The Three-foot Spoons
When people only care about themselves, nobody benefits. But, when they help each other, everyone comes away satisfied, as we see in the parable of the three-foot spoons.
Illustrated by Rebecca Shapiro
based on a parable attributed to the famous rabbi, Maharam Rottenberg
There once was a great rabbi,
Who had a dream one night.
And in the dream he got to see,
A most amazing sight.
The rabbi got the chance to see,
What we’d all like to know.
He found out where givers end up.
And where the selfish go.
First he was led into a room,
Where selfish folk are taken.
A great, big GORGEOUS banquet hall.
Said he, "Are you mistaken?"
The tables were set beautifully.
Great food was piled up high.
"But wait – no one is eating!"
The rabbi wondered, "Why?"
"Why are these people starving?"
He got his answer soon.
Strapped onto each of their arms:
A three-foot-long spoon!
So each one sat there, hungry.
Food in front of each nose.
But they could find no way to eat,
Without bending their elbows!
Then the rabbi was led out,
To the place where givers go.
But it looked just like the other place.
Cried the rabbi, "No way! No!"
A great, big GORGEOUS banquet hall.
Tables set so beautifully.
But here, the people sitting down,
Looked happy as could be.
Three-foot spoons were strapped on,
In this hall – just like the other.
But in this place, each arm stretched out –
To reach the mouth of another!
"So that is it!" the rabbi laughed.
"To see this is a treat!
Here nobody goes hungry.
Here each one gets to eat!"
"They were so used to giving.
Not one minute ticked by.
Before these souls had figured out,
How to help the other guy!"
"In this banquet hall also,
Their elbows could not bend.
But that would not stop them,
From reaching out to help a friend."
"But oy! Those other fellows!
In the other banquet hall!
They’re so used to being selfish
They can’t think to give at all!"
"Givers get used to giving.
And selfish folk to taking.
But if they knew where they’d end up,
They’d fix the mistake they’re making!"
The rabbi told about his dream.
A dream he was quick to share,
Because he felt it could help us,
To stretch ourselves, to care.
He found out where givers end up,
And where the selfish go.
The places aren’t different,
But the people make it so.
And right here, right now
Each day that we are living,
Can really feel like Heaven,
If we spend our days giving!
Which table do you prefer?
(Bracha Goetz is the author of ten children’s books, including Aliza in MitzvahLand, The Invisible Book, and What Do You See at Home? To enjoy Bracha’s presentations, you’re welcome to email bgoetzster@gmail.com)
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