The Poor Man Who Dined on Fowl and Old Wine

Midrash Aggadah Ketubot 67b

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 19, 2025

A beggar once came to Rava's door asking for a meal. The story is told in tractate Ketubot (folio 67, column 2), and it is really about the difference between charity as surveillance and charity as dignity.

"What do you usually eat?" asked Rava.

"Stuffed fowl and old wine," said the man.

Rava blinked. "Aren't you concerned about being such a burden to the community?"

The beggar shook his head. "I eat nothing belonging to them. Only what the Lord provides. As we are taught, 'The eyes of all wait upon You, and You give them their food in its season' (Psalm 145:15). It is not written their season — it is written its season. From this we learn that the Holy One provides each individual with the food he needs in the season of his need."

At that very moment Rava's sister walked in, whom he had not seen in thirteen years. And in her hands she carried — stuffed fowl and old wine.

Rava stared. Then he turned to his visitor and bowed his head. "I beg your pardon, friend. Rise, please, and eat."

The rabbis loved this story because it turns a smug donor's question inside out. Sometimes the poor man is not the problem; he is the proof that Heaven sets a table neither the rich nor the learned control.

Themes

Charity Poverty Rabbis Humility Miracles

Biblical References

Psalm 145:15

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