Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom

1. Background: Poverty and a Dilemma

Ilfa and Rabbi Yochanan, two great Torah scholars, were suffering from severe financial hardship. They made a joint decision:

> “Let us go earn a livelihood and fulfill the verse: ‘There shall be no destitute among you’ (Devarim 15:4).”

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2. The Wall and the Heavenly Conversation

While on their journey, they stopped to eat by a dilapidated wall. Two angels passed by. One said:

> “Let’s topple the wall on them—they’ve abandoned eternal life (Torah) for the fleeting life (business).”

The second angel replied:

> “Leave them. One of them is destined for greatness, and his time has not yet come.”

Only Rabbi Yochanan overheard the angelic conversation. Ilfa did not.

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3. The Turning Point

Rabbi Yochanan turned to Ilfa and said:

> “Let me return to Torah. I will fulfill the verse: ‘The poor will never cease from the land’ (Devarim 15:11).”

He accepted a life of material limitation for the sake of spiritual greatness. He returned to the yeshivah.
Ilfa continued on his business venture.

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4. Appointment and Reward

By the time Ilfa came back, Rabbi Yochanan had been crowned Rosh Yeshiva.

The people told Ilfa:

> “Had you stayed and studied, you would have been chosen instead.”

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5. Ilfa’s Challenge and Brilliance

Ilfa did not sulk. He claimed his Torah knowledge was still superior. He climbed to the mast of a ship and declared:

> “If anyone can stump me with a Baraisa that I cannot tie to a Mishnah, I will throw myself into the sea!”

An elder presented a case. Ilfa answered perfectly. He retained his greatness—but his moment of destiny had passed.

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Clarification: What Does “Poor” Really Mean Here?

This story is often misunderstood. “Poor” does not mean starving, homeless, or broken.

When Rabbi Yochanan says:

> “The poor will never cease from the land,”

He isn’t saying he will be a beggar. He’s accepting a life where:

He has what he needs, but not more.

He lacks excess, but lives with purpose.

He is dependent on Hashem, not on wealth.

In modern language, this “poverty” is better understood as material simplicity chosen for spiritual priority.

It’s not weakness—it’s strength.

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Core Message

> Torah greatness is not just about knowing—it’s about sacrificing.
Rabbi Yochanan gave up comfort to fulfill his divine mission.
Ilfa sought wealth and retained brilliance, but missed his hour.

In a world chasing more, this story teaches:

> If you have what you need to serve Hashem—you are not poor. You are truly rich.

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