A Royal Mockery – Falling Prey to Desire and Lust

As the planks crackled and flexed under his weight, an elderly pedestrian started having second thoughts, while crossing an old rickety bridge, and began to pray for mercy: “Dear G-d, if only I will make it across the span I shall award 50% of my worth to charity, for what good are my possessions if I’m to lose my life!”

As if in response to his prayer the dilapidated bridge suddenly felt stable and secure. “Oh merciful Lord I have now but half way to go, keep me safe and I will surely distribute 40% of my wealth to the poor and indigent!” cried the man.

And so it went, the closer he got to the other side the smaller the offering became. From 40% it became 30, then 20, then10. As the ramp on the other side came into clear view the now confident walker boldly declared: “Father in heaven, I think I can really do this on my own. You surely won’t mind if I cancel the deal.”

Before he could finish his words, he was knocked off his feet by a sudden quake; the bridge was actually collapsing beneath him. “Oh G-d, where is your sense of humor? You know I was only joking”!

The Rebbe “Daniel I Envy You”

The following is part one of an intense, mind-altering encounter between Daniel, from Chabad of Antwerp, and the Rebbe. Special thanks to Rabbi Shabtai Slavaticki and the editorial staff of the Avner Institute. To learn more about the Rebbe visit: InspiringAGeneration.org

Rabbi Slavaticki Relates:

“I first met Daniel at the Chabad House when someone brought him over for a visit. A tall young man, with a refined and intelligent face, he worked in computer operations for the European Common Market. Sometimes it can take weeks, months, or even years until two people make a connection. Other times the connection is made instantly. It might have something to do with gilgulim (past lives) or the celestial source of souls. Whatever the case, we hit it off at once.

Daniel loved to learn and expressed interest in the deepest concepts in Chasidus. With his quick mind and unusual sensitivity he absorbed everything; he could bring the highest, most abstract concepts down into the practical and relate them to the world and people around him. Most importantly, however, was the way Chasidus changed him. A new world had suddenly opened up. Daniel began to understand himself better and find answers to his questions. Within a short time he was laying tefillin, keeping kosher, and observing Shabbos.