An old man sat with some of his friends around a fire and began to reflect upon his life.

He began, “All blessings begin with “Blessed are You – as though man was addressing a close friend. (Sefer Raziel haGadol 8b, 13th cent). The glory of youths is their strength, but the beauty of the aged is their gray hair. ‘ (Proverbs 20:29) When I was young I was full of fire. I studied and learned the most marvelous things. ‘Blessed be the L-rd…who alone does wondrous things.’ (Psalms 72:18) I would ‘Recite a hundred blessings a day.’ (Menachos 43b) I wanted to share with everyone. I prayed to The Holy One, blessed be He to give me the strength to change the world. Every day was a struggle, but I had the strength of youth and the energy to spare.’ ”

“Years went by and on day I woke up and realized my life was half over and I had changed no one. I was not as strong as I was nor was I able to move around easily. The distractions of the world no longer appealed to me. ‘Blessed are You…who distinguishes between holy and profane.’ (Berachos 29a) So I prayed to The Holy One, blessed be He to give me the strength to change those close around me who so much needed it.’ “

Alas, now I am old and I am unable to stand and travel, my joints ache and I have little to no energy. Please ‘Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.’ (Psalms 71:9) Now my prayer is simple, I ask the Holy One, blessed be He, to please give me the strength to at least change myself. ‘ “

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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