Once upon a time, there was a poor man who heard that in a faraway land, there was a kingdom where diamonds were as plentiful as dust — one needed only to bend down, pick them up, and fill their pockets.

After a long and difficult journey, the man arrived in this wondrous land. Everything that had been said about it was true! Diamonds of all sizes were strewn around everywhere — even the sand was made up of billions of tiny glittering gems. A group of children gathered to watch the stranger kneeling on the ground and stuffing his pockets with stones and pebbles, but the poor man was too busy to notice them.

To celebrate the end of his poverty, the traveler ordered the finest meal from the inn. Feeling generous, he handed the innkeeper a small-sized stone and told him to keep the change. The innkeeper asked the poor man what he was doing. The poor man said that the diamond was worth a small fortune. The innkeeper realized that the poor man was a stranger and explained that diamonds were so plentiful in the kingdom that they had no value.

The poor man realized that the diamonds, each of which would be worth a fortune in his land, were totally worthless. In this kingdom, people paid for goods and services with the flower, Asteriscus maritimus (sea aster or sea daisy). The flower was originally used to decorate tables. The delicate flower would dry quickly and turn to dust. No one was bothered by the clouds of dust which came from their wallets and purses. The musty smell gave off the sweet impression of old money.

Once the poor man overcame the disappointment of his lost dream, he worked hard, invested wisely, and before long he was one of the wealthiest people in the land. He filled his vaults with thousands and thousands of the valuable flowers.

After a long time he decided to return home. He sent word to his family: “Am rich. We shall never want for anything in our lives. Prepare triumphant homecoming.” He loaded his fortune on a fleet of ships, and set sail for his home.

Family and friends, dressed in their best, awaited him eagerly at the seaport. Of course, there was nothing that could be done with his shiploads of dried, dusty flowers except sail back a few miles from shore and dump them into the sea.

Later that day, as he was unpacking his clothes, he found a small bag of the stones he gathered on his journey.  The value of the stones in the bag was so great that the man and his family never again wanted for anything in their lives.

The soul, in its abode on high, hears wondrous tales of a faraway land. To get there, it must cross a deep and treacherous sea. Great treasures, it is told, are literally free for the taking in this place. A coin given to charity, a prayer uttered, a candle lit to usher in Shabbos (the Holy Sabbath Day), a kind word extended to a troubled fellow — the higher realms, lacking physical bodies and a material reality, can only dream of such treasures.

The soul descends into the material world and discovers that everything that had been said about this place is true. Diamonds litter the streets. Wherever one turns, await countless opportunities to do mitzvos, good and G‑dly deeds. One need only bend down to the ground and fill one’s pockets.

Yet the value of these “diamonds” are not appreciated in this alien land. “Riches” of an entirely different sort beckon, so that when the time comes to return, many a soul finds itself lugging home shiploads of dried, dusty flowers.

But no soul can traverse our world without picking up at least a few mitzvos along the way — gems which enrich the heavens and make the entire trip more than worth its while…

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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