Who is Podhotzur from Tevye the Dairyman and the Railroad Stories and what is their importance?

Podhotzur is a rich contractor who makes money off of government contracts during Russia's war with Japan. He contracts with the matchmaker to marry Beilke. Podhotzur is embarrassed over the humble origins of Tevye and so he gives Tevye money and sends him off to Palestine. Later, Podhotzur goes broke and flees with his wife to America.