Three men were traveling together in a distant country. Suddenly, the skies grew dark, and a great storm arose; the wind howled, thunder echoed across the land, the lightning flashed, and the downpour of rain filled the men with fear. They saw a cave at the foot of a nearby mountain and quickly ran to it to get out of the storm.  They started a small fire to warm themselves and stayed there all night. The storm passed in the night, and in the morning, the men gathered together their belongings and were ready to continue their journey.

During the night, a huge heavy rock had fallen from the mountain and sealed the mouth of the cave. The three men tried to push the rock away, but they could not even budge the rock.

Now, the travelers grew afraid, for they had no food and were far away from any help. After a while, darkness and hunger caused them much despair, and so they began to pray to the Holy One, blessed be He, that He have mercy and aid them lest they perish.

The first one remembered, “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15). He then prayed in the merit of all his good and just deeds.

The rock moved about the length of a finger,

Then the second one began to pray and recalled, “In my distress, I called upon the L-rd..” (2 Samuel 22:7) and poured out his heart and related even greater deeds of charity and of righteousness.

The rock moved about the length of a hand.

Finally, the third one said: “Then with much grief and anguish of heart I wept, and with groaning began to pray: (Tobit 3:1).” Then he began to pray, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O L-rd.” (Psalm 130:1) he continued, “I don’t know where to begin or what to say, but I pray to You from my heart.” His words echoed throughout the cave.

The rock moved entirely from the mouth of the cave, and the three travelers went forth in peace and continued their journey.

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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