Rabbi Beroka of Bei Chozai used to frequent the marketplace of Bei Lefet. Elijah the Prophet frequently appeared to him.
Once R’ Beroka said to him, “Is there anyone in this marketplace who is destined for the World to Come?”
Elijah answered, “No.”
Then two men entered the marketplace. Elijah said to R’ Beroka, “Those two are destined for the World to Come.”
R’ Beroka went over to them, and said, “What do you do?”
They said, “We’re comedians. We give cheer to those who are depressed. Also, whenever we see two people involved in a quarrel we try to make peace between them.”
– Ta’anit 22a, B. Talmud
Originally published on Facebook
Image: Comedian Danny Lobell on the Accidental Talmudist Show
Get the best of Accidental Talmudist in your inbox: sign up for our monthly newsletter.