Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-12-03
MOttester 4aiIg Spy



wrote commentary on some of the prophets,
and likewise an explanation of the Talmud, a
gigantic work, without which that obscure
book would be almost unintelligible. He was
besides, great mathematician and a very
religious man. 1t is said of Rabbi Raschi,
that on reaching his sixtieth year, and feeling
himself approach the pale of life, he was de-
sirous of knowing who was to be his cOmpan-
ion in Paradise. He, of course, did not en-
terrain the least doubt that such a pious and
learned man as he, who had never transgress-
ed any ceremonial law, would be ushered into
the Garden of Eden, and be seated on gold
en- chair at a golden table, with wreath of
pearls round his head, and would be allowed
to feast entirely on the glory OF God. But he
wished to know who the pious man was that
should be placed opposite to him at the same
table, for the righteous sit two and two in
Paradise. When he had tasted and prayed
long time, God designed to reveal himself in a
dream, and to tell him that his future compan-
ion was Abraham-ben-G erson, called the Ia
dix. at Barcelona
Having learned thus much, Rabbi Raschi
became anxious to make acquaintance on
earth with his future companion, and to this
end took journey to Barcelona. To his i'm
agination, the form of his Paradise friend pre-
scented itself with thin, pale face, sunken
eyes, long beard, a bent figure, man who
had studied the law night and day, had tasted
and prayed; for such man only deserved
the surname of Zadik, the righteous.
Great was therefore the surprise of Rabbi
Raschl when, on arriving at Barcelona, he
could find no Abraham Zadik. Several per-
sons, certainly, had been honored with his
surname, but among them was no Abraham
henderson. At length, on asking if there
was not in the town a man called Abraham
Gerson, he was answered: ''What! do you
mean Don Abraham the wealthy? How can
man like you condescend even to ask for
such heather, who is never seen at a syna.
gogue the whole year round nay. who eats
meat prepared by christians! We all-wonder
why he does not at once become baptsed
and his name would thus be struck out from
the book of life. Surely, Rabbi Raschi, you
can have no business with him."
IA fine fellow is my future companion"
thought Rabbi Rasch, and he threw back
rapid glance on his own life, in order to dis
cover any sin Of omission or commission by
which he might have incurred such dis
grace.
"Surely you will not visit that man." re-
peated the learned rabbi to whom Rabbi Ras-
Chi had addressed his questions.
"Why, may perhaps bring him back to
the right path
"Do not fatter yourself with that-,on him
all endeavors are lost. But do as you like"
When standing before the residence of Don
Abraham, Rabbi Raschi was highly astonish-
ed, for it was real palace, splendid, replete
with beauty and taste, so that it even moved
the heart of the old rabbi, who could only find
this fault with it, that it. did not behoove son
OF Israel to live in such splendor, whilst so
many of his brethren were doomed to be in
poverty and filth. On entering the gate, he
found himself in an open court, where serv-
ants in gilt livery were seen moving to and
fro receiving visitors, who had come in SPLEEN
did carriages. The rabbi wished to return,
and he only addressed himself to the servant
in the hope of being dismissed, and thus hav-
ing an excuse before God; but the domestic
received him with the greatest respect, and
ushered him up broad marble staircase into
richly ornamented anteroOm, where he re-
quested him to wait few moments. When
left alone, the rabbi said to himself: ''There
must be some mistake. This man is a bad
jew, man of no religion at all; he has OBJ
tanned here on earth his golden chair and
golden table-his Paradise; how can any
such blessing be in store for him in the future !?
He is too rich to become converted into the
right path of resignation and self-denial. But
l will do my best; l am perhaps the instru-
ment of God"
The door opened, and Don Abraham, a
tall, handsome man, of about thirty, made his
appearance. With a friendly greeting he
babe the rabbi welcome, and added "Let me
hope that my humble roof may be honored
during long period by the presence of such
an excellent, learned, and pious guest"
''Pious !" exclaimed Rabbi Raschi chow
do you dare to say piouS-to talk Of piety, you,
a scorner of the law | announce to you |
have come in the name of God our Lord
81 am sure you have" interrupted Don
Abraham, smiling, ''and therefore l repeat
that you are most welcome but as for your
reproaches, you may as well reserve them, as
/ have once for all chosen my manner Of life.
Come, be friendly; let us become better ac-
quainted; and, first of all, do favor me with
your company tomorrow at the celebration OF
my nuptials''-
''Are you going to be married ?-and per-
haps to a heather grip
'No, to a daughter of Israel, a lovely,
amiable, kind-hearted girl. Come tomorrow
and see her."
ais she rich?"
mo"
''Well if only she were led into a good
Jewish house it would be an agreeable sight
in the eyes of God. Meanwhile, who knows
it may be mitzaca.* l will come"
The conversation was interrupted by SER
want announcing poor woman
"Let her wait a moment" said Don Abra.
ham.
IA poor woman" exclaimed the rabbi
"Your marriage is to take place tomorrow
and you have not yet thought of the poor but
you allow them to come to you to remind you
If vour duty For shame
''My dear Rabbi Raschi," said Don Abra.
ham, ''you are too severe. That you may
judge for yourself, | beg you will accompany
me to the woman, and ask her any questions
you please"
They went into the room where she was
waiting, and on being questioned by the rabbi,
she answered: "Alms have been given, as far
as | know, to all the poor; but l do not come
here for aims"
Rabbi Raschi was pleased to hear that his
future companion was at least charitable; he
was therefore silent, while Don Abraham
asked the woman "What is it you want
What can l do for your"
81 want your advice" said the woman.
"Speak, and be sure you shall have friend
ly advice"
The woman said 81 am poor widow with
four children, three Of whom are quite young.
My eldest son, youth of eighteen, worked
for us, and by his honesty and industry, has
made us a comfortable though modest home
but now he is ill; dangerously ill.,"
"Then, my good woman, you must have a
physician. will send you my own DOCTOR
mo, Don Abraham, physician is of nc
avail my son is i'll through love, disappoint.
ed love. There is young girl, poor anC