Shmuel developed his skills to a fine degree and also became learned in Jewish law and Agada. He devoted half of his time to Torah study and the other half to his profession and the study of the natural sciences.
Eventually, his reputation became known to the king of Granada, Habus ibn Machsan. The king took him into his service, first as royal scribe and advisor, and then, when his talents became apparent, as his prime minister and general of his armies.
Shmuel Hanagid grew in power and wealth, but he never forgot his origins and never forgot that he was above all, a Jew, devoted to G-d and the Torah. He still found time to continue the practice of penmanship and he even wrote poems in praise of the art to which he owed his high position.
Among his most prized possessions was a small Torah scroll which he had written for himself. He carried this Torah with him into every battle.
Rabbi Shmuel had sons whom he imbued with a love of the scribal arts. At the age of only eight his son Joseph was accomplished enough to copy his father's book of poetry, entitled Minor Psalms. Another son, Elisaf, copied his second book Minor Proverbs at the age of six. It had been Shmuel's intention to give his third book, Minor Ecclesiastes to his son Judah to copy, but tragically, the boy passed away before he could accomplish the task. His heartbroken father copied the work himself and dedicated it to his beloved son.
During the years in service to the king, Rabbi Shmuel fought many successful battles. During one battle, he lost the manuscript of his third book, Minor Ecclesiastes, which deeply upset him. When he retired from his wars, Rabbi Shmuel Hanagid settled down to his study and his manuscripts. It was not long before Torah students from all over came to him complaining about the great dearth of books. Of course, the printing press had yet to be invented, and books were reproduced by hand-copying.
Rabbi Shmuel responded with a brilliant solution: he established a school for scribes in his own home. Soon copies were appearing throughout the Jewish world. Rabbi Shmuel made sure that these copies were bound beautifully, befitting the holiness of their contents. Torah study received a great boost due to this increase in learning materials.
So many applicants arrived to learn the art of copying that Rabbi Shmuel developed a method of ascertaining the character of the person standing before him. He would ask the person for a sample of his handwriting and from that he could tell what kind of person he was. One day a man came and asked to be admitted into his school. As was his way, Rabbi Shmuel asked for a sample of his writing. At once he declared, "You are a plagiarist!" The man was shocked to hear Rabbi Shmuel's pronouncement, but he was honest enough to readily admit his guilt. In response to the man's admission Rabbi Shmuel replied, "I am glad to hear that you admit your wrongdoing. I am sure that you can mend your ways, and I will admit you to my school if you promise to forswear committing the same act." Of course, the man gladly agreed and became one of Rabbi Shmuel students.
Many years later, that same student came to Rabbi Shmuel with a manuscript of the Tractate Baba Metzia which he had copied. Rabbi Shmuel was pleased and remarked that it was obvious that the man had truly mended his ways. The man broke down in tears of joy. He then took his bag of manuscripts and presented one of them to his teacher. To his utter amazement, it was a copy of his lost manuscript Minor Ecclesiastes.
The former student explained that he had met a man who boasted of having written a book of wonderful poetry, and proceeded to recite them. Rabbi Shmuel's student recognized them as the work of his master. He carefully memorized them and then lovingly and faithfully transcribed them. Now, he was presenting the volume to the true author, Rabbi Shmuel Hanagid, who couldn't have been more pleased. He knew for certain that his student had reformed completely and he now had his precious manuscript back in his possession.
No comments:
Post a Comment