A Kiddush Hashem from Kiddush
I was asked to be present at the sickbed of Mr. Moshe Ben-Naim in the hospital. He was unconscious due to a severe brain disease. Around his bed, stood family and friends. Many seemed far from a Torah lifestyle. As I entered, I heard hostile murmurings of, “Why did the Rav come? What does he think he can do?”
In the face of their antagonism, I asked Hashem to perform a miracle. This would bring glory to His Name, and everyone would clearly see that there is a Creator.
I ended my prayer and took a glass of water. I walked over to the comatose man, and ordered, “Moshe, get up and make Kiddush. You surely remember how you used to make Kiddush every Shabbat.”
In a most stupendous way, the man opened his eyes. He took the glass and recited the entire Kiddush. When he reached the blessing, “Who creates the fruit of the vine,” I instructed him to replace it with the blessing over water. Then he took a few sips. He lay back and re-entered his coma. Shortly afterward, his soul ascended heavenward.
All those present at the time of this kiddush Hashem were inspired to believe in a Creator. The miracle tore down all barriers between themselves and their G-d.
To this day, Mr. Ben-Naim’s daughter and her husband, Mr. Ben-Gigi of Paris, recount this wonderful tale. With each repetition, they become touched by the miracle done with their father before his death.
Many attempts were made to bring his coffin from France to Morocco. It finally reached its destination late on a Friday afternoon. He was buried close to the arrival of Shabbat in the cemetery of Casablanca.
Upon reflection, I saw a direct connection between the Kiddush this man said, and his time of burial. His making Kiddush had caused a great kiddush Hashem.
