Candles and Diamonds

from writings of Rav Ashlag

Long ago, there was a poor candle maker named Jacob. He heard of a mysterious island where diamonds were as common as ordinary pebbles. So Jacob left his home and set out for the nearest seaport. There he learned the the island of diamonds really did exists, but he would have to hurry. A boat sailed to the island only once every seven years, and it was leaving immediately! So Jacob rushed aboard.

When he arrived on the island, he found that what he'd heard was all true! Diamonds were everywhere, like sand on the seashore. Falling to his knees, Jacob began filling his bags with the glittering gems, dreaming of how rich he was going to be back home.

Just then, however, one of the inhabitants of the island approached him. "You're wasting your time filling your bags with those worthless pebbles, " said the newcomer. "Since you're going to be here for seven years, you'd better have a way to support yourself. Do you have a trade?"

"Why, I'm a candlemaker, " said Jacob.

"Very well. Then you'd better start making candles."

That is exactly what Jacob did, and very soon he had a thriving business. In fact, since there were no other candlemakers to compete with, he became the most important man on the island. Almost before Jacob knew it, seven years had passed - and one day the boat arrived.

So Jacob hurriedly packed up all his possessions and jumped on board. When he returned home his family eagerly looked at his suitcases and then stared at Jacob in amazement. "Where is all the treasure?" asked his wife and children. "You were gone for seven years, and all you've brought back is a bunch of candles!"

Jacob just laughed. Didn't they understand? Candles had made him an important man on the island! But as he opened his mouth to speak, the truth suddenly dawned on him. He had forgotten the purpose for which he's gone to the island - and now he had nothing more valuable than when he left.