Imagination is the capacity we have ‘to make the material an image of the immaterial or spiritual.' It is creative power... a good story is good precisely because somehow it rings true to human life...from it a moral or spiritual truth is extracted."3
Stories and parables provide fresh insights into truths that are repeated from the pulpit week in and week out. These truths become so familiar and well known that people no longer hear them. The creative use of the imagination through storytelling dresses up these truths in new garments so that we take notice of them.
The rabbi was once asked: "Why does the parable possess such great influence?"
The maggid replied: "I will explain this by a parable":
"Truth was accustomed to walk about as naked as he was born. No one allowed him to enter a home, and everyone who encountered him ran away in fright.
"Truth felt greatly embittered and could find no resting place. One day he beheld Parable attired in colorful, expensive garments. Parable inquired: ‘Why are you so dejected, my friend?' Truth replied: ‘I am in a bad situation. I am old, very old, and no one cares to have anything to do with me.' ‘Nay,' retorted Parable, ‘it is not because of your age that you are disliked by people. Look, I am as old as you are, and the older I grow, the more do I seem to be loved. Let me disclose to you the secret of my apparent popularity. People enjoy seeing everything dressed up and somewhat disguised. Let me lend to you my garments, and you will see that people will like you as well.'
Truth followed this counsel and dressed himself in the garments of Parable. Ever since then, Truth and Parable walk hand in hand, and men love both of them."
