שבת-קלד

When a group of רבנים met In Chicago, they proceeded to boast of their ‏ייחוס.  All, that is, except one.  When the others looked at him questioningly, he said quietly “I am the first rabbi in my family.”  The others, though somewhat surprised by this confession, we’re too polite to make any comment, so each, in turn, began to expound תורה as taught by his respective ancestor.  Finally, it was the young Rabbi‘s turn to offer his דבר תורה based upon the learning of his forefathers.  There was an awkward silence, for the others had no wish to humiliate their colleague.  But he arose confidently and said: “Fellow Rabbis, my father was a simple baker but he taught me something I shall never forget: that only fresh bread is appetizing and that I should always avoid the stale.   And that also applies to learning.”  And with that, he proceeded to deliver a brilliant דרשה.

05/07/2020