When the gaon Rabbi Yom Tov Lippman was rabbi of Krakow there lived a very wealthy man in that city, known as “Stingy Shimon.” He was despised by all the inhabitants because he never donated any money for charitable purposes. However, his servant, Shlomie, was well liked, since he gave large sums to the poor. No one ever questioned how he obtained his money, nor what business he conducted. He had been a servant at the home of “Stingy Shimon” for a number of years, and when he retired he took greater interest in the poor than ever before. Every day he invited groups of men to his home where they received a wholesome meal and some pocket money. People admired Shlomie’s devotion and loyalty to the poor. One day it became known that “Stingy Shimon” had died. No one attended his funeral and very few people in the city mourned him. In punishment for his behavior ...
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