While Rabbi Meir was holding his weekly discourse on Shabbath afternoon, his two beloved sons died suddenly at home. Their mother covered them with a sheet, and forbore to mourn on the sacred day. When Rabbi Meir returned after the evening Services, he asked for his sons, whom he had not seen in the synagogue. she asked him to recite the havdalah and gave him his evening meal. Then she said: ‘I have a question to ask you. A friend once gave me jewels to keep for him; now he wishes them again. Shall I return them?”
“Beyond doubt you must,” said Rabbi Meir.
His wife took him by the hand, led him to the bed and drew back the sheet. Rabbi Meir burst into bitter weeping, and his wife said: “They were entrusted to us for a time; now their Master has taken back His very own.” -Midrash Mishle, 28
All life is a loan.
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