On erev Rosh Chodesh Elul, HaGaon HaRav Mordechai Gross Shlita traveled to the Ma’aras HaMachpelah in line with his annual minhag, to visit the holy site as well as Kever Rochel.

Rav Gross requested to arrive before chatzos. His driver, R’ Yoel Peretz was making good time and accidentally passed a light as it was changing to red. A policeman stopped their vehicle and asked the driver to show his papers. The driver apologized and explained the documents he wishes to see are in the glove box and he had to request that Rav Gross get out in order to get to them.

“I am not going to interrupt Rav Gross’ limud” the driver told the policeman, adding, “if you wish, then asked Kvod HaRav to do so”.

The policeman approached the window but to the surprise of those present, he asked for a bracha after realizing the status of the rabbi in the vehicle. He abandoned plans to write the summons. He told the driver that “if not for Rav Gross, you would have received a summons”, instructing him to be more careful in the future.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)