“Better a meal of herbs where there is love than a fatted ox where there is hatred” (Proverbs 15:17). Relating to who did King Solomon refer to in this verse? It was two men he met.

During the time when he lost his kingdom and went begging from door to door in order to eat, two men met him and recognized him. One of them came, bowed down before him, and said, “My lord king, please join me in a meal today.” He went with him at once, and the man led him to an upper floor and prepared an ox and brought all kinds of fine food before him and began telling Solomon all about his kingdom, saying, “Do you remember how you ruled with kindness and wisdom when you were the king?” As soon as he reminded him of his days of royalty, Solomon the king began to weep as his heart ached and this went on throughout that meal until he rose and went away, filled with his tears.

The next day another man met him, bowed down before him, and said to him, “My lord king, would you care to share a meal with me today?” King Solomon answered him, “Do you wish to treat me as your friend did yesterday?” “My lord king,” the man answered, “I am a poor man, but I would be honored f you would share a meal with me today of the few herbs I have.” So he went to his home, and the man washed his hands and feet and fetched him some herbs. Then the man began consoling King Solomon saying, “My lord king, the Holy One, blessed be He swore an oath to your father that He would not deprive his seed of royalty. But such is the way of the Holy One, blessed be He as He rebukes and rebukes again, as it is written ‘For whom the L-rd loves, He rebukes, as a father his son for whom he cares’ (Proverbs 3:12). Yet the Holy One, blessed be He will restore you to your kingdom.”

As soon as King Solomon heard this, he felt at ease and rejoiced in that meal of herbs and rose from it feeling he had eaten his fill.

When Solomon returned to his royal throne, he wrote in his wisdom: “‘Better a meal of herbs where there is love’, which I ate with the poor man, ‘than a fatted ox where there is hatred,’ which I was fed by the rich man who reminded me of my grief,”

Mishlei Rabba 39-40

Yevreysky Salat – Russian Jewish Salad

1 lb. cabbage sgredded (about ½ a medium cabbage)		1 small onion (red or yellow) thinly sliced
2 medium carrots shredded		3 Tbsp oil (olive, avocado, or vegetable)
2 Tbsp water		1 red or green bell pepper thinly sliced
1 medium cucumber thinly sliced		2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp white distilled vinegar		2 Tbsp sugar, or to taste
6-7 small radishes thin

Directions

Combine all of the shredded and sliced vegetables together in a large bowl. Season with salt and toss until everything is coated.

For the dressing, whisk together the water, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar and sugar. Let the sugar dissolve for a few minutes, then whisk the oil into the vinegar mixture. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss the salad. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Taste prior to serving; season with more salt if necessary. The salad keeps for up to a week in the refridgerator but will soften more each day.

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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