THE COMFORTED GUEST
"Every Sabbath, the Rambam was accustomed to invite guests — especially the impoverished — to his house. On one such occasion, after pronouncing the Kiddush, Maimonides offered his guest the honor of reciting the ceremonial blessing over the wine.
"But at that moment something embarrassing occurred. Due to his nervousness, the visitor inadvertently tipped over the goblet and the wine spilled on the splendid tablecloth.
"Aware of his guest's distress, the Rambam immediately poured himself another goblet of wine and jostled the table intentionally — upsetting his goblet and spilling the wine.
"He then stood up and said: 'It seems to me that the floor here isn't very level.'
"Maimonides glanced at the visitor's eyes and noticed his sense of relief."
