"Learning Wisdom" is a Polish tale.

Once upon a time in Poland, a good and generous man named Dov was preparing for the Sabbath when he heard someone knocking at his door. He opened it and found a stranger standing there.

"Good evening," the stranger said. "I am Joseph, and I have been traveling for months. I am seeking a place to sleep for the night." In those days it was the custom to welcome strangers, to offer hospitality to all those in need. Dov and his wife, Rachel, welcomed Joseph.

Dov and Rachel showed their visitor to the table that was set for the Shabbat meal, and after they said their prayers, all three enjoyed a marvelous feast. Then Dov said, "You must be tired. Whenever you wish, I'll show you to your room." Joseph was amazed by his good fortune.

Everything about Joseph's sleep that night was blissful, and he woke in the morning to the smell of baking bread. When he saw the breakfast spread, he cried, "You are too generous!"

"Our pleasure," Dov said.

Joseph smiled at his new friends. "Surely no one in the country is more generous than Dov and Rachel," he said, and then he paused and added, "with the exception, of course, of the rabbi."

Dov frowned at this. It happened that Rabbi Mordecai, the rabbi in this village, was a fool, and more than that, Dov believed Rabbi Mordecai might indeed be selfish and a scoundrel. "It is true most rabbis are good men, and wise too," Dov said, shaking his head, "but sadly, our Rabbi Mordecai is a fool."

"Nonsense," Joseph laughed. " A rabbi cannot be a fool."

As Joseph stood to bid farewell, Dov said, "Wait one moment," and he rushed into the other room. He returned with a piece of paper. "Your bill," Dov said.

"My bill?" Joseph asked, startled. This could not be. Everyone understood that visitors deserved hospitality and generosity.

"This bill accounts for your food and lodging," Dov said.

"That is against all the customs of our land," Joseph said.

"So, we have a dispute," Dov said. "We must see the rabbi and have him settle our case."

The two men walked to Rabbi Mordecai's home and knocked upon the door. The rabbi opened it, and Joseph explained.

"Your fellow here has handed me a bill for my lodging, but I am only a poor traveler. Surely you agree I ought not pay."

Dov said, "We gave him food and lodging and a good night's sleep. That should cost."

The rabbi listened carefully, then examined the bill and said sagely, "I agree with Dov. Joseph must pay."

Joseph could not believe his ears, but he understood that this village was a peculiar place.

The two departed. As they walked, Joseph reached into his pouch, pulled out his coins, turned to Dov and said, "Here is your money."

"Thank you," Dov said, taking the coins. And then, to Joseph's amazement, Dov dropped the coins back into Joseph's pouch.

"But you said I must pay, and your rabbi agreed," Joseph said.

Dov smiled. "I offered you my hospitality out of the generosity of my heart. I only wanted to prove to you the truth about our rabbi."