about four hundred years ago in the town of Cracow

The following story happened about four hundred years ago in the town of Cracow, which, at that time, had one of the most important Jewish communities.

The Jews were mourning the loss of their spiritual leader, and decided that for a community like theirs no ordinary rabbi would suffice. Two delegates were chosen to tour the country and find a suitable replacement to serve as their rabbi.

After visiting many big towns and large Jewish communities, they at last heard of a young man who was said to be the "star of the age," a veritable genius. They lost no time in contacting this exceptional young man and found him to be an eighteen-year-old rabbi by the name of Rabbi Moshe.

Despite his tender years, they were immediately impressed with his brilliant scholarship, his gentle bearing and his humility. They were convinced that he was the man they were looking for and they finally got him to agree to become the spiritual guide and leader of their Jewish community to make the necessary arrangement for his reception.

At that time in Cracow it was the custom, a sort of courtesy gesture, for the Jews to call on the bishop of the town and tell him of the rabbi they had chosen for their community.

Thus it was that a suitable delegation called upon the Bishop of Cracow and, in the most glowing terms, described the rabbi they had been fortunate enough to find to become the spiritual leader of the Jews of Cracow. The bishop was visibly impressed with their description of Rabbi Moshe.

The delegates lost no time in making all the necessary arrangements for Rabbi Moshe's coming. And when the date was set, they notified the bishop as they had promised him.

Being rather fond of pomp and ceremony, the bishop had commanded that a band go on foot in front of the carriages, so that the entry of Rabbi Moshe should be announced by the beating of drums and the blowing of trumpets.

At long last, the carriage of Rabbi Moshe appeared. The bishop already had a picture in his mind of a sage and a patriarch. He was shocked when out of the carriage stepped a lad, with hardly a suggestion of a beard, thin, small, and not particularly impressive.

Nevertheless, the bishop made his speech of welcome with as good a grace as he could muster, but inwardly he was seething with rage! He would show the Jews that they could not lightly play jokes on him, the Bishop of Cracow!

As soon as the bishop returned to his castle, he immediately sent a letter to the heads of the Jewish community saying he must see them at once. When they reached his home he told them that he was angry with them for having put him in so humiliating a position.

"Now I shall put a proposition before you which will decide the issue.
If your rabbi is the great and wise person you would have me believe, he will have to prove it conclusively. I am going to invite all the sages and philosophers in the country to meet your rabbi. They shall ask him any question on any subject they please, and it will be up to him to give satisfactory answers. If, however, he fails in this public forum, not only will your rabbi suffer the consequences, but the whole Jewish community of Cracow will be driven out!"

The Jewish leaders were miserable. Of course Rabbi Moshe was a great genius, but who could foresee what trouble lay ahead? They hurriedly told Rabbi Moshe, who said, "Do not worry, this is not the first time nor will it be the last that such situations have arisen for us Jews.
The Almighty will surely grant me the necessary wisdom to answer all questions put to me, so that our Jewish name not be put to shame."

The momentous day came. The hall was packed. Jew and non-Jew alike had the same interest. The greatest thinkers and scholars had come at the bishop's invitation: bishops, priests, scientists, all were there that day!

Rabbi Moshe looked pale but calm. His gentle eyes glowed with a light of determination. With G-d's help, all would be well.

Rabbi Moshe faced his examiners and the questions began to pour forth.
But he was not flustered. His answers came unhesitatingly, clearly and concisely. There was not a sound among the vast audience. As the hours passed and Rabbi Moshe emerged the victor, the bishop announced that the forum would be adjourned. The bishop apparently concluded that his own honour had been upheld, and that they had indeed a remarkable genius before them in the person of the youthful Moshe.

The bishop again made a public speech, this time with obvious pleasure.
He said that the city of Cracow, and indeed the whole country, could regard it as an honour to have so distinguished a scholar among them. He would regard it as a privilege to call upon Rabbi Moshe from time to time. The bishop concluded with the hope that Cracow would always be blessed with such great spiritual leaders and that the citizens of Cracow would live together in peace.

Rabbi Moshe was none other than the great Rabbi Moshe Isserles, known as the Rama.