More Precious the Pearls: Our Living Torah

My grandfather never missed an opportunity to teach a lesson. Even while doing simple, everyday tasks Grampa had a way of imparting wisdom by turning the task into a living parable. One bright summer day some years ago, I was visiting him during a break from my job as counselor at a nearby children's camp. Grampa suddenly said, "David, come with me. We are going downtown." Now my grandparents lived in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, USA. Carbondale is not a large town so as we ran our errands, I was not surprised that many people knew Grampa. He always had time to share a word and a blessing with everyone. When he had finished his regular routine, Grampa made one unexpected final stop - at a jewelry store.

The salesman came from behind the counter and greeted Grampa like an old friend. "Good morning, Mr. Aston. Is this your grandson? How may I help you today?"

After introducing me, Grampa said, "I want to buy a string of pearls."

"Very good," replied the delighted salesman. "Right this way." He led us to a display case. He removed a beautiful string of pure white pearls. He handed them to Grampa and explained, "Look carefully at this necklace. Notice that there is one large pearl at the center. Now Mr. Aston, the pearls that extend up the chain gradually diminish in size until the smallest pearls meet at the clasp. The pearls are carefully selected to match so that the two sides are perfectly symmetrical."

Grampa carefully examined the pearls and ran his fingers over both sides to verify that the salesman had been accurate in his description of the sizing of the pearls. He then handed the string of pearls back to the salesman.

To my great surprise, the salesman through the valuable necklace with all his might against a nearby display case! "I want you to feel these pearls, Mr. Aston," he said as he handed them to my grandfather. "Notice how perfectly smooth they are. If they were artificial or of poor quality, they would feel rough and be pitted and marked. This is how you know that these are genuine, high-quality pearls."

Grampa again ran his fingers over each pearl. Satisfied that this was what he wanted, he said, "Can you gift -wrap them for me please?"

"Absolutely, Mr. Aston." A moment later the salesman returned with a small, beautifully wrapped box. "That will be seventy eight dollars." At that point in time, $78 was quite a lot of money. Grampa paid it without a word.

We returned home and Grampa gave the box to Gramma. "Here Beat," he said. "This is for you." (I should explain: my grandmother's name was Beatrice. Grampa often called her "Beat.")

Gramma opened the package and took the precious gift in her hands. "Oh pearls!!" she exclaimed. "Thank you, Will!" Her face beaming with delight, she turned to me and said, "I love pearls, you know." What a beautiful moment it was!

I know that Grampa was a loving and generous husband, but something about this life lesson seemed strange. Grampa had just spent a princely sum for a necklace, even though this day had no special significance. It wasn't Gramma'a birthday and their wedding anniversary had already passed. And why had he insisted that I go with him? Aside from a loving gesture by a remarkable man, clearly this was one of Gampa's lessons. But I just didn't get it.

It wasn't until years later that I finally understood what Grampa was trying to teach me. Gramma was nearly totally blind. She could not see the flawless white color of the pearls or the perfect symmetry. But she could feel how smooth they were, how expertly matched each pearl was with its mate. By examining the string of pearls hands on she learned the quality and value of this precious gift.

More Precious than Pearls

G-d has given us a gift more precious than pearls: the Holy Torah. As valuable and important as it is to study Torah, to learn fully how perfect, beautiful and lasting the precious gift is Torah must be lived. My rabbi once told me, "Torah was meant to be lived in a real world." Studying Torah is not simply an academic exercise. The values and wisdom we gain are not simply to be stored in our brains until the next class. Gramma learned the great value of the pearls taking them in her hands. Similarly our learning of Torah must also be "hands on." When we perform mitzvot and apply the wisdom of Torah in our lives we become transformed. Those with whom we contact are made better because we create more positive relationships by following Torah teaching. The world is made more perfect because we live according to G-d's plan.

As we prepare for the New Year and search our inner selves, may this be a time when we determine not only to learn Torah but to live Torah. Make a commitment to study Torah regularly and to put into practice the timeless lessons which you will learn. You - and the world - will be much the better for it. And you will know in truth that Torah is more precious than pearls.

May you have a sweet and happy New Year. Shannah Tovah.

Related links:
My Jewish Learning
Daily Torah Study (Chabad)