Mrs. Rivka Rubashkin, a longtime Boro Park resident and matriarch of the Rubashkin family, who together with her husband R’ Avraham Aaron Rubashkin was known for hachnosas orchim and helping Yidden in need, passed away on Sunday, 30 Sivan, the first day of Rosh Chodesh Tammuz.

She was 99 years old.

For decades, guests, bochurim, newcomers, and families in need found an open door at the Rubashkin home in Boro Park, while Crown Deli was known as a place where those in need could receive a meal.

She was born to R’ Uziel and Mrs. Hinda Chazanov, and she was a granddaughter of R’ Meir Simcha Chein of Nevel. During the war years, her family fled to Samarkand, where she married R’ Avraham Aaron Rubashkin. The Rubashkins later left Russia, spent time in Austria and Paris, and came to New York in 5713.

In New York, the Rubashkins settled in Boro Park, where R’ Avraham Aaron Rubashkin opened a kosher butcher shop together with R’ Alter Lieberman. Mrs. Rubashkin ran Crown Deli on 13th Avenue for many years, and the restaurant became a place where those who lacked money for a meal were still served with dignity.

The Rubashkin home was open to guests from many backgrounds, and Mrs. Rubashkin helped families in need with food, lodging, support, and encouragement. Much of the help was given quietly, without attention or publicity.

She was predeceased by her husband, R’ Avraham Aaron Rubashkin, who passed away on 9 Nissan, 5780, and by her siblings Basya Kalmenson and Miriam Chazanow.

She is survived by her children: Mrs. Gitel Goldman of Miami Beach, Florida; Mrs. Sara Balkany of Boro Park; Mrs. Rochel Leah Rosenfeld of Tzfas; R’ Yossi Rubashkin of Crown Heights; R’ Moshe Rubashkin of Crown Heights; R’ Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin of Jackson, New Jersey; Mrs. Chayala Gourarie of Crown Heights; R’ Heshy Rubashkin of Postville, Iowa; and Mrs. Chana Zelda Minkowicz of Crown Heights, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings R’ Meir Simcha Chazanow and Mrs. Rochel Leah Dagan.

The levaya will take place today, Monday, leaving from her home in Boro Park at 12:15 PM, passing 770 at 2:15 PM, and continuing with kevura near the ohel at 3:30 PM.

Baruch dayan hoemes