She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the lesson of kindness is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26)
In the year 1493, all Jewish people who lived in Spain were forced to leave the country. Any Jewish person that remained had to become Christian or be killed. It was against the law to keep the Torah and mitzvos (commandments) especially Shabbos and holidays. Many Jewish people did not want to leave the country without their belongings and means instead they tried to keep the Torah and mitzvos secretly. It was a very dangerous and terrifying time.
The Francesco family was among those who remained in Spain and kept their Torah observance secretly. Every week, the mother, Rachel, lit her Shabbos (Sabbath) candles and welcomed the Shabbos – Holy Sabbath into their home. She made sure that all windows and doors were shut tightly so that no neighbor could see. The Grandmother sat quietly on the side remembering better times for her family and how her family would gather together each Friday evening to celebrate Shabbos together. Michoel, the father, davened (prayed) kabbalas Shabbos (Welcoming the Sabbath service) with his two sons. They did this silently, so that no neighbor could hear.
Sadly, few secrets remain hidden for long. Peeking through a crack in the wooden window slat, someone looked into their house. This wicked neighbor saw Michoel praying with his two sons and the two lit candles on the table. He immediately ran to notify the police.
“I have found secret Jews keeping their Saturday Sabbath,” he announced. The police rushed to the Francesco house and banged loudly at the door. “Open up,” a harsh voice commanded. “We know there are secret Jews hiding in this house. Open the door or we will break it down!”
Michoel was filled with fear, yet he had no choice but to let the police in. The captain came into their house followed by his troops. “Tie their hands and march these Jewish renegades to the church. The Inquisition will punish them!”
Everyone in the Francesco house quivered with fear; they were terrified. They were sure they would be killed. Suddenly, the captain of the police noticed the Grandmother. I know this woman, he thought. I remember this kind woman from when I was a child. Every morning, she gave me candies when I passed by her house. And whenever I felt hurt or someone was mean to me she was always so kind and gentle. I cannot harm her or her family, his conscious told him.
“No, no, no,” barked the captain to the troops. “We are mistaken! I know these people. They are not Jewish. The man was probably just talking with his sons. And those two candles on the table are probably lit to light up the house on this dark evening.”
“Soldiers, return to your homes,” said the captain. “Let us not disturb these people anymore!” Michoel was stunned and could not believe what he was hearing. The captain winked at Michoel as he and his troops left the house.
Michoel breathed a giant sigh of relief and raised his hands to Hashem (G-d) thanking him for the great miracle of saving him and his family. He then told his family “We must continue with all our strength and mesiras nefesh (Self-sacrifice) to adhere to Torah and mitzvos and never desecrate the holy Shabbos.
That night long ago reminded the Francesco family that “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21)
May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)
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Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)