When at the river Yohanan ben Zakkai's son died, and his disciples came to console him.
The first to enter was R. Eliezer sat down in front of him and said:
- Will you, teacher, allow me to tell you a word of consolation?
- Speak.
- The ancestor Adam had a son, and when this son fell dead, Adam was consoled in his grief, which is confirmed by his own words: “God gave me another child instead of Abel.” Be comforted too, teacher!
“Isn’t my own grief enough for me,” answered R. Johanan, what else do you remind me about Adam’s grief?
R came in Joshua said:
- Will you, teacher, allow me to tell you a word of consolation?
- Speak.
“Job had sons and daughters, and they all died on the same day. And Job was consoled, saying: “God gave and God took away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!” Be comforted too, teacher!
“Isn’t my own grief enough for me,” answered R. Jochanan, what else do you remind me about Job’s grief?
R came in Joseph and said:
- Will you, teacher, allow me to tell you a word of consolation?
- Speak.
- Aaron had two already mature sons; they both died on the same day. And Aaron was comforted, which is confirmed by what was said: “And Aaron was silent.” And in such moments, the ability to remain silent is a consolation in itself. Be comforted too, teacher!
“Isn’t my own grief enough for me,” answered R. Johanan, what else do you remind me about Aaron’s grief?
R came in Simeon said:
- Will you, teacher, allow me to tell you a word of consolation?
- Speak.
- King David had a son; the son died - and David was comforted, which is confirmed by what was said: “And David comforted his wife Bat-Sheba - and she gave birth. And he named his son Solomon.” Be comforted too, teacher!
“Isn’t my own grief enough for me,” answered R. Johanan, what else do you remind me of the grief of King David?
R. entered Elazar ben Azariah. Seeing him, R. Jochanan said to the servant:
- Quickly take the washing vessel and follow me into the bathroom. I want to leave because he is a great man and I cannot resist him.
But R. Elazar managed to enter and, sitting down in front of the river. Johanan, addressed him with these words:
- I'll tell you a parable. You are like a man to whom the king gave a treasure for safekeeping. Day after day this man repeated with tears and sighs: “Woe is me! When will I finally be safely freed from the obligation to protect the treasure given to me for safekeeping? So it is with you, teacher: God gave you a son who zealously studied the Torah, the word of the prophets, and the teachings of our sages. And he left the world sinless and pure. Shouldn't you be consoled by the fact that you have flawlessly returned the treasure given to you for safekeeping?
- Elazar, my son! - said R. joyfully. Yochanan. “You comforted me in a simple and heartfelt way!”
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru