Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/186

 The Book of Genesis

168

doubting, or questioning, should the love and blessing which

He

we

not thank

Ood

has given us for so

for

all

many

we not still trust in Him, as did Abraham, and believe that even this, hard though it be, must also be for good, even though we can not understand? We may grieve and mourn, as Al)raham did, but still we must trust in God, and thank Him for all His goodness and love. The following story is told of Rabbi Meir, the greatest disciple of Rabbi Akiba, and his beloved wife, Beruria. One Friday evening Rabbi Meir came home from the synagogue, expecting to be met at the door as usual by his beloved wife, and their two boys, the idols of their eyes, all waiting to But on this evening Beruria receive his Sabbath blessing. In answer to his question where the alone welcomed him. boys were, she said that they had gone away for a moment, but that they two would meanwhile eat their evening meal. So they sat down together. Suddenly Beruria said, "Rabbi, Some time ago a friend entrusted I must ask a question. I had them so to me some priceless jewels for safekeeping. long that I thought he would never want them again, and that I might keep them forever. Now he has demanded them years; and should

Must

"Surely you must", said her I return them?" Without a word she took him by the hand and led him into the next room, where, upon the bed, cold in death, lay the two boys, the priceless jewels which the Friend of all had entrusted to them for a time, and had

back.

husband.

when He needed them. The wise rabbi undertogether they bowed their heads and thanked and stood, God for the love and happiness He had given them in their boys during all these precious years. Truly the Lord giveth, and taketh away again, and truly for all this, for all the happiness and blessing, which come with the love and companionship of our dear ones, may the name of the Lord be

taken back

praised.

One more

lesson this story teaches, a truth

upon which