Talmud Stories

ILLUSTRATED

First, I tell you that little tale from the Talmud, concerning the fox who coveted, from a distant hill, certain luscious appearing grapes which he saw in a vineyard surrounded by a high wall.

Loath to forego this feast, which would be his, could he but gain entrance to the vineyard, he went round and round the wall searching for an opening.

Finally his search was rewarded by the discovery of a small hole, through which he found, to his dismay, that he was too fat to crawl.

Accordingly, he fasted for three days, after which he was able to force his way through.

After eating and eating until his gluttonous appetite was satisfied, he found he could not get out.

Then he had to fast three more days until he was able to go back through the small hole.

Says the Talmud further on the subject of covotousness :

" Naked, man enters the world, and naked does he leave."

"Man is born with his hands clinched but his hands are open in death because on entering the world he desires to grasp everything, but on leaving it, he takes nothing away."

"The camel wanted to have horns, and they took away his ears."

"Drink not from one cup with thine eyes fastened on another."

"Be not over anxious to be at the head of the table. It is not the place that honors the man, but the man that adorns the place."