For many years, a man worked in a wealthy merchant’s textile shop. For many years, he measured fabrics, cut them, arranged the stock, and cleaned the shop.
One day, the worker passed away, and the merchant offered the job to the man’s son. The son followed in his father’s footsteps and worked with honesty and loyalty.
Some time later, the son died, and his son, the grandson of the original worker, filled his position.
A week later, the worker entered the merchant’s office holding a list. “I have just made a calculation and figured out that my father and grandfather worked in your store for a total of fifty-two years. That being the case, I am entitled to one thousand rubles, which is due compensation for fifty-two years of labor!”
“It is certainly true,” laughed the merchant, “that they worked in my store for forty-six years, but do you think that they worked for free? How do you think they supported themselves and their families for so many years?”
There are times when we sigh over our state of exile. We note how we have suffered much in this long exile. We mention how even our righteous ancestors groaned beneath the heavy yoke of the exile, and that when the time comes, we will be redeemed in the merit of those who have passed.
Yet we forget that our ancestors, holy people of the highest caliber, have already received their reward and continue to receive an abundance of reward in the World of Truth. We must not claim the reward for their faith and good deeds; rather, we ourselves, must wholeheartedly live by our faith and do our own good deeds. Only then will Holy One, blessed be He’s mercy be aroused, leading to our glorious redemption from this world where faith is tested each day.
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)
