He Chose Shabbat And It Saved His Life

This powerful and emotional story comes from a respected rabbi in Modi’in, who heard it firsthand and shared it to help others understand just how much Shabbat can protect and uplift us. It’s a story that touches the heart and reminds us of the quiet strength hidden in a mitzvah.

It happened just this past Shabbat. A few hours before candle-lighting, 13-year-old Gabriel Yosipov, a student at one of the Yad Rambam educational centers, received a phone call from his parents, who are not religious.

“We’re going on a little trip,” they told him over the phone. “Your sister is coming too we want you to join us.”

Gabriel hesitated.

The idea of spending time with his family sounded nice. But then he remembered the promise he had made just a few weeks earlier.

After completing a major program where he studied the halachot (laws) of Shabbat and passed the final exam, Gabriel had felt a deep sense of pride and inspiration. In that moment, he made a personal commitment: he would no longer travel on Shabbat. That was his gift to Hashem and to himself.

Now, with his parents on the phone, that commitment was being tested.

“So what do you say?” his parents asked. “Decide quickly if you're coming, we’ll pick you up right now.”

Gabriel took a deep breath. “I’m sorry,” he said, forcing the words out with more strength than a 13-year-old usually has. “I’ve made a promise to keep Shabbat, and I want to stay true to it. Have a good Shabbat and please drive safely.”

As the sun set, Gabriel lit up his own Shabbat with that brave decision. He stayed strong, kept his promise, and welcomed Shabbat with quiet faith.

A few hours later, the phone rang again. This time, it wasn’t his parents. It was a stranger a police officer.

“Are you Gabriel Yosipov?” the man asked gently.

“Yes,” Gabriel answered, his voice shaking. He could feel something wasn’t right.

“I’m very sorry to tell you,” the officer said, “but there’s been a serious accident. Your parents and sister were in the car. They were killed instantly.”

At just 13 years old, Gabriel found himself alone facing a painful and life-altering moment no child should have to face.

But even in that heartbreak, one thing stood out: had he not stayed home, had he gotten into that car… he would not be here today.

This story is not just about tragedy. It’s about the powerful, mysterious protection that comes with honoring Shabbat. It's a reminder of how every mitzvah especially one that’s kept with sincerity and devotion can become a shield in ways we may never understand.

Let us take this story to heart. Let it inspire us to add more holiness to our Shabbat whether it’s lighting candles with more focus, saying extra Tehillim (Psalms), learning a halacha or two before the meal, or preparing special foods to honor the day. Every small act we do for Shabbat makes a difference.

Even someone who has been keeping Shabbat for years can always go deeper with more joy, more beauty, and more kavod (honor).

May Hashem bring comfort to all who need it and protect all of Am Yisrael. May we each merit to feel the light and the protection of Shabbat in our own lives.