The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-05-27
fnr the fireside CHAIR.
3 r RABBI RASCHI.
A HEBREW LEGEND.


Rabbi Jarch, commonly called Rabbi Ras-
chi, lived in the eleventh and twelfth centu-
ries, (104O-1105 A. DID, and was born at
Troyes, in France His name is still men
toned with reverence next to that of Mai
monides. He wrote a commentary on some
of the prophets, and likewise an explanation
of the Talmud, a gigantic work, without
which that obscure book would be almost un-
inte fgible. He was, beside, great mathe-
matician, and very religious man.
1t is said of Rabbi Raschi, that, on reach
ing his sixtieth year, and feeling himself APP
proach the pale of life, he was desirous of
knowing who was to be his companion in
/ Paradise. He, of course, did not entertain
the least doubt that such a pious and learned
man as he, who had never transgressed any
ceremonial law, would be ushered into the
Garden of Eden, and be seated on golden
table, with wreath of pearls round his head,
and would be allowed to feast eternally 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
deigned to reveal himself in dream, and to
tell him that his future companion WIS Abra-
ham-ben- Gerson, called the Zadik, at BARGE
| Iona. ss'- IA ~
Having learned thus much, Rabbi Raschi
became anxious to make acquaintance, on
earth, with his future com panon, and to this
end undertook a journey to Barcelona. To
his imagination, the form of his Paradise
friend presented itself with a thin, pale face,
and sunken eyes, long beard, bent figure, a
man who had studied the law, night and day,
had tasted and prayed for such man only
| 6aSarvad tho IF ZoJit- IL
eous. eeze & -2ss
Great was therefore the surprise of Rabbi
Raschi, when, on arriving at Barcelona, he
could find no Abraham Zadik. Several per-
sons, certainly, had been honored with this
surname, but among them was no Abraham
ben-Gerson. At length, on asking if there
were not in the town a man called Abraham
/ Gerson, he was answered: g w hat do YOU
mean Don Abraham the Wealthy? How can
a man like you condescend even to ask fol
such heather, who is never seen at sypa-
gogue the whole year round nav, who eats
meat prepared for Christmas We all won
der why he does not at once become baptized,
and his name would thus be struck out from
the book of life. Surely, Rabbi Raschi, you
can have no business with him.''
A fine fellow is my future companion, y
thought Rabbi Raschi. and he threw back a
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
Egrace.
"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 tc
y the right path.''
" Do not aatter yourself with that-on him
all endeavors are lost. But do as You like''
| When standing before the residence of Dor
4 Abraham, Rabbi Raschi was highly aston.
4 ished; for it was real palace, splendid re.
plete with beauty and taste, SO that it ever
i moved the heart of the old Rabbi, who coulc
g5only find this fault with it, that it did not be
|, hoove a son of Israel to live in such splen
dor, whilst SO many of his brethren wer,
doomed to be in poverty and filth. On en-
= tering the gate, he found himself in an opel
court, where servants in gilt livery were seel
moving to and fro, receiving visitors, who hat
come in splendid carriages The Rabbi wished
, to return, and he only addressed himself to
servant in the hope of being dismissed, ant
thus having excuse before God but tn
E domestic received him with the greatest re
spect and ushered him up broad marbl
j staircase, into richly ornamented ante-room
8 where he requested him to wait few mo
ments When left alone, the Rabbi said t
himself: There must be some mistake
This man is bad jew, man of no religion
u at all ! he has obtained here on earth his gol
den chair and golden table-his, Paradise
how can any such blessing be in store for hin
in the future ? He is too rich to becom
converted into the right path of resignatio
and self-denial. But will do my best al
perhaps the instrument of God"
The door opened, and Don Abraham, a tai
p handsome man, of about thirty, made his al
1t pearance. With friendly greeting, he bad
: !, the Rabbi welcome, and added " Let n,
y hope that my humble roof may be honore
.f during long period by the presence of sue
an excellent, learned, and pious guest"
Is "Pious !" exclaimed Rabbi Raschi; ho
sas do you dare to say pious-to talk of piety-
G. you, a scorner. of the law I? | announce
T. you I have come in the name of God oil
e Lord''-
y !" am sure you have" interrupted Do
to- Abraham, smiling, "and therefore | repei
1t. that you are most welcome but as for yol
reproaches, you may as well reserve them,
| have once for all chosen my manner of lif
Come, be friendly; let us become better a
: Fquainted: and, first of all do favor me wit
o your company tomorrow at the celebrate
! of my nuptials''--
"Ah, you are going to be married lar
!! perhaps to heather girl ?''
"No, to daughter of Israel a lovel
8. amiable, kind-hearted girl. Come, to-mo
row, and see her.''
:" Is she rich ?''
"No."
! Well if only she were led into go'