A Virtuous Woman’s Ring

Posted on Sunday, 17, June, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A wealthy merchant was aboard a ship that carried his wares, when a violent storm struck. The wind and waves put all aboard the ship in peril of death. The wealthy merchant prayed to be delivered on account of his modest wife. A stranger stood nearby and was amazed to hear the merchant praying and mentioning the merits of his wife. The wealthy merchant answered that indeed she was worthy of all praise. The stranger challenged the merchant: “No woman is so perfect. I shall go and seduce her. What sign do you require of me?” The husband answered that she wore a fine ring on her hand, and if he brought it, then the husband would know that he had indeed seduced her. They risked all their wares on this bet.

The stranger went to seduce the wife of the wealthy merchant and could not even come near her. He returned several times but she paid him no attention. At length he hired her maidservant to steal her ring from her. The stranger presented the ring then took all the wares of the wealthy merchant as agreed.

The wealthy merchant returned home empty-handed. When the woman heard that her husband had returned, she adorned herself and happily came to meet him, with all their long-established words of love and affection. Her husband did not even embrace her, but turned away from her and sent her away from him on the ship which had brought him across the sea.

He disguised himself, changed his manner of speech and behaved as a stranger so that she should not recognize him, and acted as the ship’s captain. The woman spent several days on board ship without food and drink, and entreated the captain to give her some food. “Kiss me and I shall give you whatever you wish,” said he, but she refused.

The woman lived on dried bread crusts and water and when land was spotted from the ship, she begged to be let go.

the ship came to land. The woman went ashore and sought for food and found two trees. The fruit of one made the eater leprous, while the fruit of the other cured the disease. She took some of the healing fruit in her bag and came at last to a royal palace. The king needed this remedy and she cured him, and the king gave her riches in plenty. Then she went back home and rebuked her husband for having suspected her. Thereupon her husband investigated the matter, and it was found that the Stranger had lied about her, and he was brought to judgment.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Tree that Spoke in Court

Posted on Monday, 11, June, 2018Friday, 26, April, 2024 by Rabbi

Two men stood before the beis din (rabbinic court), telling two completely different stories.

“A year ago”, declared Chaim, and well-to-do merchant, “my friend and neighbor Shimon came to me, begging for help. His business was failing, and he said that if I loaned him 1000 silver coins. He could pay off his creditors, who were growing very impatient. He would then buy merchandise and make a new start. We were friends, and he was in trouble, so I immediately gave him the money. I trusted him. Now time is past when I asked for the money back. He refused to give it to me.”

“Why should I return the money? I didn’t take?” Answered Shimon. “There was no such loan. Where is your proof?” He demanded.

“Proof?” Chaim’s face was scarlet, with rage. “You were my friend, I helped you out. I didn’t even ask for a receipt. Now, after all I did for you, you steal my money and call me a liar!”

As was his way, the holy rabbi who led the court looked intently at the two angry men and began to question each of them closely. He asked for all of the details of the transaction, carefully watching each man’s reactions.

“I remember it exactly,” Chaim said, in response to the holy rabbi’s question of when the loan had been arranged. “Shimon and I were standing beneath a white tree when we discussed his business troubles. It was a hot day and we enjoyed the shade tree gave us. I told him that I was a little uncomfortable loaning money without a witness and he told me to let the tree be the witness.”

Up until now it has been business as usual in the beis din (rabbinic court): two men argue a case, each giving his own version in a room where logic, justice, and truth hung in the very air.

justice

Suddenly, the holy rabbi introduced an unusual request.

He turned to the wealthy merchant and instructed him, “If the tree is the witness then the tree must come and testify. Go to the tree where you made the deal.”

Chaim stared. “Now?”

“That’s right, now. Bring me a branch from the tree. With the help of the Holy One, blessed be He, the branch will help me to reveal the truth.”

When Chaim rushed out of the room, a puzzled silence fell. No one had the courage to question the holy rabbi but everyone wondered how in the world a branch could help find the answer. Could a tree, then, speak of what it had seen a year ago?

Time passed and the holy rabbi looked out the window and saw that the sun was setting. He looked out the window frequently and seemed to be growing impatient. “Where is Chaim already?” He said, half to himself. “The day is almost gone and evening is coming and I want to get this finished today. Why is he taking so long?”

“It will be a while until he gets back,” Shimon said helpfully. “The tree is quite a distance from here. Perhaps the holy rabbi should see someone else in the meantime.”

“No,” said the holy rabbi, his face expressionless, “let us wait for the branch and hear what it has to tell us.”

Not long afterward, Chaim walked back into the room. Feeling a bit silly, he placed the branch on the table in front of the holy rabbi.

The holy rabbi stared at the branch intently for a few seconds. The others looked at it as well, a long brown piece of wood with small knots and a few twigs still stuck to it. It was, in fact, nothing more than the branch of a tree.

The holy rabbi turned his gaze on the two men standing before him, a look of quiet satisfaction on his face. “The tree branch has spoken and told me that Shimon has, indeed taken the money and it must be returned.”

“Nonsense!” Shimon exploded. “How in the world… Trees don’t speak!”

“This one did,” the holy rabbi said. His face was stern and his voice was serious. “The tree spoke, and you spoke. If you had not taken the loan, how did you know where the tree was located? You knew very well what tree Chaim was going to, and that’s the proof that Chaim’s story was true.”

Shimon, realizing that he had fallen neatly into the judge’s trap, shamefully admitted that he had, indeed taken the money and tried to get out of repaying the loan. “You don’t know what it’s been like,” he said, sobbing. “I’m just beginning to see some success in my business. If I have to pay the loan back now I will be ruined, bankrupt. My family…. We will all go hungry. I didn’t want to lie, but I had no choice.”

The holy rabbi’s eyes flashed fire, but he gently put his hands on the broken man’s shoulder. “Every man has a choice. Your sins have been many. You stole, you lied, and you betrayed a friend.” He stared at the man his penetrating gaze seeming to pierce his very soul. Then he turned to the victorious plaintiff, Chaim.

“I believe your friend Shimon sincerely regrets his actions. He is admitted that he owes you the money in front of the beis din. We allow him to pay the loan off, enabling him to continue in business?”

After a moment’s thought, Chaim agreed to let Shimon repay him on easy terms. The two men then left together, not yet friends, but no longer enemies. In his hand, Chaim held a brown branch, to bring home in order to show his family and friends the tree that had spoken.

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 New Fabric of the Spirit

Posted on Thursday, 7, June, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

In a certain city lived the owner of a fabric mill who had successfully developed a new type of fabric. It was a remarkable fabric, strong, soft to the touch and appealing to the eye.

The fabric became very popular, and many people gathered outside his mill to buy it. It became so popular, that he was simply unable to manufacture enough of the fabric to meet the overwhelming demand.

While there were many individuals who actually preferred their old clothes, which were still in excellent condition, they nevertheless, purchased the new fabric and had clothing sewn from it, as they wanted to keep up with the styles.

One who observed a group of people wearing clothing made from the new fabric, would have no way of knowing which of them truly enjoys wearing the clothing and which of them is wearing those clothes just to be fashionable.

However, there is one way to discern a weaver’s true motives. If the person meets the inventor and makes an effort to thank him for his hard work and achievement, going so far as to tell him how pleased they are with the fabric, it is an indication that the person is truly pleased.

Some will greet the inventor with a bad attitude and treat him rather poorly. Given the opportunity, they will even go so far as to blame him over the fact that he caused them to spend a great deal of money. Such individuals are wearing the fabric only to appear fashionable.

One can distinguish between the Divine service of various individuals, in the very same way. There are those who perform the mitzvos (religious duties) out of deep faith and love for the Creator of All. Then there are those who perform the mitzvos by rote, simply for the sake of discharging an obligation. The only way to discern between them is by observing the manner in which they carry out the mitzvos. One who fulfills them with joy and excitement and tries to be as meticulous as possible, falls under the category of one who truly loves the Holy One, blessed be He. But if not…

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Special Prayers, Sins and Rain

Posted on Saturday, 2, June, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

It was dry and the sun was hot as the drought went into its second month. The rabbis decreed a fast day and special prayers and psalms be recited. During the time of drought the whole community is invited to join in prayer so that the rain will come. Hopefully the non-observant will be moved by the serious condition caused by the drought join the community in prayer.

In one community which was in a drought area, the rabbis proclaimed a fast day. Strains of Psalm 130 (traditionally said in times of drought) were heard from the old synagogue. “Out of the depths I call You, Hashem….”(Psalm 130: 1)

One of the rabbis tried to urge a non-observant person named Yonah to join in the public prayer. Yonah adamantly refused. “You certainly do not think that the prayers of someone like me will have any effect on G-d,” Yonah offered.

The rabbi tried to impress upon Yonah that the prayers of every person are important, and that on the contrary, when someone who is distant from religious observance turns to the Holy One, blessed be He, their prayer is very special and effective.

“I take it from this,” the Yonah said, “that you are implying that it is my sinfulness that made G-d angry and caused the drought. I resent that!”

“No need to worry about that,” the rabbi said. “I could not possibly think that you caused the drought. In fact, we know that it was people like yourself who once caused “the rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights. (Genesis 7: 12)”

The voices from the synagogue continued, “O Hashem, listen to my cry; let Your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy. (Psalm 130: 2). The prayers went up to the very Throne of Mercy and That evening the sky grew dark and the rains came in answer to the prayers of the people. But this was very displeasing to Yonah, and he became angry. (Yonah 4:1)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Rabbi Asenat and a Flock of Angels: A Tale From Kurdistan

Posted on Thursday, 31, May, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Asenat was the daughter of the holy rabbi Shmuel b. Netanel HaLevi of Kurdistan who founded a number of centers of learning and was head of the yeshiva in Mosul. He lived in great poverty and was regarded as a saint. He had no sons, but had a daughter who he loved dearly. The holy rabbi was a master of the written and oral Torah, agaddah, and Jewish mysticism. He lovingly taught his daughter every day until he had to leave to the World of Truth.

The holy rabbi taught his daughter the secrets of the revealed and hidden Torah and many of the secrets of heaven. Asenat adored her father, and regarded him as a King of Israel. In a letter, she described her upbringing:

Long ago, in the Kurdish town of Mosul, there lived a young woman named Asenat who was known for performing wonders. Her blessings were often sought by women who wished to be blessed with children, or by sick people who wished to be cured. Her touch had healing powers, especially for children.

It was whispered among the people that the spirit of her father rested upon her, and for this reason she was known as Rabbi Asenat.

After Rabbi Shmuel died, he often came to his daughter in dreams. He would reveal dangers to her and tell her how to avoid the threats, saving many lives. One night Asenat dreamed that her holy father told her to go to the Kurdish town of Amadiyah for Rosh CChodesh, the celebration of the new moon. He told her that the Jewish people of Amadiyah needed her protection.

When it became known that Rabbi Asenat was planning to travel to Amadiyah, the people of her town pleaded with her not to go, for things had become dangerous for the Jewish people living there. “All Jewish people have been warned to stay away from Amadiyah,” they warned her. “If you go, you will surely be risking your life!” Asenat could not overlook her holy father’s message. She took leave of her town and began her journey.

When Rabbi Asenat reached the town that she had visited so often, she was given great respect as a holy woman. The people seemed to be upset when she told them that they should celebrate Rosh Chodesh outdoors, so they could see the crescent of the new moon, as was their custom.

The people wanted to stay in the safety of the synagogue, for they knew they were surrounded by enemies and that their very lives were in danger. “Don’t be afraid,” she told them. The emunah (faith) in the Holy One Blessed, be He and their trust in her were so great that they agreed to keep to the tradition of greeting the new moon as in the past, despite the danger.

The night of Rosh Chodesh saw almost all the people come out to celebrate the new moon and the new month. At first they were cautious, yet soon they were singing and dancing in the town square with abandon. Suddenly, shouts disrupted the celebration as people saw flames leaping towards the sky. The synagogue had been set on fire! Baruch Hashem – Blessed be G-d that no one had been inside. The people were heartbroken to see their synagogue consumed in flames. Many men had to be held back so they wouldn’t run inside and be burned to death while trying to save the Torah scrolls. Everywhere people wept, falling to their knees, for they knew the flames were fast approaching the Aron haKodesh (Holy Ark) where the Torah scrolls were kept.

Rabbi Asenat closed her eyes in prayer and whispered a secret name of Hashem, one that she had learned from her father. All at once the people heard a loud flapping and a great wind swirled around them, and they thought that a flock of birds must be overhead. But when they looked up, they saw a flock of angels descending to the roof of the synagogue. The angels beat the flames with their wings, until every last spark had been put out. Then they rose up into the heavens like a flock of white doves and were gone.

The people were fascinated. They cried out, “Angels! Angels!” And when the smoke cleared, they saw that another miracle had taken place: the synagogue had not burned. Nor was a single letter of any of the Torah scrolls touched by the flames.

When the enemies of the Jewish community learned of the miracle of the angels and saw how the synagogue had been saved from the fire, they dared not harm the hair of even a single Jewish person.

A day opf celebration was declared as the people prayed and thanked the Holy One, blessed be He for saving this day for them and their beloved synagogue. The Jewish community was so grateful to Rabbi Asenat that they renamed the synagogue after her, and it is still standing to this day.

And all this came to pass because of Rabbi Asenat’s courage and loyalty in honoring her father’s wish, conveyed in a dream, that she go to that town for the celebration of the new moon.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Love and Leaves from the Garden of Eden

Posted on Tuesday, 29, May, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The largest stable in the village was owned by Ephraim Dov Ber. From morning until nightfall coaches and carriages of all sorts would arrive, wanting to rest or exchange their tired horses for fresh ones. Ephraim Dov Ber was helped in his work by the boy Chaim, an orphan who made his home with Ephraim Dov Ber and his family. Chaim’s parents died while he was very young, and he lived on the streets until Ephraim Dov Ber took him in. In a very short time, they all regarded him as a member of the family. Chaim was especially close to Ephraim Dov Ber’s daughter, Shaina Leah. They were like brother and sister.

Now Chaim worked hard in the stables, side by side with Ephraim Dov Ber. They worked from early in the morning till way after sundown. One day Chaim left the stable early because he was not feeling well. The next day he could not get out of bead, and each day he seemed to grow weaker. Leah stayed by his bed and cared for him, As he slept, she would hold his hand and pray:

One day Chaim opened his eyes and saw Leah, He smiled at her and took his last breath. Leah was torn by grief, as was Ephraim Dov Ber and the rest of the family.

When the period of mourning had ended, Leah did not seem to recover from her grief. She had loved the Chaim deeply, and she could not bear the loss. Ephraim Dov Ber and his wife sat at her bedside every day, praying for her recovery. One day, while Ephraim Dov Ber was sitting at her bedside, he fell dozed off and began to dream. In the dream, Chaim appeared before him, his face glowing with peace and happiness.

“Where did you come from?” asked Ephraim Dov Ber, who remembered, even in the dream, that the boy was no longer in this world. “And why are you so happy?”

The boy replied, “Let me tell you all that has happened to me. When I left this world, I was brought before the Heavenly Court. I explained that I did not feel as religious as all the people around me because I only knew a few prayers, for that is all I had been taught. I told the Heavenly Court that I had served you with love, respect and honour as faithfully as I could. So too did I tend the horses with gentleness and care. And I always tried to be honest.

“The court ruled that I had earned a place in the Garden of Eden, and that is where I make my home. It was decreed that because I had tended horses in my earthly life, I was put in charge of the heavenly horses that pull the golden coaches of the tzaddikim (holy ones).”

Then Chaim asked Ephraim Dov Ber about his family. And Ephraim Dov Ber broke into tears and told him how much Leah had grieved over his death, and now she too was in grave danger. Chaim gently said: “Don’t worry. There are leaves growing in the Garden of Eden that can heal any illness. Wait, and I will bring some to you.” A short time later, the Chaim brought Ephraim Dov Ber a handful of leaves and instructed him “Boil these in a pot of water and give the tea to Leah to drink.” Ephraim Dov Ber accepted the leaves. No sooner than the leaves were in his hand, he woke up.

Scattered all over the bed were leaves that had blown in from the open window. Ephraim Dov Ber picked them up and saw that those leaves did not grow anywhere in he knew of. So too did they bear a wonderful fragrance, like that in his dream.

Ephraim Dov Ber hurried to boil some of those leaves in water, and he gave it to his daughter to drink. As he did, he told her about his dream, and about the leaves that Chaim had brought her from the Garden of Eden. And when Leah drank that water and learned of that miracle, she began to recover at once—by the third day she was out of bed and walking around.

Soon after that, Leah was betrothed and wed. And she named her first son Chaim, after the stable boy. And it is said that she loved her child as much as she had loved her adopted brother.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Innocent are Delivered from the Fiery Furnace

Posted on Monday, 28, May, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There was once a pious man who was wealthy and of the king’s company. He had a handsome, fine-looking, and wise son. Before he died, the father told his son not to leave daily prayer until the whole service was over. Also, if somebody who had not been present were to rise and recite the daily prayer he should stay there until he had finished as well. The dying man added: “I have done this all my life and I have prospered. And if you pass through a city and you hear the cantor, enter and do not leave until he has finished his prayers.” Then the pious man passed away.

Now the son was well thought of by all who saw him. He served the king and was the wine bearer to the king and queen and sliced them their bread and meat. They loved him very much and praised him to the skies. Now the king’s chief advisor saw this and was very jealous. He came to the king and said: “Your majesty, you have eyes yet you do not see that this young man loves the queen, and they fornicate together.” But the king rebuked him and did not believe him, yet he repeated it day after day until the king grew jealous. “For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he shows no restraint when he takes revenge.”(Proverbs 6:34)

One day the king went to inspect the workers who were preparing a limekiln, and he said to the master of the workers: “Take the first man who comes here tomorrow and fling him into the kiln at once. If you do not do so, you will pay for it with your own life.” “Your majesty’s order will be obeyed” ,” answered the master of the workers. Then the king returned to his palace. That night while the young man was serving him, he called him and ordered: “Rise early tomorrow morning and go where they are preparing the lime and tell the man in charge to make a great fire.” “I shall carry out your orders,” answered the young man.

In the morning he mounted his horse, but as he passed the synagogue he heard the cantor’s voice. He dismounted, entered the synagogue, and prayed. When the cantor had finished, another man who had not heard the prayers rose and began to pray, and he waited until he finished as well. And so he was delayed until it was broad daylight.

The innocent was saved from the fiery furnace

Meanwhile, the king summoned his chief advisor and ordered him: “Go to the place where they are making the lime and ask the man in charge: Have you obeyed the king?” Then the vizier mounted his horse and rode off and asked the man in charge: “Have you obeyed the king’s orders?” Thereupon they seized him and tied him up and flung him into the kiln. The young man arrived just then and saw them flinging the king’s advisor into the kiln, and he said to them: “If the king knows this, he will slay you.” But the man in charge answered: “Yesterday the king ordered me: ‘Take the first man I send to you tomorrow, and fling him into the kiln.’ And this is the man who came first.”

Then the young man returned to the king and said: “Your majesty, why did you order the chief advisor to be burned?” At this, the king shuddered and shook with astonishment and said to the youth: “Now I know that you are G-d-fearing, and your Creator loves you. This is what the chief advisor said about you and the queen. So I ordered that the man whom I first sent to the limekiln should be flung into the fire; and it was you I first ordered to go. After that I told the chief advisor to go and see whether my orders had been obeyed. But you were delayed, so they flung him in instead. Now I know that you are innocent. The ancient words “The righteous is delivered from distress, and the wicked comes in his stead.” (Proverbs 11:8) are so true”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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In Memory of Peter Waine

Posted on Saturday, 26, May, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A week ago, a man died and left a hole in the Jewish community. He always questioned whether he was a “good Jew” when in truth he was a mentch. He was a friend and never saw the mark he left on the people around him. He often spoke about his travels and his boats. He died quietly and left few to mourn him, as a form of eulogy we offer a thought from an unknown mariner:

To answer his question as to how good of a Jewish person he was we offer a short story:

Tam and Chacham often traveled together to a certain village to collect money for many causes. Many Jewish families in the village became wealthy from the lumber business. They hoped that they would be able to convince the prosperous Jewish leaders of the village to contribute generously to their charity causes. Somehow, though, the people of the village were all extremely reluctant to give tzedakah (charity). Still, year after year, Tam and Chacham made the effort to return to the village and try to collect a little bit more than the year before.

Tam and Chacham would spend several days making their usual rounds of wealthy Jewish businessmen. Each person gave willingly enough, but it was only a small amount in comparison to the sums that Tam and Chacham knew these men could afford.

After a week of collecting in the village, Tam and Chacham noticed a certain name on their list: Feival Fenster. Feival Fenster was a very wealthy man and was always too busy to talk to Tam and Chacham. In all the years that Tam and Chacham had been coming to the village, they had never actually been able to make contact with the wealthy merchant. There was little reason to think that things would be different this time, but Tam and Chacham tried to meet with Feival Fenster once again.

Much to their surprise Feival Fenster answered the door himself and welcomed them into his home. He extended his hand to Tam and Chacham and gave them a heartfelt “Shalom Aleichem” (Peace be unto you). They responded, “Aleichem Shalom (unto you peace). Feival asked, “What can I do for you?”

Tam and Chacham explained that they were collecting tzadakah (charity). Much to their surprise, the wealthy merchant answered with an almost regretfully, “You know I really owe you an apology. I know you’ve been trying to reach me for years, and I’m ashamed that I haven’t been a good Jewish person. I don’t know much Torah and my prayer skills are lacking.”

The two men sat down with the wealthy merchant. Tam and Chacham explained that the essence of Judaism is much more, living Jewish is important. They then described the yeshivah (education) and kiruv (outreach) projects they were collecting for to Fenster. They further emphasized the importance of Torah (Scripture/religious) education and the great responsibility of contributing to its support. Feival Fenster listened closely, asking important questions from time to time. The minutes stretched out to an hour, then longer. Finally, Chacham gathered enough courage to ask Feival Fenster a question he had been wondering about for a long, long time.

“Reb Fenster,” he said hesitantly. “You are a very prosperous merchant and you deal with many, many people. If anyone understands this village, it would be you. You are aware that we have been coming to this village for several years. We also do some fund-raising in other neighboring villages, I was wondering why the people of the other villages are so much more charitable than the people in this village?”

Feival Fenster froze. Watching him, Chacham wished there was some way he could withdraw the question. Antagonizing or insulting the wealthy merchant would certainly not be the best way to convince him to make a donation.

“Rabbi,” he finally whispered in a soft child-like voice. “Rabbi, I’m so ashamed. I’m ashamed of myself and my village.” He swallowed. “What will I say to the Holy One, blessed be He when I stand before the Heavenly Court?” His heart broke as he buried his face in his hands and cried.

Tam and Chacham, astonished beyond belief, sat quietly and waited. Feivel’s words had sounded almost like a Yom Kippur confession. The wealthy merchant was completely broken and looking for selichah (forgiveness).

After several moments, Feival partially composed himself. In a trembling voice, he said, “Rabbis, whatever amount of money you ask, I’ll give you. I, I want to redeem my community from this embarrassment…” Tears overflowed his eyes as he broke down once more.

Tam softly suggested a figure. Suddenly, Feivel Fenster stood up and ran out of the inn. Tam and Chacham did not know what to expect, they felt that maybe they had embarrassed and overwhelmed the wealthy merchant.

Some time later, Feivel Fenster returned with a large bag and gave it to Tam. AsTam accepted the bag of gold coins, he felt a great sense of awe for this simple Jewish man who had willingly shouldered the shame of his community and opened his heart to the mitzvah of tzedakah (Charity).

My friend was very generous to all who came to him in need. We learn that “He who does much charity, does much for peace.” (Pirke Avos 2:7) and he brought peace to many.

“When a person passes from the world, having given charity and having done good deeds, his charity and good deeds go before him to find him a good resting place. They intercede before the Holy One, Blessed be lie, on his behalf, and do not let the prosecuting angels denounce him. This is the meaning of the verse: “If he has with him a defending angel, one of a thousand, to tell of a person’s virtue” (Job 33:23). (Tanna d’bei Elyihu Zutta 1)

May the memories of Pete be a source of strength and blessings

Video – The King and the Storm

Posted on Wednesday, 23, May, 2018Saturday, 29, July, 2023 by Rabbi

You may have listened to the podcast ST1 The King and the Storm but you can watch the short story video, (click the link) The King and the Storm to see how the king learned about friendship.

What is a friend? This is a lesson learned by a king during a hunting trip with his “friends.”

A tale based on the Scripture, “He who loves purity of heart, and grace is on his lips, the king shall be his friend” (Proverbs:22:11)

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)

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Anger, Business and Charity

Posted on Thursday, 10, May, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

“Rahim? You collect money from him?”

The holy rabbi nodded. “He’s one of my most generous contributors.”

The holy rabbi had taken upon himself the difficult task of collecting money for those in need. From village to village, from house to house, he hiked, asking for donations. Now he was sitting, enjoying a rare moment of rest in the home of Simcha, a prominent merchant in the Jewish community.

Simcha asked the holy rabbi, “Do you know that Rahim is not Jewish?”

The holy rabbi stared at the merchant. He knew that Rahim was a well-to-do businessman who often gave him large sums of money for charity, was not a religious Jewish person. That was no problem, indeed the holy rabbi rejoiced in the opportunity to give a non-observant Jewish person the merit of such a great mitzvah. Involving a non-Jewish merchant and collecting charity was entirely different, raising many questions and problems into an already very sensitive and complicated community.

Holy rabbi had no idea that Rahim was not Jewish. Now that he’d found out, he decided he would no longer stop at the wealthy merchants shop. Better to stay away then to become involved in some type of misunderstanding or worse scandal.

Some weeks went by since the holy rabbi’s visit, when there was a rapping on Simcha’s door. The angry words of Rahim and the pounding on the door echoed throughout the house.

The feeling of uneasiness, Simcha slowly open the door. His neighbor, Rahim, stood in front of him, his face red and his eyes flashing.

“I will not have it, I will tell you!” He shouted. “What right did you have to interfere in my business?”

Startled, puzzled, and very frightened, Simcha stared at his angry neighbor. “What in the world are you talking about?”

“The holy rabbi! Why did you tell him to stop taking my money?” His fists clenched, Rahim gave Simcha an ultimatum: “get the holy rabbi to come back, or else!”

When the holy rabbi came the Simcha’s house a short time later, the frightened Simcha told him about the strange meeting with Rahim and begged him to return to Rahim’s shop. Realizing that not visiting the non-Jewish merchant would create more problems for him, the holy rabbi agreed, and once again Rahim became a regular donor.

Many months later, when peace had been restored between the two neighbors, Simcha found the courage to ask Rahim why he’s been so angry that the holy rabbi was not visiting. “Why is it so important to you to give money to Jewish charities?”

“Is it not written in you holy books that when the Master of All Blessings told Abraham to take his only son to a holy place that he answered: “Both are only sons – Isaac is the only son I have from his mother, and Ishmael is the only son I have from her who is his mother.”

G-d: “The son whom you love,”

Abraham: “Master of the Universe, are there separate compartments in one’s inmost self for love? I love both of them.” (Sanhedrin 89b, Tanhuma, Va-yera, 22)

You denied me a special privilege and holy deed,” Rahim replied. “Divided as we may be by religion, we are united by charity. From the time I began giving money to the holy rabbi my business prospered, and once he stopped coming. Blessings upon my house and business stopped. If matters in my house and business are to succeed,” he handed, “I need the holy rabbi to help by accepting the charity I can give.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The woman lived on dried bread crusts and water and when land was spotted from the ship, she begged to be let go.

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)

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Two men stood before the beis din (rabbinic court), telling two completely different stories.

“Why should I return the money? I didn’t take?” Answered Shimon. “There was no such loan. Where is your proof?” He demanded.

“Proof?” Chaim’s face was scarlet, with rage. “You were my friend, I helped you out. I didn’t even ask for a receipt. Now, after all I did for you, you steal my money and call me a liar!”

As was his way, the holy rabbi who led the court looked intently at the two angry men and began to question each of them closely. He asked for all of the details of the transaction, carefully watching each man’s reactions.

Up until now it has been business as usual in the beis din (rabbinic court): two men argue a case, each giving his own version in a room where logic, justice, and truth hung in the very air.

Suddenly, the holy rabbi introduced an unusual request.

He turned to the wealthy merchant and instructed him, “If the tree is the witness then the tree must come and testify. Go to the tree where you made the deal.”

Chaim stared. “Now?”

“That’s right, now. Bring me a branch from the tree. With the help of the Holy One, blessed be He, the branch will help me to reveal the truth.”

When Chaim rushed out of the room, a puzzled silence fell. No one had the courage to question the holy rabbi but everyone wondered how in the world a branch could help find the answer. Could a tree, then, speak of what it had seen a year ago?

“It will be a while until he gets back,” Shimon said helpfully. “The tree is quite a distance from here. Perhaps the holy rabbi should see someone else in the meantime.”

“No,” said the holy rabbi, his face expressionless, “let us wait for the branch and hear what it has to tell us.”

Not long afterward, Chaim walked back into the room. Feeling a bit silly, he placed the branch on the table in front of the holy rabbi.

The holy rabbi stared at the branch intently for a few seconds. The others looked at it as well, a long brown piece of wood with small knots and a few twigs still stuck to it. It was, in fact, nothing more than the branch of a tree.

The holy rabbi turned his gaze on the two men standing before him, a look of quiet satisfaction on his face. “The tree branch has spoken and told me that Shimon has, indeed taken the money and it must be returned.”

“Nonsense!” Shimon exploded. “How in the world… Trees don’t speak!”

“I believe your friend Shimon sincerely regrets his actions. He is admitted that he owes you the money in front of the beis din. We allow him to pay the loan off, enabling him to continue in business?”

After a moment’s thought, Chaim agreed to let Shimon repay him on easy terms. The two men then left together, not yet friends, but no longer enemies. In his hand, Chaim held a brown branch, to bring home in order to show his family and friends the tree that had spoken.

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 a certain city lived the owner of a fabric mill who had successfully developed a new type of fabric. It was a remarkable fabric, strong, soft to the touch and appealing to the eye.

The fabric became very popular, and many people gathered outside his mill to buy it. It became so popular, that he was simply unable to manufacture enough of the fabric to meet the overwhelming demand.

While there were many individuals who actually preferred their old clothes, which were still in excellent condition, they nevertheless, purchased the new fabric and had clothing sewn from it, as they wanted to keep up with the styles.

One who observed a group of people wearing clothing made from the new fabric, would have no way of knowing which of them truly enjoys wearing the clothing and which of them is wearing those clothes just to be fashionable.

However, there is one way to discern a weaver’s true motives. If the person meets the inventor and makes an effort to thank him for his hard work and achievement, going so far as to tell him how pleased they are with the fabric, it is an indication that the person is truly pleased.

Some will greet the inventor with a bad attitude and treat him rather poorly. Given the opportunity, they will even go so far as to blame him over the fact that he caused them to spend a great deal of money. Such individuals are wearing the fabric only to appear fashionable.

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)

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In one community which was in a drought area, the rabbis proclaimed a fast day. Strains of Psalm 130 (traditionally said in times of drought) were heard from the old synagogue. “Out of the depths I call You, Hashem….”(Psalm 130: 1)

One of the rabbis tried to urge a non-observant person named Yonah to join in the public prayer. Yonah adamantly refused. “You certainly do not think that the prayers of someone like me will have any effect on G-d,” Yonah offered.

The rabbi tried to impress upon Yonah that the prayers of every person are important, and that on the contrary, when someone who is distant from religious observance turns to the Holy One, blessed be He, their prayer is very special and effective.

“I take it from this,” the Yonah said, “that you are implying that it is my sinfulness that made G-d angry and caused the drought. I resent that!”

“No need to worry about that,” the rabbi said. “I could not possibly think that you caused the drought. In fact, we know that it was people like yourself who once caused “the rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights. (Genesis 7: 12)”

Ribbono shel olam – Master of the universe, who lovingly hears the prayers of Your children

You listen in mercy to the prayer of Your people. Baruch atah Adoshem, shomei-a t’filah – Blessed are You, O L-rd, who listens to prayer.

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)

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The holy rabbi taught his daughter the secrets of the revealed and hidden Torah and many of the secrets of heaven. Asenat adored her father, and regarded him as a King of Israel. In a letter, she described her upbringing:

I never left the entrance to my house or went outside;

I was like a princess of Israel…

I grew up on the laps of scholars, anchored to my father of blessed memory.

I was never taught any work but sacred study, to uphold, as it is said: “And you should recite it day and night (Joshua 1: 8)”

Long ago, in the Kurdish town of Mosul, there lived a young woman named Asenat who was known for per­forming wonders. Her blessings were often sought by women who wished to be blessed with children, or by sick people who wished to be cured. Her touch had healing powers, especially for children.

It was whispered among the people that the spirit of her father rested upon her, and for this reason she was known as Rabbi Asenat.

When Rabbi Asenat reached the town that she had visited so often, she was given great respect as a holy woman. The people seemed to be upset when she told them that they should celebrate Rosh Chodesh outdoors, so they could see the crescent of the new moon, as was their custom.

The people were fascinated. They cried out, “Angels! Angels!” And when the smoke cleared, they saw that another miracle had taken place: the syna­gogue had not burned. Nor was a single letter of any of the Torah scrolls touched by the flames.

When the enemies of the Jewish community learned of the miracle of the angels and saw how the synagogue had been saved from the fire, they dared not harm the hair of even a single Jewish person.

A day opf celebration was declared as the people prayed and thanked the Holy One, blessed be He for saving this day for them and their beloved synagogue. The Jewish community was so grateful to Rabbi Asenat that they renamed the synagogue after her, and it is still standing to this day.

And all this came to pass because of Rabbi Asenat’s courage and loyalty in honoring her father’s wish, conveyed in a dream, that she go to that town for the celebration of the new moon.

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)

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Loving and compassionate Healer of All send a complete healing to Chaim ben Sara. Take away his pain and strengthen his body and soul. Please help me help him and may we find peace together,

One day Chaim opened his eyes and saw Leah, He smiled at her and took his last breath. Leah was torn by grief, as was Ephraim Dov Ber and the rest of the family.

“Where did you come from?” asked Ephraim Dov Ber, who remembered, even in the dream, that the boy was no longer in this world. “And why are you so happy?”

“The court ruled that I had earned a place in the Garden of Eden, and that is where I make my home. It was decreed that because I had tended horses in my earthly life, I was put in charge of the heavenly horses that pull the golden coaches of the tzaddikim (holy ones).”

Scattered all over the bed were leaves that had blown in from the open window. Ephraim Dov Ber picked them up and saw that those leaves did not grow anywhere in he knew of. So too did they bear a wonderful fragrance, like that in his dream.

Soon after that, Leah was betrothed and wed. And she named her first son Chaim, after the stable boy. And it is said that she loved her child as much as she had loved her adopted brother.

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)

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Long ago, in the Kurdish town of Mosul, there lived a young woman named Asenat who was known for performing wonders. Her blessings were often sought by women who wished to be blessed with children, or by sick people who wished to be cured. Her touch had healing powers, especially for children.

The people were fascinated. They cried out, “Angels! Angels!” And when the smoke cleared, they saw that another miracle had taken place: the synagogue had not burned. Nor was a single letter of any of the Torah scrolls touched by the flames.