Trusting Hashem’s Plan: The Story of Rabbi Bulk and Yerushmayel Wexler

Life is full of events that seem beyond our control. Often, we question the outcomes, wondering if our decisions cause harm or good. Yet, the Torah teaches us the ultimate lesson of emunah (faith): Hashem runs the world, and His timing is perfect. A story from the 1920s, told by Rabbi Shua-Daran, illustrates this truth beautifully, showing how divine providence guides even the most tragic circumstances toward eternal goodness.

Rabbi Bulk’s Mission to America

In the 1920s, the yeshivot of Yerushalayim were struggling financially. The heads of the yeshivot decided to send one of the greatest speakers of the generation, Rabbi Bulk, to America to raise funds. Known for his charisma, eloquence, and ability to portray the spiritual beauty of Yerushalayim, Rabbi Bulk traveled from city to city, inspiring Jewish communities to support Torah learning in the Holy Land.

One of his stops was Chicago, where he delivered a particularly powerful Shabbat speech. The impact was immediate—people returned Saturday night eager to donate. Among them was Yerushmayel Wexler, a businessman whose heart was moved by the cause. Inspired by Rabbi Bulk’s words, he began to consider moving to Israel with his family to support Torah learning on a larger scale.

A Son Enrolled in Hebron Yeshiva

Yerushmayel Wexler traveled with his son to Israel. Their first stop was the Hebron Yeshiva, one of the most prestigious institutions of the time. Although his son did not have a strong yeshiva background, Yerushmayel decided to enroll him. For the boy, it was a six-month period of total immersion in Torah study, a rare opportunity to connect deeply with Jewish learning.

However, tragedy struck. In the month of Av, 1929, a massacre occurred at Hebron, claiming many lives—including some American students. Fear and sorrow gripped the Jewish community, and Yerushmayel feared for his son’s safety. Miraculously, through divine intervention, his son had been called back prior to the attack, sparing his life.

Rabbi Bulk Avoids Chicago

Years later, Rabbi Bulk was once again asked to travel to America for fundraising. But he avoided Chicago, worried about facing Yerushmayel Wexler. He feared he had set events in motion that led to unimaginable loss. Instead, he visited other cities, raising funds and spreading Torah inspiration.

Yet Hashem’s plan cannot be bypassed. In New York, Rabbi Bulk was destined to encounter Yerushmayel Wexler. Their meeting was warm and profound, and Wexler immediately expressed gratitude rather than anger.

“You Gave Me My Son”

Yerushmayel told Rabbi Bulk something remarkable:

“You gave me my son. Twenty years ago, his days were destined for this world. Your coming to Chicago ensured he would learn Torah and grow spiritually. Had you not come, he may have passed away without this gift. Because of you, he immersed himself in Torah for six months. You gave us a son who is destined for eternal bliss.”

This response exemplifies Boteach Bah Hashem—trust in Hashem. No human action caused or prevented the events; all was in the hands of Hashem. Rather than bitterness or anger, Yerushmayel embraced hakarat hatov—recognition of the good—and trusted in the divine plan.

Lessons in Emunah and Divine Timing

This story teaches several timeless lessons for all of us:

1. No one controls the world but Hashem: Decisions and events may appear random or even tragic, but divine providence guides every outcome.

2. Trust leads to gratitude: Even in the face of potential loss, choosing to trust Hashem transforms fear into appreciation and faith.

3. Our children and actions have eternal impact: By enrolling his son in Hebron Yeshiva, Yerushmayel ensured his child’s Torah growth, showing how choices can resonate far beyond our perception.

4. Faith transcends human understanding: Rabbi Bulk and Yerushmayel both demonstrated trust that Hashem knows best, even when the path seemed uncertain or tragic.

Applying the Lesson Today

In modern life, we face decisions that feel monumental—financial, personal, or spiritual. The story of Rabbi Bulk and Yerushmayel Wexler reminds us:

• Trust in Hashem always: Outcomes unfold according to divine wisdom, not human expectation.

• Gratitude in all circumstances: Even events that seem challenging or tragic can lead to profound blessings.

• Every action has eternal consequences: Choices we make—how we guide our children, how we give, how we study—impact generations to come.

This is not only a story about one yeshiva or one family; it is a lesson for every person seeking peace in uncertainty. Trust in Hashem, act righteously, and embrace gratitude, and even what appears to be loss can become a source of eternal reward.

Conclusion: Hashem’s Providence

Rabbi Shua-Daran concludes his lesson:

“Nobody is ripped out of this world without purpose. Hashem knows what He is doing. Even tragedies and trials have divine intent. We must always remember Hashem is our Menahem Av—our ultimate comforter—and we must maintain emunah even when we cannot understand His ways.”

The story of Rabbi Bulk and Yerushmayel Wexler teaches us that faith, trust, and gratitude are not abstract ideas—they are practical tools to navigate life’s uncertainties. By trusting in Hashem’s providence, we align with a force far greater than ourselves, ensuring that every moment—even those tinged with fear or loss—can be transformed into blessing.

Let us always remember: Hashem is guiding every step, shaping every outcome, and ensuring that what we cannot see is working for ultimate good. Trust Him fully, act with faith, and embrace every challenge with gratitude.