The graves were still fresh as millions of viewers around the world heard Rabbi Moshe Taubenfeld of New Square express unshakable faith in Hashem, even as he mourned the murder of his wife and son in the bombing of the No. 2 bus seven years ago. Since then, he has reestablished a home with devoted wife and blended family of twenty-two children. And then tragedy struck again: his new home was entirely consumed by fire, leaving him penniless. Yet this time the decree was sweetened: no one was hurt.
It is Aseres yemei teshuvah with its accompanying solemnity and heaviness spiritual closeness not withstanding. Suddenly a wild fire erupts from one of the homes on Truman Avenue. Within moments fire fighters leap into action but a quick look tells them that there’s not a chance of overcoming the ravaging blaze consuming the building. The family members all of whom have emerged safely are off to the side among the dozens of bystanders watching with horror as everything they own turns into fuel for the flames. One person however is standing calm and erect even… joyous. “We should break out dancing now ” he says to his children. “Hashem has watched over us and no one was trapped in the fire. We are all here safe and sound.”
The last time the flames of destruction engulfed Rabbi Moshe Menachem Taubenfeld’s family seven years ago twenty-three people were killed including his wife Goldie and their six-month-old son Shmuli. It was on the #2 bus loaded with worshippers coming back from the Kosel.
To read the rest of this story please buy this issue of Mishpacha or sign up for a weekly subscription.
Create a free account to keep reading.
