Tragic Passing of R’ Refoel Binyamin Schicha, z”l

YS GOLD 

A pall of sadness descended over the Dushinsky chassidus with the arrival of the painful news of the passing of a young talmid chacham, Rabbi Refael Binyamin Schicha, z”l, one of the prominent members of the Dushinsky kehillah in Beit Shemesh. He passed away at the age of just 37, after years of difficult medical challenges and suffering. Despite his many hardships, his joy and warm smile never left his face.

He spent the last year and a half undergoing difficult treatments in America and was embraced by the Williamsburg community. 

As a child, he learned in the Dushinsky Talmud Torah and Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. There, he acquired a love of Torah and devoted himself to its study. Throughout his life, he maintained regular sedarim for learning with great hasmadah and dedication. Even during his most difficult periods, he remained wholeheartedly committed to learning and avodas Hashem.

Following his marriage, he lived in Yerushalayim and served as a melamed of young children in the Dushinsky Talmud Torah, where he was devoted with heart and soul to the children of future generations. 

Later, he moved with his family to Beit Shemesh, where he served as a melamed in the Toldos Aharon Talmud Torah. He was devoted to his students with boundless love, and many of them remained deeply attached to him long after they had left his classroom.

Following the passing of the previous Dushinsky Rebbe, Reb Refael Binyamin became deeply devoted to his son and successor, the present Rebbe. Even in his youth, he enjoyed a special closeness and affection from the Rebbe. As a bachur, he was privileged to learn together with the Rebbe as a chavrusa. During his years as a bachur, he also assisted the Rebbe’s attendants in every way he could, particularly in preparing for the Rebbe’s tischen. 

In Beit Shemesh, he played a central role in establishing the Dushinsky shtiebel in the neighborhood of Ramat Beit Shemesh B, becoming one of its driving forces. He announced the aliyos and managed the children's masmidim program for children. Whenever his assistance was needed, he was always ready to help, with generosity and an open heart.

He devoted himself wholeheartedly to raising his children according to the path of his parents and holy Rebbes, giving them his complete love and attention.

Approximately a year and a half ago, after his condition worsened, he was flown to the United States for medical evaluation and treatment. Doctors there recommended that he undergo another liver transplant. From that point onward, he continued to face numerous serious medical challenges. Yet those around him said that one could hardly discern the extent of his suffering. He bore his difficulties with remarkable courage and quiet dignity, while maintaining his characteristic joy and warm smile.

Throughout his illness, he would not make a decision without first consulting his Rebbe, the Dushinsky Rebbe, may he be well. Even during the most difficult stages of his illness and in his final period, he sought the Rebbe’s guidance and blessing regarding every medical procedure and decision.

For his final two days, he fought for his life as his family gathered around his bedside and prayed fervently for his recovery. On Monday morning, to the profound grief of his family, friends, and countless acquaintances, Reb Refael Binyamin Schicha returned his soul to his Creator, leaving behind his wife and four young children, as well as his mother, siblings, extended family, and a vast circle of friends and students who mourn his untimely passing.

The Levaye will take place in Williamsburg 11am at the Dushinsky Bhm"d 135 Ross Street, followed by Kevurah in Eretz Yisroel.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.