When Jewish people come together a special connection takes place as people from across the Jewish spectrum share in prayer, observance, food, and camaraderie. The question invariably is raised how can so many different Jewish people come together and have fun and develop special friendships. How can we get past the, sometimes insurmountable, differences and share in our beautiful and holy traditions.

So many questions are asked and the answers are not so difficult as one listens to those around. In an old story, one remembers…

In a certain city lived a carpenter who was well-known for his fine craftsmanship. Merchants, noblemen and other wealthy people visited him regularly, asking him to build fine furniture for them. The carpenter never disappointed anyone. Time and time again, he consistently created beautiful cabinets and graceful bookcases that were amazing to look at. His fame as a craftsman spread throughout the land, until word of his skills reached the king.

The king had the carpenter summoned and told him that from then on he would be employed in the king’s palace. He would be personally responsible for building furniture for the royal family. The king invited him to live in special quarters, and assured the carpenter that he would provide for both him and his fam­ily. In addition, he would pay the carpenter handsomely, guaranteeing him a generous monthly salary.

Excited, the carpenter packed up his tools, family and belongings and moved into his new home palace grounds.

Some time afterwards, the carpenter became sick and lost his eyesight, leaving him unable to work. He went to many doctors and they gave him all kinds of medicines. The treatments slowly took effect, but after spending so much money on the doctors, he was in time left penniless.

The carpenter needed more medication but was unable to pay for them, his wife suggested that he sell his tools, in order to buy the medicines that he needed.

“Absolutely not!” shouted the carpenter. “I may not presently be able to work, but the king, nonetheless, acts kindly towards me and dis­plays understanding for my situation, as he realizes that I will soon be able to work again. However, if I sell my tools, it is a sign that I am no longer a carpenter.., What will I do then?”

The same thing applies to the Jewish people. While we may no longer serve Hashem (G-d) in the ways that the earlier genera­tions did, we nevertheless, trust in Him with all our hearts – for the Name of G-d is within each of us, and we remain servants of the King of all Kings!

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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