Many bizarre schemes have passed through the gates of Miami International Airport’s customs’ department. The amazing varieties of ruses and ploys are a testimony to the creativity of the human spirit. One can only imagine what the outcome would be if the same relentless efforts were used for the betterment of mankind.
Agents have found contraband shoved into every bodily orifice of smugglers and hidden in and among a plethora of packages, containers, and vessels. Food seems to be another favorite item to use as a place to hide black-market objects.
A passenger recently arriving from Jamaica was carrying a bundle of fried fish in his luggage. Agents saw certain irregularities among the fish. Further examination confirmed the suspicions. X-rays found over two pounds of cocaine hidden inside some of the fish bellies. The cocaine would have brought a big payoff in the illicit drug market.
The smuggler’s life has been changed forever. He is faced with a major criminal charge. He will probably be sent to prison.
When I read of this incident in our local newspaper, I was reminded of another story about a fortune found in a fish.
The Gemara (Shabbat 119, 71) tells a poignant tale of a poor man named Joseph, who so revered the Sabbath that he habitually borrowed money in order to honor and observe the day in a proper manner. His moniker became “Joseph Respects Shabbat” and he lived the name.
The narrative continues with a divine twist: a rich (gentile) neighbor of Joseph was told a prophecy. Joseph would somehow become the recipient of all the man’s wealth. In desperation the neighbor sold everything he owned and used his entire fortune to purchase a diamond. From then on, he wore the diamond on a turban on his head.
One day the man’s hat fell into the sea and was eaten by a fish that was caught on a Friday and brought to the market. It was already quite late and close to the Sabbath and the fish would be hard to sell. The fishmonger approached the one man he realized would be receptive. Joseph bought the fish, l’kavod Shabbat, with the last coins he held and hurried home to quickly cook his Sabbath meal.
When Joseph cut the fish open, his life was changed forever. He was able to live in comfort and honor the Sabbath with grandeur.
There are many hidden treasures and many fishy stories in life. Some will be used for the good. Some will be used for bad. Sometimes we really have to look hard to find them. Sometimes they are right under our nose. One thing is always true: it is up to the individual to use or misuse it all.