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Tag: Spirituality

A Dispute of Faith

Posted on Sunday, 20, August, 2023 by Rabbi

They sat through the long cold winter night in the old book-lined room. The quiet shadows of grandparents and great-grandparents filled every part of the room with their faith. The two met, and the air grew thick as they disputed each other with the hearty devotion one had for the other, but with savage differences.

Neither of them really wanted to argue today. They were not the same age. Nor were their paths leading to a commonplace. They did not even see the light the same. One saw the soft candlelight, while the other saw the blinding light of the stars. Like moths drawn to light, they felt the irresistible draw.

The father invited his son: “Come to me and I shall wrap you in my light, and change the world for you.”

Their goals were the same, and both sprang from the same stem. Of the same stem but in two different eras – aged father and young son.

Events, like waves of an angry sea, tossed the son into his father’s arms. From old, wise, insightful eyes dropped a quiet tear into silver strands and pleaded: “Tell me, my son, where and how are you living; tell your old father.”

A small, golden-curled beard fluttered, eyes kindled behind glasses, illuminating two bright stars, and a smile lit up a bright young face: “For what reason?” Something like a tremor passed over the face framed in tarnished gold. A small transparent cloud veiled a large white forehead.

“Can you not see or understand what I have told you over and over again?”

Trying not to show hurt or disappointment, the father asked: “Are you still on the same path?”

“Yes, father.”

“So why have you come here? To argue once again?”

“No…. But you will accomplish nothing here.”

“Don’t be my enemy, father. Our ways have parted as times have changed.”

“Yes, but you did not travel mine till the end. Has anything convinced you that my path leads to emptiness and longing? You left it in the middle, uprooted yourself, and started traveling a completely different path.”

The aged father in his quiet old voice continued: “If a wanderer should change directions too often and drift into twisted by-paths, could he ever reach his destination? And what are we here if not confused travelers?”

Then softly with tenderness, the father invited: “Come with me, my son. An old well-known path is mine. Your family has traveled it for millennia, and thanks to them it is without a stumbling block. Every possible pitfall was foreseen by them far into the future.”

To what purpose did they live if you turn aside and abandon the path? Come with me, my son! I have not far to go but will watch your step with my last look. You will travel much farther, drawing the thread and extending the road, our road, and you will shorten the distance between yourself and salvation.

With the sorrow and sadness of millennia: “We still travel that path! We are in the middle of the road. If you should desert me now, I would be cut off and lost. Who will carry on?

“I will, father!”

Sadly the father responded: “You have deserted me.”

“I am younger and can see better. So I take the shortcuts.”

“On unknown roads.”

“What does it matter if one finds what they want?”

“Faith and belief give the sense that there is something in each person that yearns for meaning and mystery. People want to be touched in a spiritual way. They want to explore the meanings of life and travel the adventure of life. The sterile approach you have chosen denies one’s sense of humanity and basic dignity.”

His voice grew Quiet, almost sad: “The sense of mysteriousness and fundamental dignity within each person is where a great deal of moral understanding starts and applies to everything around them. The attack on faith is a sign of the callousness of science and its inability to elicit true feelings. Faith and belief always have an underlying purpose, which is to inspire people and communicate wisdom and values. The spiritual wisdom of past ages has always been transferred mouth to mouth from generation to generation.”

“Your thoughts, father, have clipped the wings of the young. It has stifled growth and exploration of the important things in this world. Faith has no basis in fact. Science is the truth on which the world functions. Simply said, faith is the strong belief in G-d or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual dogmas rather than proof. Science is the observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena of the world, not the fantasies of the world was created by mystical magical means as described by religion. Science is a method that mankind can use to gain a greater understanding of the natural universe. It is a search for knowledge through observation. Advances in science demonstrate the reach of human logic and imagination. Religion and faith confuse people and mislead them into a medieval belief that the world is controlled by magics beyond the understanding of everyday people. So mystics, clergy and philosophers need to explain the working of the world.”

A tear fell from the eye of the old father as he whispered: “Your thoughts, my son, are so ridged and callous, lacking substance. Science cannot communicate feelings nor express emotion. It can’t determine what is right and what is wrong or even define order and chaos. The very process of thought cannot define love or beauty. The language of faith provides people with all of these things and much more. The wisdom of faith is just a vehicle to share these ideas and emotions while helping people to grow in their understanding of the world around them. Science may provide the “why”, but faith provides the “what” and “how.”

Father and son debate far into the dark night. The old gray head is burdened with the hard words of his son. He asks, “Can we pray?”

An eruption of laughter bursts forth from the golden-haired son. “Prayer? Life in Heaven? Please, let’s be real. Prayer has no effect upon the world other than enslaving people to superstition. Why do you bother to advance the practice of speaking empty words to an imaginary entity? Everything you advocate is against all aspects of reason and logic. It separates groups and offends people. It’s time you come embrace science and leave the prehistoric views of the world”

“Look, father, a new day is breaking.”

“Listen!”

“Religious beliefs are outdated at a time when we have such a deep understanding of science, but history shows a constant tension between scientific and theological thought. The strength of science is in its dependence on verifiable thought for this reason, society is advancing towards a secular, rational society and culture where religion, at best, is something private but widely viewed as fantasy and superstition. Most people respect science and the benefits it brings to society, such as new technologies and medical treatments, and don’t question it because of its basis on fact. Religion is subjective and filled with flawed concepts since it is based on philosophy – of which very little is based on verifiable facts, just opinion. Most social ills – from bigotry to ignorance – can be blamed on religion. One of the purposes of science is to free people from what they call “religious superstition.” The story posted has no relevance to the discussion of the virtues of science and the failings of religion.”

The old gray father listens intently to the sounds surging in the dawn, soft, gentle, aggressive sounds rising with the waves of fresh dew on a young spring morning.

“Science, with its demand for empirical data, numbers, and as is been quoted many times, facts do not have the ability to communicate ideas or concepts outside of its mathematical induced realities. It is true that science has provided many advancements to today’s society, but its greatest detriment has been its erosion of communication and its inferred characterization that religion is superstition and not fact-based.”

The old man inquires uneasily, “What does it all mean? What does that thundering song mean?”

“Calling us together, to assemble, father. It’s the demand to end inequity and do away this the constraints of superstitious beliefs and faith in fantasies.”

The pained father softly asks as he chokes back tears, “Are you really going to join them?”

Yes. I am, and I’m taking the shortest path.”

This was spoken so evenly, with such an assured smile and tone that they caused the old man to tremble and his lips to stammer, “Taking the shortest distance to where?”

“To the answers of the world!”

“Whose answers?”

“Everybody’s. Yours, father. Farewell! “

The young man leaves the old house, the aged father, and the shadows of great-grandparents from every part of the room with their faith. Left alone in the soft light of the candle, the old man thinks serenely: “I have brought up a son to sow unrest and discord. He will not search for meaning or salvation until a much later time.”

But a moment later, when his eyes fall upon the flickering flame of the candles, flickering and yet leaping heavenward in the wild exultation, he whispers a prayer:

Prayer for Understanding

Ribbono shel Olam, Master of the universe, Teach our children always to believe in the power to return to life, to hope, and to You, no matter what pains they have brought their parents and elders have endured, no matter how far they have strayed from You.

Give them the strength to revive Your holy ways in them.

Revive them, Hashem, so they can embrace life once more in joy, in passion, and in peace.

Amen

Amen

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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Posted in Faith, Other Stories and thoughts, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Spirituality, Stories, Uncategorized, WisdomTagged beliefs, dispute, Faith, religion, religion vs Science, science, science vs religion, short stories, Spirituality, technology2 Comments on A Dispute of Faith

Curing Tea

Posted on Thursday, 10, August, 2023 by Rabbi

The grandson of a holy rabbi suddenly fell ill and was in danger of dying. The young man’s family members were all beside themselves with worry and sadness. They rushed to the holy rabbi and told him, “Zadie (Grandfather), your grandson is very sick and growing weaker by the minute.” Shocked by the news, the holy rabbi locked himself into his study and began praying with all his strength, begging the Holy One, blessed be He, to please heal his grandson.

The sick boy’s condition grew worse. The family members became terribly upset and wanted to tell the holy rabbi what was happening, but they were afraid to disturb his prayers. At first, they couldn’t figure out what to do, but then they decided to send in the holy rabbi’s youngest grandson to disturb the holy rabbi with the bad news about the sad state of his grandson.

The young boy knocked on his grandfather’s door and was welcomed into his Zadie’s study. However, the boy didn’t deliver the bad news as he had been instructed. Instead, he told his grandfather this way: “Zadie, you should know that your other grandson is doing a lot better now. So please pray to our Heavenly Healer that he be granted a full and speedy recovery.”

Upon hearing this, the holy rabbi jumped straight out of his chair and also out of his gloomy mood. With a great smile on his face, the holy rabbi rushed to his cupboard, grabbed a box of tea leaves, a few cinnamon sticks, ginger, peppercorns, and a small jar of honey, and handed it to his young grandson. “Give the patient this tea,” he said. “Once he drinks it, everything will be all right.”

A few hours later, the patient was able to take a few sips of the tea, and the family noticed that, at last, color returned to his face. Ever so slowly, he began to improve. But his recovery was not steady, and a few days later, he suffered a setback. This time the adults in the family went straight to talk to the holy rabbi themselves. “Zadie, he’s gotten worse;’ they told him, their voices all very distressed. “He’s taken a step backward. Whatever can we do?”

The holy rabbi sat listening to them, shaking his head the whole time. “Listen.” he told them, “You shouldn’t have let me know like this. It would be best if you told me in a more joyful way. Heaven forbid this should ever happen again, if it does, please take a lesson from my youngest grandson. Instead of putting me in a place of hopelessness and melancholy, he made me feel hopeful about the situation. Because of him, I prayed to G-d with a lighter, more joyful heart, and therefore I was able to bring about a blessing that was both greater and faster.”

Black Tea

Curing Tea

Ingredients:

4 cups water2 cinnamon sticks2 tablespoons of loose black tea or 2 black tea bags4 cloves4 black peppercorns1-inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced1-2 Tablespoons Honey

Directions

In a medium-sized pot, bring the water to a boil.

Add the black tea bags or loose black tea to the boiling water.

Reduce the heat to low and add the ginger, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and black peppercorns to the pot.

Simmer the mixture uncovered for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes

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, Food, Prayer, Spirituality, Stories, UncategorizedTagged cure, Faith, hope, Jewish Stories, Prayer, Rabbi, recipes, short stories, Short story, Spirituality, story recipes, teaLeave a Comment on Curing Tea

A Mountaintop Experience

Posted on Tuesday, 18, July, 2023 by Rabbi

Many people, when confronted with challenges to their beliefs and faith, see a huge mountain and are faced with a choice. They can become overwhelmed and walk away, they can be so challenged that they neither retreat nor move forward, or they can simply meet the challenge of the mountain. Then there are two choices, climb the mountain or take the long way around it. Those who climb will have a “mountain top experience” as they face challenges and many times ridicule, but they can find affirmation and blessing.

A merchant took a long journey in his wagon, and the bumpy ride caused him to doze off. As he slept, the wagon slowly climbed a mountain. After some time, the merchant suddenly woke up.

“Where are we?” the confused merchant asked his driver.

“We are presently at the peak of a very high mountain,” the wagon driver answered.

“At the peak of a mountain?” asked the merchant in surprise. “You must be mistaken, for we were traveling on a level plane!”

When the merchant realized that the wagon had begun to go down the slope, he understood that they had indeed been traveling on top of a mountain.

Horse and Carriage

When a person is not mindful of the path they are treading in life, they may believe that they are both humble and modest. In reality, however, they are scaling the mountain of pride and arrogance without even realizing it. When the person “awakens,” however, and examines his deeds, he discovers — much to his shock — that he was actually on a “mountain peak.” His journey is far from over, as he must travel down the mountain to reach his destination.

Once one summits the mountain and receives a message, they must come down off the mountain and share their experience. Sadly today, too many people are asleep and can not experience the wonder, beauty, and holiness of the mountains.

If one is open, they can bring the holiness from the mountaintop to the base, and they are truly touched. For when “Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with G-d. (Exodus 34:29)

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, Spirituality, Stories, UncategorizedTagged Exodus 34:29, inspirational stories, Jewish Stories, Moses, Mountaintop, mountaintop experience, short stories, Spirituality2 Comments on A Mountaintop Experience

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

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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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

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

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, Spirituality, Stories, UncategorizedTagged Faith, Hide and seek, Jewish Stories, Job 5: 8-9, parables, Psalm 119:114, Psalm 32:7, short stories, spiritual path, SpiritualityLeave a Comment on Hide and Seek A Game of Faith

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

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 Faith, Religious Education, Spirituality, Stories, Tam and Chacham, Torah, UncategorizedTagged Deuteronomy 6:5, Faith, Jewish Stories, spiritual path, Spirituality, Stories of faith, Tam and ChachamLeave a Comment on A True Derech – Way

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.

spiritual journey

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.

Genesis 2:7

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

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, Other Stories and thoughts, Spirituality, Stories, UncategorizedTagged Faith, Genesis 2:7, Jewish Stories, short stories, spiritual path, Spirituality, Tobit 5:22, Tobit 7:12Leave a Comment on A Search Without Direction

Rabbi Eleazar and Eliyahu haNovi

Posted on Thursday, 13, October, 2022Wednesday, 2, August, 2023 by Rabbi

Once in the days of Rabbi Eleazar the son of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was walking along a path beside a great river. There he met Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet) who had come to test the goodness of his heart. He appeared as an old man accompanied by a boy. It seemed to Rabbi Eleazar that they must have been waiting there for a very long time for some boat in order that the old man could pass with the boy to the other shore and continue on some very urgent journey.

When Rabbi Eleazar saw the old man’s distress he said to him, “saba (grandfather), put the boy on one side of my shoulders and you hang onto my other shoulder, and I will bring you across the river.” “Why,” said the old man to him, “you are an honored man of our times, and you have lived softly and easily since your youth and cannot have the strength for this hard labor of bringing us across on your shoulders.” “Saba,” answered Eleazar, “if I were to take you and your boy into my two hands, I would have the strength to carry you the long distance across to the other shore.” “Do you engage in the study of Torah (Scriptures)?” Eliyahu haNovi asked him, and he answered, “Yes.”

Elijah the Prophet

“But of the Torah,” continued Eliyahu haNovi, it is said “much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 12:12) “Why,” responded Rabbi Eleazar, “the Torah is called ‘healing’ and ‘refreshment’ for the body, as it was written by Shlomo haMelech (King Solomon), It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.’ (Proverbs 3:8) likewise I have drunk much Torah, like one who drinks for refreshment, so my strength has increased.” Eliyahu haNovi then agreed, Rabbi Eleazar brought them over on his shoulders.

After that, Rabbi Eleazar asked him, “Saba, what is this boy with you?” “I am his teacher,” answered Eliyahu haNovi, “and I teach in Torah.” “Saba (grandfather)” said Rabbi Eleazar to him, “I would have you know that I am strong in this world and in the World to Come. In virtue of the fact that you teach Torah to Jewish children I shall not permit the Angel of Gehenna to harm you, and I shall conduct you into the World to Come by my great power I have there.” “Rabbi,” answered Eliyahu haNovi, “it is true that your words have as much power in the World to Come as any of the angels on high minister before the Holy One, blessed be He.” The old man and the boy vanished and Rabbi Eleazar and never saw them again

Then Rabbi Eleazar said, “That must have been Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet).” And he rejoiced because he withstood the test and humbled himself with us before him.

Zohar Chadash Lech Lecha 22

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 Elijah the Prophet, Eliyahu haNovi, Faith, Spirituality, UncategorizedTagged Ecclesiastes 12:12, Elijah the Prophet, Eliyahu haNavi, Eliyahu haNovi, Jewish, Jewish Stories, Joel 1:3, Proverbs 3:8, Shimon bar Yochai, Spirituality, StoriesLeave a Comment on Rabbi Eleazar and Eliyahu haNovi

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.

Ecclesiastes 3:13

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)

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, Faith, Religious Education, Spirituality, Stories, Tzedakah, UncategorizedTagged beggar, Ecclesiastes 3:13, Jewish Stories, Middos, parable, prince, Religious values, short stories, spiritual, Spirituality, wealthLeave a Comment on The Gift of Life

Healing Food and Blessings

Posted on Thursday, 17, February, 2022Wednesday, 11, October, 2023 by Rabbi

In earlier generations, there were great rabbis who could heal the sick. if a person ate food in his house, they went away with a blessing of healing.

The wife of one of these holy rabbis died, and he wept terribly and would not be consoled or comforted. The holy rabbi told his closest students, “You might have thought that people who ate in my house were healed because of me. That is not true. It was because of my holy wife. Now that she has gone to the World of Truth, I can tell you. Listen carefully, and I will tell you about how the food my wife prepared had the power of healing.

“In our earlier days, we were very poor. If we ate one or two meals during the week, no matter what, we always had to eat on Shabbos (the Sabbath). Sometimes we fasted from Shabbos to Shabbos. Then we had enough food for ourselves and for some guests. One week, my holy wife was cooking on Erev Shabbos (Friday) when a drunkard knocked on the door and was invited in.

He was smelling of alcohol, but he said to my wife, ‘I’m starving. Do you have anything to eat?’ We hadn’t eaten that whole week, but who knows how long he had been without food? And when someone says he’s starving, how can you not feed him? So my wife gave him from the food she had prepared for Shabbos. But after finishing what she gave him, he asked, ‘Is there more?’ Each time, he ate whatever was put before him and asked for more, until she said, ‘There’s not a crumb left.’

She gave him everything she had prepared for our Shabbos meals. Everything she gave him to eat and drink was done with great respect and care. She did not judge him by how he looked or for his crude be­havior, for who knows what troubles he had had? She did this mitzvah (religious deed) “with all her heart and all her soul and with all her might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)

‘Then this drunkard did something unusual. He asked, “Can I speak with your husband?’ My wife came to my room and told me about his strange request, and when I agreed, she sent him to me. When he came in, he no longer smelled, and he didn’t appear drunk. In fact, his face was glowing, and I realized at once that this was Eliyahu haNovi (Elijah the Prophet).

“He said to me, ‘I only came here to bless your wife. Her kindness has made a great impression in heaven. But we wanted to give her a final test to see if she was worthy of the great blessing, we have in store for her. She passed the test.’

“What was the great blessing? It was the blessing of healing. And that,” said the holy rabbi, “was why the food my holy wife served healed whoever ate it.”

Food that is prepared and served with love can heal the sick and revive the weary. The food offered by the holy rabbi’s wife with such self-sacrifice contained such a heavenly blessing.

Exodus 23:25

Traditional Jewish Chicken Soup

Chicken Soup also called the Jewish penicillin is a powerful remedy that cures all disorders physical and spiritual. Several spoonfuls of Goldene yoich (golden chicken soup) warm the body and the neshama – soul.

INGREDIENTS

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon dried sage

1-2 carrots, cut in 2-3 inch pieces

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1-2 onions, chopped

1/4 cup loosely packed fresh parsley, with stems,

3 stalks celery with leaves cut in 2 inch slices

2 teaspoon kosher salt + more, to taste

3-4 garlic cloves, smashed

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1-2 bay leaves

3-4 pound chicken, whole or parts cut-up

INSTRCTIONS

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or medium saucepan over medium high heat. Once oil is hot, add garlic, onion, carrots and celery; cook for two to three minutes, or until onion becomes translucent.

Add spices (turmeric, thyme, sage, salt and pepper) stir until vegetables are well coated.

Fill the pot with 1 to 1 ½ gallons of water and add bay leaves and parsley. Bring to a boil and let boil 1 hour.

Add chicken and partially cover the pot and bring the water to a low boil. To the extent that foam develops on the soup, take it off the top with a spoon and discard it.

Adjust the heat if necessary to keep the soup at a simmer and continue simmering, with the pot partially covered, for 2-3 hours. The soup will develop a golden color and a rich savory taste.

Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper to taste if necessary. At this point, you can refrigerate or freeze the soup, or serve it.

Can be served with noodles, knaidlach (matzo balls), rice, mandlen (soup nuts and kreplach.

Recipe Notes

If you want your soup to be low fat, refrigerate it for several hours or overnight at this point to separate the chicken fat. The fat will rise and solidify. You can skim it off to discard or freeze for later use. Chicken fat or schmaltz is a delicious savory alternative to other fats or oil.

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 Charity, Faith, Food, Holidays, Shabbos, Spirituality, Stories, Tzedakah, Uncategorized, Woman, WomanTagged chicken soup, Deuteronomy 6:5, exodus 23:25, food, Healing, holy food, Jewish recipes, Jewish Stories, kosher recipes, recipes, short stories, Spirituality, story recipesLeave a Comment on Healing Food and Blessings

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