Tehillim 23 and the Segula of Eating Fish on Shabbat

Segula of Eating Fish on Shabbat

Tehillim 23:2 - “Bin'ot deshe yarbitzeni, al mei menuchot yenahaleni” - (He lets me lie down in pleasant pastures). Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov, the “Bnei Yissachar,” taught that there is a custom to eat fish on Shabbat because of the three blessings that G-d pronounced during Creation: The first blessing was given to the fish, when G-d said: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters of the seas.” (Bereishit 1:22) The second blessing was given to man: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” (Bereishit 1:28) The third blessing was given to Shabbat: “G-d blessed the seventh day, and He sanctified it.” (Bereishit 2:3) When we eat fish on Shabbat, we merit joining these three blessings—given to man, Shabbat, and fish—and bringing them to fulfillment through us, as it is written: “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Kohelet 4:12) We find an interesting hint to this in the verse: “Bin'ot deshe yarbitzeni, al mei menuchot yenahaleni” – (He lets me lie down in pleasant pastures). (Tehillim 23:2) Hashem is described as a shepherd who cares for His people and provides for their needs. The word “deshe” – (green pastures) is an acronym formed from the words: “dagim” (fish), “shabbat,” and “adam” (man). Through the simple act of eating fish on Shabbat, Hashem’s constant care is bestowed upon us in this world, uniting the three things that were blessed at Creation.   (Rabbi Tzvi Eliezer of Dinov, “Bnei Yissachar,” Igra De-Kallah, Bereishit 22)