Long, long ago in the Land of Israel in the city of Sidon, lived a wealthy Jew and his wife. They lived together in perfect happiness, loving each other with a rare, deep love. The only sadness in their life was that they had not been blessed with children.
One day, a dark shadow eclipsed their happiness. Their tenth year of marriage passed and still they had no children. In those days the practice followed was that such a couple divorced and remarried in order that they might be fortunate and have children. But the husband had no desire to send his wife away, although he felt obligated to do so. He could never love another woman no matter how many children she might bear him.
One of the greatest rabbis of the day, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, was visiting the town of Sidon, and the sad couple went to him to ask his advice. In his wisdom, he knew that this couple shouldn't be divorced, but instead of telling them this directly, he presented them with an unusual plan.
"Your marriage was celebrated with a wonderful feast. Now, although you must part, why don't you give another banquet in honor of the happiness you shared all these years."
The couple found his advice strange, but they returned home and set about preparing an elaborate feast. They invited their many friends and acquaintances, who marveled at this strange paradoxical celebration. The tables were laid with great splendor. The guests were regaled with the finest meats, rarest wine and the most exquisite entertainment.
As the guests began to leave, the man turned to his wife and said, "I know of no gift fine enough to give you. But when you go tonight to your parents' house, take the most precious possession you desire from my house."
At last, a glimmer of light shown in his wife's sad eyes. She said nothing, but then said that she was returning to her private quarters so that she might prepare a parting toast for her husband.
She soon returned with a tall silver goblet filled with wine. Her husband drained the cup and then retired to the couch to rest from the strain of the evening. He had drunk perhaps too much throughout the evening... He drifted off into a deep sleep, and when she was sure that the strong drink had taken affect and he wouldn't awaken, his wife had her servants carry him to her father's house.
The next morning when he opened his eyes, he didn't know where he was. He cried out in alarm, "Why am I here?"
But, his smiling wife appeared from the next room. "You granted me permission to take for myself the most precious possession in our home. But I have no desire for gold or jewels - you are my only treasure."
Now, they understood the wisdom of Rabbi Shimon's advice. He had wished only for their happiness. The wife returned to her husband's house, and they lived together even more happily than before. Their happiness was crowned by the birth of a child who was the reward of their abiding faithfulness and love.
