Sitting at the Head of the Table

Regarding his great humility, they tell how once, through a drawing of lots, Rav Getzil was appointed to the chevra kadisha of halvaos chen, known nowadays as a gemach, or free loan society. A second drawing resulted in a simple porter becoming the second appointee.

The porter was thrilled with his new assignment and was about to take his place at the top of the table as head of the society. When he arrived, he saw that the saintly Rav Getzil was already seated there. Considering himself unworthy to sit side by side with the rav as an equal, the porter became embarrassed. He could not bring himself to sit next to such an important and respected person, and he remained standing at a distance.

Rav Getzil was sensitive to the man’s feelings and called him over warmly. “My dear friend, come and sit next to me; take your proper place beside me at the head of the table. It is from Heaven that you were appointed to head the free loan society together with me. If so, why do you stand so far away?”

And so they sat down side by side, the great rav and tzaddik beside the simple porter.