נפש חי תחטא…או גזל…(ויקרא ה:כא)

If someone shall sin or steal…

The Bilgorai Rav zt’’l was appointed as the Rav in Bilgorai after the passing of his father, Maran Reb Yissocher Dov Rokeach zt’l. His brother, Maran Reb Aharon of Belz zt’l, traveled to Bilgorai to spend the Shabbos of his brother’s coronation there.

The townspeople prepared a pompous ceremony to honor the Belzer Rebbe’s visit.  On Motzei Shabbos, the mayor from Bilgorai came to visit, which caused a commotion in town.  Perhaps the mayor was angry that they didn’t request prior permission for the grand affair on Erev Shabbos.  However, the mayor came specifically to visit the two holy brothers.

He shared that the chief of the police department in Belz had a special relationship with the Sar Shalom of Belz zt’’l, retelling a story. 

A robbery occurred in the home of the Sar Shalom, and the chief of police was summoned to investigate.  The thief was caught, arrested, and subjected to severe punishment.  The chief of police told the Sar Shalom that the thief was a Jew.  The Sar Shalom was distraught and requested that the head of police release the prisoner, which the chief of police declined.  “If you release the prisoner, I promise you three generations of greatness and leadership.” The Sar Shalom promised the chief of police.

The mayor concluded, “I am a grandson of the chief of police in Belz, and I’m in awe of Belz and its rabbis.”