Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky, zt”l, was not only a Gadol BaTorah and had exemplary Middos, he was also an outstanding Mechanech, educator. He once commented that he never held a grudge against anyone, except for one of his earliest Rebbeim, from when he was in elementary school.
He said over a story that took place when he was a young boy, and he had never forgotten it. It was a gentile holiday, and the town was celebrating with a festive parade, as they usually did. The day before the parade, their Rebbe gave the class a very stern warning that it was absolutely forbidden to go to the parade, and everyone was expected to be in class on time.
Noticed an Elderly Woman
The next morning, as the young Rav Yaakov was walking to Yeshivah, he noticed an elderly woman who was carrying some heavy shopping bags. He approached her and offered to help her carry her packages, and she graciously accepted his help. After Rav Yaakov helped her get home with her bags, he immediately went to Yeshivah, but he arrived there slightly late.
The Rebbe was upset and accused him, “Why did you go to the parade? I told everyone yesterday that it is absolutely forbidden to attend the parade!”
The young Rav Yaakov immediately replied, “But Rebbe, I did not go to the parade. I am late because I was helping an elderly lady with her packages.”
The Rebbe was enraged and said, “Not only did you disobey me by going to the parade, you also have the Chutzpah to lie!” He then gave Rav Yaakov two slaps and completely humiliated him.
Rav Yaakov finished telling this story with a comment, “This Rebbe is the only person I have not been able to bring myself to forgive, because to the best of my knowledge, I have never lied in my entire life!”
Reprinted from the Parshas Terumah 5784 email of Rabbi Yehuda Winzelberg’s Torah U Tefilah parsha sheet.
