Avraham ben Avraham, also known as the Ger Tzedek of Vilna, was born into one of Poland's wealthiest families. His parents, devout Christians, sent him to Paris to receive the best religious education. During his studies, he began delving into “The Old Testament.” He met an old Jewish scholar and began learning Torah with him. Being intellectually gifted, he quickly realized that Judaism is the truth and decided to abandon his Christianity, knowing the risks.
Developed a Connection with the Vilna Gaon
He moved to Vilna, where he developed a connection with the Vilna Gaon. His parents sent detectives frantically searching Europe for him. Due to the danger of being caught, he moved to a smaller village where he spent day and night diligently learning Torah. The righteous Jewish women brought him food each day as he learned.
One day, somebody informed the authorities of his whereabouts, leading to him being sentenced to burning alive at the stake. While in prison, his mother begged him to publicly renounce his Judaism and said she’d build him a castle to practice Judaism in secret. He told her, “I love you dearly, but I love the truth even more.”
How to Perform the Mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem
The night before his execution, the Vilna Gaon visited him. He asked the Gaon, “When being brought to the stake, should I walk slowly because rushing one’s death is forbidden, or should I run because I’m performing the Mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem?”
This was one of the only times Gaon said he didn’t know. While being brought out, the Gaon screamed, “Run!” Prior to his death, he recited the bracha that one recites upon Kiddush Hashem. Years later, the Gaon requested to be buried next to the holy Ger Tzedek after he passed.
