The Bnei Yissochor first official position was as Rov of the city of Ribititch. It was very difficult to obtain this position as all applicants had to pass a test from the Rosh Hakahal. This man was very smart but he also was completely ignorant in regards to Torah. He would ask very clever questions that were based on a complete lack of knowledge and, therefore, were unanswerable. Therefore, he rejected applicant after applicant.
When the Bnei Yissochor went to be tested, the Rosh Hakahal asked him, “Are you a lamdan? Do you know how to learn?” He answered that he was.
The Rosh Hakahal then asked, “Do you know what sedrah we will be reading this week?” The Bnei Yissochor answered that it was Parshas Yisro.
The man then asked, “Who was Yisro?“ The Bnei Yissochor replied, “He was the head priest of Midyan“.
”How many daughters did he have?” the Rosh Hakahal asked. ”Seven,” the Bnei Yissochor answered.
The Rosh Hakahal then asked, “If he was a priest, how could he have seven daughters? Priests don’t get married, so how could he have children?”
The Bnei Yissochor immediately answered, “This was before Matan Torah. At that time, it was still permitted for them to marry.”
The Rosh Hakahal liked this answer and he proclaimed, “You really are a lamdan. You will be our Rov.“
He accepted that position and served as Rov of the city for a number of years.
