Stories that Define

We are the carriers and tellers of stories.  Torah and Talmud are filled with tales.  Some are simple and others are complex but they are all invaluable.  We tell our stories because they communicate who we are.  They say something profound about our deepest beliefs.  We also tell stories to express profound truths, ones that surpass simple words.  Stories also have many layers.  They can mean different things.  The way we understand them defines us.

Abba Tahnah the Pious was swiftly walking to his home erev Shabbat, as dusk began to fall.  He was hurrying with a sack on his shoulders to greet his family before the sun set.  At a crossroads he met a beggar who was covered in sores, longing for assistance.  "Will you help me get home?" he begged Abba Tahnah.  

What is important that respecting Shabbat?  If he helped the stranger he would arrive home after the candles were lit.  That would be wrong.

Quickly deciding to help the beggar he picked up that ailing man and carried both him and his bundle.  Neighbors were horrified to see Abba Tahnah doing this work so close to Shabbat.  Undeterred, he continued.

A Heavenly Voice then declared that the sun would be delayed in going down.

Now that you have read this tale, consider what does it mean?  Choose the one that defines you:

Lesson 1.  Shabbat is critical to our existence.  It is our locus, our home in time.  Yet, life takes precedence,

Lesson 2.  God assists those who act with resolute altruism even to the point to reworking nature.

Lesson 3. Every moment is a test of who we are and whether we have mastered our personal interests.

Lesson 4. This story is meant for me to share with others so they will learn the importance Judaism places on human dignity.

Lesson 4. The afflicted, i.e. those with illness or disability, need special care.

Lesson 5. Human concerns always trumps religious concerns. 

Lesson 5.  The real definition of a tzaddik (pious one) is one whose heart overrules his head.

Now the most important questions, do you like your answer?  If not, what should it be?