כריח השדה אשר ברכו ה’ (תולדות כז: כז)

The Pasuk describes that Yaakov’s clothes smelled of Gan Eden.

A humble and pious Yid named Reb Dovid of Zelin z’’l was a good friend of the tzaddik Reb Dovid of Lelov zt’’l.  Since their towns were close, the two friends traveled together to Lublin to spend some time with the Chozeh of Lublin zt’’l.

As they were preparing for an upcoming trip to Lublin, Reb Dovid of Zelin informed his wife that Reb Dovid Lelover would be stopping by to pick him up.  Reb Dovid asked if she could prepare something appropriate for such a worthy guest.

Reb Dovid of Zelin’s home was very impoverished, and his poor wife lacked basic provisions to prepare something decent, never mind delectable.  She headed out to the forest for some wood to light a fire, and with some meager leftover flour in the pantry, she created some concoction of flour and water and baked it in the heated oven.  She then served it to Reb Dovid Lelover and to her husband.  After completing their meal, they headed on with their journey.

When Reb Dovid Lelover returned home from the trip, he told his Rebbetzin that he had eaten the most wonderful and delicious meal at Reb Dovid of Zelin’s home.  His Rebbetzin wondered what rare and tasty food her husband ate there since he was one to typically refrain from discussing worldly pleasures. 

Reb Dovid Lelover’s rebbetzin decided to visit the wife of Reb Dovid of Zelin to inquire about the unique delicacy that her husband enjoyed.  Reb Dovid of Zelin’s wife, admitted: “Honestly, I had nothing to serve, no vegetables, fats, or proteins.  So I headed out to the forest to collect some wood and lifted my eyes heavenward in prayer. Ribbono Shel Olam, you know how badly I want to prepare the tastiest foods for such a worthy tzaddik to eat, but what can I serve when there’s nothing in my home? But You, Hashem, You own Gan Eden, so I ask you to infuse the taam (taste) of Gan Eden into the food I prepare so that the tzaddik will enjoy it!”

( קודש הילולים)