A Heroic Mission to Save Shabbat

Based on the Talmud, Masechet Me’ilah 17b

During the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire, harsh decrees were enacted against the Jewish people, forbidding them from observing Shabbat, circumcising their sons, and keeping the laws of family purity.

A wise Jewish sage named Rabbi Reuven Istrubli decided to act. Disguised as a Roman official, he entered the imperial council where these decrees were being debated.

When granted permission to speak, Rabbi Reuven posed a question:

“If a man has an enemy, does he wish for him to grow rich or remain poor?”

“Poor, of course,” they replied.

“In that case,” he said, “allow the Jews to rest on Shabbat. That way, they’ll work only six days a week and earn less.”

The argument made sense, and the decree against Shabbat was revoked.

But Rabbi Reuven continued:

“If one has an enemy, does he want him healthy or sick?”

“Sick,” they answered.

“Then let the Jews circumcise their sons and weaken them.”

Again, the council agreed.

“And would he want his enemy to multiply or decrease?”

“To decrease,” they responded.

“Then let the Jews observe their family purity laws, which prohibit marital relations for part of each month and limit reproduction.”

One by one, the decrees were canceled.

News spread quickly throughout the Jewish community, but the joy was short-lived. The Romans eventually discovered Rabbi Reuven’s true identity and reinstated the decrees.

This time, the sages of Israel turned to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. He set out for Rome on a mission to plead for the reversal of the decrees.

On his way, a demon named Ben Temalion appeared to him and offered to help. Rabbi Shimon agreed. Ben Temalion entered the emperor’s daughter and drove her mad. When Rabbi Shimon arrived at the palace, he cured her. In gratitude, the emperor allowed him access to the royal archives and offered him anything he desired.

Rabbi Shimon searched until he found the scroll containing the decrees, tore it up, and returned to the Land of Israel with the great news: the decrees had been nullified—this time for good.