The Case of the Angry Honoree

A congregant has made a large contribution to his synagogue. But he has long since forgotten what meager knowledge of Hebrew he did possess, so he asks the rabbi not to call him up to read the blessings when the Torah is read.

“Please,” he says, “every eye will be on me. Some of my friends will be there and I don’t want to appear like an ignoramus!”

On the following Saturday, what does the rabbi do? He promptly calls the man up to say the blessings.

Having no alternative, Howard Lieberman walks up. He is, of course, furious. The rabbi is standing next to him. Howard looks down at the blessings printed there and mutters, out of the side of his mouth: “Rabbi, what did you do to me? I specifically asked you not to call me up. I don’t mind being an anonymous donor. But you have embarrassed me in front of everyone. I can’t read Hebrew. Honestly, I’m really angry with you!”

At this point, the rabbi turns to him and sings out loudly, “Amen!”