The story is told of Shimon ben Shetah whose disciples went to
buy him an ass. They bought one from an Arab, and they rejoiced when they found
that there was a precious jewel attached to the animal. Shimon asked them,
“Does the owner know of it?” When then said no, he told them to give it back to
the Arab. They argued with him. Shimon said, “Do you think I am a
barbarian? I purchased an ass. I did not purchase a precious jewel. I would
rather hear the Arab say, ‘Blessed is the God of the Jews’ than to possess all
the riches of the world.’” They returned to the Arab who proclaimed, ‘Blessed
is the Lord, the God of Shimon ben Shetah!” Y.B.M. 2:5. Deut.R. Ekev 3:3.
- Reuven Hammer
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