He Who Shames Another Has No Portion in the World to Come

Posted on Wednesday, 11, December, 2019Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Tam and Chacham taught many students and frequently they were asked about how people treated one another. Once students were discussing a prayer that says, “Open our eyes to Your Torah, help our hearts to cleave to Your commandments. Unite all our thoughts to love and revere You. Then shall we never be brought to shame (v’lo nayvosh l’olam va’ed)” (Siddur).

One student shared that the TaNaCh asked, “Have we not all one father? Has not one G-d created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother…?)” (Malachi 2:10) He continued, “Why must many find ways to shame others in public? Aren’t we taught that ‘He who shames his fellow man in public… has no portion in the world-to-come.’ (Pirke Avos 3:15)”

Another student responded, “We learn ‘let the honour of your fellow-man be as dear to you as your own, and do not be easy to anger’ (Pirke Avos 2:15). If we treated everyone with respect and honour so they would not be shamed, less people would be angered by shame and embarrassment. If one would remember and consider ‘Who is honoured? He that honours his fellow men’ (Pirke Avos 4:1) the world would be a much better place.’ “

Chacham listened to the students as they searched for meaning and understanding about the honour and respect to be shown to everyone. After some time, he raised his hand and the room became quiet as the students eagerly waited for him to speak.

Many knew that he and Tam had very different views on matters concerning public behavior and the treatment of one another. He began by describing Tam’s respect for every individual as being unequaled. Tam did not discriminate between people, but honoured everyone equally, regardless of a person’s background or beliefs. Never did Tam say a disrespectful word.

Chacham recounted that he was once walking in the forest with Tam when a man with a severe speech impediment approached them to ask for directions to a doctor’s house that could treat him and possibly improve or cure his speech problems. Feeling uneasy about leaving Tam alone on the road, he directed the man to the doctor’s house by pointing out the way.

Tam asked Chacham if they could walk with the man all the way to the doctor’s house. Chacham asked why Tam felt it important to escort the man to his destination. Tam explained that he did not want the man to have to ask someone else for directions lest he be too embarrassed to reveal his speech Impediment to yet another person.

“Why is this so important? Asked Chacham, “The Torah (Scriptures) says ‘I (Moses) am not eloquent…but am slow of speech and tongue.’ (Exodus 4:10) it was not an issue to the Holy One, blessed be He.”

Tam answered, “Moses was not ashamed because he was speaking to G-d. He approached us because he saw two men dressed as rabbis and felt secure that we would not mock him. I wanted to save his having to ask again and thereby spare him any unnecessary embarrassment.”

Chacham turned to the students and reminded them of the prayer:

“May it be Your will, O Eternal our G-d and G-d of our ancestors, that no hatred against any person come into our hearts, and no hatred against us come into the hearts of any other person, and may none be jealous of us, and may we not be jealous of any; and may Your law be our labor all the days of our lives, and may our words be as supplications before You.” (Talmud Yerushalmi, Berachos 4.2)

May it be the will of the Holy One, blessed be He that you should not embarrass others and not be embarrassed yourself? (Moed Katan 9b)

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

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.

Please share this story with others

The Season of Lights – Chanukah is coming very quickly as it begins at Sundown On December 22, 2019. Most people in the Jewish communities throughout the world can rattle off a list of Chanukah traditions such as lighting the menorah each night; playing dreidel games; eating foods cooked in oil (latkes and Sufganiot); and exchanging gifts.

An age old tradition is telling stories in the glow of the Chanukah menorah. The stories tell of greatness, nobility, and wisdom while at the same time raising the hopes for a better tomorrow.

The very backdrop to the spiritual stories is attractive to its readers allowing one to peek into the beliefs, and lifestyles of a vanishing age of a faraway world and reminding them that the messages are eternal – just as strong today as they were yesterday.

The book, Story Tour: The Journey Begins will remind readers of forgotten stories of faith that strengthen and reaffirm hope for a better world.

Buy a copy of Story Tour: The Journey Begins as a gift for someone special today. Story Tour: The Journey Begins is available from the publisher, Xlibris, Booksamillion, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon

To Whom Shall I Leave My Kingdom?

Posted on Monday, 25, November, 2019Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Once the King of a large kingdom was growing old. He decided that it was time to select the next king from among his four sons, so he called them in one at a time to discuss who would rule his kingdom.

When the first son entered the chamber of the King and sat down, the King spoke to him. “My son, I am very old and will not live much longer. I wish to entrust my kingdom to the son best suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave my kingdom to you what will you give to the kingdom?”

Now this son was very rich. So when asked the question, he replied: “I am a man of vast wealth. If you leave me your kingdom I will give it all of my wealth and it will be the richest kingdom in the entire world.”

“Thank you, son,” the King said as he dismissed the son.

When the second son entered, the King spoke to him. “My son, I am very old and will not live much longer. I wish to entrust my kingdom to the son best suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave my kingdom to you what will you give to the kingdom?”

Now this son was very intelligent. So when asked the ques¬tion, he answered: ” Are we not taught ‘Who is fit to rule? A sage invested with power or a king who seeks wisdom.’ (Mibhar haPeninim #4) I am a man of vast intelligence. If you leave me your kingdom I will give it all of my intelligence and it will be the most intelligent kingdom in the entire world.”

“Thank you, son,” the King said as he dismissed the son.

When the third son entered, the King spoke to him. “My son, I am very old and will not live much longer. I wish to entrust my kingdom to the son best suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave my kingdom to you what will you give to the kingdom?”

Now this son was very strong. So when asked the question, he replied: “I am a man of great strength. If you leave me your kingdom I will give it all of my strength and it will be the strongest kingdom in all the world.”

“Thank you, son,” the King said as he dismissed the son.

The fourth son entered and was greeted by the King in the same fashion as the other three. “My son, I am very old and will not live much longer. I wish to entrust my kingdom to the son best suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave my kingdom to you what will you give to the kingdom?”

Now this son wasn’t especially rich, or smart, or strong. So he replied, “My father, you know that my brothers are much richer, smarter and stronger than I. While they have spent years gaining these attributes, I have spent my time among the people in your kingdom. I have shared with them in their sickness and sorrow. And I have learned to love them. I’m afraid that the only thing I have to give to your kingdom is my love of the people. I have learn from you, my brothers and the people of your kingdom a deep meaning from the ancient words of ben Zoma, ‘Who is wise? One who learns from every man… Who is strong? One who overpowers his inclinations… Who is rich? One who is satisfied with his lot… Who is honorable? One who honors his fellows.’ (Pirke Avos – Ethics of the Fathers, 4:1) I know that my brothers have more to offer than I do, therefore I will not be disappointed in not being named your heir. I will simply go on doing what I have always done.”

When the king died the people anxiously awaited the news as to their new ruler. And the greatest rejoicing the kingdom ever knew took place when the fourth son was named by the King as his successor, for “the king, in essence, is the people.” (Sheves Yehudah #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

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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The Third Leg

Posted on Friday, 16, November, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

When the new rabbi came to Prague, he spoke to the every Shabbos on the same subject: the severe distress of the city’s needy. Everyone expected to hear well reasoned lessons of Torah (Scriptures) and wonderful stories of faith, but he spoke each Shabbos to remind them of the plight of the poverty-stricken. The numbers of poor and needy grew each week, spreading rapidly throughout the city, even in their own neighborhood; on this very street where they were attending services. “Help them!” he cried again and again. “Help! This very night go out and help!” But the people regarded his appeal as merely a sermon and they grew annoyed at constantly hearing the rabbi talk about the poor and needy.

Something strange happened one week in the market on the busiest day. In the center thickest crowds of the market the rabbi appeared and stood motionless as if he had merchandise for sale and was waiting for customers. To those who knew him his conduct became more and more confusing, while from everywhere merchants and shoppers gathered around him and stared at him. Nobody, however, dared to question him. After some time an onlooker broke the silence:

“What is the holy rabbi of Prague doing here ?”

The rabbi took a deep breath and answered:

“When a table has three legs and a piece of one of them is broken off, what does one do ? One props up the leg as well as one can and the table stands again. When, however, a second leg breaks, another support will not make the table stand. What does one do in that case? One shortens the third leg and the table stands again.”

“Our sages say, ‘The world stands on three things: Torah, on the service and on acts of lovingkindness.’ (Pirke Avos 1:2) When a school is destroyed, then the leg of Torah is broken. Our sages provide a support for it in the dictum: ‘By prayer is meant service of the heart.’ (Ta’anis 2a) When, however, Acts of Loving Kindness vanish and the second leg is impaired, how shall the world continue? That is why I left my study and came to the market. We must shorten the leg of Learning so that the table of the world will stand firmly.”

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

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Judge Others Favorably

Posted on Monday, 30, May, 2016Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

We speak and learn so much about religion, values, prayer and ritual, yet forget the important aspects of faith. To live by the standards established in the holy words of the T’NaCh (Scriptures). We should look upon all around us favorably and give them the benefit of the doubt.

The rabbis taught about two thousand years ago: “In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor… with justice you shall judge your neighbor. (Lev. 19:15.) When you see a person doing what appears to be wrong, take a favorable view of his action.” (Shevu’os 30a)

Judging others favorably not only fulfills a religious requirement, it provides a number of benefits.

A 13th century Spanish rabbi wrote a book which systematically discusses the 613 commandments of the Torah (Scriptures) in which he “stated that each person is required to judge others favorably …promotes peace and friendship and therefore, the purpose of this mitzvah (the mitzvah to judge righteously) is to improve society with a sense of righteousness and provide peace by removing suspicion of one to another. (Sefer HaChinuch no. 235)

The Mishna in Pirkei Avot directs that “One should judge all people favorably.” (Avot 1:6) Rabbeinu Yonah (d. 1263), in his commentary to Avot 1 :6, writes that we should assume that they realize their mistakes and are working on trying to improve themselves. This concept is often associated with the prohibition against accepting evil speech and gossip.

Once upon a time a religious man ransomed a beautiful woman from prison, and when they came to the inn in the evening, he put the young woman to sleep at the foot of his bed. In the morning he immersed himself in the purifying waters, and then he went to teach his students. While he was teaching them he asked his students, “Did you suspect me of anything last night when you saw the young maiden lying at the foot of my bed?” They answered, “We did not suspect you of anything; we thought that you put her near you because you had among your students one whom you did not know, and you would not let her sleep in a separate room for fear that harm might come to her.”

Then the religious man asked, “Why did you think I went in the morning and immersed in the purifying waters?”

“What else do you believe we could have thought,” replied his students, “except that probably on the way you had touched something unclean which made it necessary for you to immerse in the purifying waters?”

Then he said, “I swear that it was exactly as you thought. And as for you–as you judged me on the scale of merit, so may He who is everywhere judge you on the scale of merit

Based on B. Shabbos 127b and Ma’asah Book #21

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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Wisdom, Knowledge and the Blind

Posted on Thursday, 21, January, 2010Tuesday, 18, October, 2011 by Rabbi

In today’s society many become trapped in their respective ways of life. Habits and ways of thinking become rigid preventing many from experiencing the various gifts and wonders that surround them. So often one become lost in the popular pursuit of science and philosophy of today, while other become trapped and immoveable in the rituals of yesterday, that neither can gain knowledge. Mibhar haPeninim reminds us that “Man is only wise while in search of wisdom, when he imagines he has attained it, he is a fool.” (#21 c.1050 ce)

It is like the unseeing, who become accustomed to their plight, not ever realizing that their lives can be improved.

The Blind Men

A number of blind men were brought to a house that had been prepared for them in all respects. In it everything had been placed in its most suitable position and arranged as best suited their requirements and needs. In it had been prepared beneficial ointments and a wise physician to treat them and improve their sight. But they disregarded the treatment of their eyes and paid no attention to the physician who was engaged in treating them, but went about the house doing harmful things because of their blindness.

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Wherever they went they stumbled over those objects that had been prepared for their benefit and fell on their faces. Some of them were injured and some sustained fractures, and they suffered greatly and were in a very bad way. Then they complained about the house owner and the builder, and complained about his deeds, for to them he seemed to have done everything badly and wrongly, supposing that he had no good and kind intentions for them but had only wished to cause them injury and suffering. Indeed, this led them to lose faith in the goodness and kindness of the owner of the house.

Let us follow the teaching in Avos: “Who is wise? He who learns from everybody.” (4.1)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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Is Knowledge, Wisdom?

Posted on Monday, 4, January, 2010Tuesday, 18, October, 2011 by Rabbi

In a time when science and technology are touted as knowledge, there is a true lack of wisdom. The ancients defined the world in the terms of mathematics and their five senses. Times have not changed since it was taught in Pirke Avos: “Who is wise? He who learns from everybody.” (4:1) One must take the time to see and understand what is around them, for knowledge is not wisdom.

Woe to them that see and know not what they see, that stand and know not where they stand. (Chagigah 12a )

The stories told by the maggid (storytelling rabbi) touched many to the heart, mind and soul in the community. People began to see hope and return to the ways of Torah (Scriptures). Suddenly the maggid was confronted by a leader of the community, a clean-shaven man who not only refused to show the maggid any respect, but also sharply criticized him for the stories he told the people.The maggid now realized that his sermon had been on target and that this man’s disrespect was defensive.

The maggid answered the man’s biting words, “As I came into this village, I was greeted by an ox. ‘What reason do you have to greet me?’ I asked. ‘I have no reason to relate to you.’ The ox answered, ‘Yes, you do, you eat of my meat.’

“I was then greeted by a cow, and when I asked what relationship she had to me, the cow said, ‘You drink my milk.’ I was then greeted by a goat, who said, ‘We share a common feature, because you have a beard and I too have a beard.’

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“But then I was greeted by a hog. ‘This is too much,’ I said. ‘You give me nothing. I don’t eat your meat and I don’t drink your milk. You don’t have a beard like I do. Why should I relate to you?’ “

Let us all hope we can rise above the science and popular philosophies of society to gain true knowledge and wisdom.

“All the streams run into the sea” (Eccles. 1:7). All of man’s wisdom is nowhere other than in the heart. “Yet the sea is not full” (ibid.)–the heart is never filled to capacity. You might suppose that when a man lets his wisdom go forth from his heart, it will never flow back to him. For this reason Scripture says, “Yet the streams flow back again” (Eccles. R. 1:7)

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The Innkeeper’s Reward

Posted on Tuesday, 20, January, 2009Friday, 21, July, 2023 by Rabbi

So many people become lost in their search to serve the holy One, blessed be He. The service in and of itself is fairly uncomplicated. Simply put, “Serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind.” (I Chronicles 28:9)

The Innkeeper’s Reward

An officer traveled at the head of a large caravan in order to perform an important task that the king had assigned him. The sun set in the middle of their trip, and spotting an inn alongside the road, they headed directly towards it.

The innkeeper was delighted to merit the honor to host the king’s officer. He therefore tried his utmost to make his esteemed guests’ stay a pleasant one. In their honor, he arranged a table replete with various delicacies, and when they had eaten their fill, he prepared comfortable beds that would provide them with a good night’s sleep.

Upon rising in the morning, the officer asked the innkeeper how much he owed him for their stay, and the innkeeper requested a substantial sum of money.

The officer paid the full amount and thanked the innkeeper. He then took his place at the head of the caravan and continued his journey, quickly forgetting all about the inn and the innkeeper.

Several days later, he arrived at another inn, and this time as well, was showered with exceptional hospitality as the innkeeper went well beyond the call of duty. Wanting to please his guests, the innkeeper served them delicious food and beverages, and provided them with comfortable sleeping arrangements as well.

The next day, the officer approached the innkeeper and requested to pay for his stay. The innkeeper, however, would not hear of it.

“Absolutely not!” he said to the officer. “It is both a pleasure and an honor that a great individual such as yourself would choose to lodge at my inn! The honor you have accorded me will be my full compensation!”

Upon hearing the innkeeper’s heartfelt words, the officer was filled with tremendous affection for the simple man. He therefore commanded one of his servants to go and bring a particularly heavy chest from one of the wagons. Opening the chest, he removed magnificent jewelry and gems and presented them to the innkeeper.

“Here you go, my dear sir,” said the officer. “This is a small portion of the reward that you shall receive for the loyalty that you have shown me. In addition, if you ever need anything from the king, do not hesitate to turn to me!”

The officer went on his way but never forgot the innkeeper and his kindliness.

There are two types of people who serve Hashem (G-d).

There are those who serve Hashem (G-d) in the hope of receiving a reward. Hashem certainly looks upon his Divine service favorably, but in the end he only receives his due reward.

But there are others who serve Hashem (G-d) merely for the joy of serving King of All Kings. His reward is many times greater and brings Hashem much enjoyment.

This is what we are taught in Pirke Avos (Ethics of the Fathers) 1:3: “Be not as servants who serve the master for the sake of receiving [even a token) of reward, but rather, be like servants who serve the master not for the sake of receiving a reward”

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.

Please share this story with others

Chacham listened to the students as they searched for meaning and understanding about the honour and respect to be shown to everyone. After some time, he raised his hand and the room became quiet as the students eagerly waited for him to speak.

“Why is this so important? Asked Chacham, “The Torah (Scriptures) says ‘I (Moses) am not eloquent…but am slow of speech and tongue.’ (Exodus 4:10) it was not an issue to the Holy One, blessed be He.”

Tam answered, “Moses was not ashamed because he was speaking to G-d. He approached us because he saw two men dressed as rabbis and felt secure that we would not mock him. I wanted to save his having to ask again and thereby spare him any unnecessary embarrassment.”

Chacham turned to the students and reminded them of the prayer:

May it be the will of the Holy One, blessed be He that you should not embarrass others and not be embarrassed yourself? (Moed Katan 9b)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

An age old tradition is telling stories in the glow of the Chanukah menorah. The stories tell of greatness, nobility, and wisdom while at the same time raising the hopes for a better tomorrow.

The very backdrop to the spiritual stories is attractive to its readers allowing one to peek into the beliefs, and lifestyles of a vanishing age of a faraway world and reminding them that the messages are eternal – just as strong today as they were yesterday.

The book, Story Tour: The Journey Begins will remind readers of forgotten stories of faith that strengthen and reaffirm hope for a better world.

Buy a copy of Story Tour: The Journey Begins as a gift for someone special today. Story Tour: The Journey Begins is available from the publisher, Xlibris, Booksamillion, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon

Once the King of a large kingdom was growing old. He decided that it was time to select the next king from among his four sons, so he called them in one at a time to discuss who would rule his kingdom.

When the first son entered the chamber of the King and sat down, the King spoke to him. “My son, I am very old and will not live much longer. I wish to entrust my kingdom to the son best suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave my kingdom to you what will you give to the kingdom?”

Now this son was very rich. So when asked the question, he replied: “I am a man of vast wealth. If you leave me your kingdom I will give it all of my wealth and it will be the richest kingdom in the entire world.”

“Thank you, son,” the King said as he dismissed the son.

When the second son entered, the King spoke to him. “My son, I am very old and will not live much longer. I wish to entrust my kingdom to the son best suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave my kingdom to you what will you give to the kingdom?”

“Thank you, son,” the King said as he dismissed the son.

When the third son entered, the King spoke to him. “My son, I am very old and will not live much longer. I wish to entrust my kingdom to the son best suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave my kingdom to you what will you give to the kingdom?”

Now this son was very strong. So when asked the question, he replied: “I am a man of great strength. If you leave me your kingdom I will give it all of my strength and it will be the strongest kingdom in all the world.”

“Thank you, son,” the King said as he dismissed the son.

The fourth son entered and was greeted by the King in the same fashion as the other three. “My son, I am very old and will not live much longer. I wish to entrust my kingdom to the son best suited to receive it. Tell me, if I leave my kingdom to you what will you give to the kingdom?”

When the king died the people anxiously awaited the news as to their new ruler. And the greatest rejoicing the kingdom ever knew took place when the fourth son was named by the King as his successor, for “the king, in essence, is the people.” (Sheves Yehudah #7)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

“What is the holy rabbi of Prague doing here ?”

The rabbi took a deep breath and answered:

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 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.

Please share this story with others

We speak and learn so much about religion, values, prayer and ritual, yet forget the important aspects of faith. To live by the standards established in the holy words of the T’NaCh (Scriptures). We should look upon all around us favorably and give them the benefit of the doubt.

The rabbis taught about two thousand years ago: “In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor… with justice you shall judge your neighbor. (Lev. 19:15.) When you see a person doing what appears to be wrong, take a favorable view of his action.” (Shevu’os 30a)

Judging others favorably not only fulfills a religious requirement, it provides a number of benefits.

Then the religious man asked, “Why did you think I went in the morning and immersed in the purifying waters?”

“What else do you believe we could have thought,” replied his students, “except that probably on the way you had touched something unclean which made it necessary for you to immerse in the purifying waters?”

Then he said, “I swear that it was exactly as you thought. And as for you–as you judged me on the scale of merit, so may He who is everywhere judge you on the scale of merit

Based on B. Shabbos 127b and Ma’asah Book #21

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 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.

Please share this story with others

It is like the unseeing, who become accustomed to their plight, not ever realizing that their lives can be improved.

The Blind Men

Let us follow the teaching in Avos: “Who is wise? He who learns from everybody.” (4.1)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Woe to them that see and know not what they see, that stand and know not where they stand. (Chagigah 12a )

The maggid answered the man’s biting words, “As I came into this village, I was greeted by an ox. ‘What reason do you have to greet me?’ I asked. ‘I have no reason to relate to you.’ The ox answered, ‘Yes, you do, you eat of my meat.’

“I was then greeted by a cow, and when I asked what relationship she had to me, the cow said, ‘You drink my milk.’ I was then greeted by a goat, who said, ‘We share a common feature, because you have a beard and I too have a beard.’

“But then I was greeted by a hog. ‘This is too much,’ I said. ‘You give me nothing. I don’t eat your meat and I don’t drink your milk. You don’t have a beard like I do. Why should I relate to you?’ “

Let us all hope we can rise above the science and popular philosophies of society to gain true knowledge and wisdom.

So many people become lost in their search to serve the holy One, blessed be He. The service in and of itself is fairly uncomplicated. Simply put, “Serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind.” (I Chronicles 28:9)

The Innkeeper’s Reward

An officer traveled at the head of a large caravan in order to perform an important task that the king had assigned him. The sun set in the middle of their trip, and spotting an inn along­side the road, they headed directly towards it.

Upon rising in the morning, the officer asked the innkeeper how much he owed him for their stay, and the innkeeper requested a substantial sum of money.

The officer paid the full amount and thanked the innkeeper. He then took his place at the head of the caravan and continued his journey, quickly forgetting all about the inn and the innkeeper.

The next day, the officer approached the innkeeper and requested to pay for his stay. The innkeeper, however, would not hear of it.

“Absolutely not!” he said to the officer. “It is both a pleasure and an honor that a great individual such as yourself would choose to lodge at my inn! The honor you have accorded me will be my full compensation!”

“Here you go, my dear sir,” said the officer. “This is a small por­tion of the reward that you shall receive for the loyalty that you have shown me. In addition, if you ever need anything from the king, do not hesitate to turn to me!”

The officer went on his way but never forgot the innkeeper and his kindliness.

There are two types of people who serve Hashem (G-d).

There are those who serve Hashem (G-d) in the hope of receiving a re­ward. Hashem certainly looks upon his Divine service favorably, but in the end he only receives his due reward.

But there are others who serve Hashem (G-d) merely for the joy of serving King of All Kings. His reward is many times greater and brings Hashem much enjoyment.

This is what we are taught in Pirke Avos (Ethics of the Fathers) 1:3: “Be not as servants who serve the master for the sake of receiving [even a token) of reward, but rather, be like servants who serve the master not for the sake of receiving a reward”

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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An officer traveled at the head of a large caravan in order to perform an important task that the king had assigned him. The sun set in the middle of their trip, and spotting an inn alongside the road, they headed directly towards it.

“Here you go, my dear sir,” said the officer. “This is a small portion of the reward that you shall receive for the loyalty that you have shown me. In addition, if you ever need anything from the king, do not hesitate to turn to me!”

There are those who serve Hashem (G-d) in the hope of receiving a reward. Hashem certainly looks upon his Divine service favorably, but in the end he only receives his due reward.