“This is the law of the metzora [one who has leprosy]…” (Vayikra 14:2)
Once there was a peddler that went around announcing: “Who wants to buy a potion for long life?” He always had a crowd of interested customers.
Rabbi Yanai once heard the peddler and asked to see his wares. The peddler responded “You don’t need my merchandise.” He took out a sefer Tehillim and showed Rabbi Yanai the pasuk: “Whoever desires life should guard his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.” (Vayikra Rabbah 16)
One day I will renovate my kitchen. I make myself this promise a thousand times a week. It’s usually when I am trying to find some pot in my crowded cabinets or struggling to find a place for the coffee in my overstuffed pantry. Then I imagine my imminent renovations.
Create a free account to keep reading.
