He was known to all of Bnei Brak. He was a hard-working Jew whose mind was not clear and his behavior was puzzling. He used to go around the synagogues, asking for his opinion on every issue on the agenda. A weather storm or a political upheaval, a security drama or an economic development – he always had something to say, and to suggest... and express... And to demand... And everyone must agree with him, and do as he commanded...
He would also not stop expressing himself on personal matters, as he would dictate to passersby how to behave, when to get up in the morning, and in which minyan to pray. And whoever does not obey him and obey him is condemned to loud shouting and unpleasant screams...
He was especially fond of the Rebbe of Nadvorna zt"l, and more than once he would enter the sanctuary and talk at length with the Rebbe. For a long hour, he lingered in his room, giving his speeches and detailing his "good and useful advice." The Rebbe would listen to him warmly, and nod his head in understanding of each piece of advice, as if it were of special help to him...
One of the yeshiva students wanted to redeem the Rebbe from the frequent encounters with the eccentric, and he turned to the man with a question: "Tell me, you are so wise and educated, knowledgeable and understanding in every field and subject. Why do you consult with the Rebbe so often? Do you understand all aspects of life very well, and do you need help from the Rebbe?" – the young man asked with a clear goal...The man laughed, and answered in a low voice: "Yes, I am smart and brilliant enough, I have no need for the Rebbe's advice... On the contrary, every time I enter the Rebbe, the Rebbe lays out his questions and deliberations to me, and asks to hear my opinion... That is why I love to go to him so much, because he appreciates my opinion so much, and consults me on his private and public affairs that lie on his shoulders..."And he was not satisfied until he proved his words: "Let me prove to you that the Rebbe wants to consult with me all the time and appreciates my opinion," he said, "After all, when I finish talking to him, he makes sure that I have money to pay for the bus to go home, and more than once – he gives me his own... This proves like a thousand witnesses how important it is for the Rebbe that I come to him and advise him from my great wisdom." ...
When the Rebbe was once asked why he pays so much attention to a strange and eccentric person and also pays him for it... The Rebbe replied simply: "It is my duty to listen to him, for by doing so I am making it a little easier for him..." Sometimes, we can meet people who are not to our liking, who may bother us, take up our time, ask for our attention, and we don't really care to hear what they have to say... Some people call us, and we don't have time for them, there are those we prefer to cross the street before we meet them... This story teaches us and illuminates our path: Listening to someone who is less wise than we are is a virtue, not a humiliation! Giving attention and patience to every person is the way to grow; it upgrades us with virtue and leads us to a courageous and good connection with the holy Torah! This is the way – for all of us – to merit receiving the Torah . To act modestly and humbly, to respect and love every person as he is, to be humble and feel equal to every person, and to respect him properly. For this is the only way.
