In the time of the Beit Hamidkash there were some people who were kind and others who were selfish. The Talmud narrates the following:
“The following were mentioned to their disgrace; those of the house of Garmu, who were not willing to teach the art of making the showbread; those of the house of Abtinas, who did not want to teach the art of preparing the incense; Hugras ben Levi, who knew a chapter in music but was unwilling to instruct others; and Ben Kamtzar, who did not want to teach the art of writing.
Of the first it is said (Mishlei 10:10), “The memory of the just is blessed,” but of the last (Ben Kamtzar) it is said (ibid.), “But the name of the wicked shall rot.”
Chazal taught: The house of Garmu was skilled in making the showbread, but did not want to teach it to others. The sages sent for professional bakers from Alexandria, who could bake as well.
But they could not remove the bread from the oven without breaking it. They heated the oven from the outside and baked it inside, while the house of Garmu heated it inside, and baked it inside. The showbread of the former became moldy, while that of the latter never became moldy.
When the sages saw this they had to invite the house of Garmu to resume their post. The sages sent for them but they did not come, so their wages were doubled and then they came. Prior to their return their wages amounted to 1,200 dinarim a day and afterwards they received 2,400 dinarim. Rabi Judah, however, said, “Their previous salary was 2,400 dinarim and afterwards 4,800 dinarim.”
The sages asked them, “Why are you unwilling to instruct others?”
They replied, “Our family knows by tradition that this Temple is destined to be destroyed and perhaps an unworthy person will learn to make the showbread and go and serve idols.”
For the following their memory was praised – their children were never seen to use pure flour, lest they be suspected of taking it from the showbread.
