The Dubno Maggid: Life, Legacy, and Timeless Parables

Rabbi Yaakov Krantz, famously known as the Maggid of Dubno, was one of the greatest Jewish preachers and storytellers of all time. He passed away on the 17th of Tevet, 1805.

Early Life and Rabbinic Career

Born in 1740 in Zhytel, Lithuania, he learned Torah from his father, who served as the town’s rabbinical judge. He became a celebrated preacher in Mezritch, Zholkov in Galicia, Volodava, and Kalisz. Later, he served as the official Maggid of Dubno, in the region of Volhynia, where he remained for eighteen years.

He frequently traveled throughout Poland, Germany, and Lithuania, delivering his powerful sermons.

The Maggid was very close to the Vilna Gaon, who enjoyed speaking with him in Torah and hearing his parables. The two carried on a long correspondence and the Maggid was admired by all the great scholars of Lithuania.

Master of the Parable: His Unique Teaching Style

The Dubno Maggid became famous for his brilliant and original parables. He blended Torah insights, wisdom, and ethical teachings, often improvising on the spot.

He used relatable folk imagery, vivid examples, and emotional illustrations to reach the common people, avoiding heavy scholarly discussions. His deep understanding of human psychology helped him craft stories that spoke directly to the heart.

His Gentle Approach to Mussar

He avoided harsh descriptions of punishment or frightening moral lectures. He preferred short, sharp, and clear messages — and he was exceptionally witty.

A famous anecdote tells that when asked why wealthy people give charity to the blind or disabled but not to Torah scholars, he answered: “Because they fear they themselves may one day become blind or lame — but they’re not worried they’ll ever become Torah scholars.”

Fame and Impersonators

His great popularity led some people to impersonate him. Many stories are told of times the Maggid sat in shul and heard others giving sermons in his name.

He usually stayed silent, but if the lecture was dishonest or unworthy, he confronted the impostors and “tested” them with sharp wit.

His Writings and Posthumous Publications

The Maggid published no books during his lifetime, though he prepared notes for a major work on proper character traits.

Forty years after his death, Avraham Dov Ber Flamm discovered these notes, letters, drafts, and manuscripts in the Mezritch genizah and dedicated his life to publishing all of the Maggid’s writings.

His teachings appear in the following works:

• Ohel Yaakov – sermons on the Torah

• Kol Yaakov – on the Five Megillot

• Kochav MiYaakov – on the Haftarot

• Emes LeYaakov – commentary on the Passover Haggadah

• Sefer HaMiddot – teachings on character traits

• Mishlei Yaakov – his famous parables

His Famous Parable on “Not Me You Called, Yaakov”

On the verse “Not Me you called, Yaakov, for you have wearied yourself, Israel”, the Maggid told this parable:

A merchant sent his servant to bring a package from the port.
After a long time, the servant returned exhausted, bent under a heavy burden.

“I brought your package,” he gasped.

“That is not my package,” the merchant said.

“You haven’t even opened it!” the servant protested.

The merchant replied: “My package contains diamonds. Diamonds are not heavy. If you’re out of breath, it’s not mine.”

Serving God is meant to feel natural, sweet, and uplifting.
If it feels heavy and burdensome, something is off. One must examine where the mistake lies.

Many people mistakenly think that careful mitzvah observance, such as preparing for Shabbat or Pesach, concentrating in prayer, or working on character traits, is meant to be stressful. Our sages teach the opposite: mitzvot should be done with joy, calm, and a full heart, like holding the hand of a beloved father.

A Practical Tip for Joy in Serving Hashem

Set aside a few hours each day where you focus only on positivity.
Think only of the blessings in your life — not of any worries, spiritual or material. These hours help a person climb the ladder of joy in avodat Hashem.

Parable: The Silk Garment That Doesn’t Fit

A villager entered a silk shop in winter, bundled in thick clothing.
He tried on fine silk garments but found them tight and uncomfortable.

“Are you mocking me?” he yelled. “These clothes don’t fit!”

“They fit perfectly,” said the shopkeeper.
“You simply must first remove your heavy winter layers.”

Torah is like fine silk. As long as a person is wrapped in desires, distractions, and unrefined traits, Torah will not feel pleasant or sweet. But once one removes those “heavy garments,” the beauty and sweetness of Torah can be fully felt.