Saved from Being Sandek
When I stayed in Morocco at the home of R’ Mordechai Knafo, I was asked to be sandek at a brit milah. I especially cherish this mitzvah and do my utmost to perform it, even at great personal inconvenience. But, for some unknown reason, I declined the invitation this time.
A few days later, I was notified of the death of this baby.
I was, of course, filled with sorrow at this unfortunate incident. Yet, at the same time, I saw specific Divine intervention at play. Hashem protected me from being an unwitting cause of chillul Hashem. For, had I actually been the sandek, people might have raised accusing fingers at me with the death of the newborn. “Here is Rabbi David, the one who held the baby at his brit. How did the baby die? Why didn’t Rabbi David’s ancestors intercede? Were they not worthy enough?”
It was particularly the merit of my fathers that prevented me from taking part in the brit, so that I would not be part of any sort of incrimination, and the cause of chillul
