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The Shalom-Bayit Kugel



A husband and wife came to Rabbi Israel of Kosnitz (the "Kosnitzer Maggid," 1737-1814). They'd had a big fight and wanted a divorce.

"My wife," complained the man, "every week she makes for Shabbat a delicious kugel. I love that kugel! All week I work and shlep, just for that kugel! When I just think of that kugel, my mouth starts watering... But what does this foolish woman do to me? She torments me! After I recite the kiddush, do I get the kugel? No-o-o-o. First she serves the gefilte fish. Then the soup. Then the chicken. And the potatoes. Then a couple of other dishes, and then I'm full, I can't possibly take one more bite, then she brings in the kugel! Now shouldn't I divorce her?" And he said a lot more that people normally don't say in front of a rabbi.

The wife explained that in her parents' home it was always done this way. She wouldn't budge.

So the Kosnitzer Maggid decided that from now on she should make two kugels. One to be eaten right after kiddush, and one to serve after the fish and the soup and the chicken and the potatoes. The couple left reconciled.

From that day on, the Kosnitzer Maggid always had two kugels at his Shabbat table--one right after kiddush and another one after the main course. They called it the Shalom Bayit Kugel ("harmony in the home kugel").


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By Shoshannah Brombacher   More articles...  |   

Text and image by chassidic artist Shoshannah Brombacher. To view or purchase Ms. Brombacher's art, click here.


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Latest Comments:
Posted: Nov 24, 2005
Shoshannah Brombacher
These are the most beautiful lessons I have ever read. The artistry took my breath away. I have told all my friends about this remarkable artist. Thank-you for bringing this to me.
Best Regards,
Posted By linda ferris, manchester, nh

Posted: Nov 22, 2005
wonderfull
Posted By aviva friedman
via lubavitchfinland.com

Posted: Nov 22, 2005
Another kugel story
Love the story. While we are on kugel stories, I will tell you another on I read in Dr. Twerski's book Generation to Generation (highly recommend it). Anyway, I don't remember which Rebbe it was but the wife did not like the shmaltz in kugel. So the Rebbe knew when she davened she did not notice much. So when he saw her davening he quickly stole her keys and added smaltz to the kugel.On Shabbos he would say the kugel is blessed because on my good deeds and her davening.
Enjoy your site very much.
Posted By Rivka Burde, Brooklyn, NY

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Illustrated
A Tzaddik in a Fur Coat
A Coin
Dust and Wealth
Somebody Else
The Gartel
The Miser's Slippers
The Shalom-Bayit Kugel
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The Old Harp
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The Game
The Dance
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