- Torah and Jewish Thought
- General Questions
Source for Story
Question
B"H! I am wondering whether there is a source for the following story or if there is a story similar to it in a Midrash or another text?
There was a rabbi who had a wife that he loved dearly, but she died. He grieved over her intensely until he withdrew into his house and locked himself in, hidden from everyone. A woman heard about him and went to him, saying, "I need to ask you something. Nothing will satisfy me except what you say about it." He said, "Ask." The woman asked him, "I borrowed a piece of jewellery from a neighbour of mine, and I used it for a long time. Then they asked for it to be returned. Should I return it?" The rabbi said, "Yes." She said, "But I have had it for a long time." The rabbi said, "It is better for you to return it to them, since they lent it to you." She said, "Exactly! Why do you grieve over what Hashem lent you and then took away from you, when He has a greater right to it than you?" The rabbi saw the situation he was in, and Hashem helped him by her words.
Answer
Our sages (Midrash Mishlei (Buber) 31) relate the story regarding R. Meir and his son- or 2 sons (not wife) who died, and his wife Bruria gave him a similar parable to that which you mentioned.

Is there 1 true halacha and the other rabbis r false?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 14, 5782

Debates between different Jewish groups
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar I 10, 5782

Question about man
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tishrei 30, 5782

Chumash
Rabbi David Sperling | Shevat 20, 5781

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Gentile Prophets
Adar II 25, 5771

Orla
Shevat 19, 5771

Fasting or giving Tzedaka on seeing Sefer Torah fallen
Shevat 7, 5771

Orlah fruit trees
Adar I 5, 5771

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775

Mezuzah for a Catholic Family?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 15, 5779

Shaitels for non-married women
Rabbi David Sperling | Tammuz 29, 5779

Wedding during Mourning Period
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 1, 5773

Using Father's or Mother's Name in Judaism
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 4, 5783

Does God Have Feelings?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 24, 5783

Torah vs. Tanak additions
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 4, 5783
