The righteous and renowned Rav Shmuel Hominer zt”l, author of Eved HaMelech, was cautious during these exalted Days of Favor not to participate in auctions for aliyos held in shuls.
When asked why he refrained from purchasing an aliyah during these auspicious and holy days—especially when the Mishnah Berurah (584:8) explicitly states:
“The Mateh Ephraim (siman 584:17) writes that every God-fearing man should strive to get an aliyah during the Yamim Nora’im. Even in places where mitzvos are sold, one should purchase it according to his means, for there is even greater merit in a mitzvah obtained at a cost than one received for free.”
It was well known how passionately Rav Shmuel pursued mitzvos with zeal and reverence, earning him the title “Eved HaMelech” (servant of the King). People were thus astonished that he did not strive to acquire this mitzvah as well during the Days of Mercy and Favor.
Rav Shmuel explained his reasoning, revealing the extraordinary refinement of his care in matters between man and his fellow man: “It is the way of the world that when the gabbai begins the auction for aliyos, initially, the prices are modest, and one or two individuals, eager to acquire the aliyah, bid the standard amount they are willing to pay. However, as the auction progresses and the bids rise to significant sums, the earlier bidders withdraw with disappointment and frustration.
“During these Days of Awe,” Rav Shmuel concluded, “we must be more cautious in matters between man and his fellow than at any other time of the year. I am deeply concerned about the pain and distress that could be caused to a fellow Jew if I raise the price of the aliyos. Therefore, I prefer not to participate in the auction at all, despite the immense importance of having an aliyah to the Torah, so as not to cause anguish to any Jew during these Days of Judgment.”
From this, we can internalize the care and vigilance required during these holy and awesome Days of Favor—not only in matters between man and Hashem but especially between man and his fellow.
