Rabbi's Message

It's an old story. A poor beggar goes from house to house collecting alms for his impoverished family, knocking on the door of one glorious home, he is greeted graciously, given some money, and encountered to join the family for supper.

At dinner, other beggars and wayfarers sup at the wealthy family's expensive table. For each course, from appetizers to dessert, the host rings a crystal bell and waiters appear with delectable delights. Our beggar is totally amazed that simply by jingling a small bell, such lavish result can be achieved.

At the end of the meal the host offer the guests anything they want from amongst all of his many possessions. Our poor beggar asks for the wonderful crystal bell.

Arriving home, the beggar asks his wife to set their tiny table. "But we have no food to eat. I was waiting for you to return before I went to the market to buy some beets and potatoes."

"Just set the table, my dear. And leave all the rest to me," said the beggar confidently. "I have a surprise for you."

So the wife dutifully set the table and seated herself and all the children around it. Our beggar sat down and slowly and carefully unwrapped the crystal bell that had been secreted in a rag in his pocket. Boldly, he rang the bell and waited.

Nothing happened.

He rang the bell again and waited. Again nothing happened. He continued ringing and ringing, until he was afraid that the crystal bell would break.

"What are you doing?" his wife asked him. The husband proceeded to describe what had happened in the wealthy man's home and how each time the bell rung luscious food was served.

"My dear husband," the woman said patiently, "the bell works only for those who have labored in advance so that they have something to serve. Your wealthy host worked hard to earn the money to hire workers whom purchase and prepare the food. It is only after tremendous energy is invested that there such an amazing result is achieved. Nothing comes without toil."

This story can also be compared to young children who, accustomed to seeing their parents write out cheques, or withdraw money from a cash machine are told by their parents, "We don't have any money right now." "Well, just take money out of the bank," is the inevitable and childishly logical retort of the naïve youngster.

The parent patiently explains, "You can't take money out unless you first put money in. You can't withdraw money unless there is money in the bank."

Nothing comes without toil; you can't take something out unless you put it in first.

What is true for a lavish meal or money is certainly true of Judaism. If we want our children to appreciate and value their Jewish traditions, we have to work assiduously at developing that appreciation by surrounding them with Jewish traditions.

If we want to feel close to our creator, we have to enhance our relationship with G-d through prayer and Mitzvot. If we want to better understand our purpose in life as individuals and as people, we have to study our Heritage and explore our rich Jewish literature.

With every one of us making an effort by taking an active role in the development of our congregation and community in a way that utilises their talents and interest best. In this way, with the help of Hashem, we will be a model Jewish community for many years to come.

As the Talmud teaches, "According to the labor and effort is the reward".

Rabbi Nir Gurevitch
Gold Coast Hebrew Congregation