Rose Honey instead of Hot Lead

Posted on Sunday, 30, December, 2012Thursday, 22, September, 2022 by Rabbi

One may ask: “If a person has done many things that are bad and hurtful, can they ever be forgiven?” The Holy Word teaches:

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins: return to Me; for I have redeemed you. Seek you the L-rd while He may be found; call you upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 44:22, 55:6)”

It is told that there was a certain man who had been wicked all his life, and he was well aware that it would be very hard for his repentance to be received in heaven. On one occasion he jokingly asked Rabbi Moshe ben Shem-Tov de Leon of blessed memory (1250-1305 c.e.) whether there was any hope for such a great sinner. The holy rabbi thought for some time and answered: “When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned” (Leviticus 5:5). The holy rabbi listened to everything the man had to say and then sadly ruled, “The only remedy and atonement for you is to accept the punishment of death as an atonement for your transgressions.

Then the wicked man asked him: “If I do accept a sentence of death, shall I have a share in the Garden of Eden?” “Yes,” said the holy rabbi; and the wicked man pleaded: “Swear to me that my place will be near you!” Then Rabbi Moshe ben Shem-Tov de Leon swore to him that he would be near him in the Garden of Eden. When the man heard this, he took a deep breath and expressed, “I prayed to the L-rd my G-d and confessed: “O L-rd, the great and awesome G-d, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands (Daniel 9:4) hear my words that come from the depths of my heart.” The sinner with his broken heart gathered up his courage and followed him to the central shul (synagogue).

Once there, the rabbi ordered that hot lead should be brought to him. They brought the lead, and he puffed air at it with the bellows until the lead was boiling. Then he sat the wicked man on a bench and tied a cloth over his eyes and said to him: “Confess all your sins to our G-d and accept your death as a return for the sins with which you have angered your Creator all your life.” At this, the man burst into a great and exceedingly bitter gush of tears as he proclaimed, “I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.” (Psalm 38:18). Round about him stood many of the community’s elders and sages. And then the rabbi said to him: “Open your mouth wide, and I shall fill it with boiling lead.” And the man opened his mouth very wide in the presence of all the people who stood round about him, in order to accept the fullness of death and so gain life in the World to Come.

At this, the said rabbi took a spoonful of warm rose honey and dropped it into his mouth and said to him: “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13) May your many sins depart from you and your transgression be atoned!”

The man, his heart sincere and broken began to cry at once in bitter grief: “Holy rabbi! For the honor of our Maker, the King who is King above all kings, the Holy One, blessed be He slay me now indeed, so that I may not see the evil of losing my soul; for why should I live. My sins have mounted higher than my head, from the sole of my feet to the crown of my head, there is no sound place in me; so what have you done to me? Why have you deceived me?”

The holy rabbi answered him: “We are taught: “The L-rd is near to all those who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalms 145:18) For He cleanses a soul from sin, when he makes confession. (Psalms of Solomon 9:12) and “the spirit of man is the lamp of the L-rd, searching all his innermost parts.” (Proverbs 20:27). As long as the lamp of your spirit burns, there is time to make repairs. Do not dread and have no fear, for G-d has already seen all your deeds and has forgiven you. No go forth live by the Holy Words of the L-rd and sin no more.”

Thereafter the man never left Rabbi Moshe ben Shem-Tov de Leon’s house of study and spent his days in fasting and true repentance.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3) Please share this story with others

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The Palace Owner Who Became a Beggar II

Posted on Tuesday, 20, November, 2012Thursday, 22, September, 2022 by Rabbi

In the morning he told his family and servants that he must go on a journey. He ordered them to harness his carriage and dressed himself and said farewell to them and made his way to the forest. When he came there, he ordered his driver to wait for him; and he went into the forest where he found the dead man waiting. There the dead man ordered him to take off his fine garments, and instead he gave him patched and tattered old clothes to wear. His face also changed at once and became seamed and wrinkled, so that he seemed like a poor man who had been making the rounds of the houses for a very long time.

Then the dead man ordered him to go back to the city and study Torah in all the Houses of Study. He further instructed him not to tell anybody who he was. When he was hungry, he was not to take any food from any man but must go to his own home and beg for food there. He must sleep upon the ground and live and suffer for days and months until a year had passed. Then the man from the other world stopped speaking and vanished.

The rich man walked out of the forest and began walking, while his driver waited for him all day long. When he saw that he did not return, he searched the forest but did not find him; he returned home and told what had happened. They searched everywhere for the master of the palace but did not find him, so they thought he must have fallen at the hand of robbers. And they grieved him bitterly.

The rich man in his patched garments did everything the dead man told him to do. He spent his time in a House of Study, learning. When he became hungry, he went to his home, but he heard the outcry of the household on his account and wished to turn back. Yet a hidden force pushed him to the doorway. Shamefully, he asked for food, but the servant woman abused him, saying: “Don’t you know that here we give nothing to the poor? And besides, we are all distressed because our master is lost.”

The wealthy man greatly pained, because he could not say who he was and in addition he was suffering the pangs of hunger. Then he began to beg and plead for some bread; and after cursing him and abusing him, they gave him a few crusts on which he lived for several days.

Word spread in the city that a strange poor man had come there and was sitting and studying all the time, and took no food from anybody and requested food only from the home of the missing wealthy man; even though he received it only after suffering and abuse. They thought that he must be mad, and began to throw dust and earth after him. He spent the whole year in this poverty and accepted it in full regret, repentance so distressing that those who read about it must wonder and be astonished.

When the year was over he went back to the forest where the dead man was waiting for him. “Great is repentance, it cancels heavenly decrees (Song of Songs Rabbah 8:6),” said the dead man, “that you have merited to pass through this great test of yours. Now remove those disgraceful garments and put on your expensive clothes which I have hidden until this time.” When the rich man did so and put on the rich clothes, his face began to shine. The dead man instructed him to take the shameful clothes home with him, too; and he ended his words and vanished never to be seen again.

The rich man returned home a changed man. His family rejoiced at his returned and asked where he had been the past year. The rich man remained quiet and told them that all would become clear at the right time. His family and servants told him how a crazy man had come while he was away, always asking for food, and all that had happened to the fellow.

Then the rich man told his household to prepare a great feast of thanksgiving since they had thought that he was among the dead, and he had returned. He requested that everyone in the community especially the poor attend the meal. In the middle of the celebration, while all the guests were in good cheer, he slipped out of the great hall, took off his fine clothes and put on the torn rags and tatters, and appeared like that before them all. At first his household thought that this must be the same crazy man who used to visit them, and then they noticed that the rich man had vanished again. They began to worry once more, perhaps the crazy man had something to do with his disappearance.

Then the rich man revealed himself and told all those who had gathered there what had happened to him. A silence fell upon the feast as the rich man shared, “Give alms from your possessions, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it. Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor and the face of God will not be turned away from you. If you have many possessions, make your gift from them in proportion; if few, do not be afraid to give according to the little you have. So you will be laying up a good treasure for yourself against the day of necessity. For almsgiving delivers from death and keeps you from going into the Darkness. Indeed, almsgiving, for all who practice it, is an excellent offering in the presence of the Most High.” (Tobit 4:7-11)

His tale and lesson served to bring about a true blessing of the Holy Name. All the people there became completely repentant, and after that he kept open house for the poor and the needy, day and night.

This story is found recorded on paper with an iron pen in an ancient register of a certain great city before G-d.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Listen to more stories told by the Master Storyteller, Rabbi Rachmiel Tobesman – The Treasures of the King, the Princess and the Peat Digger, Seven Jewish stories, on iTunes and Amazon or Coins, Candles and Faith, eight stories of faith on iTunes and Amazon

The Palace Owner Who Became a Beggar I

Posted on Tuesday, 20, November, 2012Thursday, 22, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Many years ago, in a great city before G-d, there dwelt a certain man who was an outstanding scholar and very wealthy and charitable and was praised by all. In due course the lights went out at noon and the wheel of fortune turned for him. He lost his property and grew so poor that he had nothing left but his body. But the man accepted the judgment and left his city and set out and wandered through many lands.

On one occasion he lost his way for several days and had no food left and was weary and so starved that he thought his end had already come; and he prayed to the Holy One Blessed be He. While doing so, he saw that he was standing in front of a magnificent palace surrounded by a beautiful orchard. In this palace lived a most wealthy man who was also a great scholar; and he had built himself this palace in the outskirts of the city so as not to be troubled by the city affairs and business. In this palace he also had his House of Study, where wise men studied the holy words of Torah (Scriptures). The poor man entered the House of Study, and the students quickly discovered that he was a learned man and at home with the Torah (Scriptures). They began to ask him many questions, and he answered each one of them according to the Holy Word. News traveled quickly and many students told the wealthy man what a great scholar the wayfarer was and he also came to his House of Study. He turned to the poor traveler and began to question him, and several hours passed in this manner.

When the time for the morning meal came, each of the students went to his home to eat, and the rich man also went to eat, but did not invite the poor traveler. It should be added that the rich man’s household was also conducted on a large scale but its doors were closed to the poor, who received neither food nor even a single copper coin. The rich man looked on the poor as slaves, not as children of the Holy One, blessed be He.

When the rich man finished eating, he went on discussing Torah (Scriptures) with the traveler until the time came for the noonday meal. Again he did not invite him to join, though the finest foods had been prepared. The poor traveler began to faint from hunger. He could feel that he was starving, and he tried to go to the city to find something to eat but fell to the ground and died, all swollen with hunger. The townsfolk found a dead man, and they took him and purified him and buried him without knowing who he was. The earth covered his body together with the rich man’s sin. But the Holy One, blessed be He knows all secrets and would sooner have the wicked become righteous than have him perish without leaving his wicked way; and He did not wish that the matter should be forgotten.

On one occasion the rich man sat at night in his House of Study, praying the midnight prayers mourning the destruction of the holy city of Jerusalem, though he was hardhearted, he was very religious and G-d-fearing. Hearing footsteps, he began to tremble, for he knew there was nobody with him, and he raised his voice and shouted: “Who goes there?” He was prepared to defend himself from the stranger in the dark.

Then he heard a voice: “Move away and do not touch me or you will perish.” He focused his eyes and then he saw a terrifying sight. The poor scholar was standing in front of him just as he had appeared, but he was wearing the shrouds of the dead. The rich man began to tremble and wished to run away, but the dead man said: “Stay here, for I have something to say to you. If you go, you risk your life.”

And then the dead man told him: “I am the poor man you studied the holy words of Torah (Scriptures) with. You forgot the holy words, “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns …. do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.” (Deuteronomy 15:7). Not once did you invite me to eat or share a meal, and I died of starvation in the street. I was buried and then I was brought before the Heavenly Court and it was said, ‘He who refuses a beggar the aid which he has the power to give, is accountable to justice.’ (Josephus, Against Apion ii: 27). There they have decided that I shall not come to my rest until I summon you for trial. “It would be fitting,” the dead man went on, “to have you perish in order to stand trial with me, but I have brought it about that instead you will take my place on earth and right the great wrong you have done to me and many like me, since you began and until this day. This you must do: Tomorrow come to the nearby forest where I shall wait for you and tell you the form your teshuvah (repentance) must take.”

Having said his say, the dead man vanished, and the rich man found himself alone in his House of Study, trembling with fear. With a heavy heart, he left the House of Study to go home and went to bed and began thinking of the vision again, turning this way and that on his bed like a sick man.

From the Depths

Posted on Thursday, 23, February, 2012Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There was once a poor man who was regularly supported by the generous gifts of a wealthy man. One day, the poor man went to the wealthy man’s house in order to receive his everyday portion. His desires got the best of him, and he wanted a fine coat he saw in the house. Everyday he wanted the coat more and more until one day he stole the coat from the weralthy man who had taken care of his needs.

When the wealthy man realized that his fine coat was stolen by the poor man, he grew angry and clearly told the poor man that from that day on, he was no longer welcome in his home ever again. The wealthy man was so angry and disappointed that he told the poor man that the usual gifts were canceled indefinitely!

Without the wealthy man’s assistance, the situation in the poor man’s home worsened each day, until he was no longer able to provide bread for his children. Left with no other choice, the poor man decided to take action.

He knew that each day the wealthy man would walk through the forest that was near the town. One day, the poor man went to the forest before the time of the wealthy man’s walk. He looked around and found a small cave; he then hid inside and waited.

When he heard the wealthy man coming, he yelled loudly, “Please save me! Please take pity on me!”

“Who are you?” asked the wealthy man. “Approach me and I will help you to the best of my ability.”

“This I cannot do,” answered the poor man, “for I am embarrassed to show my face before you.”

The wealthy man repeated his request several times, but the poor man refused to leave his hiding place.

“I am ashamed,” said the poor man. “I am unable to leave this cave and face you, for I stole a coat from your home, and I am wearing it…”

Every day people stand in prayer and say, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O L-rd!” (Ps. 130:1) People conceal themselves in hiding places and cry out, “O L-rd, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!” (Ps. 130:2) So often, people are ashamed and humiliated to appear before You, our L-rd, King of all Kings. Please listen to our prayers because we are ashamed. One of the principles of repentance is to pursue deeds of kindness and truth (Torah study), as it is written: ” By true love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the L-RD one turns away from evil.” (Proverbs 16:6)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Rose Honey instead of Hot Lead

Posted on Friday, 30, December, 2011Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

One may ask: “If a person has done many things that are bad and hurtful, can they ever be forgiven?” The Holy Word teaches: “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins: return to Me; for I have redeemed you. Seek you the L-rd while He may be found; call you upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 44:22, 55:6)”

It is told that there was a certain man who had been wicked all his life, and he was well aware that it would be very hard for his repentance to be received in heaven. On one occasion he jokingly asked Rabbi Moshe ben Shem-Tov de Leon of blessed memory (1250-1305 c.e.) whether there was any remedy for his ailment. The holy rabbi thought for some time and answered: “The only remedy and atonement for you is to accept the punishment of death as an atonement for your transgressions.”

Then the wicked man asked him: “If I do accept a sentence of death, shall I have a share in the Garden of Eden?” “Yes,” said the holy rabbi; and the wicked man pleaded: “Swear to me that my place will be near you!” Then Rabbi Moshe ben Shem-Tov de Leon swore to him that he would be near him in the Garden of Eden. When the man heard this, he gathered up his courage and followed him to the central shul (synagogue).

Once there, the rabbi ordered that hot lead should be brought to him. They brought the lead, and he puffed air at it with the bellows until the lead was boiling. Then he sat the wicked man on a bench and tied a cloth over his eyes and said to him: “Confess all your sins to our G-d and accept your death as a return for the sins with which you have angered your Creator all your life!” At this, the man burst into a great and exceedingly bitter gush of tears. Round about him stood many of the community’s elders and sages. And then the rabbi said to him: “Open your mouth wide, and I shall fill it with boiling lead.” And the man opened his mouth very wide in the presence of all the people who stood round about him, in order to accept the fullness of death and so gain life in the World to Come.

At this, the said rabbi took a spoonful of warm rose honey and dropped it into his mouth and said to him: “May your sin depart from you and your transgression be atoned!”

The man, his heart sincere and broken began to cry at once in bitter grief: “Holy rabbi! For the honor of our Maker, the King who is King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He slay me now indeed, so that I may not see the evil of losing my soul; for why should I live. My sins have mounted higher than my head, from the sole of my feet to the crown of my head, there is no sound place in me; so what have you done to me? Why have you deceived me?”

The holy rabbi answered him: “We are taught: “The L-rd is near to all those who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth (Psalms 145:18) and The spirit of man is the lamp of the L-rd, searching all his innermost parts. (Proverbs 20:27). As long as the lamp of your spirit burns, there is time to make repairs. Do not dread and have no fear, for G-d has already seen all your deeds.”

Thereafter the man never left Rabbi Moshe ben Shem-Tov de Leon’s house of study and spent his days in fasting and true repentance.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Tisha B’Av and Teshuvah

Posted on Monday, 8, August, 2011Saturday, 24, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Tisha B’Av, the Fast of the Ninth of Av is a day of mourning to commemorate the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people, many of which coincidentally have occurred on the ninth of Av.

Tisha B’Av primarily commemorates the destruction of the first and second Holy Temples which stood in the holy city of Jerusalem, both of which were destroyed on the ninth of Av (the first by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E.; the second by the Romans in 70 C.E.). It is also appropriate to consider on this day the many other tragedies of the Jewish people, many of which occurred on this day, most notably the expulsion of the Jewish people from Spain in 1492.

Though we remember the tragedies and are saddened by them, it is a time of joy. One should not be overcome by the sadness, but remember that the Holy One, blessed be He hears the prayers from our broken hearts and provides us with many opportunities.

It once happened that some rabbis walked through the holy city of Jerusalem everyday, and when they came upon the Western Wall they would remember the Holy Temple and cry.

One day as they approached the place of the destroyed Holy Temple, they saw a strange sight. There was a man singing and dancing. The rabbis went to the man and asked him, “don’t you know what this spot is?” The man answered not, he just continued to sing and dance. “Have you no respect? Do you not mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple?” The man answered not, he just continued to sing and dance. The rabbis became angry and began to scold the man.

The man stopped his singing and dancing, turned and faced the rabbis. “Rabbis, holy rabbis, you ask about my behavior, but understand not. I sing and dance because it says in the Holy Torah that we should love G-d with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our might. See the greatness of G-d who takes his anger out on wood and stone and lets us do teshuvah (repent), continue to do good deeds and study Torah.”

The rabbis left the man to his singing and dancing and realized that Torah is the basis of life.

May all your
tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Worthless Assistant

Posted on Wednesday, 6, October, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

“Fear not, Abram, I am a shield for you, your reward is very great.” (Gen. 15:1).

As a young student wished to meet a holy rabbi who was looked upon as one of the gadolei hador (leaders of the generation), and learn from him.

The journey for the young student was very long and expensive, far beyond his ability to pay. Since he could not afford to travel as a passenger, he hired himself out as a Wagoner’s assistant. The driver needed someone to accompany him on the long, long trip and he welcomed the offer.

Everything was fine until the young student took a turn at the reins. Sensing a new, inexperienced driver, the horses bolted. They galloped full speed ahead. The wagon and its passengers pitched from side to side. When the wagoner had regained control of the horses, he turned furiously on his assistant:

“Don’t you know the first thing about horses? Don’t you even have enough sense to hold on to the reins, you good-for-nothing?”

And, for good measure, he gave his young assistant a number of resounding blows.

At long last, the journey was over and they had reached the village where the holy rabbi lived. And when the young man left his employer, the wagoner barely said good-bye. He was glad to be rid of his worthless assistant.

The young student made his way at once to the home of the holy rabbi lived where a different welcome awaited him. The young man’s reputation had gone before him. The more the holy rabbi spoke with him, the more impressed he became and he begged the young gaon (genius) to honor the people of the village with a lesson that Shabbos.

The news flew through the city. Everyone in the village gathered in the small wooden shul (synagogue) to hear the genius speak. And the wagoner was present, too.

When the young student walked up to the platform, the wagoner nearly fainted. He recognized the inefficient young helper who had earned his anger on the long trip. He remembered how he had scolded him, shouted at him, and even struck him! He grew flushed and pale with embarrassment as he recalled his behavior.

He trembled like a leaf throughout the lesson. After an eternity, when it was finally over, the wagoner dragged himself up to the front of the synagogue and threw himself at the feet of the young man, weeping, “Please forgive me!”

“You have nothing to feel bad about, my dear man,” the young student comforted him. “Had you scolded me about my Torah scholarship, had you struck me for being an am haaretz (ignorant boor), you would, perhaps, have been guilty of disrespect for the Torah. But you rebuked me for being a poor driver. On that account, you were perfectly justified. In truth, I know nothing about horses.”

May all your Tales end with Shalom

The King, the Thief the True Penitant

Posted on Sunday, 12, September, 2010Sunday, 25, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Chazal state (Berachos 34b), “R’ Ahahu said: In the place where ba’alei teshuvah (a true penitent) stand, tzaddikim gemurim (the purely righteous who have been untainted by sin) do not stand.”

There was a king who reigned over his entire kingdom with justice and wisdom. On one occasion, the king wished to discover his subjects’ true feelings regarding his rule, and so he disguised himself as a beggar, and went out in the streets.

As he roamed the alleyways, he was attacked by a band of cruel thieves. They wished to harm him, but one of the thieves, a spark of mercy for the beggar having flickered in his heart, fiercely defended him against his attackers, even helping him escape to safety.

The king returned to his palace and, some time later, arranged a lavish seudas hada’ah (lit., a feast of thanksgiving.), to which he invited all of the ministers and distinguished members of the kingdom. He also invited the thief who had saved him from the clutches of his partners.

The thief sat there in his simple attire and felt rather uncomfortable in the presence of the ministers who were dressed so elegantly. The ministers as well stared at the thief in utter bewilderment:

what place did this lowly individual have at the king’s feast?

The king noticed the puzzled expressions on the faces of the ministers. He therefore called over the thief and sat him down alongside him in a display of great honor. He then related to his guests what had transpired and how this thief had saved his life.

So too, it is in relation to repentance. The Torah states (Hoshea 14:2), “Return, Israel, unto Hashem your G-d.” When an individual repents and becomes a ba’al teshuvah, he draws closer to Hashem like the thief who, through saving the king, repented and in effect anointed the king over the entire land. In a similar vein, when a ba’al teshuvah overcomes his yetzer hara, he annoints Hashem King of the world as a result. The prophet Joel taught that one should “Rend your heart, not your garments and turn to the L-rd” (Joel 2:13) In this world “a king of flesh and blood insists upon having his decrees carried out. Hashem, the Holy One, blessed be He, does not act so, for He desires one’s repentance, so that He can have any excuse to annul His decrees” (Rosh haShanah 57a). It is good when one thinks about repentance and follows it with action and deed.

For the sake of one true penitent, the whole world is pardoned. (Yoma 86b)

l’Shana Tova May Everyone Be Blessed with a Good and Sweet Year

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Rosh haHashanah: Forgiving A Debt

Posted on Tuesday, 7, September, 2010Monday, 19, September, 2022 by Rabbi

In a certain city lived an very wealthy merchant who sold a lot of goods to the merchants living near his home town.

When it was time for the fair to be held, the merchant let everyone know that he wanted to travel to the fair so he could buy new and outstanding goods. For that reason the wealthy merchant urged all who owed him money to come and pay their debts.

Among those who owed him money was a merchant whose home had unfortunately burned down. All of his property had been consumed in the flames as well, leaving him penniless.

He was utterly distressed and ashamed at the thought of having to face the wealthy man. “How can I have the nerve to come before him empty-handed?” he asked.

“Just go to him and tell him the truth. There is nothing better than that!” advised his friends.

The merchant listened their advice and set out to see the wealthy man.

Sitting in the wealthy man’s waiting room, the poor merchant was unable to control himself and began to cry bitterly. The sound of the crying touched the wealthy man’s heart, and he asked to know why the poor man was crying. Soon after, the merchant’ s sad story was told to him.

The wealthy man felt pity for the unfortunate merchant; when the man was brought in to him he embraced him and and lovingly explained:

“Do not feel the least bit distressed. I hereby completely forgive you of your debt.” He then tore the bill of debt into shreds.

The merchant abundantly thanked the wealthy man and went on his way. The matter soon became known to the members of the community and. eventually spread to the public at large as well.

Among those who heard about it was a crook who decided to swindle the wealthy man.

He traveled to the wealthy man’s home, and upon taking a seat in the waiting room, began to wail loudly.

“What are you crying about?” shouted the wealthy man.

“I desperately need two thousand rubles,” he cried. “I beg of you, please give me the entire sum.”

“I am very sorry,” answered the wealthy man, “but I am simply unable to give you such a large amount of money.”

“But you forgave the other merchant from a debt of an equal amount,” insisted the disappointed crook.

“You fool,” said the wealthy man. “That individual owed me a great deal of money, and I knew that he did not have a penny to his name with which to repay me — what would I have gained had I not absolved his debt? Will I get my money back? That is why I forgave his debt. But as for you, I have absolutely no business with you – why should I acquiesce to giving you a sum of two thousand rubles? Should I give it to you simply because you are crying?”

The prayer, Unsaneh Tokef, speaks of many dire situations one may face during the year but concludes with the verse:

“But Repentance, Prayer and Tzedakah (charity) avert the severe decree.”

When a person repents honestly, he regrets his misdeeds, and cries to the Holy One, blessed be He that He forgive him for his sins — G-d immediately forgives him. But if a foolish individual thinks to himself, “I will sin, repent, sin again, repent once again, and even cry over my sins afterwards” — his repentance will not be accepted!

May you all be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the Book of Life

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Repentance and the Captive Prince

Posted on Sunday, 5, September, 2010Tuesday, 19, September, 2023 by Rabbi

The rabbis of old taught that:

“In the place where those who return and truly repent stand, the purely righteous who have never sinned can not stand.” Berachos 34b

Rosh Hashanah

The Captive Prince

A king had two mighty and courageous sons. One day, the king went out to battle his enemies, and his two sons went with him as commanders in his army. Each son led his soldiers into battle. The sons fought with much strength and bravery, but the enemy was able to surround one of the sons. The battle raged on, but at the end he was taken captive by the enemy. The king’s son suffered in the enemy prison, starving and deprived, and after a full year, he finally succeeded in digging a tunnel so that he could escape from the dismal prison. The prince ran away, crossing over rivers and lakes, and trekking through forests and over mountains. After a while, he finally returned to his father’s home. How great was the happiness and joy in the king’s palace upon the prince’s return. Large celebrations were held in his honor, and the king sat him to his right and showered him with gifts. Without a doubt, this son’s joy is ten times greater than a son who had never left his father’s home.

This is the identical happiness that a person feels when he returns in complete repentance to his Father in Heaven. His joy is ten times greater than one who has never sinned, for only once a person has saved himself from sin can he truly perceive the taste of “captivity.”

L’Shana Tova May Everyone Be Blessed with a Good and Sweet Year

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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One may ask: “If a person has done many things that are bad and hurtful, can they ever be forgiven?” The Holy Word teaches:

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins: return to Me; for I have redeemed you. Seek you the L-rd while He may be found; call you upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 44:22, 55:6)”

At this, the said rabbi took a spoonful of warm rose honey and dropped it into his mouth and said to him: “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13) May your many sins depart from you and your transgression be atoned!”

Thereafter the man never left Rabbi Moshe ben Shem-Tov de Leon’s house of study and spent his days in fasting and true repentance.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3) Please share this story with others

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The wealthy man greatly pained, because he could not say who he was and in addition he was suffering the pangs of hunger. Then he began to beg and plead for some bread; and after cursing him and abusing him, they gave him a few crusts on which he lived for several days.

His tale and lesson served to bring about a true blessing of the Holy Name. All the people there became com­pletely repentant, and after that he kept open house for the poor and the needy, day and night.

This story is found recorded on paper with an iron pen in an ancient register of a certain great city before G-d.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Listen to more stories told by the Master Storyteller, Rabbi Rachmiel Tobesman – The Treasures of the King, the Princess and the Peat Digger, Seven Jewish stories, on iTunes and Amazon or Coins, Candles and Faith, eight stories of faith on iTunes and Amazon

Having said his say, the dead man vanished, and the rich man found himself alone in his House of Study, trembling with fear. With a heavy heart, he left the House of Study to go home and went to bed and began thinking of the vision again, turning this way and that on his bed like a sick man.

Without the wealthy man’s assistance, the situation in the poor man’s home worsened each day, until he was no longer able to provide bread for his children. Left with no other choice, the poor man decided to take action.

He knew that each day the wealthy man would walk through the forest that was near the town. One day, the poor man went to the forest before the time of the wealthy man’s walk. He looked around and found a small cave; he then hid inside and waited.

When he heard the wealthy man coming, he yelled loudly, “Please save me! Please take pity on me!”

“Who are you?” asked the wealthy man. “Approach me and I will help you to the best of my ability.”

“This I cannot do,” answered the poor man, “for I am embarrassed to show my face before you.”

The wealthy man repeated his request several times, but the poor man refused to leave his hiding place.

“I am ashamed,” said the poor man. “I am unable to leave this cave and face you, for I stole a coat from your home, and I am wearing it…”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

At this, the said rabbi took a spoonful of warm rose honey and dropped it into his mouth and said to him: “May your sin depart from you and your transgression be atoned!”

Thereafter the man never left Rabbi Moshe ben Shem-Tov de Leon’s house of study and spent his days in fasting and true repentance.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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Tisha B’Av, the Fast of the Ninth of Av is a day of mourning to commemorate the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people, many of which coincidentally have occurred on the ninth of Av.

Though we remember the tragedies and are saddened by them, it is a time of joy. One should not be overcome by the sadness, but remember that the Holy One, blessed be He hears the prayers from our broken hearts and provides us with many opportunities.

It once happened that some rabbis walked through the holy city of Jerusalem everyday, and when they came upon the Western Wall they would remember the Holy Temple and cry.

The rabbis left the man to his singing and dancing and realized that Torah is the basis of life.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

“Fear not, Abram, I am a shield for you, your reward is very great.” (Gen. 15:1).

As a young student wished to meet a holy rabbi who was looked upon as one of the gadolei hador (leaders of the generation), and learn from him.

The journey for the young student was very long and expensive, far beyond his ability to pay. Since he could not afford to travel as a passenger, he hired himself out as a Wagoner’s assistant. The driver needed someone to accompany him on the long, long trip and he welcomed the offer.

“Don’t you know the first thing about horses? Don’t you even have enough sense to hold on to the reins, you good-for-nothing?”

And, for good measure, he gave his young assistant a number of resounding blows.

At long last, the journey was over and they had reached the village where the holy rabbi lived. And when the young man left his employer, the wagoner barely said good-bye. He was glad to be rid of his worthless assistant.

The news flew through the city. Everyone in the village gathered in the small wooden shul (synagogue) to hear the genius speak. And the wagoner was present, too.

He trembled like a leaf throughout the lesson. After an eternity, when it was finally over, the wagoner dragged himself up to the front of the synagogue and threw himself at the feet of the young man, weeping, “Please forgive me!”

May all your Tales end with Shalom

Chazal state (Berachos 34b), “R’ Ahahu said: In the place where ba’alei teshuvah (a true penitent) stand, tzaddikim gemurim (the purely righteous who have been untainted by sin) do not stand.”

There was a king who reigned over his entire kingdom with justice and wisdom. On one occasion, the king wished to dis­cover his subjects’ true feelings regarding his rule, and so he disguised himself as a beggar, and went out in the streets.

As he roamed the alleyways, he was attacked by a band of cruel thieves. They wished to harm him, but one of the thieves, a spark of mercy for the beggar having flickered in his heart, fiercely de­fended him against his attackers, even helping him escape to safety.

The king returned to his palace and, some time later, arranged a lavish seudas hada’ah (lit., a feast of thanksgiving.), to which he in­vited all of the ministers and distinguished members of the kingdom. He also invited the thief who had saved him from the clutches of his partners.

The thief sat there in his simple attire and felt rather uncom­fortable in the presence of the ministers who were dressed so elegantly. The ministers as well stared at the thief in utter bewil­derment:

what place did this lowly individual have at the king’s feast?

The king noticed the puzzled expressions on the faces of the ministers. He therefore called over the thief and sat him down alongside him in a display of great honor. He then related to his guests what had transpired and how this thief had saved his life.

For the sake of one true penitent, the whole world is pardoned. (Yoma 86b)

l’Shana Tova May Everyone Be Blessed with a Good and Sweet Year

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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In a certain city lived an very wealthy merchant who sold a lot of goods to the merchants living near his home town.

When it was time for the fair to be held, the merchant let everyone know that he wanted to travel to the fair so he could buy new and outstanding goods. For that reason the wealthy merchant urged all who owed him money to come and pay their debts.

Among those who owed him money was a merchant whose home had unfortunately burned down. All of his property had been consumed in the flames as well, leaving him penniless.

He was utterly distressed and ashamed at the thought of hav­ing to face the wealthy man. “How can I have the nerve to come before him empty-handed?” he asked.

“Just go to him and tell him the truth. There is nothing better than that!” advised his friends.

The merchant listened their advice and set out to see the wealthy man.

Sitting in the wealthy man’s waiting room, the poor merchant was unable to control himself and began to cry bitterly. The sound of the crying touched the wealthy man’s heart, and he asked to know why the poor man was crying. Soon after, the merchant’ s sad story was told to him.

The wealthy man felt pity for the unfortunate merchant; when the man was brought in to him he embraced him and and lovingly explained:

“Do not feel the least bit distressed. I hereby completely forgive you of your debt.” He then tore the bill of debt into shreds.

The merchant abundantly thanked the wealthy man and went on his way. The matter soon became known to the members of the community and. eventually spread to the public at large as well.

Among those who heard about it was a crook who decided to swindle the wealthy man.

He traveled to the wealthy man’s home, and upon taking a seat in the waiting room, began to wail loudly.

“What are you crying about?” shouted the wealthy man.

“I desperately need two thousand rubles,” he cried. “I beg of you, please give me the entire sum.”

“I am very sorry,” answered the wealthy man, “but I am simply unable to give you such a large amount of money.”

“But you forgave the other merchant from a debt of an equal amount,” insisted the disappointed crook.

The prayer, Unsaneh Tokef, speaks of many dire situations one may face during the year but concludes with the verse:

“But Repentance, Prayer and Tzedakah (charity) avert the severe decree.”

May you all be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the Book of Life

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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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His tale and lesson served to bring about a true blessing of the Holy Name. All the people there became completely repentant, and after that he kept open house for the poor and the needy, day and night.

May all your
tales end with Shalom (peace)

There was a king who reigned over his entire kingdom with justice and wisdom. On one occasion, the king wished to discover his subjects’ true feelings regarding his rule, and so he disguised himself as a beggar, and went out in the streets.

As he roamed the alleyways, he was attacked by a band of cruel thieves. They wished to harm him, but one of the thieves, a spark of mercy for the beggar having flickered in his heart, fiercely defended him against his attackers, even helping him escape to safety.

The king returned to his palace and, some time later, arranged a lavish seudas hada’ah (lit., a feast of thanksgiving.), to which he invited all of the ministers and distinguished members of the kingdom. He also invited the thief who had saved him from the clutches of his partners.

The thief sat there in his simple attire and felt rather uncomfortable in the presence of the ministers who were dressed so elegantly. The ministers as well stared at the thief in utter bewilderment:

He was utterly distressed and ashamed at the thought of having to face the wealthy man. “How can I have the nerve to come before him empty-handed?” he asked.