“May a man,” the Rabbi was asked “protect what rightfully belongs to him?”

“Yes, of course he may. What is it that belongs to you?”

“It is my inn,” the visitor said. “So if you approve of my business, will you bless me in protecting it?”

“Hm. Why does it need protection?”

“During the night, the local boys break into my cellar and carry away food and beverages.”

“And how exactly do you intend to protect your property?”

“Rabbi, “ the inn keeper said, “ what am I to do? I have shouted at them, but it didn’t help. They just ran away. I bought a dog, but they just gave it food – no use to keep it any longer. At the moment, I see no choice but to go and buy a gun! Please, Rabbi, bless my doing!”

The Rabbi was in deep thought for a moment. “The theft is causing real problems, isn’t it? The lads are deliberate in stealing. So tell me: how will the gun protect your property?”

“Well, I’ll blow a shot in the air and scare them away. If I catch one in the inn, I’ll hold him at gun point. These roughnecks only understand violence.”

The Rabbi replied: “No, I cannot give you my blessing. Will not the thieves get guns and rifles too? This will be a plain invitation to violence.”

The man grew angry. “Well then it must be. I’ll do it anyway. Even without your blessing. I must defend my property!” He turned his back and left.

The Rabbi followed the man to his cart and horse and yelled:” Hang on! Wait!” So the man went back to the Rabbi who said: “I might change my mind. But I have to test you first. Are you willing?”

“What do you mean by, ‘Test me’” the man wanted to know, and was very much surprised when the rabbi slapped him across the face.

“Ow, what the heck… why did you hit me, Rabbi?”

“Very well.” the Rabbi explained, smiling “I honestly apologize. But for the moment of one breath I was under the erroneous impression that you only understood the language of violence. I was mistaken. You did not hit me back. You know that force is not the appropriate means when words are called for. You would never endanger a child with a gun, so I will gladly give you my blessing.”

The man was relieved. “Rabbi, thank you very much. And maybe I was wrong myself.”

And the inn keeper left for home.

The day’s evening turned into a dark night, clouds covered the sky, not a single star was visible, let alone moonlight. A perfect occasion for all the malevolent creatures of the night. And when our innkeeper perceived a noise, he peeped through a window, and a few yards away detected the shadow of a man with a big bag standing near the entrance of the inn’s cellar. He approached the culprit, yelling at him to get out, and was very much surprised to be looking into the face of the Rabbi.

“What are you doing here?”

“I am here to help you defend your property. I am your guard.” He opened the bag and showed it’s contents: bread, sausages, cheese and fruit.

“When the youngsters come, we can perhaps persuade them in the same manner as they dealt with your dog.”

In silent awe the innkeeper beheld the Rabbi’s countenance, who patted him on the shoulder. “In the meantime, why not enjoy the beauty of this marvellous night!”