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Do Take it Personally

On Shabbat Shuva, the Sabbath of Repentance, a visiting maggid preached a sermon at the synagogue of Rabbi Meir Hurwitz of Tiktin.  The teacher castigate the congregation for their sins and admonished them to repent.  When the severe tongue-lashing was over, Rabbi Meir had tears on his cheeks and said to the Maggid, "I was deeply moved by your stirring words and I will repent for my transgressions.  However, I am sorely distressed that you found it necessary to put me to shame before my entire congregation.  Do I really merit such treatment from you?"
Abashed, the Maggid replied, "I would never humiliate you in public.  I was not referring to you at all, for you are well known for your fear of Heaven."
Unappeased, Rabbi Meir retorted, "But my congregants are all pious and holy.  Only I could be guilty of such sins." -Philip Goodman
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