Rabbi Meir used to give public sermons every Friday evening. A certain women, who enjoyed his lectures greatly, attended regularly. One evening, his sermon was especially long and when the woman returned home she found her house dark and her husband angrily standing at the door.
“Where have you been?” he shouted at her.
"To hear the rabbi preach," the woman replied.
”Since the rabbi’s preaching has pleased you so much,” the husband said, “I vow that you will not enter this house until you have spat in his eyes. That is his reward for the entertainment he has given you,” he added sarcastically.
The husband barred the doorway and refused to allow his wife to enter. The strongest woman went to live with a neighbor.
When word of the incident reached Rabbi Meir he sent for the woman. Pretending to have pain in both his eyes, the rabbi asked her if she knew of a cure for his illness.
The simple woman nervously said, “No.”
“Spit seven times in my eyes,” said the Rabbi, “perhaps that will heal them.”
The woman hesitated but then did as Rabbi Meir requested.
”Now go home,” he told her, “and say to your husband, you told me to spit once but I've spat seven times.”
When the rabbi’s disciples complained of the indignity he had allowed himself to suffer, he chided them, “No act is disgraceful if it promotes the peace and happiness of husband and wife.” –based on Deuteronomy Rabbah, 5:15 (Francine Klagsburn)
Relationships are sacred. Protect them.
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