Hide and Seek A Game of Faith

Posted on Monday, 6, February, 2023 by Rabbi

One day the son of the holy rabbi of the village was playing hide-and-seek with another boy. The holy rabbi’s son search for a while before finding a good hiding place. He settled down waited for the other boy to find him. After a short time, he peeked out of his secret hiding place, saw no one, and went back into his hiding place. The rabbi’s son began to pray saying, “You are my hiding-place and my shield; I hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:114)

After waiting a very long time, the rabbi’s son came out of his hiding place, but the other boy was nowhere to be seen. He searched for the othger boy for some time, but he could not find him. Sadly, the holy rabbi’s son realized that his playmate had not looked for him from the very beginning. Crying, he ran to his father and told him how hurt he was that his friend had abandoned him.

The holy rabbi listened to his son and truly felt his pain. Tears flowed from the rabbi’s eyes as he realized that the Holy One, blessed be He says the same thing: “So very few want to faithfully seek Me.”

The holy rabbi took his son in his arms and held him close as he explained, using the words of King David, “You are a hiding-place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7)

May all who seek find strength in their faith and may everyone find their spiritual path.

Job 5: 8-8

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 True Derech – Way

Posted on Thursday, 27, October, 2022Thursday, 11, April, 2024 by Rabbi

Two students of Tam and Chacham were arguing about the true path to spirituality in the world. One student said that the path was built on effort and energy “You must completely devote yourself with all your effort to follow the way of the Torah (Scriptures). To pray, to pay attention, and to live rightly”

The second student strongly disagreed. “It is not effort at all. That is only based on ego. It is pure surrender. To follow the way to do the will of the Holy One, blessed be He, to awaken, is to let go of all things and live the teaching. One’s path should be not of religion, but a way of life.”

Since thew students could not agree on who was right they went to Tam and Chacham. They listened as the first student praised the path of wholehearted effort and when asked by this student, “Is this the true path?” Chacham answered, “You’re. right.” The second student was quite upset and responded powerfully that the path of living one’s faith is the natural way to realize spirituality. When he finished, he asked, “Is this not the true path?” and the Tam replied, “You’re right.” A third student who was sitting there observed, “But masters, they can’t both be right,” and Tam and Chacham smiled and said, “You’re right too!”

You see there are different paths people follow. For the many it may be one way for others another. We say, “And you shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart and all your soul and with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) at different times of the day and the very words encompass all aspects of the community.

Deuteronomy 6:5

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 Search Without Direction

Posted on Monday, 24, October, 2022Sunday, 7, April, 2024 by Rabbi

The distractions of the world often interferes with the spiritual journey one would like to take. Science and technology further confuses people. Yet so many seek a way to find faith and answers to spiritual questions.

It seems that there are few who can talk to and teach the simple ways of faith. So many seek the light of peace in their daily lives so that they can see the wonders that surround them and find meaning in things around them.

Many have wealth, success and health thinking that is almost everything in the life but still they lack satisfaction and contentment. This unsatisfied state leads to a quest inside oneself to find something eternal, unseen, unknown – a spiritual journey.

The spiritual path is filled with beautiful and amazing things. Along the way one meets extraordinary people who show them the simple wonders of life and faith.

With guidance from loving leaders and teachers one can find their spiritual center and grow in faith. Sadly, without guidance one can become lost and discouraged.

There was once a man who was not very knowledgeable. When he got up in the morning it was so hard for him to find his clothes that at night he hesitated to go to bed for thinking of the trouble he would have on waking.

One evening he finally made a great effort, took paper and pencil and as he undressed noted down exactly where he put everything he had on.

The next morning, very well pleased with himself, he took the slip of paper in hand and read: `pants’ — there they lay as he put them on one leg at a time, ‘shirt’ – there it was neatly folded and he slipped it on, ‘cap’—there it was, he set it on his head; and so it went until he was fully dressed.

“That’s all very well, but now where am I myself?” he asked in great confusion. “Where in the world am I?” He looked and looked, but it was a vain search he could not find himself.

Those who embark on a spiritual journey should be blessed and “a good angel will accompany him; his journey will be successful, and he will come back in good health. (Tobit 5:22) And may the G-d of heaven prosper your journey with his peace.” (Tobit 7:12)

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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Why Do the Trees Whistle?

Posted on Sunday, 16, January, 2022Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Tu biShvat – The new Years of the Trees is a holiday that is often minimalized. It is much more than merely the “Jewish Arbor Day” as it is frequently referred to by modern thinkers. It is a celebration of trees. It is hard from many to understand that trees are central in Jewish thought, which closely relates to man’s relationship with the natural environment, the understanding of Torah (Scriptures), Jewish ethics and the Jewish lifestyle and life cycle.

There are two kinds of trees. One kind of tree bears fruit that is good to eat, whereas the other, the pine trees, grow fruit that can’t be eaten.

When the wind blows and passes among the trees the pine trees whistle in a loud voice. However, the fruit trees are quiet and can hardly be heard.

The fruit trees were asked: “Why don’t you make a noise when wind blows? Why don’t you whistle like the pine trees?”

Tu bShvat

The fruit trees answered: “We have heavy and tasty fruit. We can’t sway in the wind, for we might damage our fruit. We don’t have to make a noise

because even when we are quiet, people come to us to enjoy our fruit”.

The pine trees were asked: “Why do you whistle and make a noise when the wind blows? Why aren’t you quite like the fruit trees?’’

The pine trees answered: “We have light fruit that can’t be eaten. We sway with every little breeze. If we did not whistle and make a noise – no one would pay attention to us or see us…”

People are like that too. Those who are good and wise, and are liked by all, are quiet and modest. They voice their opinions quietly and peacefully. But, people who are empty and foolish, and have nothing to offer – they shout and speak in the loudest of voices so that all will pay attention to them. If they did not scream – they would not be seen.

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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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)

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.

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If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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A True Derech – Way

Posted on Tuesday, 12, October, 2021Friday, 28, June, 2024 by Rabbi

Two students of Tam and Chacham were arguing about the true path to spirituality in the world. One student said that the path was built on effort and energy, “You must completely devote yourself with all your effort to follow the way of the Torah (Scriptures). To pray, to pay attention, and to live rightly”

The second student strongly disagreed. “It is not effort at all. That is only based on ego. It is pure surrender. To follow the way to do the will of the Holy One, blessed be He, to awaken is to let go of all things and live the teaching. One’s path should be not of religion, but a way of life.”

Since the students could not agree on who was right, they went to Tam and Chacham. They listened as the first student praised the path of wholehearted effort and when asked by this student, “Is this the true path?” Chacham answered, “You’re. right.” The second student was quite upset and responded powerfully that the path of living one’s faith is the natural way to realize spirituality. When he finished, he asked, “Is this not the true path?” and then Tam replied, “You’re right.” A third student who was sitting there observed, “But masters, they can’t both be right,” and Tam and Chacham smiled and said, “You’re right too!”

You see, there are different paths people follow. For the many, it may be one way for others another. We say, “And you shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart and all your soul and with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) at different times of the day, and the very words encompass all aspects of the community. Every person has different merits and resources and can find a path to serve the Holy One, blessed be He.

Deuteronomy 6:5

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 holy rabbi listened to his son and truly felt his pain. Tears flowed from the rabbi’s eyes as he realized that the Holy One, blessed be He says the same thing: “So very few want to faithfully seek Me.”

The holy rabbi took his son in his arms and held him close as he explained, using the words of King David, “You are a hiding-place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7)

May all who seek find strength in their faith and may everyone find their spiritual path.

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

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

The distractions of the world often interferes with the spiritual journey one would like to take. Science and technology further confuses people. Yet so many seek a way to find faith and answers to spiritual questions.

It seems that there are few who can talk to and teach the simple ways of faith. So many seek the light of peace in their daily lives so that they can see the wonders that surround them and find meaning in things around them.

Many have wealth, success and health thinking that is almost everything in the life but still they lack satisfaction and contentment. This unsatisfied state leads to a quest inside oneself to find something eternal, unseen, unknown – a spiritual journey.

The spiritual path is filled with beautiful and amazing things. Along the way one meets extraordinary people who show them the simple wonders of life and faith.

With guidance from loving leaders and teachers one can find their spiritual center and grow in faith. Sadly, without guidance one can become lost and discouraged.

There was once a man who was not very knowledgeable. When he got up in the morning it was so hard for him to find his clothes that at night he hesitated to go to bed for thinking of the trouble he would have on waking.

One evening he finally made a great effort, took paper and pencil and as he undressed noted down exactly where he put everything he had on.

“That’s all very well, but now where am I myself?” he asked in great confusion. “Where in the world am I?” He looked and looked, but it was a vain search he could not find himself.

Those who embark on a spiritual journey should be blessed and “a good angel will accompany him; his journey will be successful, and he will come back in good health. (Tobit 5:22) And may the G-d of heaven prosper your journey with his peace.” (Tobit 7:12)

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

There are two kinds of trees. One kind of tree bears fruit that is good to eat, whereas the other, the pine trees, grow fruit that can’t be eaten.

When the wind blows and passes among the trees the pine trees whistle in a loud voice. However, the fruit trees are quiet and can hardly be heard.

The fruit trees were asked: “Why don’t you make a noise when wind blows? Why don’t you whistle like the pine trees?”

The fruit trees answered: “We have heavy and tasty fruit. We can’t sway in the wind, for we might damage our fruit. We don’t have to make a noise

because even when we are quiet, people come to us to enjoy our fruit”.

The pine trees were asked: “Why do you whistle and make a noise when the wind blows? Why aren’t you quite like the fruit trees?’’

The pine trees answered: “We have light fruit that can’t be eaten. We sway with every little breeze. If we did not whistle and make a noise – no one would pay attention to us or see us…”

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

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.

“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.”

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

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

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.

“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.

“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.