He arrived in Kletsk after he left Kletsk for Africa 7 years earlier, taking with his oldest son, Motke. He left behind his wife and small children. His purpose was to earn money and bring with him an apotiki [from Greek: fund for lending money] so that he could deal with matters of tzedaka [charity].

He appeared a different person in clothing, beard, gold watch and behavior. He was true to his promise and helped the poor people of Kletsk.

In the morning, after praying, he looks in Beit Midrash for a poor man, treats him with honor and brings him home to his wife to feed him.

Then he goes about his community matters. His first visit is to the Hekdesh [Hebrew: poor house; property set aside for charitable purposes or for the fulfillment of any other mitzvah; charitable institutions]. At one time the Hekdesh was a dilapidated place in the corner of Synagogue yard. It was supposed to have an infirmary for the sick but has turned into an inn – shelter for wandering poor.

Being neglected for cleanliness, the pristov [police commissioner] closed it up.

One Sabbath, in the Beit Midrash Herzl stopped reading the Torah until the congregation was informed about the Hekdesh. The congregation agreed that Herzl would deal with the Hekdesh the way he thinks best.

First he cleaned the dirt, brought Mendl the house-painter to cover the holes in the walls, paint the walls, the windows and doors and make the place “bright”. Herzl promised Mendl that he will pay him, himself for a good and honest work. Then He brought Yona the glazier to do his job. While the work was being done, Herzl went around Kletsk, collected bedding and ordered wood beds by Nakhum the carpenter. When all the activity was complete, Herzl invited the congregation to a house-warming.

Herzl helped also the khevra kadisha performing the rites himself when the dead was in a bad shape.

There was a man nicknamed Kushke mit di gleklel [stomach with bells] and he was thrown out his house because he did not have enough income for paying rent. Herzl took him in.

Suddenly Herzl had to leave again, for South Africa. He simply became poor because of all the money he poured into all his good deeds. He was honorably escorted to board a wagon to start his voyage.

After several years Herzl returned a wealthy man. He opened in Kletsk a tannery. He rented a big house on Keider street, brought a specialist tanner from a bit town, and they processed leather shipped to Russia. For the young workers Herzl set up a special kitchen where they could eat all week. Instead of the customary 12 work hours, they worked only 10 hours. When that work was completed, he went on to be active in community matters.

When Herzl arrived on the first Sabbath in his strange attire, the gabbai greeted him warmly and sat him in the East, not far from the Rabbi and he was also invited to read the Haftara. Herzl declared contributions to all community charities. He announced that he planned to turn the Hekdesh into a real hospital and pay the expenses.

In the anterooms of the batei-midrash long tables were installed and honored proprietors went around with bowls to collect for various tzedaka. Herzl had a bag of silver and he put in each bowl until the bag was empty. He then let R’ Abraham Ber lash him on his back reciting God will forgive all sins, as was the custom before Yom Kippur. A real Tzadik!

Herzl ended being shot near the Catholic graves [cemetery] by the Hitlerite beasts.