The summer sun shone mercilessly. Acres of freshly grown crops began to dehydrate, and flocks of animals search in vain to quench their thirst.

In desperation, a group of farmers gathered in the synagogue to pray for rain.

After listening to the passionate prayers, a little boy asked his father if the men truly expected rain. “Of course,” replied his father. “Otherwise, we wouldn’t be here.”

“But father,” the child protested, “why hasn’t anyone brought an umbrella?”

~ Chicken Soup to Warm the Neshama