The Banquet in Tzidon
A childless couple asked Rashbi to arrange their separation, and he had them hold one last feast together.
A story ofRebbi Shimon bar Yochaiרבי שמעון בר יוחאיProfile ›
Rebbi Idi told of a woman in Tzidon who lived with her husband for ten years without bearing a child. They came to Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai and asked to part. He told them that since they had come together with food and drink, they should part with food and drink. They took his advice and made a great feast, and she saw to it that her husband drank freely.
When he was in good spirits, he told her, "My daughter, take any good thing I have in the house and go to your father's home." She said nothing. After he fell asleep, she signaled to her servants to carry him in his bed to her father's house.
At midnight, when the wine had worn off, he woke and asked where he was. She answered that he was in her father's house. When he asked what he was doing there, she reminded him of his own words: she was to take the best thing he had, and there was nothing in the world better to her than he.
They returned to Rebbi Shimon, and he stood and prayed for them, and they were remembered with a child.
Source: Shir HaShirim Rabbah 1:4 (on 'let us exult and rejoice in You')
In any relationship that feels worn, it helps to return to the reason you chose it. Tonight or this week, take ten minutes with your spouse, parent, child or friend and name one thing about them you would hate to lose. Say it aloud. You can also plan a small meal together, as Rashbi asked of the couple. Love often needs a table, some warmth and a clear sentence more than it needs a solution. Let this be the beginning of that conversation.