When the Tzaddik of Sanz assumed his first rabbinic position, he was approached by someone who wished to sue in the rabbinical court the wealthiest, most powerful person in the community. The Tzaddik sent a court summons to this man, but the shammash (bailiff) returned saying that the man had very rudely turned him away. The Tzaddik sent a second summons. The defendant responded with a message, You are new here and very young. You may not be aware that I am the one who supports all religious activities in the community. To be a rabbi in the community requires my approval. Be aware of this and retract your summons. The Tzaddik sent a third summons, warning that failure to honor it would result in dire consequences. The rich man then came and surprisingly brought the plaintiff with him. He explained that the entire thing had been a sham that he had staged simply to test whether the new rabbi would have the courage to implement the law, even when his own position was in jeopardy. The communitys number one citizen welcomed the rabbi, stating, You are the kind of rabbi we need. Not everyone feels this way. Some people try to use pull to receive preferential treatment. They should realize that when justice is the issue, it is corrupt to seek preferential treatment and corrupt to give it. The judgment belongs to God, and when litigants and judges are engaged in adin Torah, they are in the immediate Divine Presence, and there can be no favoritism.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 14:30:01 +0000
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