Fasting
from A
Treasury of Jewish Folklore
On the fast day of Tisha Ba'Ab a sick Jew went to see the rabbi in
order to get his permission to eat, for he was afraid his health
would suffer if he didn't. But, as he entered the rabbi's house, he
was struck dumb with amazement when he saw the rabbi enjoying a
hearty lunch.
"Rabbi," he faltered, not at all sure of himself, "I'm a sick man--do I
have to fast today?"
"What a question!" replied the rabbi, his mouth full of roast duck.
"Of course you do!"
For a moment the petitioner stood in bewilderment, not knowing
whether he was coming or going. Finally, he scraped up sufficient
courage to ask, "Pardon my impertinence, Rabbi, but how can you order
me to fast when you yourself are eating?"
"I wasn't fool enough to ask the rabbi," replied the rabbi with a
grin and went on with his lunch.