זבחים עז

Two בחורי ישיבה studying גמרא wanted to smoke.  Both of them being new to the ישיבה, they didn’t know if it was permitted.  One of them went to the רבי to ask if they can smoke while learning and returned within a few moments to tell his חברותה that the רבי said it was אסור.  The second one said: “I really need a smoke, I’ll ask him.  Maybe I can convince him to let us do it.”  He went and quickly returned smiling and lighting up his cigarette.   Amazed, the first boy asked “How did you get permission?”  The second answered: “You have to know how to ask.  I asked him whether a person who is smoking is permitted to learn גמרא and he answered: “Of course!  גמרא is always מותר.”

06/10/2021