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When he was at the end of his time, ailing and on his deathbed, Zuscha’s students came to be with him. They found him trembling with fear. “Why do you fear, Teacher? You are a pious man!” Zuscha answered, “I fear my answer to God’s only question in Heaven.” “Are you afraid God will ask why you were not like Moses, leading your people out of slavery?” “No,” he answered, “Moses was a prophet and none could be like him.” “Are you afraid God will ask why you were not like Solomon, seeking justice for your people?” “No,” he answered, “Solomon was a great master of law and none could be like him.” “Then what will the question be that frightens you so?” Zuscha answered, “God will ask, ‘Why were you not Zuscha?’”

1. What value does this text relay about our actions?
2. What might Zuscha have done more fully? What would you do if you were really to live according to your values to the fullest extent?
3. What social justice themes emerge from this text?