Like a Rose Among the Thorns

Posted on Sunday, 4, April, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Shir haShirim, The Song of Songs is read in many Synagogues on Shabbos Chol haMoed.

One may think that a tavern would seem to be a most unpromising place in which to serve one’s Maker. So, at least, was the conflict that raged inside a simple Jewish tavern keeper who came to pour out his heart to the holy rabbi who was visiting the village. Since he earned his living by pouring drinks for all kinds of vulgar people, and had no choice but to hear their coarse language and see their improper behavior, he was afraid that he might become common by his contact with them.

The holy rabbi smiled and said: “It seems that you want to fulfill your function of being faithful and proper by being given a sack full of gold coins, being seated in a clean and splendid palace, dressed in silken garments with an impressive fine hat upon your head, with shelves on all sides filled with holy books — and then you will be able to serve the Almighty with your prayer and study proceeding from a clear and pure mind. But you may take my word for it: if the Holy One, blessed be He wants individuals to serve Him without any distractions or obstacles — why, for that he’s got hundreds of thousands of angels! The real delight that He finds in This World comes from those who are surrounded on all sides with difficulties and hardships, until it almost seems to them that they have been forced into a gutter — and even with this their minds cleave firmly to their Creator, and they anxiously yearn for the happy opportunity of one single moment when they’ll be able at last to address just a few words to Him. This longing no angel can experience! Do not complain about your livelihood. On the contrary, give thanks to Him for having given you the privilege of serving Him in this manner — to stand all day long in a place of impurity, and yet in your heart of hearts to cling to the wellspring of holiness and faith!”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Passover Haggadah Says Whoever Elaborates on the Story is Praised

Posted on Friday, 2, April, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Every year at Passover time we are reminded that “whoever tells at length about the leaving from Egypt, increases his own praise. Because the more one recognizes and appreciates the great miracles performed on his behalf, the more his own worth becomes apparent.”

It once happened that….

A ship transported many merchants to a distant land to sell their wares. The ship’s passengers included all sorts of merchants, each with his own merchandise: flour, fabrics, art objects, and precious stones.

Out at sea, a pirate vessel approached the ship. The pirates commanded the ship’s captain to veer from his course and follow their vessel, as a captive ship.

Fear descended upon all the ship’s passengers, for the pirates were infamous for their cruelty.

The fearless captain immediately gathered his crew together and told them how to behave at this difficult time. The sailors obeyed his orders. Some climbed up the main mast and stretched out the sails. Some stood on the deck, swords and boarding hooks in hand, and some descended to the belly of the ship and fired cannons at the pirate’s ship.

When the pirates saw the captain’s and the sailors’ courage, heard the sound of cannons, they turned around and hastily sailed away.

Although all of the merchants felt great happiness. This was not felt equally by each and every one of them. The relief of a merchant whose sacks of flour have been saved cannot be compared to the rejoicing of one whose precious jewels have been saved.

Without knowing which merchant had the most valuable cargo, one could guess it by seeing which merchant expressed his relief more than others that the ship had been saved. The more elaborate the merchant’s appreciation of the rescue, the more valuable his wares.

When the haggadah says, “and whoever elaborates on the story is praised” it speaks about the person who elaborately recounts the story of the leaving from Egypt, he reveals true faith. “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” (Psalm 95:2)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The King and the Wall

Posted on Thursday, 1, April, 2010Tuesday, 25, July, 2023 by Rabbi

The hagaddah says:

It is the retelling of the story and the strengthening of faith that will bring us closer to the time when we will no longer be slaves.

There was once a city that was very well fortified. It was enclosed by a thick stone wall, thought to be impenetrable.

A wise king decided to conquer this fortified city. After inspecting the fortifications, he sent his mightiest soldiers to bring down the wall and attack the city. These soldiers fell.

He next sent a second wave of less mighty soldiers, and then a third wave, and so on. Before long, his entire army had been depleted, and the wall had not come down.

But the king did not give up. Once again, he circled the city, inspecting its walls “How can you expect to capture this city if all your mighty soldiers are gone?” he was asked. The wise king smiled. “If you look closely, you will see that though the soldiers could not breach the wall, they did succeed in cracking and weakening it. It is no longer strong and impenetrable. Now, with even the weak and wounded I can bring down the wall.” The king then sent his few remaining and weakest soldiers into battle and conquered the city.

Though the armies of the King did not succeed in bringing the Mashiach (Messiah), all the great Tzaddikim (Saints and holy people) of the previous generations did succeed in cracking the wall.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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A Rabbi’s Holy and Simple Seders

Posted on Monday, 29, March, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

One Passover, a rabbi conducted his first Seder with great spiritual inspiration. He carried out each of the Kabbalistic intentions and felt as if he were soaring through the heavens. He never remembered carrying out such an exhilarating Seder.

On the following night, he rabbi lay down to rest after the evening prayers to gather his strength. Suddenly, he was overcome by a deep sleep. Without realizing, he slept for several hours, waking only a half hour before midnight.

The rabbi was accustomed to finish the afikoman before midnight on the second night as well and, therefore, had to rush through the entire Seder. He had no time for mystic thoughts. With little more than the simple meanings of the words in mind, he read the Haggadah and ate the matzah, maror, and afikoman.

He felt crushed, How could he have conducted such a Seder, particular after yesterday’s heights?

After Pesach, the rabbi went to visit his master and teacher in a faraway city. When the rabbi greeted his teacher, his teacher replied:

“I watched your Seders, my student. The first night, shockingly low, soaring through the heavens, pheh…

“The second night, wonderful. The simple meaning of the Haggadah, the earnest desire to fulfill G-d’s command. How could anyone conduct a holier Seder!”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Simple Seder is the Greater Seder

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

One Passover, after the conclusion of the Seder, the holy Rebbe of Berditchev felt very satisfied. He had fulfilled all the Passover mitzvos carefully and carried out all the mystic intentions associated with them. As he reviewed his behavior, his thoughts were interrupted by a heavenly voice:

“Don’t be so proud of your Seder. In your city, there is a poor Jewish water carrier whose Seder far surpassed yours.”

Disturbed and curious, the Rebbe dispatched some of his students to bring the water carrier to him. Despite the lateness of the hour, the students set out to fulfill their teacher’s request. Unfortunately, the water carrier was not a known person in the village and none of the students were sure where he lived.

After a considerable search, the students located the water carrier’s home and knocked at the door. Somewhat astonished to see the Rebbe’s attendants arrive at her home so late at night, the water carrier’s wife opened the door.

When the students asked to see her husband, she shyly answered “He can’t speak to you now.”

“But the Rebbe wants to see him,” they insisted.

Realizing that they would not take no for an answer, she pointed to their bedroom. “There he is, lying on the bed. He’s stone drunk. What could the Rebbe want from him?”

Without pausing to answer, the students approached the sleeping water carrier and tried to wake him. Unable to rouse him, they were forced to carry him to the Rebbe. In the holy rabbi’s presence, the water carrier began to come to his senses. When the Rebbe looked him in the eye, he began to cry continuously.

With soothing words, the Rebbe gently calmed his guest. When he regained his composure, the holy rabbi asked him: “Tell me about your Seder.”

Stuttering, his words interrupted by occasional sobs, the water carrier began to tell his story:

“There’s one custom which I have adopted that I follow loyally. Each morning after prayers, I take a little vodka and say l’chayim to to the Holy One, blessed be He.

“This morning, after following my daily custom, it occurred to me that since I wouldn’t be able to drink alcohol for the next eight days, I should say I’chayim for the entire holiday. Without thinking much longer, I downed eight more l’chayims. My head became groggy and I went to sleep.

“I slept very soundly without realizing how the hours passed by. At nightfall, my wife tried to wake me to go to shul, but I couldn’t get out of bed. When everybody was coming home, she tried to wake me again, but I just turned to the other side.

“She waited a little longer, then, came to wake me a third time. Shaking me with all her strength, she cried: “Husband! It’s Pesach! What about the seder? All the Jewish people are celebrating the holiday. What about us?'”

“I felt terrible. She was almost crying. Summoning whatever strength I could, I stumbled to the table and began to speak: “I am a simple person and my father was a simple person. I can’t read Hebrew and don’t know what we’re supposed to say now, but I know one thing about Passover. Our ancestors were slaves to the Egyptians and God took them out of exile. We’re in exile again now. May G-d redeem us very soon.”

“Afterwards, I noticed that my wife had prepared matzos, wine, eggs, and some vegetables on the table. I drank the wine, ate the food, and went back to bed. That was my Seder.”

The holy Rebbe of Berditchev again assured the water carrier that his Seder had been accepted by G-d and asked his students to take him home. When they returned, he told them: “The few words he said, he said with all his heart, and therefore. G-d appreciated his Seder.”

This year, we are slaves…

Posted on Friday, 26, March, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The haggadah says, “This year, we are here; next year, in the Land of Israel. This year, we are slaves; next year, free men!”

We are still in exile today. The exile of Egypt was a difficult one, with bricks, mortar, and back breaking work. While today’s is one of abundance and wealth, so much so that sadly, people often do not realize that they are still in bitter Exile. It is like:

A prince rebelled against his father. The irate king exiled his son to a place far from the palace, decreeing that the rebellious prince must do hard labor and working with is hands.

Now the prince had never done any work at all, and he was completely unaccustomed to hard labor and working with is hands. He immediately sent his father a letter, begging for forgiveness and promising faithfully that he would never again do anything to challenge or disrespect him.

The letter touched the king’s heart, and he granted to the prince’s request and returned him to the palace as before.

Sadly, after a while, the prince forgot all that had happened and again rebelled against his father. The angry king exiled the prince once again, to the same land and to the same hard physical work.

When the king’s son saw that he was truly in a terrible situation, he wrote to his father once more, begging for mercy and forgiveness, and promising that he would never repeat his wicked actions.

The king received this letter and thought to himself, “My son writes to me now only because he finds himself in great distress, and not because he truly wishes to he close to me. If I forgive him and return him to the palace, he will once again sin against me.

“So instead, I will release him from the hard physical work in his exile—but not return him to the palace. Instead, I will support him there, in his exile, bountifully and pleasantly. Now, if my son truly wishes to return to my home, he will send me a letter with that request. But if he does not send me such a letter, I will know that he is not really devoted to me, and that all of his requests to return stemmed only from the hardships that he suffered there.”

When the Jewish people were in Egypt, the Egyptians burdened them with hard labor and working with is hands. The Jewish people cried out to Hashem, Who hurried to redeem them and take them out of Egypt. Sadly, after the Jewish people returned to the Land of Israel, they sinned against Him. As a result, the Holy One, blessed be He exiled them among the nations, where today many of them enjoy pleasant and easy lives.

If, from this comfortable exile, the Jewish people still cry out to Hashem and beg to return, this is a clear sign of their sincere, desire for Hashem’s love, But if they do not ask to return from this exile, it is a sign that they seek only a life of ease and comfort.

Long Seder….Long Meal….Long Exile

Posted on Wednesday, 24, March, 2010Wednesday, 24, April, 2019 by Rabbi

Pesach was approaching quickly and everyone was preparing for the holiday. Once, two Jewish beggars were traveling together. One beggar told the other to go to the shul (synagogue), and the Jewish householders would have pity on him and invite him to a seder.

And so it was, both beggars were invited to seders. The evening started with Kiddush, and the one beggar thought to himself, “Good wine means good food.”

This was soon followed by karpas (green vegitable), and the beggar thought to himself, “A good meal begins with an appetizer.”

After a long while, people washed and the blessings were said and the matzah was served, and the beggar thought to himself, “It’s about time the meal was served, I’m just about starved.”

Then the maror (bitter herbs – usually horseradish) was served. The beggar took a full teaspoon and his mouth felt as though it was on fire. He quickly ran from the house.

“How was your Seder?” asked one beggar to the other. The disgruntled beggar then told him what had happened.

“Fool!” replied the one beggar. “If you had waited just a little longer, you would have had a fine meal, as I had.”

The same is true when we want to come close to the Holy One, blessed be He. After all the effort to begin, we are given a little bitterness. This bitterness is needed to purify the body. But we might think that this bitterness is all there is to serving G-d, so we run away from it. This is a mistake. If we would only wait just a short while — if we would allow ourselves to be purified — then we would experience every joy and delight in the world in our closeness to G-d.

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May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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A Torah and Menorah of Peace

Posted on Wednesday, 16, December, 2009Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The Rambam makes the following fascinating observation upon his conclusion of the halachos of Chanukah, in his Mishneh Torah.

If one has insufficient funds for both Shabbos candles and for Chanukah candles, or for Shabbos candles and wine for Kiddush, Shabbos candles take precedence, because of the shalom bayis—the peace and domestic tranquility, which they bring into the home. Behold, G-d’s Name is erased, in order to foster peace between a man and his wife.

At which point, the Rambam concludes with the following beautiful words. Peace is exceedingly great, for the entire Torah was given in order to foster peace in the world. As it says:

One Chanukah eve, Reb Nachum delayed lighting his Menorah, even though the preferable time for lighting the Menorah had already passed. It was not until his wife arrived that Reb Nachum lit his Menorah.

Later, Reb Nuchum was asked why he had waited for his wife, since, according to the halacha, a man can light the Menorah in behalf of his wife, even in her absence. Reb Nachum replied that he was aware of that halacha. However, he knew that his wife always looked forward eagerly to this mitzvah, and she would be deeply hurt if he kindled the Menorah without her. He therefore waited for her to return.

The ways of Torah are, indeed, ways of beauty and of peace.

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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The Season of Lights – Chanukah is coming very quickly as it begins at Sundown on November 28, 2021. Most people in the Jewish communities throughout the world can rattle off a list of Chanukah traditions such as lighting the menorah each night; playing dreidel games; eating foods cooked in oil (latkes and Sufganiot); and exchanging gifts.

An age old tradition is telling stories in the glow of the Chanukah menorah. The stories tell of greatness, nobility, and wisdom while at the same time raising the hopes for a better tomorrow.

The very backdrop to the spiritual stories is attractive to its readers allowing one to peek into the beliefs, and lifestyles of a vanishing age of a faraway world and reminding them that the messages are eternal – just as strong today as they were yesterday.

The book, Story Tour: The Journey Begins will remind readers of forgotten stories of faith that strengthen and reaffirm hope for a better world.

Buy a copy of Story Tour: The Journey Begins as a gift for someone special today. Story Tour: The Journey Begins is available from the publisher, Xlibris, Booksamillion, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon

Can One Fix a Spirit on Chanukah

Posted on Tuesday, 8, December, 2009Sunday, 10, December, 2023 by Rabbi

“Kol z’man she’ha-ner dolek, efshar l’takain”

“As long as the candle is still lit, it is possible to fix…”

Chanukah, the celebration of lights iscelebrated by ;ighting the chanukah menoah and watching the flames. The chanukah story is often told and the hope for peace and blessing is shared. The conflict for religious freedom and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem are remembered. Some may ask if amongst the many physical aspects (Chanukah menorahs, dreidels, latkes and Chanukah gelt) if there is a personal, internal meaning.

It was a cold, dark evening. Not a star glittered in the sky, nor did the moon light up with even the tiniest flicker. Clouds hung over the dusky sky, and a chill wind sliced through the thin walls of the simple houses. Men hurried home from Ma’ariv (evening prayer), their coats clutched about them.

The Rebbe in his long black coat, walked alone. He passed his students by hurrying out of shul through a side door before they realized it. He was lost in deep thought, and did not wish to be distracted.

“Ribono Shel Olam,” he sighed to himself. “I am getting older, yet there is still so much I have yet to accomplish. People come to me for advice, considering me a complete saint, but only You, Merciful One can clearly see my lackings – I am far from complete. What will be? There is so little time. So little time. It is said that it can take a lifetime to change a habit, and it is late. Oh, Ribono shel Olam, it is so late!”

Suddenly, a small flicker of light caught his attention. As if in a trance, he walked slowly toward the glow. He found himself before the shop of Yossele the tailor. The Rebbe entered slowly, not quite sure why he was driven to pursue the tiny ray of light that had penetrated his introspection.

Light of Hope

He stood in the doorway, fascinated. Yossele sat hunched over a tiny candle; a half finished garment in one hand and an almost invisible threaded needle in the other. In a gentle, rhythmic motion, he pushed the needle through the garment, and pulled it, drawing the thread tight. The small flame flickered to and fro as Yossele pushed the needle, and pulled it tight.

The Rebbe stood silently for a moment, watching Yossele’s eyes squinting in concentration by the light of the candle stub.

“Yossele,” the Rebbe spoke softly. “Yossele, why don’t you stop now? It is dark, and the night is cold.”

Yossele looked up at the Rebbe. His eyes seemed to glow with a gentle intensity that outshown the glow of the candle.

“But Rebbe,” he almost whispered, his hands never ceasing to push the needle through and pull it tight, “There is much to fix…”

The Rebbe’s eyes swept over the room, taking in the piles of clothing waiting to be mended.

“Rebbe,” the tailor repeated almost reproachfully, “As long as the candle is burning, one can sill fix . . .”

Push the needle and pull it tight…

The Rebbe’s eyes widened, He felt an all-encompassing lightness overtake him. He was free of his burden.

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

An age old tradition is telling stories in the glow of the Chanukah menorah. The stories tell of greatness, nobility, and wisdom while at the same time raising the hopes for a better tomorrow.

The very backdrop to the spiritual stories is attractive to its readers allowing one to peek into the beliefs, and lifestyles of a vanishing age of a faraway world and reminding them that the messages are eternal – just as strong today as they were yesterday.

The book, Story Tour: The Journey Begins will remind readers of forgotten stories of faith that strengthen and reaffirm hope for a better world.

Buy a copy of Story Tour: The Journey Begins as a gift for someone special today. Story Tour: The Journey Begins is available from the publisher, Xlibris, Booksamillion, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon

The Deaf Man of the Shul

Posted on Thursday, 24, September, 2009Friday, 4, October, 2019 by Rabbi

There was an old shul in the neighborhood that everyone went to. The people came and prayed and lived their lives. Now there was one man in the shul who was deaf, and to everyone’s surprise he came to shul each Shabbos.

He prayed with tear-filled eyes because his son was the chazzan (cantor). Though his voice he never heard and he prays with tear-filled eyes. Though he never heard his son’s voice, he would sit there enjoying every word.

The deaf man watched every motion, every gesture that his son made, and would stay until the vary end of the prayers no matter how long it took. And when the davening was over he was always the first to greet his son to tell him yasher koach , well done.

Now right before Yom Kippur and the sun was setting fast and everyone was waiting to begin Kol Nidre, but the chazzan (cantor) was not in the shul. There were many who began to worry and as the rabbi looked he saw the shul was full, but the deaf man’s seat was empty.

Suddenly the chazzan burst into the shul in his kittle and long tallis trailing behind. The people saw that he was wearing his white chazzan’s hat that he never wore before. As he’s rushing up to the beemah he stops at his father’s empty chair for just the briefest moment as he pulls his tallis over his head.

It was almost past time for the holy Kol Nidre service and the rabbi asked him why he was so late, but the chazzan answered he had to get ready for Yom Kippur. Silence fell throughout the shul as the chazzan took his place surrounded by the holy Torah ring. He took a deep breath and began to pray. His voice pierced the very gates of heaven and every heart was broken. Tears flowed so much that every sin was washed away and every soul was pure for Yom Kippur that year.

When the chazzan finished davening, the rabbi asked asked him, what was it he was thinking of That made him sing so well? The chazzan looked at him and a tear fell from his eye as he answered, “Well you know my father was deaf and last night he passed away and this is the first time that my father^‘s heard me pray^“

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Shir haShirim, The Song of Songs is read in many Synagogues on Shabbos Chol haMoed.

Sometimes the meanings of the words are hard to understand. The verse says: Like a rose among the thorns (2:2), but what can this mean?

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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Every year at Passover time we are reminded that “whoever tells at length about the leaving from Egypt, increases his own praise. Because the more one recognizes and appreciates the great miracles performed on his behalf, the more his own worth becomes apparent.”

It once happened that….

A ship transported many merchants to a distant land to sell their wares. The ship’s passengers included all sorts of merchants, each with his own merchandise: flour, fabrics, art objects, and precious stones.

Out at sea, a pirate vessel approached the ship. The pirates commanded the ship’s captain to veer from his course and fol­low their vessel, as a captive ship.

Fear descended upon all the ship’s passengers, for the pirates were infamous for their cruelty.

When the pirates saw the captain’s and the sailors’ courage, heard the sound of cannons, they turned around and hastily sailed away.

Although all of the mer­chants felt great happiness. This was not felt equally by each and every one of them. The relief of a merchant whose sacks of flour have been saved cannot be compared to the rejoicing of one whose precious jew­els have been saved.

Without knowing which merchant had the most valuable cargo, one could guess it by seeing which merchant expressed his relief more than others that the ship had been saved. The more elaborate the merchant’s appreciation of the rescue, the more valuable his wares.

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)

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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The hagaddah says:

“…even if we were all wise, all of us clever, all elders of our people, all fully versed in the Torah, we would still be obligated to recall the leaving from Egypt.”

It is the retelling of the story and the strengthening of faith that will bring us closer to the time when we will no longer be slaves.

There was once a city that was very well fortified. It was enclosed by a thick stone wall, thought to be impenetrable.

A wise king decided to conquer this fortified city. After inspecting the fortifications, he sent his mightiest soldiers to bring down the wall and attack the city. These soldiers fell.

He next sent a second wave of less mighty soldiers, and then a third wave, and so on. Before long, his entire army had been depleted, and the wall had not come down.

Though the armies of the King did not succeed in bringing the Mashiach (Messiah), all the great Tzaddikim (Saints and holy people) of the previous generations did succeed in cracking the wall.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

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

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One Passover, a rabbi conducted his first Seder with great spiritual inspiration. He carried out each of the Kabbalistic intentions and felt as if he were soaring through the heavens. He never remembered carrying out such an exhilarating Seder.

On the following night, he rabbi lay down to rest after the evening prayers to gather his strength. Suddenly, he was overcome by a deep sleep. Without realizing, he slept for several hours, waking only a half hour before midnight.

He felt crushed, How could he have conducted such a Seder, particular after yesterday’s heights?

After Pesach, the rabbi went to visit his master and teacher in a faraway city. When the rabbi greeted his teacher, his teacher replied:

“I watched your Seders, my student. The first night, shockingly low, soaring through the heavens, pheh…

“The second night, wonderful. The simple meaning of the Haggadah, the earnest desire to fulfill G-d’s command. How could anyone conduct a holier Seder!”

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

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One Passover, after the conclusion of the Seder, the holy Rebbe of Berditchev felt very satisfied. He had fulfilled all the Passover mitzvos carefully and carried out all the mystic intentions associated with them. As he reviewed his behavior, his thoughts were interrupted by a heavenly voice:

“Don’t be so proud of your Seder. In your city, there is a poor Jewish water carrier whose Seder far surpassed yours.”

After a considerable search, the students located the water carrier’s home and knocked at the door. Somewhat astonished to see the Rebbe’s attendants arrive at her home so late at night, the water carrier’s wife opened the door.

When the students asked to see her husband, she shyly answered “He can’t speak to you now.”

“But the Rebbe wants to see him,” they insisted.

Realizing that they would not take no for an answer, she pointed to their bedroom. “There he is, lying on the bed. He’s stone drunk. What could the Rebbe want from him?”

With soothing words, the Rebbe gently calmed his guest. When he regained his composure, the holy rabbi asked him: “Tell me about your Seder.”

Stuttering, his words interrupted by occasional sobs, the water carrier began to tell his story:

“There’s one custom which I have adopted that I follow loyally. Each morning after prayers, I take a little vodka and say l’chayim to to the Holy One, blessed be He.

“This morning, after following my daily custom, it occurred to me that since I wouldn’t be able to drink alcohol for the next eight days, I should say I’chayim for the entire holiday. Without thinking much longer, I downed eight more l’chayims. My head became groggy and I went to sleep.

“I slept very soundly without realizing how the hours passed by. At nightfall, my wife tried to wake me to go to shul, but I couldn’t get out of bed. When everybody was coming home, she tried to wake me again, but I just turned to the other side.

“She waited a little longer, then, came to wake me a third time. Shaking me with all her strength, she cried: “Husband! It’s Pesach! What about the seder? All the Jewish people are celebrating the holiday. What about us?'”

“Afterwards, I noticed that my wife had prepared matzos, wine, eggs, and some vegetables on the table. I drank the wine, ate the food, and went back to bed. That was my Seder.”

The holy Rebbe of Berditchev again assured the water carrier that his Seder had been accepted by G-d and asked his students to take him home. When they returned, he told them: “The few words he said, he said with all his heart, and therefore. G-d appreciated his Seder.”

The haggadah says, “This year, we are here; next year, in the Land of Israel. This year, we are slaves; next year, free men!”

We are still in exile today. The exile of Egypt was a difficult one, with bricks, mortar, and back breaking work. While today’s is one of abundance and wealth, so much so that sadly, people often do not realize that they are still in bitter Exile. It is like:

A prince rebelled against his father. The irate king exiled his son to a place far from the palace, decreeing that the rebellious prince must do hard labor and working with is hands.

Now the prince had never done any work at all, and he was completely unaccustomed to hard labor and working with is hands. He imme­diately sent his father a letter, begging for forgiveness and promising faithfully that he would never again do anything to challenge or disrespect him.

The letter touched the king’s heart, and he granted to the prince’s request and returned him to the palace as before.

Sadly, after a while, the prince forgot all that had hap­pened and again rebelled against his father. The angry king exiled the prince once again, to the same land and to the same hard physical work.

When the king’s son saw that he was truly in a terrible situation, he wrote to his father once more, begging for mercy and forgiveness, and promising that he would never repeat his wicked actions.

The king received this letter and thought to himself, “My son writes to me now only because he finds himself in great distress, and not because he truly wishes to he close to me. If I forgive him and return him to the palace, he will once again sin against me.

If, from this comfortable exile, the Jewish people still cry out to Hashem and beg to return, this is a clear sign of their sincere, desire for Hashem’s love, But if they do not ask to return from this exile, it is a sign that they seek only a life of ease and comfort.

Pesach was approaching quickly and everyone was preparing for the holiday. Once, two Jewish beggars were traveling together. One beggar told the other to go to the shul (synagogue), and the Jewish householders would have pity on him and invite him to a seder.

And so it was, both beggars were invited to seders. The evening started with Kiddush, and the one beggar thought to himself, “Good wine means good food.”

This was soon followed by karpas (green vegitable), and the beggar thought to himself, “A good meal begins with an appetizer.”

After a long while, people washed and the blessings were said and the matzah was served, and the beggar thought to himself, “It’s about time the meal was served, I’m just about starved.”

Then the maror (bitter herbs – usually horseradish) was served. The beggar took a full teaspoon and his mouth felt as though it was on fire. He quickly ran from the house.

“How was your Seder?” asked one beggar to the other. The disgruntled beggar then told him what had happened.

“Fool!” replied the one beggar. “If you had waited just a little longer, you would have had a fine meal, as I had.”

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)

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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Out at sea, a pirate vessel approached the ship. The pirates commanded the ship’s captain to veer from his course and follow their vessel, as a captive ship.

Although all of the merchants felt great happiness. This was not felt equally by each and every one of them. The relief of a merchant whose sacks of flour have been saved cannot be compared to the rejoicing of one whose precious jewels have been saved.

Now the prince had never done any work at all, and he was completely unaccustomed to hard labor and working with is hands. He immediately sent his father a letter, begging for forgiveness and promising faithfully that he would never again do anything to challenge or disrespect him.

Sadly, after a while, the prince forgot all that had happened and again rebelled against his father. The angry king exiled the prince once again, to the same land and to the same hard physical work.

At which point, the Rambam concludes with the following beautiful words. Peace is exceedingly great, for the entire Torah was given in order to foster peace in the world. As it says: