The Kabbalist, the Gaon Rabbi Yitzhak Barda, head of the Yitzhak Yernan institutions, was elected "Yakir Ha'ir" of Ashkelon for the year 2014 - a title awarded to individuals who have made a profound and lasting contribution to the city and the community.
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But this morning, just days after the rabbi received the certificate of appreciation from the mayor in his office, and before the official festive ceremony - the rabbi surprised the city officials and members of the selection committee and announced that he would like to politely waive receiving the title.
In a personal and moving letter he sent to the committee, the rabbi began with deep words of gratitude to the entire public, to Mayor Tomer Glam, and to the committee members who saw him as a worthy candidate.
The rabbi wrote: "With an excited heart but out of awe and complete disregard for my Creator, I decided to forgo receiving the title. As someone who strives all his life to serve the Creator, may He be blessed, in truth and sincerity, I do not feel complete with receiving a public title that could lead to arrogance of heart, God forbid."
The rabbi added that benefiting others is the duty of every Jew, and no honor or title is required for it: "What is merciful - you are also merciful. And because of this, it is our Jewish duty to care for all. We do not need to receive honor for this, since we are fulfilling the commandments of our Creator."
Rabbi Barda's announcement sparked many reactions.
His students and members of his community accepted the decision with appreciation and excitement. "In a place of honor, the rabbi chooses to make a concession. This is true greatness," said one of his students. "The rabbi proves once again that everything he does is truly for the sake of heaven."
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