24 Elul 5783 – 10 September 2023
There was once a prince who behaved badly and was banished from his father’s kingdom. In exile, he took up with a rough crowd and became indistinguishable from them. Still, he had noble roots, and the day came when he regretted his mistakes and decided to return to his father.
The king welcomed him warmly with great love and affection. Upon seeing this, the prince cried bitter tears. “Why are you crying, my dear son?” asked the king. “Didn’t you escape a terrible life and now you’re here in my royal palace? What is there to be sad about?”
“That’s exactly why I’m crying,” said the prince. “I never realized how much you love me and how merciful you are. If I had known then what I know now, I would have returned so much sooner!” (R’Moshe Minder of Slonim)
By Rabbi Michael Skobac
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