Food Safety EXTRA | The Turkey Prince

An old story from a long time ago…

Retelling attributed to Rabbi Nachman


The Turkey Prince

There was a prince that lost his senses and thought he was a turkey. He felt compelled to sit under the table without even his robe and peck at pieces of food like a turkey. The royal doctors gave up hope of ever trying to cure him and the King was very upset and suffered tremendously over what his son was doing.

A wise teacher came in and said, “I will cure him.”

The teacher then took off his robe and sat under the table next to the prince who was pecking at crumbs. “Who are you and what are you doing here?” asked the prince.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” replied the teacher.

“I am a turkey.” replied the prince.

“I am also a turkey.” replied the teacher.

So, the two sat there for some time until they became good friends. One day the teacher asked the attendants for robes and said to the prince, “What makes you think a turkey can’t wear a robe? You can wear a robe and still be you.” With that they both put on their robes.

Then the teacher signaled for good food to be brought to them. He said “what makes you think a turkey can’t eat good food? You can eat whatever you want and still be you.” With that they both ate good food.

The teacher then said, “What makes you think that a turkey can’t sit at the table? Even a turkey can sit at a table.”

He went on this way with the prince until he was finally cured.

Teaching and helping others see the big picture requires us to treat others with respect and friendship. It requires patience and a willingness to bring others along on the journey in a way that makes them feel like they can be themselves. It’s a transformation that takes time.

I hope you enjoyed this story!

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Justin Straka Food Safety Manager

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Author: Trish Metts