Rebbetzin Basya Kalmenson, a Shlucha and educator who founded the Chne-Or Educational Center in Aubervilliers, France, together with her husband Rabbi Shalom Mendel Kalmenson obm, passed away on Monday, 25 Av, 5785.
She was 95.
Mrs. Kalmenson (nee Chazanow) leaves behind an immense educational legacy that touched and shaped the lives of thousands of students over the decades. Alongside her husband, Rabbi Shalom Mendel Kalmenson, the Rebbe’s Shliach in Aubervilliers, France, she built the Chne-Or educational center, a veritable educational empire based on the authentic values of Torah and Chassidus.
Rabbi Kalmenson, a pioneer in the field of Jewish education in France, had himself lived underground in communist Russia, where he studied Torah in secret. Having become one of the architects of the departure of many Jews from the communist regime at the end of World War II, he and his wife dedicated their lives to building Jewish education in France.
Rebbetzin Kalmenson was a central figure in the field of Jewish education, dedicating her life to founding and developing the Chne-Or educational institutions in Aubervilliers, France. When she began her mission, the school had only 15 students. Through her tireless devotion and extraordinary effort, it grew into a flourishing educational center that today counts nearly 700 students, ranging from preschool to high school. Her dedication was so profound that she even obtained a truck driver’s license in order to personally transport children who lived in faraway areas.
Her life was not without hardship. Born in the town of Lubavitch where her father was working as a Shochet, she and her family fled to Samarkand during World War II, as countless Jews escaped the terrors of the Soviet regime. Despite these challenges, she always found strength and joy, as recalled by her daughter, Chaya Nisselevitch. Together with her husband, Rabbi Kalmenson, she built an educational empire rooted in Torah, Chassidus, and unconditional love for every Jew.
She is survived by generations of students who absorbed from her Torah, faith, and kindness.
She is survived by her children: Beila Gansbourg (Milan, Italy), Rivka Lipsker (Crown Heights), Rochel Bruchstat (Crown Heights), Feiga Levitin (New Haven, CT), Leah Raskin (Australia), Sterna Deitsch (Migdal Ha’emek, Israel), Chaya Nisselevitch (Aubervilliers, France), Meir Simcha Kalmenson (Aubervilliers, France), and Yosef Yitzchak Kalmenson (Aubervilliers, France).
She is also survived by her siblings: Rivka Rubashkin – Boro Park, Meir Chazanow – Crown Heights, and Rochel Dagan – New Haven, CT.
The Levaya will take place on Har HaZeisim in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Meir Chazanow is sitting shiva for his sister Rebbetzin Basya Kalmenson at 570 Montgomery street. Visiting hours from 2-5 pm & 7-9 pm.
Motzoei Shabbos from 9-10:30
Shiva concludes Monday morning.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
she was a very special person
She was a queen, inside and out.
BD”H Such a special person! May her Neshama Have an aliya.
Rebbetzin Kalmenson was a powerhouse behind the school and the whole shneor community. Early in the morning she would drive the bus to go get kids from all corners and suburbs. Then once the children were dropped off in school she was managing the kitchen, and the staff so the children had hot meals every day. No task was too low for her, she did what had to be done. She was a friend, a mentor and an educator to all from youngest to oldest, always with a smile. Bh she merited to see many grandchildren and great grand children,… Read more »
Bde Bobbe! We miss you!
I had the zchus to meet Rebetzin Kalmensonm as a child as well as her husband, Rabbi Shalom Mendel who was our mohel… What a couple! I was only a child at that time, but I was just so impressed by their kindness and devotion, their humility and strenght! Chassidim from the olden days attached and devoted to the Rebbe’s mission, above and beyond!! I also want to add what my mom told me, about the Rebbetzin, she also used to go herself to the market place to buy everything needed to cook for the children in her school! So… Read more »