He Didn’t Deserve His Fee

Posted on Monday, 16, August, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There once was a very prominent doctor who thought more of his fees than of his patients. The doctor was called in to treat the sick wife of a poor tailor. After examining the woman he turned to the husband and said, “This case will take a lot of my time and I can see that you won’t be able to pay me for my services.” “Please, doctor, save her life! ” begged the anxious husband. “I promise to pay you even though I’ll have to pawn everything I own to get the money”

“Whatever happens, whether you cure her or kill her, I promise to pay.” cried the husband.

The doctor began to treat the tailor’s wife but within a few days the woman died. Shortly after, the doctor demanded 1500 denarii as his fee. The grieving husband informed him that he was unable to pay and, as was the custom within the Jewish community, they brought the matter to the rabbi for settlement.

The sage understood right away what had happened.

“Tell me again,” he asked the physician, “what was your contract with this man?”

“Did you cure her?” asked the rabbi.

“No.”

“Did you kill her?”

“I certainly did not! “

“Then, since you have neither cured her nor killed her what right have you to the money?”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Groom and the Beast – A Jewish Tale from old Cairo

Posted on Tuesday, 10, August, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There once was a wealthy man and wife who longed, more than anything else, to have a child of their own. Over the years they had tried every known remedy in order to conceive, including potions of every kind, but still the couple was without children. Now the man, who was a merchant, heard from others that there was a wise old man among the Jews, whose name was Elijah, who could help them have a child. And when they had exhausted every other means, the merchant and his wife went to the Jewish Quarter of Cairo and sought out the old man.

They found that Elijah lived in an almost empty hut in the poorest part of the quarter. He possessed nothing except for the robe he wore and a prayer book. The merchant and his wife wondered to themselves how such a poor man could be of help to them. Still, they were desperate, so they told the old man how much they longed to have a child, and they offered to pay him whatever he asked if he could help them. Elijah said, “What do you want, a son or a daughter?” The merchant replied, “More than anything else in the world, I want to have a son of my own.” Then Elijah told them to bring him pen and paper, and when they did, he wrote out an amulet, using holy names. He told them to place that amulet in a cup of wine and for both of them to drink from that cup, and in nine months’ time they would have a son of their own.

Somehow the quiet confidence of Elijah soothed the pair and gave them hope. Then the merchant said, “We will always be grateful if what you have said comes true. Tell me, how can I repay you?” Elijah replied, “Do nothing for now. But when the child is born, make a donation in the charity box of the synagogue on the corner of this street, which serves the poorest Jewish people. That will suffice.” Then the merchant and his wife thanked him many times, and turned to go. But before they left, the old man said, “Wait. There is one more thing that I must tell you.” The merchant and his wife turned back, wondering what it was. And Elijah said, “The son that will be born to you is not destined to be wed. He must remain unmarried all his life. For it is written that on the night he weds, he will be devoured by a beast!”

As they heard this prophecy, the high hopes of the couple were suddenly shaken. They stood silent, but at last the merchant said, “Is there nothing we can do to spare our child this terrible fate?” And the old man answered, “No, I am sorry to say. All that you can do is avoid making any match for him, and when he is old enough to understand, explain that it is his destiny to remain unwed.” And the merchant and his wife assured Elijah that they would heed his warning, and that if indeed they were blessed with a son, they would see to it that he was never betrothed. Then they took their leave, but this time they were much more solemn.

When they returned home the merchant placed the amulet that Elijah had written into a silver goblet and filled it with his finest wine, a bottle that had been saved since he had been born. The merchant and his wife drank from the goblet, one sip at a time, until it was empty. That is when they discovered that the amulet had dissolved into the wine; not a trace of it was to be found. And when the couple saw this, they sensed that the prophecy of the old man would indeed come true, and they would become parents. But they did not think about his admonition.

To their mutual delight the merchant’s wife soon found that she was with child, and at the end of nine months she gave birth to a beautiful boy, and the merchant and his wife felt they had been greatly blessed. The merchant did not forget his promise to Elijah to give money to the synagogue for the poor. He gave them a great donation, enough to sustain them for a full year. But he did not dwell on the warning of the old man, for the time his son would think of marriage was far off.

In the years that followed, the man and his wife raised their son with loving care, for he was more precious to them than anything in the world. From time to time a marriage was proposed for him, for such early betrothals were the custom. The boy’s parents always turned down these offers, giving one excuse or another, but never, of course, the true reason. The day came, however, when the young man himself informed his parents that he wished to be wed. The parents argued long into the night about whether to tell him the prophecy of the old man. In the end they decided not to, and instead made up their minds to see to it that the boy was indeed wed, but under circumstances that would protect him from every danger. Now in his travels the merchant had once come into possession of a small island in a distant sea. That island was uninhabited by man or beast, and the merchant thought it would be the perfect place to have the wedding. Therefore, once the match had been made, the merchant saw to it that a fine mansion was built on that island, surrounded with a large stone wall that would protect his son from every kind of danger. So too did he have guards posted to guard the mansion day and night.

One year later, when the time for the wedding had arrived, the merchant was informed that the mansion was ready. Then the merchant had his finest sailing ship outfitted and brought both families on board, along with the bride and groom and many guests. (Of course the bride and groom were never permitted to glimpse each other, as was the custom.) The voyage was a time of great rejoicing, and the merchant and his wife never dwelt on the prophecy of the old man. For they felt that they had done everything possible to protect their son from danger.

When the ship docked at last on that lovely island, all expressed wonder and delight. The sand of the beaches was pure white, and there were fruit trees of every kind, as well as wild grapes and berries. So too were all the guests astonished at the extravagant mansion. It was constructed of marble, like a palace, and the chamber of the bride and groom was set at the top of a spiral tower. There, the merchant felt sure, his son would be safe.

The wedding festivities continued for three days and nights before the vows were finally said. It was then that the merchant’s son saw his bride for the first time. She was astonishingly beautiful, with raven hair that reached to her waist, and the young man felt himself to be the most fortunate groom in the world. At last he and his bride climbed the stairs to the tower together and stood on the threshold of the bridal chamber. The young man led his bride inside and closed the door. As he gazed at her he was filled with awe at her beauty. He admired especially her hands, with their fine, slender fingers and long nails. He smiled shyly at her, but she seemed afraid to lift her eyes from the floor. When at last she did, the young man was astonished to see a look of wild desire in them unlike anything he had ever seen. When he stepped forward to embrace her, he suddenly heard a low growl. The young man looked around in confusion, wondering where it could have come from. He turned back just in time to see the fangs of the beast as it leaped at him from the very place his bride had been.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Only A Drink of Water

Posted on Sunday, 8, August, 2021Monday, 27, November, 2023 by Rabbi

A holy rabbi known and respected for his learning and teachings was passing through a village one day. He was very thirsty after traveling along the dusty road as he neared the village. He walked towards the well when he saw a young woman drawing water.

He asked her for some water to drink, but the young woman hesitated, saying, “Holy rabbi, I’m unworthy to give water to you. Please do not ask this of me, for I would only cause you impurity. I am a poor woman who struggles each day to make a living. I am not very learned and might. Heaven forbid, cause shame to you.”

The holy rabbi looked at her with eyes full of compassion and said, “I did not ask you about your learning or status. It is no dishonor to refresh a traveler.” “But you are very holy and I am unworthy”, answered the young woman.

The rabbi asked the young woman to come near and sit for a moment, and began to tell her about a servant who came to a well after a long journey in the desert and asked a young woman, “Please let me sip a little water from your jar.” “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered her jar upon her hand and gave him a drink. (Genesis 24: 17-18) – that was Rebecca giving water to a traveler.”

We learn that once Abraham was in the middle of talking to the Holy One, blessed be He with G‑d when some travelers appeared in the distance. He excused himself and ran off to invite in the guests. (Genesis 18: 1-7) Anyone can speak of holy matters or quote Torah (Scriptures), but one who acts and lives by faith are truly special and are in turn showered with blessings.

The rabbi smiled and continued, “I ask again, can I have a little water to drink? I did not ask you about your learning or social status, but for a drink of water.”

People should live by their beliefs, not by pursuing faith as an academic exercise written solely in the holy books.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Who Was to Blame?

Posted on Wednesday, 21, July, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

It is said that King Solomon was so wise he could speak and understand the languages of all the animals. To set an example for people, he decreed there should be peace among the beasts.

Death! Death! Death to the slayer! Death to the slayer!” Otter cried. It’s the fault of Weasel my children died. I came out of the water with their food and found that Weasel had trampled my children dead on the ground! He broke the vow of peace, agreed among the beasts. Peace is dead and death instead reigns without cease. I want justice.”

When the animals heard what Weasel had done to Otter’s children, their outcry was immediate.

“Bring Weasel to the king!” cried the other animals.

“Oh King,” said Weasel, “what Otter says is true. But my heart contains no malice when I do the things I do. I heard Woodpecker drum a call to arms. I never meant to do Otter any harm. The drums…they thrilled me to the core and I trampled her children as I marched to war.”

“Then bring Woodpecker before me,” said the king.

“Oh, King,” said Woodpecker, “be not alarmed! I sounded the drums but I meant no harm. I saw Scorpion sharpening her sting. It frightened me

so that I let the drums ring.”

“Then bring Scorpion before me,” said the king.

Into the throne room came Scorpion holding her poison sting high above her head and she said, “King, I made no offense. I sharpened my sting in my own defense. I saw Turtle climbing into her armor. So I prepared to defend myself, but I meant not to harm her.”

“Oh, King,” said Turtle, “my armor is strong. I am soft and slow so I climbed into my armor for safety but I meant no wrong.

I saw Crab with angry claws, she was charging across the ocean floors!”

Into the throne room came Crab with tears in her eyes and claws outstretched she said, “Yes, I confess. Yes I confess. It’s true what she saw. With angry claws I did charge to war after I saw the lobster swinging its great spear.”

King Solomon commanded that the lobster to be brought, and he accused it, saying:

“Why did you swing your mighty spear?” The lobster with great fear answered: “Because I saw the otter going down into the water to devour my children.”

“Well,” said King Solomon turning once again to Otter, “Otter, you’re the one who cries ‘Justice be done,’ when Otter, you’re to blame!”

“One who sows the seeds of death shall reap the same.”

Let there be justice for all and peace is sure to follow

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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A Reason for Every Custom

Posted on Sunday, 18, July, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

It happened once that a wealthy merchant, in the custom of the Jewish community, took care of all the needs of his newly married son and his wife. The son was of fine character and a good heart. He dedicated himself to helping the beggars and less fortunate of the village.

After a time, the young man and his wife were blessed with a son. In honor of the occasion, the happy grandfather arranged a great feast on the day of circumcision.

Shortly before the festivities were to begin the merchant’s son asked, “Tell me, father, what arrangements have you made for the seating of the guests? If you do the conventional thing and seat the rich at the head of the table and the poor near the door, it will distress me after all, “All the days of the poor are hard, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15). You know very well I love to help the poor. At my own celebration, at least, let me honor them who get no honor. Therefore, father, promise me to seat the poor at the head of the table and the rich at the door.”

His father listened closely to his son and answered, “Reflect, my son: it is difficult to change the world and its ways. There is always a good reason behind every custom. Try to see it this way: Why do poor people come to a feast? Naturally, because they are hungry and would like to eat a good meal. Why do rich men come to a feast? To get honor. They don’t come to eat, because they have enough at home. Now just imagine what would happen if you seated the poor at the head of the table. They would sit there, very self-conscious of their every move, feeling everybody’s eyes on them, and, naturally, they would be ashamed to eat their fill. And what they’d eat they wouldn’t enjoy. Now, don’t you think it would be better for their sake if they sat unnoticed at the door where they could eat to their heart’s content without being ashamed?

“Then again, suppose I were to do what you’re asking and seat the rich at the foot of the table. Don’t you think they’d feel insulted? They don’t come for the sake of the food, but for the honor. And if you don’t give them that what will they get?”

“When the table was set and an abundance of food placed before” them, the wealthy merchant told his son, “Go, my child, and bring whatever poor person you may find…” (Tobit 2:2) yet the people of means sat in a place of esteem at the head of the table and the poor ate their share and all felt honored.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Prayers or Slander

Posted on Tuesday, 22, June, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A young boy loved to learn and was always trying to improve his everyday behavior. He was very enthusiastic in prayer and devotion. One night was learning with his father from the Holy Books in the House of Study. The young boy was so excited to study with his father he lost track of the time.

The father-son study was interrupted by the loud snores of sleeping men. The boy asked his father, “it says ‘Be strong as a leopard, and swift as an eagle, and fleet as a gazelle, and brave as a lion, to do the will of your Father who is in heaven.’ (Pirkei Avos 5:20) How can they just sleep in such a holy place?”

His father thought for a moment or two and then explained to his son. “Strong like the leopard means that one must not be ashamed by people who mock their service to the Holy One, blessed be He. Quick like the gazelle refers to the legs, that your legs should run toward good. And mighty like a lion refers to the heart, for strength in the service of the Holy One, blessed be He which resides in the heart. (based on Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 1:3)

Lashon hara

It seemed like most of the people in the House of Study had fallen asleep and the young boy said, “So very few of these sleepers opens his eyes or raises his head to study and pray. You would think that they were without any respect for holy things or behavior.”

“My son, these men work hard each day and their sleep is a blessing for are we not taught, ‘the sleep of the laborer is sweet’ (Ecclesiastes 5: 11) with all your learning you should has remembered to ‘Cast no aspersion on whom the Torah shielded’ (Shabbos 96b) We should always give others the benefit of the doubt.”

The father then sadly replied, “My beloved son, I would rather you too were asleep like them instead of slandering.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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What Do You Know?

Posted on Monday, 7, June, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A merchant was traveling to a market in a faraway city and decided to travel on country roads so he could enjoy a relaxing journey. The scenery was beautiful and the journey was so peaceful. After some hours, the merchant fell asleep at the reins and the horses wandered off the road. When the merchant woke up, he realized he was very lost.

Seeing a farmer tending his field nearby, he stopped to ask for directions. “Can you tell me how far It is to the market in the village of B?” he asked the farmer.

“Well, I don’t rightly know,” the farmer answered. “Well, can you tell me how far I am from the main road leading to the village of B?” the merchant asked again. “Well, I don’t rightly know,” the farmer replied. “Can you at least tell me the quickest way to the main road?” the exasperated businessman asked. “No, I don’t rightly know,” the farmer again answered.

“You really don’t know very much at all, do you?” blurted the impatient merchant. “No, I guess I don’t, but I’m not lost,” the farmer calmly answered.

Spirituality

There are many who depend on their knowledge, but reject the wisdom of faith. They journey through life and find no lasting fulfillment. The “the aim of wisdom is repentance (return to a spiritual state) and good deeds.” (Berachos 17a)

Sadly there are many who extol the practice of good deeds under the guise of belief and faith, but their actions are without spirituality. Many people search for spiritual meaning to the world around them and in their personal lives.

The baal teshuvah is anyone who is in a constant state of return to spiritual and true self, an inner soul that connects to the divine through learning and living faith while (Torah) and doing mitzvahs (good deeds).

The goal of teshuvah-repentance is to change oneself and the world as it is written, “Return to me, says the L-rd of hosts, and I will return to you.” (Zechariah 1:3) So many time people get discouraged and feel inadequate comparing themselves to “religious people” but it is taught that “Where penitents stand, the wholly righteous cannot stand.” (Berachos 34b) “Great is repentance (the return), it brings healing to the world.” (Yoma 86a)

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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Tainted Soup and Torah Learning

Posted on Friday, 28, May, 2021Thursday, 18, January, 2024 by Rabbi

Everyone in the village was excited as a very holy rabbi was coming for a short visit. The entire community was ready to greet and receive a blessing from the holy rabbi.

A wave of emotion and joy moved through the waiting crowd as the holy rabbi climbed down from his carriage. Many people called out a cheery Shalom Aleichem, while others tried to give a welcoming handshake.

Every day, a long line of people stood in front of the house where he was staying. Among them were Torah scholars who sought his help in resolving difficulties that arose in their studies, while others came to receive his blessing or advice about matters in their personal lives.

One woman, Esther Feiga burst into tears as soon as she entered the holy rabbi’s room. She had nine sons, eight of whom were both dedicated and successful in their Torah studies in the yeshivah. But she was upset about Moshe Dovid, her fifteen-year-old, who was struggling in the study of Torah and other holy writings. Nobody could understand why, since he was a clever lad, who did excellently in his secular subjects, such as grammar and math.

The holy rabbi listened carefully to her concerns. He thought for a few moments and then said, “The greatest authorities in Jewish law have written that one must be exceedingly careful that young children should not taste any forbidden foods, since such foods can dull and coarsen the mind towards Torah.”

Esther Feiga was startled at the implication that her son could have eaten something not kosher, but she did her best to keep her face impassive. The rabbi nevertheless picked up on her thought and said gently, “Perhaps it happened once without you knowing it, and that is why he has so much trouble understanding the Torah.”

“What can we do about it then?” asked Esther Feiga, still shocked at the idea.

Esther Feiga’s husband was disturbed to hear their son had eaten non-kosher food. How could it be? Their children never ate anything other than what they received at home. He called Moshe Dovid and asked him if he had ever eaten anything outside of the house. The boy answered that he never had, but his father asked that he think about it more thoroughly. Finally, Moshe Dovid remembered that once, many years before when he was much younger, something had happened one cold wintery day.

He and his friends were going home from school when they passed the village inn, they saw that a wedding was about to take place. One of the members of the wedding party noticed them, invited them to come in, and offered them something to eat. To the best of his memory, he took a bit of chicken-lentil soup.

His parents were surprised to hear about the incident, especially after so many years had passed, but they did not see how it explained what the holy rabbi said to them. Both the innkeeper of the inn and the shochet (ritual slaughterer) who slaughtered meat for him were known to be very strict in their observance of kashrus (kosher laws) and true G-d fearing men.

The confused father was determined to pursue the matter till the end. He hurried over to the innkeeper and discussed the matter with him. The innkeeper willingly took out his old record books to try to identity exactly whose wedding it was that took place on that cold wintery day.

It turned out to not be so difficult after all. In looking through the ten year old ledger, he found it clearly written that second wedding of Isaac Abromovitch was held at the inn and that the groom had paid the entire bill in advance.

The father of Moshe Dovid knew Isaac Abromovitch very well. He was an uncouth man, not exceptionally observant, who lived in a house at the outskirts of town. Nevertheless, this information still did not solve the family’s mystery. The food had been prepared under the control of the inn, not the married couple.

So the father decided to go next to the house of the shochet. The shochet received him politely asked what was the reason for the surprise visit. Upon hearing that the matter concerned the wedding of Isaac Abromovitch, the shochet was visibly distressed.

“Oy, oy!” he cried out. “Once again I have to rake that open wound!”

Moshe Dovid’s father was startled by his words. His ears picked up as the shochet proceeded to supply details.

“I made a mistake in the slaughter of the chickens for that wedding. Not that I actually made any mistakes in the procedures,” he hastened to explain. “But something was very wrong. Only, I didn’t know it at the time. Not until a few days after that wedding.

“Walking in the street, I was met by one of the men who study Torah all day in the shul (synagogue). As I passed by him he gave me a hard stare and said, ‘Who would have thought? A respected Jew sells his soul in pursuit of monetary gain! Unbelievable!’”

“I was shocked to hear such words directed at me. I stared at him, seeking in utter confusion. He said, ‘We heard that you were the one who slaughtered chickens for the wedding of Abromovitch. Surely you knew that some of the most learned rabbis of our time issued a decree forbidding him to remarry until he properly divorced of his first wife, in which the get, the bill of divorce, turned out to be invalid.’”

“My whole body began to tremble involuntarily as the man took out of his pocket a copy of the letter from the rabbis, saying:

“When I saw that letter with my own eyes,” continued the shochet, “I was beside myself with horror. Even though I had known nothing and heard nothing about the problem with the divorce, I was embarrassed at having transgressed the instructions of the rabbis. I decided to undergo dozens of fasts, which I did, but I still don’t feel as if I have atoned for my error.”

The next day the entire story spread quickly through the village. Everyone was amazed by both the power of decree of the rabbis, and the acute Divine inspiration of the holy rabbi.

Kosher recipes

Chicken Lentil Soup

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons shmaltz, margarine, or olive oil		2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 large onion, diced		1/8 – ¼ Teaspoon Cayenne if desired
2 medium stalks celery, diced		½ teaspoon coriander
2 medium carrots, diced		1 teaspoon allspice
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced		2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons kosher Salt		12 cups (3 quarts) water
Freshly ground black pepper		2 cups dried lentils
1 teaspoon ground turmeric		1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix spices (salt, pepper, turmeric, paprika, cumin, cayenne, coriander and allspice) in a small bowl

Heat the shmaltz, margarine, or olive oil in the bottom of a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Sauté the onion, celery and garlic until soft. Add carrots

Season the vegetables well with spice mix and sauté another 3 – 5 minutes.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook until the tomato paste darkens and sticks a bit to the bottom of the pot, about 2 minutes more.

Add the lentils and 1 cup of water. and cook 3 -5 minutes.

Add the rest of the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a very gentle simmer and add the chicken.

Cover and continue cooking for 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours, checking periodically to make sure the soup isn’t bubbling too vigorously.

Taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed.

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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Sense of Royalty

Posted on Sunday, 18, April, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There was much excitement that the king was coming and everyone wanted to greet the king. Rav Sheshes (c. 290–320 ce), when he heard that the whole city was going out to welcome the King, he went out also. He did this in spite of the fact that he was blind.

As he made his way to the outskirts of the city, he met an arrogant apikoros (one who disrespects a Torah scholar and scoffs at the religious way of life) who asked him: “A full pitcher is taken to the river to bring water, not a broken one. Why are you going if you cannot see, anyway?”

Rav Sheshes answered, “Come along, I’ll show you how my sense of hearing and my knowledge are as good as your eyesight.”

As they were waiting, they heard a cheers and loud shouts rising from the crowd as one of the King’s battalions rode by. The apikoros informed Rav Sheshes, “The King just went by.”

Rav Sheshes countered, “No! what you say is not true!”

A second division of troops passed and there was another loud commotion, the apikoros smugly said, “The King just passed.”

Rav Sheshes again replied, “No! The King has not come yet.”

Then a mounted unit of soldiers rode by, the crowd was silent and calm.

The apikoros pridefully said, “The King is riding by.”

”This time you are correct,” responded Rav Sheshes.

“How do you know this?” asked the apikoros.

Rav Sheshes explained, “The behavior of mortal Kings follows the same pattern as that of the heavenly kingdom. The heavenly kingdom is described in Nevi’im, the Prophets, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the L-rd, for the L-rd is about to pass by. Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the L-rd, but the L-rd was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the L-rd was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the L-rd was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.” (1 Kings 19:11-13)

Therefore, I knew that the King was not here when there was a loud commotion and a lot of noise. On the contrary, when it was calm and quiet, I knew this time the King was going by.”

As the king passed Rav Sheshes began to bless him. The apikoros mockingly said to him: Do you bless someone you do not see? It is said by some say that Rav Sheshes fixed his gaze upon him, and the apikoros lost all sight since he blinded himself to the light of Torah, faith and hoiliness.

Based on Berachos 58a

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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Seeing Eliyahu haNovi

Posted on Tuesday, 30, March, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

According to Jewish tradition, since Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet) ascended into heaven alive and never died, he can return to earth to make visits. It is said that he mystically appears at two events: during the Passover seder and at a bris.

Toward the end of the seder, the door of the house is opened, because Passover night is said to be a time when Jewish people have miraculous protection from their enemies. According to tradition, Eliyahu haNovi enters then to drink wine from the kos shel Eliyahu – a special cup set out for him on the table.

Eliyahu haNovi, who strengthened the spirit of the Jewish people, also visits every bris, and the sandak sits in the Chair of Elijah, holding on his lap the baby boy to be circumcised.

Elijah the Prophet

It once happened that a family was gathered around the seder table. The seder nights are a time of mystery and wonder as children ask questions and the adults answer them.

A little girl closed her eyes and said the Ma Nishtana (the Four Questions) and listened to every word the father and grandfather said that seder night. When they opened the door to recite Shfoch hamascha, “Pour out Your wrath,” from the Haggadah, the little girl cried out, “Look at the old man who’s come!”

The next day, her grandfather asked the little girl what the old man had looked like — the one she had seen the night before. he pointed out some men walking along the street to her and asked, “Did he look like this man? Or that man?”

The little girl answered, “He was very, very handsome!”

A year later, the little girl’s mother gave birth to a baby boy. The little girl’s grandfather came to the bris. When they brought the baby into the synagogue, it was full of people. The little sister was also there, standing near her grandfather. Suddenly, pointing to where no one was standing, she called out, “Zadie, look there’s the old man again!”

Her grandfather bent over and whispered into the ear of his son “Our little girl has already had a revelation of Eliyahu haNovi twice!”

According to the mystic tradition, some Jewish mystics merited to see Eliyahu haNovi, who appears to them and teaches them many of the secrets of the Torah. To even see or greet Eliyahu haNovi is considered a great honor and a sign of a great spiritual level. This little girl must have been very special — very pure and of great faith—to have had these two revelations of Eliyahu haNovi at the Passover seder and at her brother’s bris.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Pesach Passover

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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