Written by R’ Avrohom Hillel Reich based on a lesson and story by Harav Ben Tziyon Sneh Shlita
R’ Moshe Wolfson was in Singapore trying to close on the biggest deal of his life. He had navigated his company through many ups and downs, but had invested two years of time and money in this venture.
The last step had arrived. The other side was ready to sign. The enigmatic head of the Singapore company was finally making himself known in a public meeting. This was no small matter. The president of this huge holding company was known to be the richest man at that time in Singapore.
On the way up to the top floor in this huge skyscraper, the lead agent in the deal asked R’ Moshe to please remove his yarmulke. “Just put it during the meeting in your pocket.” R’ Moshe would hear of no such thing. He was not willing to compromise his identity for any amount of money. His Singaporian team was ashen faced when he emphatically stated again. “I will not remove my yarmulke!”
Making their way into the huge ornate conference room, faces were crestfallen. Months, perhaps years, had been spent negotiating the fine points of this business partnership. They were sure that the venture was as good as called off... Just a little yarmulke... why won't he remove it for a few minutes?
Suddenly everyone stood up in awe. The President and wealthiest person on the island entered the room, He sat down on his chair, ornately designed and surely worth tens of thousands of dollars. After a few moments of looking around at the room, He looked straight at Moshe and asked him. “Please take a glass of water and make a bracha!” Moshe complied, somewhat baffled, but he made a loud shehakol, to which the president made an equally loud amein!
The participants, who numbered over 100 people in the room, were in shock! The next question from the president startled Moshe and the others even more! “Did you go to the synagogue here this morning?”
Moshe answered in the affirmative. Did you happen to notice that most of the attendees are Ashkenazi but they use a Sephardi prayer book?” He proceeded to mention a few more things about the shul that proved he was familiar with the community.
“I am sure you are all wondering” the president announced to all. “When I was a young boy both of my parents were killed and I was adopted by a Jewish couple. I never converted to Judaism, but they raised me in a most caring way. I went to the synagogue many times with my adoptive father and my love for the family and for all the Jewish people has grown secretly in my heart over the years. When I saw your yarmulke my memories were reignited!
“Blessed be you, your people and your holy and transcendent customs!”
They proceeded to consummate the deal that many had thought would be lost – but R’ Moshe knew better! In the turbulent world we live in, one must hide and protect his family if there is imminent danger... but if the circumstances permit, pride and principles will always help us succeed.
