Captain Yisrael Yudkin, HY”D, was a promising young man from Kfar Chabad. I knew him and his family well. Yisrael was called up to the army and was shipped off to Gaza. A true Chabad chassid, Yisrael adhered strictly to halachah and tried to influence his fellow soldiers.
Tragically, a well aimed bullet claimed Yisrael’s life far too early. That same bullet hit the soldier directly behind Yisrael in line, wounding his hand.
When I went to visit the wounded soldier, Aharon, in the rehabilitation home, we commiserated over the terrible loss of our friend, Yisrael.
“Yisrael was a good friend,” Aharon shared. “I owe my life to him! I want to do something special to thank Hashem for saving me, and something that will honor Yisrael.”
We both thought for a while, until Aharon perked up. “I know! I’ll start wearing the second pair of tefillin every day, just like Yisrael did!”
“Excellent idea!” I replied. “I’m sure it will give his neshama great joy.”
The next week, when I visited the hospital again, I brought along a new pair of Rabbeinu Tam tefillin - a gift for Aharon. He accepted them with tears in his eyes, vowing to always honor Yisrael’s legacy.
*Names changed to protect privacy.
