“What a beautiful fish, I must buy it in honor of Shabbos (the Sabbath Day)!” exclaimed a Jewish woman excitedly to the maid who’d accompanied her to the marketplace. “How fortunate that we came nice and early this Friday.”

Because the fish was so large, it was very expensive, but she could well afford it. Her husband, a noted scholar and leader of the community, was also quite wealthy.

She herself was an exceptional woman. As the daughter of and granddaughter of holy rabbis, she well appreciated the delight and importance of a Torah atmosphere on Shabbos. Seeing her purchase energetically thrashing around in her basket, she joyfully thanked G d for enabling her to add to the beauty and holiness of the Shabbos table in such truly fine fashion.

That afternoon a carriage pulled up in front of their door, and a distinguished-looking man stepped out. No one knew who he was, but it was obvious from his appearance and his manners that here was a true Torah personality. Her husband welcomed him heartily, and with respect and deference invited him to stay for Shabbos.

The guest, who chose not to reveal his identity, definitely enjoyed Shabbos with his scholarly host in the luxurious setting, the whole time, night and day, he was nagged by a mystery. What was the reason for the amazing chain of events that led him to spend the Day of Rest so far from his home? Surely it was not just to have a pleasurable Shabbos. What was he supposed to accomplish here?

After Seuda Shelishis (the Third Meal on the Sabbath) the holy rabbi retired to his room to rest for a bit, but his feeling of unfulfilled purpose gave him no peace. He decided to do a shaalas chalom (“query by dream”). Before he lay down, he composed his mind carefully and focused on his query: “May Heaven inform me why I have been sent to this town. Where are the hidden sparks of holiness that I am supposed to elevate? What must I achieve?”

When he awoke, he had his answer. There is no special task for you to fulfill here, he was informed while he slept, nor anything to rectify. But on Friday morning the lady of the house had purchased a large fish in honor of Shabbos, and on her way home from the marketplace she had prayed: “Ribbono She Olam – Master of the Universe You granted me this beautiful fish in honor of Your holy Shabbos. Please also grant me a suitably pious and learned guest to enjoy this fish tonight.” As nobody in this generation is more worthy than you, you were “summoned” by Heaven to arrive here for Shabbos.

After havdalah and the melaveh malkah meal, therabbi made his departure. The host and his sons escorted him out to his carriage. Much to their surprise—and at change with accepted custom—their distinguished holy guest requested of them that they call the hostess out for the farewell too.

When she arrived, he said to her: “I was a great distance from here, but because of your prayer yesterday, I was compelled to travel all the way here to spend Shabbos with your family. Your prayers are powerful!”

• Prepare the marinade. In a 4- or 5-quart pot, boil onion slices in one cup of water for 3 minutes. Add brown sugar, honey, salt, and lemon juice. Stir; after cooking one minute, taste and adjust ingredients as needed.

• Let the marinade cool. Add the salmon fillets and refrigerate in the pot for 3 hours.

• Remove the pot from the refrigerator. Bring to a slow boil. After 20 minutes, add raisins, bay leaves, and pickling spice. Cook 5 minutes longer; remove from heat. Remove bay leaves.

• Serve immediately or at room temperature. Store the fish slices in the marinade. It will keep in the refrigerator for one week.

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Rachmiel Tobesman is a motivational speaker and Maggid (spiritual Storyteller). He is available for speaking engagements or storytelling, Click here to contact us

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