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Tag: spiritual stories

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).

Faith

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)

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

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Posted in Faith, Spirituality, Stories, UncategorizedTagged beliefs, Faith, Gittin 36b, Habakkuk 2: 4, inspirational stories, Jewish Stories, Judges 5: 31, short stories, spiritual, spiritual stories, Spirituality, Y. Sotah 5:52 Comments on Live by Faith

Others Should Also Be able to Help

Posted on Wednesday, 8, February, 2023 by Rabbi

In Jewish law and tradition, redeeming a captive (pidyon shevuyim) is the highest form of charity. The code of Jewish law says that “there is no mitzvah as great as pidyon shevuyim. (Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh De’ah 252:1).”

There was a very wealthy man who was respected by many in the village. Once on a journey to collect much needed funds, Tam and Chacham came to him for a donation in order to ransom people who had been seized and unjustly held in prison by the authorities.

“How much do you need?” the wealthy man asked.

“We need three hundred silver coins” the rabbis answered.

Tzedakah

The wealthy man left the room and came back with a pile of silver coins. “Here are two hundred and ninety silver coins,” he told them. “You can collect the rest in town.”

“Why only two hundred and ninety?” Tam and Chacham asked. “If you have given us so much, why not add another ten silver coins and spare us going through town like beggars and being humili­ated in the process?”

“The Mishnah says: “One who gives, but does not want others to give, has an evil eye for others”’ (Pirkei Avos 5:13), because such a person doesn’t want them to share in the mitzvah (a commandment commanded by to be performed as a religious duty, a good deed),” explained the wealthy man. “I want others, also, to have a chance to participate in this very special mitzvah .”

The wealthy man wished Tam and Chacham success on their journeys and they left one another in peace.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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Posted in Charity, Spirituality, Tzedakah, UncategorizedTagged charity, Faith, Jewish Stories, pidyon shevuyim, prisoners, redeeming captives, short stories, spiritual stories, tzedakahLeave a Comment on Others Should Also Be able to Help

The Value of Each Word

Posted on Wednesday, 7, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A ragged beggar was once walking along, head bowed and back bent, his entire body revealing misery and suffering. As he was trudging along heavily, he suddenly spied something shining in the sand ahead. He rushed forward and bent down to see what it was. There lay a jewel sparkling in front of him. He had never seen anything so beautiful in his life, and knew in his heart that it must be worth a great deal of money.

He put it in his pocket and went home to show it to his neighbor. The neighbor agreed that it must be very valuable, but could not tell him how much it was worth. Everyone to whom he showed it was overwhelmed by its beauty, but no one knew its true value. No jeweler was prepared it buy it either, for each one said that it was worth far more than he could pay.

The king heard about the poor man’s magnificent jewel and came all the way to his hut. Although accustomed to precious things, even he was stunned by this gem. “This stone is fit for a royal crown!” he exclaimed with wonder.

The poor man could not have imagined how this find would change his entire life. The king showered him with gifts and money and appointed him minister. Yet the poor man never did find out the exact value of his find, though he reaped much benefit from it.

Language

The valuable stone can be compared to words for the great value of each word of young children studying Torah is priceless. Are we not taught, “For wisdom becomes known through speech, and education through the words of the tongue.” (Sirach 4:24) Although innocent children lack the deep spirituality and complex thought, we know that the world continues to exist only in their merit. They are a treasure whose value no one can rightly estimate or appreciate!

The same can be said for a pure tongue. A person who uses his gift of speech only for what it was created, and does not sully it with forbidden speech, possesses a very precious gem, whose value he cannot possibly imagine. Nor can he begin to know the great reward that awaits him for his care!

Let us see the fulfillment of the words of the prophet, “At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord” (Zephaniah 3:9) in our lifetime.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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Posted in Derech Eretz, Faith, language, Spirituality, Stories, UncategorizedTagged Ben Sira 4:24, Ecclesiasticus 4:24, gems, language, short stories, Sirach 4:24, speech, spiritual stories, Stories of faith, Zephaniah 3:9Leave a Comment on The Value of Each Word

A Pencil Box and Child Awareness of Death

Posted on Wednesday, 25, May, 2022Wednesday, 25, May, 2022 by Rabbi

I was deep in thought at my office, preparing a lesson to be given that evening at a community center across town, when the telephone rang. A woman I had never met introduced herself and said that she was the mother of a seven-year-old and that she was dying. She said that her counselor had advised her that discussing her pending death with her son would be too traumatic for him, but somehow that didn’t feel right to her.

Knowing that I worked with grieving children, she asked my advice. I told her that our heart is often smarter than our brain and that I thought she knew what would be best for her son. I also invited her to attend the lesson that night since I was speaking about how children cope with death. She said she would be there.

In today’s society, death is a frightening topic to be avoided at all costs. It is banished from the psyches and the home, and placed firmly out of sight into hospital rooms, hospices, and funeral homes. The Angel of Death is an unwelcome visitor whose presence many try so hard to ignore. Many therapists and counselors sadly leave death and the topics surrounding it shrouded in dark, fearful mystery.

I wondered later if I would recognize the woman at the lesson, but my question was answered when I saw a weak woman being half carried into the room by two adults. I talked about the fact that children usually sense the truth long before they are told and that they often wait until they feel adults are ready to talk about it before sharing their concerns and questions. I said that children usually can manage truth better than denial, even though the denial is intended to protect them from pain. I said that respecting children meant including them in the family sadness through grieving and mourning, not shutting them out.

The woman had heard enough. At the break, she hobbled to the front of the room and through her tears she said, “l knew it in my heart. I just knew I should tell him.” She said that she would tell him that night.

The next morning, I received another phone call from her.

She could hardly talk but I managed to hear the story through her choked voice. She woke her son up when they got home from the lesson and quietly said, “David, I have something to tell you.” He quickly interrupted her saying, “Oh, Mommy, is it now that you are going to tell me that you are dying?” She held him close, and they both cried while she said, “Yes.”

Child Grief

After a few minutes, the little boy wanted to get down. He said that he had something for her that he had been saving. In the back of one of his drawers was an old pencil box. Inside the box was a letter written in simple scrawl. It said, “Good-bye, Mommy. I will always love you.

How long he had been waiting to hear the truth, I don’t know. I do know that two days later Mom died. In her casket was placed the old pencil box and a letter.

May your memories be a blessing that lead you to  shalom (Peace)

 For more grief and mourning resources for adults and children including prayers and meditations, Stories to Console, and activities for children

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

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

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Posted in Grief and Mourning, Spirituality, UncategorizedTagged child grief, death, grief, grief counseling, healing stories, inspirational stories, mourning, spiritual stories, stories to console.short storiesLeave a Comment on A Pencil Box and Child Awareness of Death

A Tavern Owner’s Lesson

Posted on Wednesday, 2, February, 2022Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

If one is a pleasure seeker but not a seeker of spiritual delight than the teaching, “If you allow your soul to take pleasure in base desire, it will make you the laughingstock of your enemies.” (Ben Sira 18:31)

A father wished to provide his son with an ample source of livelihood. He decided to buy him a tavern, as well as large barrels of wine and beer, which he placed in the tavern’s cellar.

Proverbs 18:2

“My dear son,” said the father. “You are permitted to allow any­one who wishes to drink in your tavern. I have but one warning for you: “You may have first-rate wine in your possession, but you are not to sip even the slightest amount.”

“Believe me,” continued the father, “I am speaking in your best interests leave the drinking to the drunkards of the town.!”

So it is with this world. The Holy One, blessed be He cre­ated the delights and pleasures of this world, and it is all intended to benefit people. The Holy One, blessed be He also instills wise counsel to us: “Do not waste your time with meaningless pleasures, ‘You shall be to me a kingdom of ministers and a holy nation!” (Exodus19:6) For “a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.” (Proverbs 18:2)

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

Posted in Faith, Spirituality, Stories, Uncategorized, WisdomTagged Ben Sira 18:31, discipline, Exodus 19:6, Jewish Stories, Mishlei 18:2, Pleasure, Proverbs 18:2, Shemos 19:6, short Jewish Stories, short stories, spiritual stories, SpiritualityLeave a Comment on A Tavern Owner’s Lesson

How A Woman Became a Great Spiritual Leader

Posted on Monday, 31, January, 2022Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Shaindle Rivka was known as a holy woman of great knowledge and wisdom. People were constantly coming to her for advice and blessings. Many looked upon Shaindle Rivka as a great spiritual leader.

Tam and Chacham traveled to meet this holy woman. The rabbis were amazed at the love and reverence all the people of the village had for Shaindle Rivka. They sat from many long hours talking about the revealed and hidden aspects of Torah. During their conversation, Tam asked, “From where do you get your great power to do miracles?”

The holy Shaindle Rivka answered humbly, “For that, I have to thank Yankel Ganiff (Yankel the Thief)” Then she explained:

“On erev Yom Kippur, it was the custom for all the Jewish people in the village to come to my holy father to receive his blessing of gemar chasima tova, ‘May your heavenly decree be sealed for good!’ One year when I was still a little girl, I was standing in his room at that time. One of the men who entered was a certain unpleasant person named Yankel, who had a reputation as someone who makes his living by taking others’ property. He tried to avoid stealing from Jewish people, but that didn’t excuse his crooked ways. When his turn in line came to be before my holy father, he put out his hand to shake my father’s hand and receive a blessing, but my father quickly pulled his own hand back and refused to bless him.

“Yankel was determined and began to cry a flood of tears, as he pleaded and begged my holy father to bless him like all the other Jewish people. He even argued that he was not to blame if this was the livelihood that heaven had decreed for him! But my father denied that, saying that every person can choose for himself a decent and upright way to make a living and that heaven will provide for him! In the end, after much begging and crying, my father softened and had pity on Yankel. My father covered his holy hand with a cloth and then held Yankel’s hand and gave him a blessing. (Some exceptionally holy people may experience great pain when coming into physical contact with an exceptionally sinful person; that is why the holy rabbi covered his hand.)

Woman Spiritual leader

“When I saw my holy father bless this thief,” said Shaindle Rivka, “I immediately went over to him and said, ‘If a person like this succeeded in receiving a blessing from you now, it must be a special time. So I want you to bless me too!’”

“‘What blessing do you want?’ he asked. “‘That my blessings be fulfilled!’ I said.

“And he blessed me!” concluded Shaindle Rivka.

It is told that Yankel completely repented and gave up stealing for a living after he received the holy rabbi’s blessing, and that after the holy rabbi’s death, he was found more than once crying his heart out in prayer.

Shaindle Rivka asked that her blessings come true, which is the power of a great spiritual leader. That is how she merited to do miracles and became very respected by many people. Why would a little girl ask for that, for the power of blessing? Perhaps because she realized that it was the outward sign of her father’s greatness.

 

But in explaining how she became a great spiritual leader, Shaindle Rivka humbly compared herself to an unworthy thief who, so to speak, stole a blessing from her father, the rebbe. Yet despite her holy humility, even as a little girl she was sensitive and realized that it was a time of special grace—when even a thief was accepted—and she was bold enough to ask for what she wanted. May we also be alert to times of grace and know what to ask for at the right moment.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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Posted in Faith, Prayer, Spirituality, Stories, Uncategorized, Woman, WomanTagged Blessings, Jewish Stories, short stories, spiritual stories, Spirituality, Tam and Chacham, thiefLeave a Comment on How A Woman Became a Great Spiritual Leader

A King’s Wisdom for a Year

Posted on Monday, 24, January, 2022Sunday, 12, November, 2023 by Rabbi

The people of a certain land had an unusual custom, Every year, they would go out to the main road that led to their country, and when they spotted a stranger approaching, they would crown him as their king. This newly appointed king would then decide all the matters of the land according to his wisdom.

At the year’s end, they would remove him from his throne and expel him from the country. Stripped of his royalty, he would leave just as he had come. The people would then go out to the main road once again and find themselves another traveler and crown him as the new king. This situation re­peated itself year after year.

On one occasion, a poor traveler happened to be walking on the main road. While he lacked money, he possessed great wisdom and an amazing breadth of knowledge. Suddenly, he saw a massive pa­rade, joyful and exuberant, heading his way. Before he even had a moment to understand the cause of the excitement, he was dressed in fine robes, and a royal crown was placed upon his head. He was brought directly to the royal palace in the capital city, where he was introduced as the new king for the coming year with an elaborate ceremony.

Thinking about the strange events that had taken place, the king summoned one of his ministers, who offered him a detailed expla­nation of the land’s custom.

“Amazing,” thought the king. “It seems that after a year, I will once again be a penniless beggar. How interesting…”

 

Ben Sira 37:22

What did he do? He remembered, “If a person is wise to his own advantage, the fruits of his good sense will be praiseworthy” (Sirach 37:22), and over the course of the year, the king dispatched to his old home as much money, jewelry, merchandise, and items of great worth, as he was able to. “And the man became rich; he prospered more and more until he became very wealthy.” (Genesis 26:13)

When the year drew to a close, the people entered his room and brought him his old beggar’s clothing. They then expelled him from the country with a warning never to return.

The man returned home where the massive treasure which he had so carefully set aside for himself. Of him, it was said, “By your wisdom and your understanding, you have amassed wealth for yourself, and have gathered gold and silver into your treasuries.” (Ezekiel 28:4) From that treasure, the man was able to support himself, and his family, providing them with a life of wealth and luxury for years to come.

People come to this world for a very limited length of time. There are times when they are totally immersed in the pleasures and very superficial aspects of this world and do not pay attention to the time that is quickly passing. Eventually, the years pass by, and one arrives in the World to Come emptyhanded, having nothing to show for their stay in this world.

This is not the case, however, with the wise man who possesses a great deal of foresight. In this world, he works in order to send ahead a treasure of mitzvos and good deeds, which will stand in his merit on the day of accounting. Sadly, “for those who despise wisdom and instruction are miserable. Their hope is vain, their labors are unprofitable, and their works are useless.” (Wisdom 3:11). “Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13)

Those  who  live  their  faith  shall  know  blessings  and  bring  good  tidings  to  this world and the next

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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Posted in Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Spirituality, Stories, Uncategorized, WisdomTagged ben Sira 37:22, Ezekiel 28:4, Faith, Genesis 26:13, Jewish Stories, mitzvas, mitzvos, Proverbs 3:13, short stories, Sirach 37:22, spiritual stories, Spirituality, wisdom, wisdom 3:11Leave a Comment on A King’s Wisdom for a Year

The Rabbi, The Businessman and Learning

Posted on Monday, 3, January, 2022Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

We mention the Patriarchs (Avraham (Abraham), Yitzchak (Isaac) and Yaakov (Jacob)) at the beginning of the Shemoneh Esrei not only to remember and praise their merits but also to challenge ourselves to try to be like them.

Once a beloved and holy rabbi was learning with his students in the beis medrash (study hall) just before the prayers that welcome in the holy Shabbos (Kabbolas Shabbos). Suddenly a stranger entered the beis medrash. From the way he was dressed, it was obvious that he was a very successful businessman. After sitting down, he asked one of the students to point out the holy rabbi. When the student did so, the businessman’s face suddenly went pale.

After the prayers were over, the man approached the holy rabbi and greeted him. The holy rabbi politely returned the greeting, assuming the man was a stranger. Then the man looked straight into the holy rabbi’s eyes and asked him “Do you know who I am? I was your chavrusa (study partner) over thirty years ago.”

The holy rabbi looked at him closely and said, “Of course I recognize you, I am eternally grateful to you, because you are the one who helped me develop my potential in learning.”

After they chatted for a while, the businessman said, “I feel devastated. Look at you, you are now a holy rabbi, respected by all and held in high esteem as a talmid chacham (Torah scholar well versed in Jewish religious law). Yet we both know that when we were students, I was the one who helped you and explained the finer points of our beloved teacher and rabbi’s lessons. How can you ex­plain why you developed so much in learning, while I just stagnated?”

Ari haKodesh

The holy rabbi thought for a few moments and replied, “Do you remember that when we were students, there was a library in a room next to the study hall? In that library was a copy of the biography of Ari haKodesh (Rabbi Yitzchok Luria). When you read that biography, I remember how awed you were. You came out of the reading room with your eyes shining and declared, `He was really a great rabbi and a guiding light for his generation!’ When I finished reading that biography, however, I said to myself that the life of holy rabbi was proof of the great heights a person can reach. I decided without delay that I, too, would aspire to emulate him and try to become a great leader and rabbi. This strong drive helped me to realize my potential and develop beyond my greatest expectations. That is the difference between us. I was not satisfied to simply acknowledge that he was a great rabbi and a guiding light for his generation, but I wanted to become one myself.”

Similarly, when we come to the point in our prayers when we mention the merits of our Patriarchs, it is not enough to simply acknowledge their greatness. We must also take upon ourselves the challenge and try to emulate them. Thus, we say, “When will my deeds reach the level of the Avos?” Even though we may not ever reach their level, we can consider it a great accomplishment to at least try to follow in their footsteps.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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Posted in Derech Eretz, Faith, friendship, Other Stories and thoughts, Religious Education, Spirituality, Stories, Torah, UncategorizedTagged Ari haKodesh, forefathers, Isaac Luria, Jewish Stories, patriarchs, Rabbi Yitzchok Luria, short stories, spiritual stories, SpiritualityLeave a Comment on The Rabbi, The Businessman and Learning

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)

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

Posted in Derech Eretz, Faith, Spirituality, Stories, UncategorizedTagged Faith, good deeds, inspirational stories, Jewish Stories, short stories, spiritual, spiritual stories, Stories of faithLeave a Comment on Paving the Way from Yesterday to Tomorrow

Holy Dance and Song Before the Shabbos Table

Posted on Wednesday, 22, December, 2021Friday, 22, March, 2024 by Rabbi

Tam and Chacham traveled together and once came to a village on Friday afternoon. As Shabbos began, they sensed the presence in the town of a holy soul radiat­ing great light. The sky was clear and the stars shined brightly as they walked around the village hoping to find the source of that light. As they neared an old house and they saw a bright light coming out of it. They moved closer to an open cracked window and heard a beautiful melody and saw a man dancing round a table. And strangest of all, his wife was seated at the table as he sang and danced. Tam and Chacham walked around the outside of the old house until they came to the door. Seeing that the door was slightly open, they went in and saw the man dancing in so much joy before his wife and Shabbos table, which was covered with good food.

The man sang and danced for a long time until he finally stopped and noticed Tam and Chacham. He welcomed his guests warmly and invited them to join him and his wife for the Shabbos meal.

Chacham asked him, “Why do you sing and dance this way before eating?”

The man simply answered, “Before I eat of the wonderful food my wife so carefully and lovingly prepared for Shabbos, I first stand in front of the table and absorb the food’s spiritual essence.”

“Sometimes I become so happy and moved, that I sing and dance.”

What is the food’s “spiritual essence”? It is its divine aspect. A Jewish mystic meditates on how the food has been created and is being kept in existence (like all created things) every minute by G-d’s will. And a person’s profound realization that G-d has created this food to nourish and provide for him leads him to mystic joy.

Salmon Recipe

Sweet and Savory Salmon

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup Soy Sauce

1 tablespoon Brown Sugar

2 tablespoons Lemon Juice

2-3 cloves Garlic minced

3 tablespoons Honey or Molasses

1-2 pounds Salmon fillet

DIRECTIONS

Mix all ingredients together

Slice salmon fillet into 2-2 1/2″ pieces

Marinade the salmon for 4-8 hours

Place salmon on a drying rack for 1 hour

Bake at 350º for 10 to 15 minutes

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Posted in Faith, Food, Shabbos, Spirituality, Stories, Tam and Chacham, UncategorizedTagged Salmon recipe, Shabbat, Shabbat Stories, Shabbos, Shabbos Stories, spiritual stories, Spiritual Tale, Spirituality, story recipe, Tam and ChachamLeave a Comment on Holy Dance and Song Before the Shabbos Table

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What was originally, in 2007, a spare time ‘hobby’ costing almost nothing and representing a few hours a week of time commitment evolved into a project demanding a lot of time and expense. No income from the Story Tour Blog has been realized, and so, if you feel you’ve received some value, or would like to help support the site’s ongoing presence isit and make a donation on the The Stories Should Never End Page on Gofundme

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