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| The old tzaddik (righteous man) makes his way home after the sun goes down. Initially exhausted from the day's work as life in the shtetl (village) is harsh, he now feels rejuvenated as he carries home some provisions in anticipation for the up-coming Shabbat. He begins to picture how the cabbage he's just purchased will look (and taste) in a few days when it has been stuffed, prepared and placed on the Shabbat table. He thinks lovingly of his wife, Chana, and how her tender hands skillfully knead and braid the challah. His mind races to all the memories of such splendid and tasty things she's made for each Shabbat out of the few, simple things he's able to buy each night after acquiring a meager amount received for his day's labor. He spends his earnings carefully, with much deliberation... a rubble or two for fish, another for eggs, another for flour, and the most for the Shabbat chicken. What he buys, each night at the evening market, he wraps carefully and carries it home in a basket to surprise his wife, Chana, who never knows what he'll bring. He can't buy everything tonight, as he'll have to work another few days to earn more... for some potatoes, barley, carrots and fatted beef for the Shabbat day's cholent (piping-hot stew), and wine and vodka. And if the week is overly prosperous he may, on the way home on Erev (eve of) Shabbat, buy a honey cake or a sweet pastry surprise made with apples and brandy in honor of the good fortune G-d has shown him. |