The Bloodless Challah and a Bread Machine Challah Recipe

Posted on Thursday, 13, August, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The holy rabbi kept an open house. All travelers were welcome. No one in need was ever turned away. One Friday, a non-Jewish beggar came in and asked for a piece of bread. The holy rabbi’s wife had only whole challahs in the house at that moment – challah that she had just baked l’koved Shabbos (in honor of Shabbos). She did not want to cut into one of these special challahs, but her husband urged, “Cut the challah, blood won’t come from it.”

She did as her husband asked, and gave the non-Jewish beggar as much bread as he wanted to satisfy his hunger.

Sometime later, the holy rabbi had to travel along the road through a forest. He was lost in thought and was amazed at the beauty of the forest. There, he was surrounded and seized by a gang of robbers who took away everything he had. Then they marched him to their leader, who would decide whether or not to kill him.

The leader of the robber gang turned out to be the very same man to whom the holy rabbi’s wife had fed her challah! He recognized the rabbi at once, and told his men, “This holy rabbi kept me alive. Do not harm him in the least – and return everything that you have taken from him!”

The robbers did as they were ordered, and the holy rabbi was allowed to leave in peace.

When he returned home, he told his wife of his adventure and concluded by reminding her, “As I told you: ‘Cut the challah, blood won’t come from it.'”

Bread Machine Challah

4 Jumbo eggs, room temperature add water to make 1cup		3 1/2 cups bread flour
3-4 Tablespoons white sugar		1 Tablespoon yeast or 1 packet of yeast
4 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil		1 egg, beaten
1 ½ teaspoons salt		1-2 tablespoon water

Directions

Place liquid ingredients into pan of the bread machine

Combine dry ingredients and then add to the liquid in the Bread Machine pan

Select Dough cycle; press Start.

After the machine is done, take the dough out, and place it on a very lightly floured board, punch the dough down, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Divide the dough in half. Then divide into 4 equal pieces, roll into ropes about 12 to 14 inches, and braid into a loaf. Do the same with the remaining other half. Gently put the loaves on a greased cookie sheet or bread pans, mist with water, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours in a warm, draft free place, until double in size.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a small bowl, beat together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water.

Brush risen loaves with egg mixture. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. If it begins to brown too soon, cover with foil.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Muddy Path to Paradise

Posted on Sunday, 3, May, 2020Wednesday, 8, November, 2023 by Rabbi

Tam and Chacham had a custom of visiting various communities, where they would stay in the homes of wealthy members of the community while they collected charity for those less fortunate.

In one of the cities that Tam and Chacham would visit, there lived a wealthy merchant. The merchant owned a large mansion with many rooms, whenever he heard of the Tam and Chacham’s arrival in his city, he made sure that his mansion was locked. Well aware of the tendency of Tam and Chacham to stay at the homes of the wealthy, where there was ample room to welcome the many people who wanted to speak to Tam and Chacham about many different things. The merchant would quickly leave his mansion, many times claiming that he has to go to a last-minute business meeting. He preferred that his house be left alone.

The suddenness of the appearance of Tam and Chacham in his city caught the merchant, along with his wide-open mansion, off guard. Left with no choice, he reluctantly surrendered his house so that it could serve as the base where people could come to see Tam and Chacham to recieve advice blessings or to offer charity.

A few days later, the Tam and Chacham asked the merchant: “Tell us the truth, are you not happy with the fact that we are staying here?”

“Both of you are my honoured guests. In fact you bring blessings to my home” replied the merchant earnestly. “I am thrilled to be hosting you and delighted that you chose to stay at my house. The problem I have does not lie with you but rather with the all those people who want to speak to you. You see, when you come, they come. And when they come, along comes the mud, dust and muck from the streets. The very thought of all that grime on my clean floors and furniture just horrifies me. “It was never because of you, G‑d forbid. The idea of the mud has always been off-putting to me.”

Tam and Chacham thought for a moment and them Tam began to speak:

“There once lived a doctor who was very very wealthy and an active sinner. He managed to transgress almost all of the Torah’s prohibitions. After a long life of pleasure, the doctor was greeted in heaven by the horde of prosecuting angels that he managed to create throughout his lifetime of sins. Their loud, emphatic accusations and protests challenged the heavens to find a sliver of virtue for his poor soul.

“Suddenly, an angel appeared before the heavenly court and began to tell an account of kindness that transpired in the doctor’s youth: It once happened that a man’s wagon, overloaded with merchandise, keeled over in the road. The horse was pinned to the ground and the wagon driver, unable to raise the upended wagon by himself, stood by helplessly as he waited for aid that did not seem to come. However, continued the angel, the young doctor happened to be traveling down the same road. And when the wagon driver’s misfortune met his eyes, the doctor stopped to assist the grateful man. Only after the two successfully managed to turn the overloaded cart so that it was upright on its wheels, did the doctor continue on his journey.

“Immediately after the angel concluded his story, a horse and wagon overloaded with merchandise were placed on the empty pan dangling from the Heavenly scales of justice, which had been tilted heavily on the side of sins. Helped by the new weight, the balance shifted towards the center. But the lifetime of sins still outweighed the single good deed.

“We demand that the mud and soil be added to the scale as well,’ chorused the good angels. ‘After all, he had to extract the wagon from the muck, didn’t he?’ But the prosecuting angels vehemently insisted that the doctor had nothing to do with the mud, which had no direct relevance to him. The heavenly court therefore decided to send the doctor’s soul back to this world to determine whether mud holds any significance for his soul. If so, mud would be placed on the heavenly scale on the side of merits. But if not …”

Tam paused his story and fixed his gaze on the merchant.

“You possess the soul of that doctor, and your evil inclination is working overtime not to allow that mud into your house. “

Upon hearing these words from Tam, the merchant ran to the door and began pleading to the people waiting outside. “Come in, come in,” he cried. “Come as you are and greet our honored guests.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Charity, the Miser and the Trial

Posted on Monday, 3, February, 2020Monday, 3, February, 2020 by Rabbi

Pinchas was a humble lumber merchant. He worked hard each day and with time, he became a wealthy man. At first, the community was pleased with his success, as his wealth was also good for the financial needs of the community. Sadly, little by little, Pinchas began to distance himself from the community and their needs.

The time came when Pinchas no longer felt comfortable living in the Jewish community, and he moved to the other side of town where he built himself a large, well-guarded mansion.

His new choice of residence curtailed his giving of charity even more. At first, if someone knocked on the door, they’d receive a small sum. But soon enough, his donations became less and less, until they stopped completely. The administrators of the community funds removed his name from their lists of potential benefactors.

It happened one wintery night when the cold winds blew hard that a traveler noticed the mezuzah on Pinchas’s door and knocked. Luckily for the traveler, Pinchas was not home and the butler, feeling sorry for him, let him in.

The guest soon recovered from the cold, and the butler promptly told him about his boss’s history and character. He suggested that he find other accommodations, as his master did not like guests.

As they were talking, they heard a carriage pull up, and in walked Pinchas, wrapped in his fur coat. His reaction to the guest was quick. “What is this? A way station for beggars? Get out of here now!” he shouted.

The next day, news spread that a stranger had died on the streets not far from Pinchas’s mansion. The story did not move Pinchas in the slightest. He knew who the person was, but he did not let it bother him.

That night, he had a dream. Two strong men broke into his house and began dragging him, saying, and “Come with us.”

Pinchas asked in surprise, “Where are we going?”

“To a court case held by the holy rabbi of the region.”

“But why?” Pinchas asked.

“Everything will be known to you at the right time,” they answered bluntly.

He soon found himself in a large yard surrounding a beautiful house. At first he was fascinated by the scene, but when he was brought inside to a packed room, fear began to overtake him as he heard the masses call out that a path be made for the chief judge, the holy rabbi of the region. The holy rabbi entered and took his seat in between two other judges who were already waiting.

Pinchas immediately recognized the plaintiff; it was the poor traveler from the previous night. The dead man began his accusation by recounting how hungry and weak he was when he stood at the door of the mansion, while Pinchas stood there still as a stone and ignored his pleading. The man outlined the last few minutes of his life after he was thrown out, including all the grim details. “My last ounce of energy left me, and there was no rescue for me. After many days of living on an empty stomach, my hunger and the bitter cold claimed the last of my strength.”

“Do you have anything to say in your defense?” asked the holy rabbi.

Pinchas was silent. For the first time he felt ashamed and was embarrassed by his actions.

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After deliberating with the other judges, the holy rabbi of the region turned to Pinchas and said, “We are taught that ‘If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community … do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor.’ (Deuteronomy 15:7) Your actions are very serious and your punishment is severe. You should sell your property and divide it in two. One half you should give to the widow of the poor man, and the other half you should keep for your family. If you agree to this sentence, change your ways and open your doors to anyone who is poor, your soul will have a tikkun (restoration).”

Pinchas woke up soaked in a sweat. He tried to ignore the dream, pushing it out of his mind. But it kept coming back. It gave him no rest until he decided to travel to speak to the holy rabbi of the region.

When he arrived at the holy rabbi’s house, his heart started pounding. He remembered the courtyard and the house from his dream! His knees were shaking as he walked into the study hall; it looked exactly like the courtroom from his dream.

A large crowd was listening to a Torah (Scripture) lesson that was being given by the holy rabbi of the region. Under the cover of the crowd, Pinchas became more confident, and he tried to get a peek at the holy rabbi. He tried to ignore the dream, but it kept coming back. There was no doubt this was the chief judge from his dream.

Suddenly, a narrow path cleared. Pinchas didn’t understand the movement of the holy rabbi’s finger, gesturing for him to come forward. Those standing near him said, “The holy rabbi is summoning you.”

Pinchas felt faint. With shaky legs, he made his way up to the holy rabbi and came face to face with the holy rabbi of the region who said sharply, “almsgiving delivers from death, and it will purge away every sin. Those who perform deeds of charity and of righteousness will have fullness of life (Tobit 12:9). Remember to follow the verdict and you will merit a tikkun.”

At that moment, Pinchas passed out. And when he came to, he was a changed man. Pinchas knew with absolute certainty that he would do as he was told. He was filled with deep regret and wanted to correct his wicked ways and return to his community.

Based on Sichas haShavuah 607

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Kind Noble and the Charlatans

Posted on Tuesday, 26, November, 2019Tuesday, 2, July, 2024 by Rabbi

A poor man was walking along the road, miserable and sad. It had been years since his wife had smiled. The Holy One, blessed be He had blessed them with a house full of girls, beautiful, wise and resourceful — each one a treasure. From the moment his eldest had come of age, matchmakers began knocking on their door with suggestions of fine young men, learned and pious.

Sadly, when they heard that there was no money for a dowry, they turned away. “Your daughters are wonderful,” they would say, “but how can we expect a young man to join a family that cannot even contribute a few coins toward the wedding celebration and settling the young couple in a new home?”

As a last resort, he set out to beg, hopeful that his neighbors — “merciful ones, the children of merciful ones”— would have pity on his family and help him in his time of need.

He hoped to collect enough money to marry off his daughters, but he was unsuccessful. It wasn’t that the people were stingy or uncaring. It was just that they, too, were poverty-stricken and had barely enough to support their own families. The few who had more were overextended, constantly trying to respond to requests for assistance from far and near.

Now, on his way home, his mind was on his empty pocket and his wife’s disappointment. He lost track of his surroundings and found himself in a grove of trees. Tired, he leaned against a large tree, massaging his back against its ample trunk.

“Hey, you!” he heard. “What are you doing here? Don’t you know that you’re trespassing?”

Looking up, he suddenly realized that he had apparently wandered onto the grounds of a grand manor and was face to face with the poritz, the feudal lord who had almost unlimited power over his property.

“Oh, I am so sorry, Your Lordship,” he was quick to say. “I was simply wandering around, feeling so alone and sad about my sorry state of affairs, and I stopped to comfort my aching back against your tree. Please forgive me for taking that simple pleasure, and I will be on my way.”

“Wait a moment,” the feudal lord said gently. “You look like a man who has suffered in life. Please tell me more. Perhaps I can help you . . .”

“Oh, Your Lordship is too kind,” said the down-and-out man. “I was feeling so alone. I am a father of daughters, and I desperately seek means with which to help them get married, but why should you care about a poor old father and his problems?”

“Dear man,” said the feudal lord, “please take this purse of coins and marry your daughters in gladness. I am an old man and have all the money I can ever need — it’s the joy of giving that I could use in life. After all, ‘Who gives to the poor shall not lack.’ “(Proverbs 28:27)

The wealthy poritz thought for a moment and then continued, “I learned many years ago. ‘Turn not away your face from any poor man, and the face of G-d will not turn away from you’ (Tobit 4:7) Now go in peace.”

Still doubting whether it had all been a dream, the poor man stumbled home. It was not long before word of the generosity of the feudal lord spread through the village.

“What good fortune,” said one man to another. “Here’s our chance to get rich. Let’s go to that same estate and try our luck.”

Making their way to the grove, they promptly located a well-suited tree and began to rub with vigor.

Sure enough, the master of the property soon came to question them.

“Oh, Sire,” they said, “Please have pity! We were feeling so sad, so alone and so hopeless that we decided to lean against your tree for a while, taking advantage of the opportunity to massage our backs.”

“You’re charlatans, both of you,” thundered the lord, who had once been a general and still knew how to bark an order. “Leave at once!”

As they humbly left the garden, one of them summoned up the nerve to question the feudal lord. “How is it,” he asked, “that when our friend was here, you greeted him so kindly, but when we came and told you a similar story, you called our bluff?”

“It’s very simple. When a man is truly alone, and he needs to scratch his back, he has no choice but to lean against a tree trunk. There are two of you. You could have rubbed each other’s backs. That told me that you weren’t really as needy as you made yourselves out to be.”

As long as one has faith and a friend, no situation is ever hopeless.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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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You Shall Honour the Sabbath Day

Posted on Friday, 22, November, 2019Friday, 18, August, 2023 by Rabbi

A wealthy merchant had two sons who lived in a distant city. The first was a rich merchant like his father, while the second was a penniless beggar. The two brothers had not seen their father for many years.

One day, the wealthy son received a letter from his father informing him that his youngest brother was getting married and that his sons join him and the rest of the family for the wedding. The father, in his letter, wrote, “I have a request to make of you, do not be sparing in the slightest; rather, purchase lavish attire in my honor, and come celebrate this joyous wedding with us. You needn’t worry — I will cover all of the expenses.”

Heeding his father’s request, the wealthy son, wife and children all bought beautiful richly embroidered clothing, befitting individuals of their stature. When the day of the wedding arrived, he ordered a magnificent coach to transport them to the celebration.

Prior to setting out, he sent for his poor brother ordering him to rush to his house. The poor brother arrived wearing clothing that was tattered and torn. He wondered why he had been called. “Get up into the coach quickly,” ordered the wealthy brother. “There is no time for explanations. We are going to travel to our father in order to participate in the wedding of our youngest brother.”

When news of his sons’ arrival reached the father’s house, he and his household, all of his servants as well as his many friends, went out to greet them. Adding to the festive atmosphere was a band of musicians, who marched in front of them, playing pleasant and joyous melodies. When the coach arrived, the wealthy son and his family — dressed ever so elegantly — got down from the coach, only to be followed by the poor brother who was barefoot and wearing rags.

“Who is this man?” whispered the shocked townspeople.

The more observant of the crowd were quick to answer, “Don’t you recognize him?” they said. “He is the man’s second son.” The wedding was held in grand style, and after seven days of feasting, the wealthy son approached his father to in order to bid him farewell. “Go in peace,” said the father. “May Hashem grant you a safe journey.”

“But father,” asked the son boldly,” what about the expenses that you promised to cover?”

“Look carefully at what it says in the letter that I sent you,” responded the father.

”I agreed to reimburse you on condition that you purchased beautiful clothing in my honor… Yet you did nothing whatsoever to honor me!” cried the father. “All of the money you spent was solely to enhance your own honor!

For if you were truly concerned with my honor, you would have made sure that your brother was dressed appropriately as well. Just look at the embarrassment and shame you’ve caused me by allowing my son to arrive barefoot and dressed in rags.”

A person should therefore try his utmost to honor and enjoy Shabbos – the Holy Sabbath day. How can it be that a person could sit in his home, dressed in elegant attire and enjoying of delicious delights, while his unfortunate brother sits in his home like a mourner, eating nothing more than just plain bread and simple food?

We learn, “Honor your father and your mother”: I would think that they are to be honored with words. It is, therefore, written (Mishlei/Proverbs 3:9) “Honor the L rd from your wealth.” Just as there, “wealth,” here, too, food, drink, and a new garment are understood.” (Mekhilta d’Rabbi Yishmael 20:12) We should strive to serve the Holy One, blessed be He and not exclusively ourselves.

Sadly, this is an indication that the money he spent on his Shabbos delicacies was not for the purpose of delighting in the gifts from the Holy One, blessed be He, but rather, simply to indulge himself. Hashem does not guarantee to reimburse such expenditures.

It is written, “If you refrain from trampling the Sabbath, From pursuing your affairs on My holy day; If you call the Sabbath “delight,” The L-rd’s holy day “honored”. And if you honor it and go not your ways nor look to your affairs, nor strike bargains Then you can seek the favor of the L-rd.” (Isaiah 58: 13-14)

May you be blessed by Shabbos with a special sense of holiness that lasts from Shabbos to Shabbos

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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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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Tzviki Moyz and the Blessings of Shabbos

Posted on Thursday, 12, September, 2019Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

The holy rabbi of the city would prepare for Shabbos all week long. For him Shabbos was the most important time, so much so that it was all he thought about. If a woman came to him asking if a chicken was kosher, he’d answer, “It’s good for Shabbos.” If a young student would ask why the letter shin has three points, the holy rabbi would explain, “If we look at the letter shin we are reminded the element of fire – the Shabbos lights, the element or air – the Shabbos berachahs (blessings) and zimiros (songs), and the element of water –the Shabbos wine.”

For the holy rabbi everything was Shabbos. As the sun slowly set and the time for licht bentch’n (kindling the Shabbos lights), at that very second his wife kindled lights for Shabbos, the world changed. With her gentle gestures and heartfelt prayer, she invited the holiness of Shabbos into the house.

Tzviki Moyz was a simple Jewish tailor who was very quiet and did not speak very much. He would wander into the old wooden shul other would notice that he could hardly pray without making mistakes. One erev Shabbos he entered the old wooden shul and the people could hardly recognize him. He was full of joy. The spirit Shabbos was burning in his heart. A special holiness was upon him. The people in the shul asked him what had made this sudden change in him. Tzviki Moyz explained:

Everyone knows that I was very poor. Everyday was a struggle just to feed his family and keep a roof above their heads. One day my wife and I realized that if we continued this way all our lives, what will be with our children. They also would not have enough to live on. For five years, we decided to not buy anything extra. We saved over 500 rubles and hoped to buy a business. Possible we would be successful.

And so for five years, every coin they saved was hard, finally we saved more than 500 rubles. I came into the city for a business to buy. I searched all day for a good opportunity and the time slipped away, when I realized that Shabbos was only one hour away. I went to the house of the holy rabbi and told him of my situation, and asked him to guard the money until after Shabbos. The holy rabbi asked me to be his guest for Shabbos.

Tzviki Moyz and the holy rabbi were talking, when the door opened and a woman came in crying. Her husband was supposedly the richest man in city. He died recently, and his wife only then realized that he not only did not have a lot of money, but he actually owed a lot of money to other people. The wedding of her daughter was supposed to take place right after Shabbos and she needed to pay 500 rubles for the wedding. If she could not pay the money before the wedding, she would have to tell them that she was poor. It would be such an embarrassment. Who knew if the groom’s parents wouldn’t call off the wedding? She said, “I’m sorry I didn’t come before, but I couldn’t because I was too embarrassed.”

The holy rabbi said, “Oy! What will I do now? How can I collect 500 rubles only minutes before Shabbos!”

I heard all this and said, “Please give her my 500 rubles. I am still young, I can save again.” The holy rabbi argued with me, but matter what he said I decided to give my money to the widow. She left full of joy.

Now, open your hearts. The holy rabbi said, “Tzviki Moyz, I don’t even have to bless you that you should become wealthier than you ever dreamed of, because it’s obvious that you will. It’s also obvious that you will live to see the weddings of your great-great grandchildren. But there is one thing I would like to bless you with. Because of you, two precious souls had a wonderful Shabbos. What would this poor widow and her daughter have done all Shabbos? They would have cried all Shabbos. You gave Shabbos to two precious souls, so I want to bless you that you should have the blessings of Shabbos all your life.

Within a month, I became very wealthy. I really don’t know how it happened. I knew that the wealth I had was because of Shabbos and so every week I gave money to the holy rabbi to help others on Shabbos. There was one condition; no one was to know where the Shabbos gelt came from.

I bless you with the bliss of Shabbos.

How can we receive the bliss of Shabbos? How can we take all the anger and pain out of your heart, and really be able to taste Paradise? We have to first give Shabbos to someone who doesn’t have it.

Why do we have to invite guests for Shabbos? Because if I want to have the bliss of Shabbos, I have to first give Shabbos to someone who doesn’t have it.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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The Worth of Kaddish

Posted on Monday, 2, September, 2019Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A very wealthy woman adopted the custom of donating money to the yeshivah (rabbinical school, Jewish seminary), on the condition that someone there recite Kaddish (a prayer recited by close relatives of a deceased person) for the souls of those who had no one to say it for them. The rabbis of the yeshivah appointed one of the students to recite Kaddish for those departed souls.

After some time the woman’s husband passed away and his business suffered greatly without his leadership. Things became so bad, that the wealthy woman was forced to close the business down. Without an income, her wealth soon disappeared. As time passed, she was faced with a new problem. Her two daughters had reached marriageable age, but she had no money for their dowries?

The mother and her daughters gave up a lot and accepted their hardships, but there was one thing that the woman was not willing to allow. The saying Kaddish must not stop just because she could no longer donate money to the yeshivah. In great bitterness of spirit, she turned to the rabbis of the yeshivah, pleading with them to continue the Kaddish custom until her fortune turned and she would once again be able generously donate as she did in the past.

The rabbis of the yeshivah, moved by the widow’s sincerity, agreed to do as she asked. The promise filled her with great happiness. She left the yeshivah and started for home with a light heart. Her poverty did bother her so much as she felt that as long as Kaddish would be said, she felt she lacked nothing in this world. She decided that she would place her trust in the Holy One, blessed be He would help her find a way to care for the needs of her two daughters. She whispered a prayer that the merciful Father of Orphans and the Compassionate Judge of Widows would surely see their poverty and supply them with suitable bridegrooms and all their needs.

One day, as the woman stepped out into the street, she saw an elderly Jewish man coming towards her. His beard was full and white, and his face shone with a special brightness. She was startled by the warm greeting from the strange old man. The woman was taken aback when the old man began talking to her about her situation and that of her daughters.

The woman told the old man about her fall from wealth to poverty, to the point that she lacked the means with which to marry off her daughters.

“How much do you think you need for their wedding expenses?” the old man asked.

“Why are you concerned?” she asked. “With all due respect, why do you wish to know?”

The man old man asked her again about wedding expenses and the woman reluctantly gave him an estimate. The old man tore a page from his notebook and wrote instructions to the local bank to pay her the amount she needed.

Since this was a very large sum of money, he suggested to the astonished widow, it was preferable that the note be signed in the presence of witnesses. They would see with their own eyes that he was signing over the money, and would add their own signatures to that effect.

Shocked and shaken, the widow went to the yeshivah to ask that two students witness the old man’s signature on the check. After signing the check, he handed the check to the woman with instructions to cash it at the bank the next morning.

The widow was confused and tried to understand why the old man had, a complete stranger, saw fit to pay all the wedding expenses for her two daughters?

The next morning the widow went to the bank to cash the check. When the bank clerk read the check, he stared at the widow in amazement. He looked at the check again, then again at the widow. In some confusion, he asked her to wait. Check in hand, he went into the manager’s office.

The bank manager took one look at the check and fainted. A sense of distress and confusion erupted throughout the bank. The clerks, hearing of the incident, hustled the widow into a small room and stood guard over her to make certain she did not leave. Clearly, something was wrong.

When the manager regained his composure, he demanded to see the woman who had brought in the check. She stood before him, trembling, as the bank manager demanded an accounting of how she had come by the check.

“I received it just yesterday from a very respectable elderly Jewish man. There were two witnesses to his signature, too,” she fearfully offered.

“Would you be able to identify the man who gave you the check, if you saw a picture of him?” the manager asked.

“Of course I could, and I have no doubt that the two yeshivah students who witnessed his signature could identify him as well.”

The manager reached into his desk and pulled out a small worn picture.

“Yes!” The woman beamed. “That’s the man. He’s the one who so generously gave me the check.”.

Slowly, the manager turned to his clerks. “Give this woman the money,” he ordered. “And then let her go.”

It was only after the widow had left that the bank manager slowly told those present what had happened.

“The man who gave that woman the check,” he said, “was my father who passed away 10 years ago. Last night, he appeared in a dream and told me these words: ‘Know this. Since you turned away from the faith of your family and stopped reciting Kaddish for me, my soul found no rest until this woman, this widow, came and arranged that Kaddish be said for those who have no one to say it for them. The Kaddish they said for me in the yeshivah, on that woman’s instructions, led to peace for my troubled soul.’

‘”Tomorrow morning, this woman will appear in your bank with a check that I have given her to cover her daughters’ wedding expenses.”

“When I woke up this morning, I was shaken by the dream. I described it to my wife, who just laughed. When the woman appeared with the check, I realized that the dream had come true.”

The bank manager’s life was never the same. He repented and found his way back into the ways of the Jewish faith.

Kesubos 8b

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Charity of a Butcher and the World to Come

Posted on Tuesday, 1, January, 2019Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There was a G-d-fearing and humble scholar who asked the Holy One, blessed be He to let him know who his companion would be in the World to Come. He fasted for many days and offered many prayers until it was revealed in a dream one night: “Your companion will be Yankl the butcher.” When he awoke from his sleep, he was disturbed and upset, he sighed and grieved as he knew the butcher to be unlearned. Once again he fasted and prayed until he was told in a dream: “You have already been told that Yankl the Butcher is to be your companion in the World to Come.” When he heard this again, he was stunned and moaned and wept greatly. Then he heard a voice from heaven: “Had you not been a pious man with many good deeds in your favor, you would have perished. Why are you upset when you are told that Yankl the Butcher is to be your companion? Do you know what good deeds that butcher has done, which are far more than most men could do, and can you comprehend how high his rank is in the World to Come?”

At this the scholar rose in the morning and went to the butcher’s shop. He greeted him and sat down beside him and said to him: “I would like you to tell me what you do and what kind deeds you perform.” At this the butcher said to him: “Sir, you see my work. Of all I earn I give half for charity, while from the other half my family and I support ourselves.” “Many people,” said the scholar, “give even more for charity. But now tell me whether you have ever done anything which is more than most men could do.”

The butcher remained silent for quite a long while. Then he said: “Good sir, what I do is between the Holy One, blessed be He and me. I do not want people to know what I do.” “What deeds have you done that you wish to keep secret?” “I will only tell you of my deeds, if you promise never to tell a living soul.” “So be it” the Butcher began:

Once, many years ago, I was busy at my work when a caravan of merchants came to the city, bringing many captives to be sold as slaves. Among them was a little girl, crying bitterly. I asked her: “Little one, why are you crying like this?” With tear filled eyes, she answered: “Sir, I am Jewish and I fear that these non-believers may take me far away from any Jewish community. I wish I could go to some Jewish place where the Jewish community would redeem me.”

As soon as I heard this my heart felt soft and I pitied her and comforted her: “Be quiet and have faith, for I shall redeem you.” Then I went to her owner at once and purchased the girl at a high price, more indeed than I could afford.

Now the girl was twelve years old, and I brought her home and cared for her till she grew. I had an only son who was twenty-one years old and one day I spoke to him in secret and said: “My son, take my advice and do as I ask in order that things should be well with you in this world and the World to Come.”

“Tell me what you desire and I shall not depart from your command either to the right or the left.”

“My wish is that you should take this maiden for wife, and I shall care for all your needs.”

“I will gladly do as you have asked father.”

I was very happy and prepared all they would require from thread to shoelace. Nothing was missing. Then I made a great feast for the wedding, and there was not a single person who did not come. I invited all the poor so that they should not feel ashamed. Then I set many foods and drinks before them all, and they ate and drank and were happy and of good cheer. All except the men who were seated at a certain table and ate nothing. “Brothers,” said I to them, “why do you behave like this? Is there anything the matter with the food?” “Heaven forbid,” they answered, “we have never seen better, but this poor man who is seated with us has been crying and sighing ever since he has taken his place here. We cannot eat or drink in the midst of his unhappiness.”

I took the sad man by the hand and brought him out of the room and said to him: “Brother, why do you treat me so badly to bring such sadness to a joyful event? Tell me what bothers you and why you feel so bad, and do not conceal anything from me. If you are in debt, I shall give you what you need; and if you need a loan, I shall lend it to you.” “I am not in debt,” said he, “and I do not need a loan, but I weep because of this maiden whom you are marrying to your son. She is from my home city, and I was betrothed to her several years ago on this very day. She was taken captive and I have come after her, and this is the writ of our betrothal.” And he brought forth the writ, and I saw that it was as he said. I believed his words and said to him: “Be strong and control yourself, for I shall make everything right by you.”

Then I called my son and said to him: “My son, you have done my will regarding this maiden. Now do what I what I ask, and it will be good for you.”

“As I did before so I shall do now. I shall not disobey.”

Then I told him: “This maiden has been betrothed to someone else and I have already seen the writ of her betrothal, and the man who was betrothed to her is here, so she is forbidden to you. Now it is my wish that you should give him all I prepared for you in the way of garments and jewels, and restore her to her husband; and you will merit a greater reward, and I shall find you a better wife than this and give you twice as much.”

“Just as you have asked, so it shall be done, father.”

So I took the newly arrived man and the maiden and placed them beneath the bridal canopy. With the whole community, the wedding blessings were said in joy. I gave them all I had in my house, and all that was prepared for my son. They stayed with me for a long time, happy and of good cheer, not lacking for anything, so that they forgot their trouble and distress. At length they wished to return to their own city. I gave them fine gifts and provision for the way and sent them off in peace. I have always asked travelers regarding their well-being.

Then the scholar said to him: “Through you I now truly understand the teaching, ‘If there be among you a poor man, any one of your brethren, within any of your gates in your land which the L-rd your G-d gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand in the face of your poor brother. But you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need in that he wants. You shall surely give him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; because that for this thing the L-rd, your G-d will bless you in all your work, and in all that you put your hand to.’ (Deuteronomy 15: 7, 8,10).

May you be blessed before the L-rd. You have set my heart at rest and I rejoice that you will be my companion in the World to Come.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Shamed for Charity

Posted on Monday, 10, December, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There was a very wise and learned man who was very wealthy. Everyday he went into the market and shouted: “Alms…Alms…Give me alms, for I need them!” At the end of the day he gave all the money he collected to any one in need.

When the poor asked for alms, people gave them nothing and tried to avoid them. The wealthy scholar reminded the people: “He who refuses the poor the aid which he has the power to give, is accountable to justice. (Against Apion ii:27, Josephus)” The wise man continued: “ are we not taught, ‘Happy is he that considers the poor’ (Ps. 41:2) Look here are my poor, give me and I shall give to them,” the people gave nothing.

Someone answered, “They are dirty and they smell. I want little to do with them.” The wealthy man answered, “If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns … do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor.” (Deuteronomy 15:7)

Again a voice sounded, “Why should we be bothered?” They wealthy man responded, “Have we not all one father? Has not one G-d created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother…? (Malachi 2:10) We are bound by belief and faith to care for the less fortunate.”

The wise man continued everyday to stand on the street calling: ” Alms…Alms…Give me alms, for I need them!,” and he have all the money he collected to the poor.

Saddened, the scholar explained: “Charity demands the utmost care and diligence, for it may save a life. (Tur Yoreh Deah #242 (13^th cent.) For there is a shame that leads to sin, and there is a shame that brings honour. (ben Sira 4:21) It is better that I should shame myself and say that I am in need, in order that I should enable the poor to live with dignity.”

One day a beggar came to the wealthy man and asked for some assistance. The wealthy man welcomed the ragged beggar into his house and fed him a meal. He asked the beggar what he needed and gave him money.

A smile spread across the face of the beggar as he took the hand of the wealthy man into his and blessed him, “May it be the will of the Holy One, blessed be He that you should not embarrass others and not be embarrassed yourself.”(Moed Katan 9b)

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The Funeral of Yossele di Shiker Shneider of Częstochowa

Posted on Monday, 26, November, 2018Wednesday, 21, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Why was the holy temple in Jerusalem destroyed by the Romans? The answer is quite simple, the Jewish people hated each other without reason.

Why do we hate other people? Because we think we know everything about them — who they are, why they do what they do. Parents think, “These are my children, so I know what’s going on with them.” But sadly enough, much of the time we’re totally wrong…

We so misjudge each other. That’s why the Torah says that if we hate people, or even if we’re only angry — we have to try to find a way to tell them, to talk to them about it. Because really, it might only be a misunderstanding.

Sometimes we meet people who seem to us a little bit crude, a little bit impure — certainly not holy. So we want to ignore and shun them. Sadly, the truth is, we have no idea what a person might be doing when we’re not looking. The rabbis teach us that, even when we see others doing wrong, we have to believe that in the inside of their insides they’re really the holy and deserving of the gifts of heaven.

Everybody is created in G-d’s Image. What does this mean? That just as G-d is so hidden and mysterious — just as we can’t see G-d — so too we can’t really know what’s going on in the depths of other people. And unless we love them with all our hearts, we’ll never know…So we have to remember: don’t ever judge. Because you never know…

Many years ago, in the city of Częstochowa, the Jewish people were good and tried their best to keep Shabbos (the Sabbath day) and ate only kosher food. They all prayed three times a day. The tailor, the schneider Yossele never went to the synagogue or to buy kosher meat. He never joined others in their community gatherings. The only place people ever saw him was in the local inn late at night, drunk. So Yossele was a total outcast.

Sadly, if people’s clothes were torn they had to go to him; after all, he was the only tailor in town. Other than that, nobody ever spoke to him. And nobody cared about him at all.

One day, after the morning prayers, the holy rabbi of Częstochowa saw that a crowd of people had gathered in a corner of the shul. The chevra kadisha (burial society) was trying to gather some people together for something, but nobody wanted to join. The holy rabbi hurried over: “What’s going on here?”

The leader of the chevra kadisha looked embarrassed. “It’s nothing, holy rabbi. Don’t bother yourself about it.”

The rabbi insisted: “Tell me. I want to know.”

“Well … it’s just that that disgusting Shiker Shneider (drunken Jewish tailor), and he was really the lowest of the low — died today, and nobody wants to go to the funeral.”

The holy rabbi stared at the chevra kadisha. “I didn’t know there were any disgusting Jewish people in Częstochowa,” he said coldly. “Just who in our city is considered so unworthy that no one will do the mitzvah of accompanying him to his final resting place?”

So they told him, “Yossele the di Shiker Shneider…”

The holy rabbi turned very pale. The people around him were afraid he might faint. To everybody’s amazement, he started crying from the deepest depths of his heart. “I can’t believe it,” he sobbed. .. My dearest friend, the tailor, has left the world!

What time is his funeral? I, for one, will certainly be there…”

Word quickly spread throughout Częstochowa that the holy rabbi was going to the funeral of Yossele the schneider Now, everybody knew that the rabbi never went to a funeral unless it was for a tzaddik, a holy man. So many began to think maybe Yossele hadn’t been just a tailor; he had been a lamed-vov tzaddik, one of the thirty-six hidden holy people. And suddenly everybody wanted to go to his funeral.

So the Jewish community of Częstochowa turned out for Yossele’s funeral. Everybody was praying, “Tailor, please forgive us for the way we talked about you. We didn’t know you were so holy… Schneider, please bless us…” The mothers were begging, “Holy Yossele, please pray for our children … please bless my daughter so she can get married to a good husband…” Everyone was crying. The holy rabbi walked right behind the casket, with big tears rolling down his holy cheeks.

Many young students of the holy rabbi also went to the funeral. They remained quiet and paid their respects, but after the funeral was over he went up to their holy teacher and asked, “Rabbi, what’s going on here? The tailor was just a simple man, maybe even a little bit sinful. So tell us the truth. Why did you mourn him so much? What did he do to deserve such a funeral?”

“My students, we know so little about other people. Let me tell you the story…”

Do you remember the orphan girl, Feigele, who grew up in my house? My wife and I adopted her when she was only a baby, and took care of her like she was our own daughter. Well, six months ago she was ready to get married. So we arranged a match for her with another orphan — a good boy, from a nearby city. We borrowed money from every single person we know to make her a beautiful wedding. The wedding was a few weeks ago. And just minutes before the ceremony was supposed to start, Feigele’s groom came running up to me and said, “Rabbi, there’s something you forgot! You didn’t buy me a new tallis, a new prayer shawl.” You know, it’s the custom for the bride to give her groom a new prayer shawl.

I said, “You’re right. But please have mercy! I just can’t get you a new prayer shawl right now. A tallis costs ten rubles, and not only don’t I have a single kopek left — I don’t even know anybody I can borrow the money from. Let me get it for you in a few weeks.”

The groom began to cry. “Rabbi,” he begged. “Everybody will laugh at me if I don’t have a new tallis.”

I knew he was right. And he had nobody else in the world but me. How could I refuse him? So I said, “Okay, I’ll do my best. Wait here, maybe G-d will open the gates for me.”

I started walking down the street, trying to think of someone — anyone — from whom I could get the money for the tallis. I didn’t know where to go or what to do, so I decided that I’d just go up to the first house with a light on and ask for the money. As I walked, I saw a light in a window, so I just went right up to the house and knocked on the door. It was the tailor’s house.

When Yossele opened the door and saw me standing there, his face lit up with joy. “Rabbi, I never dreamed you’d come to visit me. It’s such an honor … I know I don’t deserve it … thank you for coming. You know, I’d do anything for you…”

“Gentle tailor, You know, the orphan Feigele is getting married tonight. And I need ten rubles to buy a new prayer shawl for her groom.”

The tailor’s face fell. “Oy, Rabbi,” he almost whispered. “I wish I could help you, but you know how poor I am.” And I did know. Then he said slowly “But, I think I could give you one ruble.”

I smiled at him. “Schneider,” I said. “Thank you so much for whatever you can do. May the Master of the World bless you with everything.”

The tailor gave me the one ruble, and I left. I still didn’t know where to get the rest of the money but somehow I felt lighter. I had so much more hope. I was walking slowly down the street, wondering where else to go, when suddenly I heard someone running after me. I stopped and waited. It was the tailor. And as he came up beside me, I saw that he was crying like his heart was broken.

“Yossele!,” I exclaimed. “What hurts you so much? How can I help you?”

“Rabbi, G-d knows how poor I am. But from time to time I’ve managed to save a few kopeks, and now I have nine rubles that I have saved. Holy Master, it’s my whole life’s savings. But if I gave it all to you … if I gave you all of my money now … do you think…” and he started crying so hard he could hardly speak. “… Do you think that I might … that maybe I could … have a place in the World to Come?”

I put my hands on Yossele’s head, and I said, “Holy Tailor, I know how poor you are, I really do. But Feigele is waiting, her groom is waiting — for them every minute is an eternity. If you do this great mitzvah and give all your money to me now, it will be because of you that their wedding will take place. And I swear to you by the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, by the G-d of our Four Holy Mothers, that you will have a place in the World to Come…”

“And so, I went to Yossele’s funeral. And I cried as I walked behind his coffin. Because I could see that his soul was wrapped in the tallis he had bought with his last ten rubles for the groom of the orphan Feigele.”

You know, we think we’re so observant. We trust so much in what we see. But the truth is, if we only see with our eyes, we’re sometimes totally blind. Because we can’t penetrate to the deepest depths. Can we ever see in what kind of prayer shawl other people’s souls are wrapped?

We need to look at each other in a different way, not only with our eyes, but also with our hearts. And most of all we have to remember: no matter how wise we think we are, we never know.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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She did as her husband asked, and gave the non-Jewish beggar as much bread as he wanted to satisfy his hunger.

The leader of the robber gang turned out to be the very same man to whom the holy rabbi’s wife had fed her challah! He recognized the rabbi at once, and told his men, “This holy rabbi kept me alive. Do not harm him in the least – and return everything that you have taken from him!”

The robbers did as they were ordered, and the holy rabbi was allowed to leave in peace.

When he returned home, he told his wife of his adventure and concluded by reminding her, “As I told you: ‘Cut the challah, blood won’t come from it.'”

Bread Machine Challah

4 Jumbo eggs, room temperature add water to make 1cup

3 1/2 cups bread flour

3-4 Tablespoons white sugar

1 Tablespoon yeast or 1 packet of yeast

4 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

1 egg, beaten

1 ½ teaspoons salt

1-2 tablespoon water

Directions

Place liquid ingredients into pan of the bread machine

Combine dry ingredients and then add to the liquid in the Bread Machine pan

Select Dough cycle; press Start.

After the machine is done, take the dough out, and place it on a very lightly floured board, punch the dough down, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a small bowl, beat together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water.

Brush risen loaves with egg mixture. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. If it begins to brown too soon, cover with foil.

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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Tam and Chacham had a custom of visiting various communities, where they would stay in the homes of wealthy members of the community while they collected charity for those less fortunate.

A few days later, the Tam and Chacham asked the merchant: “Tell us the truth, are you not happy with the fact that we are staying here?”

Tam and Chacham thought for a moment and them Tam began to speak:

Tam paused his story and fixed his gaze on the merchant.

“You possess the soul of that doctor, and your evil inclination is working overtime not to allow that mud into your house. “

Upon hearing these words from Tam, the merchant ran to the door and began pleading to the people waiting outside. “Come in, come in,” he cried. “Come as you are and greet our honored guests.”

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)

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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The time came when Pinchas no longer felt comfortable living in the Jewish community, and he moved to the other side of town where he built himself a large, well-guarded mansion.

It happened one wintery night when the cold winds blew hard that a traveler noticed the mezuzah on Pinchas’s door and knocked. Luckily for the traveler, Pinchas was not home and the butler, feeling sorry for him, let him in.

The guest soon recovered from the cold, and the butler promptly told him about his boss’s history and character. He suggested that he find other accommodations, as his master did not like guests.

As they were talking, they heard a carriage pull up, and in walked Pinchas, wrapped in his fur coat. His reaction to the guest was quick. “What is this? A way station for beggars? Get out of here now!” he shouted.

The next day, news spread that a stranger had died on the streets not far from Pinchas’s mansion. The story did not move Pinchas in the slightest. He knew who the person was, but he did not let it bother him.

That night, he had a dream. Two strong men broke into his house and began dragging him, saying, and “Come with us.”

Pinchas asked in surprise, “Where are we going?”

“To a court case held by the holy rabbi of the region.”

“But why?” Pinchas asked.

“Everything will be known to you at the right time,” they answered bluntly.

“Do you have anything to say in your defense?” asked the holy rabbi.

Pinchas was silent. For the first time he felt ashamed and was embarrassed by his actions.

Pinchas woke up soaked in a sweat. He tried to ignore the dream, pushing it out of his mind. But it kept coming back. It gave him no rest until he decided to travel to speak to the holy rabbi of the region.

When he arrived at the holy rabbi’s house, his heart started pounding. He remembered the courtyard and the house from his dream! His knees were shaking as he walked into the study hall; it looked exactly like the courtroom from his dream.

Suddenly, a narrow path cleared. Pinchas didn’t understand the movement of the holy rabbi’s finger, gesturing for him to come forward. Those standing near him said, “The holy rabbi is summoning you.”

At that moment, Pinchas passed out. And when he came to, he was a changed man. Pinchas knew with absolute certainty that he would do as he was told. He was filled with deep regret and wanted to correct his wicked ways and return to his community.

Based on Sichas haShavuah 607

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)

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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As a last resort, he set out to beg, hopeful that his neighbors — “merciful ones, the children of merciful ones”— would have pity on his family and help him in his time of need.

Now, on his way home, his mind was on his empty pocket and his wife’s disappointment. He lost track of his surroundings and found himself in a grove of trees. Tired, he leaned against a large tree, massaging his back against its ample trunk.

“Hey, you!” he heard. “What are you doing here? Don’t you know that you’re trespassing?”

Looking up, he suddenly realized that he had apparently wandered onto the grounds of a grand manor and was face to face with the poritz, the feudal lord who had almost unlimited power over his property.

“Oh, I am so sorry, Your Lordship,” he was quick to say. “I was simply wandering around, feeling so alone and sad about my sorry state of affairs, and I stopped to comfort my aching back against your tree. Please forgive me for taking that simple pleasure, and I will be on my way.”

“Wait a moment,” the feudal lord said gently. “You look like a man who has suffered in life. Please tell me more. Perhaps I can help you . . .”

“Oh, Your Lordship is too kind,” said the down-and-out man. “I was feeling so alone. I am a father of daughters, and I desperately seek means with which to help them get married, but why should you care about a poor old father and his problems?”

“Dear man,” said the feudal lord, “please take this purse of coins and marry your daughters in gladness. I am an old man and have all the money I can ever need — it’s the joy of giving that I could use in life. After all, ‘Who gives to the poor shall not lack.’ “(Proverbs 28:27)

The wealthy poritz thought for a moment and then continued, “I learned many years ago. ‘Turn not away your face from any poor man, and the face of G-d will not turn away from you’ (Tobit 4:7) Now go in peace.”

Still doubting whether it had all been a dream, the poor man stumbled home. It was not long before word of the generosity of the feudal lord spread through the village.

“What good fortune,” said one man to another. “Here’s our chance to get rich. Let’s go to that same estate and try our luck.”

Making their way to the grove, they promptly located a well-suited tree and began to rub with vigor.

Sure enough, the master of the property soon came to question them.

“Oh, Sire,” they said, “Please have pity! We were feeling so sad, so alone and so hopeless that we decided to lean against your tree for a while, taking advantage of the opportunity to massage our backs.”

“You’re charlatans, both of you,” thundered the lord, who had once been a general and still knew how to bark an order. “Leave at once!”

As they humbly left the garden, one of them summoned up the nerve to question the feudal lord. “How is it,” he asked, “that when our friend was here, you greeted him so kindly, but when we came and told you a similar story, you called our bluff?”

“It’s very simple. When a man is truly alone, and he needs to scratch his back, he has no choice but to lean against a tree trunk. There are two of you. You could have rubbed each other’s backs. That told me that you weren’t really as needy as you made yourselves out to be.”

As long as one has faith and a friend, no situation is ever hopeless.