Shlomo Carlebach was delivering a noon-time lecture to Jewish members of Manhattan’s Diamond Dealers Club,  when a truculent man suddenly interrupted and challenged him belligerently.  “Shlomo!” he demanded, “We love your music, and your hasidishe meisalach (hasidic tales) are also very nice, but there’s one thing about you that bothers some of us and which we just can’t understand:  Why are you always so busy with low-lifes and meshugoyim (crazies)?”

Shlomo stroked his beard reflectively and, looking around the room, said, “You know, I’m sure that all of you here today are among the greatest specialists and top authorities in the world when it comes to jewelry.  Is that true?” Members of the audience bobbed their heads in quick agreement.  “And,” Shlomo continued, “many of you are also probably big experts in diamonds, right?  Oh yes, we’re BIG experts!” the diamond dealers concurred.  “So tell me,” Shlomo asked them, “Did you ever accidentally throw out a million dollar diamond in the garbage can?”  Everyone in the room burst out laughing.  “Are you crazy?” shouted a man.  “A million dollar diamond in the rough?  In a second we would know what we’re holding in our hands! We’re experts!”

Shlomo paused for a moment, surveyed the men thoughtfully, and then said in a quiet voice, “You know, my sweetest friends, I’ll let you in on a secret; I’m also an expert on diamonds.  I walk the streets of the world every day and all I see are the most precious diamonds walking past me.  Some of them you may have to pick up from the gutter and clean a bit, polish a little.  But once you do, my friends, oh how they shine!  Mamesh (really) like the purest, bluest, most perfect gems you’ll ever uncover during your own distinguished careers.”

“So, my sweetest friends,” Shlomo concluded, “please try to remember this because it’s mamesh the most important thing you have to know in life.  Everyone…everyone…is a diamond in the rough.” ~ Holy Brother