The Story Of Chanukah (continued from last week)
Many long hours were spent carefully planning for the Greek attack. Finally, all that could be done was done and the city waited tensely for the Greek hordes to come.
Stories of The Dubno Maggid
But suddenly, now that I am a maggid, a man of Torah, the distance becomes very near. How did the land in between suddenly become lost? How is it that from far it became near?
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 Prayers Of A Saint
The piety of the saint Rabi Chanina ben Dosa was so great that people would often request that he daven on their behalf. Once, the son of Rabban Gamliel became dangerously sick. He sent two talmidim to the home of Rabi Chanina with the message: “Pray to God that my son will get well."
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.”
The Intricacies Of The Torah
Rabi Yochanan immediately dismounted from the mule, wrapped himself in his tallis and sat down on a stone beneath an olive tree.
The Convert
Onkelos, however, was unhappy. Something within his soul told him that his life was empty and lacking in the important things that make one’s existence meaningful.
Rav Eliezer Lippa
Among the great giants of Chassidism were two brothers, Rav Zusha of Hanipoli and Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk. But the apple does not fall far from the tree and the deeds of the father are lessons for the children. These two tzaddikim owed much of their character to their father, Rav Eliezer Lippa.
The Golden Leg
Rabi Chanina prayed and suddenly the room became brilliantly lit and a huge hand appeared and snatched the golden leg and disappeared with it.
The Redemption
In the land of Midyan there lived a pagan priest, Yisro, who was greatly respected by his people. He worshiped idols of stone and wood and so did his countrymen.
The Long Sleep
A rock sprang up near the place where Choni lay fast asleep and the rock grew up high in the form of a tent, until it encircled him completely.
Suspecting The Innocent
It appeared that she and her husband were getting a divorce and a sum of money was in dispute, which she now turned over to the rav for safekeeping.
The Treasure
In the city of Antioch there lived a man of remarkable generosity by the name of Aba Yehudah. He was a man who gave to all, whenever there was a need. Rabi Yehoshua and several other rabbanim arrived in the city one day on an urgent mission to collect money for the unfortunate needy. They knew that Aba Yehudah always gave a generous contribution so they looked forward to seeing him.
Rashi And A Descendant
Though he wanted a child more than anything in the whole world, Rav Yitzchak never complained, but continued to live his life according to the dictates of the Torah.
Who Is Wealthy?
They praise the man who, in the midst of his sorrows and suffering, does not lift up his voice in complaint to G-d...
The True Life
A childless man once pleaded to the Almighty, “Creator of the world! Please send me a son so that I may teach him the Torah.”
The Almighty heard the prayer and sent him a son whom the father named Shaul. When Shaul was old enough his father began to teach him Torah and, thus, they continued for many years.
Hillel HaZakein
His wife being the prototype of an aishes chayil hurried and diligently prepared a truly delicious meal, fit for the finest table.
Stories Of Pesach
No, I will not go home until this house is repaired and made fit for people to live in. Are these people any worse than me?
Rav Elazar Rokeach
In his youth, tradition tells us, he lived the life of a pauper. Many a week he would fast two days, and even during his fast he would sit in the beis midrash and continue his studies.
Thrown Into The Fire
Through the influence of Daniel, one of Nevuchadnezar’s ministers, his three companions, Chananiah, Mishael and Azariah were appointed as governors over various provinces in Bavel.
The Greatness Of Charity
While he slept, he dreamed of Eliyahu HaNavi, who was trying to awaken him from his sleep.
The Stories Of Rabba Bar Bar Chana
Rabba Bar Bar Chana related the following, “Sailors told me that once they were threatened with gigantic waves that could have sunk their ships. These waves appeared with a ray of whitish light at their crest and when they struck it with clubs engraved with the words ‘I will be what I will be, L-rd G-d, King of Hosts, Amen, Amen, Selah,’ the waves subsided.”
The Translation Of The Torah
By having a powerful army ready and prepared to do battle at a moment’s notice. But he should be discreet in using the army. He should carry a big stick but speak softly.
The Bashert
When the young man awoke, he did not know where he was. As he looked around, the princess looked out and saw him.
The Four Described Deaths
The death penalty in Judaism was seldom invoked because of the requirement for prior warning and two witnesses to the act that called for the penalty. Nevertheless, the Torah solemnly prescribes these penalties and through them one could judge the magnitude of the offense.
The Esrogim
Nadav was lifted on the horse and he hung on for dear life as the soldiers charged swiftly through the city streets.
The Translation Of The Torah
Aristeas remained in Jerusalem viewing the sights. He was honored by being permitted to view the kohanim doing the avodah in the Beis HaMikdash.
Answering The Doubters
The fact is that people create idols out of many things and it is literally impossible to destroy them without destroying the whole world.
Love Of Fellow Jews
He was so persuasive that he managed to convince the landlord. The prisoner was ordered freed.