What Do You Know?

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

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

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

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

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

Spirituality

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

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

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

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

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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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Sense of Royalty

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Based on Berachos 58a

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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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An Open Gate, the World to Come and Speech

Posted on Tuesday, 13, April, 2021Tuesday, 24, October, 2023 by Rabbi

“Who left the garden gate open?” shouted the villager as he entered his cottage, “Those blasted goats have been at the vegetables again. It’s had enough that they jump over the wall every once in a while and do their damage. How many times do I have to warn you to keep the gate closed or we won’t have any garden left.”

His frightened family promised to follow this rule in the future and for a few days everything went well. But one day one of the children, in a hurry to join his friends, forgot to shut the gate. Some neighborhood hogs entered the garden and pulled out all the vegetables with their roots. When the villager returned home and saw what had happened he became furious. “That’s the last straw. We need vegetables from our garden in order to have enough food to eat, I see that I can’t rely on my family to keep the garden gate shut so I am going to wall up the gate opening so that those hogs will never get in again to destroy my garden.” “But Father,” asked one of his children, “how will we get in and out of the house if there is no gate?” “I am sorry,” was the reply, “but we still just have to climb over the wall each time.”

“But won’t it look ridiculous climbing over a wall every time you enter or leave home?” “It’s better to look e little ridiculous,” replied the father, “than to go hungry.”

Lashon Hara

A person’s lips are the gate for his tongue, whenever there is a temptation to speak evil gossip or make fun of somebody the gate must be closed so that the hogs don’t enter.” But if a person sees that he surrenders to the temptation of misusing his power of speech then he must sometimes wall up the gate by periodical exercises in silence. He may seem ridiculous to others as he tries in get along without speaking but if this is the only way to save himself from the terrible sins of a careless tongue then it is better to look silly in this world than to be ashamed in the World to Come. (Who Wants Life) (think before speaking)

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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Tzedakah in Secret

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

Charity must be given in secret (Shabbos 104a)

It is taught that tzedakah (charity) be given secretly, so as not to embarrass the poor person. The giving of tzedakah is so important and special that the rabbis of old taught that “charity equals all the other commandments (Bava Basra 9a)

In a small village there lived a man who was experiencing great poverty. Shabbos was approaching, and he was at a loss for what to do; he had absolutely no money and had made no preparations for Shabbos.

A wealthy merchant in the village became aware of the man’s suffering and it pained him to his very heart. He took 2 golden coins and began to consider how to get the money to the poor man. It was not simple either, as this man had once been very wealthy and active in the community. The poor man would be terribly embarrassed to accept charity.

Tzedakah Charity

The wealthy man knew that a person should “give alms from your possessions, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it. Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor, and the face of G-d will not be turned away from you. (Tobit 4:7)

For days the wealthy merchant thought how he could help the poor man without embarrassing him. Then he had an idea. Everyone prayed in the wooden shul (synagogue) and he decided that he slip the gold coins into the poor man’s pocket secretly when his coat is on the wall during services, when he’s saying the Shemoneh Esrei (silent prayer of 18 blessings) prayer with his eyes closed and would not see anything.

When the poor man put on his coat after the services and found the gold coins in his pocket, he lifted his eyes to heaven to thank the Holy One, blessed be He for sending a messenger to save him from his desperate situation.

The man was thankful not only for the money but also for the way it was given and his having been spared embarrassment. Undoubtedly, the wealthy merchant’s sensitive and thoughtful act also inspired him, renewing his will to live and giving him strength to face his difficulties.

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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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)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

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A Student and His Old Teacher Learn about Language

Posted on Wednesday, 17, February, 2021Thursday, 8, February, 2024 by Rabbi

A student was learning about language with his old teacher. He tried to understand the lessons and apply them to his everyday life. After all, “Man was endowed with two ears and one tongue, that he may listen more than speak.” (ben haMelech ve’haNazir ch. 26, c. 1230 ce) That made sense. If a person doesn’t listen, how can they learn?

The student studied and learned that if a person wanted to have a long life, they would have to “keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” (Psalms 34:12–13) The student was troubled because as he learned more and more, he found fault with those around him.

He tried to bury himself in his studies. He reviewed his old teacher’s lesson that “the Old Tongue means: Guard your tongue and sanctify it with old words. (Likutei Moharan 292). As hard as he tried, the student constantly saw the many shortcomings of the people around him.

The student was at a loss and went to his old teacher for guidance. He entered the old teacher’s study and respectfully asked:

“What shall I do? My tongue causes me trouble and whenever I am among people, I cannot control it and I condemn them in all their good deeds and contradict them. What, therefore, shall I do?”

The old teacher thought for a few moments and then answered him:

“You have fallen victim to the dangers of speech. Were we not warned that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits?” (Proverbs 18:21) Know that the sages of old taught that misused and negative speech “kills three people. It kills the one who speaks malicious speech, and the one who accepts the malicious speech when he hears it, and the one about whom the malicious speech is said.” (Arakhin 15b)

If you cannot control how you relate to those around you, go away from people and live alone, For this is a weakness—Those who live together with others ought not to be rigid, but pliable, In order to hear all and respond with understanding. Giving the opportunity for compassion.”

Further, the old teacher said: “I live alone not because of my virtue, but rather because of my weakness. You see, those who live among people are the strong ones.”

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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A Quilt of Life

Posted on Monday, 15, February, 2021Sunday, 5, May, 2024 by Rabbi

The old quilt lay draped over a chair. It’s not a beautiful quilt, and all the fabric appears to be very old. Yet that old quilt is so full of life.

The patches and remnants came from so many people and places. A piece of an apron, a dress worn on a first date, patches from worn out knees, and bits and pieces from many other things. They are odd shapes and sizes. Some nameless shapes are round, others square and some very unusual, long slices of fabric painstakingly sewn with dozens of meticulous stitches. A few tiny patches are smaller than a thumbnail.

Some of the fabric is very plain with dull color, everyday things like shirts or dresses that were taken for granted. Other pieces are bright and cheerful, like snippets of birthdays, holidays, and happy times gone by. A few fancier pieces are satiny smooth with embossing or embroidery; they seem to whisper of weddings, dances, a first kiss…..

They do have an Interesting texture—smooth next to rough denim, seersucker alongside velvet and beautiful silks next to plain old cotton; and all over the quilt hundreds of tiny stitches, almost invisible to the eye, pucker ever so slightly.

That old quilt helps one remember times past and hope for the future. Sometimes one feels sad and miss the friends left behind. “Remember the days of old, consider the years long past; ask your father, and he will inform you; your elders, and they will tell you.” (Deuteronomy 32:7) A study of the old quilt raises many thoughts of the many friends one has had throughout their life. Some felt a bit scratchy and rough like a sturdy piece of wool, but in time they softened or one just became used to them. Others were delicate like silk and needed to be handled with care. Some were colorful and bright and great fun to be with. A few special others felt soft and cozy like flannel, and they knew how to be a comfort during hard times.

Some people leave one with a piece that is bigger than they wanted and others smaller than what one thought they needed. Some were that annoying itchy square in the corner, and others that piece of worn flannel. One leaves pieces with some and they leave their pieces that are kept for some time. All the while each and every piece of the quilt makes up a part of what is in each person. Be okay with the piece left to you. For life is too short to expect from people what they do not have to give, or were not called to give. Quilts are like friends, a great source of comfort.

As one looks closely at the quilt they can see a blessing in each stich. Life is so full of people, places and things and it so easy to become lost in all the different pieces encountered each day. All those scraps and pieces of life can be confusing. When life gives one those pieces and scraps, sew them together and make a quilt.

An old quilt pulled up around oneself offers much needed comfort warmed by memories. Surely, it is a personal masterpiece — this quilt of friendships and life is not nearly finished.

Everyday brings new friends and experiences that grow throughout life. Each person has that special quilt, and that’s because the Holy One, blessed be He has sewn them into our hearts.

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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Tea for Three

Posted on Thursday, 11, February, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The old chacham lived in a small apartment in the Old City of Jerusalem where he would study Torah all day. It was said that he knew many secrets of the revealed and hidden torah. For breakfast he would have only a cup of coffee and a roll, for lunch he would have a yogurt, and for supper he would have a bit of rice and soup. He explained to his family why he ate so little. “If one wishes to rise to a high level of spirituality, they should not indulge themself by eating big fancy meals. Therefore, I eat only what I need.”

The chacham’s son lived next door with his family and he had an unmarried daughter. She was very kind and when she opened “her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is upon her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26). She personally took care of her grandfather every day.

One evening, the young girl noticed two guests entering her grandfather’s apartment. “These men look like great Torah scholars,” she whispered to her mother. “The RaMbaM said that lemons can stimulate and refresh the body and mind. I will bring each of them a cup of hot lemon tea to refresh them.”

The girl brought three cups of lemon tea on a tray to her grandfather’s house. She carefully opened the door to his apartment. Her eyes opened wide. She could not believe what she saw. “How could this be?” she exclaimed in wonder. There was only one person sitting in the room — her grandfather. Three open sefarim (holy books) were on the table — one in front of him, and one in front of each of the other two chairs.

He, too, was surprised by his grandaughter’s presence. “Thank you for the tea even though I did not want you to bring it now. Now please, shut the door.”

She closed the door and ran back to her own house. “Mother, you will not believe what I just saw,” she said. “I saw two men enter Grandfather’s

house. I am sure that nobody left. Then, when I opened his door, only Grandfather was there. And there were three open sefarim on the table!”

What had actually happened became very clear. Her holy grandfather, the old chacham was learning together with two heavenly guests. Because of his humility, it was important to him that no one find out about this. He was upset that his secret had finally been discovered, but he also knew that his grand-daughter was on such a high spiritual level that she was able to see them.

Lemon Tea

Lemon Spiced Tea

8 cups water		1/2 cup honey
8 Black tea bags		¼ cup lemon juice
4 lemon-flavored tea bags		1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
6 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)		Lemon slices and additional cinnamon sticks

DIRECTIONS

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from the heat; add tea bags and cinnamon sticks. Cover and steep for 6 to 10 minutes.

Discard tea bags and cinnamon sticks. Stir in honey and extract if desired. Serve warm in mugs. Garnish with lemon slices and cinnamon sticks.

Holy Books and Holy Study

Posted on Tuesday, 2, February, 2021Tuesday, 26, December, 2023 by Rabbi

The holy man was preparing to teach a Bible study. He used many books so that his lesson could be understood by everyone, but he also wove into his lesson deep spiritual messages. He reached over to the shelf at his side for a book he needed, and then remembered that he had left it downstairs in the living room. His little daughter was playing in her bedroom, and he called her. She came, running, eager and delighted at the thought that her father needed her. He carefully explained where she could find the book. She ran off so happy she could help her father. She quickly returned with a book which the holy man saw at a glance was the wrong one.

Psalms 144:12

He hardly looked at the book as he took it and laid it on the table. He looked only at the excited face of his daughter, and her bright smile. Gathering her close to his heart, he kissed her and said, ”Thank you, my little angel.” When she had gone back happy and very content to her play he went quietly for the book he needed.

Such a holy man could teach magnificent and wonderful things to all who would watch and listen.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

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Have You Eaten Tamir’s Dates?

Posted on Thursday, 21, January, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Once in the Holy Land a man named Tamir lived in a house that stood on the road to Jerusalem. The house was made of stone, because Tamir loved all growing things and did not want to damage the trees in the forest.

One year, in honor of Chamishah Asar b’Shevat, Tamir planted a date palm in his garden. The years passed, and the tree grew so tall that it cast a delightful shade all about it. Tamir put a table and wooden benches under the tree. Whenever someone passed his house on the way to Jerusalem, Tamir invited him to rest under the tree and offered them food and drink. The tree was very similar to the ancient eishel which invited travelers to Achila (“eat”), Shtiya (“drink”), and L’vaya (escort).

After each guest had eaten, he would pay Tamir for the meal. When the guest was not looking, the righteous man put the money back into the traveler’s sack. When the guests left, the birds came down from the tree and ate the crumbs that remained on the table.

One day an old and ancient man came down the road, and Tamir invited him to rest and dine. When the meal was finished the old and ancient man left money on the table for the food. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that his kind host slipped it back into his sack. The old and ancient man was very moved. He said to Tamir, “Because of your kindness you will be blessed. No matter where you and your children may be, you shall always eat the fruit of your date tree under which travelers enjoy your hospitality.”

It takes a long time for a date tree to bear fruit, but at last, the first dates appeared. No sooner did Tamir and his children sit at the table to eat the dates, than the thunder of horses’ hooves was heard in the distance. Tamir ran out to the road. An army of invaders was storming towards Jerusalem. Tamir and his children, as well as thousands of other Israelites, were taken captive by the conquerors.

As the commander of the invading army was returning from Jerusalem to his own land, he passed Tamir’s house and saw the beautiful date tree. The king dismounted from his horse, plucked one of the dates, and ate it. He swallowed too quickly, and the pit stuck in his throat. The soldiers quickly bore their king to their own city where the doctors removed the pit and threw it out of the window.

The date pit took root and slowly grew. As it happened, Tamir’s children, now in exile, came to live in the house next to that very date tree. Each year, on Tu Bi-Shevat, they enjoyed the fruit of the tree, just as the stranger had foretold.

Tamir’s grandchildren left the land of the conquering king and went to other countries to live. Each took with him fruit of the date tree to plant beside his new home. Wherever their descendants settled, they continued to eat the fruit of the date tree.

The story was handed down from generation to generation. And when Jewish children ate dates on Tu Bi-Shevat, their parents often said to them, “Who knows? Perhaps you are one of Tamir’s descendants.”

Moroccan Chicken with Honey, Dates and Olives

INGREDIENTS

1 large orange, thinly sliced		½ teaspoon cinnamon
6 large or 8 small bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or one chicken, cut into 8 pieces		¼ cup olive oil
6 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley		½ cup red wine
8 garlic cloves, finely chopped		¼ cup balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin, divided		2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon ginger		20 whole pitted dates
1 teaspoon paprika		10 large pitted green olives
¼ teaspoon turmeric

DIRECTIONS

Arrange orange slices in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place chicken on top in an even layer.

Mix 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped garlic and spices in a bowl. Rub mixture all over chicken.

Whisk red wine, oil, vinegar and honey in a small bowl. Pour over chicken. Tuck dates and olives between chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 12 hours or overnight, turning once.

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook for about 40 minute, basting occasionally. Transfer chicken, dates and olives to platter and pour pan juices into a heavy small saucepan. Add remaining ¼ tsp. cumin and boil until reduced to ½ cup, whisking frequently, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon some sauce over chicken. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Serve, with sauce on side.

Almond Date Truffles

INGREDIENTS

1 cup dates		2 tbsp. chocolate chips
1 cup almonds		1-2 tbsp. honey

DIRECTIONS

Put all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until combined.

Remove dough and roll into balls.

Refrigerate until ready to eat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Based on Berachos 58a

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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“But won’t it look ridiculous climbing over a wall every time you enter or leave home?” “It’s better to look e little ridiculous,” replied the father, “than to go hungry.”

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

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Charity must be given in secret (Shabbos 104a)

It is taught that tzedakah (charity) be given secretly, so as not to embarrass the poor person. The giving of tzedakah is so important and special that the rabbis of old taught that “charity equals all the other commandments (Bava Basra 9a)

In a small village there lived a man who was experiencing great poverty. Shabbos was approaching, and he was at a loss for what to do; he had absolutely no money and had made no preparations for Shabbos.

The wealthy man knew that a person should “give alms from your possessions, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it. Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor, and the face of G-d will not be turned away from you. (Tobit 4:7)

When the poor man put on his coat after the services and found the gold coins in his pocket, he lifted his eyes to heaven to thank the Holy One, blessed be He for sending a messenger to save him from his desperate situation.

The man was thankful not only for the money but also for the way it was given and his having been spared embarrassment. Undoubtedly, the wealthy merchant’s sensitive and thoughtful act also inspired him, renewing his will to live and giving him strength to face his difficulties.

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

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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.

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.”