Midrash Stories

Suddenly, it appears that the Satan has become pious. In addition, he causes you to gossip, which in itself is a terrible sin.

A miracle occurred throughout the world: all the waters in wells, caves, rivers and even in glasses also divided and remained so until Bnei Yisrael passed through the sea.

While still a young man, his fame spread quickly and many communities wished for him to lead them.

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.

Aristeas remained in Jerusalem viewing the sights. He was honored by being permitted to view the services in the Temple when the priests officiated.

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.

Choni was astounded at what he had heard. “Apparently, I must have been sleeping for 70 years,” he thought to himself.

I ask myself how I dared to accept the lofty position of rav in this community when I know that I am not worthy of it.

When Reb Aryeh Leib heard this he said, “Congratulations, you have succeeded in hitting upon the same answer as the Vilna Gaon.”

But the furious merchant would not listen to his word and slapped him across the face – twice! Rav Avraham Abush suffered the blows in silence, refusing to use his name or prestige to protect himself.

Even on the coldest and snowiest days one could see Rav Avraham Abush standing at someone’s front door, asking for help for a needy person.

They all gathered in the main synagogue to formulate a plan of action. At the height of the discussion, someone suggested using Nachumka.

Rav Ephraim Zalman would therefore dress modestly – he would not purchase silk or satin clothes, which were very expensive, although he could well afford it.

The Ibn Ezra awoke with a start. Rushing into his library he picked up a sefer given to him by a talmid. Sure enough, it attempted to prove that Shabbos was to be observed from Saturday morning until Sunday morning.

Every day a casket filled with gold would be lowered from the walls of Jerusalem and in return the army of Aristobulos would send up cattle for the korbanos.

I am the daughter of Rav Nechuniah, the one who has dug all the wells and water holes for the people, and I fell into this pit last night. Please help me to get out of here for I cannot do it alone.

All the disciples were eager to accompany their master and they all piled into the coach.

Before the startled eyes of the people, she rushed at her son and began to beat and slap him.

What is so great about being able to fill a kiddush cup from a bottle of wine? Let us see if you can use your wisdom to fill the kiddush cup from an empty bottle.

Nadav was lifted on the horse and he hung on for dear life as the soldiers charged swiftly through the city streets.

Our sages have advised us that we should repent one day before we die. Inasmuch as no persons knows when he is to die, he should therefore consider every day his last day.

They praise the man who, in the midst of his sorrows and suffering, does not lift up his voice in complaint to G-d...

“Suddenly the Baal Shem Tov looked out of the window and exclaimed, ‘We too have a spiritual soul to save! Hurry get the coach and horses ready – we have a journey to make.’

The yearning of man is to do kindness’ refers to the fact that all people, especially the poor, want to do good deeds.

How is it possible that the two contradictory events, happiness and tragedy, evoke the same reaction?

Both giants of Torah rose higher and higher in the intellectual battle, each one asking and the other answering.

He would often ask: “Why is it that all the tractates of the Talmud begin with page two and not page one?”

Why does your G-d grow angry at the idolaters? Is it not more logical for Him to pour out His wrath upon the idols themselves?

Whatever the heathens have made has not been for the good of the world but only for their own pleasures.

Ordering his servants to take Moshe out of the pit, he had him brought to his home, where he was bathed and given fresh clothing.