Who is the Rabbi from Henne Fire and what is their importance?

The Rabbi i a kind man who takes pity on Henne when her neighbors are ready to run her out of town. He arranges for her to sleep in an outdoor booth, or tent, that is set up for the Succoth holiday. His family also supplies Henne with a bed, a stove, and food during the winter. When the tent catches on fire, the rabbi insists Henne move into his family's house, a suggestion that is so upsetting to his family that various members of the village offer to build Henne a fireproof brick house.