Muhammad bin Ka'b Al-Qurazi said:
"Someone narrated to me that he heard 'ali bin abi Talib saying: 'I went out on a cold day from the house of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w). I had taken a tanned skin, si I tore it in the middle, and out it over my neck, and wrapped my mid-section, fastening it with a palm leave. I was severely hungry, and if there was food in the house of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) I would have eaten some of it. I went in search of something. I passed by a Jew on his property drawing water (from a well) with a pulley. I watched him from a gap in the fence. He said: "what is wrong with you O Arab1 Would you like to get a date for every bucket?" I said: "Yes. Open the door so I can come in." He opened the door, I entered and he gave me his bucket. Then for every bucket I pulled out, he would give me a date, until when it was enough for me. I put his bucket down and said: "I think I had enough to eat" then I scooped some water to drink it. Then I came to the Masjid and found the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) in it.'"
English reference: Vol. 4, Book 11, Hadith 2473
Arabic reference: Book 37, Hadith 2661