Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky, zt”l, was known for his honesty in every area. When he was already older, Rav Yaakov was once asked how he had merited to live such a long life. He answered simply, “I have never told a lie.” Rav Yaakov would have the same integrity when it came to other people’s belongings, even with items that were not so valuable. Rav Yaakov once met a young man that he hadn’t seen since his wedding, two years earlier. Rav Yaakov was happy to see him, and he took out a pen and handed it to him. Rav Yaakov said, “This pen is yours. I borrowed it to fill in the details on the Kesubah at your wedding, and I forgot to return it to you. I’ve been carrying it since then until I would see you again, and now, I am so happy to return it to you!”
Reprinted from the Parshas Ki Sisas 5784 email of Rabbi Yehuda Winzelberg’s Torah U’Tefilah.
