ADONAI AND SCHNEIDER

A few years after the Great Depression, one Abraham Schneider began to open a 
small variety store in Brooklyn.  As opening day approached, he prayed to God 
that his store should be a success.  As he prayed for God's help, he heard God 
speak to him. "Abraham.  You have my blessing to open your store.  But one thing.  
I know that I don't have to remind you to treat your employees and customers well, 
but please, Abraham, consider me to be your partner and name the store 'Adonai 
and Schneider'."  The store opened and it was a great success.

Some twenty years later, about 1955, Abraham decided to open a second, larger 
store in the Bronx. Once again he prayed that God should bless his store and 
once again God requested Abraham to name the store "Adonai and Schnieder."  It 
too was a great success and 15 years later, Abraham decided to open a still 
larger department store on Fifth Avenue.  Initially the store was  a great 
success, but within about a year the store was near failing and Abraham was, 
consequently, nearly bankrupt.  Abraham prayed that God should intervene.  
Abraham's family, his loyal employees, the Jewish Community, the Gentile 
Community . . . all had come to depend on the wealth that his stores had brought 
in the way of comforts and Tzedaka.  God heard Abraham pray and asked, "So 
Abraham, what exactly is the problem?"

"Ah... a third store has brought you trouble," God said after listening to 
Abraham. God whispered, "Veh is mir." And God asked, "Where is this store Abraham?"

"On Fifth Avenue," Abraham replied.

"And what did you name this third store?" asked God.

"'Adonai and Schneider,' of course, just like the first two stores," Abraham proudly 
responded.

And God said, "Abe, Abe that's the problem.  Why didn't you consult with me first?  
In Brooklyn or the Bronx 'Adonai and Schneider' is fine, but on Fifth Avenue you 
should have named it 'Lord & Taylor'!"