A holy rabbi known and respected for his learning and teachings was passing through a village one day. He was very thirsty after traveling along the dusty road as he neared the village. He walked towards the well when he saw a young woman drawing water.
He asked her for some water to drink, but the young woman hesitated, saying, “Holy rabbi, I’m unworthy to give water to you. Please do not ask this of me, for I would only cause you impurity. I am a poor woman who struggles each day to make a living. I am not very learned and might. Heaven forbid, cause shame to you.”
The holy rabbi looked at her with eyes full of compassion and said, “I did not ask you about your learning or status. It is no dishonor to refresh a traveler.” “But you are very holy and I am unworthy”, answered the young woman.
The rabbi asked the young woman to come near and sit for a moment, and began to tell her about a servant who came to a well after a long journey in the desert and asked a young woman, “Please let me sip a little water from your jar.” “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered her jar upon her hand and gave him a drink. (Genesis 24: 17-18) – that was Rebecca giving water to a traveler.”
We learn that once Abraham was in the middle of talking to the Holy One, blessed be He with G‑d when some travelers appeared in the distance. He excused himself and ran off to invite in the guests. (Genesis 18: 1-7) Anyone can speak of holy matters or quote Torah (Scriptures), but one who acts and lives by faith are truly special and are in turn showered with blessings.
The rabbi smiled and continued, “I ask again, can I have a little water to drink? I did not ask you about your learning or social status, but for a drink of water.”
People should live by their beliefs, not by pursuing faith as an academic exercise written solely in the holy books.
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)