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קטגוריה: Shabbos Stories

פורסם בחמישי, 19 נובמבר 2020 18:46

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כניסות: 442

Shabbos is Shabbos

The “Yerushalmi tzaddik” (the ”Righteous One of Jerusalem”), R’ Aryeh Levine, was known as “the Rabbi of the Prisoners” because he would visit Jews imprisoned by the British government, encouraging them and writing to them. They were primarily Jews who had been in the Underground, some of whom had been sentenced to death. He was famed and beloved for his good character traits, his modesty, his love for his fellow, and his many acts of kindness.

During the time of the Mandate, a number of stores owned by Jews remained open on Shabbos. Various rabbis and public activists tried to convince them to close their stores on Fridays before sunset, and in the end succeeded in their efforts. However the owner of one particular grocery store refused to comply with them. “True, honoring Shabbos is very important,” he said. “But on Shabbos I earn nicely and it’s a pity to close the store then.”

R’ Aryeh Levine heard about this, and was very pained by the man’s behavior. One Friday, R’ Aryeh donned Shabbos clothing earlier than usual, put on his shtreimel (a special Shabbos and holiday hat) and went to that grocery store long before sunset. When he entered the store, he quietly walked down the rows of shelves and watched the lively activity of the customers. Then he sat down on a chair and continued to observe them.

The grocer saw R’ Aryeh, but didn’t say a word to him, thinking that the elderly rav (rabbi) had stopped off in the store to rest on the way to the synagogue. However, as sunset neared, R’ Aryeh’s presence in the store made him feel a bit uncomfortable. Although the grocer continued to deal with his customers, every now and then he would glance at R’ Aryeh, who still sat there.

In the end, the grocer approached R’ Aryeh and said: “I see that you have been sitting here for quite a while. Do you feel well? Can I help you?”

R’ Aryeh rose and said: “I heard that you keep your store open on Shabbos. I know that a number of people spoke to you about this, but I wanted to personally see your situation. Now I know that it is very hard for you to close and to lose so much money. I really feel your pain. But what can I say – Shabbos is Shabbos.”

The grocer was sta;tred, and remained silent for a moment. Then his eyes filled with tears, and he thanked R’ Aryeh for having troubled to come all the way to the store in order to see his situation with his own eyes. He then warmly shook R’ Aryeh’s hand and said: “I promise to try my best to close the store on Shabbos.”

R’ Aryeh wished him a good Shabbos and went on his way. Not long afterwards, the grocer closed his store every week before Shabbos.

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