your life is dear to you, you would do well to remove yourself at once, unless you wish to become my dessert.”

Angry and disappointed, the raven lifted its wings and flew away, hunger gnawing at his belly.

“I’ve learned my lesson,” it said bitterly to itself. “It never pays to make too much noise.” For is it not taught:

“A bird of the air shall carry the voice.” (Ecclesiastes 10:20)

“Your secret is your prisoner. Once you reveal it, you are its prisoner.” (Mibhar haPeninim #321)

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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The Three Daughters and the Evil of Tale Bearing

Posted on Sunday, 28, November, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Once upon a time there lived a pious man, who had three daughters. The first one was a thief, the second was lazy and the third was a liar, who never spoke the truth and who slandered people whenever she had an opportunity.

One day a religious man, who had three sons, came to the city and said : “You have three daughters and I have three sons. Let us make a match between them.” But the father of the girls said: “Let me alone. My daughters are not good enough for your sons, for each one has a bad habit.” The father of the boys asked: “What are their bad habits?” The father of the girls replied: “One is a thief, the second is lazy, and the third is a lair.” The father of the boys asked: “Have they no other bad habits than these? If so I will cure them. Leave it to me.” So they were betrothed, and he took the girls with him and married them to his sons.

As soon as the weddings were over, he gave to the thief the keys to all his money and satisfied her greed so that she had no reason to steal. To the second he gave many servants so that she should have nothing to do. And as to the third, he fulfilled all her wishes, so that she should not tell lies or slander anybody. And whenever the father-in-law left her house, he embraced and kissed her, for he hoped that by being good to her he would cure her of her evil quality and she would not slander any more.

One day the father came to see how his daughters were getting on. So he went to the first one and asked her how she was getting along with her husband, and how she was treated by her parents-in-law. She replied: “I thank you so much, father, for having given me in marriage to this man, for I have everything that my heart desires. And moreover, I have all the keys in my hand so that I do not have to steal.”

Then he went to his lazy daughter and asked her how she was getting on. And she also said: “I am so thankful to you, father, for having brought me here, for I need not lift a hand, I have many servants to tend to my every need, and my husband and parents-in-law all treat me very well.”

Then he came to the daughter who told lies to ask her how she was getting along, and she said: “You are a fine father! I thought you gave me one husband but it seems you gave me two, the father and the son. For no sooner does my husband leave the house than my father-in-law comes in and kisses me and hugs me and wants me to do his will. Dear father, if you do not believe it, come tomorrow morning and you will see it is true.”

Speech Lashon Hara

Next morning the father came and she put him in a room where he could see what was going on. Her father-in-law came as usual and kissed her and embraced her and said to her: “My dear daughter-in-law, how are you getting on? Is there anything you want?” He did all this with the good intention of curing her of her bad habit, but her father who saw it, grew furious and rushed out of his chamber and killed him. Then he tried to get away, but when her two brothers-in-law came home and found their father lying dead, they killed their father-in-law.

Then the slanderer began to shout: “Murder! Murder!” and they understood it was through her that the tragedy had occurred. So they killed her too, and thus through slander three persons lost their lives.

You can see what an evil thing it is to go tale bearing and slandering and telling lies. The rabbis of old taught: Why is the evil tongue called a thrice-slaying tongue? Because it slays three persons: the person speaking, the person spoken to, and the person spoken of. And the proof? (Gen. R. 98:19; Y. Pesachim 1:1, 16a)

Listen well and learn how vicious is slander! It is more vicious than murder, adultery, and idolatry put together. In Scripture, each of these three transgressions is termed “great,” but slander is spoken of in the plural as “great things.” Thus, Cain said of murder, “My punishment is more great than I can bear” (Gen. 4:13); Joseph exclaimed of adultery, “How then can I do this great wickedness?” (Gen. 39:9); Moses said of idolatry, “Oh, this people have sinned a great sin” (Exod. 32:31). But of slander it is written, “The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaks great things” (Ps. 12:4), to tell you that slander is more vicious than the other three transgres sions. (MekiltaTehillim 52:2; B. Arachnin 15b)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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He Is the Healer of the Brokenhearted

Posted on Monday, 15, November, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

In a certain city lived an expert goldsmith who was unmatched when it came to setting gems. Ministers, barons and nobles from all across the land would send him precious stones and pearls that he would set in place with the greatest precision and skill. He was very successful and became very wealthy.

One day, the man broke his hand. He was no longer able to continue as a goldsmith and therefore set out to collect charity

“It would not befit you to do such a thing,” remarked those closest to him. “Should a skilled worker such as yourself, whose expertise was sought after day and night by all the barons in the land — now go and collect charity?”

“But what else should I do?” lamented the man. “My hand is broken, and I can no longer practice the trade that I formerly excelled in.”

“What does that mean, ‘you can no longer practice’?” asked his friends in amazement. “Go to a doctor and he will heal you your hand will be as good as new!”

A person is obligated to spend the days of his life engaged in the study of the Holy books and the performance of acts of kindness, and he must never let himself weaken in this area. There are times, however, when his heart offers him bad advice and lures him after meaningless endeavors. He must not listen this destructive council; rather, he must pray for mercy from the One Who is the Healer of the brokenhearted (see Psalms 147:3) imploring Hashem (G-d), “Create a pure heart for me, 0 G-d, and a steadfast spirit renew within me”(Psalm 51:12)

Prayer is possible in all times. We learn that “Out of the depths have I called upon you oh L-rd” (Psalms 130:1) Even when the distractions of the world attempts to interfere with a person’s prayer, they must strengthen themselves refuse to allow their mind to he diverted from prayer.

This can be compared to a young boy who was standing in the marketplace, holding a basket of apples that he was trying to sell.

He was suddenly approached by an individual who began to snatch the apples from the basket. The boy screamed with all his might, “Help! Help!”

A wise man passed by and said to the boy, “Why are you screaming? Instead of simply screaming, you should also grab as many apples as you can, before this man succeeds in snatching all of the apples before you manage to grab any…”

Sometimes an individual stands in prayer and the forces of evil tries with all of his might to distract him in order that he should not be able to pray with concentration. He may already be halfway through his prayers and not have concentrated on a single word.

It is worthwhile for a person to try and snatch a little bit for himself and pray the remainder of his prayers with great concentration. For if he does not do so, he will be left with nothing for himself.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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According to the Effort Is the Reward

Posted on Sunday, 7, November, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 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.

“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 all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Three Beloved Companions of the King

Posted on Sunday, 31, October, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A king had three loyal advisors who were very close to his heart. One day, the king was told that his trusted friends were plotting to rebel against him. He was further told that his friends made fun of him behind closed doors, and that the king had misjudged them and believed them to be true.

The king summoned his three friends and commanded each, one of them to take control of a dog from the royal kennels and to care for it for three months. After three months had passed, they were to return to the palace.

The king then instructed that any money that was needed to care for the dogs would be provided from the royal treasury to the three men.

The first man took the money but did not use any of it to care for the dog. Instead, he fed the dog his own leftover food and used the money to have a beautiful gold crown fashioned as a gift for the king.

The second man gave the dog just enough food in order for it to remain alive.

The third man, on the other hand, spent all of the money on food for the dog, and the dog grew so fat that it was unrecognizable. When the three months had passed, the friends came before the king.

The first man presented the king with the beautiful gift that he had purchased. The king was delighted and, in return, gave the man a reward from his treasury that was worth many times more than the crown.

The second man showed the king the weak and emaciated dog; the king sent him home without any reward whatsoever.

When the third man displayed the overweight dog, the king —furious over the fact that the man had wasted the money by spending it so unwisely snatched the dog away from him.

There are three types of individuals in the world: The first are the righteous, who do not derive any pleasure whatsoever from materialism and employ all of their powers in the service of Hashem. With the good deeds they perform, they fashion a beautiful crown for their Creator how great is their reward!

The second group consists of those individuals who derive just enough benefit from the world in order to sustain their bodies, not a drop more or less.

The third group consists of those who waste away all of their days, pursuing the delights of this world. In the next world they will be punished for investing all of their powers in order to feed their bodies.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Man’s Three Friends

Posted on Tuesday, 26, October, 2010Sunday, 7, January, 2024 by Rabbi

There are friends one has to his own hurt; but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)

A person had three friends. One friend was truly beloved, a second was also loved, but the third was often taken for granted. One day the man lost everything he owned. The king commanded him to appear before him immediately. The poor man was very frightened, wondering why the king would want to speak to him. In fear, he called upon each of his three friends to go with him to the king.

First, he turned to his closet friend, and was extremely disappointed when this friend said it would be impossible to go with him to visit the king.

He then turned to his second friend. “Will you go with me to the king?” This friend said, “I can go with you only up to the gates of the palace, but that is as far as I can go.”

Extremely sad, the man then turned to her third friend, the one to whom he had taken for granted. This friend said with assurance, “I will accompany you, but first I will go directly to the palace myself and plead for you with the king.”

Isaiah 58:8

The first friend reflects a person’s wealth, which cannot accompany you to the grave, as it is written, “Riches profit not in the day of reckoning.” The second friend represents a person’s relatives, who can only follow you to the grave site, as it is written, “No person can redeem his brother from death.” The third and last friend represents the good deeds of a person’s life. These never desert you and even precede you to plead your cause before the King of all Kings, as it is written, “And your righteousness shall go before you.” (Isaiah 58:8)

Adapted from Pirke de Rabbi Eliezer

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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Emperor Hadrian and His Desire to be Worshiped as a God

Posted on Monday, 18, October, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The Emperor Hadrian was a great warrior who conquered many lands and rule the vast Roman Empire. Having achieved such power, he ordered his servants to worship him as a god. The wise men among his servants said to him that he had no power over Jerusalem and the temple.

He said, Is it not written: “The L-rd is King (Is. 33: 22)

He traveled to Jerusalem and gathered his armies outside the walls of the Holy City. He called upon the people of Jerusalem to worship him as a god. Three wise men of Jerusalem came before him. One of them said: “Will you rebel against your master in His own house? Go out of His house and I will worship you as a god. For His house is heaven and earth and you are within His house. As long as you are within it I cannot worship you as a god.” The second said: “You say that you are god? G-d created heaven and earth and you too. You are nothing.” The third said: “Wait awhile, I have a message to send; after that I will worship you as a god.” Hadrian said: “What is it that you must do?” The wise man replied: “A ship of mine is now on the high seas and is about to sink.” Thereupon the king said: “I will send my ships at once to rescue yours.” The sage replied: “By the time your ship arrives, mine will have sunk. Do me the kindness and send a little wind to carry it forward.” The king replied: “Where shall I get the wind?” The sage said: “If you cannot command the wind, you are not a god, for it is written that G-d:

…created heaven and earth and the people upon it’ ” (Is. 42.5).

The king went home and told his wife all that had happened to him, and asked her to worship him as a god. She replied: “I will do it gladly, but you have a deposit which has been entrusted to you. Give up the deposit and I will do your will and worship you as a G-d.” Then the king asked: “What is the deposit?” His wife replied: “The soul which G-d gave you. Return it to the owner.” The king said: “If I give back my soul, what can I do without a soul?” The wife replied: “If you have no power over yourself, how can you have power over others and be a god?” When the emperor heard this, he felt ashamed and gave up his evil intention.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Noah was a Righteous Man…

Posted on Tuesday, 12, October, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

“Noah was a righteous man, faultless in his generation” (Gen. 6:9), but he became “a man of the soil” (Gen. 9:20) as “he planted a vineyard and he drank of the wine and became drunk…”(Gen. 9:20-1).

So many times we hear about parties where young people have fun. Part of that fun involves drinking and other behavior that they normally would not do.

Drinking can cause many problems and embarrassments as others just laugh. Many years ago our teachers of blessed memory taught:

When Noah got off of the ark one of the first things he did was to plant a vine. There was little in the world and he wanted to benefit from his grapes as soon as possible. As he began to plant the vine, a dark messenger came and stood before him and said to him: “What are you planting?” “A vine,” said he. “And what is that?” asked the dark messenger. “A vine,” explained Noah, “has fruit that is sweet both wet and dry, and from it men will make wine that makes their hearts joyful.” “Come,” said the dark messenger, “and let us both share in this wine.” “Let it be so,” said Noah.

And what did the dark messenger do? He fetched a lamb and slew it under the vine. After that he fetched a lion and slew it, and after that he fetched a an ape and slew it.. After that he fetched a pig and slew that that under the vineyard. And the blood of all these beasts dripped through that vineyard and watered it.

By this the dark messenger wished to let him know: As a person begins to drink wine, he is as innocent docile as a lamb. As he drinks more he becomes as brave as a lion and declares: There are none to compare with me in the world. When he drinks still more and becomes quite drunk, he becomes like an ape that stands and dances and plays and utters all kinds of terrible things in the presence of all people and does not have the slightest idea what he is doing. But once he drinks too much he becomes like a pig, wallowing in his own filth.

Now all those things happened to Noah the Righteous. And if it happened so with Noah the Righteous, whom the Holy and Blessed One Himself praised, how much more does it befall the rest of mankind!

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The robber laughed and said: “Birds, report me? I see that you are making fun of me.” Sadly the Jewish merchant replied : “No, I am not making fun of you, but it says in our Scriptures:

`The birds which fly between heaven and earth will reveal the secret’ (Eccl. 10:20).

You see the bird on that tree over there? He will report your crime.” Then the robber grew angry and said: “You are surely making fun of me,” and he killed the hapless merchant.

Based on Shalsheles haKabalah 56b-57a

No One Understood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

A hungry raven circled above a quiet river. Birds chirped merrily, and the wind blew pleasantly. It was a perfect spring day in an idyllic setting.

The raven had no interest in the beauty of nature. It was on the lookout for food. Anything would do — the carcass of a bird, a rabbit, or a field mouse.

You can imagine its joy when the smell of a dead cat reached its nostrils. The raven swooped off in the direction of the odor, cawing loudly in eager anticipation.

How happy it was when it came upon its prey.

Just as it was about to feed on this fat meal, a shadow fell across the ground. The raven looked up and saw an eagle flapping its great wings very slowly and swooping down towards him.

“I heard your cheery cawing,” said the king of birds. “Thank you for informing me of this juicy meal. And now, you may leave. I claim this carcass all for myself. If your life is dear to you, you would do well to remove yourself at once, unless you wish to become my dessert.”

Angry and disappointed, the raven lifted its wings and flew away, hunger gnawing at his belly.

“I’ve learned my lesson,” it said bitterly to itself. “It never pays to make too much noise.” For is it not taught:

“A bird of the air shall carry the voice.” (Ecclesiastes 10:20)

“Your secret is your prisoner. Once you reveal it, you are its prisoner.” (Mibhar haPeninim #321)

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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Once upon a time there lived a pious man, who had three daughters. The first one was a thief, the second was lazy and the third was a liar, who never spoke the truth and who sland­ered people whenever she had an opportunity.

Then he went to his lazy daughter and asked her how she was getting on. And she also said: “I am so thankful to you, father, for having brought me here, for I need not lift a hand, I have many servants to tend to my every need, and my husband and parents-in-law all treat me very well.”

Then the slanderer began to shout: “Murder! Murder!” and they understood it was through her that the tragedy had occurred. So they killed her too, and thus through slander three persons lost their lives.

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.

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One day, the man broke his hand. He was no longer able to con­tinue as a goldsmith and therefore set out to collect charity

“It would not befit you to do such a thing,” remarked those clos­est to him. “Should a skilled worker such as yourself, whose expertise was sought after day and night by all the barons in the land — now go and collect charity?”

“But what else should I do?” lamented the man. “My hand is broken, and I can no longer practice the trade that I formerly ex­celled in.”

“What does that mean, ‘you can no longer practice’?” asked his friends in amazement. “Go to a doctor and he will heal you your hand will be as good as new!”

Prayer is possible in all times. We learn that “Out of the depths have I called upon you oh L-rd” (Psalms 130:1) Even when the distractions of the world attempts to interfere with a person’s prayer, they must strengthen themselves refuse to allow their mind to he diverted from prayer.

This can be compared to a young boy who was standing in the marketplace, holding a basket of apples that he was trying to sell.

He was suddenly approached by an individual who began to snatch the apples from the basket. The boy screamed with all his might, “Help! Help!”

A wise man passed by and said to the boy, “Why are you scream­ing? Instead of simply screaming, you should also grab as many apples as you can, before this man succeeds in snatching all of the apples before you manage to grab any…”

Sometimes an individual stands in prayer and the forces of evil tries with all of his might to distract him in order that he should not be able to pray with concentration. He may already be halfway through his prayers and not have concentrated on a single word.

It is worthwhile for a person to try and snatch a little bit for himself and pray the remainder of his prayers with great concentration. For if he does not do so, he will be left with nothing for himself.

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

Comments and thoughts are always welcome. Tell us what you think about the stories

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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 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.

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

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

Once upon a time there lived a pious man, who had three daughters. The first one was a thief, the second was lazy and the third was a liar, who never spoke the truth and who slandered people whenever she had an opportunity.

One day, the man broke his hand. He was no longer able to continue as a goldsmith and therefore set out to collect charity

“It would not befit you to do such a thing,” remarked those closest to him. “Should a skilled worker such as yourself, whose expertise was sought after day and night by all the barons in the land — now go and collect charity?”

“But what else should I do?” lamented the man. “My hand is broken, and I can no longer practice the trade that I formerly excelled in.”

A wise man passed by and said to the boy, “Why are you screaming? Instead of simply screaming, you should also grab as many apples as you can, before this man succeeds in snatching all of the apples before you manage to grab any…”