Jewish tradition is filled with stories of those who tried, and one of the most fascinating involves a young couple, a mysterious beggar, and the Angel of Death himself.
Imagine a wealthy, pious man blessed with a beautiful and saintly daughter. Sounds like a fairy tale beginning, right? But tragedy had struck repeatedly. She'd lost three husbands, each one dying on the very day after their wedding. Understandably, she vowed never to marry again. Who could blame her?
Now, enter a distant cousin, a nephew of her father. He was driven by the poverty of his own family to seek help from his rich uncle. But as soon as he saw his lovely cousin, well, all thoughts of financial assistance flew out the window. He was smitten. He wanted to marry her!
Her father, knowing the tragic history, tried to dissuade him. But the young man was undeterred. He wasn't afraid of the fate that had befallen his predecessors. Love, it seems, can be a powerful force. So, the wedding took place.
As he stood beneath the chuppah, the wedding canopy, a figure approached him. It was Elijah, the prophet, disguised as an old man. Elijah, a figure who often appears in Jewish lore to offer guidance and assistance, gave him a crucial piece of advice. "My son," he said, "at the wedding dinner, a ragged, dirty beggar with wild hair will approach you. Seat him beside you, offer him food and drink, and grant whatever he asks. Do this, and you will be protected." Then, just as quickly as he appeared, Elijah vanished.
Sure enough, at the wedding feast, a stranger matching Elijah's description appeared. The groom, remembering the prophet's words, did exactly as he was instructed. He welcomed the beggar, sharing his food and drink, treating him with utmost respect.
After the wedding, the stranger revealed his true identity. He was the malach ha-mavet, the Angel of Death, sent by God to take the young husband's life. Can you imagine the groom's terror?
He pleaded with the Angel of Death, begging for his life. But the angel was unmoved, refusing even a single day's respite. The only concession he offered was permission for the young husband to say farewell to his new bride.
When the bride realized what was happening, that her worst fears were coming true, she took matters into her own hands. She went to the Angel of Death and argued with him, and this is where the story takes a truly remarkable turn.
"The Torah," she declared, "clearly exempts the newly wed from all duties for a whole year! If you take my husband's life now, you will be contradicting the very word of God!" According to Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews, she used her knowledge of Jewish law to challenge the angel’s decree.
And here's the unbelievable part: God listened! He commanded the Angel of Death to desist. When the relatives of the bride, already mourning, went to prepare the grave, they found the groom alive and well!
What does this story, found within Legends of the Jews, tell us? Is it simply a fantastical tale? Or is it a powerful reminder of the strength of love, the importance of hospitality, and the unwavering power of faith? Perhaps it suggests that even death itself can be challenged, even negotiated with, especially when the arguments are rooted in justice and the sacred word. Maybe, just maybe, we have more power than we think.