A Compassionate Judge

The following story happened to Fiorello LaGuardia in 1933: The future mayor of New York was then a presiding judge in police court. A trembling old man was brought before him. The charge: stealing a loaf of bread. The man broke down and conceded his guilt, adding, "What can I do? My family is starving."

LaGuardia turned to the man and said, "I have no recourse but to fine you ten dollars for your crime". He then reached into his pocket and said, "Well, here is ten dollars to pay for your fine." He then proceeded to place a ten dollar bill on the table. "Furthermore, I am going to fine everybody fifty cents for living in a town where a man has to steal bread in order to eat. Will the bailiff please collect the fines and give them to the defendant!"

The bailiff went around the room collecting the fines and gave the defendant the money. The shocked old man who was originally brought to the judge on the charge of stealing, left with tears in his eyes and 47 dollars and fifty cents to help feed his starving family.

לתלמידי חכמים אני מאתגר ע"י שאלה איפה סוג התנהגות כזו מופיעה בש"ס