We all want our Shabbat meals to be beautiful experiences in which everyone can enjoy themselves and also tap into the unique spirituality of Shabbat. In that context, it is extremely important to avoid conversation at the Shabbat table involving lashon hara and which besmirches or maligns others, as evident from a story related by Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein (Barchi Nafshi, Shemot p.487) about one of the Chassidic Rebbes of Ger.

“There was an incident concerning one who suddenly became ill, underwent a number of surgeries, and was awaiting [an additional] series of surgeries. With a pained heart, he went to [consult] the Gerrer Rebbe, the “Pnei Menachem”. The Rebbe inquired from him how they [he and his family] conduct themselves at the Shabbat table. He heard from them that they speak about this person and that person at the Shabbat table, and they “dissect” [מנתח] every person and every problem instead of speaking words of Torah and singing Shabbat songs. “Stop dissecting people at the Shabbat table, and you will no longer require surgeries (נתוחים, dissections),” said the Rav. And that is how the surgeries ceased.”

May we be successful in elevating our Shabbat meals from being just a great culinary experience to the higher goal of inspiring ourselves and our families to follow a life of Torah and service of Hashem with joy.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.