As She Walked to the Chuppah: Her Brother Fought for His Life

My story is filled with moments of kindness and goodness. It begins with a yeshiva student named Nissim Vaknin. Anyone who knew him would tell you there was no one quite like him when it came to kindness. When the boys returned to yeshiva from home with snacks and treats, Nissim always shared everything. When one of the boys got engaged and celebrated with a vort, Nissim took care of printing the sign and even prepared thoughtful gifts for the week they would be apart. Everything he did was about bringing joy to the bride and groom.

A Life Centered on Kindness

Nissim’s kindness showed just as strongly at home. When his sister got engaged, he would not let her lift a finger. He went out to buy gifts for the groom and made sure every detail was exactly how she wanted it, even if it meant going back to the stores again and again. That was simply who he was. For Nissim, kindness always came first, and making a bride and groom happy meant everything to him.

But that joy quickly became mixed with fear. The day before his sister’s engagement celebration, Nissim collapsed. The devastating news came soon after: doctors found a tumor. As the family prepared for the wedding, they were suddenly also dealing with medical tests, hospital visits, and consultations with both doctors and rabbis.

A Wave of Unity and Prayer

At that point, a powerful wave of kindness began to spread. People who heard Nissim’s story took on small commitments in his merit. Some added extra prayers, others strengthened their modesty, and even people who felt far from religious life chose to take on something meaningful. It was as if the entire Jewish people came together, united in concern and hope for one young man.

A Wedding Filled With Faith

The wedding day arrived under an emotional cloud. As the bride prepared, Nissim went in for another test. She prayed the Yom Kippur Mincha prayer for his recovery. At that very time, Nissim collapsed again and was placed on a ventilator.

The bride stood under the chuppah while doctors told her parents that time was short and they should prepare to say goodbye. Even in that painful moment, another wave of kindness began. The bride and groom dedicated every moment of their Sheva Brachot to Nissim’s healing. They prayed, recited Tehillim, visited the graves of righteous individuals, and organized a large hafrashat challah gathering. Their hearts were full of faith and hope that salvation was near.

Faith in the Face of Loss

But Hashem had other plans. Nissim, of blessed memory, passed away one week after the wedding. Even in that loss, there was a deeper kindness. His passing came after the wedding and Sheva Brachot, on his sister’s birthday, as if allowing those days of joy and unity to be completed.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

During the shiva, Nissim’s parents made a remarkable decision. They chose to continue his legacy of kindness by building something lasting. They founded a kollel called Ohel Nissim and Nehorai, in his memory and in memory of his cousin, Nehorai Vaknin, an 18 year old yeshiva student who was tragically killed in a car accident while returning from the hilula of the Baba Sali.

The kollel supports Torah scholars and includes an evening program for working men, a bein hazmanim program for yeshiva students, and an annual hilula for the Or HaChaim HaKadosh. It also organizes visits to the graves of righteous individuals and continues to grow with additional initiatives.

A Legacy That Continues

Nissim’s story did not end with his passing. His life continues to inspire kindness, Torah learning, and unity. His family transformed their pain into a mission that uplifts others and strengthens the Jewish people.

May we all merit to continue in this path of kindness for the Creator of the world. May we merit to expand Torah and support those who dedicate their lives to it. And may the people of Israel continue to give and care for one another, ensuring that this meaningful work carries on.

For the record, I am the bride. And Nissim, of blessed memory, is my dear brother.