בבא קמא פט

A not particularly bright or learned man appeared before רבי מאיר׳ל of פרמישלן, boasting of his יחוס and his holy ancestors. The רבי said let me tell you a story. “A wealthy man had a dog who had faithfully served his master for many years but had now grown old. The man decided to rid himself of the dog by sending him to the forest. But in recognition of the dog׳s service and loyalty over the years, he felt an obligation to protect him from the wild animals in the forest. Thus, he clothed the dog with the hides of a lion, a bear, and a wolf before sending him away. Soon, the lion heard that there was a very strange animal in the forest and ordered that it be brought to him. Looking at it, the lion asked “Who are you?” “My great grandfather was a lion” the dog said. “That’s nice,” the lion responded, “but who are you?” “My grandfather was a bear,” the dog answered. “Great,” the lion said, “but who are you?” “My father was a wolf,” said the dog. “None of that answers my question” the lion said with a roar. “Who are you?” Finally, hanging his head in shame, he admitted “I’m just a dog.”

06/10/2021