The Beggar at the Wedding

Once upon a time, long ago, there was a man whose fame had spread far and wide in the land where he lived. He was exceedingly good-hearted, and as he had plenty of money, he was able to help the poor. Dovid, for that was the man's name, had a gentle and good wife. They had an only daughter, named Chanah.

In time, Chanah grew up into a most lovely young woman, whose hand and fortune were wanted after by many young men. One young man succeeded in gaining her favour by giving a few coins to the poor whenever Chanah drew his attention to the one in need. This charity, however, was not genuine, for if alone the young man would refuse to listen to the poor. Chanah consented to accept this young man as her husband, and at last, the wedding day was fixed. When the day arrived, her home was filled with the songs of joy and gladness. At the marriage feast happy laughter cheered the hearts of all the guests.

Next day all this happiness was suddenly, changed into grief, for death had claimed the bridegroom as his victim. The lonely bride weeping and lamenting, had laid aside her beautiful wedding dress and her bridal decorations and had put on the black dress of a mourner. All that had happened seemed as though it were a dream to the poor girl. Even her parents could hardly realize the terrible misfortune which had so suddenly befallen them. Yesterday saw the wedding and to-day was to see the funeral of the luckless husband.

In time, their sorrow gradually became less intense and the tears of the widow dried off her beautiful face, for time cures every unpleasantness under the sun. Chanah's beauty and wealth soon brought new young men who wanted to marry her, and she accepted as a husband a man who was harsh and domineering by nature. He wooed Chanah for the sake of her fortune.

Again, the bridal eve was followed by a night of death. Grief and tears again followed the joy and happiness of the marriage day. For a second time this cruel fate overtook the unfortunate bridegroom, who, like the first young man, had only married for the sake of money.

Chanah turned to her parents and the many friends and family and cried, The world is a strong sea and time forms a frail bridge over it. With time, my sorrow will grow less and I will again be happy.

After awhile a young man came to Chanah. He was learned, handsome and enjoyed being in the company of Chanah. He spoke words of wisdom and studied much, but he did not put his learning into practice.

The young man was indeed a scholar of note, but he sought the knowledge for his own glory. He sought Chanah for her wealth and influence. His love was for himself and not her.

Everyone gathered to celebrate Chanah's wedding. The happiness and joy went into the night with dancing and blessings. But, alas, death struck the young groom before morning and so the wedding day was followed by a funeral.

In the presence of all the friends of her dear parents Chanah cried, "Three times have I married and each time I have lost my husband. Never again will I marry, for I will not again lead my beloved to death. G-d's hand is stretched out against me for some unknown sin. Three times was I married in order to increase the joy of my dear parents, but this joy has been changed three times into heartbreaking sorrow for all of us. From this day on, I will remain a widow. Everyday will I weep and pray to the Holy One, blessed be He to forgive me the sin which has cost so dearly."

Her friends held their peace and left the sorrowing girl and her parents to comfort one another as best they could.

Dovid had an old classmate and dear friend named Shmuel, who lived in a far-off country. For many years they had not heard from one another. In their youth they had parted, each bent on seeking his fortune. As we have seen, Dovid had become very wealthy. Shmuel, however, although blessed with a worthy wife and ten children, had remained a poor man. He and his oldest son collected wood in the forest near their hut. Sometimes they were lucky and sold all the wood that they had gathered. One day they failed to find any customers, and when they returned home at night they were penniless. The result was that next day the entire family was without food.

The next day Shmuel and his eldest son, whose name was Yosef, went to the market­place to sell the wood, but without any success. They resolved to spend the night in the forest rather than see the misery of the starving children in their unhappy home.

Shmuel and Yosef prayed to G-d for help. After a while Yosef turned to his father and suggested that the best thing to do would be to go to his rich friend, Dovid and to ask his assistance. Shmuel gladly agreed to this plan.

Early next morning they returned home and told their dear ones about the plan which they had adopted. Yosef took leave of his beloved parents, sisters and brothers and set
out on his journey strengthened by the prayers and blessings of all the family.

When his father's friend saw him, he, his wife and daughter rejoiced with him very much and asked about his father, mother and brothers. When they heard of the terrible poverty in Yosef's home they immediately sent their trusty servant to help the family with food, money and clothing. Yosef wished to return home in company with the servant, but he was persuaded by Dovid for a short visit. His warm presence soon brought comfort and happiness to the sad Chanah. Often they sat together in the beautiful garden around Dovid's house and read and spoke about the stirring stories of the Torah and other holy books.

A few weeks of unclouded happiness soon passed by, and Yosef thought that the time had come when he should return home. He went to Dovid one morning and said to him, "Let me ask you, dear friend on my father, to do me a favour, which you can readily promise to do. You have given me so much already. I shall never forget all your love and kindness. One thing only is still wanting to complete my hearts desire. Well do I know how generously you have assisted my beloved father and mother. You have fed and clothed my poor sisters and brothers. You have kept me here for many a happy day as your guest. If you do not promise to do this one favour which I am about to ask, I must at once leave you and return to my own home, for I fear I have already stayed here too-long"

"How can I refuse you your request, dear Yosef," cried Dovid. "I faithfully promise on my word of honour to do what you ask, for I know that you are a good and noble lad with an honest and kind heart. I am sure you would never ask for anything which is neither, right nor just."

That is so," said Yosef. "Now, dear friend of my father, since you have given me your promise, listen to my request. I know you do not really wish me to return home. I will agree to stay with you on one condition and make your home mine also."

What is the condition?" cried Dovid impatiently.

"The condition," continued Yosef, is that you give me your consent to marry your dear daughter Chanah. When we are married, we will live with you and comfort you and your dear wife for the rest of your lives."

Dovid's face became white and with tears in his eyes he shook his head. What you are asking is impossible. Do you not know, dear Yosef, that Chanah has already beer married three times and each time her husband died in the night following the wedding Yosef, beloved son of my dear friend, please do not insist, for you are really asking ME for leave to die, and I dare not consent. Please do not try to persuade me to agree tc your proposal. If you do, it will be to your own hurt."

But you have given me your word of honour to grant my request," said Yosef," and you word is your bond. Well do I know the sad story of dear Chanah's weddings. I am full)
aware that the three husbands who in turn married her died in the first night of their marriage. The fault was not Chanah's. She is so good and loving, so true and innocent. I trust in the Holy One, blessed be He with all my heart and soul, and I will gladly risk my life and happiness in marrying her. The love of Holy One, blessed be He will shield me from all harm. Have no fear, give your consent and we shall all be happy."

Dovid with quivering voice addressed the young man, saying, "Yosef, I love you as though you were my son. Listen well to what I am about to say. If by marrying my daughter you think you will obtain her fortune, tell me if this be the case, truthfully and I will satisfy you and redeem my pledge by giving you her dowry. Nay, I will double the amount if you agree not to wed my child. If this should not satisfy you, name the sum of money you desire, and if I possess it, it shall be yours. I will gladly give it with a good will, only do not risk your precious life by running into danger. You have been a source of real comfort and happiness to us all ever since you set foot in our house. Do not I beseech you, plunge us all into indescribable misery by risking your life. To marry Chanah is to die."

Dear friend of my father! "Yosef cried, "Do you really think for one moment that I wish to marry Chanah for the sake of money. Do not even think that I would take a single coin if I am not allowed to marry her. I do not think of money or worldly things now, for I know that love is the best of all treasures. In Chanah have I found my beshert (chosen one), she alone of all women on earth will be mine, even as I alone of all men will be hers, now and always. Fate is not against us, for I feel that we are destined to make one another happy. What is more, in our happiness you and dear aunt will find your true peace and joy. My love for Chanah is stronger than death."

Seeing the foolishness of continuing the discussion, Dovid consented to carry out his promise, and said that he would at once tell the news to Chanah and her mother. No sooner had he related the proposal to his daughter than she began to weep bitterly and raised her eyes toward heaven and prayed, "Ribbono shel olam (Master of the Universe), let Your hand strike me but do not have Yosef die through me." Joyfully would she have suffered death sooner than see any harm befall Yosef, whom she loved with all her heart. She knew how noble was his character, and she realized that nothing would induce him to change his mind. She felt that she was helpless and that there was nothing to be done except to put her life and that of her beloved Yosef in the hands of G-d.

Later in the day Yosef came to her and placed the engagement ring on her finger, meanwhile saying, "With this ring are you betrothed unto me according to the Law of Moses and of Israel."

They sealed their engagement by a sweet kiss, exchanging promises of love and faithfulness. In spite of her happiness, tears welled up in her eyes, for she knew that their great joy and love were in the balance. Yosef tried to console her by telling her that all would be well.

The news of their engagement soon spread in the town where they lived, and the friends of Chanah's parents came to wish the couple joy and good luck, thinking that their congratulations would gladden the hearts of Chanah and of her parents. Yosef's usual good humour was intensified by the happy event. He sought out the poor, to whom he gave gifts of money, well remembering the poverty in which he had lived until he came to his father’s friend.

A few weeks later, the wedding ceremony was fixed to be celebrated. Once again Chanah put on her bridal gown, thinking the while of the terrible misfortunes she had experienced. At last the hour came when she stood with Yosef at her side beneath the chuppah.

Just as everyone was gathering under the chuppah, an old man, unknown to all the assembled guests, approached Yosef and asked him to give him a moment's attention because he had to tell him something of very important. Yosef immediately turned aside with the stranger and asked him if he required any help. The stranger replied, "I come to help you, for I know that you have a good and kind heart. I ask you to remember that wealth will not avail in the hour of your need, charity alone will save you and deliver you from death. Be hospitable this day and invite to your wedding feast the poor who w bless you for your kindness. This is all I have to say, and now let me go, for I wish you well."

The stranger was Eliyahu hallovi (Elijah the Prophet), the friend and comforter of all in trouble and distress.
The wedding began, and the guests took their places at the feast. At the head of the table sat the bridegroom, and at hi: side was his beautiful bride. The guests began to eat and to drink, when all of a sudden there was seen at the door of the room a beggar in rags and tatters, his skin yellow and unwashed, his hair sticking up like spikes, barefoot and his stature bent. His eyes were flaming like fire, and as he entered a overwhelming silence fell upon the meal. Not a sound was heard within the room, all was hushed in strange suspense, until Yosef in a loud and fearless voice cried, " Come here, good friend, you are most welcome at this, my marriage feast. At my side shall you sit, for here all are most heartily welcome." Yosef told the servants to go to the doo of the house and to invite all the poor who passed by to join his guests.

The beggar went to the seat next to Yosefs and sat down. Yosef waited on his unknown guest and gave him of the best of the foods and drink. When the banquet was over the bride arose and went to her chamber. Yosef arose likewise and was about to follow her when the beggar placed his hand on Yosef's shoulder and said in a whisper "I must have just one word with you in private, please. I cannot stay here much longer, but I have to tell you why I am with you today."

Yosef led him to an empty room and requested him to be seated. After a moment or two had gone by the stranger began to speak as follows, " My friend, I am truly sorry for your own and also for your dear wife's sake, but I have come here on a very sad errand. I am sent to you against my will. It is Highest Judge who has sent me here to take you to Him. Prepare now to leave the world and all its joys."

Yosef looked at his guest without fear, and in a very calm voice he said, "If this be the will of the Holy One, blessed be He, so be it done in love and obedience. All the same, I ask you to grant me a delay of just one year in happiness with my wife, and then I promise to go with you." "No, my good friend, it cannot be," cried the Angel of Death, who was disguised as the beggar. "Not even a month," said the angel, "not even the seven days of rejoicing given to the bride and bridegroom, not even one day's delay, but this very day must you die even as the former three husbands of your beloved wife."
Yosef quickly replied, "G-d's word is true, and He is true. If you cannot grant my request to delay your task, give me leave to go to my wife and to bid her farewell."

"This will I gladly allow, "the angel sadly replied," in return for your kindness to me this day, you knew me not yet have you treated me as a friend."

The angel spoke so gently because his heart was full of sorrow. He knew that Yosef was a good and true man, and it grieved him to lead him through the valley of the shadow of death.

Yosef went quickly to his wife's chamber and entered. He found her crying and praying with a broken heart. "Quick, my beloved," he whispered, "my time is very short, I cannot stay here, I must leave and go far away with the strange beggar. He has come to fetch me. Let me bless you for your unfailing sweetness and love, come, let me kiss you for the last time."

"If," she cried, " you must leave I will go with you, for now we are one and nothing shall ever part us, not even cruel death itself."

With a passionate grip, she took his hand and told him to lead her to the beggar. When she saw him, she said, "Stranger! You are still our guest beneath our roof. If you would repay our hospitality this day just grant me one little favour. Take me with my husband to the Eternal Judge and I will ask Him whether His holy word in the Law is true. Is it not written: 'And what man is there that has betrothed a wife, and has not taken her, let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man take her and is it further stated, When a man has taken a bride, he shall not go out with the army, nor shall he be required for any business, he shall be free for one year for his home for one year, and he shall gladden his wife whom he has married?' The Holy One, Blessed be He is true and His Torah is true, and if you take the soul of my husband, you will be turning the Torah into a falsehood. If you accept my words, it is well, but if not, then come with me to the Great Court before the Judge of all judges."

"This I cannot do" cried the angel, "I will go for you and present your request and wi bring you the answer from the heavenly court."

His sorrow for the unfortunate bride and bridegroom prompted him to do this service c love. The angel added, " I will join in the choir of angels who praise G-d morning an evening, and I will put your question before se Father of Mercy who dwells with the meek and the broken-hearted. I hope for- the sake of both of you that Yosef’s life will be spared."

In a moment the angel was gone and in another moment he returned. His face wa shining with heavenly light and his voice was sweet and soft

"Listen," he said. "Good friends! I rejoice to tell you that your prayers have been heard. Live well and long together, enjoy your life. The other husbands died because they married, not for love, but for greed of gold. They were hard-hearted, scorning the poor and the weak. You shall live to help others to live and to prosper. Farewell! "and in a second the angel was seen no more.

The bride and bridegroom spent that night in giving praise to G-d for His love and mercy. The parents, however, were weeping throughout the long night, while their friends had prepared the grave for Yosef,s body. At dawn, Yosef went to his Dovid and his wife to greet them. They were greatly overcome with joy and comforted one another by praying together to the Almighty. All then rushed to fill in the unused grave. In this plot they planted seeds of daffodils, so that in time to come they might look upon the beautiful flower as an emblem of the Divine Mercy.   

Yosef continued to be charitable and kind to all who needed his help. Whenever the people saw him, they were wont to exclaim, "Truly charity delivers from death."

Midrash Tanchuma, Ha'azinu, § vii