Rav Yosef Hochgelanter
Rav Yosef Hochgelanter, the rav of the city of Zamushet, where Rav Akiva Eiger received his early training while still a young boy, was a great scholar and the author of Mishnas Chachamim. At the time he was chosen to be rav of the city he was the son-in-law of a very wealthy man who was very generous with his support.
Outwitting The Rich Wine Dealer
“I would appreciate if you could give me some pointers on how to improve my wine,” said the wine merchant eagerly.
The Convert
He lacked for nothing materialistic and could have lived the rest of his life, had he chosen to, in the luxury and laziness that dominated the Roman upper class life.
Rabi Eliezer Ben Hurkones
“It isn’t the work,” said Eliezer. “I want to learn our holy Torah.”
B’Yom Tzom Kippur
Is There A Drunk In Here?
One Yom Kippur Eve, as the sun began to set and the congregation prepared to say Kol Nidrei, everyone...
The Dynasty Of Mezerich
The bereaved woman felt that some punishment was due her and she appealed to the rabbanim to punish her.
The Esrogim
When the soldiers heard this they exclaimed happily: “You mean this is the sacred Jewish fruit? Hurry, get on the horse. You are coming with us to the palace.”
The Menorah Mission
It's a special one. Some sort of family heirloom.
Humility
This person was hotheaded and when he heard this mild request, he exclaimed: “You mind your own affairs; I will do as I please!”
The Story Of Daniel
In the third year of the reign of Yehoyakim, melech Yehuda, Nevuchadnezzar, melech Bavel, lay siege to Yerushalayim and conquered it. He took many treasures from the Beis HaMikdash back with him to the land of Shinar.
The Continuing Story of Yetziyas Mitzrayim
“And Hashem told Moshe, lift up thy rod over the sea and divide it”... And Moshe ordered the sea to divide.
But the sea refused. “Why should I obey you,” it said, “You are but a man born of a woman and besides, I am three days older than you, I was established on the third day of creation, and you were created on the sixth day.”
Rabi Yehudah And Antoninus
Rabi Yehudah Hanasi (the prince) known as Rebbe had an amazingly warm friendship with the Roman Caesar, Antoninus. The friendship began at the birth of the two men and continued until their dying days.
The Miracle Of Birth
His fifth stage of life starts when he is 18 years of age. He is then compared to a mule.
The Wonderful Diamond
Going to the Bais HaMikdash, Yosef Ben Yoezer’s son showed the magnificent diamond to the Kohanim. They were stunned by its brilliance and beauty and could hardly speak.
The Translation Of The Torah (Continued from last week)
Ptolemy, King of Egypt, had requested of Elazar Kohen Gadol, that he send sages to his country to translate the Torah. Elazar complied by sending 72 sages. They were wined and dined and then the king put to them 72 questions, to test their wisdom.
Destruction
And so the enemy burst into the Sanctuary and set up a stand on the Temple Mount.
A Near Tragedy
The community leaders were taken from their cells and brought before the governor. He shouted at them, accusing them of plotting the prisoner’s escape.
Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai
Twelve years went by until Eliyahu HaNavi came to the entrance of the cave and exclaimed, “The Roman emperor has died and all of his decrees have become void. You are no longer under a death sentence.”
The Ring Was Worth More
“What!” she cried. “Didn’t you know that the ring contained an expensive diamond, which was worth a lot of money?”