The Prayer of the Simple Wine Maker

Posted on Thursday, 6, August, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Yosef the merchant, the wealthy merchant, was walking past the old wooden shul (synagogue) when he heard sad crying coming from the open shul window. Forgetting where he was headed, he rushed inside and was startled to find Dovid, a sincere but unlearned man, standing in the center of the room, his face red as he recited Psalms with such energy that tears soaked the small book held in his hands.

Dovid was considered a fine wine maker in the village. He was well known throughout the area, his wine — produced only in small batches and shared privately — was treasured as Kiddush wine. Perhaps he could have earned more if he were to sell large quantities, but Dovid enjoyed making and sharing wine that would be blessed and bless those who drank it.

This was the first time Yosef the merchant had seen Dovid pray with such feeling. When he reached the verse “My soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You,” his voice cracked, the words stuck in his throat. His body trembled with emotion and tears flowed unrestrained. Scrunching his face with concentration, Dovid uttered each word again and again. He appeared to be begging for his life.

“Ribbono Shel Olam – Master of the Universe!” he suddenly yelled. “Don’t let my family be hurt … Please, I beg of you!”

Rooted to the spot, Yosef the merchant watched in puzzled silence. And though it took some time, he waited till Dovid’s crying dwindled to sniffles before addressing him.

“Can you tell me what’s wrong?”

Dovid sighed weakly. “Less than an hour ago, I heard banging on my door and opened to a government official. Police, he told me, were on their way to raid my house. They’d received an anonymous report charging me with running an illegal wine business, and would arrest me if they found any evidence at all.”

“Who do you think told them?” asked Yosef the merchant.

“I suspect it’s the man who used to do small jobs around my house,” Dovid said with a sad expression. “We had a fierce argument over something not long ago. I ended up sending him out of my house. He swore revenge, and considering it an empty threat, I dismissed his words and forgot about the whole thing. It makes sense now. Since he knew my house pretty well and would certainly be able to make it look as if I have a whole wine business going.

“I recovered somewhat from the initial shock and managed to tell my wife the horrible news before running to the holy rabbi’s house to seek his advice and blessing. I was sorely distressed and saddened when they told me he wasn’t home. Apparently, he’s out of town. My head swirled. Without his prayers, what was left for me to do? So, I rushed to the shul to beg for G d’s mercy. If I am to go to jail, at least He should spare my wife and children. A jail sentence for a crime like this would be a very long one, indeed…”

As this took place, the police had been marching along to Dovid’s house.

Meanwhile, after he had slammed the door and disappeared in a panic, his wife hastily improvised a countermeasure of some sort. She brought in armfuls of straw from the yard and flung them down the steps leading to the tiny basement winery, sprinkling some around the door as well. Once everything was covered with straw, she bolted the basement door shut.

Moments after she had finished, she looked up to see the evil accuser leading the police almost pompously. All they had to do was follow the direction of his pointing finger and discover the wine. The seriousness of the situation, together with sheer terror, crashed down on her, and she felt overpowered. She hunkered in a dark corner of the house, muttering a prayer and hoping for the best.

The officers, their eyes scrutinizing the walls, trooped inside through the house and fanned out in a search. The accuser kept silent and watched the police search the house fruitlessly. With childlike impatience, he gestured toward the cellar door.

“Look over there! The wine’s just down that door,” he panted, eyes glinting maliciously.

The chief steeled his jaw, peeved at the interruption. “Quiet. Let the police do their job.”

The accuser’s shoulders sagged, his frustration mounting as he watched the officers overturning the house, steadily eliminating the potential hiding places, yet still failing to uncover traces of illicit wine manufacturing. House completely swept, nothing was left for them to do other than leave. When the accuser saw the officers turn towards the door, he once again failed to contain himself.

“The Jew is hiding his wine behind that door! I swear to you!”

The chief shot the angry accuser another smoldering look. He walked over to the door and opened it. At the sight of the straw strewn down the stairs, he erupted furiously.

“Don’t you know that straw interferes with fermentation?” the chief roared at the accuser, who winced with every word. “I’ve had enough of your lies. Do you seriously think the Jew would ruin his entire inventory of wine with straw?!”

When Yosef the merchant would retell this story, he emphasized, “Look how this simple Jewish wine maker instinctively reacted. When confronted with disaster, it never occurred to him to hire a lawyer or approach a public official. For him, it was either the holy rabbi or the shul!”

Pymet – Grape Mead

Small Batch – 1 gallon

1-3 lb honey

1 packet of wine wine yeast

Pure grape juice to make 1 gallon

Equipment:

1-gallon fermentation vessel

Method:

Sanitize your vessel (If you were to be using any tools — such as a funnel to get the ingredients into the vessel — you would want to sanitize them as well.)

Add honey and grape juice to your fermenter.

Pitch/add the yeast according to instructions.

Add yeast to the fermenter and mix well.

Make sure there is water in the airlock so you can monitor the bubbles (the visual bi-product of fermentation) escaping.

Wait approximately two to three months and your mead will be ready (the bubbles will have all but stopped). Depending on the type of yeast you use, it may take less or more time.

Aging the Pymet will improve the taste and body of the Mead-Wine

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 Mysterious Kiddush Sleep

Posted on Friday, 8, May, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Shalom Aleichem and Eishes Chayil had already been sung. The lights from the Shabbos candles reflected softly in the dark wine in the Kiddush cup. A hush settled over the room as everyone moved around the Shabbos table to hear kiddush. Avraham the Miller took a deep breath and . . . fell asleep in his seat.

“Taty! Taty! Father! Father!” the family called….No response. Chana Sorah put her hand on her husband’s shoulder and shook him, but that didn’t help either. “Wake up! Wake up!” the children encouraged. Everyone thought he had fainted and began to worry. Someone ran to get the doctor.

The doctor found it difficult to wake him from his deep sleep and could not understand what had happened to him. He suggested to let Avraham sleep it off. Someone else would have to make kiddush.

Avraham the Miller didn’t wake up till morning. He was embarrassed to hear what had happened. He fell into a deep sleep the next Friday night and it happened again. It seemed that every week as everyone was waiting for Kiddush Friday night, Avraham fell asleep.

After several weeks, Avraham the Miller cried, “What is happening to me? How can I not say Kiddush? Something is very wrong.” He was sad and embarrassed and was determined to He rose from his chair, where he had fallen asleep at the Shabbos table in front of the Kiddush cup and sadly told his wife, Chana Sorah, “I don’t understand what is happening? Nothing helps! I can’t go on like this. After Shabbos I’m going to the holy rabbi!”

The next day he went to the old wooden shul (synagogue), and told the whole story to the holy rabbi. He cried as he asked to be cured so that he could enjoy Shabbos, they Day of Rest as he had done in the past.

The holy rabbi listened and then said, “It seems, that you have somehow violated Shabbos, which is why you are being prevented from honoring her.”

Avraham the Miller became even more upset. “I don’t understand. I’m so careful with the laws of Shabbos. Violating Shabbos? I can’t imagine how that ever might have happened.”

Sadly, he went home and told his family everything the holy rabbi said. They were shocked. They all knew how careful he was about keeping Shabbos. After listening to his father, one of his older sons spoke up. “Taty (father), I have to tell you that the holy rabbi’s words revealed genuine divine inspiration because, unfortunately, they are true. One Friday night, when I was up late, I saw you get up in the middle of the night. You were obviously still half asleep. I saw you light a candle so you could see your way to get a drink of water, and then you extinguished it when you were finished. The next morning it was clear that you had no recollection of what had happened, and not wanting to shame you or show disrespect, I never said anything. Now that the holy rabbi saw this violation of Shabbos, I realize I am obligated to share what I saw.”

The man immediately went and told the holy rabbi what his son had reported, and the rebbi said, “That’s it. How can a Jewish person allow himself to forget the holiness of Shabbos, under any circumstances? There are two primary obligations towards Shabbos: to ‘remember’ it (Exodus 20:8) and to ‘safeguard’ it (Deuteronomy 5:12), both of which, our sages tell us, were declared by the Almighty ‘in a single utterance.’ ‘Remember’ is accomplished through speech, by expressing the holiness of Shabbos in the words of the kiddush. ‘Safeguard’ is for the mind and heart, to be continually aware of the holiness of Shabbos throughout the entire day, that it not be transgressed. Sadly, you failed to ‘safeguard’ Shabbos, so you have lost the right to ‘remember’ her.”

“There is nothing I can do for you. The only ‘remedy’ there is for you is if you are challenged by a test in Shabbos observance, and you stand up to it. Then the Shabbos will be appeased of your insult.”

These final words made the miller feel a little better. He trusted the holy rabbi, and resolved to stand up to the trial, no matter what it might be.

Not long after a summons came from his poritz, the nobleman from whom he leased his mill in exchange for an annual rent and a percentage of its income. The latter informed him that he planned to greatly expand the flour mill’s capacity, and that in order to recoup the large amount of money that he would have to invest, it would be necessary for the mill to operate on Saturdays as well, starting now.

“That’s impossible,” the Jewish miller declared firmly. “I only work six days, never on Shabbos.

“Oh, come on,” said the nobleman, “I know that you can get around it if you want to. I heard that a rabbi can make some kind of contract where you can stay home, but the mill stays open and I don’t lose the income.”

“I’ve never employed such a leniency in relation to Shabbos, and I never will,” the miller firmly declared.

The nobleman raised his voice. “Stubborn fool! I’ll give you the two months it will take to complete the renovations to start to operate the mill on Saturday. If you don’t, I’ll throw you out.”

The poritz carried out his threat, and evicted the miller. Without any income, he and his family soon fell on to hard times. Even basic food for the children became hard to supply. What’s more, his “Shabbos disease” still afflicted him. Even though things were difficult, he persisted in his determination not to fail the Shabbos again.

Meanwhile, the mill’s owner had completed the expansion of the mill, and had found a manager who was willing to work a seven-day week. But right from the start it didn’t work out. Unusual accidents kept occurring, and all sorts of problems arose. Huge losses piled up. The situation was bizarre, and everyone realized it.

The nobleman was forced to admit to himself that his problems must be connected to his having ruined the livelihood of the Jewish miller. So he sent for his former tenant and, after revealing the mill’s desperate situation, offered to lease it to him as before.

“And what about my Shabbos?” the Jewish miller asked.

“Look,” he answered, “after all the unusual problems and sharp losses, I realize that G d is with you. Do however you see fit.”

So the Jewish miller returned to the mill, and was soon blessed with more success than he had ever had. Also, his affliction disappeared at the same time, just as the holy rabbi had said. But even with his new wealth, reciting kiddush on Shabbat night remained his greatest pleasure.

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 Widow’s Seder

Posted on Wednesday, 8, April, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Sima woke as the light of the new day shined in her window. She was still tired from cleaning the house for Pesach (Passover) the day before. She gathered her clothes to take to the river to wash. Her daughter Zehava followed behind humming a song.

It had been a hard year for the young widow, Sima, who missed her husband badly. sickness ravaged the village that winter and she helped many anyway she could. Sadly, many died.

Zehava asked her mother when they would start cooking for the seder meal. Sima just sighed as she did not have any matzah, wine or food for the seder. So, she sadly went to the river to wash clothes so that she and her daughter could at least welcome the holiday with clean clothes.

“Ima, please tell me the story of Pesach (Passover)” asked Zehava. “Not now my precious daughter but tonight” answered Sima. Her daughter walked and played along the bank of the river where flowers were starting to appear, and the trees were budding. It was a beautiful spring day, but Sima was so sad.

Zehava began to play in the water, cupping the water and then letting it slowly run out of her hands back into the river. She did it again and again. “Ima, why are you so sad today? It is right before Pseach a happy holiday.” asked Zehava, Sima looked at her daughter and remembered when she was a girl and her mother always found a way to be happy at holiday time no matter how hard things were. “I’m sad because we have nothing to prepare for Pesach and no one to share with us” Sima tearfully answered.

“You know, I learned that sadness is an enemy that can destroy a lot of things.” Zehava said. “Oh, to be a little girl again with few worries. To see the good around us and to just play” Sima responded.

Zehava continued playing in the water, “Every day when I pray I say ‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies’ (Psalm 23:5), she held her cupped hands up high and as the water trickled down she sad “my cup overflows.”

“Ima, you help everyone who needs help even though we are very poor. One thing though, we are so full of mitzvos (good deeds) that they can’t fit into any treasure chest.”

“Zehava, my sweet child you remind me of something my mother told me a long time ago ‘He lifts up the soul and makes the eyes sparkle; he gives health and life and blessing.’ (Ben Sira 34:20) The sparkle in your eyes makes me appreciate the gift the Holy One, blessed be He gave to me.”

Zehava ran over and hugged her mother and they both smiled.

In the distance Zehava saw someone walking along the bank of the river. The person seemed to be struggling. As they got closer, Zehava saw it was an old woman, older than anyone she had even seen. The old woman having trouble walking.

As the old woman neared, Sima and Zehava invited her to rest on the riverbank with them. The old woman asked if she could join them for the seder. Sima began to cry as she explained they did not have any matzah, wine or food for the seder. The old woman answered, “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you (Isaiah 66:13) may you be blessed in all your actions and may you celebrate the holy days with happiness,”

The old woman told them she was very tired, and Zehava asked, “Ima, can this old woman sleep in my bed until she is ready to go on her way?” “That’s a good idea” Sima answered as she told the old woman to go to the house behind them.

The old woman looked at Zehava and smiled, “You shall understand the Pesach (Passover) story much better than most people for you are truly a special girl.” She took a deep breath and continued, “The blessing of Hashem is the reward of the pious, and quickly He causes his blessing to flourish. (Ben Sira 11:22). Follow in your mother’s ways and be kind to all who have needs.”

The old woman went into the house while Sima continued with her laundry and Zehava played in the water. After some time Sima and Zehava started back towards their house when they noticed a strange light. Zehava ran to the door and called to her mother, “Ima, the house is filled with matzah, wine and so much food. There’s a white tablecloth and the candlesticks are ready for Pesach.”

Sima gasped at what she saws and went to check on the old woman but could not find her. Zehava ran out the door and saw the old woman walking down the road. The old woman looked over her shoulder, smiled and said, “I have been walking for countless years and may you have a kosher and joyous Pesach (Passover).”

Sima and Zehava started to cook and that night had many guests for there seder. Sima told everyone about the mysterious old woman. No one had seen her or had met her.

At the end of the seder after everyone had left, Zehava turned to her mother and said, “This has been the most special seder we have ever had.” Her mother answered, “Yes it has, but I will I know who that old woman was.” Zehava, with a twinkle in her eye added, “It’s not every seder that we are visited by two holy guests.” “Zehava, what are you talking about?” “ima we were visited by Serach bas Asher (Search, the daughter of Asher) and Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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

Kos Shel Eliyahu – Elijah’s Cup

Posted on Monday, 6, April, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

According to belief, Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet) will appear at the end of days to announce the coming of Moshiach (the Messiah). He also appears from time to time to save Jewish people in trouble and to teach Torah secrets to holy people. At the Passover seder, a special cup is placed on the table for Eliyahu haNovi – the Kos Shel Eliyahu. It is believed that he visits toward the end of the seder and drinks wine from his cup. He can sometimes be seen by those who are pure of heart.

There was once a wealthy couple named Avram and Penina. They were generous to the poor, and their large house was always open to strangers. Their most valued possession was a beautiful Kos Shel Eliyahu that graced their seder table each year at Passover.

The world is like a fountain wheel, the buckets ascend full and descend empty. Who is rich today may not be so tomorrow. (Exodus Rabbah 31:14) And so the wheel of fortune turned for Avram and Penina, and they were forced to sell most of their pos¬sessions to buy food. The only thing of value that they had left was their Kos Shel Eliyahu, which they agreed never to sell, no matter how desperate their situation became.

As Passover approached, they discovered that they did not have enough money to buy matzahs, wine, or food for the seder.

“Dearest Penina,” said Avram with a heavy heart, “I’m afraid we have no choice but to sell the Kos Shel Eliyahu .”

“Never!” replied Penina, and nothing Avram could say would change her mind.

On the day before Passover, Avram went off to study in the beis midrash. It pained him too much to stay at home and see the empty Kos Shel Eliyahu sitting in the middle of a bare table. How sad their Passover would be this year! How could they celebrate this holiday of freedom from slavery without matzah or wine?

While Avram was gone, there was a knock on the door. Penina opened it to find an elderly, well-dressed man standing before her.

“I’m a stranger in this town,” he said. “May I celebrate the seders with you?”

“We have no money to buy anything for a seder this year,” said Penina sadly. “We have nothing at all in the house.”

The man handed her a heavy purse and said, “Take this money and go buy what you need. I’ll return tonight for the seder.”

With a joyful heart, Penina hurried to the market and bought everything that she needed for the seders. Then she ran home and prepared a great feast. When Avram returned, Penina told him what had happened and asked him to bring their guest home with him from the synagogue that evening. Sadly, Avram returned from the synagogue alone. “I looked everywhere,” he explained, “but there was no well-dressed stranger there.”

They decided not to begin the seder until their guest arrived. But it began to grow late, and still there was no sign of him. At eleven o’clock, they could wait no longer, for the afikomen — the matzah eaten at the end of the seder meal — must be eaten before midnight. They recited the first part of the Haggadah and then began the feast. Right after they ate the afikomen, Avram fell asleep. Penina stayed awake, still hop¬ing that the stranger would appear. A short while later, when she opened the door for Eliyahu haNovi, the elderly man walked in.

She ran to wake Avram, but by the time she succeeded in arousing him from his heavy sleep, the stranger was gone. Avram fell back to sleep, and Penina finished the Haggadah and completed the seder by herself.

Shortly after this, Avram died. When he appeared before the Heavenly Court, they wished to admit him to paradise at once, but Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet) appeared and said, “If he wanted to sell my cup, he has to remain outside!” So for several years, Avram waited outside the gates.

Then Penina died, and the gates of paradise opened before her. But as she moved forward to enter, she no-ticed someone in the way. It was her beloved Avram.

“I won’t enter without him!” she cried.

The Heavenly Court tried to persuade her to change her mind, but she stood firm. So they were forced to admit them both.

Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet) visits the Passover seder, but he appears at other times too. He comes dressed as a guest to test people’s hospitality, or he comes to reward holy people with his vision or to save those in trouble. Eliyahu haNovi is G-d’s messenger of salvation. This fine couple had resolved never to sell their treasured Elijah’s cup regardless of their financial difficulties. Sadly, when they could not afford the matzah or wine for the seder, Avram gave in – Penina did not. His faith was fragile; hers was strong. Penina trusted that G-d would provide for their Passover needs — and if not, not!

Penina refused to sell the symbol of their faith in G-d’s salvation, even to buy matzah, wine, and food for the seder. Because of her greater faith, she was, awake when Avram was asleep. Since her faith and trust in G-d was strong, they received everything they needed for the holiday. As a reward for her faith, she merited to see Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet) and to conclude the seder, unlike her husband, whose faith had failed and who dozed off toward the end.

The seder begins with haLachma Anyah in which we invite “All those who are hungry, let them enter and eat. All who are in need, let them come celebrate the Passover.” There are those who hunger for food, but many more who hunger for faith and holiness.

The seder, in its closing, invites Eliyahu haNovi into our homes and our hearts. May we open our seders with the offer to meet the needs of those who are hungry for food and of the spirit. Life involves many tests, we must trust that G-d will save us. If we hold on and trust Him, we will pass the tests and be rewarded — with spiritual consolation and with visions of the divine presence in our lives.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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 Forgotten Melody

Posted on Tuesday, 10, March, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Chaim Leib was a wandering musician. He traveled from village to village playing his violin at every opportunity. His music made others happy, and he asked for nothing more than a meal and a place to sleep.

Now Chaim Leib especially loved playing at orphans’ weddings and at the end of every Shabbos (Sabbath Day). His favorite songs were niggunim – haunting Jewish melodies without words. During the summer, when the windows were wide open, the sound of his violin was heard up and down the roads and byways. Old people as well as young listened to his wonderful playing, which brought joy to a neighborhood that was sad and poor.

At many celebrations, Chaim Leib could be heard playing his violin, which had been in his family for many generations. He played on the eve of Hanukah after lighting the candles, and he played on the eve of Purim.

Each year it was his custom, right after the Purim meal in his house, to take his violin and go to entertain sick and poor people. When he played for poor families, the children would hum along and the women would clap. Before he left each house, Chaim Leib would taste some wine and continue on his way to the next house.

Now one year, Purim took place during an exceptionally cold winter. Deep snow covered the ground, and a strong wind shook roofs and shutters. Chaim Leib was more than sixty years old, and his wife, Feige Chava, asked him not to go out that year. He was determined to lighten the hearts of the sick and poor on Purim, as he had done for so many years.

So Chaim Leib left home and went from house to house playing for the people. He did not refuse any food or drink that the poor gave him in thanks.

When Chaim Leib had not come home by midnight, Feige Chava began to worry. By one o’clock, she started to worry even more. When the old clock showed two, Chaim Leib’s wife woke Shlomo di balegole (the wagon driver) from a deep sleep.

Shlomo di balegole hitched a horse to the sleigh and went with Feige Chava to the house of the village rabbi. They woke the rabbi. With the rabbi’s assistant, the shammash, they lit several lamps and went to search for Chaim Leib. Every place they went, they were told yes, he had been there. He had played his violin, drunk a glass of wine, and gone on his way.

At last they returned home without having found Chaim Leib. The shammash was weary, but he did not return to bed, for it was time to open the old wooden shul (synagogue). He was surprised to see Chaim Leib sitting there. He was playing a beautiful melody on his ancient violin . The melody that the shammash had never heard before.

“Chaim Leib!” cried the shammash. “Are you all right? Where have you been?”

“Don’t bother me,” said Chaim Leib. “I must not forget the melody that I just learned from Moishe the chazzan (cantor).”

“But Moishe the chazzan died many years ago,” the shammash said.

“I know,” said Chaim Leib. as he played the song over and over until he knew it by heart. Then he turned to the shammash. “Let me tell you what happened:

“I went from house to house, playing my violin, as I do every Purim. Everyone was very generous, and perhaps I drank a little too much wine.

“On my way home, I decided to take a shortcut through the yard of the synagogue even though I have heard that the dead pray in the synagogue every night. While passing in front of the gate, I heard a voice from inside the synagogue say, ‘Will Chaim Leib, the son of Yaakov haLevi come forth and pray?’ At that instant I was filled with terror. Who was calling me ? I wanted to escape, but I knew that I had no choice but to go inside. For when you are called to pray before the Torah, you must do it.

“As I approached the door of the synagogue, my legs were trembling. All at once, the door opened as if by itself, and I peered inside. There I saw that the Torah had been taken out of the Ark and lay open. And standing before it I saw ghostly figures as transparent as spider webs.

“Shivering with fear, I took my place before the Torah, made the blessing. and was ready to run away. When suddenly I saw Moishe the chazzan, hurrying toward me. I was very surprised to see him, for I knew that he was no longer among the living.

“‘Chaim Leib,’ he said, ‘please, have mercy. There is something that I must tell you.’ I tried to remain calm, although I could hear my heart beat¬ing. I nodded for him to go on.

“The ghostly figure said, ‘There is a melody I composed just before I died, which I took with me to the grave. I wrote it for the living and it is a great burden for me. The song has never been heard by anyone else. Let me share it with you, so that you can play it for others. As soon as you do, my melody will be set free, and you, Chaim Leib, will be rewarded with a long life.’

“When I heard this, I realized that I had not come there by chance. Even though I was speaking to a spirit, my fear vanished, and I listened carefully as Moishe the chazzan began to sing that niggun. And as soon as he finished, he and all the other ghostly figures vanished, and I took out my violin and played, so as not to forget it. Now I must play it again and again, till my fingers know it by heart.” And so he did, while the shammash listened in amazement.

The next day Chaim Leib sang that magnificent melody for the first time in front of the congregation of the old wooden shul. All who were present agreed that it was truly a haunting melody, the likes of which had never been heard.

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 Freilechen Purim Stories

Posted on Sunday, 8, March, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Story Tour shares special Purim stories for all to enjoy and share with others. The threat of violence and a sense of foreboding has led many to prayer and the unseen hand of the Holy One, blessed be He brought hope and peace as heartfelt prayers were said.

A Maggid and Purim – Megillah, maggidim (spiritual storytellers) and the king’s sleepless night. The king could simply have a maggid to tell a bedtime story.

Purim: A Time of Joy – Purim is a Jewish holiday of deliverance from death which served as an inspiration in the ghettos, death camps and forests of nazi Europe and a spark of hope.

Another Purim? – For many Jewish families of Spanish descent, there is a special holiday called Purim Saragossa based on a 15th century event that even fewer people know about.

Purim by the Clock – The day of Purim..the clock showed him that the hands on the clock’s face stood at the same position, the very moment when the king was carried away.

If Only Everything Was As Easy As Hagbah

Posted on Wednesday, 4, December, 2019Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Hospitality — Hachnosas Orchim — is primarily fulfilled by providing for travelers, beggars and other guests. A surprising amount of attention is given to Hachnosas Orchim in the Torah (Scriptures), holy writings and holy teachings. It is a special mitzvah, a commandment, an obligation.

A traveler wandered into the village late one night and while all the homes were dark, one home had a light shining in the window. He made his way to the home and after knocking was and was greeted by the rabbi man who lived there. He asked if he can stay for the night and the rabbi who was known for his chesed (kindness) was delighted with the opportunity to accommodate. He quickly sprung into action to bring food, make a bed, and cater to his guest’s every need. Realizing that he was dealing with the holy rabbi of the village himself, the guest could not allow the holy rabbi to lower himself to serve him. He vehemently protested and would not let the rabbi engage in any trouble on his behalf.

The next day in shul the gabbai (is a beadle or sexton, a person who assists in the running of synagogue services) noticed the guest and was going to give him an aliyah as was customary for guests. The holy rabbi went to the gabbai and told him not to give the guest an aliyah to the torah but rather he should give him hagba’as haTorah. The gabbai obeyed the holy rabbi without questioning this odd request.

After the guest was called for hagbah and was about to pick up the sefer torah the holy rabbi made his way to the bima and stopped the guest from picking up the torah. “don’t be matriarch (overburden) yourself” said the holy rabbi, “it is quite heavy!” “but is not that much of a strain” protested the guest. “it is an honour.” “and so is serving another Jewish person and doing the mitzvah of hachnasas orchim”, said the holy rabbi delivering the punch line.

There are many exerting exercises that we happily do without complaining. We consider them a privilege. When it comes to doing a favor for another Jewish person even if it takes time and effort, we should view it in the same light. It is a privilege and an honour, so indulge yourself with a smile!

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 Season of Lights – Chanukah is coming very quickly as it begins at Sundown On December 22, 2019. 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

You Shall Honour the Sabbath Day

Posted on Friday, 22, November, 2019Friday, 18, August, 2023 by Rabbi

A wealthy merchant had two sons who lived in a distant city. The first was a rich merchant like his father, while the second was a penniless beggar. The two brothers had not seen their father for many years.

One day, the wealthy son received a letter from his father informing him that his youngest brother was getting married and that his sons join him and the rest of the family for the wedding. The father, in his letter, wrote, “I have a request to make of you, do not be sparing in the slightest; rather, purchase lavish attire in my honor, and come celebrate this joyous wedding with us. You needn’t worry — I will cover all of the expenses.”

Heeding his father’s request, the wealthy son, wife and children all bought beautiful richly embroidered clothing, befitting individuals of their stature. When the day of the wedding arrived, he ordered a magnificent coach to transport them to the celebration.

Prior to setting out, he sent for his poor brother ordering him to rush to his house. The poor brother arrived wearing clothing that was tattered and torn. He wondered why he had been called. “Get up into the coach quickly,” ordered the wealthy brother. “There is no time for explanations. We are going to travel to our father in order to participate in the wedding of our youngest brother.”

When news of his sons’ arrival reached the father’s house, he and his household, all of his servants as well as his many friends, went out to greet them. Adding to the festive atmosphere was a band of musicians, who marched in front of them, playing pleasant and joyous melodies. When the coach arrived, the wealthy son and his family — dressed ever so elegantly — got down from the coach, only to be followed by the poor brother who was barefoot and wearing rags.

“Who is this man?” whispered the shocked townspeople.

The more observant of the crowd were quick to answer, “Don’t you recognize him?” they said. “He is the man’s second son.” The wedding was held in grand style, and after seven days of feasting, the wealthy son approached his father to in order to bid him farewell. “Go in peace,” said the father. “May Hashem grant you a safe journey.”

“But father,” asked the son boldly,” what about the expenses that you promised to cover?”

“Look carefully at what it says in the letter that I sent you,” responded the father.

”I agreed to reimburse you on condition that you purchased beautiful clothing in my honor… Yet you did nothing whatsoever to honor me!” cried the father. “All of the money you spent was solely to enhance your own honor!

For if you were truly concerned with my honor, you would have made sure that your brother was dressed appropriately as well. Just look at the embarrassment and shame you’ve caused me by allowing my son to arrive barefoot and dressed in rags.”

A person should therefore try his utmost to honor and enjoy Shabbos – the Holy Sabbath day. How can it be that a person could sit in his home, dressed in elegant attire and enjoying of delicious delights, while his unfortunate brother sits in his home like a mourner, eating nothing more than just plain bread and simple food?

We learn, “Honor your father and your mother”: I would think that they are to be honored with words. It is, therefore, written (Mishlei/Proverbs 3:9) “Honor the L rd from your wealth.” Just as there, “wealth,” here, too, food, drink, and a new garment are understood.” (Mekhilta d’Rabbi Yishmael 20:12) We should strive to serve the Holy One, blessed be He and not exclusively ourselves.

Sadly, this is an indication that the money he spent on his Shabbos delicacies was not for the purpose of delighting in the gifts from the Holy One, blessed be He, but rather, simply to indulge himself. Hashem does not guarantee to reimburse such expenditures.

It is written, “If you refrain from trampling the Sabbath, From pursuing your affairs on My holy day; If you call the Sabbath “delight,” The L-rd’s holy day “honored”. And if you honor it and go not your ways nor look to your affairs, nor strike bargains Then you can seek the favor of the L-rd.” (Isaiah 58: 13-14)

May you be blessed by Shabbos with a special sense of holiness that lasts from Shabbos to Shabbos

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

Power of Speech and the Joy of Shabbos

Posted on Friday, 8, November, 2019Friday, 27, October, 2023 by Rabbi

“B’asara maamaros nivra haolam – With ten utterances the world was created. (Avos 5:1) “And G-d completed on the seventh day His work that He did, and He abstained on the seventh day from all His work that He did. (Genesis 2:2),” King David explains that “By the word of the L-rd the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth.” (Psalm 33:6) everything was created. Since words an be work, on Shabbos (the Sabbath Day) we must be careful which words we speak and how many of them.

Thinking about work or business is permissible, however, keeping to the spirit of Shabbos, as a holy day, it is discouraged and forbidden. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 306:8) teaches, “It is permitted to think about one’s weekday affairs; however, in order to enjoy Shabbos (the Sabbath Day), it is a religious precept/commandment not to think about them at all and it should be as if all of one’s work is done.”

There was once a very righteous man who owned a vineyard. His vineyard was protected on all sides by a wall. One Shabbos afternoon, when the man was taking a little walk, he noticed that a hole was broken in one spot. He became very worried. “If wild animals or passersby get into the vineyard and eat up my grapes,” he thought, “I will no longer earn money from selling grapes. I will have to fix the wall immediately after Shabbos.” In order to save time he decided, “I will go on Shabbos to someone who knows about building walls to find out exactly how to fix the hole. The sooner wall will be repaired, the safer my grapes will be. If I know exactly how to do it, I will be able to start as soon as Shabbos is over.”

When he came home after talking to the wall builder, he was calm at first, but soon he began to feel sorry for his actions.

“What have I done,” he exclaimed! “I made a terrible mistake; I’m afraid I violated Shabbos, ruined the holiness and spirituality. During Shabbos, we are not allowed to even talk about forbidden work that we plan to do after Shabbos. The Holy One, blessed be He wants us to imagine that all work is done. We should not worry about future work at all.” He was so sorry that he had discussed the wall repair on Shabbos. He decided that he must repent. But how?

The righteous man thought “I want to show the Holy One, blessed be He that I am really sorry that I talked about the repair on Shabbos. Therefore, I won’t fix the wall even after Shabbos is over. I will always leave it broken just as it is now.”

He was, in fact, allowed to repair the wall after Shabbos, but since he was such a religious person, he didn’t want to benefit from words that were forbidden on Shabbos.

The Holy One, blessed be He rewarded the man by performing a miracle for him. A large bush began to grow in front of the exact spot where the wall was broken. The bush completely blocked the hole in the wall. This bush was a special kind called a Tzlaf (Caper) bush. The Tzlaf bush grows a delicious kind of fruit. Both the leaves and the fruit are edible. There was always plenty of fruit on the bush because the Holy One, blessed be He made the fruit of the Tzlaf bush grow and regrow very quickly.

This amazing bush also provided the righteous man with a good income. He was able to sell its fruits which kept growing all the time. From then on, he was able to learn Torah without worrying about money. This was his reward for treating Shabbos with holiness and sincerely regretting his actions.

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

Bentching Shabbos Licht Saves a Family

Posted on Friday, 1, November, 2019Friday, 25, August, 2023 by Rabbi

Bentching licht, kindling the Holy Lights before Shabbos, brings a healing into the world. The Holy One, blessed be He gave to our holy mothers and sisters the mitzvah of bringing the light of Shabbos into the home and community. Each week as the wicks are carefully prepared the anticipation of Shabbos kodesh (the Holy Sabbath) spreads throughout the house. Such little lights truly make a difference. You may ask, “Isn’t Shabbos itself such a great light? Isn’t Shabbos, as the Talmud says, a torch? Why do you need a little candle?” But you see, you are asking with the mind of six days of the week. Shabbos is indeed a great light, but the little candle, the little fire is so precious, so precious before G-d.

When our women and girls kindle lights, at that one moment, there’s no wall between them and the Holy One, blessed be He. There is no wall between them and their husbands, brothers and their children. There is no wall between them and all of the people. There is no wall between them and the whole world. What a holy moment….

You know, sadly enough, today we’re living in a different world. Sadly enough, so many marriages break up, so many hearts are broken, so many windows are just knocked out. Not so long ago this hardly ever happened.

One day the holy rabbi was told that the wife of one of his students had moved back to her parents. He was so heartbroken, he called the woman and this is what he said, “I want you to know, your husband loves you so much. He is up all night in the synagogue, reciting the Psalms and praying that you should come back to him, because he loves you so much. So I’m begging you, please, please, please, go back to your husband who loves you.

The young woman with a tear in her eye answered, “Rabbi, holy rabbi, let it be clear to you, I didn’t leave my husband because I don’t love him. I love him so much it causes be so much pain to be away from him. Sadly, the Holy One, blessed be He didn’t bless us yet with children, and a house without children is more destroyed than the Holy Temple. A house without laughter, without crying of children, is so lonely, so empty. I couldn’t bare it anymore, so I went back to my parents’ home. Holy rabbi if you want me to go back to my husband, bless me with children.” She was a very clever woman, so added said, “Holy rabbi, if you bless me with children, bless me to have a son like you.”

The holy rabbi just smiled and he said to her, “I’ll be so happy to bless you to have a son like me, but you have to promise me something: If you will be a mother like my mother, then you will have children like me.”

One Friday she was crying so much, and I guess she bent over the candles, and her tears fell on the candles. When she opened her eyes, it was already Shabbos. There were no more candles. The tears extinguished the fire. My mother said, “Ribbono shel olam (Master of the World), Heiligeh Tatteh in Himmel (Holy Father in Heaven), I can’t live without the light of Shabbos. Master of the World, Master of the World, Master of the World, how can I have Shabbos without my Shabbosdike licht (Shabbos light)? But it’s already Shabbos, so I’m begging You, Master of the World, please You, You Master of the World, rekindle my light, rekindle my Shabbosdike Licht.”

The holy rabbi said to the woman, “I swear to you, I saw a hand coming down from Heaven and kindling the lights of Shabbos.”

The holy rabbi gave his blessing to the young woman and she went home to her husband. Each Friday night as the sun was setting the young woman would welcome the heiligeh Shabbos (holy Sabbath) with prayers from her heart and one Shabbos before the year was over crying was heard from her home – a child was born.

A Gut’n Shabbos – Good Shabbos – Shabbat Shalom

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

“Ribbono Shel Olam – Master of the Universe!” he suddenly yelled. “Don’t let my family be hurt … Please, I beg of you!”

Rooted to the spot, Yosef the merchant watched in puzzled silence. And though it took some time, he waited till Dovid’s crying dwindled to sniffles before addressing him.

“Can you tell me what’s wrong?”

“Who do you think told them?” asked Yosef the merchant.

As this took place, the police had been marching along to Dovid’s house.

The officers, their eyes scrutinizing the walls, trooped inside through the house and fanned out in a search. The accuser kept silent and watched the police search the house fruitlessly. With childlike impatience, he gestured toward the cellar door.

“Look over there! The wine’s just down that door,” he panted, eyes glinting maliciously.

The chief steeled his jaw, peeved at the interruption. “Quiet. Let the police do their job.”

“The Jew is hiding his wine behind that door! I swear to you!”

The chief shot the angry accuser another smoldering look. He walked over to the door and opened it. At the sight of the straw strewn down the stairs, he erupted furiously.

“Don’t you know that straw interferes with fermentation?” the chief roared at the accuser, who winced with every word. “I’ve had enough of your lies. Do you seriously think the Jew would ruin his entire inventory of wine with straw?!”

When Yosef the merchant would retell this story, he emphasized, “Look how this simple Jewish wine maker instinctively reacted. When confronted with disaster, it never occurred to him to hire a lawyer or approach a public official. For him, it was either the holy rabbi or the shul!”

Pymet – Grape Mead

Small Batch – 1 gallon

1-3 lb honey

1 packet of wine wine yeast

Pure grape juice to make 1 gallon

Equipment:

1-gallon fermentation vessel

Method:

Sanitize your vessel (If you were to be using any tools — such as a funnel to get the ingredients into the vessel — you would want to sanitize them as well.)

Add honey and grape juice to your fermenter.

Pitch/add the yeast according to instructions.

Add yeast to the fermenter and mix well.

Make sure there is water in the airlock so you can monitor the bubbles (the visual bi-product of fermentation) escaping.

Wait approximately two to three months and your mead will be ready (the bubbles will have all but stopped). Depending on the type of yeast you use, it may take less or more time.

Aging the Pymet will improve the taste and body of the Mead-Wine

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

“Taty! Taty! Father! Father!” the family called….No response. Chana Sorah put her hand on her husband’s shoulder and shook him, but that didn’t help either. “Wake up! Wake up!” the children encouraged. Everyone thought he had fainted and began to worry. Someone ran to get the doctor.

The doctor found it difficult to wake him from his deep sleep and could not understand what had happened to him. He suggested to let Avraham sleep it off. Someone else would have to make kiddush.

Avraham the Miller didn’t wake up till morning. He was embarrassed to hear what had happened. He fell into a deep sleep the next Friday night and it happened again. It seemed that every week as everyone was waiting for Kiddush Friday night, Avraham fell asleep.

The next day he went to the old wooden shul (synagogue), and told the whole story to the holy rabbi. He cried as he asked to be cured so that he could enjoy Shabbos, they Day of Rest as he had done in the past.

The holy rabbi listened and then said, “It seems, that you have somehow violated Shabbos, which is why you are being prevented from honoring her.”

Avraham the Miller became even more upset. “I don’t understand. I’m so careful with the laws of Shabbos. Violating Shabbos? I can’t imagine how that ever might have happened.”

“Please, rabbi,” sobbed the man, “tell me how to repent. Give me a remedy. Save me from this unbearable affliction!”

“There is nothing I can do for you. The only ‘remedy’ there is for you is if you are challenged by a test in Shabbos observance, and you stand up to it. Then the Shabbos will be appeased of your insult.”

These final words made the miller feel a little better. He trusted the holy rabbi, and resolved to stand up to the trial, no matter what it might be.

“That’s impossible,” the Jewish miller declared firmly. “I only work six days, never on Shabbos.

“Oh, come on,” said the nobleman, “I know that you can get around it if you want to. I heard that a rabbi can make some kind of contract where you can stay home, but the mill stays open and I don’t lose the income.”

“I’ve never employed such a leniency in relation to Shabbos, and I never will,” the miller firmly declared.

The nobleman raised his voice. “Stubborn fool! I’ll give you the two months it will take to complete the renovations to start to operate the mill on Saturday. If you don’t, I’ll throw you out.”

The nobleman was forced to admit to himself that his problems must be connected to his having ruined the livelihood of the Jewish miller. So he sent for his former tenant and, after revealing the mill’s desperate situation, offered to lease it to him as before.

“And what about my Shabbos?” the Jewish miller asked.

“Look,” he answered, “after all the unusual problems and sharp losses, I realize that G d is with you. Do however you see fit.”

So the Jewish miller returned to the mill, and was soon blessed with more success than he had ever had. Also, his affliction disappeared at the same time, just as the holy rabbi had said. But even with his new wealth, reciting kiddush on Shabbat night remained his greatest pleasure.

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

Sima woke as the light of the new day shined in her window. She was still tired from cleaning the house for Pesach (Passover) the day before. She gathered her clothes to take to the river to wash. Her daughter Zehava followed behind humming a song.

It had been a hard year for the young widow, Sima, who missed her husband badly. sickness ravaged the village that winter and she helped many anyway she could. Sadly, many died.

Zehava asked her mother when they would start cooking for the seder meal. Sima just sighed as she did not have any matzah, wine or food for the seder. So, she sadly went to the river to wash clothes so that she and her daughter could at least welcome the holiday with clean clothes.

“You know, I learned that sadness is an enemy that can destroy a lot of things.” Zehava said. “Oh, to be a little girl again with few worries. To see the good around us and to just play” Sima responded.

Zehava continued playing in the water, “Every day when I pray I say ‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies’ (Psalm 23:5), she held her cupped hands up high and as the water trickled down she sad “my cup overflows.”

“Ima, you help everyone who needs help even though we are very poor. One thing though, we are so full of mitzvos (good deeds) that they can’t fit into any treasure chest.”

“Zehava, my sweet child you remind me of something my mother told me a long time ago ‘He lifts up the soul and makes the eyes sparkle; he gives health and life and blessing.’ (Ben Sira 34:20) The sparkle in your eyes makes me appreciate the gift the Holy One, blessed be He gave to me.”

Zehava ran over and hugged her mother and they both smiled.

In the distance Zehava saw someone walking along the bank of the river. The person seemed to be struggling. As they got closer, Zehava saw it was an old woman, older than anyone she had even seen. The old woman having trouble walking.

The old woman told them she was very tired, and Zehava asked, “Ima, can this old woman sleep in my bed until she is ready to go on her way?” “That’s a good idea” Sima answered as she told the old woman to go to the house behind them.

Sima and Zehava started to cook and that night had many guests for there seder. Sima told everyone about the mysterious old woman. No one had seen her or had met her.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

More short Jewish stories can be found in 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

There was once a wealthy couple named Avram and Penina. They were generous to the poor, and their large house was always open to strangers. Their most valued possession was a beautiful Kos Shel Eliyahu that graced their seder table each year at Passover.

As Passover approached, they discovered that they did not have enough money to buy matzahs, wine, or food for the seder.

“Dearest Penina,” said Avram with a heavy heart, “I’m afraid we have no choice but to sell the Kos Shel Eliyahu .”

“Never!” replied Penina, and nothing Avram could say would change her mind.

While Avram was gone, there was a knock on the door. Penina opened it to find an elderly, well-dressed man standing before her.

“I’m a stranger in this town,” he said. “May I celebrate the seders with you?”

“We have no money to buy anything for a seder this year,” said Penina sadly. “We have nothing at all in the house.”