crimes" committed by one of the heirs. Members of the family claimed this heir was "an evil doer who committed transgressions in public ... and this brings upon us and our entire family disgrace and shame to the state of ignominy when it becomes public knowledge."' They were concerned that, apart from the damage to family honor, serious acts of crime might be committed that would endanger them. In view of the circumstances, they asked for permission to lease out the houses to strangers despite the oaths and vows in the will. Rabbi Yehoshua Benbenesht (1590-1668), one of the prominent sages in the capital, adjudicated the matter and scrutinized the wording of the will. Since the main intent of the testator was family honor, and yet upholding the will might cause "shame and disgrace" to the family, he permitted the requested change. Rabbi Benbenesht referred to the testator as someone whom