A Soulful Journey

An elderly shadchan was showing a novice the trade.   He took him on his rounds and explained, “The most important thing is to back up what I say – we mustn’t be seen to lie.” The next day they went to a wealthy man’s home to speak about a shiddach for his son. “The girl I have for you comes from a very fine family,” the elder shadchan said. “A fine family, indeed,” the young shadchan called out. “The finest in the world!" “Are they wealthy?” “Wealthy?   They are millionaires,” the young one agreed. “And is the girl pretty?” “Of course.” “What do you mean pretty??   She is an outstanding beauty!” “The only fault is that she has a little hunch on her back,” the older shadchan continued. “A little hunch?” The young apprentice became enthusiastic.   “Why it is a monument!” Sometimes it  pays  to be a  little  reticent.

Husband: “Have you ever wondered what you would do if you had a millionaire’s income?” Wife: “No, but I wonder why they would do of they have mine.” Real justice means no that everyone has the same but that all are treated with equal respect and dignity.

Everybody knocks on the door of the rich man craving to be his friend while to the poor man’s door there is silence.   –Talmud, Shabbat 32a Is this how the thirty-six tzaddikim of the world exist?   No one pays them attentions so they live in as virtual unknowns.

May you live to see your world fulfilled, May your destiny be for worlds still to come, And may you trust in generations past and yet to be. May your heart be filled with intuition and your words be filled with insight. May songs of praise ever be upon your tongue and your vision be on a straight path before you. May your eyes shine with the light of holy words and your face reflect the brightness of the heavens. May your lips speak wisdom and your fulfillment be in righteousness even as you ever yearn to hear the words of the Holy Ancient One of Old. Talmud Berachot 17a, translation by Danny Siegel

May your eyes sparkle with the light of Torah, And your ears hear the music of its words. May the space between each letter of the scrolls Bring warmth and comfort to your soul. May the syllables draw holiness from your heart, And may this holiness be gentle and soothing To the world. May your study be passionate, And meanings bear more meanings Until Life itself arrays itself to you As a dazzling wedding feast. And may your conversation, Even of the commonplace, Be a blessing to all who listen to your words And see the Torah glowing on your face.  Danny Siegel

A philanthropist on entering a Jewish restaurant noticed a schnorrer, to whom he had given alms that very morning, regaling himself with a dish of smoked salmon. "Aren't you ashamed of yourself?" he asked.  "This morning you came to beg from me, and this evening I find you in an expensive restaurant eating smoked salmon." -"Well what do you expect?  When I haven't any money, I can't eat smoked salmon.  When I have got money, I mustn't eat smoked salmon.  When am I supposed to eat smoked salmon?"   -Friday Nite Book The truth of our faith is that one who is impoverished deserves to have no less than you.

A macher’s (big shot’s) daughter was being wed.    He hired the best musicians for the celebration.   Along came Yankele carrying his violin.   The macher told him that he was not to play.   But the violin player could not resist.   Out came a tune from his fiddle.   And he was hopelessly out of tune. The macher told him again and again not to play.   Finally the macher ordered poor Yankele to leave. Just then the heavens open up and a full celestial orchestra began to play…out of tune.   – Elliott Prager God cares about how we treat one another.   He is always attentive.