Purchases for Shabbat for Those in Financial Strain

We are often in financial distress. I have heard various conflicting things about how much to invest in Shabbat meals. On one hand, I was told to make your Shabbat like a weekday and not rely on others, and on the other hand, they say you should take loans and the Blessed Creator will repay all the loans. Can you help me clarify this matter? Thank you.

Hello,

There are several levels in fulfilling this mitzvah:

A. A person with financial means should honor Shabbat with significant food according to the place and time in which they live. [In the times of the Sages, significant foods included large fish, garlic heads, and spinach stew. In our days, any respectable dish honors Shabbat].

B. A person in financial distress or already receiving charity support must have 3 meals on Shabbat but can suffice with a simple dish such as a small fried fish. The neighborhood or city charity fund is obligated to provide this.

C. A person in financial distress who has not yet taken from the charity fund and has a budget only for two meals on Shabbat, and if they wish to have 3 meals, they would need to seek charity support, about this it is said: 'Make your Shabbat like a weekday and do not rely on others.'

D. A person who has only part of the Shabbat expenses but can take a loan, even if they need to mortgage part of their assets to take the loan, about this it is said: 'Borrow on My account and I will repay,' meaning they should take a loan, and the Blessed Creator will repay the loan, meaning the Creator guarantees they will find the budget to repay the loan taken for the delight of Shabbat. However, if they estimate they will not be able to repay, they are forbidden to borrow.

E. A person who has only a little should spend the little they have for Shabbat and rely on Hashem to provide them later with money for their continued livelihood. But if they can economize during the week and save, they should do so.