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Showing posts with the label Onkelos

Zie a Yid

The Talmud tells of Onkelos, the son of Kallonymos, an outstanding personality of the ancient Roman Empire, who, becoming a proselyte, aroused the wrath of Caesar.  Caesar sent a group of solders to influence him to change his mind.  However, Onkelos succeeded in persuading the soldiers to become proselytes like himself.   Caesar then sent other militias, warning them not to converse with him.  They seized him and were about to bring him to Caesar when, leaving the house, he put a hand on the mezzuzah and smiled. Asking for an explanation, he said, "It is customary with a king of flesh that while he is in the palace his servants guard him from without.  Our King, the King of the Universe, lets His servants sit inside, while guards them." They too then became proselytes. Zie a yid , an old Yiddishism, meaning be who you were born to be and all will fall into place.

Protection

Onkelos was a convert to Judaism.  The Roman authorities were particularly angry, as Onkelos was a member of the royal house.  When troops came to arrest him. Onkelos spoke to them passionately about his devotion to Judaism and of it power and greatness. They were so moved that they too decided to convert.  Group after group was sent to him, each with the same result.  Finally, the emperor indicated that no more soldiers were allowed to speak with Onkelos.  On his way out, Onkelos kissed the mezzuzah attached to his doorpost and said, “Generals protect the king within the palace but God protects us from without." Check your home today.