A king sent his servants to distant provinces and warned them: You’ll have power, pleasure, and endless distractions—but remember, you’re coming back. Each place was filled with treasure, and whatever they shipped home would be theirs forever.

One king worked immediately, sending gems back each day. Another said, “Later,” and lost himself in entertainment. A third filled crates with souvenirs—beautiful, but worthless.

One king understood. I wasn’t sent here to enjoy myself, but to prepare. He lived simply and shipped treasure nonstop.

When they returned, only one was truly rich.

The nimshal is obvious. This world is temporary. What we send ahead is what remains. As we head toward Rosh Hashanah, the question isn’t what we enjoyed—but what we shipped home.