Emuna Daily

A group of orphans were to receive a large inheritance from their father, consisting of money and precious gems.  The executor of the estate instructed them to bring luggage to carry away their shares.  “What!” they exclaimed.  “Such a magnificent estate and we must bring suitcases?  Aren’t there any among the items left to us by our father?  “No,” answered the executor.  “Your father bequeathed you a fantastic fortune, but he didn’t leave you even one basket or piece of luggage.  That you must provide for yourself.”

Our Father granted us the most precious legacy – His Torah.  However, we must provide the proper receptacle for that inheritance.  By refining our character and freeing ourselves from the shackles of decadence and narcissism, we shape ourselves into fitting vehicles to bear our Godly heritage.  ~ The Pirkei Avos Treasury

I heard this story from Rabbi Efrem Schwalb a few years ago and thought it was worth repeating:

Years ago in London, a poetry recital was taking place in a large auditorium. The finalists in the competition were given one last poem to recite – the twenty third Psalm.

The obvious winner was a young gentleman whose rendition of the Psalm was perfect. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want… He restores my soul… and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” The audience responded with thunderous applause.

Suddenly, an elderly, Eastern European Jew called out, “Judges! Would it be alright if I had a chance to say the Psalm?” The judges were amused and invited him up to the stage. In his heavy accent, the gentleman made his way through the  kapitel (chapter). A reverent hush fell over the crowd, and many people were moved to tears.

The winner received his prize but followed the old man out to the street. “Rabbi, you know that you really deserve the prize.” “Not at all,” he responded. “I wasn’t competing. You did a fine job and it belongs to you.” The young man continued: “But rabbi, perhaps you could explain to me why it is that when I concluded the Psalm the audience cheered, but when you concluded many people were crying?”

The alter Yid replied: “The difference between you and me is that…I know the Shepherd.”