In 1969, in Yafo, all the bakeries were Jewish-owned and therefore closed on Pesach. However, the Abulafia bakery was the exception. Since it was owned by an Arab, it was the only bakery that remained open. Most Jews kept Pesach, but a minority did not and would go to great lengths to satisfy their chametz cravings. Because it was the only place selling chametz, unorthodox Jews from all over flocked to his store. In fact, Mr. Abulafia once said that he made more money during Pesach than throughout the entire year combined.
Rav Shlomo Zalman Sauber would regularly pass by the bakery and was deeply pained by the sight of Jews eating chametz. The Chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d’s Name) troubled him so much that he approached Mr. Abulafia and offered to pay him the full amount he made during Pesach if he would close his store. Mr. Abulafia explained that it was an enormous sum, but Rav Shlomo assured him that, though it would be difficult, he would do whatever it took. The two shook hands, signed a contract, and everyone left happy.
That year, as Jews flocked to buy chametz, they instead found a sign hanging in the bakery’s window: “The Abulafia Bakery blesses the entire Jewish nation with a chag kasher v’sameach.” They repeated this agreement for the next six years. After that, however, Mr. Abulafia refused to accept payment, explaining, “Ever since I began closing during Pesach, I have seen an enormous, almost unnatural, boost in profits throughout the rest of the year. From now on, the bakery will remain closed because I feel it is the right thing to do.” Over sixty years later, though both men have long since passed, the Abulafia Bakery remains closed on Pesach, and one can still see the sign hanging, wishing chag kasher v’sameach.
Comment: Pesach is the beginning of our freedom - the start of our journey from Egyptian slaves to G-d’s servants and ambassadors. This year let’s cherish our time off from work or school to connect with Hashem: by learning a little more, by being kinder to those around us, and by praying with extra compassion.
