The Baal Shem Tov once invited his talmidim: “Come with me and we will learn a lesson about how to love HaShem.” He led them to a large field where a young shepherd was tending his flock. Spontaneously, the shepherd called out, “Master of the world, I love you!" He then questioned aloud, "How shall I serve you?" And he answered his own question: "I will dance for you!” And with that, he broke into a long and joyful dance.
A short while later he called out again, “Master of the world, I love you! What shall I do for you? I will jump back and forth over this little pond for you!” And so, he repeatedly jumped over the pond out of his love for HaShem.
After some time, he once again called out, “Master of the world! What can I offer you? Here, I have a coin in my pocket and I will give it to you.” He took the coin and cast it heavenward. Some tell that the coin never descended.
Reprinted from the Parshat Vayeira 5784 edition of The Weekly Farbrengen.
