The three samurai

There once lived a very powerful emperor who needed a new chief Samurai, so he sent out a declaration throughout the land that he was searching for the best one.

All candidates were to report to the palace in one year. The year passed, and on the appointed day, only 3 people showed up for the trials: ………a Japanese Samurai ………a Chinese Samurai ………and a Jewish Samurai.

The emperor asked the Japanese Samurai to step forward and demonstrate why he should be the new chief Samurai.

The Japanese Samurai opened a matchbox and out flew a bumblebee. Whoosh! Went his razor-sharp sword, and the bumblebee dropped dead on the ground in 2 pieces.

The emperor exclaimed: “This is impressive!”

The emperor then issued the same challenge to the Chinese Samurai. The Chinese Samurai also opened a matchbox, and out buzzed a fly. Whoosh, Whoosh! went his great flashing sword, and the fly dropped dead on the ground — in four small pieces.

The emperor exclaimed in awe: “That is really VERY impressive!”

Now the emperor turned to the Jewish Samurai and repeated the same challenge. The Jewish Samurai also opened a matchbox and out flew a small gnat. His lightening quick sword went Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! But the tiny gnat was still alive and flying around.

The emperor, obviously very disappointed in this display, said: “I see you are not up to the task. The gnat is not dead.”

The Jewish Samurai smiled and said. “Circumcision is not meant to kill.”