איש על העדה… אשר יוציאם ואשר יביאם לפניהם… (פינחס כז:טז-יז)

When Maran Reb Yehoshua of Belz, the Mittele Rav zt”l, established the ‘Machzikei Hadas’ organization, Maran formed a coalition of ehrliche Yidden to combat the Maskilim (enlightenment movement). The Mittele Rav wanted to appoint Rabbi Shimon Sofer zt’l, the Rav of Cracow (Kraków, Poland), as the Nasi (leader) of Machzikei Hadas. However, Reb Shimon declined the position, claiming it would keep him from learning Torah.

The Mittele Rav did not accept Reb Shimon Sofer’s rejection, arguing: “It says in many Seforim that a person has a certain amount of mitzvahs and good deeds he needs to accomplish in his lifetime.  Once a person fulfills his duties, he has no reason to stay in this world.  So that it can be justified to be given more years on this world, one has to occupy oneself with צרכי ציבור – being actively involved with communal affairs – do good for the Yidden, and one will merit more years to live.”

Reb Shimon Sofer accepted the position of leader of Machzikei Hadas. He earned the respect of the Jewish community and the local government for his significant accomplishments on behalf of Klal Yisroel. He merited living another five years after he had accepted his position.