Wisdom

An anonymous writer has given us this story of an American tourist’s visit to the 19th century Polish Rabbi, Hofetz Chaim, who was looked upon by the people of his time as an extremely wise and saintly person. On his arrival at the rabbi’s residence, the tourist was astonished to discover that it consisted only of one simple room. The walls were lined with books; a table and a chair were the only furnishings. “But rabbi,” the tourist asked, “Where is your furniture?” to which the rabbi replied, “where is yours?” “Where is mine?” said the puzzled tourist, “I’m only a visitor here, just passing through.” So am I,” answered Rabbi Chaim, “So am I.”