Not so long ago to be Jewish was synonymous with being religious. One Shabbat in a little Moroccan village, Saadia was on his way home from Synagogue when he saw Rahamim, a fellow Jew, standing on a corner smoking a cigarette. "Rahamim," gasped Saadia "have you forgotten that it is Shabbat?"
"No," said Rahamim calmly. "I have not forgotten."
"Rahamim," reproached Saadia, "have you forgotten then that smoking is prohibited on Shabbat?"
"No," said Rahamim unperturbed. "I am perfectly aware of that."
"Rahamim,: sympathized Saadia, "you poor thing. Then you must have some strange disease and the doctor has ordered you to smoke for health reasons."
"No," smiled Rahamim, my body is in excellent shape. Saadia pondered for a moment. Having given Rahamim every benefit of the doubt and every chance to explain his sin he finally turned his head towards the heaven and exclaimed, "God, what a people you have created! They may defile Your day of rest but never, never do they lie." -Jewish folktale
Look for the best in people and you will find it.
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