When the Printer Stopped: A Powerful Pre-Shabbat Decision That Changed Everything

A High-Stakes Case with a Life-Changing Lesson

In the Hashgacha Pratit Hebrew-language magazine, a professional arbitrator named Avraham shared a gripping personal story that offers a timeless reminder of Hashem’s promise: “Listen to Me, no one who obeys Me will ever lose” (Devarim Rabbah 4:5). What began as a routine arbitration case turned into a profound life lesson about faith, timing, and Divine providence.

“My name is Avraham, and I work as an arbitrator. People come to me to resolve a range of legal disputes. They formally agree to accept my ruling, saving themselves the time and complexity of going to a religious court. Everything is conducted strictly according to halacha (Jewish law), and thank God, I’ve been privileged to help many Jews reach peaceful resolutions. My clients come from all walks of life, including many who are not religiously observant. With Hashem’s help, I’ve earned their trust. They’ve come to see that if you really want justice, the Torah’s laws are the gold standard.”

One day, Avraham was approached by two wealthy businessmen, each claiming ownership of a series of buildings. The outcome of the case would mean either a $10 million profit or a $10 million loss. Due to the enormous stakes, they entrusted Avraham with the decision.

“The case involved stacks of documents, including contracts, proofs, and records. I knew I needed to review everything in depth, without skipping a single detail. I gave the clients a firm deadline: the ruling would be ready by the end of the month, which fell on a Friday. I chose that date carefully, knowing how crucial it was to uphold my word. Much of my reputation is built on being punctual and reliable, values I consider sacred.”

A Printer, a Principle, and a Divine Whisper

“I worked hard. I read every clause, examined every footnote, and then immersed myself in the halachic (Jewish legal) elements. Finally, I carefully and precisely drafted the ruling. On that Friday, as promised, I approached the printer to print the final decision. But the printer didn’t respond.

Everything looked normal. I checked the machine. I opened the lid, and that’s when I saw the clock. It was exactly midday.

Years earlier, after learning Pesachim 50b, I had made a personal kabbalah (resolution) to stop working from chatzot (midday) on Friday and holiday eve. The Talmud and Shulchan Aruch warn that those who work after this time will not see blessing in their work. Since then, I’ve kept this commitment without fail.

But here I was, mere minutes away from delivering on a lucrative contract. If I didn’t deliver on time, I risked losing credibility. My client’s lawyer was waiting. The case had been well-paid. My name and trustworthiness were on the line. On the other hand, my kabbalah stood firm: no work after chatzot.”

Avraham described the inner tug-of-war. “I wanted to fiddle with the printer for just a few more minutes. After all, what was the point of all this effort if I couldn’t hand over the final ruling on time? But suddenly, Hashem had mercy on me, and a thought entered my mind: ‘The lawyer isn’t here in this room, but Hashem is. He sees the time. He knows about my personal commitment. He’s watching me. He’s testing me. It’s as if He’s calling out, “Avraham! Avraham!” And what should I answer? “Hineni" (here I am).’”

“In that moment of clarity, I turned away, locked the office, and left everything behind. Whatever would be, would be. After chatzot on Fridays, I do not work.”

Later that day, the lawyer called. “I explained that the ruling was finished but couldn’t be printed due to a technical issue. I promised he’d have everything first thing Sunday morning. He accepted my explanation. And as Shabbat entered, I felt something extraordinary. It was as if I had brought a korban, a personal sacrifice to Hashem. I welcomed Shabbat with a deep sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.”

A Shocking Call and a Revelation

On Sunday morning, Avraham called the lawyer to let him know he was ready to print the ruling. But what he heard next sent chills down his spine.

“Wait," the lawyer said. "Don’t print anything yet. I’m on my way to the funeral of our client, the wealthy man involved in the case. He passed away suddenly on Shabbat. Cardiac arrest. And now that we’re dealing with his heirs, everything has changed.”

Avraham was stunned. The client had been the losing party in the case.

“If I had printed the ruling on Friday, he would’ve learned about the loss that very day. What would people have said? That a prominent tycoon died of heartbreak after losing $10 million? The media would’ve had a field day. They would have called me heartless. I might have been blamed for his death. I could have been sued, or worse, my entire reputation destroyed.

"But Hashem protected me. The ruling was never printed. No one linked his death to the decision in the case. The story never came out. All because the printer didn’t work. And because I stood firm in my commitment, even at the last possible moment.

"I learned something that day: it’s easy to take on resolutions. The real test is keeping them, especially when it counts. That’s when Hashem shows you how much blessing they bring.”

What Does Jewish Law Say About Working Late on Fridays?

Avraham’s story is rooted in a real halachic principle: refraining from work on Friday afternoons to honor the sanctity of Shabbat. The following guidelines, based on the Yalkut Yosef, clarify what is and isn’t permitted as Shabbat approaches.

1. General Rule: From mincha ketana (2.5 halachic hours before sunset), one may not engage in weekday work on Friday or holiday eve. Work done during this time lacks blessing. Exceptions are made for minor tasks like sewing a button or writing a casual letter.
2. Torah Writing: Writing divrei Torah for the sake of learning is permitted, even close to sunset, whether handwritten, typed, or done on a computer, especially if avoiding it would cancel Torah study.
3. Business Activity: Some permit commercial dealings until candle lighting; others disagree. The widespread custom is to allow sales and purchases until 20 minutes before sunset, as long as there’s time to get home and prepare for Shabbat.
4. Preventing Loss: Things classified as davar ha’aved, activities that would lead to a financial loss if postponed, may be done even close to Shabbat. This includes obvious Shabbat preparations like fixing a hotplate or electrical short, even by a professional.
5. Haircuts: Getting a haircut on Friday afternoon is permitted, even after chatzot, and even when using a paid Jewish barber. There is no halachic or mystical concern in doing so.
6. Laundry: Some are lenient with regard to automatic washing machines after mincha ketana, especially in the winter, when delaying laundry may prevent it from drying in time.