We have before us an astonishing example of the permanence that incorporates the labor of Torah from Maran Rabbeinu HaGaon Yosef zt"l: Rav Ovadia Yosef zt"l's wonderful immersion in Torah study was so enormous that he often did not pay any attention to what was happening around him, even if it aroused special attention.
Once, the Rav zt"l was in the city of Elad on Shabbat, on the occasion of a family celebration. The residents of the city of Elad were anxious for him, and one of his associates was honored to host the Rav and the Rebbetzin during Shabbat. "Please, leave me a small light bulb in the room next to the bedroom, so that I can study through the night." – the rabbi asked the landlord. After the Shabbat meal, Maran turned to the room and immersed himself in his Talmud like a diver in mighty waters. "Shabbat Shalom!" a sharp call was suddenly heard in his ears. No, it wasn't one of the members of the household, but... A talking parrot, who knew how to imitate and say "Shabbat Shalom", "Good evening", "Good morning" and many more blessings. The parrot, whose cage was standing in the corner of the room, now announced in a loud voice: "Shabbat Shalom!" and Maran answered him without realizing: "Shabbat Shalom!" and continued to learn... A few minutes passed, and the parrot said again: "Shabbat Shalom!" Maran answered him again and continued to study, not taking his eyes off the book to see who was talking to him. Thus the play repeated itself over and over again, dozens of times throughout the night! The parrot reads – and Maran answers...
In the morning, when the landlord went to Maran's room to inquire about his well-being, Maran remarked to him: "Listen, Your Honor. There's a person here who doesn't have that much of a way out. He comes to me, says to me, probably through the window, 'Shabbat Shalom' over and over again... What is this?!" the landlord stood still like a thunderbolt, not believing his ears. Is that true? Didn't Maran look up from the book all night, so much so that he didn't notice the big cage standing in the corner of the room?! Yes, to that extent...
