2 min read
Louis and Hymie are vigorously arguing about a consignment of dried Israeli dates that Hymie has recently bought from Louis. "Just look at them," says Hymie. "Anyone can see that they are not fresh enough for me to sell in my shop. I want my money back. And if I don't get it, I'll have to find another distributor."
But Louis disagrees with him. "There is nothing at all wrong with these dates," he says, "so I won't be returning any money to you."
Their arguing gets so serious that they decide to go to Rabbi Levy for a decision.
Rabbi Levy hears both sides of the story, then without saying a word, takes a date from the box on the table, looks at it very carefully, removes the stone, pops the date into his mouth, chews it, swallows it, and then thinks for a few seconds. He then repeats his actions with other dates from the box, sometimes shaking his head after swallowing a date, sometimes nodding his head.
After 10 minutes, Rabbi Levy takes out his handkerchief and wipes his lips. Louis and Hymie now await Rabbi Levy's decision.
"So nu?" asks Hymie. "What's your verdict, Rabbi?"
"Yes, Rabbi," says Louis. "What do you think? Which one of us is right? We ust know."
Rabbi Levy looks first at Louis, then at Hymie, then shrugging his shoulders replies, "Gentlemen, how should I know who's right? I'm a rabbi, not an expert on Israeli dates. I am, however, full, so thank you. "