[Avodah] Permissible Flattery

[Harvey Benton]

This past Shabbas in the city where I live, there was a printed poster hung-up outside our shul, announcing that a Rebbe was in town. The Rebbe was staying at a Gvir's house (who happens to be a VERY big Baal Tzedakah), and stated about the Gvir, that he was a "Rishon Shebirishon BeChol Davar Shebekdusha".  

We know that Flattery in Yiddishkeit is not allowed, except under certain circumstances such as complimenting a bride, to avoid physical harm, and perhaps some other specific cases.   

Does this particular poster violate injunctions against Flattery?  HB

(JLaw article with many references)
http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/hf_LyingPermissible.html
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