Forced Blessings

Abraham devised a unique method to share his monotheistic beliefs. He set up a tent in the desert where travelers were served a lavish meal of bread, meat, wine, and other delicacies. When the guest was satisfied and ready to leave, Abraham would ask him to thank the Creator for the food. If the guest couldn’t do so, Abraham taught him to say: “Blessed be the Master of the World, whose food we have eaten.”

Occasionally, a stubborn pagan would refuse Abraham’s request. The Midrash relates that Abraham then presented a bill: pita – $150, soup – $300, entrée – $500, beverage – $100. When the shocked guest protested, Abraham calmly explained that in a free market, prices reflect supply and demand—and in the desert, such food is rare. “However,” he concluded graciously, “I’ll gladly waive the charges if you thank the A-mighty for the meal.” Even the most devoted pagan found it hard to refuse.

Although this story highlights our Patriarch’s ingenuity and his devotion to spreading G-d’s name, it raises a question: what was Abraham achieving by extracting “forced blessings” from reluctant idol worshippers? The enlightened world rejects coercive tactics, recognizing that statements made under pressure are meaningless. Why, then, did Abraham value blessings uttered out of desperation?

Our sages teach that “actions affect the heart.” Abraham understood that the best way to inspire someone spiritually is to get them to perform a mitzvah. A person living in a spiritual void may need encouragement, but once persuaded to act, the beauty of submitting to a Higher Being can be deeply moving. For those absorbed in the mundane, a moment of connection with G-d feels like a breath of fresh air — something that must be experienced rather than explained. While every person has Free Choice and can resist the mitzvah’s impact, encouraging another Jew to perform one remains our strongest tool for drawing souls closer to their Father in Heaven.

Doing is believing!

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom!

Candle lighting time: Friday, 4:27 PM