Glorifying His Name
The Moroccan House of Royalty was known for its tolerance of the Jews. Many of its members were staunch believers in the power of the Jewish Sages. They highly respected the tzaddikim in their midst.
Against this backdrop, the daughter of a Moroccan nobleman, who is today an elderly lady, would often come to ask my advice on various matters. One time, I asked why she approached me specifically, when she had hordes of advisors and mentors at her disposal. Why did she seek out a Jew to resolve her difficulties?
“I recognize the merit of your fathers, and am certain that this will ensure that your advice is sound.” Then she placed a blank check on my desk, and told me to fill it in with whatever sum I desired.
Since sanctification of Hashem’s Name was worth more to me than all the riches in the world, I replied, “I am only too happy to offer you advice in the merit of my holy ancestors. But bear in mind that ‘to man belongs the arrangements of his heart, but from Hashem comes the tongue’s reply’ (Mishlei 16:1). All of my advice comes only from Hashem, and I will therefore not take one penny from you.” The woman was extremely impressed by my words and took her leave.
Some time later, I was interested in purchasing a plot of land near my ancestors’ burial sites. I wanted to build a proper building which would house the masses who thronged to the graves of the tzaddikim. It would contain a Beit Hakeneset and a mikveh. But the sum demanded for the property was astronomical. I therefore presented my case before this noblewoman. When she heard my tale, she declared, “I am giving you this land as a complete gift!”
But I politely declined this offer as well. All I had intended to do was ask to pay the price of the previous year, and not the inflated price that it had now risen to. Ultimately, we did not obtain the land, for security reasons. But I am sure that I sanctified Heaven’s Name with my actions.
One must not allow money and honor to blind him to the truth. In every one of his actions, he must make sure to sanctify Hashem’s Name. All of the nations of the earth should realize that Am Yisrael is the Chosen Nation, head and shoulders above anyone else.
