On one occasion, a distinguished talmid chacham in Yerushalayim questioned Rav Shlomke’s unusual behavior. He asked, “Why do you behave in such an unusual manner, lowering yourself to the point of seeming disgrace? Wouldn‘t it be more appropriate to conduct yourself with the dignity expected of a great Rav or Rebbe? After all, the Gemara (Bava Metzia 30b) permits someone like an elderly or wise person to refrain from certain mitzvos if they do not align with his honor!”
The holy Rebbe responded to the inquiry with great wisdom:
“Know that there are two types of tzaddikim. There are leaders meant to guide Israel with lofty and exalted leadership, as we find with Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi (Kesuvos 103b) when his son Rabban Gamliel came to him before his passing. He entrusted him with the leadership and said: ‘My son, lead your position with lofty authority; instill bitterness (awe) among the talmidim.‘
However, there is another type of tzaddik, one described by the pasuk (Mishlei 10:25) וְצַדִּיק יְסוֹד עוֹלָם - The righteous man is the foundation of the world. This tzaddik serves as the foundation and cornerstone upon which the entire world stands. To establish a foundation for such a great structure, one must dig deeply into the earth, into the depths of humility.
“Thus, this tzaddik who is the foundation of the world must embody the utmost humility, allowing himself to be trampled upon by all, for only in this way can he serve as a fitting foundation to sustain the world.”
