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The Short and Long of It

 Said Rabbi Yehoshua ben Hananiah:

"I was traveling, and I met with a child at a crossroads. I asked him, 'which way to the city?' and he answered: 'This way is short and long, and this way is long and short.'

"I took the 'short and long' way. I soon reached the city but found my approach obstructed by gardens and orchards. So I retraced my steps and said to the child: 'My son, did you not tell me that this is the short way?' 

Answered the child: 'Did I not tell you that it is also long?'"    -Talmud, Eruvin 53b


There are many shortcuts in life but often they do not lead to the place we wish to go.  Only with time, effort and study can we achieve the heights we dream of.  

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