By COLlive reporter
An evening of inspiration marking the Shloshim, thirty days since the passing of Mrs. Riva Junik OBM, took place Monday night at the 580 Crown Street Shul in Crown Heights.
Family members, friends, and community residents gathered to honor her memory and reflect on the lasting impact she made on those around her. Many attendees were individuals who had come to know her only in recent years but felt a deep connection due to the warmth and encouragement she shared with everyone she met.
The program featured the beginning of the writing of a new Sefer Torah dedicated in her memory, together with a Siyum Mishnayos completed by her son, Rabbi Menachem Junik. The gathering also commemorated her granddaughter, Yudit Lipschutz OBM, who passed away shortly before Mrs. Junik.
Throughout the evening, family members spoke about Mrs. Junik’s life, recalling her unique personality, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to spreading Yiddishkeit. Her son, Rabbi Beryl Junik, shared reflections from decades of close connection following the passing of their father many years earlier, while her son in law, Rabbi Zalman Hertzel, highlighted many of the distinctive qualities that defined her life.
Mrs. Junik was known for her ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. Despite arriving in Crown Heights later in life, she quickly formed deep relationships with neighbors and acquaintances, often leaving a profound impression on those she encountered, even after a single meeting.
Stories shared at the gathering illustrated how she inspired others toward greater Jewish observance and pride in their heritage. She often took time to speak with individuals she met in the neighborhood, encouraging them in matters of Yiddishkeit and reminding them of their roots and identity.
Her outreach extended to everyday interactions as well. She regularly visited local shopkeepers and neighbors, bringing baked goods and traditional Shabbos foods while speaking about the beauty of Shabbos and Jewish life.
Children in her building and neighborhood were also a focus of her attention. She encouraged them to say brachos out loud and gathered young girls to recite Tehillim, especially on Shabbos Mevorchim. Many of the children who participated in these gatherings remembered the warmth and enthusiasm she brought to these moments.
Family members described how each day began with her thinking about how she could bring happiness or assistance to another person. Her presence was known to brighten rooms and lift spirits, combining sharp wit, life wisdom, and heartfelt care for others.
Among the recollections shared were memories of her strong belief that every Jew has a mission. Even without formal titles of Mashpia or Shlucha, she viewed herself as fulfilling the role of a shliach wherever she went, spreading faith, warmth, and encouragement.
Her strong focus on the coming of Moshiach was another theme remembered during the evening. Family members recalled how she consistently reminded others about the importance of anticipating and preparing for the Geulah.
Additional anecdotes were shared during the evening by family members and guests. Representing the grandchildren, her grandson Eli Loebenstein spoke about the deep warmth and personal attention she showed to every grandchild and great-grandchild. He described how whenever she entered a room, the children would run toward her with excitement, each feeling uniquely cherished. He recalled how she loved playing and laughing with the children and especially encouraged them to make brachos out loud, proudly answering Amen with visible joy whenever she heard a child recite a bracha.
Rabbi Shlomo Mizrachi, Rosh HaKolel and Shliach in Rehovot, also spoke about the extraordinary hospitality he experienced years earlier while staying with the Junik family in Antwerp, Belgium. He described the exceptional warmth and care shown to guests in their home, noting that the many visitors consistently felt welcomed and deeply valued. He said that remembering their hospitality continues to inspire him years later.
R’ Yudke Eidelkop, her nephew, also addressed the gathering and reflected on the powerful chinuch she received from her parents, R’ Boruch and Sarah Schifrin, who lived with great mesirus nefesh for Yiddishkeit. He described how that upbringing instilled in her, a deep sense of timimus and resilience, and to do the right thing, shaping the values by which she lived and the way she raised her children and grandchildren.
A booklet containing sayings, memories, and an overview of her life was distributed to participants at the gathering.
VIDEO: Full Replay
Mrs Junik, beg Hashem to send us Moshiach!
And blessed are those who got to meet her and know her. May we have Geoulah right away.