Two princes were traveling on the same train. Each of them was obsessed with himself and his honor. When they arrived at the station where they were to disembark, they were met by an orchestra of musicians playing songs of honor and welcome. Each prince was sure they had come for “his” honor, and bristled at the notion that they were there to greet the other.
Seeking to settle their disagreement, they located a poor Jew who lived near the station who was known to be honest and wise. Shocked when they asked him to arbitrate their disagreement, he agreed to do it for fifty rubles, since he had no money for Pesach.
Upon receiving the money and hearing their stories, the man stroked his beard sagely and ruled, “The musicians did not come in honor of either of you. Rather, they came for me, so I might have money for the upcoming Jewish holiday!”
©2023 – J. Gewirtz
