The Chofetz Chaim and the Rebbe Rashab of blessed memories
Decades ago, in the times of the Chofetz Chaim, ZT”L, there was a terrible decree against the Jews in Russia. As a result, the gedolei hador decided to hold a large convention in St. Petersburg to discuss the pressing issue. At some point during the convention, a very interesting dialogue took place between the Lubavitcher Rebbe at that time, the Rebbe Rashab, and the Chofetz Chaim. The Chofetz Chaim had to write a certain letter. However, there was just one issue: he didn’t have any paper.
He saw that the Rebbe Rashab had some extra paper and decided to ask him for a sheet. The Rebbe happily gave him one. Afterwards, the Chofetz Chaim handed the Rebbe Rashab two kopecks, which are coins of very small value, but enough to cover the cost of that one piece of paper. A bewildered bystander approached the Chofetz Chaim and said, “You know the Rebbe has plenty of paper and plenty of wealthy people providing his stationery needs. Those two coins don’t mean anything to him. Why are you giving them?
The Chofetz Chaim’s response was legendary. He said, “To me the two kopecks also aren’t worth anything but two kopecks of geneiva (stealing), that's worth billions. That can create one malach (angel) that can turn over all of St. Petersburg with one blow!”
Reprinted from the Parshas Shoftim 5784 email of Torah Sweets.
