As retold by Bruce Lowitt

The beloved rabbi is on his deathbed, surrounded by congregants speaking in whispers among themselves of the many virtues of the old man now leaving them.

"So pious," says one. "Where at any point did he deviate in the slightest from the commandments of God?"

"And so learned," says another. "The vast commentaries of the rabbis of the past were, so to speak, imprinted on his brain."

"And so charitable, so generous," says a third. "Is there a poor man whom he did not help?  Who in town is ignorant of his kindness?"

As this litany of praise continues, a faint tremor appears on the rabbi's face.  It is obvious he is trying to say something.

The congregants lean in to hear his last words.

"Piety, learning, charity," the rabbi says in a whisper. "And what of my great modesty? About that  you say nothing?"