Mrs. Baila Sztillerman, who experienced the hardships of communist Russia and went on to raise a family of Chassidim in Melbourne, Australia, passed away on Friday,16 Shevat, 5784.
Mrs. Baila Sztillerman, who experienced the hardships of communist Russia and went on to raise a family of Chassidim in Melbourne, Australia, passed away on Friday,16 Shevat, 5784.
She was 97 years old.
Mrs. Baila Sztillerman was born in Voronezh, Russia, in 1927, to the devout Chassid Reb Betzalel and Chaya Wilschanski. Despite being born in a bustling city, the Jewish community faced significant challenges due to the anti-Semitic climate under the Communist regime.
Her father, a dedicated shochet, played a pivotal role in maintaining the local shul. As a young girl, Baila assisted her mother in caring for the Yeshiva Boys, while her father taught them. She often feigned illness on Shabbos to avoid attending public school.
In the spring of 1945, she married Reb Shimon Stillerman, a tomim in Samarkand, a match suggested by Reb Michoe Teitelbaum. After enduring the trials of being refugees in France, they settled in Sydney, Australia, in 1950, joining her parents who had been sent there by the Frierdike Rebbe. Eventually, they relocated to Melbourne, where Reb Shimon also served as a shochet.
Mrs. Stillerman was known for her extra strict adherence to Kashrus and was frequently seen clutching a Tehilim. She held a deep reverence for the Rebbe and instilled in her children a profound love for the rebbe and Yiras Shomayim. She and Reb shimon were meticulous about observing Melave Malka.
She was the last surviving member of the original Wilschansky siblings.
Mrs. Stillerman is survived by her children: Fayga Vishedsky – Kfar Chabad, Israel; Raizel Minkowitz – Crown Heights; Zushe Stillerman – Crown Heights; Rivka Raskin – London, England; and Elisheva Laufer – Crown Heights; as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Details regarding the shiva and nichum aveilim will be announced shortly.
Baruch Dayan Haemes.
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