The story was related by his close friend from their days at the Volozhin Yeshiva, Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaKohen Kook (the first Chief Rabbi of Israel).
Regarding a wondrous story that occurred after his engagement, our teacher's friend from the benches of the Volozhin Yeshiva, the Gaon Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaKohen Kook, related:
Between the engagement and the wedding, a disaster occurred. A fire broke out in the dairy farm [business] of Rabbi Moshe Mordechai [the father of the bride], and his entire estate, along with his house and possessions, went up in flames. He was left completely destitute and was unable to fulfill his [financial] promises regarding the marriage.
Naturally, this caused significant distress, as all of our teacher’s [Rabbi Shimon Shkop's] expectations had been to continue sitting and meditating in the "tent of Torah" [to study undisturbed], and now his ability to do so was cast into doubt.
There were matchmakers who thought that since Reb Moshe Mordechai could no longer fulfill his financial obligations, the groom was released from his commitment to the marriage. Seeing him as a "prized find," they hurried to offer our teacher other matches that were financially settled and secure.
Our teacher firmly rejected these offers, saying to them:
"Is it not enough that the disaster of the fire struck Reb Moshe Mordechai, that you wish for me to cancel the match and bring yet another disaster upon him?"
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This is a great message for our days when so many people look for money in a marriage partner.
Ask Melinda Gates if money makes a happy marriage.
