In his old age the founder of Yeshivat Ponevez in Bnei Brak, Rabbi Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman, suffered from severe toothaches. When his dentist informed him that all of his teeth would have to be extracted and replaced with dentures he thus explained his reluctance.

"I am a kohen. Mashiach may come any moment and the Beit Hamikdash will be rebuilt. I will then be called upon to participate in the sacred service and the extraction of my teeth will disqualify me from doing so. I prefer to continue suffering the pain of aching teeth and not miss out on that great opportunity."

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