Mrs. Prive (Piva) Brand, 90, OBM

By COLlive reporter

Mrs. Prive (Piva) Brand, longtime member of the Jewish community in São Paulo, Brazil, passed away on Monday, 11 Kislev, 5780.

She was 90.

In the early 1960’s as a very young mother, her husband tragically passed away, and she was left with four children, the youngest one just a few months old.

Even when life was very dark, she would not give up and fought very hard to provide for her children and give them a Jewish education.

Each year, she hosted a big Pesach Seder for the whole family, and was so proud to be surrounded by her children, as they retold the Hagadah.

She was known for her kindness and care for others, being concerned for anyone who was suffering, and would daven for all, even if she didn’t know them. Recently when she was already weak, she heard about a baby who was going through a delicate surgery, so she got ready early in the morning to say Tehillim for him.

She was very particular about being the one to sponsor the tefillin and Shabbos candlesticks for her grandchildren as they came of age, and as such, she would joyfully be taking part in these mitzvos.

In the late 80’s she had the merit to see the Rebbe, and when she was told she should ask for a bracha, she said she couldn’t say anything but “zol ir huben lange yuren” – “Rebbe, you should live long years!”

The Rebbe smiled and responded “Gam atem” – “You too.”

Throughout the years, with the help of her children, she took on the practice of more and more Mitzvos, with great enjoyment. She provided kosher meals for her whole family, and in recent years, every night before she would go to sleep, she would look at the Rebbe’s picture and ask for Moshiach.

Her younger son, Rabbi Shimon Brand is a Shliach and Rabbi of the Hungarian Jewish community in S. Paulo for many years, and in the recent years opened a Chabad house in Granja Vianna, Brazil.

She was predeceased by her daughter Mindel (Melisa) Faintuch OBM who was a doctor and a very active member of the Chabad community in S. Paulo.

She is survived by her children, Batsheva (Sheila) Gabor, Anchel Brand, Rabbi Shimon Brand, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes: Prive Ettel Bas R’ Moishe OBM.