ואכלת ושבעת וברכת…(עקב ח:י)

You will eat, and you will be satisfied.

A wealthy chassid, a miser, approached Harav Reb Yitzchak of Vurke zt’’l to discuss something.  This chassid lived a very penny-pinched life.  His daily habits consisted of eating a slice of black bread and a piece of herring.

During their discussion, the Vurke Rav reprimanded the chassid: “If Hashem blessed you with abundance, you’re required to eat fish, meat, and wine!”

The chassidim wondered why it bothered their Rebbe what the wealthy miser ate.  The Vurke Rebbe explained. “Don’t think it bothers me what this person eats.  What troubles me is the poor person.  However, if the wealthy person affords himself such meager food, he won’t share his meager food with the poor.  However, if he eats the food of someone of his stature, fish, meat, and wine, then the poor person will at least receive bread and herring from him!”

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