Once there lived a king who delighted in meeting with a rabbi who lived in the capital city. The two would talk about many things, and the rabbi’s insight and sharp intellect amazed the king time and again. No one could compare in advice and wisdom to the fascinating rabbi.

The king enjoyed going on outings in the countryside and forest, and he would invite the rabbi so that they could discuss the events and issues.

The rabbi had a way of always weaving into the conversation the idea of hashgacha pratis, (divine providence). Often he would remind the king that “the whole world is sustained by the charity of the Holy One, blessed be He.” (Berachos 17b)

On one of these outings, the king began to set up his camp. Accompanied by the rabbi, his companion of choice, the king insisted that the rabbi camp together with him.

Unfamiliar with the all the preparations and activities involved in setting up a camp, the rabbi fumbled with the axe.  A bitter scream pierced the forest, a scream from none other than the king himself. The rabbi had mistakenly hit the king, damaging his hand forever by chopping off one of his fingers.

Enraged, the bleeding king had his guards imprison the rabbi immediately, with swift orders to put him into the darkest most remote chambers of the dungeon.

Months passed, and the king’s injury slowly healed. His hand was getting stronger, and his desire to go on one of his outings finally made him plan an exotic expedition to many far-off lands.

Throughout his trips, he missed the wisdom and friendship of the gifted rabbi.

In a dense jungle, the king was warned not to leave the camp, because hostile natives were close by. Curiosity sparked the king’s adventurous spirit and he wanted to see the area in all of its beauty.

On one of his hikes outside the camp, the king was captured by cannibal tribesmen. The custom of the cannibal tribe was to inspect captives before cooking. They were alarmed to find that the tempting captive before them had a missing finger. Immediately they declared it a bad omen, and left the king close to his campgrounds.

 The king was filled with joy. The rabbi’s accident had saved his life. He imme,diately set out to return to his capital. He had to speak to his friend, the rabbi.

When the king arrived at his palace, he instantly set the rabbi free.

The king met his friend in his private chambers and asked him:

“Dear rabbi, you have always spoken of divine providence, and how everything comes down from heaven for our good, and I see that here. But rabbi, I have one question: what was the divine providence as it relates to you? You were in the dungeon for months; where is the good in that?”

The rabbi smiled as he answered, “Your majesty, if I wasn’t in the dungeon, I would have been with you, and the cannibals would have eaten me, G‑d forbid.”

“What lesson can we take from all this?” asked the king.

After some thought, the rabbi answered.

“Perhaps the lesson is that everyone is essentially a friend of the ultimate King, the Creator of heaven and earth. Since He is a true and good friend who wants the very best for us, we must have faith that all our experiences, even the seemingly negative ones, are really for the best.”

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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