“Real Estate” Printed with permission from "The Chesed Boomerang" by Jack Doueck www.judaicapress.com There is a story in the Talmud (Kallah, chapter 9) about the wealthy Rabbi Tarfon. One day, his friend Rabbi Akiva approached him and asked him, “would you like me to purchase some real estate for you?” Rabbi Tarfon said “yes” and immediately handed him 4,000 golden dinars to secure the investment. Rabbi Akiva took the money and distributed it among the poor. Some time later, Rabbi Tarfon met him and asked him, “where is the real estate you purchased on my behalf?” Rabbi Akiva brought out the book of Psalms and opened it before them. They read until they reached the verse (Psalms 112:9): “He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor; his “Tsedakah” (charity) will endure forever.” Then Rabbi Akiva stood up, pointed to the verse and said “this is the real estate I bought for you”. Rabbi Tarfon stood up, kissed him and said: “You are my master, my guide; my master in wisdom and my guide in good conduct”. Rabbi Tarfon then provided him with additional money to distribute among the poor. Why did Rabbi Tarfon kiss and praise Rabbi Akiva after the latter had obviously deceived him? Perhaps because he understood that, given the choice of acquiring an ephemeral place, or an eternal one, he would ultimately be happier with an eternal one. One can acquire a physical piece of ‘real’ estate – or, with the same funds, he can purchase a spiritual, everlasting piece, a true estate. Chesed lives on forever. Charity is indeed an investment. Return to 'Our Tradition' Menu