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Tag: Teshuvah

A Path of Return and Forgiveness

Posted on Thursday, 8, December, 2022 by Rabbi

A holy rabbi was feeling tired and run down so he decided to follow the advice of his doctor and went to a seaside spa. A grandson of a famous rabbi was living there. He had been caught in the net cast by the Maskilim (the Enlightened modernizers of Judaism) and had strayed from the path of his fathers. When the holy rabbi heard about him, he sent for him and invited him to come to and visit him in his home. He promised that all his expenses would be taken care of, and the young man agreed.

He had sat at the rabbi’s table only a short time when he completely repented his past misdeeds. One day, however, the holy rabbi noticed that the young man was looking depressed, and asked: “My son, what is troubling you? If it is your sins, remember- that the turning makes up for everything.”

teshuvah

The young man answered: “Why should I not be troubled? After repenting I keep returning to sin over and over again as a dog return to his bone – and how can I know whether my repentance is still accepted?”

The holy rabbi touched his arm and said: “Have you ever wondered why we read in the shemoneh esrei the prayer S’lach Lanu: “‘Forgive us our Father for we have sinned, pardon us our King for we have willfully transgressed, for You pardon and forgive. Blessed are You, O Lord, Who is gracious and ever willing to forgive.’ Would it not be enough to write: `You forgive .and pardon? But just as it is man’s way and impulse to sin and sin again and again, so it is G-d’s way and his divine compulsion to forgive and pardon again and again.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Chanukah Stories

The Season of Lights – Chanukah is coming very quickly as it begins at Sundown On December 18, 2022.

Most people in the Jewish communities throughout the world can rattle off a list of Chanukah traditions such as lighting the menorah each night; playing dreidel games; eating foods cooked in oil (latkes and Sufganiot); and exchanging gifts.

An age old tradition is telling stories in the glow of the Chanukah menorah. The stories tell of greatness, nobility, and wisdom while at the same time raising the hopes for a better tomorrow.

The very backdrop to the spiritual stories is attractive to its readers allowing one to peek into the beliefs, and lifestyles of a vanishing age of a faraway world and reminding them that the messages are eternal – just as strong today as they were yesterday.

The book, Story Tour: The Journey Begins will remind readers of forgotten stories of faith that strengthen and reaffirm hope for a better world.

The Story Tour Blog has grown to over 600 short stories about faith. Many visitors to the Story Tour Blog have requested that the stories be gathered together into a book. 72 (4 times Chai) of these special tales are now available in the storybook, Story Tour: The Journey Begins, that would make a special gift for Chanukah.

Buy a copy of Story Tour: The Journey Begins as a gift for someone special today. Story Tour: The Journey Begins is available from the publisher, Xlibris, Booksamillion, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon

 

ORDER YOURS TODAY

Story Tour: The Journey Begins is available from:

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Posted in Spirituality, Stories, teshuvah, Uncategorized, WisdomTagged Jewish Stories, Repentance, selach lanu, short stories, TeshuvahLeave a Comment on A Path of Return and Forgiveness

What Do You Know?

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

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

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

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

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

Spirituality

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

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

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

 

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

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Stories, teshuvah, Uncategorized, WisdomTagged Berachos 17a, Berachos 34b, Jewish Stories, Repentance, short stories, spiritual stories, Spirituality, Teshuvah, Yoma 86a, Zechariah 1:3Leave a Comment on What Do You Know?

Kishke and Teshuvah

Posted on Friday, 5, March, 2021Thursday, 11, January, 2024 by Rabbi

Two kings from neighboring kingdoms once met and shared a meal together. A state dinner with many delicacies was served. One of the items on the menu was kishke. Traditional kishke is actually the intestines of a kosher animal stuffed with matzah meal and oil/schmaltz/fat and all sorts of spices. It is a special dish on the Shabbos (Sabbath) table and many times served in cholent.

Kishke was served at the royal dinner and the visiting king loved it. He asked his host to send the recipe to his royal kitchen. The hosting king graciously promised to do so. After the visiting king’s departure the royal cooks wrote down the recipe and sent it by a special messenger to the neighboring king’s chefs.

The day finally came when the king was told that he would be served kishke at the dinner meal. He sat down hungrily. Out came a tray, but a foul odor came from the tray. The smell was almost overwhelming. With great anticipation the king took off the cover from his plate and took a bite. He immediately spat out the piece and ordered the tray removed and the kishke thrown away.

A letter of official protest was immediately dispatched to the king who sent the recipe. How dare he send a recipe for such a vile food! The king received the distressing letter and summoned his cooking staff for an explanation.

Initially, the royal kitchen staff was confused. They went over the recipe and could not find the problem. After quite some time and in a moment of inspiration, one of the junior cooks observed, “We told him how to stuff and spice the kishke, but we never realized that we needed to tell him to clean it out before he stuffs it!”

This story is about teshuva (repentance). Many people wanting to do teshuvah and change their lives begin to think more and more about ways to improve. They give tzedakah (charity), pray earnestly and do good deeds. Surely good deeds are important in the process of change. Teshuvah/repentance is best when a person takes an honest assessment of oneself in order to correct any areas in their behavior that need fixing. Otherwise even with all of the spices (good deeds) in the world, a person may remain a stinking kishke…

Kishke Kishka

KISHKE

This is a versatile recipe. If using oil, the Kishke is pareve. If using shmaltz, the Kishke is fleishig. For Pesach/Passover delete the flour and use only matzah meal. For Pesach/Passover one could use ¾ cup of cake meal and ¾ cup of matzah meal

INGREDIENTS

2 stalks celery with leaves, chopped

½ cup vegetable oil or shmaltz

1 carrot, grated

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or matzah meal

1 large onion, chopped

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground pepper

DIRECTIONS

Blend all ingredients except the flour/matzah meal and paprika in the blender. Do not blend too smooth: a coarse texture will make a more interesting kishke.

When blended, add the flour/matzah meal and paprika. Spoon half of the mixture onto a large piece of heavy duty aluminum foil. Shape like a cylinder. Fasten the foil securely at the top and the sides. Do the same with the other half of the mixture.

Place both rolls on a baking sheet (there might be some leakage). Bake in a 350-degree F. oven for 45 minutes. Carefully turn the kishke rolls over (to prevent burning on one side) and bake for approximately 45 minutes more. If additional browning is desired, turn the kishke rolls over once again and open the foil a bit. Remove the foil, slice, and serve.

Essen Gezunteheit

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, Food, Pesach, Shabbos, Stories, UncategorizedTagged food stories, Jewish, jewish food, Jewish recipes, kishka, Kishke, Repentance, story recipes, TeshuvahLeave a Comment on Kishke and Teshuvah

The Sin That Was Sold

Posted on Tuesday, 24, November, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There were two Jewish merchants who were good friends. They used to purchase all kinds of goods, and one of them was a very handsome man indeed. One day they heard that a certain noblewoman had many goods, which she had inherited, to sell. They went to her place to purchase whatever she had. Now she had never seen a Jewish person, and her family had told her only bad things about them. When she asked her servant about these visitors, he laughed at her, saying: “Your family were not honest with you. They are like other men and lack for nothing except that they have no homeland now.” When she heard this, she wished to see the visitors and went to the entrance. There she was very surprised seeing the handsome merchant, whose face seemed to brighten the whole room. So she sent for him and spoke to him, and she was amazed that he could speak her language. She thoroughly enjoyed talking to him, and the flame of desire for him burned within her.

Their business was concluded, the other merchant went to the neighboring villages in order to hire wagons for transporting the goods, while the handsome one with the noblewoman. That night she sent for him to dine with her. He came and enjoyed the food, wine and conversation. The noblewoman told him how she loved him, and gave him all his share of the goods as a gift. With the desires for wealth and for the noblewoman joined, and he could not resist them.

In the morning, his friend returned with the wagons, they loaded up the goods and went their way. While on the road the handsome merchant recalled what he had done and was very ashamed of himself. His friend asked him what was troubling him, but he put him off with various excuses. He wanted to ease the burden of his friend so he insisted on knowing the real reason his friend was troubled and at last, under his pressure the handsome man told the other what had happened. The friend tried to comfort him, but he was not prepared for consolation and wept for what he had done. When his friend saw that he refused to be comforted, he offered to purchase the transgressions from him. They shook hands on the sale and returned home; and the man who had purchased the transgression grew very wealthy and was prosperous in all he did.

In due course the wealthy merchant died; and when he appeared before the Heavenly Court to give a reckoning for his deeds, they included the sin of his friend among his own. The dead man appeared to his friend in a dream and summoned him for trial before a very holy rabbi.

The man was terrified and did not know what to answer; and the dead man appeared in his dreams nightly until he became very sick. Then the sick person begged his family to carry him in his bed to the holy rabbi. They did so, and he told the rabbi of the dreams.

The rabbi said to him: “Have no fear! When he comes to you again, tell him that the Torah ‘is not in heaven’ (Deut. 30:12), and if he wishes for a trial, let him come before me together with you.” The rabbi set a special time for this trial according to the Torah.

When that time came, he sent the synagogue attendant to the grave¬yard to summon the dead merchant. The dead man came together with the living; and a minyan (a group of ten men) gathered in the synagogue.

Sinner Sota 3b

Then both the dead man and the living stated their arguments. The holy rabbi listened to both ever mindful. The holy rabbi spoke to the living man saying,” A sin’s beginning is sweet, but its end is bitter. (Ecclesiastes Rabbah 2:2) One must always remember that ‘No sin is so light that it may be overlooked; no sin is so heavy that it may not be repented of.’ (Shiras Yisrael, 12c) The matters before us today are indeed great, for the wealthy merchant only wanted to ease his friend’s pain.”

After a moment or two the holy rabbi continued, “Those who commit sin and do wrong are their own worst enemies. (Tobit 12:10) For this reason the living man was troubled down to his very core by his sinful behavior.” After listening to the two before him, the holy rabbi found that the words of the living man to be sincere and ruled against the dead merchant.

The holy rabbi concluded that, “Happy is he who repents while still a man (Avodah Zarah 19a) for had the living man carried his own sin, he would have repented it long ago.” The holy rabbi consoled the dead merchant saying that he would perform reparation for his soul and lighten his punishment.

When the rabbi had declared his judgment, the sound of loud weeping was heard; and in the spot where the dead man had stood there now appeared a large cloud of smoke.

Based on Adas Tzadikkim 41-5

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

Posted in Horror, Prayer, Stories, teshuvah, UncategorizedTagged Avodah Zara 19a, beis din, bet din, Deuteronomy 30:12, forgiveness, Jewish horror stories, Nedarim 32a, Repentance, Sin, Sota 3b, Teshuvah, Tobit 12:10Leave a Comment on The Sin That Was Sold

Farfel: Put the Past Behind You

Posted on Friday, 28, August, 2020Thursday, 24, August, 2023 by Rabbi

The Talmud says that Shabbos is “a semblance of Olam Haba,” a taste of the delight of the World to Come. Certainly, this refers to something that is incomparably greater than the physical delights we experience.

The Midrash cites the phrase in Genesis (2:1): “And the heaven and earth were completed,” and comments that it is with the onset of Shabbos everything in Creation had been completed and not even the slightest thing was lacking, so should a person feel when Shabbos arrives: everything is complete, there is nothing lacking. There is not the slightest carryover of concern from the previous week. Nothing in one’s life is lacking, not even the slightest thing, just as G-d’s creation was totally complete.

We may have some difficulty in imagining so blissful a state, but if we could achieve it, it would indeed be “a semblance of Olam Haba.” Our minds would then be free for total devotion to spiritual pursuits.

Although a person should always have an attitude of teshuvah, Shabbos is a particularly favorable time for forgiveness. The Talmud says that if a person observes Shabbos properly, all his sins are forgiven (Koheles Rabbah 4). Inasmuch as a person receives an additional soul (neshamah yeseirah) on Shabbos, it is appropriate that one cleanse oneself of all one’s wrongdoings in preparation for this enhanced kedushah (holiness).

To assist in experiencing this heavenly feeling, a farfel stuffing was served on Friday night, and would be referred to it as “Teshuvah Farfel.” The Yiddish word farfallen means “it is in the past, over and done with.” As the farfel stuffing was served, people would say, “Whatever was until now is farfallen,” as a reminder that we should now put the entire past behind us and not bring any concerns of the workweek into Shabbos.

In this month before Rosh Hashanah, let us hope that all can do teshuvah and be forgiven of sins. Each Shabbos brings the hope that all is farfallen – it is in the past, over and done with – so each week we start anew.

Forgiveness Food

Teshuvah Farfel Stuffing

INGREDIENTS

2 large onions, diced

½ pound mushrooms, sliced

3-4 table spoons olive oil or shamltz

garlic cloves, minced

½ teaspoon turmeric

2 celery ribs, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 pound matzo farfel

1 tablespoons fresh oregano

2 cups chicken broth/vegetable broth

1 teaspoon rubbed sage

2 eggs

1 teaspoon paprika

Kosher salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

Freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13inch casserole dish.

2. Sauté onions in a large sauté pan lightly coated olive oil/shmaltz, over medium-high heat, until medium brown and very soft.

3. Add mushrooms to the pan and a bit more olive oil/shmaltz. Add spices and continue to sauté

4. Add celery and garlic to the pan and continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes until celery begins to soften.

5. Transfer vegetables to greased pan. Add matzo farfel, broth, and slightly beaten eggs. Stir to combine. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more until lightly browned, or cool completely and freeze for up to 1 month.

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. <

Posted in Faith, Food, Shabbat, Shabbos, Shabbos, StoriesTagged Farfel, farfel stuffing, forgiveness, Jewish, jewish food, Jewish Stories, Shabbat, Shabbos, Stories, Teshuvah1 Comment on Farfel: Put the Past Behind You

The Teshuvah of a Horse

Posted on Friday, 11, October, 2019Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Moshe Milner made a good living from the mill that he owned on the outskirts of the holy city of Jerusalem. The huge millstone was turned by the steady and patient treading of a horse which spent its days pacing round and round in an endless circle. Moshe was hardly ever seen at the mill. He preferred to study the holy books, so he allowed all the work of the mill to be supervised by his manager, Gershom Gibor. This allowed him to be free to devote all his time to Torah study.

When Gershom Gibor, the manager passed away, another man was hired to oversee the running of the mill. This new manager decided to improve the operation of the mill by replacing the slow, old horse with a new, massive one, stronger by far than the other horses that had worked there before. The new horse accomplished the work so much more quickly than the previous ones that it became known as the “wonder horse.”

Soon word of this magnificent horse spread through the countryside, and people came from near and far to try to buy the fabulous animal. Much more money was waiting to be made through the horse if it would be used for other, more demanding tasks than turning a millstone, such as pulling huge loads, or transporting the wealthy from place to place.

Moshe Milner was unwilling to sell the horse, and refused all offers that were presented to him. It seemed that no matter how many times he said “no,” and how many people he turned away, offers continued to come his way from people who wished to purchase the horse.

Finally, Moshe became tired of the frequent interruptions to his Torah study. So he set a price for the “wonder horse” of 25 gold coins — a sum that would support a family for a long time. Surely, no one would be so foolish as to make an offer like that! Moshe underestimated the interest of his would-be buyers. One merchant actually came up with the sum, and a deal was struck.

The night before the sale was to be finalized, Moshe couldn’t sleep. He tossed and turned in his bed until, finally, in the middle of the night, he dressed and left the house, telling his family he would soon return.

His employees were shocked to see the owner, Moshe Milner, arrive at the mill. As he never visited the mill during the day, what was he doing there in the middle of the night? Moshe walked straight up to the horse, as all of the employees looked on. He stopped at the horse’s side and whispered a few words in the mighty animal’s ear. Immediately, the horse fell dead on the spot. Moshe said nothing and returned to his home.

The next day news quickly spread that the “wonder horse” had died the previous night, for no apparent reason. “A perfectly healthy horse!” everyone exclaimed, and a horse worth 25 gold coins! Who had ever heard of such a thing!


Wonder Horse

Moshe Milner called his family and friends and related the amazing story of the previous evening. “Last night I couldn’t sleep. I tossed and turned for hours, and when I fell asleep at last, I had a very strange dream. In the dream my former employee, Gershom Gibor, appeared to me and said, ‘I must confess to you. I wasn’t the wonderful manager you thought me to be. I stole from you throughout all the years I worked at the mill. When I died and appeared before the heavenly court, I was informed that the only way I could atone for my terrible sin against man and G‑d was to return to earth in the form of your mill horse, so that I could repay my debt to you. I was given an especially strong body so that I could work extra hard. For months I toiled tirelessly, making up for what I stole from you through the years.

“But it seems I did my job too well, for I became renowned for my strength and stamina. When I heard that you were planning to sell me, I was horrified. I would not be able to expiate my sins unless I was working for you in your mill. If you would sell me, I would have to return to earth once more, perhaps in an even lesser form, to atone for my misdeeds. I cannot bear the idea of returning again, so I beg you, please forgive me for what I did to you.’

“When I heard his plea, I jumped up out of bed and ran immediately to the mill. I went up to the horse and told him that I forgave him with all my heart, and that he no longer owed me a single penny. When he heard my words, he expired, for he had fulfilled his purpose here on earth. Now, poor Gershom Gibor will find his peace in the next 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)

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Posted in Faith, Holiday, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Stories, teshuvahTagged forgiveness, horse, Jewish Story, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, Repentance, TeshuvahLeave a Comment on The Teshuvah of a Horse

Memories, Teshuvah and Chicken Soup

Posted on Thursday, 27, September, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The sun was setting and Rivka looked out the window at the different colours on the horizon, but to her it was all muted. She reluctantly looked at the shiva candle that she set on the table wondering what to do next.

Slowly she mumbled a prayer that the rabbi recommended:

L-rd of spirit and flesh, we have turned to You for comfort in these days of grief.

When the cup of sorrow passed into our hands, your presence consoled us. Now we rise up to face the tasks of life once more. There will be moments of woe and hours of loneliness, for a loved one has passed from our sight.

In our times of weakness may her (his) memory strengthen our spirit.

Teach us, O G-d, to give thanks for all that was deathless in the life of our dear companion and friend, and which now is revealed to us in all its beauty.

Be our support when our own strength fails us.

For the love that death cannot sever; for the friendship we shared along life’s path; for those gifts of heart and mind which now become a precious heritage; for all these and more, we are grateful.

Now help us L-rd, not to dwell on sorrow and pain, but to honor our beloved by the quality of our lives.

shiva

Gray light entered through the faded curtains of the wooden house as Rivka slowly got up. Sadly, she looked at the empty bed beside her –  Yosef Simcha was gone.

She put on her warm robe, and then passed by the yahrzeit candle still burning from the night before on the dining room table next to Yosef Simcha’s siddur and tefillin. The flame gave off such a cold light in the small glass. The rabbi had said she could let the candle burn out by itself. Rivka felt like she was as burnt out as the candle.

Slowly she made her way to the kitchen and set a kettle up to boil on the stove. A nice cup of instant coffee like she used only on Shabbos was fine for every day now. Nothing tasted good these days, not even coffee.

Yesterday, shiva over, the rabbi had said, “It’s time for you to go out.” Time was so unforgiving; Rivka was not ready. Especially not ready to see her face in the mirror: her hair grayer, the skin underneath her green eyes darker, face color nonexistent.

Today being Friday, she had to buy food for Shabbos. That’s if she wanted to eat. Rivka forced herself to eat a boiled egg and bagel after the funeral. Then everyone else could eat. For the next few days, she’d eaten to keep up her strength for the visitors.

Today, coffee was all she wanted. Then Rivka put on her black raincoat with a hood. It was only last year Yosef Simcha had said, “Great—a hood, in case of rain.” He put down the paper to admire Rivka as she showed off her new raincoat.

Rivka wondered, had he started to look pale then?

Pulling the hood over her head, Rivka forced herself out the door. Once outside, she was not sure if raindrops or tears were sliding down her cheeks.

No need to get eggless challahs, fresh fish and vegetables which was all Yosef Simcha could eat after his heart surgery. The rain matched Rivka’s mood as she walked up the street, busy with other shoppers scurrying to get what they needed for Shabbos.

she took off her hood and grabbed a small cart as she entered the market. As soon as she entered the first aisle, someone shoved into her with a large wagon.

“Pardon me,” Rivka said, then turned to see Shira, Yosef Simcha’s first wife, surrounded by potatoes, onions and carrots.

Shira whined, “You could at least say hello.”

“Hello.” Picking up some celery, Rivka smelled them. They reminded her of spring, and fresh air, and her mother’s chicken soup bubbling on the stove before Shabbos.

Since Shira had not shown up for the funeral, Rivka hadn’t minded the twin boys standing together, yet apart from everyone else at the graveside. They stood by as Yosef Simcha was lowered into the ground, then escaped without saying a word to Rivka.

How she wished they had said some word of kindness, or an acknowledgment that Rivka existed. How she wished they acted like Yosef Simcha, not just looked like him.

Was it her fault, what happened between Yosef Simcha and Shira? Rivka never really wanted to know. She had such wonderful memories of her husband.

It was still painful that she and Yosef Simcha had no children. No one to whom she could pass on his precious siddur and tefillin. No one to help her through the mourning process.

 “I didn’t come to the funeral, because I thought it would bother you.” Shira flung her thick finger, adorned with a huge flashy diamond, into Rivka’s face. “I’m happy now, as you can see.”

Happy was not a word Rivka could even imagine using now. Looking down at her own tastefully small ring, she never would have worn such a flashy piece of jewelry.

Cart filled with chicken and other special food, Shira said, “I told my boys to go, out of respect for their father.”

“It would also have been respectful if they paid their condolences to me.”

“They never forgave their father for abandoning them.”

Abandoning them! After all the weekends we invited the boys and Shira had said no. Shira had no case.

Yosef Simcha was heartbroken so many times, Rivka suspected it added to his strain.

She bought candles to bring in Shabbos by herself.

Thinking about which kind of frozen dinner she should buy, Rivka heard Shira brag about her ring to someone else.

When would Rivka be happy? She pictured her mother lighting candles, white lace scarf covering her head, small hands circling the warm orange flames reflecting off her round face.

Rivka ran around the store, buying chicken, onions and spices, her mother’s secret ingredients to add to the celery hearts and carrots for soup. Smelling the aroma while the soup was bubbling will make a sweet Shabbos.

Looking out the large window, the sun inched out through the clouds, as if it forgave them.

She noticed Shira by the checkout counter. Maybe Rivka should forgive Shira for all her bad behavior. “After all,” the rabbi had said, “not forgiving someone is bad for your heart.”

She stepped over to Susan and said, “A gut’n Shabbos to you and your family.”

Rivka left the store with a heart that felt less heavy. Tonight, when lighting the candles, she would thank G-d for all she had.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Grief and Mourning resources for adults and children including thoughts and meditations, stories, and crafts

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Posted in Grief and Mourning, Prayer, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Stories, teshuvah, Uncategorized, WomanTagged chicken soup, grief, Jewish funeral, mourning, Shabbat, Shabbos, shiva, TeshuvahLeave a Comment on Memories, Teshuvah and Chicken Soup

ST11 A Rock and the King’s Greatness

Posted on Wednesday, 12, September, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Can a person be punished for injuring the king if he does not understand the greatness and power of the king?

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May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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Posted in Faith, justice, Podcast, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Rosh haShanah, Rosh haShanah, Stories, teshuvah, UncategorizedTagged forgiveness, Jewish podcast, Jewish Stories, podcast, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, Stories of faith, TeshuvahLeave a Comment on ST11 A Rock and the King’s Greatness

Tzedakah and Teshuvah – Charity and Forgiveness

Posted on Thursday, 26, April, 2018Friday, 22, September, 2023 by Rabbi

The routine of everyday living can leave us with little time for thinking of others. Sometimes, however, a single moment’s thought can be acted upon and cause one to reach great heights.

Tam and Chacham often traveled together to a certain village to collect money for many causes. Many Jewish families in the village became wealthy from the lumber business. They hoped that they would be able to convince the prosperous Jewish leaders of the village to contribute generously to their charity causes. Somehow, though, the people of the village were all extremely reluctant to give tzedakah (charity). Still, year after year, Tam and Chacham made the effort to return to the village and try to collect a little bit more than the year before.

Tam and Chacham would spend several days making their usual rounds of wealthy Jewish businessmen. Each person gave willingly enough, but it was only a small amount in comparison to the sums that Tam and Chacham knew these men could afford.

After a week of collecting in the village, Tam and Chacham noticed a certain name on their list: Feival Fenster. Feival Fenster was a very wealthy man and was always too busy to talk to Tam and Chacham. In all the years that Tam and Chacham had been coming to the village, they had never actually been able to make contact with the wealthy merchant. There was little reason to think that things would be different this time, but Tam and Chacham tried to meet with Feival Fenster once again.

Much to their surprise Feival Fenster answered the door himself and welcomed them into his home. He extended his hand to Tam and Chacham and gave them a heartfelt “Shalom Aleichem” (Peace be unto you). They responded, “Aleichem Shalom (unto you peace). Feival asked, “What can I do for you?”

Tam and Chacham explained that they were collecting tzadakah (charity). Much to their surprise, the wealthy merchant answered with an almost regretfully, “You know I really owe you an apology. I know you’ve been trying to reach me for years, and it just never works out. What if you meet me at the inn tomorrow morning? We could have a good, long talk, and take things from there.”

Tam and Chacham could hardly believe that the wealthy merchant was actually going to meet with them.

The next morning found Tam and Chacham walking to the inn well before ten o’clock. Finally, a few minutes after the appointed hour, Feival Fenster came up to them. “Shalom Aleichem” (Peace be unto you). I am so glad to meet with you. Let’s sit down and talk.”

The two men sat down with the wealthy merchant. Tam and Chacham described the yeshivah and kiruv (outreach) projects they were collecting for to Fenster. They further emphasized the importance of Torah (Scripture/religious) education and the great responsibility of contributing to its support. Feival Fenster listened closely, asking important questions from time to time. The minutes stretched out to an hour, then longer. Finally, Chacham gathered enough courage to ask Feival Fenster a question he had been wondering about for a long, long time.

“Reb Fenster,” he said hesitantly. “You are a very prosperous merchant and you deal with many, many people. If anyone understands this village, it would be you. You are aware that we have been coming to this village for several years. We also do some fund-raising in other neighboring villages, I was wondering why the people of the other villages are so much more charitable than the people in this village?”

Feival Fenster froze. Watching him, Chacham wished there was some way he could withdraw the question. Antagonizing or insulting the wealthy merchant would certainly not be the best way to convince him to make a donation.

“Rabbi,” he finally whispered in a soft child-like voice. “Rabbi, I’m so ashamed. I’m ashamed of myself and my village.” He swallowed. “What will I say to the Holy One, blessed be He when I stand before the Heavenly Court?” His heart broke as he buried his face in his hands and cried.

Tam and Chacham, astonished beyond belief, sat quietly and waited. Feivel’s words had sounded almost like a Yom Kippur confession. The wealthy merchant was completely broken and looking for selichah (forgiveness).

After several moments, Feival partially composed himself. In a trembling voice, he said, “Rabbis, whatever amount of money you ask, I’ll give you. I, I want to redeem my community from this embarrassment…” Tears overflowed his eyes as he broke down once more.

Tam softly suggested a figure. Suddenly, Feivel Fenster stood up and ran out of the inn. Tam and Chacham did not know what to expect, they felt that maybe they had embarrassed and overwhelmed the wealthy merchant.

Some time later, Feivel Fenster returned with a large bag and gave it to Tam. As Tam accepted the bag of gold coins, he felt a great sense of awe for this simple Jewish man who had willingly shouldered the shame of his community and opened his heart to the mitzvah of tzedakah (Charity).

Repentance, Prayer and Charity will cancel the harsh decree

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

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Posted in Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Stories, Tam and Chacham, teshuvah, UncategorizedTagged charity, forgiveness, inspirational stories, Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, short stories, Teshuvah, tzedakah, U’Nesaneh Tokef, U’Netaneh Tokef, Yom Kippur1 Comment on Tzedakah and Teshuvah – Charity and Forgiveness

The King’s Messengers

Posted on Monday, 25, September, 2017Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

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

There was a wise man standing nearby who soothed the man’s anxiety:

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

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

A wise man turned to him and said:

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

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

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more Rosh Hashanah stories see below:

Hineni – Different Kinds of Prayer

How Much Remorse?

Just One Small Blast from the Great Shofar

The King, the Forester and Teshuvah

Foundations of the World

A Prescription for Life

Philmont, Horses and Rosh haShanah

Rosh haHashanah: Forgiving A Debt

The Deaf Man of the Shul

The Dirty Treasure

How to be Forgiven of Sin

Repentance and the Captive Prince

Repentance Out of Love

The Humble Request of the King’s Son

The King, the Thief the True Penitant

A Rock and the King’s Greatness

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.

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Please share this story with others

Posted in Faith, Holiday, Holidays, Rabbi's thoughts and teaching, Rosh haShanah, Rosh haShanah, Stories, UncategorizedTagged Rabbi Rock, Rachmiel Tobesman, Repentance, Rosh haShanah, short stories, Spiritual Storytelling, Spirituality, Stories of faith, Teshuvah1 Comment on The King’s Messengers

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