CatInAHat December 25, 2007
Sign of a great story is how it changes characters and even authors. Traditionally, The Turkey Price is one of R' Nachman of Breslov's 'simple' but kabbalistic Sipporei Maasios (stories) which he gave over (see Rabbi Nachman's Stories by R' Aryeh Kaplan).
https://www.amazon.com/Rabbi-Nachmans-Stories-Nachman-Breslov/dp/0930213025
RABBI NACHMAN'S STORIES Translated by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan The Sages always told stories to convey some of the deepest secrets about God and His relation to the creation. Rebbe Nachman developed this ancient method to perfection. More elaborate than any previous teachings, his stories are fast-moving, richly structured and filled with penetrating insights while spellbinding and entertaining. Rabbi Kaplan's translation is accompanied by a masterful commentary drawn from the works of Rebbe Nachman's pupils. For the first time the English-speaking reader has access to authentic interpretations of the stories. Size: 6" x 9." 552 pages. Bibliography and Index. Hardback. ISBN 0-930213-02-5
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Rabbi Nachman of Breslov often related the following parable:
There was once a prince who lived with his father and mother, the king and queen, in a splendid fashion. He received the finest education and upbringing.
To his parents' chagrin, one day the prince went through an identity crisis and came to the conclusion that he was really a turkey and not a human being.
Initially, the king and queen thought he was kidding. However, after he stopped joining them at the royal table and instead, moved under the table and sat there naked and pecking at crumbs, they knew that serious trouble was afoot.
Needless to say, the prince's strange behavior caused indescribable angst for his loving parents, and intense embarrassment for the royal family at large. The king was ready to spare no expense for the person who could cure his son. The finest doctors and psychiatrists of the land came and tried to cure the prince, all to no avail.
The king was at a loss until a gentle-looking wise man came to the palace. "I hereby offer to cure the prince free of charge," declared the man. "My only condition is that no one interferes with anything I do."
Intrigued and desperate, the king and queen readily agreed.
The following day, the prince had company under the table. It was the wise man. "What are you doing here?" asked the turkey prince.
"Why are you here?" countered the man.
"I am a turkey," responded the prince emphatically.
"Well, I am also a turkey," the man replied. With that, he began to gobble like a turkey and peck at the crumbs on the floor. The prince was convinced. A few days passed in this fashion.
One morning, the wise man signaled to the king to bring him a shirt. He said to the prince, “I don’t see any reason a turkey can’t wear a shirt.” The prince thought about it and agreed, and soon the two of them were wearing shirts.
Soon the wise man asked to be brought a pair of pants. He said to the prince, “Is it forbidden for turkeys to wear pants? Certainly not!” The prince thought it over and agreed, and soon the two of them were wearing pants.
So the process continued. Shortly thereafter, the wise man convinced the turkey prince that it was not forbidden for turkeys to eat human food, which was surely tastier. Then came sitting at the table and enjoying human conversation. Within a short time, the turkey prince, although still maintaining that he was a turkey, began conducting himself exactly like a regular person.
Fortunately, most of us don't suffer from turkey complexes. But here's a question we can all ask of ourselves: Am I limiting my potential because of my self perception?
Rabbi Yossy Gordon was born in Worcester, Mass., and serves as Executive Vice President of the Chabad on Campus International. Rabbi Gordon makes his home in Miami Beach, Fla., with his wife, Rochel, and their six children.
Sefira Ross is a freelance designer and illustrator whose original creations grace many Chabad.org pages. Residing in Seattle, Washington, her days are spent between multitasking illustrations and being a mom.
