In time of drought the Rabbi was informed from
Heaven to appeal to a merchant for intercession. He was
166—
ashamed to call upon an apparently ignorant man but none
the less did so. The merchant first believed that he was
mocking at him but seeing he was in earnest brought out
a pair of scales and said, “These scales are symbolical of
the Divine Ineffable Name. If ever I have acted dishonestly
and not kept the scales even let fire consume me. But if I
have acted honestly, let rain fall.,, Rain fell in torrents.
425. In time of drought the Rabbi was informed from
Heaven to appeal to a merchant for intercession. He was
— 166 —
ashamed to call upon an apparently ignorant man but none
the less did so. The merchant first believed that he was
mocking at him but seeing he was in earnest brought out
a pair of scales and said, “These scales are symbolical of
the Divine Ineffable Name. If ever I have acted dishonestly
and not kept the scales even let fire consume me. But if I
have acted honestly, let rain fall.,, Rain fell in torrents.
