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When Night is Over

A Hasidic Story:
There once was a Rabbi who was asked by his students, “Teacher, how should one determine the hour when night ends and day begins?”
One student suggested, “Is it when one can distinguish a sheep from a dog in the distance?” “No,” said the Rabbi, “It is not.”
A second student ventured, “Is it when one can distinguish a date tree from a fig tree in the distance?” “No,” said the Rabbi.
“Please tell us the answer,” the students begged.
“It is when you can look into the face of a stranger and see your sister or brother,” said the Rabbi. “Until then night is still with us.”

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