STREET DOGS

From Jewish Wisdom for Business Success: ell me,” said the officer, “why are you Jews so good at business?”

“Sorry, I can't, said the peddler. “I've been sworn to secrecy.”

“I’ll give you 10 rubles,” the officer said excitedly.

“What secret is worth 10 rubles?” said the peddler.

“OK I'll give you a 100 rubles.” The officer pulled out a crisp 100 ruble note and held it in front of the peddler. The man leaned over the seated officer and whispered something into his ear while deftly relieving his hand of the 100 ruble note. Ignoring the officer’s puzzled expression.

“Schmaltz herring?” the officer asked.

“That’s what we eat,” replied the peddler. “Start eating a lot of it, all the time. Pretty soon you’ll notice that your business acumen is improving.”

The train pulled into the station. The peddler tipped his hat and made his way out of the cabin.

A few months later the peddler was manning his clothing stand near the Pinsk railway station when he heard the din of galloping hoof beats behind him. He turned to see the officer, reigning in his horse. “I finally found you, you scoundrel,” bellowed the officer. “I want my money back.”

He dismounted. In his hand was a glass jar of schmaltz herring.

“I've been eating this stuff for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s awful! It tastes like grease mixed with dirt. You fooled me once but you won’t fool me again.”

“I don’t understand, sir,” said the peddler. “What’s wrong?”

“I gave you 100 rubles and you told me to eat schmaltz herring as it would make me a smart businessman. You tricked me.”

The officer stopped in midbreath, amazed that instead of cowering in fear, the peddler was smiling and nodding his head.”

“Good,” said the peddler, smiling. “I see the schmaltz herring is working.”

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