The Righteous Are Delivered from Distress

Posted on Sunday, 17, October, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There was once a pious man who was wealthy and of the king’s company. He had a handsome, fine-looking, and wise son. Before he passed away, he told his son not to leave the synagogue from the moment the cantor rose to pray and began to recite the Kaddish prayer until the whole service was over. Also, if somebody who had not been present were to rise and recite the evening prayer he should stay there until he had finished as well. The dying man added: “I have done this all my life and I have prospered. And if you pass through a city where there is a synagogue and you hear the cantor, enter and do not leave until he has finished his prayers.” Then the pious man passed away.

Now the son was well thought of by all who saw him. He served the king and was the wine bearer to the king and queen and sliced them their bread and meat. They loved him very much and praised him to the skies. The king’s vizier saw the favor in which the king and queen held the young man and envied him. He came to the king and said: “Your majesty, you have eyes yet you do not see that this young man loves the queen, and they betray you behind your back when they are together.” The king did not believe him, yet the vizier repeated it day after day until the king grew jealous.

One day the king went to inspect the workers who were preparing a limekiln, and he said to the master of the workers: “Take the first man who comes here tomorrow and fling him into the kiln at once. If you do not do so, you will pay for it with your own life.” “Your majesty,” answered he, “I shall obey your orders.” Then the king returned home. That night while the young man was serving him, he called him and ordered: “Rise early tomorrow morning and go where they are preparing the lime and tell the man in charge to make a great fire.” “I shall carry out your orders,” answered the young man.

In the morning he mounted his horse, but as he passed the synagogue he heard the cantor’s voice. He dismounted, entered the synagogue, and prayed. When the cantor had finished, another man who had not heard the prayers rose and began to pray, and he waited until he finished as well. And so he was delayed until it was broad daylight. Meanwhile, the king summoned his vizier and ordered him: “Go to the place where they are making the lime and ask the man in charge: Have you obeyed the king?” Then the vizier mounted his horse and rode off and asked the man in charge: “Have you obeyed the king’s orders?” Thereupon they seized him and tied him up and flung him into the kiln. The young man arrived just then and saw them flinging the vizier into the kiln, and he said to them: “If the king knows this, he will slay you.” But the man in charge answered: “Yesterday the king ordered me: ‘Take the first man I send to you tomorrow, and fling him into the kiln.’ And this is the man who came first.”

Then the young man returned to the king and said: “Your majesty, why did you order the vizier to be burned?” At this, the king shuddered and shook with astonishment and said to the youth: “Now I know that you are G-d-fearing, and your Creator loves you. This is what the vizier said about you and the queen. So I ordered that the man whom I first sent to the limekiln should be flung into the fire; and it was you I first ordered to go. After that I told the vizier to go and see whether my orders had been obeyed. But you were delayed, so they flung him in instead. Now I know that you are innocent.” That is as the Book of Proverbs declares (11:8): “The righteous is delivered from distress, and the wicked comes in his stead.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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A True Derech – Way

Posted on Tuesday, 12, October, 2021Friday, 28, June, 2024 by Rabbi

Two students of Tam and Chacham were arguing about the true path to spirituality in the world. One student said that the path was built on effort and energy, “You must completely devote yourself with all your effort to follow the way of the Torah (Scriptures). To pray, to pay attention, and to live rightly”

The second student strongly disagreed. “It is not effort at all. That is only based on ego. It is pure surrender. To follow the way to do the will of the Holy One, blessed be He, to awaken is to let go of all things and live the teaching. One’s path should be not of religion, but a way of life.”

Since the students could not agree on who was right, they went to Tam and Chacham. They listened as the first student praised the path of wholehearted effort and when asked by this student, “Is this the true path?” Chacham answered, “You’re. right.” The second student was quite upset and responded powerfully that the path of living one’s faith is the natural way to realize spirituality. When he finished, he asked, “Is this not the true path?” and then Tam replied, “You’re right.” A third student who was sitting there observed, “But masters, they can’t both be right,” and Tam and Chacham smiled and said, “You’re right too!”

You see, there are different paths people follow. For the many, it may be one way for others another. We say, “And you shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart and all your soul and with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) at different times of the day, and the very words encompass all aspects of the community. Every person has different merits and resources and can find a path to serve the Holy One, blessed be He.

Deuteronomy 6:5

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Thoughts during a Funeral

Posted on Sunday, 10, October, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Tam and Chacham attended a funeral together. Chacham observed that:

“We learn that we are to ‘Deal graciously with the departed that you may be dealt with graciously, mourn, bury and accompany them to the grave.’ (Kesubos 72a), yet many push and shove to get close to the coffin during a funeral so that they can take part in the mitzvah of carrying the deceased and helping to fill in the grave. In this way, they feel that they are doing something for the benefit of the deceased, even though it is as clear as day that even if they didn’t participate, the deceased would still be buried.’ “

“It is certainly a mitzvah to participate in these things, but why don’t people do something which will really benefit the deceased, even after the funeral is over? We have been taught by our holy teachers of the past that a person’s trial, along with the judgment that follows is decided after he is buried – so why don’t people learn from the Holy Writings or say Tehillim (Psalms) for the elevation of the soul of the deceased?”

On another occasion, Tam added more on the same matter: “Some people who attend a funeral don’t feel so concerned when they listen to the eulogies. It is written, ‘“funeral orators are punished for delivering false eulogies,’ (Berachos 62a) Too many people think there is no need to be that upset over his death.’ “

”But should we not all be concerned about the trial and judgment that the niftar (deceased) will now be facing? Instead of standing around and exchanging greetings and gossip at the funeral, wouldn’t it be better to be saying Tehillim (Psalms) or thinking thoughts that will bring us to do teshuvah (repentance/retrospection) in order to help the tikkun hanefesh (repair of the soul) of the deceased? It would also be better if after the burial, people would not just go back home and forget about the funeral, thinking that it is over and there is nothing more that can be done. The correct thing would be to go home and pray, asking for the mercy of the Holy One, blessed be He so that the deceased will be spared from any harsh judgment that he might face. It is very important to remember to ‘walk reverently in a cemetery, blessed the deceased say: “tomorrow they will join us, and today they mock us. (Berachos 18a)’ “

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Cardinal and the Counsellor: Part II The Cardinal’s Secret

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

“But whatever gave you the idea to whisper the Shema Yisrael in my ear? Did you, perhaps, think that I too might be a secret Jew?”

“Not really. I had no reason to believe this at all. It has been my practice when called upon to administer the `last rites’ to whisper the Shema Yisrael prayer in the ear of the dying person, for several reasons. First, unfortunately, the practice of Judaism on the part of Jewish people who have been forced to convert has become gradually weakened. It is not easy to know who is, or who is not, a secret Jew. Therefore, I reasoned, if I whisper this prayer to one who is not a convert, but a born Christian, he would not know what it was, and would be none the worse for it. But if the dying person was, in fact, Jewish, the holy words of the Shema could awaken in him his Jewish spark and a feeling of repentance in the last moment of his life, and he would then feel that he is dying as a Jewish person.”

Both men were now silent, each lost in his own thoughts. The counsellor was the first to break the silence.

“I am sure you have told me the truth,” he said. “However, are you now prepared to forget everything and from now on behave as a true Christian priest? For, if not, I have no choice but to put you in the hands of the Inquisition. I beg you, don’t force me to do this.”

“This I cannot promise you,” replied the cardinal resolutely. “You do what you have to do, and I will do what I must. I am ready to give my life for my Jewish faith, as did my forbearers who died at the stake with the Shema on their lips.”

A feeling of great inner joy filled the heart of the Royal counsellor. He jumped up and lovingly embraced the “cardinal.”

“That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear from you,” said the counsellor with great emotion.

The cardinal was stunned, and the counsellor did not keep him in suspense.

“You are naturally astonished at my behavior. So listen to what I am going to tell you. I know I can trust you. I, too, was born Jewish, and my parents were also secret Jews like your own. But my parents died when I was a very small child and I was brought up by my uncle who had an important position in the Royal Court. Just before my 13th birthday, my uncle told me the secret that I was Jewish. He arranged for a teacher to prepare me secretly for my bar mitzvah. But here my Jewish education ended. Later, as I had distinguished myself as a highly educated young nobleman, the King appointed me to take over the position of Royal counsellor which had been left open after my uncle’s death. From then on I became further and further detached from Judaism, and soon forgot entirely that I had ever been Jewish.

“When I became ill,” continued the counsellor, “I felt that my days were numbered and that I would soon have to appear before the Heavenly Court to give an accounting of my life. I remembered then that I was Jewish and felt terribly troubled and confused. How could I have wasted all these years of my life? If only there was some way that I could die as a Jew, I would die peacefully, with the holy words of Shema on my lips. But try as I could, the words would not come to my mind.

Shema

“Now, my dear friend and brother, you can well understand how grateful I am to you that you have saved my life and my soul…”

The King’s counsellor paused only long enough to compose himself, for he was overcome with feeling and barely managed to hold back his tears. Then he continued:

“Words cannot express my gratitude, but I hope I can do more than that in return. Now that G-d helped me to get well, I began to search for a way to fulfill my vow. I thought of a plan that would enable us both finally to throw off this hateful disguise and openly be Jewish, without fear. Would you be interested in such a plan?”

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

“Not the happiest man,” corrected him the counsellor, “but one of the happiest; I would be the other. Well, here is my plan, I would go before the King and tell him that at the height of my sickness, when I felt that my end had come, I made a solemn vow that if the Almighty would spare me, I would settle in the Holy Land to spend my remaining years in seclusion and holiness. I feel certain that the King would give me permission to fulfill my vow, and then I would ask him for a special favor; to allow you, my dear friend, to join me, to be my spiritual mentor and teacher in my old age. So, what do you say to my plan? Agreed?”

Words were not necessary.

Within weeks all preparations were completed. The King did everything possible to see that his two loyal friends, the cardinal and the counsellor, left the shores of Spain with great honor and well provided with all their needs. After a long and exciting voyage, they arrived in the Holy Land and settled in Safed. At that time, the Holy Land was under the rule of the Ottoman Turks, who were Moslems. In the Ottoman Empire Jews could practice their religion freely. Thus, the former Royal counsellor and the Cardinal of Spain could start a new life here, a life of Torah, mitzvahs, and good deeds. They particularly devoted themselves to helping other Jewish people to come to the Holy Land and return to the Jewish fold as free, loyal and proud Jews like themselves.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Cardinal and the Counsellor: Part I The Cardinal’s Prayer

Posted on Sunday, 3, October, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Part II The Cardinal’s Secret will be posted on 5 October 2021

Over 400 years ago there lived a nobleman who held a very important position in the Spanish royal court. He was the chief advisor to the King, who held him in high regard. For the King’s counsellor was so wise and knowledgeable that there wasn’t any matter on which the King did not seek his advice.

For many years the counsellor served the King faithfully. But as he grew older, he felt his duties becoming increasingly difficult. So he asked the King to allow him to retire.

“My dear friend,” replied the King, “if you find me someone who is as gifted as you, capable of replacing you, I will release you from your duties.”

The counsellor had no choice but to stay on.

One day the counsellor suddenly fell ill. The King immediately ordered his personal physician to treat his dear, beloved counsellor. But all the doctor’s efforts seemed to fail. The counsellor’s condition deteriorated from day to day, and he seemed to be at death’s door.

The King then sadly sent for his personal priest to hear the counsellor’s last “confession,” for he had been a devout Catholic all his life. The cardinal entered the room of the dying man, lit candles, and asked everyone else to leave the room. After the cardinal had carried out all he had to do, he took a last look at the counsellor, whom he, too admired and loved, and left the room looking very sad and mournful.

The doctor now returned, expecting his patient to breathe his last at any moment. But to his unbelieving eyes he beheld a different person! The unconscious counsellor was actually moving his lips as if whispering a prayer! Beads of perspiration glistened on his pale face and he began to breathe deeply; he opened his eyes and asked for a drink of water.

From then on, the patient began to make an amazing recovery. He got better every day, and a few days later he was even able to get out of bed. The King visited him and told him how relieved and delighted he was that his dear friend had recuper¬ated in such a wonderful manner.

When the counsellor had fully recovered, he sent word to the cardinal, asking the clergyman to visit him.

The cardinal came promptly, and the counsellor said to him, “First of all I want to thank you for praying for me when the doctors had given up all hope for my recovery.”

“If my prayers helped,” replied the cardinal, “I am sure it was due to the fact that you had served the King and country so loyally.”

“But I have the distinct feeling that your prayers, in particular, helped me; especially the short, strange prayer, not in Latin, nor in our Spanish tongue, which you recited repeatedly…”

The cardinal paled and started to stammer, saying “The Almighty accepts prayers in any language; it is only important that the intention be sincere and the prayer come from the heart.”

“But,” persisted the counsellor, “I am especially curious to know what that prayer was which you repeatedly whispered into my ear. Was it some form of magic?”

“G-d forbid!” exclaimed the cardinal.

“So what was it then?”

“There are certain things which a clergyman has to keep secret,” answered the cardinal.

“That’s just an excuse. Tell me the truth,” the King’s counsellor demanded.

“The cardinal wiped the perspiration from his pale face and remained silent.

cardina;'s prayer

“Listen, my friend,” said the counsellor earnestly. “When I lay unconscious, my soul hovering between life and earth, the prayer that I heard you recite repeatedly sank into my brain. I had never heard such a prayer from you before, but I had heard the same words come from the lips of those secret Jews, the Marranos as they were being burned at the stake. With the last breath they called out the words Shema Yisrael…”

The cardinal remained silent, but he listened intently as the counsellor continued:

The cardinal’s face turned ashen. He seemed utterly crushed. The counsellor pressed his point relentlessly:

“As you know, it is the duty of every true Catholic to inform the Inquisition of any suspicious behavior of the secret Jews who are supposed to be practicing Catholics, but secretly continue to live in the faith of their ancestors. If you will tell me the whole truth and promise that from now on you will behave as a true Catholic should, especially as a priest, I will not inform about you to the Inquisition.”

For a while the cardinal remained silent. Then he quietly replied:

“It is true that I come from a family of secret Jews. When I was twelve years old, my father told me this secret. He told me further that in a year’s time I would be `bar mitzvah,’ and would from then on be obligated to carry out all the mitzvahs of a full-fledged Jew. He warned me about the terrible danger in which secret Jews have to live in Spain under the watchful eyes of the agents and spies working for the Inquisition. But, he said, we were Jews and had to face this danger. He further told me that he himself would prepare me for my bar mitzvah. This he did every day in a secret room in the cellar of our house, where we spent an hour in the morning and an hour at night. Here I began to put on tefillin. Later, when I became fifteen years of age, my father told me he was going to have me enrolled as a student in the Royal Seminary for the priesthood. He explained that as a priest I would have opportunities to help my Jewish brothers. I would have free access to every home and family without arousing suspicion. I would thus have the opportunity to encourage my Jewish brethren to keep firm their Jewishness as much as possible. There would also be the possibility of my winning the confidence of the inner circle of the Inquisition, and then I could do even more to help my brethren, warning those who were under suspicion, or about to be caught in the clutches of the Inquisition. All this, in fact, I was actually able to accomplish during these many years. The Almighty protected me from all danger…”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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What is More Valuable a Mezuzah or a Diamond?

Posted on Tuesday, 24, August, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Ardavan, the king of Persia, believed that the fulfilment of one’s life was to be as rich and wealthy as possible. The leader of the Jewish people during the reign of Ardavan was Rabbi Yehuda haNasi, or as most people called him, Rebbe. Rebbe was an extremely wealthy man. Therefore, when Ardavan became the owner of a diamond that was so perfect it surpassed evaluation, he sent it to Rebbe. He also sent along a message saying, “Send me something that is as valuable as this.”

Ardavan felt that he had attained total fulfillment by owning this stone and wanted to see if Rebbe could outdo him.

Rebbe understood the underlying meaning of Ardavan’s message; therefore, he wrote a mezuzah and sent it to Ardavan. (The mezuzah is a piece of parchment with specific paragraphs of the Torah [Deut. 6,4-9, 11, 13-21] written on it. The Torah commands us to place it on the doorpost of each room in which a person lives.) Rebbe’s intention was to convey to Ardavan the idea that the fulfillment of man was not through earthly wealth but could only be achieved through spiritual media. The mezuzah, with which we observe a commandment of the Torah, is one way to reach a high level. To study the Torah itself is an even higher level of spiritual greatness. Spiritual experience, not physical experience, is the only true fulfillment of man on this earth.

The king sent back a message, “I gave you a priceless object, and you returned something worth a folar (a small soiled coin).

Rebbe then replied, “The Torah explains the value and greatness of even a small commandment.” He went on to explain that spiritual development is greater than physical fulfillment.

Ardavan, the king of Persia, believed that the fulfilment of one’s life was to be as rich and wealthy as possible. The leader of the Jewish people during the reign of Ardavan was Rabbi Yehuda haNasi, or as most people called him, Rebbe. Rebbe was an extremely wealthy man. Therefore, when Ardavan became the owner of a diamond that was so perfect it surpassed evaluation, he sent it to Rebbe. He also sent along a message saying, “Send me something that is as valuable as this.”

Ardavan felt that he had attained total fulfillment by owning this stone and wanted to see if Rebbe could outdo him.

Rebbe understood the underlying meaning of Ardavan’s message; therefore, he wrote a mezuzah and sent it to Ardavan. (The mezuzah is a piece of parchment with specific paragraphs of the Torah [Deut. 6: 4-9, 11, 13-21] written on it. The Torah commands us to place it on the doorpost of each room in which a person lives.) Rebbe’s intention was to convey to Ardavan the idea that the fulfillment of man was not through earthly wealth but could only be achieved through spiritual media. The mezuzah, with which we observe a commandment of the Torah, is one way to reach a high level. To study the Torah itself is an even higher level of spiritual greatness. Spiritual experience, not physical experience, is the only true fulfillment of man on this earth.

The king sent back a message, “I gave you a priceless object, and you returned something worth a folar (a small soiled coin).

Rebbe then replied, “The Torah explains the value and greatness of even a small commandment.” He went on to explain that spiritual development is greater than physical fulfillment.

Rabi Yehudah replied: “All of your desirable things are not compared unto her (the mezuzah, symbolizing the knowledge of G-d). Moreover, you sent me something that I must guard, whereas I sent you something that guards you while you are asleep, and while you are awake, as it says ‘When you walk, it shall lead you (in this World); When you lie down, it shall watch over you (in the hour of death); and when you awake, it shall talk with you”’ (in the World to Come) (Proverbs 6:22; Midrash Rabbah 35).

Ardavan was still skeptical about all this when suddenly a demon came flying into the room and settled itself in the body of Ardavan’s only daughter. Ardavan was very disturbed about the welfare of his only child and called in all the medical and spiritual doctors of his kingdom. But nothing helped. Ardavan saw that his daughter’s condition was deteriorating rapidly and so he decided to give one last try. He took the mezuzah Rebbe had written for him and put it up on the doorpost of the sick child’s room. The demon immediately left her weakened body.

Ardavan realized the wisdom of the mezuzah in the teaching, “When you walk, it will lead you; when you lie down, it will watch over you; and when you awake, it will talk with you.” (Proverbs 6:22)

With the gratitude and blessings of King Ardavan Rebbe then kept the beautiful and expensive diamond.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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No Fault Divorce

Posted on Wednesday, 18, August, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

In today’s society, there are many factors and issues that must be considered before granting a divorce. The seriousness of divorce affects the physical and spiritual aspects of the family so much that the sages of old taught, “If a man divorces his wife, the very alter weeps.” (Gittin 90b)

There was once a rabbi who was so learned that he could see every side of a question. One day a man came to him with the request that he grant him a divorce.

“What do you hold against your wife?” asked the rabbi gravely.

The man went into a lengthy explanation of his wife’s many faults.

The rabbi patiently listened to the man and thought, “Beis Hillel says: He may divorce her even due to a minor issue, e.g., because she burned or over-salted his dish, as it is stated: “Because he has found some unseemly matter in her,” meaning that he found any type of shortcoming in her.” (Mishnah Gittin 9:10) If you are so unhappy, then you can divorce your wife,” the rabbi said after listening to what the man said.

the rabbi then spoke to the woman. “Are you unhappy in your marriage, asked the rabbi.

The woman in detailed the cruel mistreatment and abuse she had suffered at her husband’s hands.

The rabbi listened with understandable distress.

“You are right, it would not be fair to continue the marriage,” he said after some thought. There is guidance in this as it is brought down, “If a woman says ‘My husband is distasteful to me, I can not live with him.’ The beis din (rabbinic court) compels the husband to divorce her, because a wife is not a captive” (RaMbaM, Yad Ishus 14.8)

At this the rabbi’s wife, who was present, exclaimed, “How can this be?

Surely, both of them couldn’t be right! ” The rabbi thought for a few moments, knitted his brows and reflected. “You’re right, too! ” He agreed.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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A Reason for Every Custom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Eating Stones

Posted on Thursday, 8, July, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Tam and Chacham frequently traveled together and everywhere they went they were respected. During their journeys they often collected funds for the needy.

In one village, they were invited to share a meal with a wealthy merchant. The table was set with all kinds of food. Tam and Chacham filled their plates with food, but noticed that the wealthy merchant ate and drank nothing more than bread with salt and a jug of water. The host told him that he ate only one meal a day.

Tam thought for a moment and asked, “Do you help the needy?” The wealthy merchant answered, “I give a certain amount each day and pray from my heart that I not become proud.”

Chacham scolded the wealthy merchant, “You are being very foolish. You should eat meat and other delicacies. Drink aged wine. As this is befitting your position.”

The merchant listened to Tam and Chacham and joined them in eating the meal.

Later some students approached Tam and Chacham wondering why they said what they said to the wealthy merchant. Tam began to explain, “ ‘Poverty was created only to provide the well-to-do with an opportunity for charity.’ (Sefer Maalos haMiddos Ch 13, 13th cent) What can the merchant feel or do if he impoverishes himself?”

Chacham added, “ ‘The worst conclusion is when people think that the poorer man is the less worthy.’ (Shiras Yisrael 12th Cent) It would be sad indeed if the wealthy merchant would take those less fortunate for granted.”

The student crowed closer as Tam continued, “The rich eat no gold and the poor eat no stones. If the rich man eats meat, delicacies and wine, then he would at least feel that the poor in the village should be given bread, water and basic needs. But if he himself lives on dry bread and salt, he might think that poor people could live on stones…”

Jewish Recipes

Dafina

also called Schenna, Hamin(m), or Chamim

A North African Jewish Stew, usually prepared for the Shabbat afternoon meal.

INGREDIENTS

salt		2-3 sweet potatoes cut into chunks
fresh ground pepper		4 Tablespoons honey
4-6 large eggs		2 beef bones with marrow
pinch of saffron threads, crumbled		3 lbs brisket or chuck roast cut into 4 pieces
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley		1/2-1 teaspoons turmeric
3 lbs small potatoes		1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 15 oz cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained		1 teaspoon allspice
4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil		1 Tablespoon paprika
2 large onions, chopped		4-6 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons ground cumin		1-2 tablespoon water

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 225F.

In a large pot, heat the oil and sautee the onions and garlic until soft and translucent. Add the chickpeas, bones, meat, potatoes, honey, paprika, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Add enough water to cover, place the unshelled eggs in the center, and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer for 1 hour. Skim off the foam occasionally.

Cover the pot tightly, place in the oven, and cook overnight.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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Prayers or Slander

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

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

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

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

Lashon hara

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

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

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

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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