Shmuel Hakatan
In the days of Shmuel Hakatan a terrible drought held the land in its deadly grip. The wheat withered in the field and the grass dried and died. Day after day, the skies remained leaden and no clouds appeared to bring rain and salvation to the parched land.
The Chassidim Of Germany
A search of the premises failed to turn up any sign of the money and suspicion was directed against the shamash who had access to the entire house.
Never Speak A Falsehood
Once while Rabi Shimon ben Shetach was studying the Torah, a man entered his beis midrash and said, “I have something very important to discuss with you and I would like no one to be present.”
The Strong Belief In G-d
On the third day, while waiting outside, they again heard a noise from the room.
The Bashert
When the young man awoke, he did not know where he was. As he looked around, the princess looked out and saw him.
Rabi Yehudah And Antoninus
Rabi Yehudah Hanasi (the prince) known as Rebbe had an amazingly warm friendship with the Roman Caesar, Antoninus. The friendship began at the birth of the two men and continued until their dying days.
The Life Of A Jester
“And what was your grandfather’s name?” asked the visitor. “The same as my name,” replied the child.
Maggid Of Kozienice Rav Yisroel ben Shabbethai
The simple man was very impressed with these stories and the following morning he told his wife that he was preparing a sumptuous feast for erev Yom Kippur.
A Time To Throw Away
Suddenly a thought entered his mind. Of course, that was the way. It could yet save their lives.
In All Your Ways Recognize G-d
“But,” the people protested, “many have attempted to do as you advise and we see that they have not been able to succeed.”
Outwitting The Rich Wine Dealer
“I would appreciate if you could give me some pointers on how to improve my wine,” said the wine merchant eagerly.
Poverty
When the Almighty saw the man’s struggles, He took pity on him and told Eliyahu Hanavi to give him four zuzim (coins).
Alexander In India
“Very well,” answered Purus, “you may join my armies and watch as we destroy Alexander with our animals.”
The Power Of Prayer
Why does one escape death and the other does not? Because one prayed and was answered and the other prayed and was not answered. Why was one answered and the other not?
Answering The Doubters
Certainly, the Jewish leader, even more than the layman, must have his answers and explanations ready at all times
Respect For Our Fellow Human Beings
How often we, even the greatest among us, tend to forget the respect and honor due every single human being. Every one who walks the face of the earth was created in the image of G-d and carries within him the Divine Spark. Therefore, when we insult any human being we are really insulting the Almighty Himself which is the worst of all sins.
The Man Who Pursued Tzeddakah
“Come now, I insist. Tell me what errand of mercy you are on so that I too may have a share in the mitzvah.”
Stories of The Dubno Maggid
But suddenly, now that I am a maggid, a man of Torah, the distance becomes very near. How did the land in between suddenly become lost? How is it that from far it became near?
The Story Of Chanukah
In the end, the kingdom was divided into three main parts and the tiny kingdom of Judea fell to the Syrian-Greeks.
The Long Sleep
A rock sprang up near the place where Choni lay fast asleep and the rock grew up high in the form of a tent, until it encircled him completely.
Torah Lengthens Life
Chazal tell us that Torah is our life and the length of our days. Here is a story that proves this statement quite literally.
In Yerushalayim there lived a family in which all the children passed away at an early age. Everything possible was done to protect the children from illness and the slightest danger, however, it was to no avail. Not one child lived past the age of 18.
Helping The Poor
But the furious merchant would not listen to his word and slapped him across the face – twice! Rav Avraham Abush suffered the blows in silence, refusing to use his name or prestige to protect himself.
Rav Eliyahu Chaim Maizel
I will stop by your place of business tomorrow and you can give me some money at that time.
More Stories About Rav Avraham Abush
As for myself, I can only answer that the yetzer hara has persuaded me to take the position because of the honor.
The Writing On The Wall
“I am your king, you fool!” he cried.
Reb Aryeh Leib
When Reb Aryeh Leib heard this he said, “Congratulations, you have succeeded in hitting upon the same answer as the Vilna Gaon.”
Rav Yaakov Loberbaum
While still a young man, his fame spread quickly and many communities wished for him to lead them.
He Made Them Deaf
“What could I do? Your wife is hard of hearing,” whispered the poor woman barely able to talk.
Rav Avraham Abush Of Frankfurt
Even on the coldest and snowiest days one could see Rav Avraham Abush standing at someone’s front door, asking for help for a needy person.
Rav Moshe Of Peshvorsk
Naturally, when these angels are called upon to testify concerning the life of the man who created them, being liars, they tell all sorts of false tales concerning this man.