Who is Berel Bernstein from Bread Givers and what is their importance?

Berel Bernstein is the young man who visits Bessie. He is a cutter in the shop where she works. He says he wants to marry Bessie though she has no dowry. Reb says he does not need a dowry for Bessie because she provides the family with a living and he is not ready to allow her to marry and leave behind her familial obligations. He says he will allow the marriage if Berel pays for the wedding, buys Reb new clothes and sets him up in business. Berel declines and is soon engaged to someone else.