A person who succeeds in focusing on kiddush Hashem can achieve amazing results. Who could imagine that the next-door neighbor of a yeshiva high school dorm would be impressed and inspired by the boys who live there?
Recently, the boys in one such dorm were approached by their non-Jewish neighbor, who wanted to give them a gift of some basketballs and softballs.
“I really appreciate having you guys as neighbors,” he said. “You are polite and respectful. You greet me every morning and are quiet and sensitive to the neighbors at night.”
One of the boys mentioned that the yeshiva was considering moving to another neighborhodd, and the man was horrified. “If you guys move, I’m going with you!” he declared. “And if any of you ever need a job, come to me. I’m a hotel manager; I don’t need any staff right now, but I’d hire you guys anytime. If I take care of you, your G-d will take care of me.”
He added, “I used to be a sinful person, but I changed because of you guys. Seeing you reminds me that G-d is watching everything I do.”
Because these boys were so focused on the goal of kiddush Hashem, their actions inspired and uplifted others.
Reproduced from Living Kiddush Hashem by Rabbi Shraga Freedman with permission of the copyright holders, ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications, Ltd.
