Shmuel “Rosen”’s story has so many twists and turns, it’s best to read it in his own words:

“ My name is Shmuel, I am 37 and I live on Bar Ilan in Jerusalem. My first wife passed away young and I was left a widower with three tiny kids. I went through a very difficult period in my life until I married my second wife, Leah. We each tried to leave our painful pasts behind.

Within a year our first joint child was born and our home was once again filled with happiness. I thought that all my pain was behind me and we would only experience good things together. Everything was perfect until the birth of our eight child together – my son Meir. 

Suddenly, Leah began to feel strange pains, the doctors seemed nervous and within a week we had the terrible news: Leah, my dear wife and mother to all my 11 children, was diagnosed with cancer. 

It’s hard for me to describe the nightmare that we are experiencing. Leah is currently hospitalized in Hadassah Ein Kerem. She is weak and worried. I am trying to manage at home with the children, to provide them with food, clothes and a normal routine – but I’m not succeeding. 

I’m not able to put in my full hours at work and my already tight salary now does not even cover our basic groceries. The cancer brought up painful memories and the emotional situation at home is complicated. During the day I’m rushing between being with Leah at the hospital and caring for the children at home, at night I toss and turn trying to think from where else I can take out yet another loan. 

I am begging you, please save the life of my wife and the second family I have worked so hard to build. 11 children are dependent on me, I know that I can’t fail but I’m not able to do this alone anymore. Please help me save Leah and take care of my children, so my home won’t collapse in on me again.

Shmuel”

A Chesed Fund page with the above text has begun to make the rounds in the Jewish world, as readers are blown away by the amount of tragedy this young man has faced. Another person who is moved by the family’s story is none other than Rav Mordechai Gross himself, who had the following to say:

“All those who donate to this fund should bez”H merit to see great salvation with whatever they need, and they and their family will be saved measure for measure from all illnesses midah kineged midah and they should bez”H merit to make simchos in their homes and to see nachas from all their descendants with health and parnassah.”

Readers can help the “Rosens” and receive Rav Gross’s blessing via their emergency fund for a limited time. In the meantime, 11 kids’ lives hang in the balance. 

*Name changed to protect the family’’s privacy