Thursday, May 7, 2009

Right now, you have a mitzvah not to learn Torah

Reb Zusha and Reb Elimelech - circa late 1700's, once found themselves in jail. Reb Zusha started to cry as the open latrine in the cell meant they could not learn Torah. Reb Elimelech consoled him, "The G'd who said you can learn Torah only in a clean place is the same G'd who said you cannot learn in a filthy place. Right now, you have a mitzvah not to learn Torah."

Reb Zusha became very excited when he heard this and began to dance. His joy was so infectious that in a very short time, he had all of his cell mates up and dancing. The commotion brought the guards who wanted to know what was all the ruckus. The prisoners pointed to Zusha. The guard asked him, "And what is making you so happy?" Reb Zusha pointed to the latrine. "If that's the case," snarled the guard, "I am removing it immediately."

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