Hasidim stories in the Jewish...
Illustration
Hasidim stories in the Jewish tradition often contain insights into human nature. Rabbi Naftali from the town of Roptchitz went out for a walk one evening. He met a watchman walking back and forth in front of a house. It was customary in that place for rich people whose homes were isolated on the outskirts of town and thus vulnerable to hire watchmen to guard their property at night. The rabbi asked the man, "For whom do you work?" The man told him, and then asked, "And for whom do you work, Rabbi?" The rabbi was taken back but finally he replied, "I am not sure whether I work for anyone or not." Remaining silent for a long time, the rabbi asked the watchman, "Will you come and work for me?" The man responded, "I should like to be your servant, but what would be my duties?" Rabbi Naftali answered quietly, "To remind me." -- Hasler
