Nadav trembled with fear. “Why, it is nothing. It is only some fruit that I have brought with me from my native land and which I hope to sell here.”
“We can see that it is fruit,” answered the soldiers, “but it is a strange kind. What is it called?”
“We call it an esrog. It is a special fruit that we Jews bless on our holiday.”
When the soldiers heard this they exclaimed happily: “You mean this is the sacred Jewish fruit? Hurry, get on the horse. You are coming with us to the palace.”
Nadav was lifted on the horse and he hung on for dear life as the soldiers charged swiftly through the city streets. He was terrified for his life and he prayed to G-d to save him from the hands of what, he thought, were evil kidnappers.
Arriving at the palace he was taken immediately to the king’s room where all the ministers and officers were assembled about the bed. Seizing Nadav’s sack, they quickly gave the feeble king a bite from one of the esrogim. Nothing happened. The king lay still and white. They gave him a second bite and a third and…
The miracle happened! The king’s color returned to him and his breathing became even and strong. His eyelids fluttered and he opened his eyes to look about him:
“It is a miracle,” he said. “I feel strong and better. I shall live.”
A shout of joy arose in the room; all began to laugh and talk excitedly.
“One moment,” said the king. “Where is the Jew who brought the sacred fruit and who saved my life?”
Nadav was taken to the king’s bedside and the king said: “You have saved my life. The bag of esrogim shall be emptied and filled with all the gold it can hold. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“I seek only to be able to regain my former land and holdings,” replied Nadav.
“That shall be done,” replied the king. “Let another sack be filled with gold and precious stones and with it redeem your possessions.”
Home Again
Nadav left the palace of the king as if in a dream, He ran to the dock and boarded another ship which took him back to the land of Judea. There he returned to his home in Chevron where the word had already preceded him.
The entire town came out to greet the good Nadav, crying: “May the Name of G-d be blessed, Who has aided and raised you.”
And so, the goodness that was his due had been given Nadav. He continued in the ways of charity and kindness until the day he died.
