The Dubno Maggid and the Innkeeper's Midnight Meal

The Dubno Magid once entered an inn and asked for room and board. The proprietor advised that although many rooms were available, there was simply no food to be had, as he was quite poor and business had been very slow as of late. Since it was in the depths of the winter, and the rooms had no heating, the Magid asked for permission to sleep in the public dining area where a small stove radiated a bit of heat. The proprietor agreed, and the Magid went to sleep hungry due to the lack of food.

In the middle of the night, the Magid heard hushed footsteps making their way into the dining area. He opened his eyes just a crack and saw the owner’s family members entering while clad in their night garments. Quietly they partook of a hushed and hasty meal. The participants then retreated silently to their sleeping quarters. They were unaware of the Magid’s witnessing this, as his eyes were open just a bit and the lighting they brought with them was minimal.

The next morning, the Magid came to pay for his night’s lodging. The owner asked the Magid about his travels and their purpose. Upon hearing that his overnight guest was a Magid, he requested a vort. The Magid said he had a question that had perplexed him for many years, and for which he had very recently found an answer. He proceeded to discuss a medrash that says that during the forty days that Moshe was in the heavens, he spent the complete time learning Torah from Hashem and reviewing it. This is to be taken literally. Miraculously, he did not sleep at all during the forty-day period.