The Price of Principle: Volume 7, Issue 1, Bereishis
October 10, 2026; 29 Tishrei, 5787 Sponsored anonymously for the Refuah Shleimah of Yair Nissan Ben Sara
In 1937, Reb Yaakov Kamenetzky traveled to America to raise funds for a Yeshivah. Among his first visits was the Manhattan office of a manufacturer. In accordance with customary practice, he presented a copy of the previous year’s donation receipt in the hope that he would be provided with a similar donation this year.
After a prolonged delay, the manufacturer returned with a check for an amount lower than that recorded on the receipt.
“This is the amount I actually donated last year,” he explained.
“But the receipt records a larger contribution,” Reb Yaakov replied.
“I know. Your office deliberately entered a higher amount, hoping that I would match it this year. I remembered giving less, so I checked my records. This check reflects the correct amount.”...