Another Western Wall story

On Friday morning, we had some free time so Yael and I decided to go to the Kotel (the Western Wall).  I was once again able to walk right up to the wall and pray.  After a few minutes, I stepped back from the Wall, found a wooden lectern and opened a prayer pamphlet that Alan had given us.  There were many tourists around me.  I kept noticing fathers taking pictures of their sons.  I offered to take pictures of the fathers and sons together.

An orthodox Jew came up to me to ask if I was a rabbi.  I said no.  "But you at least must be a kohen (a member of the high priests)," he said.  "Why?" I asked. "Because I have been watching you and you kept interrupting your prayers to help others," he answered.  

He then beckoned me to go inside the library and stand before one of the arks.  There he offered a blessing for my family.  We kissed the siddur and ark curtain.  Then, he told me that we helped a Jewish orphanage.  I immediately offered him 20 NIS.  He appeared insulted and 

told me that for me to truly receive a blessing I should give the number that he typed out on his cell phone--170 NIS.  I again offered him 20 NIS.  "You don't understand," he said, " one must give tzedukah (charity) until it hurts so that you can benefit from the act."  "No," I said, "One should not give tzedukah beyond ones means because one should not be hurt by the commandment of tzedukah."  He paused and said, "You are a rabbi!"  "Therefore, when I give you this 20 NIS its as if I am giving you 170 NIS," I added.  He didn't want to take the 20 NIS until I pointed out that one must not turn back tzedukah because that would hinder someone from performing the mitzvah.  He took the 20 NIS.  We walked out of the library with our arms around each others waists.  He kissed me on both cheeks.  "You are a rabbi because I have learned something from you.  Shabbat Shalom." he said as we parted ways.