with translation by Rabbi Lazer Brody and illustrations by Rebecca Shapiro
David the Shepherd Boy, Part 5
David began to chase after the lamb. He ran fast between the mountains and among the rocks. He knew he must bring the lamb back to the flock. Just as he was about to catch up to the lamb, it climbed up on a very high boulder. It was trapped, unable to get down on its own and in big danger of falling off the boulder.
Again, David prayed to his Merciful Father, begging Him:
“Please, help me get this lamb down from the mountain!”
David continued to climb the boulders, higher and higher, with the prayer on his lips the entire time, until at last he was able to reach the lamb and rescue it from the boulder. He hugged the trembling animal in his strong arms and safely brought it back down to the valley where the rest of his sheep were grazing.
He then thanked Hashem, singing with all his heart:
“Thank You, Creator of the World, for Your wonderful kindness!”
So, dear children, what are some of the lessons you can learn from this story of David?
First, watch over living creatures the way that David cared for them. Have mercy on animals and help them. Be sure to never cause an animal any pain. Don’t ever be mean and throw stones at a cat or dog, or torment any other creature, not even once!
As it clearly says in the Torah, “One is not allowed to torment a live creature.” Instead, just as David did, we are required to always have mercy and help all living things.
Jews believe that Hashem has mercy on all of His creations, so from now on, never harm any animal.
To be continued, G-d willing