R. Benzil Strier did in fact esteem the Sanzer – despite being a mitnaged. He related a parable: Two merchants came to a factory selling merchandise. They showed one some merchandise and told him a particular price. The merchant offered 50% and the rest in installments. They immediately sealed the deal.
The other merchant saw how deals were made and thought he would be clever. When they showed him the merchandise he offered no cash and demanded to be trusted with the full amount. No deal was made as they said: “The first merchant was at least willing to give 50% so we saw that he was serious. You, however, do not wish to give anything – you must be a swindler.”
“The same is with the Sanzer,” R. Benzil said. “To be a scholar is at least 50% of the value of a person. [I] know that he has the 50% – regarding the other 50% I trust him.”
I.F.
- Moses Cohen
