A Judgment of Money

Posted on Tuesday, 11, July, 2023 by Rabbi

The holy rabbi of the village was out walking through the market place when he saw a man so upset that he was crying. He went over and asked, “Why are you so upset?”

The man began telling of his misfortune. “I am a storekeeper in a nearby village. I left my home with a hundred rubles in order to buy goods for my store. After arriving here, though I looked in all my pockets, I could not find the money. Now I am lost, because I cannot buy goods, and I have no way to earn a living.”

“Don’t worry,” said the holy rabbi, “I found your money. Come to my home and I will return it.”

The holy rabbi guided the man to his home and sat him at the table and served him a meal. After the storekeeper had eaten and was satisfied, the holy rabbi gave him a hundred rubles.

The man’s eyes lit up, and he thanked the holy rabbi abundantly. He took the money and bought all the goods that he needed for his store.

As soon as he arrived home, his wife said jokingly, “Why are you always so absentminded? You may have gone to buy goods, but you forgot the money at home.”

He realized what had happened; the holy rabbi had given him a hundred rubles of his own.

The next morning the man returned to the village where he met the holy rabbi, immediately went to his house, and told him, “Rebbe, you fooled me. I never lost anything, and you never found anything. I had forgotten my money at home.”

He then placed the hundred rubles before the holy rabbi.

“I cannot accept the money,” said the holy rabbi. “I gave it to you as a gift.”

“But I don’t want gifts,” said the storekeeper.

Each was adamant. They finally decided to go to the beis din (rabbinic court) to determine who should have the money.

The holy rabbi explained to the court, “whoever consoles a poor person with words of comfort and encouragement receives eleven blessings, as it is stated: ‘And if you draw out your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then shall your light shine in darkness, and your gloom shall be as the noonday. And the Lord shall guide you continually, and satisfy your thirst in drought… And they that shall be of you shall build the old waste places, you shall raise up the foundations of many generations’” (Isaiah 58:10–12).

The storekeeper responded that the money the holy rabbi gave him was not his money he thought lost, but the personal money of the holy rabbi. He refused to accept the money.

The holy rabbi countered, “the Holy One, Blessed be He, furnishes him with money with which to perform his acts of charity.” (Bava Basra 9b)

The beis din found this an interesting case. Each claimed that he did not want the money, and that the other should receive it.

In the end, after hearing both sides, the beis din ruled that the holy rabbi was to keep the money in his possession to be used for charitable purposes, and that whatever mitzvah (a commandment to be performed as a religious duty) would come of the use of the money would be considered as done by both of them.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Others Should Also Be able to Help

Posted on Wednesday, 8, February, 2023 by Rabbi

In Jewish law and tradition, redeeming a captive (pidyon shevuyim) is the highest form of charity. The code of Jewish law says that “there is no mitzvah as great as pidyon shevuyim. (Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh De’ah 252:1).”

There was a very wealthy man who was respected by many in the village. Once on a journey to collect much needed funds, Tam and Chacham came to him for a donation in order to ransom people who had been seized and unjustly held in prison by the authorities.

“How much do you need?” the wealthy man asked.

“We need three hundred silver coins” the rabbis answered.

The wealthy man left the room and came back with a pile of silver coins. “Here are two hundred and ninety silver coins,” he told them. “You can collect the rest in town.”

“Why only two hundred and ninety?” Tam and Chacham asked. “If you have given us so much, why not add another ten silver coins and spare us going through town like beggars and being humiliated in the process?”

“The Mishnah says: “One who gives, but does not want others to give, has an evil eye for others”’ (Pirkei Avos 5:13), because such a person doesn’t want them to share in the mitzvah (a commandment commanded by to be performed as a religious duty, a good deed),” explained the wealthy man. “I want others, also, to have a chance to participate in this very special mitzvah .”

The wealthy man wished Tam and Chacham success on their journeys and they left one another in peace.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Holy Bakers in the Market

Posted on Thursday, 1, September, 2022Thursday, 2, November, 2023 by Rabbi

In the Jerusalem market were two small stands next to one another where two pious Jewish women each sold tasty and fragrant cakes and cookies that they themselves had baked. Different from most peddlers, who loudly announce their wares, these two women sat modestly and patiently at their stands, waiting for the customers to come on their own. “Parnaasah [a livelihood] is from heaven,” they often said. “What a person deserves in this world, they’ll receive—even if he doesn’t call out about his merchandise.” So the two women sat at their stands, occasionally conversing. They were good friends and companions to each other.

Neither one was jealous of the other’s business. When there were few customers, each of them would become absorbed in reciting psalms from the book that was always resting on her stand. If one of them had many customers, she would say, “Why have you come just to me? My friend’s cakes and cookies are at least as good as mine! Go over there and see how fine her baked goods are. And I can tell you that they’re delicious. I know!” The customers would smile at hearing this, and some would go over to the other stand. Her friend and neighbor would do the same favor for her when the situation was reversed. “You’re looking for honey cake, my dear sir? Honey cakes are not my specialty. Go over to my neighbor’s stand. Her honey cakes are the best—they taste just like manna!” The customer would rush over to the other stand, somewhat amazed and confused by this strange behavior, thinking, “Maybe they’re sisters, and she’s worried about her sister’s livelihood.” Each one would send customers to the other so that one of them would not profit and the other be heartbroken.

when one of them became aware that her friend had debts, having recently married off her daughter she said to her husband, “My neighbor who sells cookies and cakes in the market stand next to mine burdened with many debts. I was thinking that I won’t go to sell in the market this week. Let me take a little vacation from baking and selling cakes. She needs the money more than me. Let the customers go to her this week.” Her pious husband nodded in agreement, saying, “That’s a very good idea, my dear.” He understood very well the ways of his pious wife.

The other woman stood in the market that week, selling her cakes. Every once in a while, she looked over at her friend’s stand, wondering where she was and what might have happened to her. It was already four days that she had not seen her. “Maybe she’s sick,” she worried. “I’ll go visit her today.” After she closed her stand, she went to her friend’s house. “Shalom,” she said as she entered her house. “I expected to find you in bed. Baruch HaShem [Thank God), you’re healthy! I was worried that you were sick and came to help you out. What’s the matter?”

Surprised and not knowing what to reply, her friend said, “I felt tired and fatigued this week and thought I’d take the week off and rest.”

“Come,” said her friend, “I know you’re not rich and need parnassah. Let’s go into the kitchen. I’ll help you bake some cakes and cookies to sell tomorrow. Come into the kitchen. Why am I bothering you with a lot of useless talk?”

She already had an apron on and began to vigorously sift flour for her friend. Then she energetically and diligently kneaded the dough in a trough, with the joy of doing a mitzvah.

These two women peddlers in the Jerusalem market loved each other without needing any special reason. Both of them had great faith and trust in the Holy One, blessed be He. They were truly holy women.

The love and goodwill of the two women further shows that we can exist on the physical and spiritual planes at the same time. Their simple actions towards one another showed how simple everyday business practices could be elevated to a holy level.

Techina Cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 cup raw (100% sesame) tahini*	1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg	1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup white sugar	1/2 cup brown sugar
3 cups flour (half all purpose flour and half whole wheat flour)	pinch of salt
almonds to garnish	2 tablespoons sesame seeds to garnish

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F
Lightly oil two baking sheets or line with parchment paper.
Combine all the dry ingredients (flour, white and brown sugars) in a large bowl.
Add the techina and then the melted butter (or margarine). Mix with a large spoon. At some point you will need to switch to mixing the dough by hand until it is fully mixed. The dough will have a sticky slightly crumbly consistency.
Take approximately one teaspoon of the batter at a time, and roll in your hands to form small balls. Place each cookie ball, evenly spaced, onto the baking sheets.
Place each ball on a baking paper-lined tray. Press each ball in the middle with your thumb and place an almond in the space. You can also use a fork to flatten each ball and make pretty lines.
Bake until golden brown (approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on how crispy you like your cookies). Let cool to room temperature and serve.

*If oil is floating on top, mix it in and then measure 1 cup.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Charity and the Coins of Eliyahu haNovi

Posted on Monday, 9, May, 2022Sunday, 6, August, 2023 by Rabbi

Once there was a very wealthy man who was always ready to help anyone in need. He was very successful and for many years all went well with him and his dear ones. “The world is like a fountain-wheel. the buckets ascend full and descend empty — Who’s rich today may not be so tomorrow.” (Exodus Rabbah 31:14) After some time, his business slowly began to fail, and the wealthy man lost his entire fortune.

To provide for the daily needs of his wife and children, he worked in the fields as a laborer and was paid by the day. The work was long and hard, but a good heart and a willing spirit enabled him to overcome all hardships. He even spared a coin of his wages to help those who were in a worse plight than he found himself.

Now it happened one day while he was ploughing a field when a stranger approached and greeted him, saying, “Peace be to you and to all your house.”

He replied, ” Peace be also to you and yours.”

The stranger then continued, ” Friend, I come to tell you that you are destined to regain your fortune and to live in prosperity for a period of six years during your life here on earth. It is yours to choose when this period shall begin; shall it be now or later in life? “

Astonished at the strange words that he had heard, the laborer looked at the stranger to see if he was dreaming. ” Good stranger,” he answered “are you a prophet or a magician that you speak in this way? I fear you are as poor as I am. Go your way in peace, for I cannot help you today, for I am penniless at the moment. I should be happy to give you some coin for your happy news and well wishes, but I cannot give what I do not have. Go in peace and may Heaven send you blessings.”

The stranger went away and the labourer continued his work without thinking any more of the strange meeting. After a short time, the stranger returned and repeated the offer, only to be refused. When, the stranger returned a third time he urged the unwilling labourer to accept his gift by believing in the promise. The poor worker, tired from his hard daily struggle in the fields, at last consented to speak with his wife before deciding. A glimmer of hope in the possibility of the promise had touched him to his very core.

” Perhaps, after all,” he thought, ” the Master of Mercy has sent this messenger to help me in my distress and now the poverty that has harassed me and my dear ones will be replaced by wealth and success.”

He ran home as quickly as his legs would carry him and told his wife all that happened. The man told his wife about how the stranger kept coming to him. He said to his wife, ” If we believe that the stranger is speaking the truth and that I am to be rich for a period of six years, when do you advise me to choose our time of prosperity – now or later in life? “

After a moment’s consideration she advised her husband, “Now, now” Her husband returned to the field without further delay and found the stranger waiting for his decision. When the laborer told him his wish to enjoy there and then the promised wealth and prosperity, the stranger opened his purse and took out two silver coins.

“Here, my friend,” he said, “take these two silver coins and return them to me in six years when I return to you. Do not forget I shall require my two silver coins to be restored to me when I come to claim it.”

After the laborer received the coins, he thanked the stranger and promised to return the gift as agreed. In a second, the stranger disappeared.

“Very strange,” he observed “there is some mystery about this stranger, he seems to come from nowhere and to return to the same place.”

No sooner had the labourer placed the silver coins in his pocket than he felt a sudden change coming over him. His sadness and sorrow melted way and a new feeling of happiness, and confidence arose in his heart. He bowed his head and thanked the Holy One, blessed be He for His blessings.

Meanwhile, wonderful events were happening in his home. His eldest son was planting the garden at the back of their house, when he saw gold glittering in the sunlight. He dug deeper and deeper and found a treasure that had been lying hidden there all the years of their poverty. The young man cried aloud in his joy. His mother and his brothers came to see what the confusion was about. As soon as she saw what was happening, she sent her youngest son to his father. She instructed her son, “Do not fail to tell him that the Holy One, blessed be He has given us back our fortune.”

The pious man and his good wife decided to make good use of their wealth as long as it was entrusted to their care. They were very happy because they could now assist the less fortunate. The wife said to her good husband, ” My dear, we must not forget that our good fortune will not last forever. We are to be wealthy for six years. During this time we shall feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and assist the needy. We shall be happy in realizing that we have made good use of our trust.”

The husband said, “Indeed, ‘a lesson of kindness is on your tongue. (Proverbs 31:26)”

The youngest son was told by his mother to keep an account of their own expenses and an account of the money given in to help others.

The six years passed quickly. One day the stranger came to their house, and after receiving a warm welcome turned to his host and said, “The six years have passed, and I have come to ask you to return my two silver coins.”

The holy man said, “Your request is quite fair and just. Yet, before I return the silver coins allow me to consult my wife before I return your coins.”

The man turned to his wife and asked her, ” Beloved wife, please advise me how am I to repay our debt to our generous benefactor here? “

” Let me,” she cried, ” settle accounts with him.” Turning to him she said, “I will show you how we have spent the fortune entrusted to our care through your kindness. Behold the account books.”

The kind stranger looked with deep interest at the long lists recording the money spent in charity. ” You have indeed,” he responded, “spent plenty of money.”

The wife continued, ” if you do believe for a moment that your money might be entrusted to better guardians, take away then your gift. If, on the other hand, you are satisfied with the way we have used the wealth placed in our care, then let us continue to hold our trust.”

The stranger agreed with the couple and explained, “He who donates much to those in need become richer because of it, since he opens up a channel for Hashem’s blessing to reach him. (Zohar III 110b)

The stranger was Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet), zichrona l’brachah – may his memory be a blessing, blessed the good couple and told them enjoy the wealth they knew so well how to use. In a moment, he left and the happy couple kept his coins and passed them onto their eldest son as a family heirloom.

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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Four Cups of Milk for the Seder

Posted on Tuesday, 12, April, 2022Tuesday, 12, April, 2022 by Rabbi

A man once came to the holy rabbi of the village and asked whether it is permissible to fulfill the mitzvah of the four cups at the Seder by drinking milk instead of wine. The Holy rabbi asked if this was for health reasons, and the man stated that he simply could not afford wine. The Holy rabbi told him that milk was not satisfactory and gave him an especially large amount of money for his Passover needs.

The Holy rabbi’s wife, who had witnessed this exchange, commented, “I understand you gave him money because he could not afford the wine, but why so much? He really does not need all that money just to buy wine.”

The Holy rabbi answered his wife, “Knowing the all the Jewish laws and practices of Passover is not enough one must temper their knowledge with compassion and common sense.”

“Since the Passover meals are usually fleishig (containing meat), how could this man possibly have considered using milk for the four cups? The only reasonable conclusion is that he could not afford to buy meat and other necessary food for the festival either. It is therefore not enough to give him money just for wine for the Seder. He needs enough money to buy meat and food for his entire family for all of Passover!”

Passover Seder

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Gift of Life

Posted on Monday, 21, March, 2022 by Rabbi

A king’s son was once walking along a forest path when he reached a clearing filled with many beautiful wonders. The prince stopped to see the rich green bushes, feel the soft moss and watch the colorful butterflies. He became lost in the magnificence around him. Suddenly, a band of highwaymen appeared from nowhere and attacked him. They intended to rob and murder him.

Much to his good fortune, beggar dressed in rags happened to be walking along the wooded trail at that very moment entered the clearing. When he saw the murderous band, he gathered up his courage and in a display of great strength, defeated them and saved the king’s son.

The king, upon hearing of the beggar’s bravery, had him summoned before him. When the beggar arrived, the king thanked him and proclaimed, “As a reward for saving my son, I hereby permit you to spend an entire day in the royal treasury; you may take anything that your heart desires.”

When the gates of the royal treasury were opened for the beggar, he joyously fell upon the massive piles of gold and diamonds, and began to gather all that he could. Then he stopped and sat on a finely carved chair and began to think about what he was doing. Something changed within him.

When evening settled in and the beggar left the royal treasury, he had undergone a complete change. In one day, he had gone from being a penniless beggar to an extraordinarily wealthy man. The next day, this former beggar went into business, and in a short while he became very successful. He had now become one of the wealthiest men in the land, and he left his former life of poverty and deprivation behind.

Every year, the former beggar staged a lavish feast on the day that he had been blessed with the good fortune of entering the royal treasury. He invited all his friends and relatives to the feast, and it was a custom that lasted for many years.

One year in the middle of the feast, the wealthy man turned to his friends and asked, “Which day of my life do you think was the happiest of all for me?”

“It must be this very day,” responded the guests. “This day on which you have made a feast for all of your friends must be the happiest day of your life! After all, on this day your mansion is decorated, your servants surround you, and all of the distinguished individuals in the land hold you in great regard!”

“You are mistaken,” said the wealthy man. “While this day is certainly one of great joy, it is but a remembrance of the day on which I was remade, literally transformed from a lowly beggar in ragged clothing to a man possessing enormous wealth. That day was the happiest of my life.

“I spent that entire day,” he continued, “inside the royal treasury. I felt neither the pangs of hunger nor overwhelming weariness; rather, it was as if my complete being was focused on only one goal a change to myself. The more valuables I amassed, the more I thought I realized that money and riches could indeed help my physical needs, but to enjoy my new found wealth I had to change the way I felt about and saw myself. I have yet to experience a happier day than that one. It is important to remember “that whenever a man does eat and drink and get enjoyment out of all his wealth, it is a gift of G-d.” (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

So it is with people who strive to live what they believe. The Holy One, blessed be He grants each person life as a gift. Throughout life, people can amass as many compassionate and good deeds as their heart desires.

An individual who can view the world with this perspective is truly the most praiseworthy. The only thing that prevents people from gaining such a perspective is our heart which has been dulled by the trivialities of this world.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Healing Food and Blessings

Posted on Thursday, 17, February, 2022Wednesday, 11, October, 2023 by Rabbi

In earlier generations, there were great rabbis who could heal the sick. if a person ate food in his house, they went away with a blessing of healing.

The wife of one of these holy rabbis died, and he wept terribly and would not be consoled or comforted. The holy rabbi told his closest students, “You might have thought that people who ate in my house were healed because of me. That is not true. It was because of my holy wife. Now that she has gone to the World of Truth, I can tell you. Listen carefully, and I will tell you about how the food my wife prepared had the power of healing.

“In our earlier days, we were very poor. If we ate one or two meals during the week, no matter what, we always had to eat on Shabbos (the Sabbath). Sometimes we fasted from Shabbos to Shabbos. Then we had enough food for ourselves and for some guests. One week, my holy wife was cooking on Erev Shabbos (Friday) when a drunkard knocked on the door and was invited in.

He was smelling of alcohol, but he said to my wife, ‘I’m starving. Do you have anything to eat?’ We hadn’t eaten that whole week, but who knows how long he had been without food? And when someone says he’s starving, how can you not feed him? So my wife gave him from the food she had prepared for Shabbos. But after finishing what she gave him, he asked, ‘Is there more?’ Each time, he ate whatever was put before him and asked for more, until she said, ‘There’s not a crumb left.’

She gave him everything she had prepared for our Shabbos meals. Everything she gave him to eat and drink was done with great respect and care. She did not judge him by how he looked or for his crude behavior, for who knows what troubles he had had? She did this mitzvah (religious deed) “with all her heart and all her soul and with all her might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)

‘Then this drunkard did something unusual. He asked, “Can I speak with your husband?’ My wife came to my room and told me about his strange request, and when I agreed, she sent him to me. When he came in, he no longer smelled, and he didn’t appear drunk. In fact, his face was glowing, and I realized at once that this was Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet).

“He said to me, ‘I only came here to bless your wife. Her kindness has made a great impression in heaven. But we wanted to give her a final test to see if she was worthy of the great blessing, we have in store for her. She passed the test.’

“What was the great blessing? It was the blessing of healing. And that,” said the holy rabbi, “was why the food my holy wife served healed whoever ate it.”

Food that is prepared and served with love can heal the sick and revive the weary. The food offered by the holy rabbi’s wife with such self-sacrifice contained such a heavenly blessing.

Traditional Jewish Chicken Soup

Chicken Soup also called the Jewish penicillin is a powerful remedy that cures all disorders physical and spiritual. Several spoonfuls of Goldene yoich (golden chicken soup) warm the body and the neshama – soul.

INGREDIENTS

2-3 tablespoons olive oil		½ teaspoon dried sage
1-2 carrots, cut in 2-3 inch pieces		1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1-2 onions, chopped		1/4 cup loosely packed fresh parsley, with stems,
3 stalks celery with leaves cut in 2 inch slices		2 teaspoon kosher salt + more, to taste
3-4 garlic cloves, smashed		1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1-2 bay leaves		3-4 pound chicken, whole or parts cut-up

INSTRCTIONS

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or medium saucepan over medium high heat. Once oil is hot, add garlic, onion, carrots and celery; cook for two to three minutes, or until onion becomes translucent.

Add spices (turmeric, thyme, sage, salt and pepper) stir until vegetables are well coated.

Fill the pot with 1 to 1 ½ gallons of water and add bay leaves and parsley. Bring to a boil and let boil 1 hour.

Add chicken and partially cover the pot and bring the water to a low boil. To the extent that foam develops on the soup, take it off the top with a spoon and discard it.

Adjust the heat if necessary to keep the soup at a simmer and continue simmering, with the pot partially covered, for 2-3 hours. The soup will develop a golden color and a rich savory taste.

Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper to taste if necessary. At this point, you can refrigerate or freeze the soup, or serve it.

Can be served with noodles, knaidlach (matzo balls), rice, mandlen (soup nuts and kreplach.

Recipe Notes

If you want your soup to be low fat, refrigerate it for several hours or overnight at this point to separate the chicken fat. The fat will rise and solidify. You can skim it off to discard or freeze for later use. Chicken fat or schmaltz is a delicious savory alternative to other fats or oil.

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’s Slippers

Posted on Wednesday, 9, February, 2022Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

In a town lived a very rich miser. Every time the local rabbi came to his door to collect funds for the poor, the miser would invite the rabbi in, offer the rabbi a glass of tea and talk about his business. When the rabbi started talking about the plight of the poor people in the winter, the miser would brush him off and tell him that poor people like to complain—it wasn’t all as bad as the rabbi thought. In any case, he had no cash in the house at the moment, and couldn’t give anything right now. Could the rabbi come back another time? The miser would then escort the rabbi to the door, go back to his warm and comfortable room and settle down in his favorite chair near the fireplace, very pleased with himself.

But the rabbi was not pleased. The poor had no money for food or for wood for their stoves, and they were cold and hungry.

One evening the rabbi knocked on the rich miser’s door. It was a cold and miserable night; snow and sleet blew through the deserted streets. The miser asked the rabbi in, as usual. But the rabbi refused. “No,” he said, “I won’t be long.” And then he inquired after the miser’s health and after the health of his family, and asked him about his business, and spoke about the affairs of the community for a long time. The miser could not send the rabbi away, of course; he had opened the door for him himself. But he was getting quite uncomfortable. He had come to the door in his slippers and skullcap, dressed in a thin shirt and his house pants. The rabbi, wearing a warm coat with a fur lining, his biggest shtreimel covering his ears and heavy winter boots encasing his feet and legs, talked on and on. No, he didn’t want to come in. No, really, he was on his way. The miser’s toes became ice and stone.

Suddenly the miser understood. “Oh, Rabbi!” he cried. “Those poor people with no warm clothes or firewood for winter . . . I never knew. I never imagined it could be like this. This is miserable. It is horrible. I never knew, honestly! Something must be done!” He went into the house and returned with a purse full of gold coins. He wanted to go back to his fireplace as soon as he could. He needed hot tea. The rabbi thanked him and took the money. He too was cold after that long talk, but he didn’t mind. The poor people would have a good winter this year.

The miser changed his ways that night. He became a regular contributor to the rabbi’s funds for the poor, for poor brides, for poor students, for Passover money and for many other causes. He had learned a good lesson that night.

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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To Whom to Give Charity

Posted on Monday, 7, February, 2022Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Every morning when the holy rabbi would arrive at the synagogue he would hang his coat on a peg in the hallway. He would then pray and settle down to study for the day. Many people came to him for advice and students flocked to learn from him. The holy rabbi was very poor and many times went without eating and his clothes were threadbare. A merchant would slip some coins into the pocket of the holy rabbi’s coat, so that he and his family would be able to buy the necessaries of life. From that time on, the merchant grew wealthier and wealthier. The more he had, the more he gave to the holy rabbi, and the more he gave the holy rabbi, the more he had.

One day the merchant was thinking and realized that the holy rabbi was the student of a great master of Torah, and it occurred to him that if what he gave the student was so lavishly rewarded, he might become even more prosperous if he made presents to the Torah master himself. So he travelled to a faraway village and encouraged the Torah master to accept a generous gift from him. From this time on, his wealth shrank until he had lost all the profits he had made during the more fortunate period. He took his troubles to the holy rabbi, told him the whole story, and asked him what his present predicament was due to. For had not the rabbi himself told him that his teacher was infinitely greater than he?

The holy rabbi thought for a moment and explained: “You need to understand that as long as you gave and did not bother to whom, whether to a poor rabbi or another, the Holy One, blessed be He gave to you and did not bother to whom. But when you began to seek out especially noble and distinguished recipients, the Holy One did exactly the same.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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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A Reason for Every Custom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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 holy rabbi of the village was out walking through the market place when he saw a man so upset that he was crying. He went over and asked, “Why are you so upset?”

“Don’t worry,” said the holy rabbi, “I found your money. Come to my home and I will return it.”

The holy rabbi guided the man to his home and sat him at the table and served him a meal. After the storekeeper had eaten and was satisfied, the holy rabbi gave him a hundred rubles.

The man’s eyes lit up, and he thanked the holy rabbi abundantly. He took the money and bought all the goods that he needed for his store.

As soon as he arrived home, his wife said jokingly, “Why are you always so absentminded? You may have gone to buy goods, but you forgot the money at home.”

He realized what had happened; the holy rabbi had given him a hundred rubles of his own.

The next morning the man returned to the village where he met the holy rabbi, immediately went to his house, and told him, “Rebbe, you fooled me. I never lost anything, and you never found anything. I had forgotten my money at home.”

He then placed the hundred rubles before the holy rabbi.

“I cannot accept the money,” said the holy rabbi. “I gave it to you as a gift.”

“But I don’t want gifts,” said the storekeeper.

Each was adamant. They finally decided to go to the beis din (rabbinic court) to determine who should have the money.

The storekeeper responded that the money the holy rabbi gave him was not his money he thought lost, but the personal money of the holy rabbi. He refused to accept the money.

The holy rabbi countered, “the Holy One, Blessed be He, furnishes him with money with which to perform his acts of charity.” (Bava Basra 9b)

The beis din found this an interesting case. Each claimed that he did not want the money, and that the other should receive it.

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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In Jewish law and tradition, redeeming a captive (pidyon shevuyim) is the highest form of charity. The code of Jewish law says that “there is no mitzvah as great as pidyon shevuyim. (Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh De’ah 252:1).”

There was a very wealthy man who was respected by many in the village. Once on a journey to collect much needed funds, Tam and Chacham came to him for a donation in order to ransom people who had been seized and unjustly held in prison by the authorities.

“How much do you need?” the wealthy man asked.

“We need three hundred silver coins” the rabbis answered.

The wealthy man left the room and came back with a pile of silver coins. “Here are two hundred and ninety silver coins,” he told them. “You can collect the rest in town.”

“Why only two hundred and ninety?” Tam and Chacham asked. “If you have given us so much, why not add another ten silver coins and spare us going through town like beggars and being humili­ated in the process?”

The wealthy man wished Tam and Chacham success on their journeys and they left one another in peace.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

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Surprised and not knowing what to reply, her friend said, “I felt tired and fatigued this week and thought I’d take the week off and rest.”

“Come,” said her friend, “I know you’re not rich and need parnassah. Let’s go into the kitchen. I’ll help you bake some cakes and cookies to sell tomorrow. Come into the kitchen. Why am I bothering you with a lot of useless talk?”

She already had an apron on and began to vigorously sift flour for her friend. Then she energetically and diligently kneaded the dough in a trough, with the joy of doing a mitzvah.

These two women peddlers in the Jerusalem market loved each other without needing any special reason. Both of them had great faith and trust in the Holy One, blessed be He. They were truly holy women.

The love and goodwill of the two women further shows that we can exist on the physical and spiritual planes at the same time. Their simple actions towards one another showed how simple everyday business practices could be elevated to a holy level.

Techina Cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 cup raw (100% sesame) tahini*

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 cups flour (half all purpose flour and half whole wheat flour)

pinch of salt

almonds to garnish

2 tablespoons sesame seeds to garnish

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F

Lightly oil two baking sheets or line with parchment paper.

Combine all the dry ingredients (flour, white and brown sugars) in a large bowl.

Add the techina and then the melted butter (or margarine). Mix with a large spoon. At some point you will need to switch to mixing the dough by hand until it is fully mixed. The dough will have a sticky slightly crumbly consistency.

Take approximately one teaspoon of the batter at a time, and roll in your hands to form small balls. Place each cookie ball, evenly spaced, onto the baking sheets.

Place each ball on a baking paper-lined tray. Press each ball in the middle with your thumb and place an almond in the space. You can also use a fork to flatten each ball and make pretty lines.

Bake until golden brown (approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on how crispy you like your cookies). Let cool to room temperature and serve.

*If oil is floating on top, mix it in and then measure 1 cup.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

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

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anWhoever is kind to the poor lends to the L-rd and he will reward them for what they have done. (Proverbs., 19:17)

Now it happened one day while he was ploughing a field when a stranger approached and greeted him, saying, “Peace be to you and to all your house.”

He replied, ” Peace be also to you and yours.”

The stranger then continued, ” Friend, I come to tell you that you are destined to regain your fortune and to live in prosperity for a period of six years during your life here on earth. It is yours to choose when this period shall begin; shall it be now or later in life? “

” Perhaps, after all,” he thought, ” the Master of Mercy has sent this messenger to help me in my distress and now the poverty that has harassed me and my dear ones will be replaced by wealth and success.”

“Here, my friend,” he said, “take these two silver coins and return them to me in six years when I return to you. Do not forget I shall require my two silver coins to be restored to me when I come to claim it.”

After the laborer received the coins, he thanked the stranger and promised to return the gift as agreed. In a second, the stranger disappeared.

“Very strange,” he observed “there is some mystery about this stranger, he seems to come from nowhere and to return to the same place.”

No sooner had the labourer placed the silver coins in his pocket than he felt a sudden change coming over him. His sadness and sorrow melted way and a new feeling of happiness, and confidence arose in his heart. He bowed his head and thanked the Holy One, blessed be He for His blessings.

The husband said, “Indeed, ‘a lesson of kindness is on your tongue. (Proverbs 31:26)”

The youngest son was told by his mother to keep an account of their own expenses and an account of the money given in to help others.

The six years passed quickly. One day the stranger came to their house, and after receiving a warm welcome turned to his host and said, “The six years have passed, and I have come to ask you to return my two silver coins.”

The holy man said, “Your request is quite fair and just. Yet, before I return the silver coins allow me to consult my wife before I return your coins.”

The man turned to his wife and asked her, ” Beloved wife, please advise me how am I to repay our debt to our generous benefactor here? “

“Why only two hundred and ninety?” Tam and Chacham asked. “If you have given us so much, why not add another ten silver coins and spare us going through town like beggars and being humiliated in the process?”