Mrs. Raya Rivkin (nee Chein), a long-time Crown Heights resident whose roots trace back to an illustrious Chabad family in Russia, passed away.
Mrs. Raya Rivkin, a long-time Crown Heights resident whose roots trace back to an illustrious Chabad family in Russia, passed away on Sunday, 9 Nissan, 5779.
She was 92.
Raya was born in Russia to the Chabad Chassidim Reb Yosef Yehuda and Ita Henya Chein (née Levin), both natives of the Chassidic town of Nevel.
Her father was sent by the Frierdiker Rebbe to teach Jewish children near the city of Novgorod, at times risking his life to continue spreading Judaism.
At the conclusion of the Second World War, her family was able to escape from Russia and settled in France. Reb Yosef Yehuda worked as a Shadar in support of the local Chabad Institutions.
Raya married R’ Chonye Rivkin obm, also born to a Chabad family in Russia, and they emigrated to New York in the early 1950s.
Raya played an instrumental role in the exodus of many Chassidim from Russia after World War II.
She continued to help people by being a baalas Tzedakah within the Crown Heights community, known for her kindness and love for helping others.
She is survived by her daughter Riva Cohen – Crown Heights and her son Mayer Rivkin – Florida, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Levaya will take place tomorrow, Monday, leaving Shomrei Hadas in Boro Park at 1 pm, and passing by 770 at 2 pm.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.