Second chance at happiness: Meron tragedy widow and recent widower are engaged

A touching story of hope has emerged from two families who previously knew profound loss, as Rabbi David Deutsch, who recently lost his wife, announced his engagement to the widow of Rabbi Yosef Greenbaum, who died in the 2021 Meron disaster.

Rabbi Deutsch, a respected religious judge and son of the Chief Rabbi of Ramat Shlomo, lost his wife Chana Pesha just seven months ago, leaving behind four young children, the youngest only two years old. His late wife was the daughter of the Spinka Rebbe.

His bride-to-be is the widow of Rabbi Yosef Greenbaum, one of the 45 people who died in the Meron tragedy during the Lag B'Omer celebrations in 2021. She was pregnant with their second child when he passed away, naming the baby Shimon Yosef after both his father and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, at whose tomb the tragedy occurred.

"From this joy, may true happiness overflow to all of Israel," community members shared, celebrating what many see as a symbol of healing and renewal for two families touched by tragedy.

Kikar Shabbat contributed to this article.