A similar story is told about Rav Chaim Palagi zt”l, one of the gedolei hasefardim. He was appointed to serve as rav in a city where the custom was for the new rav to deliver his inaugural sermon in the great beis knesses, accompanied by a grand procession with music, songs, and dances.
The streets where the procession was to pass were cleaned and decorated with beautiful and radiant banners. Many candles were lit at the entrances of homes and on windowsills, and everyone awaited the grand event.
When the time arrived, the community leaders and the entire population came to the home of the revered rav. Rav Chaim emerged in his splendor, his rabbinic robe draped around him and his turban adorning his head. The procession began with awe and reverence, to the joy of all the city‘s inhabitants.
However, midway, he stopped and requested a change in the route. Instead of continuing directly to the shul, he asked to take a longer route.
The community leaders asked for an explanation. The righteous rav humbly explained: “The designated route passes by the home of the widow of the late rav zt”l. If this grand procession, with its singing and music, passed her house, seeing the celebrations of the appointment of a new rav would undoubtedly bring her sorrow and pain over her late husband‘s passing. I cannot celebrate this joyful occasion at the expense of her grief and suffering. Therefore, I ask you to alter the route, even if it means a much longer walk through streets unprepared for this procession. It is worth it to spare the heartache of this esteemed widow.”
This story exemplifies the profound care of the great tzaddikim of previous generations in interpersonal relationships. On this Yom Kippur, when the holy Jewish people reconcile with one another and introspect to rectify serious transgressions between individuals, it is worth contemplating the importance of respecting and honoring others, which leads to the atonement granted by the essence of the day.
