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03
Feb
After the assassination of Tsar Alexander II of Russia, a government official in Ukraine menacingly addressed the local rabbi, “I suppose you know in full detail who was behind it.”
“Ach,” the rabbi replied, “I have no idea, but the government’s conclusion will be the same as always: they will blame the Jews and the chimneysweeps.”
“Why the chimneysweeps?” asked the befuddled official.
“Why the Jews?” responded the rabbi.
23
Jan
Moses Montefiore z’l was renowned for his quick and sharp wit. At a dinner party he was once seated next to a nobleman who was known to be an anti-Semite. The nobleman told Montefiore that he had just returned from a trip to Japan, where “they have neither pigs nor Jews.” Montefiore is reported to have responded immediately, “in that case, you and I should go there, so it will have a sample of each
08
Jun
03
Jun
Yahrtzeit of Shmuel (Samuel) the Prophet (930-878 BCE). Shmuel was born to Chana, who had been barren for many years and prayed intensely for a child. Shmuel was raised in an atmosphere of great holiness, and became a leading prophet in Israel. Shmuel’s greatest contribution was in anointing the first king of Israel, Saul, and later anointing King David in his stead. (Some sources list Shmuel’s yahrtzeit as Iyar 28.)
09
Mar
