By COLlive reporter
Mrs. Rivkie Barber, who led a Jewish community in a suburb in Melbourne as a Shlucha of the Rebbe, passed away on Friday, 19 Adar II 5774.
She was 49 and had been battling a terrible illness over the past few months.
Born and educated in Crown Heights, she remained in the neighborhood after her marriage to Rabbi Yacov Barber so he could complete his Yadin Yadin dayanus studies, in addition to his rabbinical semicha ordination.
When they moved to Australia, where Rabbi Barber is from, she began to teach grade 4 at the Yeshiva College of Melbourne, helping to educate many students over the years to develop love and care for Torah and Mitzvos.
“She was a role model teacher,” said one of her former students. “She was incredibly smart and warm. She exerted through discipline which came with this warmth that made you want to learn and do the right thing. She was an inspiration for many.”
In 1998, her husband was appointed Rabbi of the Imrich & Sophie Adler South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation in South Caulfield, Victoria, while serving as a Dayan in the interim Melbourne Beth Din and on the Rabbinic Board of Kosher Australia.
She is survived by her husband, Yankie Barber and children Perel Shmotkin – New York City, Chanie Biston – Parkland, Florida; Dovi Barber – Crown Heights, Shaina Barber, Leah Barber and Mendel Barber– Australia.
She is also survived by her parents Rabbi Asher and Nechama Heber of Crown Heights and her siblings: Mrs. Yaffie Begun – Sao Paulo, Brazil; Mrs. Brocha Chana Metzger – New York City; and Rabbi Noach Heber – New York City.
The Levaya will be today, Friday, passing by 770 at 2:30 pm.
Shiva will be at the home of her parents: 506 Montgomery St., Brooklyn, NY, 11225
Shachris – 8:30am
Mincha – 7:10
Maariv – 7:55
Please no visiting between the hours – 2-5 pm
Also, please no visitors after 9:30 pm.
MANHATTAN SHIVA HOURS FOR BROCHA CHANA METZGER
Brocha Chana Metzger (Heber) will be sitting shiva in Midtown Manhattan
Tuesday March 25th
1:00pm-6:30pm
Metzger Residence-
32 East 38th Street (left door)
-between Park and Madison Avenues-
Baruch dayan Haemes.
Dear R. Barber and Family
Hamokom Yinachem Eschem Besoich Shaar Availay Tzion V’Yerusholayim
We were all saddened to hear the terrible news.
Menashe & Deena Kaltmann and Family Melbourne Australia
Hamokom Yinachem Eschem Besoich Shaar Availay Tzion V’Yerusholayim
Chaim Treitel
BDE
Our deepest sympathy, M.N
Leah, I love you. Keep smiling that gorgeous smile. Bde
Leah I love you so much. No matter what I am here for you. I’m so sorry, i have no words. Moshiach now! Xx
Mrs Barber was an amazing, happy,fun and strong woman and Leah you are just like her in all those ways. I love you Leah and can`t wait to see you again. Miss you and my tefilot are with you and your family xoxoxo a friend
Leah, I love you and missing you so much I`ll always be here for you through good times and the tough times come home soon!
xoxox
BDE
love you leah xx
may H” Yisborach give you strengs at this sad and tragic time
my Rivkie ZL be a Meliz Yashar for the whole familie
Hamokom Ynachem Eschem Btoch Shar Ovel Zion V Yerusholaim ruth
Shaina, I’m really crying thinking of your pain… I have no word s. Only pain… Losing a mother is hard and painful. sending you all my love. Moshiach now
May moshiach come speedily and there may be no Tzara in gulos anymore…. AD MASAI
Hashem, please send us the Geulah Shlaima now. We are all crying.
Leah I love you so much! I will always be there for you. May Hashem send strength and comfort to your family!
I really miss you and I am very sorry for your loss
Growing up in Sydney we all have a bond. Although we cannot be with you right now we feel for your searing pain as your akeres habayis has reached a higher level. May HaShem comfort you during this tragic time. You may feel terribly alone but we are all crying with you.
We love u leah!! Moshiach now! Ad mosai
I have met Rivky at a few occasions in NY. I remember her from her huge smile and the way she jokes and warms up a room when she gets in. She is a tsadekete who raised amazing tzadikims kids. Her daughter Perel is as well a great shluha and perpetuating her mom’s teachings and great midots. May Hashem send strength and comfort to her family. May she watch over you and may Mashiah come very very soon. May her soul rest in peace in Gan Eden among tzadikims. Amen!
“HaMokom y’nacheim eschem…” Rivkie was head of choir in Bais Rivkah productions; she had a beautiful voice & played piano with such talent and poise…but more so she was so patient and kind in the way she dealt with us teenagers. Her sweet and genuine smile seems to have warmed many many hearts since those days; how painful it must be for you all now, such a void that cannot be filled….oy Hashem PLEASE stop taking our dearest and finest, send us MOSHIACH already!!!!
this is so tragic please bring moshiach we cant wait no longer
Ad Mosai! Hashem bring Moshiach now! we can’t handle all this sorrow and pain!
Mrs Barber always had a smile on her face and was such a positive and outgoing person she was my favorite teacher in skool!! and she truly cared about each of her students she will be missed terribly:(
Aibershter, genug shain. I cannot fathom the pain of the husband, children and parents… Aibershter, only You can guide them as they grope for a way to live with this loss. Isn’t it high time for t’cheeyas hamaisim??? Ad Mosai?
she was an amazing teacher, i remember her classes so clearly. she taught with passion and love, always with a smile on her face. i wont forget her, ever. She made this world a better place. BDE. you are missed 🙁
the vivid picture of rivky as a positive force of energy that empowered and enabled the world is seen in the face of her wonderful daughter leah. I have no words only the knowledge that this must serve as an impetus to continue to shame the angels and catalyze the revelation of moshiach down in this world where your children have certainly made a dirah betachtonim. chana lipsker
I remember her from when I was in Ohel Chana Sem. It’s hard to believe!! Such an amazing teacher, mother, and woman!! Please Hashem bring Moshiach!
Leah!! i have no words.wishing you all the strength xx
I remember Rivkie from many many years ago – going back about 30 years ago, when she was my teacher in Bais Rivkah before she got married. My memories from then are vague from so many years ago, but I remember her as a very warm and kind teacher. As a young 12 year old, I remember that I really liked her and looked up to her.
This is such heartbreaking news. May the family be comforted!
Take a look at the world around While you may feel safe and sound It may look to you As a place so real and true But let’s get real! Lives are being taken Many are being shaken From the sudden losses And from life’s hardships There are those who are struggling Just to make a living Fellow Jews, locked behind bars Or other kinds of terrible horrors Or those who are sick Watching the clocks tick There are those who’s hopes are nearly gone How can we, in our own lives, just carry on? Ad Mosai, it’s been enough!… Read more »
to th family Heber and Barber and Yaffi Begun no words in this pain now.We feel very worried about all shiluchim leavinh thid world….we need moshiach now….!”!!!Mrs Heber I feel very sorry you always helped me in the library of Beth Rivka 27 years ago .I know your pain.When I lost my sister also Shilucha of the Rebbe here in Israel wad hard .I hope Hashem confort you all.Baruch Dayan Haemet
She taught for many years in BETH RIVKAH LADIES COLLEGE and not Yeshivah college.
She taught my daughter. Warm and caring teacher. Oy oy oy
BDE
This morning before arriving at shule people heard the news. The day was cloudy and cold and that is how we all felt. Rivkie’s friends, mothers of her students, her daughters classmates, her colleagues, her past students – we all sat there dumbfounded, numb, tearful, hurt and lost – how could this be?? Dearest Barber family- the Melbourne community shares your pain. So many people admired your mother and her warm personality. She has touched so many. You are in our thoughts and we all wish to be there for you in any way you can. Leah and Mendel –… Read more »
Avinu Malcheno Shalach Moshiach Tzidkayno
ad mosai! Leah I love you and miss you so much. rivkie was my favourite teacher and I was so privileged to have a relationship with such an incredible woman. Hashem. I can’t even try to comprehend your plans. MOSHIACH NOW!!!
There are no words to describe the magnitude of the loss. Mrs Barber was simply a wonderful person.She had a heart of gold and enough love,warmth and patience to give to those who she met in life.I feel privileged to know her!
Leah I’m so sorry to hear this horrible news I’m always here for you and want to give you the strength to move on!!love you so much!!love from your year 9 class Melbourne!!!XOXO
Leah our thoughts are always with u and ur family.
BDE, Mrs.Barber was a great, kind and caring woman who was so inspirational to all of us. She was a great teacher and without her I truthfully wouldnt be what I am today without all that she has taught me from whats wrong and right, we will miss you, may your neshama rest in peace, and may moshiach come and we can all be together.
Leah our thoughts are with you and ur family BDE
From a classmate, and ex-beth rivkah student
Avinu malkeinu shelach moshiach tzidkeinu!!!!!!
-her student in grade 4
wow. i spent the entire shabbas bawling. not only is leah my best friend, mrs barber was my favourite teacher from kinder to year 9. its incredible that we still are quoting pesukim we learnt with her till this day. mrs barber was one of the most pisitive people i know, and i know she would be so proud if we all got back on our feet and continued doing our mivtzoim ad campaigns. leah i love you so much! hey sister, for you theres nothing in this world i wouldnt do. rabbi barber, perel, dovi, chani, shaina, and of… Read more »
When I was in Mrs Barber’s grade four class we learnt Birchas Yaakov Baal Peh. She told us that we will never forget Birchas Yaakov for the rest of our lives. So true. To this day I and many other girls still remember it and every single time we walk down the street saying these words of Torah is in her zechus!
We need moshiach now! Ad mosai
Dear Leah,
I can’t imagine what you are going through I wish I could be with you through this tough time. You are such a positive person and I hope you can still carry on that trait.
I am always here for you I love u
Love a classmate of yours
This can’t be happening! Leah I’m so sorry for your terrible loss stay strong
We mourn the loss of such a wonderful woman. A beautiful soul who always smiled and taught everyone a love of Torah.
May her Neshama rise and may you all know no more sorrow and be comforted with memories of her smiling face and loving arms.
BDE
The Goodrich Family, Melbourne, Australia.
Baruch dayen emes.
Mrs barber had a good heart and really cared for all her students and will be missed.
We love you mrs barber.
So very sad to hear the news, Boruch dayan Haemes
whats hashem doing. ad mosai!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
loved her so much and she only taught me last year!
Her youngest son is 9!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I remember spending a shabbos at her house when I was in OC many many years ago. She was so warm, bubbly and made us feel so welcome and at home. BD”E
BDH This needs to stop now! Ad Mosai!? Let’s make sure to do everything we can!
I remember Mrs. Barber’s vivacious personality. She lit up the room with her warmth, humour and chayos. Thinking of you all at this time. I am heartbroken to hear the news but please know how much everyone cares.
Leah since you came to our school u spread so much happiness! Im sorry for this teribble loss! We are ALL here for u and love u sooooooo much! Stay strong! Ad mosai we need moshiach NOW!
Still saying it every day since primary school
Boruch Dayan Emes. Our hearts are with the family. Hamakom Yenachem eschem besoch shaar evelei tzion veyerushalyim. There’s nothing else I could say.
We want Moshiach NOW!!!!!!!!!
dear shluchim עה,you have such great powe! please!please!we dont uunderstand what’s going on up ther, but with yyour strengths dont leave us alone ever!!!we need you! moshiach now!!!
to # 26 it is known that the Tzemach Tzedek was always fearful of an “Ibir Yor”
in general (without detail) every time there was a major bad year it was an Ibir Yor Lamed Ches, etc
may hashem protect us
Oh my goodness. HaShem how much more can we take. I couldn’t stop crying when I heard about this. Leah we live you and were always here for you.
YANKIE I DONT HAVE THE RIGHT WORDS TO TELL YOU THIS MOMENT, I WANT TO BE VERY CAREFULL ESPECIALY THIS WEEK ,THAT AARON LOST TWO CHILDREN. YANKIE I KNOW YOU FROM YESHIVA KOL TORAH MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO, I REMEMBER THE YIRAS SHOMAYIM YOU HAD THEN,YOU WERE AN EXAMPLE IN THOSE DAYS TO ALL OF US, HOW YOU WOULDNT MISS A MINYAN ,YOU WERE AND ARE A DUGMA FOR US TO FOLLOW. AT THIS TIME I DONT KNOW WHAT TO TELL YOU, I JUST WANT YOU TO BE STRONG, AND ALL YOUR LOVE YOU HAVE TO HASHEM KEEP IT… Read more »
Dear Leah I can’t even begin to amagin the pain your going through I love u so much and I’m so happy u were in my class ur such an amazing person be strong!
Love,a girl from your math class
Hamakom yenachem etchem mitoch shar avley tzion viyerushalaim…
Mrs Barber was an incredible teacher. Although she taught me in 4th grade, I won’t forget the line she taught us to add after saying tehillim daily. AVINU MALKEINU SHELACH MOSHAICH TZIDKEINU!
Moshiach now!!!!
love you leah
ad mosai?????????
so much sad news this week.
too many children left without mothers.
too many beautiful souls snuffed out before their times.
hamakom yinacheim 🙁
I feel very moved and heartbroken by this tragedy and of all those taken place these past few weeks.
Hashem please send Melech Ha Moshiach to us now and end this bitter galus and bring the Geula Shleimah …… Ad Mosai?!
Hamokom Yenachem Eschem B’soch Sha’ar Aveilei Tzion v’Yeruashalym
Ad mosaia??????????????
Moshiach now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B”H Everyone needs to be ‘drafted’, called on duty – to push us over immediately to the final Geulah now! The Rebbe Gives Us The Battleplan! Imdo Hochaim Kulchem! LiHochin Atzmo ViKol HoOlam Kulo Likabel Pnai Moshiach Tzidkainu NOW! The 10 Mivtzoim are the tools – We must ALL use this now – As the Rebbe quotes Rambam – One Mitzvah Will Tip the Scale! Everyone needs to have and spread Ahavas Yisroel! Everyone needs to be supplied with Mezuzos, to make sure all you come in contact with have on their doors! Everyone needs to be armed with Teffillin… Read more »
Leah is such a sweet girl! We are all here for you! may you and your family be comforted!
yinachem eschem b’soch she’ar avaylay tzion viy’rushalayim.
Rabbi and Mrs. Moshe Feller
Leah I can’t even amagin the pain your going through i love u and am here for you always be strong!
Love,a classmate
the sweetest most lovable person i have ever met i am so glad you came to BR i love you, and our entire class is here for you ALWAYS!
may moshiach come and you should be with your mother again TODAY!!!!!
I LOVE YOU LEAH AND I AM ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU
YOU ARE THE KINDEST AND YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF IT BECAUSE WE FEEL YOUR SWEETNESS EVERY MOMENT!!!
moshiach now
a friend from 9-5
Ad Mosai
went to seminary with her, such a lovely person,always smiling
greeted everybody with a happy face. We need Moshiach now
Leah I can’t stop crying for you I love you so much
leah i love you so much we are all here for you!!!!
boruch dayan haemes!!!!
moshiach now
🙁 moshiach now
Everybody, let’s do something!
It’s time we wake up!
Ad Mosai!?
loved you from the days you were our chaperon back in cgi melb.
so much fun, lots of energy and upbeat
Beautiful family you created.
Rivkie, please don’t let the Aibishter keep us in golus. Shout until He takes us out. It’s too much to bare.
Sending love to your family, to get through this horrible time.
Leah I love u so much
Love and support on this tough day
Baruch Dayan Haemes
The next time you say “ES TZEMACH DOVID AVDECHA MEHAIRA SATZMIACH and LISHUOSCHA KIVINU CAHL HAYOM Say it with your whole Heart and Soul !!! LET’S BREAK DOWN THE WALLS OF GOLUS AND GET MOSHIACH DOWN HERE IMMEDIATELY NOW!!!!!
Leah & the whole family we are so sorry and we love u!!!!!!!!
Leah i cant imagine the pain you must be feeling now. we mourn with you.
love, a friend
This is horrible! I’m crying as I write this. How could this happen?! MOSHIACH WE NEED U NOW MORE THAN EVER!
Leah, there are no words. I love you and I’m here for you. Stay strong. Baruch dayen haemes.
Dear Yanky & Family.
How sad I am to hear of this terrible news.
Hamokom Yenachem Eschem besoch shar availy tzion verusholim. only HAMOKEM can comfort you.
Yossi
Very smart and talented. A fun and happy person.
We will miss her.
Something is going on upstairs, Moshiach must be ready to come so the Soton is doing everything possible to discourage us from polishing that last button. WE MUST INCREASE IN MAASIM TOVIM.
What a shock. Rebbetzin Rivkie will be missed dearly, and may her family be comforted. Baruch Dayan Emes
BH DEAR SHLUCHIM SHEYICHYU YOU ARE OUR HOPE – WE LOOK UP TO YOU YOU are the pinnacles of the Rebbes’ eyes YOU are the ones the Rebbe empowered and entrusted to be on the forefront of the battle against darkness, suffering – Golus YOU are the ones to whom the Rebbe said that your Shlichus has been accomplished all that’s left is to prepare the world to welcome Moshiach YOU are ALL doing it, each and everyone in his/her way For Hashem’s sake For the Rebbe’s sake For Klal Yisroel sake For your sake For our Sake For our… Read more »
My only memory of her is with a smile on her face! Epitomy of Simcha.
Ad mosai?! The aibershter is taking away all of our people!
Dearest Leah shaina and Mendel! I love you guys and I’m crying my eyes out with you! How could this happen?!! BDE!
To my dear sisters and family around the world! We are going threw a rough time, which we cannot comprehend!
I wish us all to have the strength to move on and greet Moshiach!
Stay Strong and Move on until we hear the Shofar blowing
too many deaths, ad mosai!
No, no, no!! This is all wrong!
Why Hashem?! AD MOSAI?!?!?!
such a wonderful wonderful person, a wonderful family.
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?!
When we daven we need to beg Hashem that this suffering is too much! Its Enuf! Ad Mosai!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leah i cant im sobbing so much i love you
Rivky was the epitomy of simcha, she was ALWAYS smiling, made ppl around her smile and was a genuinely warm and happy person. May hashem send comfort to her family.
BDE!!!!
The Mebourne community doesn’t know yet because it is Shabbos there now but many, many people there will be terribly saddened and devastated when they do hear the tragic news. Rebbetzin Rivkie A”H was a most wonderful and talented rebbetzin, shluchah, teacher and friend who was appreciated and admired by so many. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you R’ Yanki and the children and all the family. This week’s parshah is “vayidom Aharon” but how can we really remain silent? Ad Mosei?!!
Boruch Dayan Haemess.
RM & S G
Boruch Dayan Emes
1+1=2
we
are here
for you
love Bies Rivka 9th grade
So Sorry for Am Yisroels Loss!! Such a beautiful person.
BDE
AD MOSAI
its enough – how many more do you need before you send mosiach
Very sad.
Whats with the iber yor??
AD MOSEI
No words..,
Boruch Dayan Hoemes!
Verry Very sad.
Barber-Heber Such a great Family.
no words.
Toronto
May we hear only Besurois Toivois!!
BDE
Bde
True jews who sought G-d. May the family be comforted…BDE
This is too much! We know hashem has a reason for doing this but WHY!?! AD MOSAI
BDEE we love u leahhh so muchhh
Ur freindsss
Hamakom Yenachem
may this be the last bad event in history and moshiach should come quickly
Very sad!!!! One more tragedy!!! We need Moshiach now!
Is there a message hashem
Hashem!!! What is going on?!?! One after another after another… AD MOSAI??!?!?!
Another one?????? BDE
Horrible horrible. Baruch dayan emes. No words.
So sorry to hear the news
We tried to do so many mitzvos for her. I’m so sad.
Loved going to them for Shabbos from OC. Many years ago, of course. But will always remember the single rose on their table.
BDE.
I don’t even know her, but the tragedies don’t end!!!
What does Hashem want from his children, my eyes are red from tears one week after another?!
like the Rebbe said we need to just scream out Ad mosai and not be content with this galus, simply insane!!! and if do get content Hashem keeps reminding us!!!!!!!!!!!!
AD MOSAI!!!!!!!!!
BDE
Boruch Dayan Hoemes!
Too sad – too much pain, another family left with no mother!! 🙁 🙁