The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1951-12-11
Talmudic
Tales
Retold
by Rabbi Abraham Lsvifan
Even Satan Fears A Shrew

Even satan Fears p ShFeW
The devil had transgressed by
disobeying an order He had been
charged to bring back certain
soul. and made a mistake by bring
ing the wrong one. For this I'M
pardonable error he was punished
severely. He was expelled from
his Celestial abode, and ordered
TO live on the earth below, where
he was reduced to the status Of d
human being
On earth he was orlered to mar
ry woman, but not one of his own
choice; his wife was selected for
him as part of his punishment.
This mate, although human be.
ing, resembled his former self ia
many respects. She was a real
she devil. She made life so miser-
able for poor Satan, that he would
have done any thing to return be-
low, but Of course he had no choice.
Time went on and in spite of the
situation, the union was blessed
with a son. He grew up to be a
handsome and very intelligent
young man. The father was very
fond of him and the attachment
between them became very close.
Soon the young man was to be
ready to enter college and the Sc
lection of a profession was discus
sed between father and son. The
father kept urging the boy to study
medicine. Seeing the young man
hesitated somewhat, he ,disclosed
his real identity and added, "if
you become a doctor my boy, we
will be able to meet each other
constantly. You will see me stand
ing at the bed of every patient
you viii be called upon to treat.
When | will be at the foot of the
bed. the patient will recover, and
anything you will do for him will
not affect him one way or another.
On the other hand, when you will
see me standing at the head of the
bed, rest assured that l will be
there to take your patients soul;
and whatever you will do for him
will be of no consequence, as that
patient must surely die,
The son did as the father sug.
gested, and began to study medi-
cine very seriously. Shortly there.
after, the Devil disappeared, for
he was restored to his former posi-.
ton. The son became a doctor and
established his office in small
town'that had only one other doc
tor.
One night while the older doctor
was away, the most distinguished
man in the town became very i'll,
and the young doctor was called
in the absence of the older man.
Upon entering the sick.room, the
doctor saw the Devil, his father,
standing at the head of the bed,
ready to take the sick mans soul
away. Before even looking at the
patient, the doctor excused himself.
and motioning his father to follow
him, they both went outside. The
son began TO plead with the Devil
TO please leave the bed room or at
least change his position to the
foot Of the bed. This is the chance
of my life dad; if this important
patient RECEIVERS, my future is as
sured." II am sorry my boy"
replied the Devil, This is a divine
order, and | cannot comply with
your request, much as l would
like to help you.
The excited young doctor contin.
ued to plead with his father, but
Satan was firm. In desperation, the
son said. Dad, if you don't leave
at once, shall have to call mother.
your wife" Upon hearing the word
wife, the old Devil meekly repli-
cd I'm go to the foot of the bed.
Please don't call your mother F."