Live by Faith

Posted on Thursday, 6, July, 2023 by Rabbi

So many people become confused with the many conflicting messages they receive in their everyday lives. They hear the bitterness and, sadly, the prejudice between the different communities. They become confused and dismayed by the claims that one community has the absolute truth.

The wonder and beauty of faith is often shrouded in absolutes. Many only see the rules and not the message of the Holy writings – the messages of life, peace, and kindness.

There is such richness within the different communities that need to be shared. Faith varies as people vary. A person with a large measure of faith emerges from most trying experiences a giant of determination and loyalty, a wellspring of courage, optimism, and inspiration. The higher one scales the ladder of faith, the more enriching is their life and their influence on life. This is what the prophet may have indicated by saying, “The pious will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2: 4).

The lion, king of the beasts, could not find any food for three days and three nights. Because he had not eaten for so long, he developed bad breath. As he saw he was about to die, he let out a roar and summoned his servants. Immediately, a fleet-footed horse ran over. “I want you to smell my breath,” said the lion, “and tell me if there is a bad odor from my mouth.”

The fleet-footed horse did as it was commanded and said, “You are right, your majesty. There is a bad odor.”

“You have spoken and rebelled against me,” decreed the lion, “and you are sentenced to death.”

The lion immediately killed the fleet-footed horse and ate him.

Three days later, the lion was hungry again and he let out a roar, and this time a wolf appeared.

“l want you to smell my breath,” said the lion, “and tell me if there is a bad odor from my mouth.”

The wolf said to himself: “I will be more clever than the fleet-footed horse.” He smelled the lion’s breath and said, “Your majesty, there is no bad odor.”

“You dare lie to the king,” said the lion, “and to lie is to rebel against me. You are sentenced to death.”

The lion instantly killed the wolf and ate him.

Three days later, the lion was again starving, so he let out a roar. This time, a cunning fox came running. “I want you to smell my breath,” said the lion, “and tell me if there is a bad odor from my mouth.”

“Your majesty,” replied the cunning fox, “I have a cold and am unable to smell anything.”

The lion, the king of the beasts, smiled at the cunning fox’s wisdom and decreed, “I want you all to have colds and not smell anything,”

“Do mitzvahs out of love, for if you will be visited by a desire to fulfill them out of fear, your love will strengthen and remind you that you are one who loves Hashem, and one does not exchange love for hatred or fear of punishment” (Y. Sotah 5:5). One’s faith is strengthened by love, and with love comes understanding. With that understanding, a person grows close to the ways of the Holy One, blessed be He.

Those who do the mitzvahs out of love are praised with the following verse, “and those who love him will be like the sun which comes out in full strength” (Judges 5: 31)

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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The War Against the Evil Inclination

Posted on Wednesday, 11, May, 2022 by Rabbi

Man is engaged in a constant war against his archrival, the yetzer hara – evil inclination. How can man succeed against such a powerful enemy? The answer can be found in an old parable:

Two kings had been waging a fierce war for many years, with each one taking turns gaining the upper hand. One day, the kings decided to put an end to their war. The two met and agreed to wage one battle that would last a total of four days. Whoever won this decisive battle would be proclaimed the victor, and the loser would submit entirely to the will of the conqueror.

The kings began preparing for the deciding battle, and their finest generals taught the soldiers new war tactics and strategies.

When the war commenced, it was clear that both armies were powerful, skilled, and of equal strength. Indeed, on the first day of the fighting, one of the armies proved triumphant, and on the second day, the other was victorious. Towards evening of the third day, one of the generals gathered the commanders of his troops and exclaimed, “Men! Tomorrow is the final and decisive day of this war, and we must emerge victorious at any cost. However, as the sides are evenly matched, we must utilize a brilliant plan. Our spies,” he continued, “have reported that the enemy’s ammunition and many of their weapons are in a specific bunker in their camp. If we were to send an elite team of soldiers to steal the ammunition and weapons from the enemy’s camp, they would be easily defeated.”

Everyone agreed, and they carried out the plan. A squad of elite soldiers secretly entered the enemy camp and stole their ammunition and weapons.

The next day, there was a loud trumpet blast and the armies assembled to take the field. But when one of the armies rushed to arm themselves, they were shocked to discover that the bunker in their camp was empty. Left with no other choice, they surrendered.

If the evil inclination, encounters you, pull it into the study hall, (go and study Torah). If it is a stone it will melt, and if it is iron it will break, as it is stated in reference to the Torah: “Is not my word like fire, says the L-rd, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29). Just as a stone shatters a hammer, so too one can overcome the evil inclination, which is as strong as iron, through Torah study. (Kiddushin 30b)

So it is with man’s war against the yetzer hara – evil inclination. The evil inclination battles a man all the days of his life. There are occasions when the yetzer hara emerges victorious and other times when man proves triumphant. It is at that point that the evil inclination devises the cunning strategy to steal man’s ammunition and weapons – the holy Torah, in the merit of which he can defeat the yetzer hara.

We must therefore take caution that the yetzer hara does not steal our powerful weapon. For even if the yetzer hara has recently prevailed, a person must not despair. Rather, they must strengthen and discipline themselves to study the holy Torah and good deeds, and only then will a person triumph over the yetzer hara – evil inclination.

On the one hand, the evil inclination is within every person; and the subjugation of kingdoms is on the other hand. Hear the ancient prayer, “May it be Your will that You will deliver us from their hands, of both the evil inclination and the foreign kingdoms, so that we may return to perform the edicts of Your will with a whole heart.” (Berachos 17a)

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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The Gift of Life

Posted on Monday, 21, March, 2022 by Rabbi

A king’s son was once walking along a forest path when he reached a clearing filled with many beautiful wonders. The prince stopped to see the rich green bushes, feel the soft moss and watch the colorful butterflies. He became lost in the magnificence around him. Suddenly, a band of highwaymen appeared from nowhere and attacked him. They intended to rob and murder him.

Much to his good fortune, beggar dressed in rags happened to be walking along the wooded trail at that very moment entered the clearing. When he saw the murderous band, he gathered up his courage and in a display of great strength, defeated them and saved the king’s son.

The king, upon hearing of the beggar’s bravery, had him summoned before him. When the beggar arrived, the king thanked him and proclaimed, “As a reward for saving my son, I hereby permit you to spend an entire day in the royal treasury; you may take anything that your heart desires.”

When the gates of the royal treasury were opened for the beggar, he joyously fell upon the massive piles of gold and diamonds, and began to gather all that he could. Then he stopped and sat on a finely carved chair and began to think about what he was doing. Something changed within him.

When evening settled in and the beggar left the royal treasury, he had undergone a complete change. In one day, he had gone from being a penniless beggar to an extraordinarily wealthy man. The next day, this former beggar went into business, and in a short while he became very successful. He had now become one of the wealthiest men in the land, and he left his former life of poverty and deprivation behind.

Every year, the former beggar staged a lavish feast on the day that he had been blessed with the good fortune of entering the royal treasury. He invited all his friends and relatives to the feast, and it was a custom that lasted for many years.

One year in the middle of the feast, the wealthy man turned to his friends and asked, “Which day of my life do you think was the happiest of all for me?”

“It must be this very day,” responded the guests. “This day on which you have made a feast for all of your friends must be the happiest day of your life! After all, on this day your mansion is decorated, your servants surround you, and all of the distinguished individuals in the land hold you in great regard!”

“You are mistaken,” said the wealthy man. “While this day is certainly one of great joy, it is but a remembrance of the day on which I was remade, literally transformed from a lowly beggar in ragged clothing to a man possessing enormous wealth. That day was the happiest of my life.

“I spent that entire day,” he continued, “inside the royal treasury. I felt neither the pangs of hunger nor overwhelming weariness; rather, it was as if my complete being was focused on only one goal a change to myself. The more valuables I amassed, the more I thought I realized that money and riches could indeed help my physical needs, but to enjoy my new found wealth I had to change the way I felt about and saw myself. I have yet to experience a happier day than that one. It is important to remember “that whenever a man does eat and drink and get enjoyment out of all his wealth, it is a gift of G-d.” (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

So it is with people who strive to live what they believe. The Holy One, blessed be He grants each person life as a gift. Throughout life, people can amass as many compassionate and good deeds as their heart desires.

An individual who can view the world with this perspective is truly the most praiseworthy. The only thing that prevents people from gaining such a perspective is our heart which has been dulled by the trivialities of this world.

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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The King’s Two Sons

Posted on Wednesday, 23, February, 2022Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A king had two sons; one was very proud, always bragging, and full of conceit. The other was extremely humble, modest, and pleasant.

One day, the king decided to send his sons to different lands in order to see if they would be able to add them to his kingdom. The king was hoping that his sons could influence the leaders in the different lands to peacefully agree to accepting his rule.

The arrogant and proud son arrived at the land to which his father had sent him, and he began to treat the leaders and people harshly. The prince refused to listen to anyone and make unreasonable and selfish demands.

When the people of the land saw the king’s conceited son and determined what type of person he was, they immediately understood his intentions and drove him out of their country in disgrace. “When his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him.” (Daniel 5:20)

On the other hand, when the second son arrived in the land to which he was sent, he quickly won the heart of its inhabitants with his pleasant manner. He learned their concerns and patiently listened to their needs, and it was not long before they asked him to rule over them.

A proud and arrogant person is quickly recognized for what they are and therefore able to rule for only a short while. Yet a person who possesses the quality of humility — even if he may not be noticed immediately is soon noted for his pleasant nature and is willingly accepted as a ruler.

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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Distractions

Posted on Wednesday, 12, January, 2022Tuesday, 30, July, 2024 by Rabbi

Throughout a person’s entire life, his yetzer hara – evil inclination lies in ambush. It attempts to steer them away from the path of holiness and goodness. One must use every method at their disposal in order to defeat the evil inclination.

This can be compared to two countries that had been waging a terrible war for many years. One day the king of one of the countries decreed that whoever could settle their longstanding quarrel and restore peace between them would be handsomely rewarded; the person would be deserving of spending an hour inside the king’s Treasury, free to take whatever their heart desired.

Some time afterward, a wise man approached the king and suggested a wonderful plan to end the seemingly unending war. The king followed the wise man’s advice, and soon peace was restored between the two countries. As promised, a day was set for the wise man to come to the palace in order to collect his reward.

As the day drew nearer, the king became worried and very concerned. During that one hour, it was possible that the wise man could claim many of the king’s most treasured items. Troubled by this thought, the king asked his counselors for advice.

“Your Highness,” said one of the counselors, “it has become known to that this man really enjoys music. What I suggest is that you place the kingdom’s finest musicians inside the royal treasury. When the man enters to claim his reward, the musicians will begin to play; he will be mesmerized by the beautiful music which will take his mind away from the royal treasures.”

The king was very pleased with the shrewd advice, and the plan was set into action.

When the man arrived at the palace, the massive doors to the treasury room were opened before him. He requested permission to enter, and it was granted, but as soon he stepped into the treasury he was frozen in place, captivated by the wonderful music, the man stood there for a moment, but immediately reminded himself why he was there in the first place. The man collected his thoughts and dashed for the inner chamber of the treasury.

He began searching through the treasures but was once again distracted by the music.

He decided to listen to the fascinating melodies for only a brief moment. But one moment turned into two, and two into three.

Music

“Don’t forget why you’ve come here!” he scolded himself. The music was just so pleasant to listen to, until finally he heard the officer of the treasury announced, “The hour has passed and your time has passed”.

“But” sadly answered the man, “I haven’t taken anything yet.”

“Nothing that you say now will do you any good,” replied the officer. “The time allotted by the king has passed!” And so, the man returned home, heartbroken, and disappointed over his missed opportunity that he let slip away by allowing his thoughts to be distracted.

Every person received an extraordinary gift from the Holy One, blessed be He. Throughout one’s lifetime on this world, they have the opportunity to gather good deeds and blessings.

Along comes the wicked advisor the yetzer hara (evil inclination) which tempts one with many different amusements that draws a person’s heart away from the Torah (Scriptures), holy writings and the performance of good deeds.

When the time eventually arrives for one to stand before the Heavenly Court, they sadly become aware how they wasted their precious time listening to meaningless “melodies.”

By then, unfortunately, it will be far too late.

It is so important that every individual to constantly remind themselves every day and every hour of their purpose in this world. They must not allow the yetzer hara – evil inclination to distract them from studying the Torah (Scriptures), holy writings and fulfilling its precepts and good deeds. Each person has the ability to aspire to goodness and holiness. One needs to live and practice what is learned from the Torah (Scriptures), holy writings and fulfilling its precepts and performing good deeds.

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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Paving the Way from Yesterday to Tomorrow

Posted on Monday, 27, December, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

For many years, a man worked in a wealthy merchant’s textile shop. For many years, he measured fabrics, cut them, arranged the stock, and cleaned the shop.

One day, the worker passed away, and the merchant offered the job to the man’s son. The son followed in his father’s footsteps and worked with honesty and loyalty.

Some time later, the son died, and his son, the grandson of the original worker, filled his position.

A week later, the worker entered the merchant’s office holding a list. “I have just made a calculation and figured out that my father and grandfather worked in your store for a total of fifty-two years. That being the case, I am entitled to one thousand rubles, which is due compensation for fifty-two years of labor!”

“It is certainly true,” laughed the merchant, “that they worked in my store for forty-six years, but do you think that they worked for free? How do you think they supported themselves and their families for so many years?”

There are times when we sigh over our state of exile. We note how we have suffered much in this long exile. We mention how even our righteous ancestors groaned beneath the heavy yoke of the exile, and that when the time comes, we will be redeemed in the merit of those who have passed.

Yet we forget that our ancestors, holy people of the highest caliber, have already received their reward and continue to receive an abundance of reward in the World of Truth. We must not claim the reward for their faith and good deeds; rather, we ourselves, must wholeheartedly live by our faith and do our own good deeds. Only then will Holy One, blessed be He’s mercy be aroused, leading to our glorious redemption from this world where faith is tested each day.

Stories 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)

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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In the Opposite Direction

Posted on Tuesday, 9, November, 2021Sunday, 18, February, 2024 by Rabbi

Two young men learned together in the same yeshivah (school). They were both very gifted and hardworking, and each progressed steadily in his Torah (Bible) and religious studies. When they grew older, however, they went their separate ways: One of them continued to pursue his Torah (Bible) and religious studies in a different yeshivah, while the other one deviated from the path of Torah (Bible) and religious studies. He studied medicine and eventually became a world-renowned doctor.

The first man accepted a position as rabbi of a small town and earned a small livelihood that was barely enough to support him and his family The doctor, on the other hand, grew increasingly famous and wealthy.

One day, the two happened to be in the same city and chanced to meet.

Not having seen each other for so many years, they were overjoyed to meet again and took the opportunity to talk about many past experiences.

The doctor turned to the rabbi and said, “My dear friend, look at the fame I’ve achieved. I earn a tremendous amount of money and I live a life of comfort. Yet you make little and live a life of poverty. Would you not have been better off choosing the medical profession as I did?”

“I will tell you a true story,” responded the rabbi. “When it came time for me to return home this afternoon, I asked the wagon driver how much the trip would cost. He told me that the fare to travel to my destination was two silver coins.

“At that moment,” continued the rabbi, “a man happened to pass by and overheard our conversation. He told me that a magnificent coach harnessed to fine horses was parked on the outskirts of the city. If I so desired, he said, I could travel home in it. The ride would be comfortable and quick, and it would cost only a few copper coins.

“I left the wagon driver,” said the rabbi, “and hurried to the outskirts of the city. Indeed, there was a beautiful coach standing there, but it was soon brought to my attention that it was not traveling to my destination; rather, it was going in the entirely opposite direction.

“Had I boarded the coach without first finding out its destination, I would have indeed traveled in comfort, but I would not have arrived home as planned.

“That is the difference between you and me,” concluded the rabbi. “You may enjoy a life of luxury and comfort, but you are traveling in completely the opposite direction from that which you should be traveling. In this direction, you will never reach your destination.”

In this world every person must occupy himself with studying Torah and performing good deeds, which he will ultimately be able to take with him to the World to Come. However, if man chooses to pursue fleeting pleasures and all of the luxuries that this world has to offer, he may travel in comfort, but it will be in the opposite direction!

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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The King’s Messengers

Posted on Sunday, 23, September, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The king’s messenger summoned a person to come to the palace at once. When the man saw that the messenger was wearing black garments and had an angry look on his face, he was immediately gripped by a feeling of terror, for perhaps he was destined to receive a harsh punishment from the king.

There was a wise man standing nearby who soothed the man’s anxiety “What do you have to fear from the messenger?” he said. “He cannot do anything to you without a direct command from the king. Therefore, instead of being fearful and worrying, examine your deeds. If you know that you are free of any transgression, you would do well to hurry to the palace as the king commanded and hear what he has to say”

On another occasion, the king’s messenger summoned a different person to appear before the king. This time, however, the messenger was dressed in bright-colored clothes and was very happy as well as smiling. The man was overjoyed and he began to dance.

A wise man turned to him and said, “What do you have to dance about? Who really knows if this messenger is the bearer of good news or not? Do not be misled by the happy expression on his face; rather, think about whether you are truly loyal to the king. If you are, then the messenger is bringing you good tidings, but if you have sinned against the king, Heaven forbid, then evil has been determined against you…”

A person should not judge himself according to whether an event which befalls him is good or bad. Rather, he must constantly examine himself in order to know whether he is loyal to the King or, Heaven forbid, has sinned against Him.

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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Trust and Faith

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

Throughout the Torah and our studies, we learn that Hashem does not have to prove anything to us. Every day as we say the Shema, “Hear O Israel. The L-rd our G-d is One”, we firmly believe in all that the Torah teaches and need no other proof that it is true. However, we continue by saying, “to your name give honor.” To those who would challenge you, please answer them, in order that Your great Name be glorified by all. Even though we don’t need proof of Hashem’s greatness, the nonbelievers do, and we trust that He will reveal Himself to them — in His own time and way.

Tam and Chacham used to travel to faraway places to encourage people to bind themselves to Torah and mitzvos. During such journey, they stayed with an observant Jewish innkeeper and noticed that something was troubling the man and asked him about it.

The distraught innkeeper explained: “Yesterday a man came into the inn and ordered a drink. He then reached into his bag and took out some food and put it on the table. To my amazement, I saw that it was a piece of pork! Then he turned to me and said ‘It says in the Torah that one is forbidden to eat pork. Well, if there is a G-d, let him make me choke on this pork that I’m now going to eat.’ With that he swallowed the pork, and nothing at all happened to him! This incident has shaken my faith and has caused me to have doubts”

As soon as he finished speaking, the innkeeper’s son burst through the door and proudly announced that he had received his degree with honors in his major, music, and that he was qualified to enter a higher institution or even apply for a position in the symphony orchestra.

After his father told him how proud he was. Tam and Chacham wished him a hearty mazel tov and wished him much success. Chacham asked the young musician if he could test him. The young man proudly responded, “Yes by all means!” Chacham asked the young man to play Avinu Malkeinu so he could offer his opinion of the young man’s ability. The proud musician was highly offended at this request, and stormed out of the room. The father was embarrassed by his son’s disrespectful behavior, and ran after him to make him come back and apologize to Tam and Chacham. The young man apologized but then tried to explain why he had been so angry. “The degree I just received is proof of my proficiency. There should be no further need of tests to prove my ability. And so I felt hurt and angry that you wanted to test me with such a simple song – A song known and played by every child.”

“Absolutely,” agreed Chacham to everyone’s surprise. “I simply wanted to make a point, to stress how absurd it is for someone to try to test G-d. His Torah is the only ‘degree’ we need, and for this reason there is no need for further tests.”

We say to Hashem You do not have to prove anything to us. We firmly believe in everything Your Torah teaches. It is taught, “reason has long since decided that the Holy One, blessed be He needs nothing, but all things need Him,” (Emunos v’Deos 3:10 933 ce)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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So many people become confused with the many conflicting messages they receive in their everyday lives. They hear the bitterness and, sadly, the prejudice between the different communities. They become confused and dismayed by the claims that one community has the absolute truth.

The wonder and beauty of faith is often shrouded in absolutes. Many only see the rules and not the message of the Holy writings – the messages of life, peace, and kindness.

The fleet-footed horse did as it was commanded and said, “You are right, your majesty. There is a bad odor.”

“You have spoken and rebelled against me,” decreed the lion, “and you are sentenced to death.”

The lion immediately killed the fleet-footed horse and ate him.

Three days later, the lion was hungry again and he let out a roar, and this time a wolf appeared.

“l want you to smell my breath,” said the lion, “and tell me if there is a bad odor from my mouth.”

The wolf said to himself: “I will be more clever than the fleet-footed horse.” He smelled the lion’s breath and said, “Your majesty, there is no bad odor.”

“You dare lie to the king,” said the lion, “and to lie is to rebel against me. You are sentenced to death.”

The lion instantly killed the wolf and ate him.

Three days later, the lion was again starving, so he let out a roar. This time, a cunning fox came running. “I want you to smell my breath,” said the lion, “and tell me if there is a bad odor from my mouth.”

“Your majesty,” replied the cunning fox, “I have a cold and am unable to smell anything.”

The lion, the king of the beasts, smiled at the cunning fox’s wisdom and decreed, “I want you all to have colds and not smell anything,”

Those who do the mitzvahs out of love are praised with the following verse, “and those who love him will be like the sun which comes out in full strength” (Judges 5: 31)

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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Man is engaged in a constant war against his archrival, the yetzer hara – evil inclination. How can man succeed against such a powerful enemy? The answer can be found in an old parable:

The kings began preparing for the deciding battle, and their finest generals taught the soldiers new war tactics and strategies.

Everyone agreed, and they carried out the plan. A squad of elite soldiers secretly entered the enemy camp and stole their ammunition and weapons.

The next day, there was a loud trumpet blast and the armies assembled to take the field. But when one of the armies rushed to arm themselves, they were shocked to discover that the bunker in their camp was empty. Left with no other choice, they surrendered.

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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Much to his good fortune, beggar dressed in rags happened to be walking along the wooded trail at that very moment entered the clearing. When he saw the murderous band, he gathered up his courage and in a display of great strength, defeated them and saved the king’s son.

The king, upon hearing of the beggar’s bravery, had him sum­moned before him. When the beggar arrived, the king thanked him and proclaimed, “As a reward for saving my son, I hereby permit you to spend an entire day in the royal treasury; you may take anything that your heart desires.”

When the gates of the royal treasury were opened for the beggar, he joyously fell upon the massive piles of gold and diamonds, and be­gan to gather all that he could. Then he stopped and sat on a finely carved chair and began to think about what he was doing. Something changed within him.

Every year, the former beggar staged a lavish feast on the day that he had been blessed with the good fortune of entering the royal trea­sury. He invited all his friends and relatives to the feast, and it was a custom that lasted for many years.

One year in the middle of the feast, the wealthy man turned to his friends and asked, “Which day of my life do you think was the hap­piest of all for me?”

“You are mistaken,” said the wealthy man. “While this day is cer­tainly one of great joy, it is but a remembrance of the day on which I was remade, literally transformed from a lowly beggar in ragged clothing to a man possessing enormous wealth. That day was the happiest of my life.

So it is with people who strive to live what they believe. The Holy One, blessed be He grants each per­son life as a gift. Throughout life, people can amass as many compassionate and good deeds as their heart desires.

An individual who can view the world with this per­spective is truly the most praiseworthy. The only thing that prevents people from gaining such a perspective is our heart which has been dulled by the trivialities of this world.

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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A king had two sons; one was very proud, always bragging, and full of conceit. The other was extremely hum­ble, modest, and pleasant.

One day, the king decided to send his sons to different lands in order to see if they would be able to add them to his kingdom. The king was hoping that his sons could influence the leaders in the different lands to peacefully agree to accepting his rule.

The arrogant and proud son arrived at the land to which his father had sent him, and he began to treat the leaders and people harshly. The prince refused to listen to anyone and make unreasonable and selfish demands.

On the other hand, when the second son arrived in the land to which he was sent, he quickly won the heart of its inhabitants with his pleasant manner. He learned their concerns and patiently listened to their needs, and it was not long before they asked him to rule over them.

A proud and arrogant person is quickly recognized for what they are and therefore able to rule for only a short while. Yet a person who possesses the quality of humility — even if he may not be noticed immediately is soon noted for his pleasant nature and is willingly accepted as a ruler.

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

Throughout a person’s entire life, his yetzer hara – evil inclination lies in ambush. It attempts to steer them away from the path of holiness and goodness. One must use every method at their disposal in order to defeat the evil inclination.

As the day drew nearer, the king became worried and very concerned. During that one hour, it was possible that the wise man could claim many of the king’s most treasured items. Troubled by this thought, the king asked his counselors for advice.

The king was very pleased with the shrewd advice, and the plan was set into action.

He began searching through the treasures but was once again distracted by the music.

He decided to listen to the fascinating melodies for only a brief moment. But one moment turned into two, and two into three.

“Don’t forget why you’ve come here!” he scolded himself. The music was just so pleasant to listen to, until finally he heard the officer of the treasury announced, “The hour has passed and your time has passed”.

“But” sadly answered the man, “I haven’t taken any­thing yet.”

“Nothing that you say now will do you any good,” replied the offi­cer. “The time allotted by the king has passed!” And so, the man returned home, heartbroken, and disappointed over his missed opportunity that he let slip away by allowing his thoughts to be distracted.

Every person received an extraordinary gift from the Holy One, blessed be He. Throughout one’s lifetime on this world, they have the opportunity to gather good deeds and blessings.

Along comes the wicked advisor the yetzer hara (evil inclination) which tempts one with many different amusements that draws a person’s heart away from the Torah (Scriptures), holy writings and the performance of good deeds.

When the time eventually arrives for one to stand be­fore the Heavenly Court, they sadly become aware how they wasted their precious time listening to meaningless “melodies.”

By then, unfortunately, it will be far too late.

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

For many years, a man worked in a wealthy merchant’s textile shop. For many years, he measured fabrics, cut them, arranged the stock, and cleaned the shop.

One day, the worker passed away, and the merchant offered the job to the man’s son. The son followed in his father’s foot­steps and worked with honesty and loyalty.

Some time later, the son died, and his son, the grandson of the original worker, filled his position.

The king, upon hearing of the beggar’s bravery, had him summoned before him. When the beggar arrived, the king thanked him and proclaimed, “As a reward for saving my son, I hereby permit you to spend an entire day in the royal treasury; you may take anything that your heart desires.”

When the gates of the royal treasury were opened for the beggar, he joyously fell upon the massive piles of gold and diamonds, and began to gather all that he could. Then he stopped and sat on a finely carved chair and began to think about what he was doing. Something changed within him.

Every year, the former beggar staged a lavish feast on the day that he had been blessed with the good fortune of entering the royal treasury. He invited all his friends and relatives to the feast, and it was a custom that lasted for many years.

One year in the middle of the feast, the wealthy man turned to his friends and asked, “Which day of my life do you think was the happiest of all for me?”

“You are mistaken,” said the wealthy man. “While this day is certainly one of great joy, it is but a remembrance of the day on which I was remade, literally transformed from a lowly beggar in ragged clothing to a man possessing enormous wealth. That day was the happiest of my life.

So it is with people who strive to live what they believe. The Holy One, blessed be He grants each person life as a gift. Throughout life, people can amass as many compassionate and good deeds as their heart desires.

An individual who can view the world with this perspective is truly the most praiseworthy. The only thing that prevents people from gaining such a perspective is our heart which has been dulled by the trivialities of this world.

A king had two sons; one was very proud, always bragging, and full of conceit. The other was extremely humble, modest, and pleasant.

“But” sadly answered the man, “I haven’t taken anything yet.”

“Nothing that you say now will do you any good,” replied the officer. “The time allotted by the king has passed!” And so, the man returned home, heartbroken, and disappointed over his missed opportunity that he let slip away by allowing his thoughts to be distracted.

When the time eventually arrives for one to stand before the Heavenly Court, they sadly become aware how they wasted their precious time listening to meaningless “melodies.”

One day, the worker passed away, and the merchant offered the job to the man’s son. The son followed in his father’s footsteps and worked with honesty and loyalty.