Loshon hara – A Salty Conversation

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

Tam and Chacham once set out together on a journey to do a d’var mitzvah (a deed of religious importance) in a faraway country. They traveled to many places and were welcomed with much respect and honor.

In one village they stopped at an inn known for its high standards of kashrus (kosher). They were seated at a special table set with a linen tablecloth and fine dishes, for the woman who owned the inn recognized them to be learned and holy rabbis.

She had them served promptly, 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,’ Chacham replied, ” but the pea soup could have used more salt.”

When the woman left the dining room, Tam turned white. “I can’t believe what you have just done. Every day I try to avoid speaking or listening to loshon hara (unkind speech) and now the Holy One, blessed be He caused me to travel with you. I regret that I came here with you and I am convinced that the purpose of our trip is not for a holy purpose after all. Otherwise this would not have happened.”

Seeing Tam’s reaction, Chacham became confused and upset. “What did I say that was so wrong?” he asked. “I said that the food was good — I only added that the pea soup needed some salt.”

“You simply don’t realize the power of words.” Tam Sadly said. “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 soup 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 soup. I even tasted it before you served it.”

“The owner will then accuse her of lying and say, “Do you think that the 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 aveiros (sins) you caused:

You spoke loshon hara;
you caused the owner and myself to listen to loshon hara;
you caused the owner to repeat the loshon hara and that is the sin of rechilus (gossip);
you caused the cook to lie;
because of you the owner caused pain to a widow, and
you caused an argument, another Torah violation.”

Chacham smiled at Tam and said softly and respectfully, “Tam, my friend, certainly things are not as grim as you believe. Maybe, you are exaggerating a little. You’re carrying this just a bit too far. A few simple words cannot possibly have done all that.”

Tam reminded Chacham, “We learn that ‘You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is of your brothers, or of your strangers who are in your land inside your gates.’ (Deuteronomy 24:14) “If you really believe that I have overstated the situation,” answered Tam 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 Chacham 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 fulfill Chacham’s request. “Of course, of course,^“ 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.”

Lashon hara

Split Pea Soup

6 cups broth or water		1 teaspoon dried basil
1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed		1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 medium onions, chopped		1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
4-6 tablespoons margarine or oil		1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 cup grated carrots		1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt		2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper		grated carrots and/or sliced scallions, for garnish

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté chopped onions and garlic in margarine or oil until translucent. Add spices and continue sautéing until fragrant. Add split peas and sauté for 5 minutes – stir frequently to avoid sticking.

Slowly add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until peas are tender, about 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add salt and pepper; If desired, garnish with grated carrots and green onions.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

Rachmiel Tobesman is a motivational speaker and Maggid (spiritual Storyteller). He is available for speaking engagements or storytelling, Click here to contact us

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Speech, Wisdom and Protection

Posted on Thursday, 2, November, 2017Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A holy rabbi was teaching a lesson to his students when an angry, vulgar and ignorant person insulted him in front of everyone. The holy rabbi did not answer or respond, but calmly went on with his studies as though nothing had occurred.

Many were quick to praise him for his remarkable restraint remembering, “He who hears himself cursed and remains silent is a saintly man.” (Midrash Tehillim 16:11). Others attributed the holy rabbi’s actions because one should “let yourself be cursed, rather than curse” (Sanhedrin 49a). The holy rabbi, however, attributed his control to a higher source than his own inner strength, explaining:

“Our Sages teach that silence acts as a ‘protective zone’ for wisdom. They are referring here to keeping quiet when unjustly attacked, as they state that ‘one who hears himself insulted and does not retaliate, is considered beloved by G-d’ (Shabbos 88b).’ ”

“It is written that ‘a safeguarding fence around wisdom is silence.’ (Pirke Avos 3:13), the holy rabbi continued, “then what does wisdom itself consist of?

“It must be,” he finished off, half-jokingly, “that wisdom itself is not to consider oneself slighted in the least when the assailant is someone who is not qualified to make such critical remarks.”

It wouldn’t hurt for all of us to maintain such wisdom, and to protect it with a sprinkle of silence.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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.”

“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)

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The Faithful Woman

Posted on Sunday, 6, September, 2015Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Once there were two brothers, one brother was very rich and the other brother was painfully poor. The wealthy brother had a fine house which he filled with beautiful things while the poor brother had a very beautiful wife and filled his house with faith and love.

One day the poor brother came to wealthy brother to ask him for a loan, but the rich man refused to help him. Even when neighbors tried to persuade the rich man to help his poor brother saying, “If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you.” (Leviticus 25:35), he would say that he had no brother.

One day the rich man went out for a walk in the town, and in the course of his wanderings came to the poor quarter of the town. Through the window of one of the buildings he saw the face of a beautiful woman. “Whose wife is that?” he asked the people nearby.

“That is your brother’s wife,” he was told. He immediately fell in love with the woman and desired her greatly. His every thought was about the beautiful wife of his brother and soon he began to plan how he would capture her heart. After sometime he decided that if he could not convince her to come with him, he would take her by force.

One day the rich man sent for his poor brother. He gave him money and said to him: “Why do you not ask me for anything?” And he flattered his poor brother and invited him and his wife to his house, and did them many favours. After some time he gave his brother goods to trade in a faraway land, to earn some money. At first the poor man refused to leave his wife, but the rich brother promised him that she would remain under his protection. And so the poor brother set out on his journey with a quiet heart.

On the following day the rich man sent his sister-in-law vegetables, fruit and meat and told her that he would come to eat dinner .at her house. She could not tell him not to come, but while he was in the house she conducted herself in the most proper manner. Every day the rich man used to pester her and send her gifts but she remained unimpressed. One day the woman decided to end matters with the rich man. She invited him to her house, and tried to speak to him. She reminded him that she was his brother’s wife and his actions appeared improper. She asked him, “ You have established yourself as a leader but ‘What is the essence of leadership? To rule oneself well, and not be led astray by wealth or fame.’ ” (Apocrypha, Aristeas: 211) The wealthy man seemed not to hear her words and so she abruptly rose and left the house. The wealthy man was outraged and felt he was disrespected by this woman who he saw as beggar refusing his charity. In his anger, he nursed the insult in his heart and decided that he would revenge himself on the woman who had offended him.

One day, early in the morning, the rich man left his house and on his way met a poor man. He gave him money and said to him: “In return for the money that I have given you I want you to steal into the house I will show you.” Needless to say, this house was none other than the house of his sister-in-law. Then the rich man went to one of the synagogues in the city and invited the men he found there to a bris milah which, he said, was taking place in that same building. The men opened the door and there in the house they saw a man standing: “What are you doing here?” They asked him. “Since the departure of this woman’s husband I have always been here,” the poor man answered. The rich man had ordered the poor man to say, in return for the money that he had given him.

The men believed the poor man, and they beat the unfaithful woman and drove her out of the town. Sadly, no one spoke in favor of the poor woman.

All the woman’s pleadings were in vain. She wished to explain to the men and her rich brother-in-law that she was not guilty of what they suspected, but they refused to listen to her. Instead they slandered and shunned her so she had no choice but to leave the town. When she was some distance from the town, she fell, overcome with emotion and exhaustion. She cried silently prayed as she fell to the ground.

Just at that time, a rabbi and his wife were approaching the town. They were childless. They heard the sound of crying and set out to find out the cause. After a short time they found the poor woman lying on the ground with bleeding wounds.

They comforted her, bound her wounds and asked her to travel with them. In their hearts they thought: “Perhaps we have done a good deed today and in reward we would be blessed with a child.”

The prayers of the faithful woman and the childless couple were heard and after some time, the couple was blessed with a child and they asked the woman they had saved to be the child’s nurse. The woman, of course, was very grateful to the couple, for they had rescued her and she was a faithful nurse.

In the house of this rabbi there was a student who fell in love with the beautiful woman. He asked her to marry him but she refused, for she was married but did not wish to reveal her secret. The student decided to avenge himself on her. What did he do? He rose in the middle of the night, killed the infant in her care, and immediately afterwards he ran away.

In the morning the parents were very angry with the ungrateful woman, but the rabbi who was very wise decided, “she should not be punished, all that has happened is the will of G-d. We must let her go, taking with her the dead child.”

The woman herself was sad and hopeless. She had been driven from every place because of false accusations. Who knew better than she how false the accusations were?

She set out into the desert, hungry and thirsty, and in her arms she carried the dead child. Suddenly she saw an old man with a long beard and flowing robes who told her,

“We are taught ‘the Lord maintains the cause of the needy, and executes justice for the poor.’ (Psalm 140:12) You have nothing to fear, I bring you two gifts.” He offered her a potion to give to the child and, as the liquid passed his lips, his eyes fluttered and he began to breathe. The old man then gave a sack of golden coins and another potion to her and he explained that it could cure all ills. Before leaving, he gave her some advice: she must disguise herself as a man, establish a rest stop where she could cure all the sick who came to her. The woman took the advice of the old man, put on men’s clothes and opened an inn at the edge of the desert. The inn became very popular, for all sorts of conditions were cured there. The rabbi’s son, who had been restored to life, was educated and studied the Torah and wisdom.

All that the old man with the long beard and flowing robes had told her came to pass. Some of ‘the sick who came to the inn were well-known to the woman. Among them was her wicked brother-in-law who suffered greatly from leprosy, and her husband who became sick in the heart, body and soul after he had been told what his wife had been unfaithful. There was the poor man who had stood in the hall of the woman’s house and who had made the false accusations against her; and the rabbi and his wife also came. Then too, there was the student who had wanted to marry her and whom she had refused.

The woman placed these patients in different rooms so that they should not see each other but they could hear each other. One condition the woman laid down to all those who came to be treated by her was that before receiving treatment they must confess and reveal all their sins.

First among those who confessed was her rich brother-in-law who told what he had done to his brother’s wife. Then the poor man who was nearby told his story. The husband heard that was said and he was very angry with those who had slandered his wife, but, above all, he was angry with himself for having believed the terrible things that had been told to him. The couple who had driven out the woman after the death of their only child, and the student who had killed the child, all confessed their actions. The rabbi and his wife, when they heard the tale of the student, deeply regretted their hasty action in regard to their nurse.

When they had all confessed, the woman made herself known to them. She cured her husband who had returned to her, and to the old couple she restored their son who had in the meantime grown up and was a promising scholar. She did not cure her brother-in law because it is written, “Sinners are enemies to their own life” (Apocrypha, Tobit 12:10) and the poor man who so easily spoke falsely about the woman could not be healed as the teaching says, “Do not let the slanderer be established in the land’ (Psalm 140:11) and ‘There is no cure for a slanderer.’ ” (Derech Eretz 1:13) The Torah teaches, “And you shall not wrong one another” (Leviticus 25:17)and so the three who plotted, slandered and sinned remained sickly to the end of their days.

The rabbi blessed the woman and her husband, but could not bless them more that the old man with the long beard and flowing robes. For Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet) only comes to the aid of the truly righteous.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

The Trap, Loshon haRa and the Wealthy Merchant

Posted on Sunday, 17, August, 2014Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There was once a very wealthy merchant who liked to feel important, and so he made it a practice inform the authorities about the doings of other people within the community. He often talk badly of others just so he could be seen as important and wise. Everyone was afraid of him and no one dared to cross him, lest he report them to those in power. One day he seemed to have just disappeared.

A group of students gathered together to study with their holy teacher, when he said to them: “Did you know Lavan the merchant?” The students became silent and then one answered the holy rabbi: “It is like what is taught about those who are like him, “May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.” (Psalms 69:28) Then the holy rabbi told his students: “Bring me a trap!” They brought him a trap, and the holy rabbi placed it in a corner of the room and a mouse was caught in it at once.

Then the holy rabbi spoke to the mouse as his students watched, asking: “What did you think when you used to inform on people and betray them causing the wealth of so many good and upright people to be lost? One’s words must be words of honor and not words of shame, as it is said: ‘On that day you shall not be put to shame because of all your deeds…’ (Zepaniah 3:11) We are taught shaming another in public is like shedding blood. (Bava Metzia 58b)’ ” The mouse cried before him and begged him to pray to the Holy One, blessed be He so that he might be delivered from his sufferings and enter Gehenna. “Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away (Proverbs 6:33) One who says evil things about others has no portion in the World to Come. Go away, for you are not worthy even to enter Gehenna.” answered the rabbi. With that said, he opened the trap, and the mouse fled.

And when the students saw this, they were amazed.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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Loshon haRa – A Salty Conversation

Posted on Sunday, 12, January, 2014Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Tam and Chacham once set out together on a journey to do a d’var mitzvah (a deed of religious importance) in a faraway country. They traveled to many places and were welcomed with much respect and honor.

In one village they stopped at an inn known for its high standards of kashrus (kosher). They were seated at a special table set with a linen tablecloth and fine dishes, for the woman who owned the inn recognized them to be important rabbis.

She had them served promptly, 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,’ Chacham replied, ” but it could have used more salt.”

When the woman left the dining room, Tam turned white. “I can’t believe what you have just done. All my life I have avoided speaking or listening to loshon hara (unkind speech) and now the Holy One, blessed be He caused me to travel with you, and I have to suffer by hearing you speak loshon hara! I regret that I came here with you and I am convinced that the purpose of our trip is not a true d’var mitzvah after all. Otherwise this would not have happened.”

Seeing Tam’s reaction, Chacham became confused and upset. “What did I say that was so wrong?” he hesitated. “I said that the food was good — I only added that it needed some salt.”

“You simply don’t realize the power of words.” Sadly said Tam. “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.”

“The owner will then accuse her of lying and say, “Do you think that the 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 aveiros (sins) you caused: (1) You spoke loshon hora; (2) you caused the owner and myself to listen to loshon hora; (3) you caused the owner to repeat the loshon hora and that is the sin of rechilus; (4) you caused the cook to lie; (5) because of you the owner caused pain to a widow, and (6) you caused an argument, another Torah violation.”

Chacham smiled at Tam and said softly and respectfully, “Tam, my friend, certainly things are not as grim as you believe. Maybe, you are exaggerating a little. You’re carrying this just a bit too far. A few simple words cannot possibly have done all that.”

Tam reminded Chacham, “We learn that ‘You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is of your brothers, or of your strangers who are in your land inside your gates.’ (Deuteronomy 24:14) “If you really believe that I have overstated the situation,” answered Tam 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 Chacham 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 fulfill Chacham’s request. “Of course, of course,^“ 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)

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A Woman of Valor Who can Find?

Posted on Friday, 21, January, 2011Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Once there were two brothers, one of them rich and the other poor. The poor man was married to a very beautiful wife.

One day the poor brother came to his brother to ask him for a loan. The rich man refused to help him. Even when strangers tried to persuade the rich man to help his poor brother, he would say that he had no brother.

One day the rich man went out for a walk in the town, and in the course of his wanderings came to the poor quarter of the town. Through the window of one of the buildings he saw the face of a beautiful woman. “Whose wife is that?” he asked the people there.

“That is your brother’s wife,” he was told.

And the rich man fell in love with the woman and desired her greatly. By day and by night he thought of how he could get her.

One day the rich man sent for his poor brother. He gave him money and said to him: “Why do you not ask rue for anything?” And he flattered his poor brother and invited him and his wife to his house, and did them many favours. After sonic time he gave his brother goods to trade with in a far country, to earn sonic money. At first the poor man refused to leave his wife, but the rich brother promised him that she would remain under his protection. And so the poor brother set out on his journey with a quiet heart.

On the following day the rich man sent his sister-in-law vegetables, fruit and meat and told her that he would come to eat dinner at her house. She could not tell him not to come, but while he was in the house she conducted herself in the most proper manner. Every day the rich man used to bother her and send her gifts but she remained unimpressed. One day the woman decided to end matters with the rich man. She invited him to her house, but left before he came. He waited for her for a long time and then rose and left the house in anger. He nursed the insult in his heart and decided that he would revenge himself on the woman who had offended him.

One day, early in the morning, the rich man left his house and on his way met a poor man. He gave him money and said to him: “In return for the money that I have given you I want you to steal into the hall of such and such a house and remain there.” Needless to say, this house was no other than the house of his sister-in-law. Then the rich man went to one of the synagogues in the city and invited the men he found there to a bris milah which, he said, was taking place in that same building. The men opened the door and there in the hall they saw a man standing. “What are you doing here?” they asked him. “Since the departure of this woman’s husband I have always been here,” the poor man answered. For this was what the rich man had ordered him to say, in return for the money that he had given him.

The men believed the poor man, and they dragged the woman and drove her out of the town to be stoned. The townspeople showered her with curses, taunts and stones.

All the woman’s pleadings were in vain as she was pelted with stones. She wished to explain to the men and her rich brother-in-law that she was not guilty of what they suspected, but they refused to listen to her stoned her. She was a righteous woman and out of the depths she cried[2] to the heaven for help. She stood tall as she was indeed innocent of the shameful deed she was accused of. Her brother-in-law asked: “are you so brazen that you stand before us with pride?” The woman looked at the people around her with tears in her eyes and answered: “All my life I wondered when I could love G-d “with all my soul”[3], even if He take my life. Now the opportunity has come and I will fulfill it with joy.”[4] Her brother-in-law and the people buried her with the stones they threw.

Sometime later, a rabbi and his wife were traveling towards the town. They were childless. They heard the sound of moaning from beneath the pile of stones and began to dig until they found the poor woman lying on the ground with bleeding wounds.

They helped her up, bandaged her wounds and decided to take her with them. In their hearts they thought: “Perhaps the deed we did today will merit our prayers for a child to be answered.

After some time the couple was blessed with a child and they asked the woman to be the child’s nurse. The woman, of course, was very grateful to the couple, for they had rescued her and she was a faithful nurse.

In the house of this rabbi there was a student who fell in love with the beautiful woman. He asked her to marry him but she refused, for she was faithful to her husband. The student became angry at her refusal to marry him and decided to punish her. He killed the baby while everyone was asleep, and then ran away.

In the morning the parents were very angry with the woman they had trusted. The rabbi who drew his strength from Heaven, told his wife that the woman should not be punished. “It is the will of G-d,” he said. “We must let her go, bearing the dead child.”

The woman was sad and hopeless. She had been driven from every place because of false accusations. She wandered into the desert, hungry and thirsty, and in her arms she carried the dead child. Suddenly she saw an old man with a long beard and flowing robes, who told her that he was the Prophet Elijah, may his memory be a blessing, and that she had nothing to fear. He gave her a vial water that revived the child, for the water was from the Garden of Eden and, indeed, the child came stirred and again breathed as life renewed in him. He gave her another potion that could cure all ills. He also gave her some advice: she must disguise herself as a man, establish a big place for travelers to rest and cure the sick who came to her. She asked when she could return to living a normal and proper life, and the prophet told her that woman was endowed with more intelligence than men[5] and she would know the right time when it came.

The woman took the advice of the Prophet Elijah, may his memory be a blessing, and put on men’s clothes and set up a rest stop for travelers. Soon, travelers with all sorts of problems were cured at the rest stop and they paid her well and she became very wealthy. The rabbi’s son, helped the woman with all she did. The woman made sure that the young man studied all the Hoy Writings.

Some of the sick who came to her she knew, but never once did she let anyone see through her disguise. One day, she was surprised at who came to the rest stop. One was her wicked brother-in-law, another was her husband who had become heartsick after he had been told that his wife had died. He never believed the tales of her being unfaithful. There was the poor man who had stood in the hall of the woman’s house and who falsely about her, and the rabbi and his wife also came, and lastly, there was the student who had wanted to marry her and whom she had refused. All were stricken with different sicknesses and hope that she could heal them.

The woman placed these patients in different rooms so that they should not see each other but they could hear each other. One condition the woman laid down to all those who came to be treated by her was that before receiving treatment they must confess and reveal all their sins.

First among those who confessed was her rich brother-in-law who told what he had not been honest in his business dealings. She looked at him and reminded him that unless he was completely honest, he could not be cured. He then admitted to his evil scheme. Then the poor man who had stood in the hall told his story admitted he was paid by the rich man to falsely testify against her. The husband heard these things and he was very angry with those who had slandered his wife. The couple who had driven out the woman after the death of their only child, and the student who had killed the child, all confessed their actions. The rabbi and his wife, when they heard the tale of the student, deeply regretted their hasty action in blaming their nurse who was really blameless.

When they had all confessed, the woman made herself known to them. She cured her husband who had returned to her, and to the old couple she restored their son who had in the meantime grown up and was a promising scholar.

She did not cure the three others for it is written: “Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate”[6] and they remained sickly to the end of their days.

[1] A Woman of Valor Who can Find? Proverbs 31:10

[2] Psalm 130:1

[3] Deuteronomy 6:5

[4] T.Berachos 61b

[5] T. Niddah 45b

[6] Psalm 101:5

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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No One Understood

Posted on Sunday, 12, December, 2010Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The greatest gift that the Holy One, blessed be He gave to man was the ability to speak and communicate. Yet it is also the undoing of many, though we may speak the same language and believe that certain things need no explanation we still do not understand one another. It is so common in today’s world for people to talk at one another instead of to one another.

No One Understood

A shepherd was once strolling through a meadow behind his meandering sheep. As he walked, he played a merry tune on his flute. In an adjoining field, a harvester was cutting sweet clover and loading it upon a wagon to take home for cattle feed. The harvester and the shepherd did not know one another, nor could they communicate, since they spoke different languages. And so each tended to his own business, while casting curious glances at the other from time to time.

Noon came and the sun was at its blazing zenith. The shepherd looked longingly in the distance to see if his daughter was approaching with his lunch pail, as she did each day at this time. But there was no one in sight. A long time passed and he began worrying. “I must go home and see if everything is all right,” he said to himself.

He walked towards the harvester in the adjacent field. “Listen here, my friend,” he said, accompanying his words with elaborate gestures to make sure the other understood, “I must go home for a short while and leave the sheep here. I cannot take them with me because it would take too much time to herd them together and get them moving. If I go, I will run both ways and be back in a hurry. Please keep an eye on the sheep. Don’t let them run away. They are resting now. I am sure they will give you no trouble. They are easy creatures to handle.”

The harvester heard the words but did not understand a single one. He interpreted the shepherd’s gestures in a far different manner than intended: “You are harvesting all that hay that grows so plentifully in the field while my sheep lie here where the grass is scant. Won’t you cut some down for them, too?”

This aroused the harvester’s anger. “That is very impudent of you! You sit at your leisure under the tree and expect others to do your work for you under the blazing sun? Go! Begone with you!” and with that, he gave a wave of his hand.

This sign of dismissal was clear to the shepherd. He interpreted it to mean: “Go home, if you must. I will keep an eye on your sheep, since I am here anyway.”

His heart set at ease, the shepherd went home, stayed a while and returned a short while later. How happy he was to see the sheep grazing quietly and contentedly as if he had been there all the while.

“How decent it was of the harvester to look after them,” he thought to himself. “I must give him something in appreciation.” He looked about him and wondered what would be suitable.

His eyes fell upon a little lamb that limped a bit. If he sold it, it would not fetch much. But as a gift…

He tied a rope about its neck and began leading it to the adjoining field.

“Good day, my friend,” he said. “I wanted to thank you for the favor you did to me. Here, take this lamb as a sign of my gratitude.” He held the string out to the harvester.

The harvester did not understand a word, as before, and misconstrued the shepherd’s meaning. He thought he meant: “I asked you to watch my sheep and look what happened! This lamb became lame, thanks to you!”

The harvester was understandably insulted and turned to the shepherd. “How dare you come to me with complaints? Am Ito blame? You are the one who left the sheep untended. What do you want from me?”

The shepherd thought that the harvester was dissatisfied with the gift.

He picked up the lamb to show him that it was really a decent gift, indeed. `See,” he gestured, “it is fat and healthy. The only thing wrong with it is its leg. It will make a tasty meal, I am sure!” He again pointed to the broken foot as if to say that that was its only defect.

Seeing the shepherd harping on the broken foot convinced the harvester that the shepherd was again accusing him of being negligent. Fuming, he shouted, “Leave me be, idiot! What business is it of mine?” And he shoved the shepherd backwards.

Shocked by such coarse behavior, the shepherd stepped forward and pushed the harvester. Before long, the two were pummeling one another with heavy blows.

Along came a traveler, hot and dusty from the road. Noticing a horse wandering in the field untethered, he was curious to see if it belonged to anyone, since he wished to ride it a bit. Seeing no one about, he decided to climb on its back for the time being, and ask questions later. He rode on until he came upon the two quarreling men. When they saw the stranger, they ran up to him, grabbed hold of the reins, and asked him to dismount, so that he could resolve their dispute.

The rider, who did not understand either of the two, was sure that they were the owners of the horse demanding an explanation for his having appropriated their animal. Afraid of punishment, he leaped off and ran away.

The remaining two were sure that he had gone off to get help and were afraid of getting into trouble. Both fled as well; the shepherd urging his sheep forward and the harvester shouldering his tools.

The scene returned to its pastoral serenity, with only the horse left to graze upon the delicious clover.

As for the three men, each ran off in different directions, feeling disappointed and frustrated.

The shepherd could not understand why the harvester had been so insulted at the gift he had offered. Had he owed him anything to begin with?

The harvester did not understand why the shepherd blamed him for the sheep’s broken leg, when he had not been to blame.

And the traveler wondered why the two men had attacked him for taking a ride on an untethered horse. He had not meant to steal it!

Each of the three was convinced that he was right. How, then, had such a misunderstanding resulted?

The reason is very simple: Each one interpreted the other’s actions according to his own way of thinking. No one tried to understand what the other was saying. Lack of communication was to blame for this argument.

We do speak the same language as our friends and acquaintances. Nevertheless, we still misinterpret one another’s true meaning and intent. These misunderstandings can often lead to ill feelings, quarrels and even blows.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Students Who Wanted to See Moshiach

Posted on Wednesday, 7, April, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

In a yeshiva there were some students who studied day and night and they davened with kavannah. They were the top students in the yeshiva and were very close to the rosh yeshiva.

One day, they went to the rosh yeshiva and asked him if it would be possible for them to see moshiach (the Messiah). The holy rabbi looked at them for some moments and stroked his beard and then answered:

“To be able to do such a thing one must prepare themselves with prayer, holy meditations, fasts and other religious service.”

The students seemed to answer in one voice, “We will do all that you tell us for we really wish to see moshiach.” The students immediately began to say special prayers, spend hours meditating, fasted many days and performed other religious deeds. After some time, they went back to the rosh yeshiva told him they had completed their preparations and asked where they can see Moshiach.

The holy rabbi looked them and told them that in a faraway village they would meet moshiach. The students immediately boarded a carriage and set off on the long journey to the village.

When they arrived in the village they went to the local inn and gathered around a table. They told innkeeper that they wanted a meal with meat, bread and cake. As they were ordering their food they began to ask, “Where do you get your meat?”

“From the butcher.”

“Is the butcher shomer shabbos? Does he have yirah shamayim?”

“Yes, he’s a very religious man.”

“Did your wife properly kasher the meat? Is she very careful to separate the day for the meat?”

“Yes”

“When your wife makes bread, does she use water or milk? Does she use oil, butter or schmaltz when baking bread?”

Now in the inn there was a large stove that warmed everyone. From behind a stove came a beggar. The beggar walked up to the table where the students were seated and greeted them, “Shalom Aleichem” the students did not respond. The beggar greeted them again, “Shalom Aleichem” again the students ignored him.

The beggar then asked, “May I sit with you?” one of the students responded, “go away, you are dirty and filthy. We are torah scholars here on very important business and have no time for the likes of you.”

The beggar looked at the students for a moment and then asked, “Can I share your meal with you?” the students responded, “You are dirty and offensive. Look at how you are dressed? How can you sit with us scholars?”

The beggar then looked at each student, and then asked, “Can I give you a piece of advice? The students laughed at him and said,

“We are very learned and are here on a very holy mission. You’re dressed in rags and are obviously a man without means or knowledge. What advice could you possibly give us?”

The beggar waited for the students to stop laughing and quietly told them,

“you are so careful about the level of kashurus of what goes into your mouth, you should be just as careful that what comes out of your mouth is kosher.” He then turned and went behind the stove and was seen no more.

A week went by and the students had not met moshiach. They then returned to yeshiva. The rosh yeshiva was waiting for them. When they arrived, he asked them excitedly, “well, what was it like to meet moshiach?”

“He was not there.”

“He was most definitely there. Who did you meet? Who did you talk to in the village?”

The students told the holy rabbi about the travelers, merchants and peasants who came to the inn during the week. the rabbi asked, “wasn’t there anyone else that you met?”

The students answered, “Not really.” The rabbi told them to think hard because the moshiach was definitely in the village while they were there. The students were silent and then one of them said there was that annoying beggar when we first came to the village.

The rabbi asked, “did you offer him Shalom?”

“No, he was a beggar.”

“Did you invite him to sit with you?”

“No, he was dirty, filthy and offensive.”

“Did you share a meal with him?”

The rabbi began to cry. The students were surprised and could not understand why the rosh yeshiva was so upset.

The rabbi explained, “If you had offered Shalom to him, every Jewish heart would have been touched the messianic time to have begun. If you had allowed him to sit with you, all of the Jewish people wouldn’t be gathered together. If you would have shared a meal with him, the holy Beis haMikdosh (Holy Temple) would have been rebuilt. Instead you chose to ignore him. Did he by chance teach you any secrets of the Torah?”

The students look to one another and one slowly said, “He only gave us a short bit of advice. He told us you are so careful about the level of kashurus of what goes into your mouth, you should be just as careful that what comes out of your mouth is kosher.”

The Rosh Yeshiva tore his coat, sat on the floor and cried.

Offenses of man against his neighbor are greater in the eyes of Hashem than offenses of man against Hashem. The first Beis haMikdosh was destroyed because of the sins of man against Hashem, namely, Avodah zarah, resulting in an exile of only 70 years. Yet look at how long the exile from the second Beis haMikdosh has been. This exile was caused by the overwhelming hatred among klal Yisro-l . An aveirah caused by loshon hara. (A sin caused by wrongful speech)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Worst of Curses

Posted on Monday, 26, October, 2009Sunday, 22, July, 2018 by Rabbi

It is so hard to maintain faith in a society that is so focused on science, technology and material things. The simple answer is to ignore the voices that would lead one away from their faith. They can’t find the words to describe a sunrise or the majesty of a mountain, all they can do is speak of the technical aspects.

The beauty and wonder as seen and felt by those of faith cannot be explained. The magnificence of a simple act can leave lifelong impacts on this world and the next.

There was a man who used to curse and belittle a certain holy man, who was never unhappy. The man used to curse him and hope that he would lose his life and all his money. He also cursed him with the wish that he would commit many sins in order that he should lose his share in the World to Come. Then the holy man felt sad.

“Why did you become gloomy?” his students asked, and he said to them: “When he insulted me he did not affect me and I had no desire for honor. When a man dies he has no benefit from his honor. When he cursed me with the hope that I should not benefit from anything in this world—that all passes away in any case. But when he cursed me with the wish that I should not enjoy the World to Come, and that I should rebel against the Holy One, blessed be He then I was concerned for fear that he would cause injustice. And so I prayed that the voice of those who curse should not be heard, but rather the voice of those who bless.”

May all the voices that cause conflict, pain and curse be silenced and may we all join together in prayers of faith.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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Tam and Chacham once set out together on a journey to do a d’var mitzvah (a deed of religious importance) in a faraway country. They traveled to many places and were welcomed with much respect and honor.

In one village they stopped at an inn known for its high stan­dards of kashrus (kosher). They were seated at a special table set with a linen tablecloth and fine dishes, for the woman who owned the inn recognized them to be learned and holy rabbis.

She had them served promptly, 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,’ Chacham replied, ” but the pea soup could have used more salt.”

Seeing Tam’s reaction, Chacham became confused and upset. “What did I say that was so wrong?” he asked. “I said that the food was good — I only added that the pea soup needed some salt.”

You spoke loshon hara;

you caused the owner and myself to listen to loshon hara;

you caused the owner to repeat the loshon hara and that is the sin of rechilus (gossip);

you caused the cook to lie;

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

you caused an argument, another Torah violation.”

Chacham smiled at Tam and said softly and respectfully, “Tam, my friend, certainly things are not as grim as you believe. Maybe, you are exag­gerating a little. You’re carrying this just a bit too far. A few simple words cannot possibly have done all that.”

The innkeeper was really a kindly woman and she also wanted to fulfill Chacham’s request. “Of course, of course,“ 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.”

Split Pea Soup

6 cups broth or water

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 medium onions, chopped

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

4-6 tablespoons margarine or oil

1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram

1/2 cup grated carrots

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 teaspoon pepper

grated carrots and/or sliced scallions, for garnish

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté chopped onions and garlic in margarine or oil until translucent. Add spices and continue sautéing until fragrant. Add split peas and sauté for 5 minutes – stir frequently to avoid sticking.

Slowly add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until peas are tender, about 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add salt and pepper; If desired, garnish with grated carrots and green onions.

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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A holy rabbi was teaching a lesson to his students when an angry, vulgar and ignorant person insulted him in front of everyone. The holy rabbi did not answer or respond, but calmly went on with his studies as though nothing had occurred.

“Our Sages teach that silence acts as a ‘protective zone’ for wisdom. They are referring here to keeping quiet when unjustly attacked, as they state that ‘one who hears himself insulted and does not retaliate, is considered beloved by G-d’ (Shabbos 88b).’ ”

“It is written that ‘a safeguarding fence around wisdom is silence.’ (Pirke Avos 3:13), the holy rabbi continued, “then what does wisdom itself consist of?

“It must be,” he finished off, half-jokingly, “that wisdom itself is not to consider oneself slighted in the least when the assailant is someone who is not qualified to make such critical remarks.”

It wouldn’t hurt for all of us to maintain such wisdom, and to protect it with a sprinkle of silence.

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)

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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.”

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 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.”

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)

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

Once there were two brothers, one brother was very rich and the other brother was painfully poor. The wealthy brother had a fine house which he filled with beautiful things while the poor brother had a very beautiful wife and filled his house with faith and love.

One day the rich man went out for a walk in the town, and in the course of his wanderings came to the poor quarter of the town. Through the window of one of the buildings he saw the face of a beautiful woman. “Whose wife is that?” he asked the people nearby.

The men believed the poor man, and they beat the unfaithful woman and drove her out of the town. Sadly, no one spoke in favor of the poor woman.

Just at that time, a rabbi and his wife were approaching the town. They were childless. They heard the sound of crying and set out to find out the cause. After a short time they found the poor woman lying on the ground with bleeding wounds.

They comforted her, bound her wounds and asked her to travel with them. In their hearts they thought: “Perhaps we have done a good deed today and in reward we would be blessed with a child.”

In the morning the parents were very angry with the ungrateful woman, but the rabbi who was very wise decided, “she should not be punished, all that has happened is the will of G-d. We must let her go, taking with her the dead child.”

The woman herself was sad and hopeless. She had been driven from every place because of false accusations. Who knew better than she how false the accusations were?

She set out into the desert, hungry and thirsty, and in her arms she carried the dead child. Suddenly she saw an old man with a long beard and flowing robes who told her,

The woman placed these patients in different rooms so that they should not see each other but they could hear each other. One condition the woman laid down to all those who came to be treated by her was that before receiving treatment they must confess and reveal all their sins.

The rabbi blessed the woman and her husband, but could not bless them more that the old man with the long beard and flowing robes. For Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet) only comes to the aid of the truly righteous.

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) Please share this story with others

And when the students saw this, they were amazed.

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)

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Please share this story with others

Tam and Chacham once set out together on a journey to do a d’var mitzvah (a deed of religious importance) in a faraway country. They traveled to many places and were welcomed with much respect and honor.

In one village they stopped at an inn known for its high stan­dards of kashrus (kosher). They were seated at a special table set with a linen tablecloth and fine dishes, for the woman who owned the inn recognized them to be important rabbis.

In one village they stopped at an inn known for its high standards of kashrus (kosher). They were seated at a special table set with a linen tablecloth and fine dishes, for the woman who owned the inn recognized them to be learned and holy rabbis.

Chacham smiled at Tam and said softly and respectfully, “Tam, my friend, certainly things are not as grim as you believe. Maybe, you are exaggerating a little. You’re carrying this just a bit too far. A few simple words cannot possibly have done all that.”

The innkeeper was really a kindly woman and she also wanted to fulfill Chacham’s request. “Of course, of course,^“ 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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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***

In one village they stopped at an inn known for its high standards of kashrus (kosher). They were seated at a special table set with a linen tablecloth and fine dishes, for the woman who owned the inn recognized them to be important rabbis.

Chacham smiled at Tam and said softly and respectfully, “Tam, my friend, certainly things are not as grim as you believe. Maybe, you are exaggerating a little. You’re carrying this just a bit too far. A few simple words cannot possibly have done all that.”

The innkeeper was really a kindly woman and she also wanted to fulfill Chacham’s request. “Of course, of course,^“ 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.”