Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer zt"l
Rabbi and Rosh Hayeshiva in Pressburg
Author: Kesav Sofer
1 Adar II 5575 (1815) - 19 Teves 5632 (1871)
For a few years the Kesav Sofer, Rav Avraham Shmuel Binyamin Sofer zt"l gave away time and energy to protect the Jewish traditional way of life. Finally he succeeded that the Government recognized the Jewish education system.
The Kesav Sofer made a big Seudas Mitzva and celebration and invited many Rabbanim, Torah Scholars and community leaders of Austria - Hungary some who were students of his father, the Chasam Sofer.
During the meal there were many speeches and Torah lectures. The celebration reached its peak as the Kesav Sofer got up to speak. In the middle of his speech he said that since it was such a joyous event he brought something special and unique to show everyone. It was a a genuine Machatzis hashekel - half a shekel from the time of the Beis Hamikdash that had been passed down and he had received from his holy father the Chasam Sofer zt"l. He added that it was very valuable as there are no other half shekels left anymore.
It was carefully passed around from hand to hand for everyone to see. After some time the Kesav Sofer asked for it back. To everyone's shock it had disappeared. Everyone started searching but it was nowhere to be seen.
After a few minutes the Kesav Sofer who was pale asked everyone to check their pockets, but it never reappeared. With no choice the Kesav Sofer said that although he does not suspect anyone stealing it but maybe someone had mistakenly mixed it up with a personal coin and therefore everyone will have to empty their pockets.
Suddenly an older respected Rav, a student of the Chasam Sofer got up and asked the Kesav Sofer to wait fifteen minutes. Out of respect for this great Rav, the Kesav Sofer agreed.
Fifteen minutes passed and there was no sign of the coin. As the Kesav Sofer got up to speak, so did the elderly Rav. He asked for the Kesav Sofer to give another fifteen minutes. People began whispering to each other and many started giving accusing looks at the Rav.
The fifteen minutes passed and there was no trace of the coin. The Kesav Sofer arose and requested everyone to empty their pockets. Once again the elderly Rav arose and with tears in his eyes begged the Kesav Sofer to remember the close relationship between him and his great father and to wait another final fifteen minutes. If after that the coin isn't found he will agree to whatever the Kesav Sofer requests.
The tension in the room was growing from minute to minute! The Kesav Sofer was pale and shaking and the esteemed Rav silently moving his lips in prayer with tears streaming down his face.
Just as the fifteen minutes were coming to the end, one of the waiters came in from the kitchen and asked if anyone had lost an old coin. The half shekel had accidently fallen into one of the plates, arrived in the kitchen and luckily never made it into the garbage.
Now everyone turned in wonder towards the Rav. The Rav got up and spoke. "Since today is such a special occasion I brought something along to show everyone." He took out his pocket a half a shekel. "This Machazis hashekel is also from the Beis Hamikdash passed down from generation to generation in my family. However when the Kesav Sofer spoke and said that he had the last half a shekel, I didn't want to take away from his happiness and decided that I wouldn't mention that I had one too. Can anyone imagine the Chillul Hashem that would have happened if the coin would have been found in my pocket? No one would have believed me. So I asked for fifteen minutes and davened to Hashem that the coin should be found. After the fifteen minutes were over I asked again and davened that there should be no Chillul Hashem. Baruch Hashem the coin was finally found."
Before the celebration ended the Kesav Sofer arose again to speak. "Besides the great Simcha of tonight's celebration, this gathering has taught us a very important message. Chazal - our Rabbis in Pirkei Avos teach us to judge everyone favorably.
Can anyone imagine what would have happened if the search would have been done immediately as I requested? Is there anyone who wouldn't have presumed that this great Rav had indeed stolen my coin, the one and only left in the world? (classic circumstantial evidence!)
Our Rabbis teach us even if everything points in direction of someone's guilt we still have to judge them favorably and presume they are innocent until proven guilty. Tonight's event is a clear proof to our Rabbis teaching. May this message stay with us from this special event."
