A Little WisdomTalmud stories for everyday life
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004 · 8 panels

Two People Who Bring a Smile

You do not have to do something grand to change someone's day.

Inspired by a source · Creative adaptationNo sign-up · All stories free
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Her shoulders were tense before the workshop even began.
New colleague

It's my first time here… I'm nervous.

Her shoulders were tense before the workshop even began.

One tension piled on top of another.
Story

Across the room, an argument over the preparations grew louder.

One tension piled on top of another.

He joked about his own clumsy hands, not her nervousness.
Jin

My paper bird retired before its first flight.

He joked about his own clumsy hands, not her nervousness.

A softer voice helped her shoulders relax.
Ara

Have a sip of tea. We can start slowly.

A softer voice helped her shoulders relax.

They looked toward the arguing volunteers.
Jin

Things are still heating up over there.

They looked toward the arguing volunteers.

He began with their shared goal, not with who was wrong.
Jin

One moment. You both want the workshop to go well, right?

He began with their shared goal, not with who was wrong.

Each person had a different task to hold.
Ara

Handouts here, supplies there. Shall we divide the jobs?

Each person had a different task to hold.

Nobody said they had done something grand.
Story

By the time the workshop began, the room looked different.

Nobody said they had done something grand.

A thought from the Talmud

Bring a smile to someone who feels low, and help make peace between people who quarrel.

The source idea in our own words · Not a direct quotation

Taanit 22a:7 · Read the source ↗

A lesson for today

Help does not always take the form of money or impressive results. A kind joke that does not mock someone, a cup of tea or a moment of mediation can change the mood of a day.

A modern interpretation for this story

A question to take with you

Whose day could I make a little lighter today?

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About the source and this adaptation

Inspired by the two brothers in Taanit 22a:7 who cheer people up and reconcile those who quarrel. The source discusses these acts in a religious context. Jin, Ara, the workshop and all dialogue are fictional modern adaptations.

Read the source ↗

AI-generated artwork · Creative adaptation

For your next little pause

Even the Third Question →