Little Nachman Part 9

The next day, on the way to school, Nachman met a boy on the sidewalk. "Maybe this is the one," he said to himself. He smiled at the other boy and said, "Shalom! I’m Nachman. What’s your name?"

 

"My name is Shimon," the boy answered pleasantly.

 

"Would you like to be my good friend?"

 

"Yes, I’ll be glad to," answered Shimon.

 

"But I only want to play, eat candy, and joke around," said Nachman, testing Shimon.

 

"Sorry," said Shimon, "I need a friend that learns Torah and behaves properly."

 

"Wonderful," smiled Nachman. "That really makes me happy. You’ll be my good friend and together we’ll serve Hashem! Thank You, Hashem, for hearing my prayers! Thank You, Hashem, for sending me a true friend."

 

"Then why did you say that you want to play and joke around?" asked Shimon.

 

"Because I wanted to see what you really want, and I discovered that you are upright and honest."

 

Nachman and Shimon were filled with joy. They decided that they’d serve Hashem together and live their lives according to the Torah with pure and simple faith and prayer.

   

To be continued.