Holy Books and Holy Study

Posted on Tuesday, 2, February, 2021Tuesday, 26, December, 2023 by Rabbi

The holy man was preparing to teach a Bible study. He used many books so that his lesson could be understood by everyone, but he also wove into his lesson deep spiritual messages. He reached over to the shelf at his side for a book he needed, and then remembered that he had left it downstairs in the living room. His little daughter was playing in her bedroom, and he called her. She came, running, eager and delighted at the thought that her father needed her. He carefully explained where she could find the book. She ran off so happy she could help her father. She quickly returned with a book which the holy man saw at a glance was the wrong one.

Psalms 144:12

He hardly looked at the book as he took it and laid it on the table. He looked only at the excited face of his daughter, and her bright smile. Gathering her close to his heart, he kissed her and said, ”Thank you, my little angel.” When she had gone back happy and very content to her play he went quietly for the book he needed.

Such a holy man could teach magnificent and wonderful things to all who would watch and listen.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

A Father’s Burden

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

It is an honour for children and fathers to be with one another (Exodus Rabbah 34:3)

A young boy was helping his father move some books out of room to a large bookshelf downstairs. It was important to this little boy that he was helping his father, even though he was probably getting in the way and slowing things down more than he was really helping. That boy had a wise and patient father who knew it was much more important to work together with his young son than it was to move a pile of books efficiently.

Among the many books, there were some very large heavy books, and it was a hard for the boy to get them down the stairs. As a matter of fact, on one particular load, the boy dropped his pile of books several times. Finally, he sat down on the stairs and cried because he was ashamed and disappointed in himself. He wasn’t doing well at all. He just wasn’t strong enough to carry the big books down the steps. It hurt him to think he couldn’t do this for his father. All he wanted to do was help his father and make him proud.

Without a word, the father picked up the dropped load of books, put them into the boy’s arms, and scooped up both the boy and the books into his arms and carried them down the stairs. They continued doing this for load after load, both enjoying each other’s company very much. The boy carrying the books, the father carrying the boy.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

A Bundle of Greens

Posted on Friday, 25, December, 2020Tuesday, 30, January, 2024 by Rabbi

Mottel the Vassertreyger was a simple man who was not well versed in Torah and didn’t know the meaning of most of his daily prayers, but he always prayed with the minyan (prayer quorum) and was careful to respond to all the prayers repeated by the prayer leader. He never talked about worldly matters in the shul (synagogue), and he always respected and honored Torah scholars and rabbis.

Mottel the Vassertreyger worked hard and managed to make a decent living. He had four steady customers who were wealthy merchants who paid him very well for his services.

One day, maggid (spiritual storyteller) came to the village. The maggid met with many of the village laborers and told them Jewish stories of faith. He would also speak to them about how much the Holy One, blessed be He was pleased with the sincere prayers and simple faith of ordinary Jewish people.

Mottel the Vassertreyger was guiding his wagon with its full barrel of water through the center of town, when he spotted his friend Yankel Tsushtelnvaser along with some other men, gathered around a simply dressed traveler and listening carefully to catch his every word.

His interest sparked, Mottel the Vassertreyger went over to join the circle of listeners. The maggid told a story of a wealthy man who lived in the days when the Beis haMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem still stood.

“A wealthy man was taking a fattened ox to the Beis haMikdash for a sacrifice. It was a huge animal, and when it decided, for reasons of its own, to stop still in its tracks, nobody was able to convince it to walk further towards their destination. No amount of pushing and prodding could make that animal budge.

“A poor man who was on his way home was watching the scene. In his hand was a bunch of freshly picked greens. These he now held to the muzzle of the ox, and when the animal began to nibble, he drew them away and, in this way, led the animal to its destination at the Holy Beis haMikdash.

“That night the owner of the ox had a dream. In his dream he heard a voice which called out, ‘The sacrifice of the poor man, who gave up the bundle of greens he was bringing to his poor family, was a more desirable sacrifice than your fattened ox.’

“The wealthy man brought a large fattened ox for a burnt-offering. He was so joyful at being able to bring such an animal that he also brought a lamb for a peace-offering and made a huge feast for his family and friends. He also distributed the gifts to the community. His joy was so intense that he held back nothing. The poor man, on the other hand, had only a bunch of greens to bring home for his family. What were his few stalks compared to the fattened animal of the wealthy man?

Mottel the Vassertreyger’s mind knew no rest. How he longed to be able to do a mitzvah like the poor man in the story, with pure intention and a joyful overflowing heart! The weeks passed and still Mottel the Vassertreyger knew no peace, as his heart ached with the desire to be able to do such a mitzvah.

One day, as Mottel the Vassertreyger was delivering water to one of his wealthy customers, he had an idea, an idea so perfect that his whole being became flushed with a great sense of pleasure and relief. Mottel the Vassertreyger’s four wealthy customers provided him with half of his livelihood, since they paid him far more than the going rate for a barrel of water. On the other hand, his friend Reb Zalman Dov supplied the town’s four shuls (synagogues), which paid him half-price for their water. “I can exchange four of my customers for four of his,” thought Mottel the Vassertreyger. “Four wealthy homes for four shuls (synagogues).” He was anxious to serve G‑d by providing the water that the people would wash their hands with. Certainly, the mitzvah was of more value than the profits he would give up.

He went home and told his wife about the story he heard from the visiting storyteller, and how doing a mitzvah with joy is like bringing a sacrifice in the Holy Beis haMikdash, even though it no longer stands. His wife readily agreed to the idea, as did Reb Zalman Dov, who sorely needed the extra income. The deal was struck and the exchange of customers was made. No one but Mottel the Vassertreyger and his wife knew what had happened, and they were overjoyed at the prospects for their new “business.” There were days when Mottel the Vassertreyger’s wife went to the river to participate in the mitzvah of drawing the water for the synagogues. As they hauled the water, they would concentrate on the mitzvah of preparing the water for the congregants to wash their hands with before prayers, and their joy was boundless. For they understood that G‑d desires the heart.

Walnut Spinach Salad

Ingredients

8 cups baby spinach, washed and dried		4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar		1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise		Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish

Directions

- - In a large bowl, combine spinach with onions and walnuts.
  - Place mayonnaise, balsamic and sugar in a food processor and pulse 3 or 4 times; alternatively, whisk together by hand. Process or whisk until smooth and creamy.
  - Pour dressing over salad and toss well to coat. Serve immediately and garnish with freshly ground black pepper

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

In A Forgotten Age

Posted on Thursday, 24, December, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

People were created in the image of G-d. (Genesis 1:27) and as such, must act in holy ways, to treat others with dignity and respect, to behave with moral and ethical character as an essential part of everyone’s life.

It has been noted by those who study the Bible that that the Hebrew term “derech eretz” (literally “way of the land”) is used to describe the behavior of courtesy and respect. It has been said that courtesy as the rule of people existed twenty-six generations before the Revelation at Mount Sinai. “This is the meaning of what is written: ‘To guard the way to the Tree of Life.’ (Gen 3:24) “The way” (derech) refers to derech eretz; afterwards “the Tree of Life’, which is Torah/Scriptures.;’ ” (Vayikra Rabbah 9:3)

In the age when life on earth was full no one paid any special attention to worthy men, nor did they single out the man of ability. Rulers were simply the highest branches on the trees and the people were like deer in the woods. They were honest and righteous without realizing that they were “doing their duty.” They loved each other and did not know this was “love of neighbor.” They deceived no one yet did not know they were “men to be trusted.” They were reliable and did not know that this was “good faith.” They lived freely together giving and taking and did not know they were generous. For this reason their deeds have not been narrated. They made no history. They made and lived in peace.

Derech Eretz

If one presents themselves as religious and learned but does not conduct themselves in an acceptable manner in public, many people will attribute the negative conduct to the faith promoted by the person. About such a person people will say:

We are keenly aware of the impressions of people when they see a “holy/religious” person act without respect and civility showing arrogance, elitism and discourtesy. The Scriptures teaches: “And when they came to the nations, to which they came, they profaned My Holy Name, in that it was said of them, these are the people of the L-rd, and they are gone out from his land!” (Ezekiel 36:20)

One of the important lessons one can learn is before doing the many religious commandments and deeds found in the Holy Books, a person must pave the path with derech eretz, meaning decent, polite, respectful, thoughtful, civilized behaviour and good personality traits.

Derech eretz/courtesy and holy teachings go together, for each is necessary for success in the other. Success in the study and practice of faith requires a firm base just as a building must have a foundation to endure. Conversely, Courtesy, respect and civility without Torah/Scriptures is as pointless as a foundation with no building.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

The Delayed Dinner and Shalom Bayis

Posted on Thursday, 17, December, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

“A man comes home from work at the end of the day, very hungry. He sits down at the table, expecting his dinner. His wife appears and tells him that he should be patient because dinner is delayed. So he waits.

“After waiting for what seems like an eternity, she places a plate before him. He takes a look, and all he sees is a hard-boiled egg and a potato. Needless to say, he is quite perturbed. Here he waited patiently although he was so hungry, and all he gets is just plain old food, nothing special. Had he gotten something special, then he would have understood the delay. He leaves the table disappointed.

“Every morning, G‑d waits for His people to say their prayers” The diligent are quick to pray, aware of the immense privilege it is to be able to address the King above All kings.

“If one prays on time, then even if the prayers are not recited with the greatest concentration, the fact that they are recited on time makes them desirable to G‑d. When the prayers are said a bit late, but with great concentration, G‑d desires them as well, the extra devotion making it ‘worth the wait.’ However, if the prayers are late and without proper concentration, they are like the simple meal that the husband in the parable received. G‑d can be expected to look skeptically at such an offering!”

An old Jewish man who listened very carefully as the story was told. “With all due respect, holy rabbi,” he countered, “the husband’s reaction would be a harsh one if there wasn’t true harmony in the home. However, when a husband and wife really love each other, they understand when the other has a hard day. Perhaps the end of the parable should be that the husband graciously thanks his wife for the simple meal, and asks her to tell him about her day. In this way, G‑d is always ready to hear our prayers . . .”

Kugel

Vegetable Kugel

Ingredients:

2 large onions, diced		6 eggs
3-4 Tablespoons oil or shmaltz		1 Tablespoon salt
4 stalks celery, diced		½ Teaspoon ground black pepper
2 green peppers, diced		1 Tablespoon of Italian spices
1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced or chopped (optional)		1/8 – ¼ Teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
4 carrots, shredded		8 large potatoes (4-5 lbs.), grated

Directions

1.		Preheat oven to 375°.
2.		Sauté the onions in oil until golden. Add the celery, peppers, mushrooms (if using), and carrots. Sauté until soft.
3.		Place the eggs into a mixing bowl. Beat by hand and add salt and pepper to taste.
4.		Continue beating and add spices.
5.		In a food processor or by hand using a box grater, grate the potatoes using the fine shredder. Transfer to the egg mixture. Add the sautéed vegetables. Mix thoroughly.
6.		Pour into a 9″x13″ pan. Bake for 40-60 minutes, until browned and crusty.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

The Worst of Curses

Posted on Thursday, 26, November, 2020Tuesday, 28, May, 2024 by Rabbi

Do not take lightly the curse of a common man (Megillah 28a)

There once was a man who cursed and belittled a certain holy man, who was never unhappy. The man cursed him, hoping that he would lose his life, the respect of his students, and all his wealth. In his hatred, the man further cursed the holy man with the wish that he would commit many sins so that he would lose his share in the World to Come. At that point, the holy man felt sad.

“Why are you so sad?” his students asked, and the holy man answered:

“When he insulted me he did not affect me because I have no desire for honor. When a man dies, he has no benefit from his honor. His words are without substance as Solomon the Wise said, ‘Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, an undeserved curse goes nowhere.’ ” (Proverbs 26:2)

“When he cursed me with the hope that I should not benefit from anything in this world—that all passes away at the grave. Besides, don’t we learn, ‘Let yourself be cursed, rather than curse?’ ” (Sanhedrin 49a)

But then when he cursed me with the wish that I should not enjoy the World to Come, and that I should rebel against the Holy One, blessed be He, I was concerned for fear that he would cause injustice. So I prayed that the voice of those who curse should not be heard, but rather the voice of those who bless.”

The students gathered around their teacher and asked, “How can you so easily overlook all of the taunts and curses from that man?” The holy man thought for a moment and shared, “The Holy One, blessed be He told our fathers ‘I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.’ “(Deuteronomy 30:19)

The holy man prayed, “L-rd of the universe, since both the besieged and the besiegers are Your people, answer not, I pray You, the curses which they may pronounce against each other.” (Josephus Antiquities 14.22)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

Work and Pride

Posted on Sunday, 1, November, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A rabbi was told about a person who had no income, and was asked to help raise funds for him. “The man is literally dying of hunger,” he was told by a concerned member of the community.

The rabbi thought for a moment or two and answered, “I don’t understand. He is a healthy and capable person. Surely he could find a job to earn enough to meet his needs.”

“Sadly, none of the jobs open to him are proper for him,” responded the concerned member of the community. “He is a very proud person, and the jobs that are available are menial and he feels they are beneath his dignity.”

“Well then,” the rabbi said, dismissing the cause, “in that case, it is not true that he is dying of hunger. He is really dying of pride.”

Some people are unable to tell between the two. Their sense of personal pride and standing dominates them so keenly, that they can not consider many possible choices.

The Talmud requires that one should take even the most menial job rather than resort to living off others. “Skin hides in the market place for wages; do not say ‘I am a great person, this is a disgrace for me’ (Pesachim 113b).”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

A Lesson of a Patch

Posted on Sunday, 18, October, 2020Tuesday, 9, January, 2024 by Rabbi

So much has changed in what is taught to youth today. So often domestic skills such as cooking and sewing are overlooked. Many view these skills in a negative way, often saying that they are demeaning. Sadly, much has been lost in our throw-away society and acute gender identification. The question of the ethical and spiritual lessons that were learned are never addressed.

An old grandmother, Bubbie Feiga, taught her grand-daughter, Sarah Rachel, how to patch a worn garment. At the same time, she taught her beloved grand-daughter a lesson in mussar (religious values).

“One should not be ashamed to wear patched clothes,” Bubbie Feiga explained. “On the contrary, one should feel good about it. Do you know why? Because Hashem (G-d) gives us everything we have. But all these wonderful things are not presents forever. No! He entrusts them to us for safekeeping only. At any moment, without warning, He may take them all back. So it’s a shame, even a sin, to show neglect for anything Hashem Himself entrusts to us. A patch, Sarah Rachel, not only prolongs the life of a garment, but the patching demonstrates how much we appreciate everything that the Holy One, blessed be He entrusts to our keeping!”

Few people today wear patches on their garments. Patches have largely disappeared in our wealthy society. Bubbie Feiga’s lesson still applies. G-d gives us everything we have. Every object that comes into our possession is a gift from G-d and should be treated with reverence. The mystics teach that a spark of divinity is in each thing in the world, and therefore every object, every possession, should be properly honored. By prematurely discarding an old item to replace it with a new one, we show disrespect for the holy spark that resides in that object. How long should we keep a garment or other item? Each of us should decide with wisdom; there is no rule. The only rule — which we can learn from Bubbie Feiga—is to show proper care and respect for your possessions.

Years went by and Sarah Rachel went off to college. She missed her Bubbie Feiga, who was now very old. Sarah became very active in the Jewish group at her college and one Friday night she went with some friends to a rabbi’s house for a Shabbos (Sabbath) meal.

The rabbi was a bit old fashioned, and at first Sarah felt very uncomfortable. After the fish and soup were served. The rabbi began telling stories. Sarah thought, “We’re not children. Why is he telling us stories? We are college students and the stories are not appropriate for college students.”

After one particular story, there was a lively discussion around the table. Everyone heard the same story, but there were so many opinions as to the meanings of the story.

The rabbi sat back and listened to the young voices around the table for a long time and then asked, “we learn in the TaNaCH (Torah, Nevi’im, Kasuvim – Scriptures) that ‘Hashem blessed them, and He said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’ (Genesis 1:28) and he continued, ‘You have given them dominion over the works of your hands’ (Psalm 8:6) and added that the Torah says, ‘Please accept my gift that is brought to you, because G-d has dealt graciously with me’ (Genesis 33:11) and ended with, ‘But above all bless your Maker, who fills you with his good gifts.’ (ben Sira (Sirach) 32:13). The rabbi took a long breath and asked what do all these verses have in common.

The college students around the table rose to the challenge and offered a lot of opinions and ideas, but the rabbi sadly shook his head. “You are all over thinking”, he said.

Sarah sat and listened and a tear formed and rolled down her cheek. As the room fell quiet, she said, “My Bubbie Feiga taught me a long time ago that everything that comes into our possession is a gift from G-d and should be treated special. She taught me that a spark of holiness is in each thing in the world, for that reason should be treated with respect.”

One of the young men, retorted, “You really believe in this G-d stuff?” Sarah answered, “You really don’t understand do you?” “Aw come on how can you believe in these stories. All this religious stuff is mythology,” the young man countered.

Sarah took a deep breath and said, “We talk about diminishing resources, environmental issues, growing pollution and non-renewable resources, but the Torah clearly teaches that we are the stewards of everything in creation. When things are destroyed, who will repair it?”

The young man responded, “Science will find the answers.” Sarah immediately answered, “Very well science has told us what the foundation of life is, so take four test tubes each filled with each of the elements of life, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and have the scientist make life.” They can’t only G-d can do that!”

Sarah Rachel spoke to the rabbi several times and visited him during Jewish holidays. One day she came to the rabbi with tears in her eyes, Bubbie Feiga died. “Rabbi” she began, “the stories you told me over the years helped me to understand my Bubbie Feiga and helped me to appreciate and grow in my beliefs. In honor of my Bubbie Feiga please call me Sora Rochel”

Many years have passed, and Sora Rochel teaches her daughter about patches.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

Respect and Shame of Another

Posted on Monday, 5, October, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

“And Moses said to the L-rd, O my L-rd, I am not eloquent, neither yesterday nor the day before, nor since you have spoken to your servant; but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” (Exodus 4:10)

The holy rabbi’s respect for every individual was unparalleled, he did not discriminate between people, but honored everyone equally, regardless of a person’s background or beliefs. He was careful to never utter a disrespectful word.

One day the holy rabbi and a student were walking in the woods learning how man needs to live with nature and not exploit the creation the Holy One, blessed be He provided for all people. Along the path, a confused old man with a speech impediment approached them to ask for directions to a local specialist. The holy rabbi and the student recognized the old man as the quiet porter from the village.

Feeling uneasy about leaving the holy rabbi alone on the forest path, the student decided to direct the man to the specialist by pointing out the way. The holy rabbi stopped his student and then asked to escort the man all the way to his destination while he waited for him.

When the student returned, the holy rabbi explained that he did not want the man to have to ask someone else for directions lest he be too embarrassed to reveal his speech impediment to yet another person. “He approached us because he saw two men dressed as rabbis and felt secure that we would not mock him. I wanted to save his having to ask again and thereby spare him any unnecessary embarrassment.”

“How so?” asked the student. “Do we not learn Besides ‘humiliation is worse than physical pain.’” (Sotah 8b) and that ‘shaming another in public is like shedding blood’? (Bava Metzia 58b) answered the holy rabbi.

“when a Torah becomes unfit for use because the words are blurred or missing, we don’t discard it, or a man of learning forgets the detailed teachings we don’t laugh or ridicule him.” continued the holy rabbi.

“Instead we ‘respect an old man who has lost his learning through no fault of his own. The fragments of the Tablets broken by Moshe were kept in the Ark of the Covenant alongside the new.’” (Berachos 8b)

May the Holy One Blessed be He grant that you neither shame nor be shamed (Moed Katan 9b)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

The Baker’s Reward

Posted on Tuesday, 25, August, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Part II – A Blessing Realized and Meeting the Rabbi

When he thought about all those golden coins that his kind employer set aside for him, and were wait¬ing for him at the secret cellar, the baker felt sad. He remembered the rabbi’s blessing. Those golden coins would have made him a rich man, though not nearly as rich as he had expected if the rabbi’s bless¬ing came true. Now he had lost even that! True, he had saved quite a bit from his wages, but now that he had to go back to his bakery there was not much of a chance that he should ever see a golden coin again. “Well, so be it,” he thought, and dismissed the whole matter from his mind.

A few days later, when the baker was in the market place, he heard that a house on the outskirts of the town was up for public sale, as the owner had died without leaving any heir or will. It immediately occurred to the baker that this could very well be the house with the cellar where he had been working for the stranger.

The following morning, the baker took his sav¬ings and hastened to the auction. The house proved to be no great attraction by the look of it; it was old and run-down. No wonder there were very few peo¬ple who were eager to make a bid for it.

The bidding started low, and when the baker raised his offer to an amount he felt he could scrape together by selling his bakery, there was no one who was prepared to outbid him. So his modest offer was accepted, and he put down the money he had with him as a deposit.

In due course, the purchase of the house was completed, and the baker received the keys and title to the house. Thereupon, he moved into the house, and immediately made his way downstairs to the cellar. His heart beating with anticipation and excitement, he tried one key after another until he finally unlocked and opened the creaky door, carefully closing and locking it after him. Then he lit the candle he had taken with him, and lo and behold! The scene was exactly as he had left it the last day he had worked there. There were the neatly stacked up piles of golden coins on the long wooden table, and the jewels, and half-emptied bags as well as many bulging bags with gold and gems that had not yet been touched. What good fortune that no one had been interested enough in the house to go down and look at the cellar!

After feasting his eyes on all that treasure that was now his, he sat down to ponder his new situa¬tion. He realized that he could not suddenly show himself in town as a wealthy man, for everybody knew him as a poor baker. If the local authorities would get wind of his wealth, it would be the end of it for him. So he thought of a plan.

He began to drop a word here and there among his friends and neighbors that he had received word from his uncle in Istanbul, who had no children, and was getting old, asking him to come to live with him and help him in his business. This gave him an excuse to make several trips to Istanbul and transfer his entire fortune there.

The former baker bought a beautiful, home in the center of the city and presented himself as a prosperous diamond merchant. He set up a large business, and soon became very influential in government circles. Never did he forget, however, that all his good fortune came to him because of the rabbi’s blessing, and he hoped that he would some day be able to repay him as he richly deserved.

Many years passed since that night when the rabbi troubled his Arab neighbor, the baker, to light his lamp for him. The aged rabbi, whose lifelong yearning was to be reunited with the Divine Presence at the sacred Western Wall in the Holy City of Jerusalem, now decided to spend his last days in the Holy Land.

When the leaders of the Jewish community in Tunisia learned of their beloved rabbi’s decision, they provided him with all the necessary expenses, as well as with a companion to care for him on the long, difficult journey. They also sent out letters to the heads of the Jewish communities in the various cities where the rabbi would be stopping on his way to the Holy Land, so that they would be prepared to receive the holy rabbi with the honor and respect due to him.

The rabbi arrived in Istanbul where he was duly received with honor and affection. The head of the Jewish community invited him to be his guest for as long as he would care to stay.

While questioning about the needs and concerns of the Jewish community, the rabbi asked his host if there was anything he could do help the community while he was in Istanbul. The head of the community heaved a deep sigh and replied:

“As it happens, our Jewish community is in serious difficulties at present, due to certain decrees that the government has imposed. The only person who can help us is a rich effendi who had great influence at the royal court. A delegation of our com¬munity leaders is going to meet with him tomorrow. However, we are quite concerned about the outcome, as we have never approached him before, and we have no idea how he will react to our request. Would the holy rabbi care to join our delegation? With the help of the Holy One, blessed be He, and in your merits, the chances of success would surely be increased.”

The rabbi readily agreed to go along with the delegation.

As soon as the delegation was ushered into the room where the effendi awaited it, everyone was startled and astonished to see the effendi spring up from his seat and rush to the rabbi to welcome him. The effendi grasped the rabbi’s hands and kissed them reverently. “I am so happy and honored to see you, rabbi,” he said excitedly.

The rabbi looked as much surprised as eve-ryone present.

Returning to his seat, the effendi asked everyone to be seated, and said, “I am now ready to hear your request.”

The head of the Jewish community then told the effendi about the difficult situation the community faced if the harsh decrees were put into effect. He begged the effendi to use his influence at the royal court to persuade the Sultan to rescind them.

“I give you my word,” the effendi promised, “that I shall not rest until I carry out your request.” Then he added, “Now, honorable representatives, please excuse me while I speak for a while to the distinguished guest from Tunisia.”

Thereupon the effendi led the rabbi to a private room, and when they were both seated, began at once:

A happy smile appeared on the rabbi’s face. Of course he remembered that night, and he now realized that the baker and the effendi were one and the same person.

“As you see, holy Rabbi, your blessing came true, beyond my wildest expectations.”

The effendi then confided to the Rabbi how, in a very strange and wondrous way, he had come to his great wealth, and had never forgotten for a moment that it was due only to the rabbi’s blessing. He further told the rabbi how he cherished the hope to see him again and repay in some small measure for the good fortune he had brought him. This is why he was so excited to see him and so eager to fulfill the request of the Jewish community.

Having told his story to the rabbi, the effendi produced a purse filled with golden coins and said, “I would consider it a privilege if the rabbi would accept this as a personal gift.”

The rabbi declined it with thanks, assuring the effendi that all his needs have been provided for.

Before parting, the effendi begged the rabbi to bless him again that his good fortune should con¬tinue to shine on him.

“You see, my friend,” the rabbi replied, “The Almighty pays his debts. In the merit of the good deed you performed to bring light into my home, so that I could study the holy writings, the Almighty bright¬ened your life with good fortune. Be good to the Jewish people, and be generous with your wealth to help anyone in need, then The Holy One, blessed be He will continue to bless you with good health and prosperity.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

Such a holy man could teach magnificent and wonderful things to all who would watch and listen.

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.

Please share this story with others

It is an honour for children and fathers to be with one another (Exodus Rabbah 34:3)

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.

Please share this story with others

Mottel the Vassertreyger worked hard and managed to make a decent living. He had four steady customers who were wealthy merchants who paid him very well for his services.

Mottel the Vassertreyger was guiding his wagon with its full barrel of water through the center of town, when he spotted his friend Yankel Tsushtelnvaser along with some other men, gathered around a simply dressed traveler and listening carefully to catch his every word.

His interest sparked, Mottel the Vassertreyger went over to join the circle of listeners. The maggid told a story of a wealthy man who lived in the days when the Beis haMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem still stood.

“A poor man who was on his way home was watching the scene. In his hand was a bunch of freshly picked greens. These he now held to the muzzle of the ox, and when the animal began to nibble, he drew them away and, in this way, led the animal to its destination at the Holy Beis haMikdash.

“That night the owner of the ox had a dream. In his dream he heard a voice which called out, ‘The sacrifice of the poor man, who gave up the bundle of greens he was bringing to his poor family, was a more desirable sacrifice than your fattened ox.’

Walnut Spinach Salad

Ingredients

8 cups baby spinach, washed and dried

4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 to 2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish

Directions

In a large bowl, combine spinach with onions and walnuts.

Place mayonnaise, balsamic and sugar in a food processor and pulse 3 or 4 times; alternatively, whisk together by hand. Process or whisk until smooth and creamy.

Pour dressing over salad and toss well to coat. Serve immediately and garnish with freshly ground black pepper

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.

Please share this story with others

People were created in the image of G-d. (Genesis 1:27) and as such, must act in holy ways, to treat others with dignity and respect, to behave with moral and ethical character as an essential part of everyone’s life.

If one presents themselves as religious and learned but does not conduct themselves in an acceptable manner in public, many people will attribute the negative conduct to the faith promoted by the person. About such a person people will say:

“woe to that person who studied Torah, woe to his father who taught him Torah, woe to the teacher who taught him Torah. This person who has studied Torah, see how perverse are his ways, how ugly are his deeds.” (Yoma 86a)

One of the important lessons one can learn is before doing the many religious commandments and deeds found in the Holy Books, a person must pave the path with derech eretz, meaning decent, polite, respectful, thoughtful, civilized behaviour and good personality traits.

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.

Please share this story with others

“A man comes home from work at the end of the day, very hungry. He sits down at the table, expecting his dinner. His wife appears and tells him that he should be patient because dinner is delayed. So he waits.

“Every morning, G‑d waits for His people to say their prayers” The diligent are quick to pray, aware of the immense privilege it is to be able to address the King above All kings.

Vegetable Kugel

Ingredients:

2 large onions, diced

6 eggs

3-4 Tablespoons oil or shmaltz

1 Tablespoon salt

4 stalks celery, diced

½ Teaspoon ground black pepper

2 green peppers, diced

1 Tablespoon of Italian spices

1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced or chopped (optional)

1/8 – ¼ Teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)

4 carrots, shredded

8 large potatoes (4-5 lbs.), grated

Directions

1.

Preheat oven to 375°.

2.

Sauté the onions in oil until golden. Add the celery, peppers, mushrooms (if using), and carrots. Sauté until soft.

3.

Place the eggs into a mixing bowl. Beat by hand and add salt and pepper to taste.

4.

Continue beating and add spices.

5.

In a food processor or by hand using a box grater, grate the potatoes using the fine shredder. Transfer to the egg mixture. Add the sautéed vegetables. Mix thoroughly.

6.

Pour into a 9″x13″ pan. Bake for 40-60 minutes, until browned and crusty.

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)