Rav Kamenetzky and the Pen

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.