Tzedakah in Secret

Posted on Friday, 19, March, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Charity must be given in secret (Shabbos 104a)

It is taught that tzedakah (charity) be given secretly, so as not to embarrass the poor person. The giving of tzedakah is so important and special that the rabbis of old taught that “charity equals all the other commandments (Bava Basra 9a)

In a small village there lived a man who was experiencing great poverty. Shabbos was approaching, and he was at a loss for what to do; he had absolutely no money and had made no preparations for Shabbos.

A wealthy merchant in the village became aware of the man’s suffering and it pained him to his very heart. He took 2 golden coins and began to consider how to get the money to the poor man. It was not simple either, as this man had once been very wealthy and active in the community. The poor man would be terribly embarrassed to accept charity.

Tzedakah Charity

The wealthy man knew that a person should “give alms from your possessions, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it. Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor, and the face of G-d will not be turned away from you. (Tobit 4:7)

For days the wealthy merchant thought how he could help the poor man without embarrassing him. Then he had an idea. Everyone prayed in the wooden shul (synagogue) and he decided that he slip the gold coins into the poor man’s pocket secretly when his coat is on the wall during services, when he’s saying the Shemoneh Esrei (silent prayer of 18 blessings) prayer with his eyes closed and would not see anything.

When the poor man put on his coat after the services and found the gold coins in his pocket, he lifted his eyes to heaven to thank the Holy One, blessed be He for sending a messenger to save him from his desperate situation.

The man was thankful not only for the money but also for the way it was given and his having been spared embarrassment. Undoubtedly, the wealthy merchant’s sensitive and thoughtful act also inspired him, renewing his will to live and giving him strength to face his difficulties.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Soup for the Poor

Posted on Friday, 5, February, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There was a poor but pious little girl who lived alone with her widowed mother, and they ate very little during the week. Shabbos was coming and the little girl wished for something special to eat on the holy day. She went into the forest with a prayer on her lips where she met a strange old woman. The old woman was gathering herbs and she knew what troubled the little girl. She called to the little girl and gave her a little pot, which when she said, “Kleyna tawp Kuchen (Little pot, cook),” would cook good, savoury Mushroom Barley soup, and when she said, “Kleyna tawp halt’n (little pot, stop),” it stopped cooking.

The girl took the pot home to her mother, and now they were freed from their poverty and hunger, and ate the savoury soup as often as they chose.

One time when the girl had gone out, her mother said, “Kleyna tawp Kuchen.” The little pot cooked, and she ate until she was full, and then she wanted the pot to stop cooking, but did not know the word. So it went on cooking and the soup rose over the edge of the pot, and still it cooked on until the kitchen and whole house were full, and then the next house, and then the whole street, just as if it wanted to satisfy the hunger of the whole world. No one knew how to stop it. At last when only one single house remained, the child came home and just said, “Kleyna tawp halt’n,” and it stopped cooking, and anyone who was in need gratefully ate some of the savoury Mushroom Barley Soup.

Mushroom Barley Soup

Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup (Pareve or Meat)

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups water		1 large clove garlic (peeled and finely chopped)
1/2 cup pearl barley		1 pound fresh mushrooms (cleaned, trimmed, and sliced)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil		6 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock (storebought or homemade)
1 medium onion (peeled, trimmed, and finely chopped)		1 carrot (peeled, trimmed, and chopped into small dice)
1 celery stalk (trimmed and finely chopped)		Kosher or sea salt and black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Sauté the Vegetables: While the barley cooks, warm the olive oil in a stockpot or large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute more. Add the mushrooms and cook uncovered, sautéing occasionally, until the mushrooms release their juices and turn soft, about 5 minutes more.

Add water to the sautéed vegetables (or chicken stock to the pot) raise the heat and bring to a boil. Add the barley to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 60 t0 90 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper if desired.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Wonderful Hand Mill

Posted on Thursday, 7, January, 2021Thursday, 28, March, 2024 by Rabbi

Once upon a time, long, long ago, there were two brothers, one rich and the other poor. One Friday morning, the poor brother had not a bite in the house for Shabbos, either of meat or bread, so he went to his brother and begged him, in the merit of Shabbos, to give him something for the holy day. It was by no means the first time that the brother had been forced to give something to his less fortunate brother, and he was not very happy about it.

“If you will do what I ask you, you shall have challahs and two whole chickens,” the wealthy brother said. The poor brother immediately thanked him, and promised to do as his bother asked.

“Well, here are the challahs and the chickens, and now you must go straight to the ancient cave in the hills known as Black Hole Cave,” instructed the rich brother, throwing the food to him.

“Well, I will do what I have promised,” said the poor brother, and he took the food and set off. He traveled the narrow path for many hours.

Outside the ancient cave was an old man with a long white beard chopping wood.

“Shalom Aleichem, (Peace be unto you)” said the poor brother.

“Aleichem shalom (Ubto you, Peace). Where are you going at this late hour, Shabbos is coming very soon?” asked the old man.

“I am going to Black Hole Cave, if only I am on the right track,” answered the poor man.

“Oh! Yes, you are right enough, for it is here,” said the old man. “When you get inside they will all want to buy your chicken, for they don’t get much meat to eat there; but you must not sell the chicken unless you can get the hand-mill which stands behind the door for it. When you come out again I will teach you how to use the hand-mill, which is useful for almost everything.”

So the man with the chickens thanked the other for his good advice, and rapped at the door.

When he got in, everything happened just as the old man had said it would: all the people, great and small, came round him like ants on an ant-hill, and each tried to outbid the other for the chicken.

“By rights my wife and I should have these chickens for Shabbos dinner, but, since you have set your hearts upon it, I will sell my chickens to you for the hand-mill which is standing there behind the door.”

At first they would not hear of this, and haggled and bargained with the man, but he stuck to what he had said, and the people were forced to give him the hand-mill. When the man came out again into the yard, he asked the old wood-cutter how he was to use the hand-mill, and when he had learned that, he thanked him and set off home with all the speed he could, but did not get there until right before candle lighting time.

“Where in the world have you been?” asked his wife. “I have been waiting for you all day and have nothing to prepare for Shabbos dinner.”

“I have been very busy and have something to show you.” said the man, as he set the hand-mill on the table, and told it first grind a white table-cloth, and then wine, and everything else that was good for Shabbos dinner. The mill ground all that he ordered. “Bless our house” said the wife as one thing after another appeared. The husband made Kiddush and began to enjoy the festive meal. His wife wanted to know where her husband had got the mill from, but he would not tell her.

“Don’t worry yourself about this blessing from Heaven” he told her as he invited everyone to enjoy the food throughout Shabbos.

Now when the rich brother saw all the fine food in his poor brother’s house, he was both annoyed and angry, He was very jealous of everything his poor brother had. “Before Shabbos he was so poor that he came to me and begged for a little food, and now he gives a feast as if he were a wealthy merchant.” He thought to himself.

After Shabbos, the wealthy man paid is brother a visit, “Tell me where you got your riches from,” he begged his brother. “From behind the door in the Black Hole Cave,” he answered. He really did not want to tell his brother. Throughout the meal the poor brother drank much wine and could not refrain from telling how he had come by the hand-mill.

He brought out the mill, and made it grind first one thing and then another. When the brother saw that, he insisted on having the mill, and after a great deal of persuasion got it; but he had to give three hundred gold coins for it, and the poor brother was to keep it until Rosh Chodesh – the new month. He believed that the mill would grind out food and wine that would last throughout the year. At the end of Rosh Chodesh the rich brother came to get the mill, but the other had taken good care not to teach him how to stop it.

It was evening when the rich man got the mill home, and in the morning he told his wife to go into the market, and he would attend to the house himself.

So, when dinner-time drew near, he set the mill on the kitchen-table, and said: “Grind boiled potatoes and sour cream, and do it both quickly and well.”

So the mill began to grind boiled potatoes and sour cream, and first all the dishes and tubs were filled, and then it came out all over the kitchen-floor. The man twisted and turned it, and did all he could to make the mill stop, but he could not. In a short time the sour cream rose so high that the man was like to be drowned. So he threw open the door and was pushed out the door as the sour cream and boiled potatoes spilled out over his farm and fields.

Now the rich man’s wife was returning from the market and was met by the tide of potatoes and sour cream pouring forth spreading as far as the eye could see. The rich man went quickly to his brother’ house and begged him to take the mill back again, saying, “If it grinds one hour more the whole district will be destroyed by boiled potatoes and sour cream.” But the brother would not take it until the other paid him three hundred gold coins.

Now the poor brother had both the money and the mill again. So it was not long before he had a farmhouse much finer than that in which his brother lived, but the mill ground so much that all his needs were met. He and his wife welcomed all travelers and anyone in need to their home where they provided for all the needs the people required.

They were blessed for the rest of their years with happiness and plenty.

Jewish recipes

Bukharan Chicken and Rice Plov

Plov is a signature dish of the Bukharan Jewish community of Central Asia. Often slow cooked in a wood-burning oven, it is served to guests as a symbol of hospitality for Shabbat, holidays and at special life events, including weddings.

INGREDIENTS

5 tablespoons oil (enough to cover bottom of pot)		2 to 3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken (cut into small bite-size squares)
3 onions (peeled, trimmed and chopped)		1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided)
6 carrots (peeled and grated thick)		1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon sugar		2 1/2 cups medium grain rice (such as Basmati)
1-3 teaspoons Cumin		½ – 1 ½ teaspoon(s) cinnamon
3 1/2 cups boiling water (enough to cover the rice by 1/2 inch)

DIRECTIONS

In a Dutch oven or large pot, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, and then the carrots. Stir in the sugar. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Lay the chicken on top of the onions and carrots. Don’t stir to maintain a layer of vegetables and a distinct layer of meat. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and pepper on the chicken. Cook the chicken, gently turning the pieces over in the middle, until the chicken turns white.

Add rice on top of the chicken. Don’t stir because the layers of vegetables and chicken should remain undisturbed, but distribute the rice evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add boiling water. Turn the heat down to low and cover.

After about 15 minutes, scrape down the sides and poke 6 or 7 holes through the rice to the bottom of the pot with the handle of a wooden spoon. Cover and cook for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Miser’s Dirty Mandelbroit

Posted on Thursday, 26, November, 2020Thursday, 21, December, 2023 by Rabbi

In the village, there was a miser. He never gave any tzedakah (charity) to anyone or any cause. One day he walked by a bakery and smelled the most wonderful mandelbroit (mandel bread – Almond Toast) and wanted some. He bought a bag of mandelbroit and took a piece out of the bag to eat.

He enjoyed the delicate flavor of the mandelbroit and was not watching where he was going and tripped. His bag of delicious mandelbroit fell and broke open in the road. He was so sad and angry.

A beggar came up to the miser and asked for a few coins so he can buy food for his family. The miser gave the bag of mandelbroit he just picked up out of the roadto the beggar. The miser hurried along his way.

That night, the miser had a dream that he was at an inn where the most delicious-looking cake was being served to everyone, but him. At last, he catches the inn keeper who brings him a piece of dirty pastry. In this place, the World to Come, all he is allowed is what he gave on earth.

Mandel Bread

Mandelbroit – Mandel Bread

Ingredients

3 eggs		1 Teaspoon almond extract
¾ Cup Sugar		½ Cup flour
1 Cup oil		2 cups Ground Almonds or Almond Flour
½ Teaspoon Salt		2 Teaspoons Cinnamon

Combine all dry ingredients
Beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy
Slowly add the oil constantly mixing
Add to dry ingredients
Let rest for about 45 minutes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Shape into narrow loaves and bake 30-45 minutes
Take out of oven and allow to cool slightly
Slice into 1 inch slices and place on cookie sheet
Toast in oven for 15 minutes

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 Fate of the Flour Woman

Posted on Thursday, 19, November, 2020Thursday, 21, March, 2024 by Rabbi

Once there was a woman who lived in Israel near the sea. Every day, she baked four loaves of bread. She would give three of the loaves to people in need. And she’d keep the fourth one for her family.

One day, after she’d given away three of the loaves of bread, a fourth person came to her door. What could she do? So she gave that person the fourth loaf of bread. And then she realized that she had no more flour in her barrel to bake another bread. So she went off to the store to buy some more. She walked along the seashore, humming to herself. After she had picked up the sack of flour from the store, she put it onto her head to carry it and began to walk back home.

Suddenly, the sky grew dark, and a storm rose up. A great gust of wind whirled around her head and blew the sack of flour off of her head and out to sea. Well, she ran after the sack, shouting, what did I do to deserve this injustice? How will I feed my family? But there really wasn’t anyone around to hear her. So she turned away from the sea and started to walk back home.

But on the way home, she changed directions. And instead of walking home, she walked all the way to Jerusalem, and she went straight to the palace of King Solomon the Wise. When the guards saw how determined she was, they let her right in to see the king. She began to tell the wise King Solomon all about the sack of flour and the gust of wind.

But as she was just about finishing her story, there was a great big commotion as 10 sailors carrying 10 sacks of gold burst into the room. We want to give these sacks of gold to the person who saved our lives, one of them said. King Solomon listened with great interest. How did this person save your lives? the King said.

Well, we are traveling merchants. And we were sailing close to the harbor when our ship began to sink. There was a hole, and we were sinking fast. The ship would have sunk, and we would have drowned. But just as suddenly, the water stopped flooding in.

We examined the hole, and we saw a bag of flour there. The flour had mixed with the water, and it made a dough. And the dough plugged up the hole and stopped the water from flooding our ship. This sack of flour saved us. So we want to reward the person whose sack it is. We were told to come to Jerusalem because you are the wisest king, and you would be able to help us.

A sailor pulled the sack out of his pocket and handed it to the king, who laughed as he turned to the woman. Would you recognize your sack? he asked. Of course, she said. My name is on it. The king examined it. And lo and behold, there was her name.

King Solomon said, of course, it is you who deserves the reward from these grateful sailors. Your sack of flour saved them. Without it, they surely would have drowned. And so she took the gold. She bought a lot more flour and was able to feed everyone in need.

Challah

Flour Woman’s Challah

Makes 2 braided loaves

INGREDIENTS

1 cup warm water – not hot		2-3teaspoons salt
1 Tablespoon yeast or 1 packet of yeast		8 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
4 Jumbo eggs, room temperature add water to make 1cup		4 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1 egg		1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (Optional)

DIRECTIONS

In a large mixing bowl, mix water and sugar add yeast and let sit
Beat eggs, salt and oil until well blended
Add the flour one cup at a time, beating after each addition, graduating to kneading with hands as dough thickens.
Knead until smooth and elastic and no longer sticky, adding flour as needed.
Form dough into a ball and place in an oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp clean cloth and let rise for 1 1/2 hours or until dough has doubled in bulk.
Punch down the risen dough and turn out onto floured board. Divide in half and knead each half for five minutes or so, adding flour as needed to keep from getting sticky.
Divide each half into quarters and roll into long snakes about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Pinch the ends of the four snakes together firmly and braid. from middle. Pinch ends of the finished braids together.
Grease two baking pans and place finished braid each. Cover with towel and let rise about one hour.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush a generous amount over each braid.
Sprinkle with poppy seeds or any other desired topping (optional).
Bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 to 30 minutes. Bread should have a nice hollow sound when thumped on the bottom. Cool on a rack for at least one hour before slicing.

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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Charity – Tzedakah That Sparkles

Posted on Monday, 16, November, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Tam and Chacham collected money to redeem hapless people from prison when their only “crime” was poverty. Sadly many people would fall behind in paying their debts and wealthy landowners would throw them into prison until someone redeemed them.

There was one particular wealthy merchant who would always contribute generously to have people released from captivity. When Tam and Chacham approached him on this one occasion, he was was surprised that they asked for a very large donation so they could redeem some unfortunate people out of prison.

When the wealthy merchant told his wife about the large sum Tam and Chacham sked for, she went and sold many of her diamonds as well as some of her other jewelry.

She then took the coins, polished them until they sparkled brightly, and sent them to Tam and Chacham, saying, “Among the donations to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in the desert, there was gold, silver, and copper. But the only things that sparkled were the polished metal mirrors given by the women.”

The merchant’s wife was indeed an Eishes Chayil in that when she does something, it shines and sparkles. This is so for all matters relating to the home—such as hospitality and the children’s education. Although they can also be taken care of by the husband, only when they are done by the wife are they accomplished in the manner of shining sapphires, without any blockage of the divine light, which shines forth. Every person can elevate everyday actions into shining examples as they prepare for the World to Come, when all actions will be elevated.

There is a traditional concept of doing a mitzvah (deed) beautifully — lighting the Shabbos (Sabbath) candles, beautifying the Yom Tov (Holiday) table, or making Kiddush from a lovely cup and so on. By giving charity in such a beautiful way, the merchant’s wife showed that she was more concerned about the beauty of devotion than about the beauty of her personal appearance. The righteous women mentioned in the Torah who donated their mirrors to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle) also placed devotion to the Holy One, blessed be He above their looks. (see Exodus 38:8) The merchant’s wife reminded Tam and Chacham that although donations to the Tabernacle in the desert involved large amounts of precious metals, only the metal mirrors given by the women sparkled. Why? The metal of the mirrors sparkled because it was finely polished. That polishing signified the preciousness of the mitzvah to the giver. The merchant’s wife gave a large amount of money without begrudging it and considered the mitzvah of charity so precious that she actually polished the coins. When a person does mitzvahs (religious deeds) and makes contributions to help others in this selfless way, he also polishes his own soul.

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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Work and Pride

Posted on Sunday, 1, November, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A rabbi was told about a person who had no income, and was asked to help raise funds for him. “The man is literally dying of hunger,” he was told by a concerned member of the community.

The rabbi thought for a moment or two and answered, “I don’t understand. He is a healthy and capable person. Surely he could find a job to earn enough to meet his needs.”

“Sadly, none of the jobs open to him are proper for him,” responded the concerned member of the community. “He is a very proud person, and the jobs that are available are menial and he feels they are beneath his dignity.”

“Well then,” the rabbi said, dismissing the cause, “in that case, it is not true that he is dying of hunger. He is really dying of pride.”

Some people are unable to tell between the two. Their sense of personal pride and standing dominates them so keenly, that they can not consider many possible choices.

The Talmud requires that one should take even the most menial job rather than resort to living off others. “Skin hides in the market place for wages; do not say ‘I am a great person, this is a disgrace for me’ (Pesachim 113b).”

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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A Jewish Meal Heals – Kol K’voda Bas Melech P’nima

Posted on Thursday, 22, October, 2020Thursday, 30, November, 2023 by Rabbi

There was a time when little changed. People grew up in the same communities as their parents, knew the same people their whole lives, did the same work, ate the same food, and heard the same languages as their parents and grandparents. Today with all the technology (computers, tablets and cellular telephones) people are constantly meeting new people, hearing new philosophies and different ideas, and challenging religious and societal values. Young people today refuse to look at yesterday.

Jewish beliefs, customs and traditions have been changed by the rapid pace of today’s society. New ideas and new philosophies have clashed with ancient Jewish beliefs and customs. The foods of our past are prepackaged, our traditions are a vague memory, the teachings and beliefs have been left as archaic and outdated, and the stories are forgotten.

Why are so many people touched by a traditional Jewish meal? The food has a special taste that can only be found in the Jewish kitchen prepared with tenderness. Around the table people sit and speak of prayer, Torah and customs, and at times the old melodies stir the yearnings for something long forgotten. The stories touch the heart and soul of everyone around the table.

If being Jewish is merely a religion, a combination of prayers, rituals and customs, it will wither. If is a way of life, then it can flourish and lead to growth. Jewish people have a long history of different traditions, food, rituals, prayers and stories from all over the world, but one idea endures: Judaism is a dialogue, not a human monologue addressed to an indifferent universe.

We are all bound by the mitzvahs of relationships to the Holy One, blessed be He, to other human beings, and especially to all that G-d has created. As people gather and share a meal all these relationships come together and a holy atmosphere is created. In each generation, the ancient and blessed conversation—the dialogue that is Judaism—continues.

==========

It is told of a Jewish woman who carefully prepared food for each meal for Shabbos and Yom Tov with such holiness that if you ate the food she cooked, you left the table healed.

“In our earlier days, people would carefully plan for the special meals in such a way that they would have enough food for themselves and for some guests on Shabbos and Yom Tov. One week, a holy woman was cooking on Friday for Shabbos (the Sabbath) when a drunkard knocked on the door and was invited in. He was smelling of alcohol, but he said to the woman, ‘I’m starving. Do you have anything to eat? Who knew how long he had been without food? Besides, when someone says he’s starving, how can you not feed him? So she gave him from the food she’d prepared for all the Shabbos meals. After finishing what she gave him, he asked, ‘Is there more?’ Each time, he ate whatever was put before him and asked for more, until she said, ‘There’s not a crumb left.’ She gave him every¬thing she had prepared for all the Shabbos meals. She gave him everything gently and respectfully, because she was doing a great mitzvah (a good deed). She didn’t judge him by how he looked or for his crude be-havior, for who knows what troubles he had had?

“Then this drunkard did something unusual. He asked, ‘Can I speak with your husband?’ The woman went and spoke to her husband and told him about the drunkard’s request. The husband agreed to see him. When he came in, he no longer smelled, and he didn’t appear drunk. In fact, his face was glowing, and the husband realized at once that this was Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet).

He explained, “I only came here to bless your wife. Her kindness has made a great impression in heaven. But we wanted to give her a final test to see if she was worthy of the great blessing we have in store for her. She passed the test.”

What was the great blessing one may ask? It was the blessing of healing. That is why the food the holy woman prepared and served healed whoever ate it.”

Food that is prepared and served with love can heal the sick and revive the weary. The holy woman’s food, offered with such self-sacrifice, contained a heavenly blessing. This quality is not unique to this tzaddekes (holy woman).

There are other stories in which the healing powers of a holy woman come through the food she serves. And many women who prepare and serve food to their family put in their healing love as a main ingredient.

The holiness of Jewish women is hidden within their daily actions in cooking, giving tzedakah (acts of charity) and many ither mitzvahs. King David reminded us when he wrote, “kol k’voda bas melech p’nima, “(all the glory of a princess is within. (Psalm 45:14).”

Shabbosdike Stuffed Chicken Quarters

2-3 lbs Chicken quarters		1 stalk celery chopped
1 egg		1/8 tsp pepper
1 Cup Water or broth		1 Cup Farfel
1 sm to med onion finely chopped		2 Tbs oil or shmaltz
½ tsp salt		1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Thyme		2 tsp Parsley
1 tsp Rosemary		½ tsp Paprika
½ tsp Sage		Spices for Chicken

Preheat oven 350 degrees
Sauté onion and celery in oil or
Add spices and cook a few minutes longer
Stir in farfel
Beat egg with water or broth
Add to farfel
Let stuffing rest for 5 to 15 minutes
Loosen skin on the chicken
Spoon the stuffing under the skin and return the skin to its original position
Put in pan – skin side up
Brush with oil and season to taste
Bake covered 30 minutes
Remove cover and bake until skin is golden brown (30 to 45 minutes)

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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This story recipe and others can be found in the Once Upon a Recipe cookbook, We are pleased to announce that 18 (Chai – the magic number of Life) of the story recipes have been collected into the Once Upon a Recipe cookbook. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this unique cookbook, contact us projectshalom1@aol.com

The Widow’s Apples

Posted on Thursday, 3, September, 2020Thursday, 5, October, 2023 by Rabbi

“Rabbi, holy rabbi, have mercy on me! Please, give me some money so I can have something to eat for myself and my children on Shabbos!” With these words, the woman who had burst into the rabbi’s house broke out into tears. “I don’t have a penny to buy food for my orphan children!”

“Why didn’t you come yesterday,” said the holy rabbi, “when I was giving tzedakah (charity) to all the poor people for Shabbos? Today, I don’t have even a copper coin to give you!”

”I’ve never taken money from anybody,” the woman said, “but today I had to come to you. I have a stand in the marketplace, not far from here, where I sell apples. With the money I make, I’m barely able to support myself and my children. Yesterday morning, with the little money I had, I bought a basket of apples from a peasant. I was hoping to earn enough money to buy something to eat for Shabbos. But rabbi, no one bought my apples. They say they’re no good!”

“No good!” cried the rabbi.” Chas v’chalila (Heaven forbid) someone would say that Hashem’s apples are no good? What do they mean?”

“Rabbi,” she pleaded, “I call out: ‘Apples, apples, delicious apples that have a taste like the Garden of Eden.’ But they say the apples are bad!”

The rabbi asked the poor woman where her stand was in the marketplace and told her to go back there, promising her that she would have money for what she needed for Shabbos.

A few minutes later, the buyers in the market saw that the holy rabbi was at the widow’s apple stand calling out loudly, “kum’t arein geshmak sheynim epls far Shabbos koidesh! Epls far farkoyf! kumen aun koyfn!” (Come around. Delicious, beautiful apples for the holy Shabbos! Apples for sale! Come and buy!)”

When people heard that the holy rabbi of the town was selling apples, a crowd quickly gathered at the widow’s stand. Everyone wanted to buy apples from the rabbi. In only a few minutes, all the apples were sold.

“Do you see?” said the rabbi to the woman, as he gave her the profits, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) the rabbi continued, “May you be blessed with gold and silver from the apples you sell and may your children grow strong like apple trees and always act with kindness and sweetness.”

Waldorf Salad Recipe

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise		3 medium Granny Smith/Green apples — cored, and chopped
1 tablespoon white sugar		1 cup thinly sliced celery
1 teaspoon lemon juice		½ cup chopped walnuts
⅛ teaspoon salt		½ cup raisins

Note: ½ cup dried Cranberries or dried cherries can be used in place of raisins

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, and salt.

Stir in the apples, celery, walnuts, and raisins.

Chill until ready to serve.

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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This story recipe and others can be found in the Once Upon a Recipe cookbook, We are pleased to announce that 18 (Chai – the magic number of Life) of the story recipes have been collected into the Once Upon a Recipe cookbook. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this unique cookbook, contact us projectshalom1@aol.com

The Baker’s Reward

Posted on Tuesday, 25, August, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Part II – A Blessing Realized and Meeting the Rabbi

When he thought about all those golden coins that his kind employer set aside for him, and were wait¬ing for him at the secret cellar, the baker felt sad. He remembered the rabbi’s blessing. Those golden coins would have made him a rich man, though not nearly as rich as he had expected if the rabbi’s bless¬ing came true. Now he had lost even that! True, he had saved quite a bit from his wages, but now that he had to go back to his bakery there was not much of a chance that he should ever see a golden coin again. “Well, so be it,” he thought, and dismissed the whole matter from his mind.

A few days later, when the baker was in the market place, he heard that a house on the outskirts of the town was up for public sale, as the owner had died without leaving any heir or will. It immediately occurred to the baker that this could very well be the house with the cellar where he had been working for the stranger.

The following morning, the baker took his sav¬ings and hastened to the auction. The house proved to be no great attraction by the look of it; it was old and run-down. No wonder there were very few peo¬ple who were eager to make a bid for it.

The bidding started low, and when the baker raised his offer to an amount he felt he could scrape together by selling his bakery, there was no one who was prepared to outbid him. So his modest offer was accepted, and he put down the money he had with him as a deposit.

In due course, the purchase of the house was completed, and the baker received the keys and title to the house. Thereupon, he moved into the house, and immediately made his way downstairs to the cellar. His heart beating with anticipation and excitement, he tried one key after another until he finally unlocked and opened the creaky door, carefully closing and locking it after him. Then he lit the candle he had taken with him, and lo and behold! The scene was exactly as he had left it the last day he had worked there. There were the neatly stacked up piles of golden coins on the long wooden table, and the jewels, and half-emptied bags as well as many bulging bags with gold and gems that had not yet been touched. What good fortune that no one had been interested enough in the house to go down and look at the cellar!

After feasting his eyes on all that treasure that was now his, he sat down to ponder his new situa¬tion. He realized that he could not suddenly show himself in town as a wealthy man, for everybody knew him as a poor baker. If the local authorities would get wind of his wealth, it would be the end of it for him. So he thought of a plan.

He began to drop a word here and there among his friends and neighbors that he had received word from his uncle in Istanbul, who had no children, and was getting old, asking him to come to live with him and help him in his business. This gave him an excuse to make several trips to Istanbul and transfer his entire fortune there.

The former baker bought a beautiful, home in the center of the city and presented himself as a prosperous diamond merchant. He set up a large business, and soon became very influential in government circles. Never did he forget, however, that all his good fortune came to him because of the rabbi’s blessing, and he hoped that he would some day be able to repay him as he richly deserved.

Many years passed since that night when the rabbi troubled his Arab neighbor, the baker, to light his lamp for him. The aged rabbi, whose lifelong yearning was to be reunited with the Divine Presence at the sacred Western Wall in the Holy City of Jerusalem, now decided to spend his last days in the Holy Land.

When the leaders of the Jewish community in Tunisia learned of their beloved rabbi’s decision, they provided him with all the necessary expenses, as well as with a companion to care for him on the long, difficult journey. They also sent out letters to the heads of the Jewish communities in the various cities where the rabbi would be stopping on his way to the Holy Land, so that they would be prepared to receive the holy rabbi with the honor and respect due to him.

The rabbi arrived in Istanbul where he was duly received with honor and affection. The head of the Jewish community invited him to be his guest for as long as he would care to stay.

While questioning about the needs and concerns of the Jewish community, the rabbi asked his host if there was anything he could do help the community while he was in Istanbul. The head of the community heaved a deep sigh and replied:

“As it happens, our Jewish community is in serious difficulties at present, due to certain decrees that the government has imposed. The only person who can help us is a rich effendi who had great influence at the royal court. A delegation of our com¬munity leaders is going to meet with him tomorrow. However, we are quite concerned about the outcome, as we have never approached him before, and we have no idea how he will react to our request. Would the holy rabbi care to join our delegation? With the help of the Holy One, blessed be He, and in your merits, the chances of success would surely be increased.”

The rabbi readily agreed to go along with the delegation.

As soon as the delegation was ushered into the room where the effendi awaited it, everyone was startled and astonished to see the effendi spring up from his seat and rush to the rabbi to welcome him. The effendi grasped the rabbi’s hands and kissed them reverently. “I am so happy and honored to see you, rabbi,” he said excitedly.

The rabbi looked as much surprised as eve-ryone present.

Returning to his seat, the effendi asked everyone to be seated, and said, “I am now ready to hear your request.”

The head of the Jewish community then told the effendi about the difficult situation the community faced if the harsh decrees were put into effect. He begged the effendi to use his influence at the royal court to persuade the Sultan to rescind them.

“I give you my word,” the effendi promised, “that I shall not rest until I carry out your request.” Then he added, “Now, honorable representatives, please excuse me while I speak for a while to the distinguished guest from Tunisia.”

Thereupon the effendi led the rabbi to a private room, and when they were both seated, began at once:

A happy smile appeared on the rabbi’s face. Of course he remembered that night, and he now realized that the baker and the effendi were one and the same person.

“As you see, holy Rabbi, your blessing came true, beyond my wildest expectations.”

The effendi then confided to the Rabbi how, in a very strange and wondrous way, he had come to his great wealth, and had never forgotten for a moment that it was due only to the rabbi’s blessing. He further told the rabbi how he cherished the hope to see him again and repay in some small measure for the good fortune he had brought him. This is why he was so excited to see him and so eager to fulfill the request of the Jewish community.

Having told his story to the rabbi, the effendi produced a purse filled with golden coins and said, “I would consider it a privilege if the rabbi would accept this as a personal gift.”

The rabbi declined it with thanks, assuring the effendi that all his needs have been provided for.

Before parting, the effendi begged the rabbi to bless him again that his good fortune should con¬tinue to shine on him.

“You see, my friend,” the rabbi replied, “The Almighty pays his debts. In the merit of the good deed you performed to bring light into my home, so that I could study the holy writings, the Almighty bright¬ened your life with good fortune. Be good to the Jewish people, and be generous with your wealth to help anyone in need, then The Holy One, blessed be He will continue to bless you with good health and prosperity.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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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Charity must be given in secret (Shabbos 104a)

It is taught that tzedakah (charity) be given secretly, so as not to embarrass the poor person. The giving of tzedakah is so important and special that the rabbis of old taught that “charity equals all the other commandments (Bava Basra 9a)

In a small village there lived a man who was experiencing great poverty. Shabbos was approaching, and he was at a loss for what to do; he had absolutely no money and had made no preparations for Shabbos.

The wealthy man knew that a person should “give alms from your possessions, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it. Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor, and the face of G-d will not be turned away from you. (Tobit 4:7)

When the poor man put on his coat after the services and found the gold coins in his pocket, he lifted his eyes to heaven to thank the Holy One, blessed be He for sending a messenger to save him from his desperate situation.

The man was thankful not only for the money but also for the way it was given and his having been spared embarrassment. Undoubtedly, the wealthy merchant’s sensitive and thoughtful act also inspired him, renewing his will to live and giving him strength to face his difficulties.

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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The girl took the pot home to her mother, and now they were freed from their poverty and hunger, and ate the savoury soup as often as they chose.

Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup (Pareve or Meat)

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups water

1 large clove garlic (peeled and finely chopped)

1/2 cup pearl barley

1 pound fresh mushrooms (cleaned, trimmed, and sliced)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

6 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock (storebought or homemade)

1 medium onion (peeled, trimmed, and finely chopped)

1 carrot (peeled, trimmed, and chopped into small dice)

1 celery stalk (trimmed and finely chopped)

Kosher or sea salt and black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Add water to the sautéed vegetables (or chicken stock to the pot) raise the heat and bring to a boil. Add the barley to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 60 t0 90 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper if desired.

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

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

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“If you will do what I ask you, you shall have challahs and two whole chickens,” the wealthy brother said. The poor brother immediately thanked him, and promised to do as his bother asked.

“Well, here are the challahs and the chickens, and now you must go straight to the ancient cave in the hills known as Black Hole Cave,” instructed the rich brother, throwing the food to him.

“Well, I will do what I have promised,” said the poor brother, and he took the food and set off. He traveled the narrow path for many hours.

Outside the ancient cave was an old man with a long white beard chopping wood.

“Shalom Aleichem, (Peace be unto you)” said the poor brother.

“Aleichem shalom (Ubto you, Peace). Where are you going at this late hour, Shabbos is coming very soon?” asked the old man.

“I am going to Black Hole Cave, if only I am on the right track,” answered the poor man.

So the man with the chickens thanked the other for his good advice, and rapped at the door.

When he got in, everything happened just as the old man had said it would: all the people, great and small, came round him like ants on an ant-hill, and each tried to outbid the other for the chicken.

“By rights my wife and I should have these chickens for Shabbos dinner, but, since you have set your hearts upon it, I will sell my chickens to you for the hand-mill which is standing there behind the door.”

“Where in the world have you been?” asked his wife. “I have been waiting for you all day and have nothing to prepare for Shabbos dinner.”

“Don’t worry yourself about this blessing from Heaven” he told her as he invited everyone to enjoy the food throughout Shabbos.

It was evening when the rich man got the mill home, and in the morning he told his wife to go into the market, and he would attend to the house himself.

So, when dinner-time drew near, he set the mill on the kitchen-table, and said: “Grind boiled potatoes and sour cream, and do it both quickly and well.”

They were blessed for the rest of their years with happiness and plenty.

Bukharan Chicken and Rice Plov

Plov is a signature dish of the Bukharan Jewish community of Central Asia. Often slow cooked in a wood-burning oven, it is served to guests as a symbol of hospitality for Shabbat, holidays and at special life events, including weddings.

INGREDIENTS

5 tablespoons oil (enough to cover bottom of pot)

2 to 3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken (cut into small bite-size squares)

3 onions (peeled, trimmed and chopped)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided)

6 carrots (peeled and grated thick)

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon sugar

2 1/2 cups medium grain rice (such as Basmati)

1-3 teaspoons Cumin

½ – 1 ½ teaspoon(s) cinnamon

3 1/2 cups boiling water (enough to cover the rice by 1/2 inch)

DIRECTIONS

In a Dutch oven or large pot, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, and then the carrots. Stir in the sugar. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Lay the chicken on top of the onions and carrots. Don’t stir to maintain a layer of vegetables and a distinct layer of meat. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and pepper on the chicken. Cook the chicken, gently turning the pieces over in the middle, until the chicken turns white.

Add rice on top of the chicken. Don’t stir because the layers of vegetables and chicken should remain undisturbed, but distribute the rice evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add boiling water. Turn the heat down to low and cover.

After about 15 minutes, scrape down the sides and poke 6 or 7 holes through the rice to the bottom of the pot with the handle of a wooden spoon. Cover and cook for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

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

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.

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If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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In the village, there was a miser. He never gave any tzedakah (charity) to anyone or any cause. One day he walked by a bakery and smelled the most wonderful mandelbroit (mandel bread – Almond Toast) and wanted some. He bought a bag of mandelbroit and took a piece out of the bag to eat.

He enjoyed the delicate flavor of the mandelbroit and was not watching where he was going and tripped. His bag of delicious mandelbroit fell and broke open in the road. He was so sad and angry.

A beggar came up to the miser and asked for a few coins so he can buy food for his family. The miser gave the bag of mandelbroit he just picked up out of the roadto the beggar. The miser hurried along his way.

That night, the miser had a dream that he was at an inn where the most delicious-looking cake was being served to everyone, but him. At last, he catches the inn keeper who brings him a piece of dirty pastry. In this place, the World to Come, all he is allowed is what he gave on earth.

Mandelbroit – Mandel Bread

Ingredients