The מגיד of דובנה went to the home of an עשיר to collect money for צדקה. He found him sitting at his desk counting gold and silver coins. The עשיר took a few of the small silver coins and set them before the מגיד. When he saw that the מגיד wasn’t taking the coins, he said “I see that’s not enough for you. Tell me a nice מדרש and I’ll give you more.” The מגיד pointed toward the gold coins, which had a reddish tint, and said: “הלעיטני נא מן האדומים האלה.” The עשיר laughed and handed the מגיד one of the reddish gold coins. The עשיר took the coin, but then added: “לא טוב היות האדום לבדו.” When the עשיר proceeded to give him another coin, which was silver, the מגיד shook his head and said: “The מדרש tells us לא נתקררה דעתו של אדם עד שמצא את מינו.” The עשיר got the hint and gave him another gold coin.
05/10/2021