Sanctifying Hashem: Why Did Yeshiva Administrators in the U.S. Tear Up the Generous Check?

An inspiring story shared by Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein this week in his lecture in Holon has reached our ears: Six students studying in a yeshiva in the United States wanted to assist the yeshiva in overcoming its financial difficulties and sought the help of a wealthy donor living nearby, requesting a contribution from him.

The affluent man, seemingly seeing an opportunity to play a little joke on the students, told them he would gladly donate to the yeshiva if they agreed to jump into his private pool. With that, he led them to the pool in his yard and pointed it out.

Remember, this took place recently—implying that the students were asked to jump into the cold water in the extreme winter weather of the U.S. "If you do it, I promise to donate $1,000 to your yeshiva," he said.

'Cold' Self-Sacrifice for the Torah

The students looked at each other, and it was clear to them what needed to be done—they jumped into the cold water without hesitation.

Rabbi Zilberstein continued by saying that when the wealthy man saw this, he sat down at the table, took out his checkbook, and wrote a check for $6,000 (!).

Elated and thrilled, the six students returned to the yeshiva with the generous 'booty' in their hands, grateful for the privilege that befell them to help the yeshiva, even if only a little. However, when they recounted the story to the head of the yeshiva and presented him with the check, something unexpected happened.

The rabbinical staff of the yeshiva decided to rip up the check, arguing that this was money that shames the Torah and its learners, and that a holy yeshiva ought not use money acquired through the students' embarrassment. We already said it was a sanctification of Hashem, didn't we?