Sense of Royalty

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

There was much excitement that the king was coming and everyone wanted to greet the king. Rav Sheshes (c. 290–320 ce), when he heard that the whole city was going out to welcome the King, he went out also. He did this in spite of the fact that he was blind.

As he made his way to the outskirts of the city, he met an arrogant apikoros (one who disrespects a Torah scholar and scoffs at the religious way of life) who asked him: “A full pitcher is taken to the river to bring water, not a broken one. Why are you going if you cannot see, anyway?”

Rav Sheshes answered, “Come along, I’ll show you how my sense of hearing and my knowledge are as good as your eyesight.”

As they were waiting, they heard a cheers and loud shouts rising from the crowd as one of the King’s battalions rode by. The apikoros informed Rav Sheshes, “The King just went by.”

Rav Sheshes countered, “No! what you say is not true!”

A second division of troops passed and there was another loud commotion, the apikoros smugly said, “The King just passed.”

Rav Sheshes again replied, “No! The King has not come yet.”

Then a mounted unit of soldiers rode by, the crowd was silent and calm.

The apikoros pridefully said, “The King is riding by.”

”This time you are correct,” responded Rav Sheshes.

“How do you know this?” asked the apikoros.

Rav Sheshes explained, “The behavior of mortal Kings follows the same pattern as that of the heavenly kingdom. The heavenly kingdom is described in Nevi’im, the Prophets, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the L-rd, for the L-rd is about to pass by. Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the L-rd, but the L-rd was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the L-rd was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the L-rd was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.” (1 Kings 19:11-13)

Therefore, I knew that the King was not here when there was a loud commotion and a lot of noise. On the contrary, when it was calm and quiet, I knew this time the King was going by.”

As the king passed Rav Sheshes began to bless him. The apikoros mockingly said to him: Do you bless someone you do not see? It is said by some say that Rav Sheshes fixed his gaze upon him, and the apikoros lost all sight since he blinded himself to the light of Torah, faith and hoiliness.

Based on Berachos 58a

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Tea for Three

Posted on Thursday, 11, February, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The old chacham lived in a small apartment in the Old City of Jerusalem where he would study Torah all day. It was said that he knew many secrets of the revealed and hidden torah. For breakfast he would have only a cup of coffee and a roll, for lunch he would have a yogurt, and for supper he would have a bit of rice and soup. He explained to his family why he ate so little. “If one wishes to rise to a high level of spirituality, they should not indulge themself by eating big fancy meals. Therefore, I eat only what I need.”

The chacham’s son lived next door with his family and he had an unmarried daughter. She was very kind and when she opened “her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is upon her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26). She personally took care of her grandfather every day.

One evening, the young girl noticed two guests entering her grandfather’s apartment. “These men look like great Torah scholars,” she whispered to her mother. “The RaMbaM said that lemons can stimulate and refresh the body and mind. I will bring each of them a cup of hot lemon tea to refresh them.”

The girl brought three cups of lemon tea on a tray to her grandfather’s house. She carefully opened the door to his apartment. Her eyes opened wide. She could not believe what she saw. “How could this be?” she exclaimed in wonder. There was only one person sitting in the room — her grandfather. Three open sefarim (holy books) were on the table — one in front of him, and one in front of each of the other two chairs.

He, too, was surprised by his grandaughter’s presence. “Thank you for the tea even though I did not want you to bring it now. Now please, shut the door.”

She closed the door and ran back to her own house. “Mother, you will not believe what I just saw,” she said. “I saw two men enter Grandfather’s

house. I am sure that nobody left. Then, when I opened his door, only Grandfather was there. And there were three open sefarim on the table!”

What had actually happened became very clear. Her holy grandfather, the old chacham was learning together with two heavenly guests. Because of his humility, it was important to him that no one find out about this. He was upset that his secret had finally been discovered, but he also knew that his grand-daughter was on such a high spiritual level that she was able to see them.

Lemon Tea

Lemon Spiced Tea

8 cups water		1/2 cup honey
8 Black tea bags		¼ cup lemon juice
4 lemon-flavored tea bags		1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
6 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)		Lemon slices and additional cinnamon sticks

DIRECTIONS

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from the heat; add tea bags and cinnamon sticks. Cover and steep for 6 to 10 minutes.

Discard tea bags and cinnamon sticks. Stir in honey and extract if desired. Serve warm in mugs. Garnish with lemon slices and cinnamon sticks.

Holy Books and Holy Study

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

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

Psalms 144:12

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

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

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Magical Mejedra

Posted on Thursday, 31, December, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Shabbat had just ended. “What would you like to eat?” the chacham’s wife asked. “It is time for Seudah Revi’it (the third Sabbath meal), the Melaveh Malkah meal, to say goodbye to the Shabbat queen.”

“I would love a plate filled with mejedra,” he replied. “I so enjoy that delicious delicacy of rice, onions and lentils delicately spiced and served together with yogurt!”

“Mejedra?” asked his wife. “It is so time consuming to make, do you really want me to prepare mejedra for you?”

“No, no,” answered her husband. “Of course not. You asked me what I wanted, so I just told you what I was in the mood for, not what I wanted you to bother preparing.” The chacham and his wife laughed together.

Their moment together aws interrupted by a loud knock at the door. The cook of a wealthy Jewish merchant entered the house. She was very upset, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

“My mistress asked me to prepare a pot of mejedra,” she explained. “By mistake, I cooked it in a meat pot, and then added yogurt. Now, my mistress is very angry and wants to fire me, because she says the food is not kosher. I am a widow with four children to feed. Please, chacham, help me. Tell me what to do.”

The holy Chacham asked the cook a few detailed questions to understand exactly how the food had been prepared. After deliberating for a short while he declared, “The mejedra is kosher. There is nothing for you to worry about.”

The cook happily returned to her mistress’ house only to come back fifteen minutes later, knocking on the door. “My mistress did not believe me,” she explained. “My mistress claims that you only said it was kosher so that I would not be fired. She wants you to eat it, to prove that it is, indeed, kosher.”

“Then take my plate back to your mistress’ home,” he told her. “Bring me back a large portion filled with mejedra. You can then tell her that you saw me eat it, and she will understand that the food is kosher.”

After the cook left. The chacham’s wife spoke. “I am happy that you made peace between the cook and her mistress. I am truly amazed that the Holy One, blessed be He provided you with the very delicacy you wanted, at the very moment you said you wanted it.”

The holy chacham and his holy wife were blessed by Heaven because of their love of peace and love for one another. There was truly Shalom Bayit (peace within the home) in their house.

Mejedra

Mejedra, is a Middle Eastern, Sephardic comfort food. Warm and earthy, the slightly sweet and spicy flavor of well done caramelized onions with rice containing lentils is very satisfying. It is often eaten plain, as a side dish, or sometimes with yogurt for a special meal.

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups brown rice		2 strips lemon peel, about 2 inches long each
1 cup brown lentils		2 large onions, peeled and sliced thin
2 tsp cumin		1 tsp kosher salt, more or less to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, more or less to taste		1-2 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric		1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice		1 teaspoon sugar
2 bay leaves		1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils. Reduce heat to medium and simmer the lentils till they are tender, but not soft or mushy (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat and drain, then rinse in a colander with cold water.

In a large pot, heat 1/4 cup olive oil till hot enough for frying. Add the rice, olive oil, turmeric, allspice, cinnamon, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and plenty of black pepper. Stir to coat the rice with the oil and then add the cooked lentils and the water. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and simmer over very low heat for 15 minutes.

Add 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then carefully pour it over the lentils and rice. Stir, raise heat on the large pot to medium high. Add bay leaves and lemon peel to the pot and bring water to a boil. Cover the pot. Reduce heat and let the rice steam at a low simmer for 20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

Turn off the rice, uncover the pot, fluff the rice with a fork, cover the pot again and let it sit for another 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat up 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Fry the onion slices over medium heat until they are soft and nicely caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.

Fluff the Mejedra with a fork again. Serve topped with the caramelized onions.

If you like the flavor of butter, you can substitute melted butter for olive oil. If you do this, please keep in mind that the dish becomes dairy rather than pareve.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Secret of the Yarmulkes

Posted on Thursday, 31, December, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Many years ago in a simple house in the holy city of Jerusalem there lived a Jewish woman. Special people live in Jerusalem and are so steeped in holiness and spirituality that they have few physical needs. Their prayers and actions are an exceptional treasure.

One woman knew how to knit beautiful yarmulkes, and she was able to support her family. How were her yarmulkes different from others that were

sold in the market, so that the mothers of Jerusalem ran to buy hers?

She would knit the yarmulkes with the intent of hiddur mitzvah – to beautify a mitzvah. One may ask why? It says in the Torah, “This is my G-d and I will glorify them. (Exodus 15:2)”

The pious women saw that pious woman’s children were well behaved and succeeded in their Torah studies more than other children. They were truly pious and always tried to please their parents and teachers, and all the other women of course envied her. This was not the bad envy but the good kind, which the rabbis call “envy among scribes” and which leads a person to strive for greater piety. What mother would not want her children to be so sincere and pure like the holy woman’s children?

When the other women would ask her, “Please tell us, what is your secret? How did you succeed so well with your children baruch Hashem (bless G-d)) that they’re so good?” The holy woman would answer humbly, “My children are like all children. Are there any children that don’t sometimes misbehave?”

Possibly, her secret and the secret of her children’s piety and goodness would have remained concealed, except for a particular incident that happened. One of her children was playing with a friend in the common courtyard. The mother of the other boy was sitting nearby, cleaning beans and inspecting them for insects, when she overheard the holy woman’s son say to her son, “Exchange yarmulkes? No! Why should I do that? I don’t want to exchange my yarmulke for one bought in a store, even for a minute!”

“What makes your yarmulke so special that you don’t want to trade with me?” asked the neighbor’s son.

“Of course, my yarmulke’s special!” said the boy innocently, his big eyes flashing. “Do you know what my mother told me when she gave it to me? She said that every yarmulke she makes has many rows of knitting. And for every row she knits, she recites a psalm. And when she finishes knitting the yarmulke, she sheds tears into it and prays, ‘In the merit of the psalms that I recited while knitting, may my children and all Jewish children be pious!’”

The neighbor took in every word that this exceptional boy spoke. In just a few hours, every woman in the Jerusalem neighborhoods knew the holy woman’s secret, and they ran to her to buy her yarmulkes for their children. What mother wouldn’t give her last few coins for her child to be pious?

According to the Jewish tradition, all work should be holy work in the service of G-d. A devout person has divine intentions as he labors. How much more should that be true for people producing religious articles. Religious objects are not like ordinary objects. A yarmulke, for example, has a vibration that affects its wearer. There is a difference between a yarmulke made by a pious person who has prayerful, holy thoughts while making it and a machine-made object or an object created by a person without pious thoughts and motives. Religious people who want the true benefit of a yarmulke, mezuzah, or any other holy item are willing to pay for the careful labor of pious people, for what they create radiates holiness. The holy woman’s yarmulkes were actually holy vessels to transmit her prayers and her tears for the spiritual growth of Jewish children.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Justice, Love and Mercy

Posted on Tuesday, 29, December, 2020Tuesday, 5, September, 2023 by Rabbi

Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue. (Deuteronomy 16:20)

Justice is not necessarily the law, but the spirit of what is right and wrong, but let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (Amos 5:24) Justice evolves and changes as it is applied with faith, values, and passion. True justice is tempered with mercy and love.

Centuries ago, it was known far and wide that a certain leader was the greatest in all the tribes. When power was measured by proving superior physical strength, the most powerful tribe of all was the one that had the strongest leader who defined justice for the people.

But this tribal leader was also known for his wisdom. In order to help his people live safely and peacefully, he carefully put laws and a system of justice into place guiding every aspect of tribal life. The leader enforced those laws strictly and had long ago acquired a reputation for uncompromising justice.

In spite of the laws, there were problems. One day it came to the leader’s attention that someone in the tribe was stealing. He called the people together.

“You know that the laws are for your protection, to help you live safely and in peace,” he reminded them, his eyes heavy with sadness because of his love for them. “This stealing must stop. We all have what we need. The penalty has been increased from ten to twenty lashes from the whip for the person caught stealing.

Then again the thief continued to take things that didn’t belong to him, so the leader called all the people together again.

“Please hear me,” he pled with them. “This must stop. It hurts us all and makes us feel bad about each other. The penalty has been increased to thirty lashes.

Still, the stealing continued. The leader gathered the people together once more.

“Please, I’m begging you. For your sake, this has to stop. The pain it is causing among us is too great. The penalty has been increased to forty lashes from the whip.” The people knew of their leader’s great love for them, but only those closest to him saw the single tear make its way slowly down his face as he dismissed the gathering.

Finally, a man came to say the thief had been caught. The word had spread. Everyone had gathered to see who it was, and the thief was dragged through the crowd.

A single gasp raced through the crowd as the thief emerged between two guards. The tribal leader’s face fell in shock and grief.The thief was his very own mother, old and frail.

What will he do? the people wondered aloud, a hushed murmur fanning out. Would he uphold the law or would his love for his mother win over it? The people waited, talking quietly collectively holding their breath.

Finally their leader spoke. “My beloved people.” His voice broke. In little more than a whisper he continued, “It is for our safety and our peace. There must be forty lashes; the pain this crime has caused is too great.” With his nod, the guards led his mother forward. One gently removed her robe to expose a bony and crooked back. The appointed man stepped forward and began to unwind the whip.

At the same moment, the leader stepped forward and removed his robe as well, exposing his broad shoulders, seasoned and solid. Tenderly, he wrapped his arms around his dear mother, shielding her with his own body.

He whispered gently against her cheek as his tears blended with hers. He nodded once more, and the whip came down again and again.

A single moment, yet in that moment, love and justice found an eternal harmony.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Pursuit of the Yetzer Hara – Evil Inclination

Posted on Monday, 21, December, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Many students gathered to study and learn from Tam and Chacham. One day the students asked about the Yetzer haRa – Evil Inclination, it seemed that everyone had their own understanding. Tam and Chacham entered the Beis Medresh (House of Study) and saw that the students, who had been talking busily, qieted down and looked towards their teachers. Chacham asked, “What were you talking about?”

“Rabbi,” they said, “we were saying how afraid we are that the Evil Inclination will pursue us.”

Chacham started to explain, “The principle that man has absolute free will to choose between good and evil, is a foundation of our faith, as it is written, ‘I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your children may live’ ” (Deuteronomy 30:19) (Moreh Nevuchim 3:17)

Tam added, “Man makes a harness for his beast; all the more should he make one for the beast within himself, his Evil Inclination.” (Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 10.1)

The students looked at one another as they thought on the words of their teachers. Those distractions of the Evil Inclination that pulled people away from study of the Holy Books and living by example.

Chacham reminded the students that “the Evil Inclination lures man in this world, then testifies against him in the World to Come.” (Succah 52a)

He pause for a moment and continued, “None can can be called saint before death, for none can be trusted to win against the Evil Inclination till the end of life.” (Midrash Tehillim 16.2)

Tam shared that “Without the Yetzer haRa (Evil Inclination), no man would build a house, take a wife, have children and engage in work.” (Genesis Rabbah 9.7)

He continued, “That the Evil Inclination can be directed to good causes, but it takes a lot of faith and study.”

Chacham spoke up and said, “Don’t worry, none of have not gotten high enough for it to pursue you, For the time being, you are still pursuing it.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Worst of Curses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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A Glass of Water

Posted on Wednesday, 14, October, 2020Tuesday, 16, January, 2024 by Rabbi

It is taught that the reward for fulfilling the mitzvah, a religious deed, of honoring one’s parents “so that your days may be long” (Exodus 20: 12)

The rabbi of the village was loved and respected by everyone. He had many students who not only learned from his words but also his actions. His mother lived in the same village, and he visited her once a week to fulfill the commandment to honor one’s mother. His father had already passed away and she was a widow, but she looked forward to her son’s weekly visits.

Whenever he went to visit his mother, he would sit at the table with her on Shabbos kodesh (the holy Sabbath day). During one visit, he was sitting together with his mother, and the many students who had gathered to be with him crowded around the table. His mother asked him, “Zin kenen ir bite brengen mir a glaz fun vaser (Son, could you please bring me some water)?”

Immediately, a student jumped up to bring the water. The student wanted to help his teacher and did not want him to interrupt his lesson since it is taught that serving a holy teacher does more to elevate a person spiritually than even learning his teachings.

But the rabbi’s mother did not drink the water; she left the glass untouched in front of her on the table. She said, “Zin, ich hab gebet’n az ir zalt nemen mir das vaser, (Son, I asked you to get me the water.)”

The holy rabbi got up and went quickly to bring his mother the water.

She then said, “der emes iz, ich bin nisht darshtik. ich hob dir nor gebet’n, men zol nemen mir dos vaser, k’di di zechus zoln zayn di mitzvah un geveynen a lange lebn. (The truth is, I’m not thirsty. I only asked you to get me the water so you could have the merit of doing the mitzvah and gaining long life.)”

Then she turned to the students around the table and said, “Ir ton nisht zechus tzu hobn kinder vi meyn zin durch makhn a goldene yoich mit knaidelach (You don’t merit to have sons like my Yitzhak by making golden chicken soup)!”

The rabbi fulfilled the commandment to honor one’s mother — by visiting her. His pious mother, wanted to give him a further opportunity to earn the mitzvah — by personally serving her. Just as there is a spiritual reward for personally serving one’s rabbi, there is a reward for serving one’s parents. The Torah (Scriptures) specifies that the reward for honoring our parents is long life.

Loving service to a parent by even the least act, such as bringing a glass of water, extends the parent’s life. A parent lives longer when loved and honored by their children. A child also lives longer when they honors their parents — because their vital energies are being properly channeled.

We are taught that the Torah’s reward of “length of days” for honoring parents in still another way, saying it means that each day will be long because we will live so fully. We are only really alive when we are in touch with our soul. We are so much our parents that only someone who honors his parents can be truly in touch with themself; if you despise your parents, you are despising yourself. For a person who becomes more spiritually “whole” by honoring their parents, each day becomes “long” because it is full of real life; they are more in touch with their spiritual well-being. The rabbi’s mother gave him a chance to honor her because she wanted him to live long both physically and spiritually.

In her final words, the rabbi’s mother wanted to explain to her son’s students her peculiar action in asking for water and not drinking it. She expressed herself humorously, but she wanted them to realize that all of her actions concerning her holy son, when he was a child or now, were intentional and deep, to seek his good in every possible way.

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 Miser Who Wanted a Divorce

Posted on Tuesday, 7, July, 2020Monday, 29, January, 2024 by Rabbi

A man who was known to be a miser pleaded with his rabbi for help. His wife had been tormenting him for years, and he simply could not tolerate living with her any longer. However, she refused to accept a divorce.

The rabbi reminded the miser, “you know a woman may not be divorced except by her own consent.” (Takkana of Rabbeinu Gershom c.1000) The miser answered, “I don’t want to be married to her any longer. She constantly annoys me and I don’t even like her.”

“I think have a solution for you,” the rabbi advised. “The Talmud warns that it a person fails to honor his promises, he will be punished with the death of his wife (Shabbos 32b). So the next time the tzedakah (charity) collectors come to you, make a commitment and then refuse to pay it.”

The man followed the rabbi’s instructions, and pledged a huge sum, but then threw the collectors out the door. Weeks later he complained to the rabbi that his advice was not working, because his wife was as healthy as ever.

The rabbi thought for a few moments and then smiled, saying, “this is supposed to be a punishment, not a reward. Listen to me and do this. Buy your wife a gift each day, speak lovingly to her, try to soothe her, and then when she becomes compatible, the curse will certainly take effect.”

The miser went and did as he was told. Slowly things changed in his home, his wife began to be kind and caring, and their relationship improved day by day. Weeks later the man came to the rabbi and said, “Rabbi, it is a miracle! We are in love now as though we were newlyweds.”

The rabbi responded, “we are taught that ‘A person must always be careful about sustaining the honor of his wife, as blessing is found in a person’s house only because of his wife’ (Bava Metzia 59a) as it is written ‘He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the L-rd.’ (Proverbs 18:22)”

The rabbi frowned and a look of deep concern came over him as he ordered. “Hurry then and fulfill your promise because the punishment can now take effect any moment!”

Some days later, the rabbi met the miser and his wife and blessed them. He told them that they would live long. “Can you bless my husband with long life?” asked the wife. “It is already done,” answered the rabbi “as it is written, ‘Enjoy happiness with a woman you love all the fleeting days of life that have been granted to you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For that alone is what you can get out of life and out of the means you acquire under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 9:9)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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There was much excitement that the king was coming and everyone wanted to greet the king. Rav Sheshes (c. 290–320 ce), when he heard that the whole city was going out to welcome the King, he went out also. He did this in spite of the fact that he was blind.

As he made his way to the outskirts of the city, he met an arrogant apikoros (one who disrespects a Torah scholar and scoffs at the religious way of life) who asked him: “A full pitcher is taken to the river to bring water, not a broken one. Why are you going if you cannot see, anyway?”

Rav Sheshes answered, “Come along, I’ll show you how my sense of hearing and my knowledge are as good as your eyesight.”

As they were waiting, they heard a cheers and loud shouts rising from the crowd as one of the King’s battalions rode by. The apikoros informed Rav Sheshes, “The King just went by.”

Rav Sheshes countered, “No! what you say is not true!”

A second division of troops passed and there was another loud commotion, the apikoros smugly said, “The King just passed.”

Rav Sheshes again replied, “No! The King has not come yet.”

Then a mounted unit of soldiers rode by, the crowd was silent and calm.

The apikoros pridefully said, “The King is riding by.”

”This time you are correct,” responded Rav Sheshes.

“How do you know this?” asked the apikoros.

Therefore, I knew that the King was not here when there was a loud commotion and a lot of noise. On the contrary, when it was calm and quiet, I knew this time the King was going by.”

As the king passed Rav Sheshes began to bless him. The apikoros mockingly said to him: Do you bless someone you do not see? It is said by some say that Rav Sheshes fixed his gaze upon him, and the apikoros lost all sight since he blinded himself to the light of Torah, faith and hoiliness.

Based on Berachos 58a

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

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The chacham’s son lived next door with his family and he had an unmarried daugh­ter. She was very kind and when she opened “her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is upon her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26). She personally took care of her grandfather every day.

He, too, was surprised by his grandaughter’s presence. “Thank you for the tea even though I did not want you to bring it now. Now please, shut the door.”

She closed the door and ran back to her own house. “Mother, you will not believe what I just saw,” she said. “I saw two men enter Grandfather’s

house. I am sure that nobody left. Then, when I opened his door, only Grandfather was there. And there were three open sefarim on the table!”

Lemon Spiced Tea

8 cups water

1/2 cup honey

8 Black tea bags

¼ cup lemon juice

4 lemon-flavored tea bags

1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional

6 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)

Lemon slices and additional cinnamon sticks

DIRECTIONS

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from the heat; add tea bags and cinnamon sticks. Cover and steep for 6 to 10 minutes.

Discard tea bags and cinnamon sticks. Stir in honey and extract if desired. Serve warm in mugs. Garnish with lemon slices and cinnamon sticks.

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

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

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

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Shabbat had just ended. “What would you like to eat?” the chacham’s wife asked. “It is time for Seudah Revi’it (the third Sabbath meal), the Melaveh Malkah meal, to say goodbye to the Shabbat queen.”

“I would love a plate filled with mejedra,” he replied. “I so enjoy that delicious delicacy of rice, onions and lentils delicately spiced and served together with yogurt!”

“Mejedra?” asked his wife. “It is so time consuming to make, do you really want me to prepare mejedra for you?”

“No, no,” answered her husband. “Of course not. You asked me what I wanted, so I just told you what I was in the mood for, not what I wanted you to bother preparing.” The chacham and his wife laughed together.

Their moment together aws interrupted by a loud knock at the door. The cook of a wealthy Jewish merchant entered the house. She was very upset, and tears streamed down her cheeks.

The holy Chacham asked the cook a few detailed questions to under­stand exactly how the food had been prepared. After deliberating for a short while he declared, “The mejedra is kosher. There is nothing for you to worry about.”

“Then take my plate back to your mistress’ home,” he told her. “Bring me back a large portion filled with mejedra. You can then tell her that you saw me eat it, and she will understand that the food is kosher.”

After the cook left. The chacham’s wife spoke. “I am happy that you made peace between the cook and her mistress. I am truly amazed that the Holy One, blessed be He provided you with the very delicacy you wanted, at the very moment you said you wanted it.”

The holy chacham and his holy wife were blessed by Heaven because of their love of peace and love for one another. There was truly Shalom Bayit (peace within the home) in their house.

Mejedra

Mejedra, is a Middle Eastern, Sephardic comfort food. Warm and earthy, the slightly sweet and spicy flavor of well done caramelized onions with rice containing lentils is very satisfying. It is often eaten plain, as a side dish, or sometimes with yogurt for a special meal.

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups brown rice

2 strips lemon peel, about 2 inches long each

1 cup brown lentils

2 large onions, peeled and sliced thin

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp kosher salt, more or less to taste

1/4 tsp black pepper, more or less to taste

1-2 tablespoon water

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice

1 teaspoon sugar

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils. Reduce heat to medium and simmer the lentils till they are tender, but not soft or mushy (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat and drain, then rinse in a colander with cold water.

Turn off the rice, uncover the pot, fluff the rice with a fork, cover the pot again and let it sit for another 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat up 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Fry the onion slices over medium heat until they are soft and nicely caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.

Fluff the Mejedra with a fork again. Serve topped with the caramelized onions.

If you like the flavor of butter, you can substitute melted butter for olive oil. If you do this, please keep in mind that the dish becomes dairy rather than pareve.

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

The chacham’s son lived next door with his family and he had an unmarried daughter. She was very kind and when she opened “her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is upon her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26). She personally took care of her grandfather every day.

The holy Chacham asked the cook a few detailed questions to understand exactly how the food had been prepared. After deliberating for a short while he declared, “The mejedra is kosher. There is nothing for you to worry about.”