5 Captivating Shabbat Stories from Legendary Rabbis

1. A wealthy philanthropist lived in Jerusalem, enjoying great success in business, until his fortunes suddenly turned, and he started losing his wealth. Friends approached the revered Rabbi Shlomo of Zvhil to intervene. The rabbi sighed and cited the Talmud in Gittin, stating that one reason homeowners lose their wealth is inspecting their properties on Shabbat. Perhaps he hadn't been careful about avoiding business thoughts on Shabbat, for if he had, he would have only risen, not fallen."

When the rabbi's words reached the businessman, he admitted it was true; he often found himself pondering business deals on Shabbat, especially since he regularly gathered with fellow merchants on Saturday nights to discuss upcoming transactions.

2. Rabbi Moshe Brim was exceedingly cautious regarding Shabbat laws. One Shabbat, upon waking, he was distressed to find a dead mosquito on his hand. He feared he might have inadvertently crushed it in his sleep. From that Shabbat on, Rabbi Moshe pledged not to swat any creature, big or small, for an entire year, be it weekday or Shabbat. This commitment was especially challenging during summer when insects abounded. To those puzzled by his resolve, he explained, "One must be careful of the One who commands the Shabbat!"

3. During Rabbi Baruch Dov Leibowitz's tenure as head of the Kaminetz Yeshiva, observing Shabbat was a true test of faith. Merchants closing their shops faced tough trials when competitors remained open, bustling with customers.

Once, while walking in the city on Shabbat, Rabbi Baruch Dov saw a Jewish-owned store securely locked. Moved, he approached and kissed the lock, saying, "This lock bears witness to its owner observing the covenant with Hashem, who commanded the Shabbat. It's a testament to their strong bond with their Heavenly Father!"

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4. In the town of Kalish, a carefree Jew openly carried objects on Shabbat in public. Despite many admonitions from townspeople, he brushed them off. One day, the town's rabbi, Reb Chaim Elazar Waks, saw him and remarked, "Know that you'll have to answer for not fulfilling the mitzvah of blowing the shofar on a Rosh Hashanah that fell on Shabbat!" Puzzled, the man questioned the rabbi's words. "It's simple," the rabbi clarified. "The sages decreed to refrain from blowing the shofar on Shabbat due to concerns of carrying it in public. But you, who don't consider carrying an issue on Shabbat, are still obligated to the mitzvah. Hence, you will answer for its neglect!"

5. Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach highly cherished Shabbat laws, meticulously observing every detail. At the end of his life, though physically weak, when a doctor insisted on his immediate hospitalization on a Thursday, he refused to go straightaway, insisting on attending to an urgent matter first. He asked for his Shabbat coat, and with his remaining strength, dusted and brushed it in preparation, stating that if he didn't do it now, he might not manage to prepare his coat properly for Shabbat as was his custom.

What's the link between observing Shabbat and blessings of wealth? How are Shabbat laws relevant today? What advice can be given to those who struggle, despite their desire to strengthen their Shabbat observance? Join Rabbi Zamir Cohen for a captivating lecture answer to these questions: