A wealthy merchant had two sons who lived in a distant city. The first was a rich merchant like his father, while the second was a penniless beggar. The two brothers had not seen their father for many years.
One day, the wealthy son received a letter from his father informing him that his youngest brother was getting married and that his sons join him and the rest of the family for the wedding. The father, in his letter, wrote, “I have a request to make of you, do not be sparing in the slightest; rather, purchase lavish attire in my honor, and come celebrate this joyous wedding with us. You needn’t worry — I will cover all of the expenses.”
Heeding his father’s request, the wealthy son, wife and children all bought beautiful richly embroidered clothing, befitting individuals of their stature. When the day of the wedding arrived, he ordered a magnificent coach to transport them to the celebration.
Prior to setting out, he sent for his poor brother ordering him to rush to his house. The poor brother arrived wearing clothing that was tattered and torn. He wondered why he had been called. “Get up into the coach quickly,” ordered the wealthy brother. “There is no time for explanations. We are going to travel to our father in order to participate in the wedding of our youngest brother.”
When news of his sons’ arrival reached the father’s house, he and his household, all of his servants as well as his many friends, went out to greet them. Adding to the festive atmosphere was a band of musicians, who marched in front of them, playing pleasant and joyous melodies. When the coach arrived, the wealthy son and his family — dressed ever so elegantly — got down from the coach, only to be followed by the poor brother who was barefoot and wearing rags.
“Who is this man?” whispered the shocked townspeople.
The more observant of the crowd were quick to answer, “Don’t you recognize him?” they said. “He is the man’s second son.” The wedding was held in grand style, and after seven days of feasting, the wealthy son approached his father to in order to bid him farewell. “Go in peace,” said the father. “May Hashem grant you a safe journey.”
“But father,” asked the son boldly,” what about the expenses that you promised to cover?”
“Look carefully at what it says in the letter that I sent you,” responded the father.
”I agreed to reimburse you on condition that you purchased beautiful clothing in my honor… Yet you did nothing whatsoever to honor me!” cried the father. “All of the money you spent was solely to enhance your own honor!
For if you were truly concerned with my honor, you would have made sure that your brother was dressed appropriately as well. Just look at the embarrassment and shame you’ve caused me by allowing my son to arrive barefoot and dressed in rags.”
A person should therefore try his utmost to honor and enjoy Shabbos – the Holy Sabbath day. How can it be that a person could sit in his home, dressed in elegant attire and enjoying of delicious delights, while his unfortunate brother sits in his home like a mourner, eating nothing more than just plain bread and simple food?
We learn, “Honor your father and your mother”: I would think that they are to be honored with words. It is, therefore, written (Mishlei/Proverbs 3:9) “Honor the L rd from your wealth.” Just as there, “wealth,” here, too, food, drink, and a new garment are understood.” (Mekhilta d’Rabbi Yishmael 20:12) We should strive to serve the Holy One, blessed be He and not exclusively ourselves.
Sadly, this is an indication that the money he spent on his Shabbos delicacies was not for the purpose of delighting in the gifts from the Holy One, blessed be He, but rather, simply to indulge himself. Hashem does not guarantee to reimburse such expenditures.
It is written, “If you refrain from trampling the Sabbath, From pursuing your affairs on My holy day; If you call the Sabbath “delight,” The L-rd’s holy day “honored”. And if you honor it and go not your ways nor look to your affairs, nor strike bargains Then you can seek the favor of the L-rd.” (Isaiah 58: 13-14)
May you be blessed by Shabbos with a special sense of holiness that lasts from Shabbos to Shabbos
May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)
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Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)
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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