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Tag: Jewish Storytelling

The First Question and the Captive Prince

Posted on Sunday, 9, April, 2017Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Passover is coming fast. It is a time filled with questions and the reading of the Haggadah. Too many times within the questions and the retelling of the journey from slavery to freedom we become lost in the yearly ritual.

The prominence of science and technology has weakened faith throughout the community. Sadly, this has led to many to go through the motions of faith by conducting rituals by rote.

During this season of Pesach (Passover) maybe we need to ask, “What is the first question in the Torah (Scriptures)?

Before man was created, there were no questions. The first occurs in the Garden of Eden. The man and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. G-d calls out to them, “Ayecha?” “Where are you?” (Genesis 3.9)

How can that be? Does G-d not know where the man and Eve are? For centuries, the Jewish people have recognized that this question has a deeper meaning. G-d is not seeking to find the man and Eve. That is why they do not answer, “We are over here!” Instead, it is a question of spiritual geography. The man, understanding the importance of G-d’s question, and answers that he was frightened, so he has been hiding.

Man has seen, enjoyed and explored the wonders and mysteries of creation, yet still questions faith. People become lost as they question everything, many times using science and technology to define “what is real(ality).” It is easy for many to separate the “religious” from the “spiritual” to those who are simply “unbelievers.”

It is hard to understand, but easy to accept and follow what others say, and so we come back to that first question, “Where are you?” This simple question leads to many many more. “I have not lived according to my religion so I can’t be special or holy” “Why should I believe in this religious stuff that has so many rules and restrictions?” “It too hard to believe in something that cannot be proven?”

It once happened that there was a king had two strong and brave sons. The sons loved their father very much and tried to honour him in all they did. One day the kingdom was attacked by a powerful enemy that wanted to destroy the king and prey on the people and lands of the kingdom.

The king went into battle with his sons to stop this powerful enemy. His two sons were  commanders in the army. Each son led his soldiers into battle and fought with much strength and bravery, but the enemy was able to surround one of the sons. The battle raged on, but at the end he was taken captive by the enemy.

The enemy commander ordered, “Put this fellow in prison, and feed him on reduced rations of bread and water.” (1 Kings 22:27) The king’s son suffered in the enemy prison, starving and deprived. He asked many times, “What wrong have I done to you or your servants or this people, that you have put me in prison?“ (Jeremiah 37:18) But he never received an answer. After being in the enemy prison for a full year, he finally succeeded in digging a tunnel so that he could escape.

The prince journeyed at night, crossing over rivers and lakes, and trekking through forests and over mountains. After a while, he finally returned to his father’s home. How great was the happiness and joy in the king’s palace upon the prince’s return. Large celebrations were held in his honor, and the king sat him to his right and showered him with gifts. Without a doubt, this son’s joy is ten times greater than a son who had never left his father’s home.

This is the identical happiness that a person feels when they rediscover and explore their faith in our Father in Heaven. A person’s joy is ten times greater than one who has never questioned their beliefs and faith, for only once a person has returned and strengthens themselves in faith can they truly perceive the taste of “captivity.”

The RaMbaM (Rabbeinu Mosheh ben Maimon –  Maimonides) wrote, “The Children of Israel believed in our teacher Moses not because of the miracles he performed. If one believes in something because of miracles, he may suspect that they were performed through sleight of hand or sorcery. All the miracles that Moses did in the desert were performed for the needs of the moment, not in order to prove his prophecy to them” (Yesodei HaTorah 8:1).

The question ““Where are you?” is not only the first question; it is also the eternal question. At each moment in our lives, this question is addressed to us: Where are you? Where are you spiritually? Where are you morally? What have you done with your life, and what are you doing with it now? Are you proud of your conduct in the garden?

We say at the beginning of the Seder:

 

This is the bread of affliction which our fathers ate in the land of Egypt. Let all who are hungry come and eat.

As we become more and more involved with the trends of society, we are afflicted by the urges to abandon our traditions and beliefs. Too many have been lost and enslaved by the impulse to blindly follow others or assimilation. Let’s invite those at the Seder who are hungry for spirituality and searching for meaning to their beliefs to “come and eat” because “today we are slaves” to all types of distractions and confusion, but “next year may we be free men” able to grow in faith.

The first question is a single word, whose echoes are endless. “Ayecha?”

 Where are you?

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)

 

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Posted in Faith, Holiday, Holidays, Pesach, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Stories, UncategorizedTagged Faith, Jewish Faith, Jewish Stories, Jewish Storytelling, Jewish thought, Passover Stories, Pesach Stories, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, short stories, Spiritual Storytelling, Spirituality, Stories of faith, TorahLeave a Comment on The First Question and the Captive Prince

Burning the Chametz

Posted on Monday, 3, April, 2017Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Holy Rabbi once asked, “how do you burn the chametz? With the fire of your heart, with the fire of serving the Holy One, blessed be He.” And the fire goes one burning all through Pesach.

The holy Rabbi continued, “I once learned how to serve Holy One, blessed be He from the knights that serve the king, especially in the cold winter. I was once passing by a training camp filled with squires and young knights when I saw a number of the young knights beating one of their own as a punishment. I asked them, ‘what terrible thing did this knight do that he deserved such punishment?’ One of the young knights stepped forward and answered, ‘last night he was standing guard, and in the morning we found him half frozen.’ I thought this was strange and said that the knight who stood guard should be given honor and respect, since despite the cold he stood by his post. The young knights laughed and said, ‘you don’t understand! If you’re really serving the king, everything you do gets done with so much fire, it keeps you warm.’ “

We learn that “The soul of man is a lamp of G‑d” (Proverbs 20:27).  In today’s society that is dominated by science and technology it is easy to forget that man is a very complex mixture of heaven and earth, spirit and matter, fire and wick. Like the lamp, man, too, is comprised of three elements which determine the direction of his actions. The candle’s wick, flame and oil resemble man – mind body and soul – the very source of Torah and its mitzvos.

As we prepare for Pesach/Passover would look forward to conducting the Seder. Just as Passover represents freedom – of body and soul – so it is today that we must remember that slavery is more than just physical bondage. The lessons and messages we share at the Passover Seder remind us of yesterday and today and prepares us for tomorrow. The stories eternal, just as the Jewish spirit has endured through the ages.

As we look into the holiday candles and see the flames dance as we recite the story of the leaving of Egypt we become the everlasting light. We know this because it is written in the Torah, “A continuous fire shall remain on the altar; it shall not be extinguished” (Lev. 6:9).

As we gather around the Seder table that is filled with meaning and holiness let us allow it to fill our hearts to strive to the beauty and wonder that happened so many years ago and is still happening today to give us the strength to turn away from the glowing screens of cell phones and computers and focus when the fires of our souls there ignited during the Passover Seder. Let us allow ourselves to remember the miracles that brought us from Egypt to this very day and remember that the “… Fire will renew the righteous….(Saadia Gaon, Emmunos v’Deos 9:3)

Bedikas Chometz Story Tour
 

So on Pesach we are really serving the Holy One, blessed be He, once we found the chametz and burned it in our hearts on fire.

Chag Kasher V’Sameach 

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources 

 Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3) 

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  If the stories are not shared they will be lost. 

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Posted in Holidays, Pesach, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Stories, UncategorizedTagged bedikas chametz, bedikat chametz, Faith, inspirational stories, Jewish Faith, Jewish Stories, Jewish Storytelling, Jewish thought, Passover Stories, Pesach Stories, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, Spiritual Storytelling, Spirituality, Stories of faithLeave a Comment on Burning the Chametz

What Do We Know?

Posted on Tuesday, 10, January, 2017Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

We rely so much on how we see and understand the world. We trust our senses to define the world and understand what is around us by our limited knowledge and wisdom. Therefore we often feel we know who other people are and what the events of our lives are about forgetting “If you wish to be pure in mind, guard your senses. (Apocrypha, Patriarchs, Reuben 6:1)

Sadly, the truth is, we can only understand a very little about the world and people around us. With our limited understanding can we really be aware of the depth, gifts and beauty of another person? Can we begin to fathom the Divine Wisdom and Purpose hidden in everything around us? “Without understanding no knowledge; without knowledge no understanding. “ (Mishnah Avos 3:17)

There once was a young man who studied Torah (Scriptures and Holy Writings) every day and with each new lesson he challenged himself farther. He followed the instruction, “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful.” (Joshua 1:8)

After a time he became known as a genius of the revealed and hidden Torah. When the time came, he married the daughter of a holy rabbi. There was much joy in the home of the young rabbi and his wife. Together they learned and built a home based on faith and Torah (Scriptures).

A year went by and everything seemed to go well when one day the young rabbi grew very sick. The best doctors were called, but sadly, not one of them could do anything to help him. So the father of the young rabbi went to the holy rabbi, (the young rabbi’s father-in-law) and begged him, “Rabbi, I’m afraid for my son he became sick and no one seems to be able to help him. Please pray for my son. You know how much he is learned, how devoted he is to Torah. Surely if someone as holy as you reminds heaven of his greatness, he will be found worthy, and he will live!”

But the holy rabbi only answered, “you call him learned? You call him devoted? What he’s done is nothing. Nothing at all!”

The father was shocked. “Rabbi, what are you saying? My son is young, yet he already knows the revealed and hidden Torah by heart!  Are we not taught, “A house where Torah is studied at night will not be ruined.” (Eruvin 18b)

The holy rabbi looked at the troubled father and shook his head, murmuring under his breath, “he’s done nothing. Nothing at all.” No matter how much the troubled father praised his son and tried to convince the rabbi how accomplished the young man was, the holy rabbi’s did nothing but to criticize him. The poor father just couldn’t understand what was going on.

The holy rabbi went into his study and locked the door. He placed two candles on his reading table, wrapped himself in his tallis (prayer shawl) and began to pray:

Compassionate and Merciful G-d, show us Your love and heal us. Send complete healing to all Your holy people who are sick. In particular to Yitzchak Yaakov the son of Sarah.

Master of the Universe! You are “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8) I humbly ask, has this child completed his holy task, is his purpose in this life yet fulfilled?  May we remember and realize as it is written: “For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of distress. (Sirach 2:11) Master of the World who is Most Compassionate and Merciful. Please remember these tender children and lengthen their days with benevolence and their years with pleasantness, in order that they toil in Your Torah and its commandments all their days. Amen

A few days later, the most wonderful thing happened. The young man got up out of bed, his appeared to be completely healed. His father was overjoyed, but he was still troubled about his meeting with the holy rabbi. He spoke to his son, “I know your father-in-law is a great rabbi in a very holy man, but to tell you the truth, I really don’t understand him. I went with him with so much respect for to ask him to pray for you. And I praised you so much I was sure that if he reminded the Heavenly Court of your learning and knowledge you would be found worthy of the greatest miracles. Yet he wouldn’t even listen to me. No matter what I said he just replied, “you call that learning? It’s nothing, nothing at all.”

The looked at his father and smiled, “Wonders of Wonders, father, is he not a truly holy rabbi. Such wisdom, you thought that by praising you would help me. But really the opposite was true. You see, every person comes into this world to accomplish one special task. To make one special fixing or change in the world, and once he has done this, there is no longer any need for him to stay here in olam hazeh – this world.


Torah - Scriptures Tree of Life

 “My father-in-law knew that I had only come into this world to learn Torah (Scriptures and Holy Writings), and that if Heaven thought that I already learned everything I needed to know, there was no way to save my life. So when he kept answering, ‘what, you call this learning? It’s nothing!’ he was actually saying to Heaven, This young man has only begun to accomplish his task. His work isn’t finished yet – there is no more he needs to learn. Heavenly court you have to give him more time

And this is what saved my life….

And so you see — what do we know?  You never know….

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources 

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3) Please share this story with family, friends and others. We welcome your comments and discussions about this story

Posted in Faith, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Stories, UncategorizedTagged Faith, inspirational stories, Jewish Faith, Jewish Stories, Jewish Storytelling, Jewish thought, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, short stories, Spiritual Storytelling, Spirituality, Stories of faith, Torah, wisdomLeave a Comment on What Do We Know?

Rabbi Yoshua b. Hananiah and the Emperor’s Daughter

Posted on Tuesday, 29, November, 2016Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Once upon a time the daughter of the Emperor asked Rabbi Yoshua ben Chananiah, “Is it very strange that there is so much Torah (Scriptural learning) and wisdom in you and you are so terribly ugly? So much wisdom in such a disgusting vessel!”

“Let me ask, where do you keep your wine? In what kind of vessels?” Rabbi Yoshua inquired.  The daughter of the Emperor answered, “We keep our wine in simple earthen­ware vessels, because for many years past wine has always been kept in earthen vessels.”

Jewish Stories

Rabbi Yoshua suggested, “You are very wealthy people, you ought to keep your wine in vessels of silver only, the ordinary people keep it in earthen jars.”

She went and told the Emperor, who poured all the wine into silver jars. Within a short time the wine turned sour, and they reported to the Emperor that all his wine had turned into vinegar. Then the Emperor asked his daughter, “Who advised you to pour the wine into silver jars?”

The princess replied, “Rabbi Yoshua ben Chananiah.” So the Emperor sent for Rabbi Yoshua and asked him, “Why did you give such advice to my daughter so that all my wine has turned to vinegar?” Rabbi Yoshua replied, “As she spoke to me so I spoke to her. She said to me, what a pity such great learning is in such a contemptible vessel. So I said to her, ‘Why do you keep wine in a cheap vessel?’

I also said that as the Torah does not stay with a man of handsome appearance, so wine does not keep in a silver vessel.” The Emperor said, “But there are many good looking men who possess learning.” Then Rabbi Yoshua replied, “If they were not so handsome they would be more learned still, for a man of handsome appearance is not a man of modesty, and therefore he forgets the Torah which he has learned.”

Based on B. Ta 7a-b; B. Ned 50b and Ma’asah Book #35

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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Posted in Derech Eretz, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Stories, UncategorizedTagged inspirational stories, Jewish Faith, Jewish Stories, Jewish Storytelling, Jewish thought, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, short stories, Spiritual Storytelling, Spirituality, Storytelling, Torah, wisdomLeave a Comment on Rabbi Yoshua b. Hananiah and the Emperor’s Daughter

Horses and Rosh haShanah

Posted on Sunday, 25, September, 2016Monday, 19, September, 2022 by Rabbi

On Rosh Hashanah we are very aware that the Book of Life is opened and that it is a time of justice, mercy and faith. I was recently at a ceremony at a farm and was struck by the beauty and majesty of the horses when I remembered a story about the inter-relationship of man and horse that taught a very important lesson.

Torah graphic1b

At first G-d thought to create the world through the quality of judgment (din), but realizing that the world could not endure at this level. G-d added on the quality of compassion (rachamim).

—Midrash Bereishis Raba 12:15

One Friday morning a group of students set out to spend the Sabbath with their teacher, a holy rabbi. Dovid, whose deep love for animals earned him a reputation as a gifted horse whisperer, was among this group of students. After encountering several obstacles and delays on their journey, the group arrived just as the sun was about to set Friday afternoon. Fearing they would be late for Sabbath prayers and miss the holy rabbi’s teachings, the group hastily abandoned their horse and carriage and ran off to the synagogue everyone that is, except Dovid. When the holy rabbi realized that Dovid was missing, he sent the some of the students to look for him. Where did they find him? In the barn, feeding and brushing the horses. When they asked him what he was doing there, he responded that all the others had run off without thinking to feed and water the horses, who were weary from the demanding journey, and so he had stayed behind to do just that.

 Dovid was a holy soul in the truest way, a lover of the Divine, and his love for G-d was expressed through his deep compassion for all creatures and all living things. It was absolutely clear to Dovid that by observing the mitzvah of tzaar ba’alei chaim, the commandment to prevent the suffering of animals, he would obtain more closeness to G-d than by seeking spiritual satisfaction in the synagogue. Dovid understood that it is in the expression of compassion, the love and care we extend to all living things that we find the Divine presence; for ultimately compassion, or rachamim, as it is called in Hebrew, is G-d’s very essence.

Jewish mysticism teaches that we come close to G-d only when we “walk in G-d’s ways” – that is, when we embody the divine quality of compassion. In the following, the thirteen attributes of Divine mercy revealed to Moses at Mount Sinai form the template for the practice of compassion:

“Walking in all His ways. (Deuteronomy 5:22). What are the ways of the Holy One, blessed be He?  “A G-d compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and faithfulness, extending kindness to the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin” (Exodus 34:6).

This means that just as G-d is gracious and compassionate, we too must be gracious and compassionate. . . Just as G-d gives freely to all, we too must give freely to all. Just as G-d is loving, we too must be loving.

Spiritual development, according to the teachings of the rabbis, is measured by how much compassion and mercy we show to one another everyday.

Rosh Hashanah Greeting

May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a sweet year and blessings

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources 

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3) Please share this story with family, friends and others. We welcome your comments and discussions about this story

Posted in Holiday, Holidays, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Rosh haShanah, Rosh haShanah, UncategorizedTagged Faith, inspirational stories, Jewish Faith, Jewish Stories, Jewish Storytelling, Jewish thought, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, Repentance, Rosh haShanah, short stories, Spiritual Storytelling, Spirituality, Stories of faith, Storytelling, TeshuvahLeave a Comment on Horses and Rosh haShanah

The Torn Leaf and Stewardship

Posted on Monday, 18, July, 2016Tuesday, 8, August, 2023 by Rabbi

And G-d blessed them: G-d said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air and every living creature that crawls on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)

It was summertime, a time for relaxation, and for restoring one’s strength. A holy rabbi was spending some time with his son in the fields and forest outside their village. The two used to take long walks through the countryside, marveling at the beauty of G-d’s world.

The fields were ripe with their golden harvest of wheat. The swollen sheaves swayed gently, promisingly, in the gentle breeze, swishing softly to and fro. It felt good to be alive!

They walked along in silence, enjoying the peace of the area, suddenly, the father turned to his son, saying, “Just look at the marvel of nature! See how G-d has a plan and a purpose for every single stalk of wheat, every puff of wind, and the swaying of each blade of grass. Everything is included in G-d’s overall master plan of creation! Is it not marvelous that One so exalted and mighty should consider every tiny, minute speck on this world?”

They continued along the country road, breathing in the fresh air, each one silent with his own thoughts. Soon they came to a forest and continued walking leisurely among the trees. Engrossed in his thoughts, the boy absent-mindedly plucked a leaf off a branch. He held the leaf in his hand and from time to time would unconsciously tear off a bit and throw it away.

Proverbs 3:18

His father noticed what he was doing and commented, “I don’t understand how you can do something destructive like that without thinking. Don’t you know that even a leaf is part of creation, that it has its purpose? Did I not just tell you how G-d guides the destiny of every tiny thing, even a leaf? Don’t you realize that a leaf is also a living thing; it breathes and grows. Why is the ‘I’ of a leaf any different than the ‘I’ of a human being? To be sure, you can think and speak while it is only a plant. Still, just as you, a human being, have a task to fill in this world, so does this leaf have a purpose to accomplish during its lifetime on this world. Are we not taught, “But I am like a leafy olive tree in the house of G-d; I put my trust in the grace of G-d forever and ever.” (Psalm 52:10)

It is important to remember that “when G-d created the first human beings, He led them around the Garden of Eden and said: “Look at my works! See how beautiful they are. How Excellent! For your sake, I created them all. See to it that you do not spoil and destroy My world: for, if you do, there will be no one else to repair it. (Kohelles Rabbah 7:13)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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Posted in Faith, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Religious Education, Stories, UncategorizedTagged conservation, environmentalism, Genesis 1:28, inspirational stories, Jewish Stories, Jewish Storytelling, Jewish thought, Kohelles Rabbah 7:13, Proverbs 3:18, Psalm 52:10, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, short stories, Spiritual Storytelling, Spirituality, Stories of faith, StorytellingLeave a Comment on The Torn Leaf and Stewardship

A Story of Two Merchants

Posted on Thursday, 14, July, 2016Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Every day the blessing, “Blessed are you G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe who forms light and creates darkness, who makes peace and creates all things” is said and is overlooked. Many don’t realize that this blessing is based on, “I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil; I am the L-rd, that does all these things. (Isaiah 45:7). One should bless the good (“I form the light…I make peace) as well as the bad (create darkness…create evil).

A question is asked, “What is the verse that alludes to this? ‘I will sing of loving-kindness and justice; unto you, O L-rd, will I sing praises’ (Psalms 101:1). Rav Acha explains: If it is loving-kindness, I will sing, and if it is justice, I will sing.” (Berachos 60b) In other words I will thank G-d in song for the bad just as for the good.

Blessings for Good and Bad

It once happened that two merchants agreed to set out on a journey to a faraway city to go to a fair to buy wares to sell in their village. They equipped themselves with all the needs and supplies for the voyage.  Together they made their way to the harbor to board a ship. As they walked through the streets, one of them stumbled and hurt his foot so badly that he was forced to cancel his trip.

The ship had weighed anchor and unfurled its sails and was ready to set sail and could not wait for the unfortunate merchant to heal from his wound. So his companion went with all the other merchants, while the merchant who had fallen and became injured remained behind, bitter and angry. He was very angry at his bad luck because he had injured his leg and could not travel with the other merchants. His anger and bitterness of losing all the profit he might have made from the journey to such a point that he complained and freely cursed the ways of heaven.

After some time news came that the ship had sunk in the sea, and all the merchants aboard had drowned. When the injured merchant heard what had happened, he began to give thanks to the Holy One, blessed be He by whose kindness he had fallen and injured his leg. The merchant realized that if he had gone on the ship he would have been lost with all the other merchants. The merchant regretted all the curses and complaints he had made and repented for all the things he had said of heaven. The merchant began to praise and extol the wonders of heaven. That’s why it says in the Book of Isaiah, “Your anger has subsided and You have comforted me.” (12:1)

What is meant by the verse, “G-d Who alone does wondrous things; blessed is His glorious Name forever” (Psalms 72:18,19)? Even the person for whom the miracle is performed is unaware of the miracle, only G-d knows it.

Based on Nidah 31a

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources 

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3) Please share this story with family, friends and others. We welcome your comments and discussions about this story

Posted in Faith, Prayer, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Stories, UncategorizedTagged Faith, inspirational stories, Jewish Faith, Jewish Stories, Jewish Storytelling, Jewish thought, Prayer, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, short stories, Spiritual Storytelling, Spirituality, Stories about prayer, Stories of faith, StorytellingLeave a Comment on A Story of Two Merchants

A Salty Conversation

Posted on Monday, 4, July, 2016Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Two rabbis once set out together on a three-day journey to do a d’var mitzvah (a deed of religious importance) in a town somewhere in the countryside in a faraway country.

Along the way they stopped at an inn known for its high stan­dards of keeping kosher. The woman who owned the inn showed the holy rabbis to a special table where they could eat and discuss holy things.

She served them with great respect, and when they finished the meal she approached them and asked, “So how did you like my food?” she asked the rabbis. “Oh, it was quite good,’ one of the rabbis replied, ” but it could have used just a little more salt.”

As the woman left, the other holy rabbi turned white. “I can’t believe it” he sighed. “All my life I have avoided speaking or listening to unkind speech and now Hashem made me come with you, and I have to suffer by hearing you speak such unkind words. I regret that I came here with you and I am convinced that the purpose of our trip is not truly a holy mission after all. Otherwise this would not have happened.”

Seeing the rabbi’s reaction, his companion became flustered and frightened. “What did I say that was so wrong?” he stammered. “I said that the food was good — I only added that it needed some salt. Surely you know that ‘all dishes require salt’. (Beitza 14a)”

“You simply don’t realize the power of words” cried the upset rabbi. “Speech is a G-d given gift peculiar to man, and must not be employed for that which is degrading. (Maimonides, guide for the perplexed 3.8 c. 1190). Our hostess probably doesn’t do her own cooking. Her cook could well be a poor widow who needs this job to support her children. Now, because of what you said, the owner will go back to the kitchen and complain to the cook that the food didn’t have enough salt. In self defense the poor widow will deny it and will say, “Of course I put enough salt in the food. I even tasted it before you served it.”

 Jewish cook

“The owner will then accuse her of lying and say, “Do you think that the holy rabbis out there are liars? You are the one who is lying!” They will argue, strong words will lead to even stronger words and the owner will get so angry that she will fire the poor cook. The woman will then be out of a job. Look how many sins you caused:

You spoke unkind words;

you caused the owner and myself to listen to unkind words;

you caused the owner to repeat the unkind words and that is the sin of rechilus (speech that potentially can cause ill will between people);

you caused the cook to lie;

because of you the owner caused pain to a widow, and

you caused an argument, another Torah violation.”

The rabbi smiled at the holy rabbi, his companion and said softly and respectfully, “Rabbi, please, you are exag­gerating. You’re carrying this just a bit too far. A few simple words cannot possibly have done all that.”

“If that is what you think,” replied the holy rabbi as he stood up, “let’s go to the kitchen and see for ourselves.”

As they opened the door to the kitchen, they saw that the owner was indeed scolding the cook as the poor woman stood wiping the tears from her eyes. When the rabbi saw what was happening he became pale and ran over to the cook, begged forgiveness and apologized profusely for any harm or distress he may have caused her. He pleaded with the owner to forgive and forget the incident and begged her to let the woman stay on the job. He even offered to pay her to keep the cook.

The innkeeper was really a kindly woman and she also wanted to do as the rabbi asked. ” “It shall be as you ask,“ she said hastily. ” I only wanted to impress on her the need to be more careful. She is really a fine cook and she will remain here at her job.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources 

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3) Please share this story with others

Posted in Derech Eretz, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Religious Education, Stories, UncategorizedTagged inspirational stories, Jewish Faith, Jewish Stories, Jewish Storytelling, Jewish thought, Loshon hara, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, short stories, Spiritual Storytelling, Spirituality, Stories of faith, Storytelling, wisdomLeave a Comment on A Salty Conversation

Flame, Clay, Glass and Breath

Posted on Monday, 27, June, 2016Sunday, 3, March, 2024 by Rabbi

Once upon a time there was a man who lived in the ancient city of Tzipori whose son had died. A man of no belief sat by his side. Rabbi Jose ben Chalafta came to visit the grieving father. The man of no belief saw that he was smiling and heard him greet the grieving father “Baruch dayan ha-emes” (Blessed is the True Judge.) The man of no belief asked, “Rabbi, How can you be so insensitive and why are you smiling?”

The rabbi replied, “I trust in G-d and believe that the man will see his son again in the World to Come.”

The man of no belief then said, “Is not his sorrow enough for the man that you should come and sadden him even more? Can broken shards be made to fit together again? Is it not written, “you will dash them to pieces like pottery (Psalms 2:9) And further it is not taught in your books, “just as this potter’s jar is smashed and cannot be repaired. They will bury the dead” (Jeremiah 19:11)?

The rabbi replied, “Earthen vessels are made by wa­ter and perfected by fire. Vessels of glass are both made by fire and perfected by fire. Earthen ones, if broken, can­not be repaired, but glass ones, if broken, can be repaired.”

The man of no belief accused, “How silly are you. Everyone knows that once glass is broken it shatters into thousands of shards, never to be repaired. What you say is impossible.”

The rabbi replied, “Glass vessels are made by blowing. If the glass vessel that is made by the blowing air, and when shattered can be heated by fire and again blown with air and be repaired. Then a soul and life can be blown into a mortal person by the Holy One, blessed be He. For are we not taught ‘Then G-d formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul’ (Genesis 2:7)

Genesis 2:7

The man of no belief replied, “your thoughts are not the way of the world and your ways are strange for you choose not to see or believe the wisdom of the world.”

The rabbi looked upon the man of no belief and sadly shook his head and answered, “The wonders of creation and all that is in this world and the next are gifts from G-d. We learn about people like you where it is written, ‘Fools mock at sin, but the upright enjoy God’s favor.’ (Proverbs 14:9)”

Based on Bereishis Rabbah 14:7

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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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Posted in Faith, Holidays, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Rosh haShanah, Stories, teshuvah, UncategorizedTagged Bereishis Rabbah 14:7, Faith, Genesis 2:7, inspirational stories, Jeremiah 19:11, Jewish Stories, Jewish Storytelling, Jewish thought, Proverbs 14:9, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, short stories, Spiritual Storytelling, Spirituality, Stories of faith, Storytelling, wisdomLeave a Comment on Flame, Clay, Glass and Breath

A Sofer’s Son’s Story

Posted on Sunday, 5, June, 2016Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Dovid loved his father who everyday went into a special room just to write beautiful and important things. The most important were Torah scrolls, tefillin and mezuzahs. Dovid’s father “was a scribe, expert in the law of Moses that the L-rd  G-d of Israel had given (Ezra 7:6).

One morning, after his father went to the old wooden shul to pray, Dovid quietly went into his father’s special room to write his own Torah. The room was so neat, the surface of his father’s writing desk clean and ready. Dovid took a sheet of parchment from a large wooden drawer. He took a jar of ink and a quill off the shelf and climbed into his father’s chair so he could reach the top of the desk. He poured some ink into a small glass just like his father. And as he dipped the quill into the ink, he trembled a little as he was filled with awe and joy at the same time. Dovid would write his own Torah! The Torah of his father and his father’s father, who received it from the rabbis, who received it from the prophets, who received it from the judges, who received it from Joshua, who received it from Moses himself, who stood in G-d’s Holy Presence at Mount Sinai. And for a moment Dovid was there, he was there at Mount Sinai with Moshe and Aaron and Miriam. Dovid saw the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud. He heard the strong voice of the Holy One, blessed be He began to speak the words that all nations heard and the deafening silence that followed. He watched as G-d held the holy mountain over the people’s heads. And Dovid the sofer’s son said to no one in particular, “Na’aseh v’neeshma. I will do, and I will listen.” (Exodus 24:7)

Torah Story Tour

So Dovid began to write the first few words, Bereishis (In the beginning), Barah. (created), Elokim (G-d). “Yes!” Dovid thought. What could be more true and perfect and full of love then G-d in the beginning creating the world and us in order of give us the most beautiful and holy book ever? In order to give it to me?

Just then, his father walked into the study. Dovid looked up at his father and looked back at his work. Drips of ink on the desk. Smudges on the back of the parchment. And three beautiful words of Torah.

“Taty, I’m writing a Torah.”

Torah script

His father picked him up and scolded him and told Dovid

never to do this again

and that Dovid did a beautiful job and

never to do this again

and how proud Papa was of Dovid and

never to do this again. 

His father put Dovid back in the chair, a tear of joy in his eye. “We’ll clean this up together.”

But in his heart his father said:

“Baruch atah Hashem Elokeinu Melech ha-Olam shecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higyanu lazman hazeh.” (Blessed are You, O L-rd our G-d, for giving us life, sustaining us and allowing us to reach this joyous time.)

And G-d looked down at Dovid and his father and all the beautiful and holy words they had made had made. And G-d said, “Tov Me-od.” It is very good.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources  

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3) 

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 

Please share this story with family and friends

If the stories are not shared they will be lost. 

Please share this story with others

Posted in Faith, Holiday, Holidays, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Shavuous, UncategorizedTagged inspirational stories, Jewish Faith, Jewish Stories, Jewish Storytelling, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, Shevuos, Shevuot, short stories, Spiritual Storytelling, Spirituality, Stories of faith, Storytelling, TorahLeave a Comment on A Sofer’s Son’s Story

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