The Shabbat Meal That Ended Early for a Beautiful Reason

One of the wealthy students of the Gaon (great Torah scholar), Rabbi Israel Salanter, was overjoyed when his teacher agreed to be a guest at his home for a Shabbat meal. It was a great honor. But Rabbi Israel made one unusual condition: the Shabbat meal should be as short as possible.

The student was puzzled. Why would the Rabbi want to rush the Shabbat meal, a time usually filled with songs, Torah thoughts, and delicious food? Still, he respectfully agreed, even though curiosity burned in his heart.

The family worked hard to prepare. The finest foods were cooked. The home was cleaned and shining. The table was beautifully set with the best dishes in honor of the special guest.

When Shabbat arrived, Rabbi Israel came to their home. After the evening prayers, he made Kiddush over the wine, and the meal began. The family was excited to have the Rabbi at their table but the meal passed quickly. A dish was served, followed by a short song. Then came a brief Dvar Torah (Torah thought), and almost immediately the next course. Before long, they were reciting Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals), and the meal was over.

The student could no longer hold back. With sincere confusion, he asked the Rabbi why he had asked for the Shabbat meal to be rushed. It had seemed almost like the Rabbi wanted to get it over with, chas v’shalom (Heaven forbid).

Rabbi Israel didn’t answer right away. Instead, he asked that the household servant be called. She was a widow who worked hard to support her children and provide food for her home.

She came in, standing humbly before the Rabbi. With emotion and a little embarrassment, she greeted him with “Shabbat Shalom.” Rabbi Israel gently apologized for having her serve each course so quickly.

But her response touched everyone in the room.

“Blessings upon your head, Rabbi,” she said. “On the contrary, because the meal was shorter, I can now go home and eat Shabbat dinner with my children instead of sitting alone while they’re already half-asleep waiting for me. And afterward, I can finally rest my tired bones.”

Rabbi Israel turned to his student and said softly, “Do you understand, my dear student? A beautiful Shabbat meal with songs and Torah is important. But not when it comes at the expense of someone else.”

This small, quiet act of compassion taught a lesson that would stay with the student forever and with us, too. True Shabbat joy includes the joy of others.

(Adapted from the Dirshu website)