The Shepherd's Song

His son, Rav Shaul Yedidya, related that that each day the Rebbe would ride out of Modzhitz with his companions, to stroll and breathe the fresh air.

One day, as their carriage passed through fields and pastures, they heard a shepherd singing to his flock. The Rebbe asked that the carriage be stopped at once, and he sat listening until the shepherd finished his song. Then he motioned to continue on their way.

Turning to his companions, the Rebbe said, "You must be wondering why I wanted to hear the shepherd sing. Know that when a person sings his song, it is as if he is confessing his sins. A person's song is his confession, because through it he reveals his inner essence. When anyone confesses, whoever he may be, we must stop and listen to what he says."