Tam and Chacham taught many students and listened to all who came to them for guidance. One student left his studies to help his struggling family.

Some time passed and no one heard from the student. In time he was forgotten. One day the student came to visit his old teachers Tam and Chacham.

He explained how hard it was to leave his studies, but he found a well paying job in a field that involved mixing freely with men and women in a relaxed atmosphere. He went on to say, “You would be proud of me, I think of your lessons all through my working hours, and never once had any inappropriate thoughts.”

Chacham thought for a moment and said, “From a woman did sin originate, and because of her we must all die. (ben Sira 25:24) By preventing yourself from getting involved with the people at your job, you may actually live longer.”

The student added, “I don’t talk to the women nor notice what they wear. The men ask me all the time to eat with them, but their food and what they talk about is not kosher.” The student noticed that Tam shook his head.

Chacham responded,” we learn that ’whoever engages in too much conversation with women, brings evil on himself, neglects the study of Torah and in the end will inherit gehennom’ (Pirke Avos 1:5). I’d say you learned your lessons well.”

Tam quietly asked the student for his name. The student was taken aback. His rabbi and teacher certainly must remember his name. Tam waited a moment and then said, “You have listened, but not learned ’The Holy One, Blessed be He created all things in accordance with His wisdom and whatever He created cannot possibly be shameful or ugly’ (Iggeres haKodesh 13th cent.) Please give me your mother’s name so I can make a proper Mi Shebeirach (a prayer for healing) for you.’ “

The student was confused. He felt well and he thought to himself why would his teacher want to make a Mi Shebeirach for him?

Tam saw the confusion in the face of his student and answered, “I am an old man. Yet, I can hardly walk down the street from my house without fighting off some unwanted thought. You claim that as a young man in the prime of life, you entertain no unholy thoughts. Surely there must be something wrong with you! I will make a Mi Shebeirach for you to have a refuah sheleima (complete recovery)!”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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

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

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