A Truthful Answer
I once attended a dinner on behalf of a Torah institution. In spite of the difficult world economic situation, the organizers, with siyata di’Shemaya, were able to raise a substantial sum for their establishment. Rabbi Aharon Leib Steinman, shlita, also attended this function.
- At the home of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva, HaGaon Rabbi Aharon Leib Steinman, shlita
As I was taught from an early age to honor talmidei chachamim, I approached Rabbi Aharon Leib and kissed his holy hand. A man had been watching from the side. Later, he came over to me with two questions that bothered him.
“Why did you kiss the hand of Maran, shlita? And how can it be that at a time when your own institutions are suffering financially, you help others collect for their own institutions?”
I offered one answer for both questions.
“When one clearly sees the truth, he is enjoined to connect with it. When I meet a great Torah Sage, I kiss his hand, as in Morocco, this is how I was taught to connect to the truth.
“This is also the reason why I participated in a function on behalf of another Torah institution. Torah is the undiluted source of truth. It is eternal. Since this institution accomplishes tremendous things for the sake of Torah and Avodat Hashem, I felt an urge to participate in their dinner, thereby connecting with the truth, which they represent.”
