A Soulful Journey

  Once, a chicken was walking along the shore of a river, with his good friend, a salmon, swimming alongside  in the water. As they approached an Egg-and-Lox Restaurant, the chicken excitedly called out, ''Let's stop here for a bite.'' The salmon sadly shook his head. ''No, I can't afford to do that. From you, they only expect a contribution. From me, they want total commitment.''

Rabbi Hanina Ben Dosa watched all the people going up to Jerusalem, taking with them fine gifts and offerings for the Temple. How he longed to go with them and bring something wonderful for God. Alas, Rabbi Hanina was very poor. He had nothing he could offer. He wandered sadly in the desert field. Suddenly he saw an interesting stone on the ground. It was very large and beautiful. What a splendid idea, thought Rabbi Hanina. I will take this stone to the holy Temple as my gift to God. Rabbi Hanina ran home and got his tools. He cut the stone and polished it until its colors shone beautifully. At last, it was fit to create the holy Temple. But how would he ever get it there? He looked for someone to help. He would need five strong men to carry it and they would have to be paid but he knew he barely had five gold coins as his whole life’s savings. Suddenly five men appeared as if out of nowhere. “We will help you carry the stone,” they said. You can give us each one gold coin.” That was e...