Rabbi Shimon Gross Embraces a Newborn: We Thank Hashem

“Everything Hashem does is for the best, even when we don’t understand,” says Rabbi Shimon (Shimi) Gross, his voice filled with noble strength. A year after he and his wife Michal lost their two precious daughters, Avigail and Yael, he now holds a newborn in his arms. This new life, he says, is a powerful reminder of the continuity of the soul and the kindness of our Creator.

There is joy in his voice, but also a deep longing. He still wonders what life would look like if his daughters were here. What would they say about the baby? How would they welcome him? But Rabbi Gross is a man of faith. He knows that each person is more than just a body, we are souls. And he believes that Hashem doesn’t give anyone a challenge they cannot overcome. So even through the pain, he chooses to grow.

“We learn to appreciate what we have,” he shares.

Last January, tragedy struck their home in Jerusalem. A routine fumigation went horribly wrong. The result was unthinkable. Their daughters, Avigail (age 4) and Yael (a year and a half), passed away. Their two older sons, Chaim Michael (6) and Rafael Yitzchak (5), were hospitalized in critical condition. The Jewish people across Israel and beyond followed the story with tears, prayers, and support.

About a month ago, the family shared that Michal was expecting a baby. Everyone waited with hope, praying for a new beginning. When the time came to deliver, the couple faced a difficult decision: should they return to Shaare Zedek Medical Center, the same hospital where their daughters were both born and passed away?

In the end, they chose to return, hoping to close a painful circle. And so, a year after their heartbreak, they found themselves once again on the same hospital floor but this time, to hold new life, surrounded by joy.

Even When Hidden, Hashem Is There

The interview took place just two days after Michal gave birth to their third son. “The brit milah (circumcision) is expected to be on the same day as the yahrzeit, the anniversary of our daughters’ passing,” Rabbi Gross said. “Even in what’s hidden, we see Hashem’s hand. It’s divine providence, even if it’s hard to grasp.”

How are you feeling?

“Baruch Hashem (thank G-d), we’re feeling good. On one hand, there’s incredible joy, and on the other hand, memories wash over us. Before the birth, we really debated whether to return to the same hospital. But we’re glad we did. We ended up on the same floor where our daughters passed away. It wasn’t easy, but the same staff who treated them came to see us. It felt like we had come full circle. On that very floor, new life entered the world. As it says: Hashem gave, and Hashem took, blessed is His name.”

How are the boys reacting to their new baby brother?

“Thank G-d, they’re doing better. They still need some medical checkups, but overall, they’re doing well. Their survival was a miracle, and we never take that for granted. They’re very excited about the baby. Of course, this baby doesn’t replace his sisters, G-d forbid but we hope he’ll bring light and happiness into our lives. We pray that from now on, we’ll experience only joyful occasions.”

The Wonder of Life

Throughout Michal’s pregnancy, memories from her previous pregnancies resurfaced. It wasn’t easy.

“Carrying a baby for nine months is a huge miracle,” Rabbi Gross says. “Just seeing a healthy baby born is one of the greatest wonders in the world. Watching this tiny, perfect human being emerge makes you appreciate Hashem’s kindness in a whole new way.”

How did you feel when your wife gave birth?

“It’s a deeply emotional moment for every parent, especially after what we’ve been through. You really feel the words of the blessing, ‘My G-d, the soul You gave me is pure.’ When a baby is born, he’s still connected to his mother, and he has to breathe at the exact right moment. Not a second before or after. It’s breathtaking.

On the other hand, we saw what it means when the soul leaves. With our daughters, their bodies were whole but they were gone. That’s when you really understand that what makes a person who they are… is the soul.”

What would you say to another grieving father?

“In many cases, I find myself being the one who comforts. I thank Hashem every day. People walk around thinking they deserve everything but when something is taken away, we’re reminded that nothing is guaranteed. Just being healthy, having children, a spouse, a livelihood, none of it should be taken for granted.”

Living With Longing

Avigail and Yael are always with them.

“We think about them all the time. There are moments that catch us off guard like lighting candles on Friday night, or during Chanukah. This year, we lit the candles and remembered last year. We asked ourselves: What would it be like if they were still here?”

How do you keep going?

“We try to give space to the emotions, but also not to let sadness take over our lives. Hashem doesn’t give trials to break us. He gives them to strengthen us, to help us grow. We all make plans for our lives, and then suddenly, Hashem shifts everything. We lost two of our children and spent weeks in the hospital. That kind of moment changes you. It makes you realize that life is deeper. That we’re here for a purpose.”

The Power of Unity

One of the most powerful sources of strength has been the support of the Jewish people.

“The unity, the prayers, the kindness, it gave us so much strength. Even now, we’re moved again and again. When the baby was born, total strangers came to the hospital with gifts. That’s the heart of the Jewish people. They mourned with us and now they celebrate with us.”

Living With Purpose

The tragedy changed the way Rabbi Gross sees life.

“Since that day, we live more deeply,” he says. “We see the cause and effect. We’ve seen death and we’ve seen birth. We know that Hashem’s plan is good, even when we don’t understand it. And that helps us grow. Everyone has a choice so focus on the pain or find the light. I don’t judge anyone who struggles. It’s easy to fall into despair. But we thank Hashem for what we had and ask Him for the strength and joy ahead. May He bless us and everyone with health, happiness, and only good news.”