In 1985, Rav Shimon Schwab ZT”L, a student of the great Mir Mashgiach, Rav Yeruchem Levovitz ZT”L, was preparing to publish a comprehensive book about the history of the Washington Heights Shul which he led, for its 50th anniversary. However, during his research, he discovered some uncomfortable truths about certain respected figures in the community's past. Rather than glossing over those facts or presenting a sanitized version of the Shul’s history, he faced a difficult decision.
In a remarkable display of honesty and integrity, Rav Schwab ultimately decided to cancel the entire book publication project. He explained his decision in a now famous essay where he wrestled with the conflict between telling the truth and the Torah commandment to not speak Lashon Hara (slander). Rather than publish an incomplete or sanitized history that was not completely Emes (truthful), or to tell the truth and reveal potentially damaging information about certain respected community leaders, he chose to forgo the project entirely.
What makes this story particularly powerful is that Rav Schwab had already invested significant time and money into the project, and many people were eagerly anticipating the book’s publication. The Shul's 50th anniversary was a major milestone, and the absence of a commemorative book was conspicuous. Yet, he stood firm in his conviction that if he could not tell a complete, truthful story, it was better not to tell the story at all.
Rav Schwab’s choice demonstrated that honesty and integrity sometimes requires us to take difficult positions that may disappoint others or come at a personal cost.
