The Rabbi Story

I admit I know very little about the Jewish faith and Rabbi Akiva, but I love this story, and it’s been on my mind lately…so, an edited version:

During a late afternoon, thousands of years ago, Rabbi Akiva was walking home. He was in meditative, deep thought, and accidentally took a wrong turn away from his city. He didn’t realize what he had done until he reached the gates of a Roman fortress.

A soldier, standing atop the gates, yelled down at him:

“WHO ARE YOU, AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

Startled, Rabbi Akiva looked up and said, “What?”

Again, the soldier bellowed:

“WHO ARE YOU, AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

Rabbi Akiva took a few moments, then replied, “How much are they paying you?”

The soldier, taken aback by the question, said, “Two drachmas a week.”

To this, Rabbi Akiva replied:

“I will pay you double that to stand outside my door and ask me those two questions every single day.”

✨

Know thyself. Also, have you ever wondered why you are here, in this specific time and place, in the history of the world? Maybe the answers are very logical. Maybe there’s more to all our stories. Either way, live the purpose that feels right to you.