The great sages were porters, smiths, hewers of wood and drawers of water (RaMBaM Yad: Matanos Aniyim 10:18). Only manual work can make you blessed (Midrash Tehillim 23:3)

A rabbi was told about a person who had no income, and was asked to help raise funds for him. “The man is literally dying of hunger,” he was told by a concerned member of the community.

The rabbi thought for a moment or two and answered, “I don’t understand. He is a healthy and capable person. Surely he could find a job to earn enough to meet his needs.”

“Sadly, none of the jobs open to him are proper for him,” responded the concerned member of the community. “He is a very proud person, and the jobs that are available are menial and he feels they are beneath his dignity.”

“Well then,” the rabbi said, dismissing the cause, “in that case, it is not true that he is dying of hunger. He is really dying of pride.”

Some people are unable to tell between the two. Their sense of personal pride and standing dominates them so keenly, that they can not consider many possible choices.

The Talmud requires that one should take even the most menial job rather than resort to living off others. “Skin hides in the market place for wages; do not say ‘I am a great person, this is a disgrace for me’ (Pesachim 113b).”

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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