More Than Just a Game


It was one of the nights of Chanukah. The Menorah was burning brightly in the study-hall window. Several of the Chassidim were sitting at the table singing songs and making l'chaims. Off in a corner, two Chassidim were taking it easy, leaning back and chatting over a game of checkers. Suddenly, the door of the study-hall opened and the Rebbe walked in! Of course, everyone was shaken, but none more than the two Chassidim in the corner. The Rebbe spied them at their mundane game and strode over to them. They sunk several inches into the wall.

"So, you boys are playing checkers, are you?" the Rebbe asked. Then he smiled. "Do you know the rules of the game? They are a parable for life. Let me tell you. First of all, you only move one step at a time, secondly, you only move forward, and lastly, if you make it to the end, you can move in any direction you want!"

* * *

Reb Zusia of Anipoli said, "In the path of serving G-d, I learned seven things from the thief and three things from the child. From the thief I learned:

1. Whatever he does, he keeps to himself.

2. He is willing to take great risks to achieve his goal.

3. He does not distinguish between "major" and "minor" things, but take equally exacting care with every single deed he does.

4. He works quickly.

5. He is always optimistic.

6. He works mostly at night.

7. If at first he fails, he says "I will be more careful next time."

As for a child:

1. He is always busy.

2. He is happy for no particular reason.

3. When he wants something, he cries for it.


(C) Eliezer Shore, Bas Ayin


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