Who Is in Control of Whom?

Posted on Tuesday, 9, July, 2024Tuesday, 9, July, 2024 by Rabbi

A man was charged with committing a serious crime against the king and placed in prison until his trial. When it came time for him to stand trial, one of the king’s guards took him from his cell and escorted him to the place of justice.

The king’s guard, suspecting that the prisoner might try to escape, took a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. He then placed one of the cuffs around the wrist of the prisoner and the other one around his own wrist. In this way, they marched through the city street.

A crowd of spectators gathered along the sides of the street to curse and make fun of the prisoner.

Insulted and humiliated, the prisoner turned to the crowd and said, “You are making a mistake. He is not escorting me; rather, it is I who is escorting him…”

A wise man spoke up from among the many people in the crowd. “If that is the case,” he said, “then unlock the handcuff on your wrist! If you are capable of breaking free from your escort, it is a sign that you are in control of him. But if he can break away, then it proves that he is in control of you!”

The same thing applies to man and his yetzer hara – the evil inclination. There are instances when the yetzer hara binds himself to a person by accustoming him to a repeated transgression. If this person would like to know who is truly in control of whom, let him check himself to determine whether he is capable of breaking his “bad habits” or not.

This is precisely what we request in our morning prayers each day: “Let not the evil inclination – the yetzer hara – dominate us.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

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The War Against the Evil Inclination

Posted on Wednesday, 11, May, 2022 by Rabbi

Man is engaged in a constant war against his archrival, the yetzer hara – evil inclination. How can man succeed against such a powerful enemy? The answer can be found in an old parable:

Two kings had been waging a fierce war for many years, with each one taking turns gaining the upper hand. One day, the kings decided to put an end to their war. The two met and agreed to wage one battle that would last a total of four days. Whoever won this decisive battle would be proclaimed the victor, and the loser would submit entirely to the will of the conqueror.

The kings began preparing for the deciding battle, and their finest generals taught the soldiers new war tactics and strategies.

When the war commenced, it was clear that both armies were powerful, skilled, and of equal strength. Indeed, on the first day of the fighting, one of the armies proved triumphant, and on the second day, the other was victorious. Towards evening of the third day, one of the generals gathered the commanders of his troops and exclaimed, “Men! Tomorrow is the final and decisive day of this war, and we must emerge victorious at any cost. However, as the sides are evenly matched, we must utilize a brilliant plan. Our spies,” he continued, “have reported that the enemy’s ammunition and many of their weapons are in a specific bunker in their camp. If we were to send an elite team of soldiers to steal the ammunition and weapons from the enemy’s camp, they would be easily defeated.”

Everyone agreed, and they carried out the plan. A squad of elite soldiers secretly entered the enemy camp and stole their ammunition and weapons.

The next day, there was a loud trumpet blast and the armies assembled to take the field. But when one of the armies rushed to arm themselves, they were shocked to discover that the bunker in their camp was empty. Left with no other choice, they surrendered.

If the evil inclination, encounters you, pull it into the study hall, (go and study Torah). If it is a stone it will melt, and if it is iron it will break, as it is stated in reference to the Torah: “Is not my word like fire, says the L-rd, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29). Just as a stone shatters a hammer, so too one can overcome the evil inclination, which is as strong as iron, through Torah study. (Kiddushin 30b)

So it is with man’s war against the yetzer hara – evil inclination. The evil inclination battles a man all the days of his life. There are occasions when the yetzer hara emerges victorious and other times when man proves triumphant. It is at that point that the evil inclination devises the cunning strategy to steal man’s ammunition and weapons – the holy Torah, in the merit of which he can defeat the yetzer hara.

We must therefore take caution that the yetzer hara does not steal our powerful weapon. For even if the yetzer hara has recently prevailed, a person must not despair. Rather, they must strengthen and discipline themselves to study the holy Torah and good deeds, and only then will a person triumph over the yetzer hara – evil inclination.

On the one hand, the evil inclination is within every person; and the subjugation of kingdoms is on the other hand. Hear the ancient prayer, “May it be Your will that You will deliver us from their hands, of both the evil inclination and the foreign kingdoms, so that we may return to perform the edicts of Your will with a whole heart.” (Berachos 17a)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

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A Pot of Soup and the Yetzer Hara

Posted on Thursday, 3, February, 2022Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

There was an innkeeper who cooked meals for all her guests. Inevitably she ended up preparing food for all the laborers of the town as well, who flocked to her dining room to feast to their hearts’ content. She served food that was simple yet satisfying, and most importantly, very reasonably priced.

One day, the innkeeper prepared a large pot of soup. As mealtime drew nearer, she went to check on the food to determine whether or not it was ready to be served. As she made her way towards the pot, a foul odor filled her nostrils.

She quickly ascertained that the ingredients she had used to prepare the broth must have been slightly spoiled, and this was indeed the cause of the terrible smell. She was now faced with a problem: Mealtime was rapidly approaching — what would she serve her guests?

What could she do?

She took fragrant spices and sprinkled them generously into the steamy pot; it was not long before the smell of the spices overpowered the foul odor.

She served the soup to the laborers, and they ate heartily.

“This soup is wonderful!” exclaimed one of the laborers. “It truly smells like Gan Eden!”

Sitting next to him was a traveler with a sensitive palate who said, “You are mistaken.” “The food is completely spoiled; the smell is coming from spices that hide the foul stench…”

The yetzer hara tries to persuade a person to sin. The sin, however, emits a putrid odor, and the soul immediately perceives the trick and attempts to flee. But the yetzer hara clothes the wicked deed in a guise of temptation and appeal to conceal the foul stench.

The more putrid the odor, the more spices the yetzer hara deceitfully adds…

A person must arrive at the realization that the “food” is spoiled and that they must push it away with both hands!

Story Recipe Moroccan

Harira – Spiced Moroccan Vegetable Soup

A Muslim staple to break the daily fast of Ramadan, it has crossed over to the Moroccan Jewish tradition of breaking the fast of Yom Kippur, Tisha b’Av and other fast days. Although many cooks make this with meat, this is a pareve recipe.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil		1 bunch parsley, chopped, divided
1-2 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)		1 (15-ounce) can tomatoes, crushed, or 2 cups tomato sauce
3 stalks celery, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)		7 cups broth or water
3 large carrots, peeled and cut in rounds		1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and cooked or 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric		1 cup green lentils
1 teaspoon ground cumin		1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 Teaspoon Zahtar		2 tablespoons all-purpose unbleached flour
1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes		1 large egg
Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)		Salt to taste

Directions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion, celery, and carrots until the onion turns translucent and begin to brown, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add the turmeric, cumin, chile flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of the parsley and tomatoes

In a large stock pot add the broth or water and bring to a boil.

If using the soaked chickpeas, drain them and add to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, then add the lentils, another teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of pepper and continue simmering until the chickpeas and lentils are cooked, about 45 minutes more.

or

If using canned chickpeas omit the first 25 minutes of simmering and add with the lentils.

Whisk the flour, egg, and lemon juice into 2 cups of water. Stir into the soup. Simmer the soup about 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours more and serve.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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Who Is in Control of Whom?

Posted on Sunday, 24, October, 2021Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

A man was charged with committing a serious crime against the king and was placed in prison until his trial. When it came time for him to stand trial, he was taken from his cell by one of the king’s guards to be escorted to the place of justice.

The king’s guard, suspecting that the prisoner might try to escape, took a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. He then placed one of the cuffs around the wrist of the prisoner and the other one around his own wrist. In this way, they marched through the city street.

A crowd of spectators gathered along the sides of the street to curse and make fun of the prisoner.

Insulted and humilated, the prisoner turned to the crowd and said, “You are making a mistake. He is not escorting me; rather, it is I who is escorting him…”

A wise man spoke up from among the many people in the crowd. “If that is the case,” he said, “then unlock the handcuff on your wrist! If you are capable of breaking free from your escort, it is a sign that you are in control of him. But if he can break away, then it proves that he is in control of you!”

The same thing applies to man and his yetzer hara – the evil inclination. There are instances when the yetzer hara binds himself to a person by accustoming him to a repeated transgression. If this person would like to know who is truly in control of whom, let him check himself to determine whether he is capable of breaking his “bad habits” or not.

This is precisely what we request in our morning prayers each day: “Let not the yetzer hara dominate us.”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

The Fool and the Scoffer

Posted on Wednesday, 20, October, 2021Sunday, 28, January, 2024 by Rabbi

In a certain city, there was a simple man who had little learning and was sometimes foolish. One day, one of the young students who learned a lot, but had little compassion decided to amuse his friends. He told his friends that later that day, he would trick the simple man into leaping into the swamp located on the outskirts of the town.

How can one convince another to do such a foolish thing? He approached the simple man and offered him various types of foods and drink, in this way earning his trust. He then invited the simple man to go for a short walk outside the city.

As they neared the swamp, the young student turned to the simple man, pulled him aside and whispered to him, “I have a great secret which I am willing to share with you, but you must first promise me that you will not share it with anyone.”

The simple man promised.

“Are you familiar with the big swamp?” asked the young student.

“I certainly am,” responded the simple man, “But I heard that it is quite deep and marshy.”

“That is not true,” answered the young student. “And what’s more, you should know that a valuable treasure is hidden inside it…

“While there is a thin layer of mud that lies on the surface, if a person should leap in, he will avoid the mud and merit discovering an enormous treasure.”

When they arrived at the swamp, the simple man, believing the young student’s words, dived directly into the marshy swamp hoping to find the treasure.

“Help me!” called out the simple man as he sunk deep into the mud. “Get me out of here!”

“Absolutely not,” replied the young student. “Do you know how much effort I used just to get you to jump into the swamp in the first place? First I will call all of my friends, so that they can see you sunken up to your neck and get a hearty laugh. Only afterwards will I take you out…Have you never heard ‘Understand, O dullest of the people; fools, when will you be wise?’ ” (Psalm 94:8)

Yetzer haRa

So is the way of the yetzer hara – the evil inclination. First it attracts a person with meaningless temptations, even giving them fancy gifts and the like, which serve to trap them. However, once a person has been successfully tricked — sunk in the swamp — the yetzer hara stands there and laughs heartily.

The wisdom of old speaks to the simple man when it asks, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? (Proverbs 1:22)

The arrogance and lack of compassion is addressed in the holy writings when it teaches, “A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for one who understands.” (Proverbs 14:6) He learns but does not apply his knowledge to his everyday behaviour or life.

May we all be spared from the embarrassment and ridicule of the yetzer hara – the evil inclination.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

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Pursuit of the Yetzer Hara – Evil Inclination

Posted on Monday, 21, December, 2020Tuesday, 20, September, 2022 by Rabbi

Many students gathered to study and learn from Tam and Chacham. One day the students asked about the Yetzer haRa – Evil Inclination, it seemed that everyone had their own understanding. Tam and Chacham entered the Beis Medresh (House of Study) and saw that the students, who had been talking busily, qieted down and looked towards their teachers. Chacham asked, “What were you talking about?”

“Rabbi,” they said, “we were saying how afraid we are that the Evil Inclination will pursue us.”

Chacham started to explain, “The principle that man has absolute free will to choose between good and evil, is a foundation of our faith, as it is written, ‘I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your children may live’ ” (Deuteronomy 30:19) (Moreh Nevuchim 3:17)

Tam added, “Man makes a harness for his beast; all the more should he make one for the beast within himself, his Evil Inclination.” (Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 10.1)

The students looked at one another as they thought on the words of their teachers. Those distractions of the Evil Inclination that pulled people away from study of the Holy Books and living by example.

Chacham reminded the students that “the Evil Inclination lures man in this world, then testifies against him in the World to Come.” (Succah 52a)

He pause for a moment and continued, “None can can be called saint before death, for none can be trusted to win against the Evil Inclination till the end of life.” (Midrash Tehillim 16.2)

Tam shared that “Without the Yetzer haRa (Evil Inclination), no man would build a house, take a wife, have children and engage in work.” (Genesis Rabbah 9.7)

He continued, “That the Evil Inclination can be directed to good causes, but it takes a lot of faith and study.”

Chacham spoke up and said, “Don’t worry, none of have not gotten high enough for it to pursue you, For the time being, you are still pursuing it.”

May it be Your will, O Eternal our G-d and G-d of our ancestors …. to break the yoke of the Evil Inclination in our hearts. (Talmud Yerushalmi, Berachos 4.2)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

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

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

A man was charged with committing a serious crime against the king and placed in prison until his trial. When it came time for him to stand trial, one of the king’s guards took him from his cell and escorted him to the place of justice.

The king’s guard, suspecting that the prisoner might try to escape, took a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. He then placed one of the cuffs around the wrist of the prisoner and the other one around his own wrist. In this way, they marched through the city street.

A crowd of spectators gathered along the sides of the street to curse and make fun of the prisoner.

Insulted and humiliated, the prisoner turned to the crowd and said, “You are making a mistake. He is not escorting me; rather, it is I who is es­corting him…”

This is precisely what we request in our morning prayers each day: “Let not the evil inclination – the yetzer hara – dominate us.”

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

Man is engaged in a constant war against his archrival, the yetzer hara – evil inclination. How can man succeed against such a powerful enemy? The answer can be found in an old parable:

The kings began preparing for the deciding battle, and their finest generals taught the soldiers new war tactics and strategies.

Everyone agreed, and they carried out the plan. A squad of elite soldiers secretly entered the enemy camp and stole their ammunition and weapons.

The next day, there was a loud trumpet blast and the armies assembled to take the field. But when one of the armies rushed to arm themselves, they were shocked to discover that the bunker in their camp was empty. Left with no other choice, they surrendered.

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

One day, the innkeeper prepared a large pot of soup. As meal­time drew nearer, she went to check on the food to determine whether or not it was ready to be served. As she made her way towards the pot, a foul odor filled her nostrils.

She quickly ascertained that the ingredients she had used to pre­pare the broth must have been slightly spoiled, and this was indeed the cause of the terrible smell. She was now faced with a problem: Mealtime was rapidly approaching — what would she serve her guests?

What could she do?

She took fragrant spices and sprinkled them generously into the steamy pot; it was not long before the smell of the spices overpow­ered the foul odor.

She served the soup to the laborers, and they ate heartily.

“This soup is wonderful!” exclaimed one of the laborers. “It truly smells like Gan Eden!”

Sitting next to him was a traveler with a sensitive palate who said, “You are mistaken.” “The food is completely spoiled; the smell is coming from spices that hide the foul stench…”

The yetzer hara tries to persuade a person to sin. The sin, however, emits a putrid odor, and the soul immediately perceives the trick and attempts to flee. But the yetzer hara clothes the wicked deed in a guise of tempta­tion and appeal to conceal the foul stench.

The more putrid the odor, the more spices the yetzer hara deceitfully adds…

A person must arrive at the realization that the “food” is spoiled and that they must push it away with both hands!

Harira – Spiced Moroccan Vegetable Soup

A Muslim staple to break the daily fast of Ramadan, it has crossed over to the Moroccan Jewish tradition of breaking the fast of Yom Kippur, Tisha b’Av and other fast days. Although many cooks make this with meat, this is a pareve recipe.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 bunch parsley, chopped, divided

1-2 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)

1 (15-ounce) can tomatoes, crushed, or 2 cups tomato sauce

3 stalks celery, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)

7 cups broth or water

3 large carrots, peeled and cut in rounds

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and cooked or 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 cup green lentils

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

1 Teaspoon Zahtar

2 tablespoons all-purpose unbleached flour

1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

1 large egg

Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)

Salt to taste

Directions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion, celery, and carrots until the onion turns translucent and begin to brown, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add the turmeric, cumin, chile flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of the parsley and tomatoes

In a large stock pot add the broth or water and bring to a boil.

If using the soaked chickpeas, drain them and add to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, then add the lentils, another teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of pepper and continue simmering until the chickpeas and lentils are cooked, about 45 minutes more.

or

If using canned chickpeas omit the first 25 minutes of simmering and add with the lentils.

Whisk the flour, egg, and lemon juice into 2 cups of water. Stir into the soup. Simmer the soup about 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours more and serve.

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

A man was charged with committing a serious crime against the king and was placed in prison until his trial. When it came time for him to stand trial, he was taken from his cell by one of the king’s guards to be escorted to the place of justice.

The king’s guard, suspecting that the prisoner might try to escape, took a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. He then placed one of the cuffs around the wrist of the prisoner and the other one around his own wrist. In this way, they marched through the city street.

A crowd of spectators gathered along the sides of the street to curse and make fun of the prisoner.

Insulted and humilated, the prisoner turned to the crowd and said, “You are making a mistake. He is not escorting me; rather, it is I who is es­corting him…”

This is precisely what we request in our morning prayers each day: “Let not the yetzer hara dominate us.”

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

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others

How can one convince another to do such a foolish thing? He approached the simple man and offered him various types of foods and drink, in this way earning his trust. He then invited the simple man to go for a short walk outside the city.

As they neared the swamp, the young student turned to the simple man, pulled him aside and whispered to him, “I have a great secret which I am willing to share with you, but you must first promise me that you will not share it with anyone.”

The simple man promised.

“Are you familiar with the big swamp?” asked the young student.

Insulted and humiliated, the prisoner turned to the crowd and said, “You are making a mistake. He is not escorting me; rather, it is I who is escorting him…”

One day, the innkeeper prepared a large pot of soup. As mealtime drew nearer, she went to check on the food to determine whether or not it was ready to be served. As she made her way towards the pot, a foul odor filled her nostrils.

She quickly ascertained that the ingredients she had used to prepare the broth must have been slightly spoiled, and this was indeed the cause of the terrible smell. She was now faced with a problem: Mealtime was rapidly approaching — what would she serve her guests?

She took fragrant spices and sprinkled them generously into the steamy pot; it was not long before the smell of the spices overpowered the foul odor.

The yetzer hara tries to persuade a person to sin. The sin, however, emits a putrid odor, and the soul immediately perceives the trick and attempts to flee. But the yetzer hara clothes the wicked deed in a guise of temptation and appeal to conceal the foul stench.

Insulted and humilated, the prisoner turned to the crowd and said, “You are making a mistake. He is not escorting me; rather, it is I who is escorting him…”

“While there is a thin layer of mud that lies on the surface, if a person should leap in, he will avoid the mud and merit discovering an enormous treasure.”