Friends Remember Shayna Borevitz

Hundreds of women who knew Shayna Bracha bas R’ Chaim Borevitz gathered together for an event marking her shloshim on Motzei Shabbos, to honor her memory and take on hachlatos tovos. The lunchroom of Bnos Menachem School was full to capacity.

Mrs. Rishe Majesky, principal of Bnos Menachem, emceed the evening. She shared many warm and heartfelt words, speaking openly and fondly about the memories of Shayna that she cherishes.

Mushky Kaplan, Shayna’s older sister, spoke. Her only reason for speaking publicly about such a painful topic was so that the world would know what a special sister she had.

Kaplan told so many stories that showed but a glimpse of Shayna’s unwavering faith, of her unmatched ahavas yisroel, of her kibbud av v’eim, of her connection to the Rebbe, of her good heart that moved all those who knew her.

“Shayna accomplished in such a short life more than some people accomplish in a complete lifetime. There is so much to learn from Shayna, so much to be emulated,” she said.

Chumie Israel from Chai Lifeline spoke next. She was one of Shayna’s closest friends. Chumie stood by Shayna through thick and thin, was by her side till the very end. Chumie spoke openly and emotionally about how much Shayna taught her and meant to her. It was obvious to all those listening how strong a connection they shared.

Flatbush Rabbi Zalman Liberow came to give chizuk, speaking about emunah in easy times as well as in the most difficult. He said that although it is so painful that we have to go on without these neshamos, we are the ones that can make the difference to bring them back. We need to think about tachlis; what are we doing to make the long awaited Geulah finally come?

A slideshow was shown with pictures and footage of Shayna’s short, short life. There was a smile on her face in every one. Her love of life was clearly palpable. Shayna’s younger sister, Shira, sang the background track of the slideshow, singing words of how much we miss Shayna and now do what she does. There was not a dry eye in the room.

Another friend of Shayna’s, Sara’le Simpson, spoke about their friendship and how Shayna touched her. She also introduced a few of the campaigns that will be started in Shayna’s memory.

One of the projects is the writing of a Sefer Torah which will be used in Shayna’s sister’s future Jewish center in the Philippines. All those who wish to donate anything from a parsha to a single letter can send the money to 1216 Carroll St. Brooklyn, NY 11225. You can also donate online at https://chabadcebu.mycharitybox.com/.

There will also be a daily text or e-mail going around with a thought on Moshiach and Geulah. This was something Shayna lived with, learning about it, teaching about it, living her every day with it. All those who wish to be on this list, please e-mail [email protected] with your name and phone number or e-mail, whichever means you’d like to receive the message.

May this be the last of these kinds of gatherings. May this be such a temporary separation. And may we be reunited with all those that have left us, with Hashem fulfilling His promise of lehachayos meisim. May we see Shayna really soon with the coming of Moshiach now.