Preventing the Embarrassment of Guests

A question regarding interpersonal obligations: Reuven was a guest in a synagogue, and after a short time Shimon, who comes to the synagogue only rarely, made Reuven get up in front of the congregation, embarrassed him, and caused him distress. Reuven said that he would not come to that synagogue in the future. Reuven’s friend informed the synagogue rabbi about the incident and asked the rabbi to apologize to Reuven and also to instruct the congregation to give up their seats for guests. The rabbi refused to do this in order to prevent the embarrassment of guests in the future. Is he acting correctly or not? Please provide a source in Halacha or in custom.

Shalom u’vracha.

Indeed, it is certainly true that one who has the ability to protest against congregants who are acting improperly must do so, as explained in the Gemara (Avodah Zarah 18a): “Anyone who has the ability to protest and does not protest is punished for it.”

However, who can tell us that the rabbi has the ability to protest against the congregants?

It is possible that the rabbi has tried in the past to guide the congregants, but they did not listen to him. Or perhaps such a protest would cause them not to listen to him in other matters.

It is also possible that, to the rabbi’s knowledge, Shimon acted improperly when he sat in Reuven’s place. For example, there are synagogues where the seats are owned by the worshippers, and it is clearly marked whose seat it is, with special places designated for guests.

Therefore, we cannot judge the rabbi’s actions without speaking with him and without asking him why, in his view, it is not appropriate to raise this issue with the congregants.