Do not take lightly the curse of a common man (Megillah 28a)

There once was a man who cursed and belittled a certain holy man, who was never unhappy. The man cursed him, hoping that he would lose his life, the respect of his students, and all his wealth. In his hatred, the man further cursed the holy man with the wish that he would commit many sins so that he would lose his share in the World to Come. At that point, the holy man felt sad.

“Why are you so sad?” his students asked, and the holy man answered:

“When he insulted me he did not affect me because I have no desire for honor. When a man dies, he has no benefit from his honor. His words are without substance as Solomon the Wise said, ‘Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying, an undeserved curse goes nowhere.’ ” (Proverbs 26:2)

“When he cursed me with the hope that I should not benefit from anything in this world—that all passes away at the grave. Besides, don’t we learn, ‘Let yourself be cursed, rather than curse?’ ” (Sanhedrin 49a)

But then when he cursed me with the wish that I should not enjoy the World to Come, and that I should rebel against the Holy One, blessed be He, I was concerned for fear that he would cause injustice. So I prayed that the voice of those who curse should not be heard, but rather the voice of those who bless.”

The students gathered around their teacher and asked, “How can you so easily overlook all of the taunts and curses from that man?” The holy man thought for a moment and shared, “The Holy One, blessed be He told our fathers ‘I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.’ “(Deuteronomy 30:19)

The holy man prayed, “L-rd of the universe, since both the besieged and the besiegers are Your people, answer not, I pray You, the curses which they may pronounce against each other.” (Josephus Antiquities 14.22)

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