There was a certain man who could cast spells in order to know the future. The fortune teller approached a holy man and told him: “You may thank the Holy One, blessed be He for his decree regarding you, since I see that you are going to marry a beautiful wife.” “And who is she?” asked the holy man. He answered: “Yaffa.” “Why,” said the holy man, “she is a married woman!” “It is clear to me,” said the fortune teller, “that she will wed you.”

“Today,” said the holy man, “is not a day of good tidings. I shall not say a blessing because of the death of a man who will have to die on my account. For who knows whether I am better than he?” “In that case,” said the soothsayer, “How shall a man wed a widow?” “There is no comparison,” said he, “since in that case her husband has already died. Yet you tell me this while he is still alive—and I shall always pray that he should have a long life.”

The fortune teller was taken aback and asked: “how can you not accept the blessing of a beautiful wife?” The holy man answered: “The Holy One, blessed be He said, ‘I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse, therefore choose life.’ “(Deuteronomy 30:19) The fortune teller looked confused as the holy man continued: “We are taught ‘do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers. (Jeremiah 27:9)’ give your whole heart to the Holy One, blessed be He. Trust not in dreams or omens, inquire not of fortunetellers. Such things show a lack of faith.’ ” (Tochechah, 14^th century)

The holy man continued, “the tidings you bring are not good, go and leave the mysteries of the future to the Master of All Mysteries. Since ‘the seers shall be disgraced, and the diviners put to shame; they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer from Hashem (G-d).’ (Micah 3:7) Go back and change your ways for ‘it will not be well with the wicked, neither will they prolong their days like a shadow, because they do not stand in fear before G-d.’ (Ecclesiastes 8:13)”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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