| “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” — Mishlei 11:30
Once, Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi visited a town where Rabbi Elazar, the son of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, had once lived. Curious to know whether any of Rabbi Elazar’s descendants remained, Rabbi Yehuda asked the townspeople.“Yes,” they replied, “his son Yosi lives here—but he has strayed from the path and is involved in promiscuity.”
Rabbi Yehuda asked for Yosi to be brought to him. Recognizing that a small gesture of respect could spark a return to Torah, Rabbi Yehuda ordained him and arranged for him to study under Rabbi Shimon ben Issi ben Lakonia. Each day, after learning, Yosi would say, “I’m going to town,” hinting at his past lifestyle. His teacher would gently respond, “The Sages made you a Rabbi, and still you say, ‘I’m going to town’?”
Over time, Yosi was transformed. One day, he declared with sincerity, “I swear—my desire has been extinguished.” He had fully returned to the ways of Torah.
At that moment, Rabbi Yehuda quoted the verse: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life” — this refers to Rabbi Yosi, the son of Rabbi Elazar. “And he who wins souls is wise” — this refers to his teacher, Rabbi Shimon ben Issi ben Lakonia.
Today: Rather than criticize or crush a struggling soul, a wise teacher uplifts and guides with dignity and vision. Through encouragement, honor, and connection, even the most distant heart can be drawn back—because “he who wins souls is wise.” (Based on Bava Metzia 85a)
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