Faith Through the Storm: Rabbi Arush's Unwavering Belief

"We do not ask questions. We are believers in Hashem's will, knowing that everything He does is for the best," begins Rabbi Shalom Arush, head of the 'Chut Shel Chessed' institutions, with a monologue full of faith. "The secret of *emunah* is not to deviate from it even slightly. Stand firm like a cliff against the waves of the sea. Sometimes the waves are smaller, sometimes higher, but faith remains constant."

Two months ago, the family of Reb Shimon Arush, Rabbi Shalom Arush's son, was hospitalized at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon. Shimon was in critical condition, his wife was in moderate condition, and their two children, Nachman and Miriam, were also in critical care. Tragically, their one-year-eight-month-old baby, Feiga Chanah, passed away from the severe accident.

The family had been returning home to Jerusalem late at night from a prayer vigil at the resting place of Baba Sali in Netivot. A thick fog settled on the road, and apparently, another car veered into their lane, leading to the collision. Although the family emerged conscious, little Feiga Chanah suffered severe head injuries. Rescue teams tried to save her, but she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.

Initially, Reb Shimon did not know of his daughter's death. Only days later, as he began to recover, was the difficult truth revealed to him. It was Rabbi Shalom who had to break the devastating news to his son.

"It wasn't easy. We wanted him to regain some strength first, but once the doctors said it was okay, we had to tell him. He needs a lot of support, love, and mainly faith in Hashem. Hashem gives and Hashem takes. He decreed that her pure soul would ascend to heaven. We accept everything with love, without questioning."

Feiga Chanah was named after the righteous mother of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Rabbi Arush recounts with reverence how she carried the essence of purity and goodness. "Some souls choose to come to this world briefly to bring about a universal correction. Feiga Chanah was such a sweet soul, full of goodness. Her passing is deeply painful, yet her heavenly ascent is a source of comfort."

The community, particularly those affiliated with the Breslov Hasidic movement, knew Rabbi Arush for his infectious smile and boundless energy. Born in Morocco, Rabbi Arush's journey to faith started after moving to Israel and facing personal trials, including the tragic loss of his friends in a military operation. This path led him to discover Rabbi Nachman's teachings and ultimately dedicate his life to spreading joy and faith.

In the wake of the family tragedy, Rabbi Arush remains a beacon of strength, urging faith in adversity. Even in sorrow, he emphasizes that tears and mourning are part of faith, trusting that Hashem's wisdom prevails even when it is beyond human comprehension.

"Joy does not come easily, especially in times of sadness. It is an ongoing battle against despair. Living without joy equates to lacking life itself. The key is to fight for joy, to be happy with Hashem despite the challenges."

"Shimon called me upon escaping the wreck, crying for prayers for the baby. At that moment, I sensed the severity of Feiga Chanah's condition, even as Shimon himself was unaware of his injuries. Later, when I saw her, she appeared peaceful, perfectly untouched. Her soul is now with Hashem, drawing us ever closer in our connection to Him."

As Rabbi Arush continues to teach, support, and uplift, his students and community rally around him, gaining strength from his lessons of faith, love, and resilience. Through every trial, he exemplifies how to lean on faith and emerge with renewed joy and hope.