Mrs. Riva Kaplinsky, a longtime beloved teacher who taught generations of young children in Crown Heights, passed away on Wednesday, 18 Nissan, 5781.
She was 68 and passed away after suffering a long illness.
Riva was born in France in 1952 to her parents Rabbi Meir and Cheyena Avtzon. Rabbi Meir Avtzon was a devoted chossid of the Friederdiker Rebbe and the Rebbe and was Moser Nefesh for Yiddishkeit in the Soviet Union. Mrs. Cheyena Avtzon helped establish Yiddshkiet in Detroit and brought many Russian boys and men to Bris Yisroel.
In 1985, she wrote to the Rebbe requesting a bracha to open a playgroup and shared that aside from adequate space, she feels she can give each child the gashmiyus and ruchnius they need, and the love they deserve. The Rebbe underlined twice the words “the love they deserve.” This was the basis of how she was mechanech children in such a loving, caring and compassionate way.
For decades, she was fondly known as “Morah Riva,” lovingly teaching tinokos shel beis Rabban and giving them a foundation of a chassidishe chinuch.
Riva was a devoted, loving and caring mother and bubby, taking tremendous pride in her family.
She is survived by her husband Rabbi Nochim Kaplinsky, and her children Tzivia Zwiebel – Crown Heights, Mordy Kaplinsky – Crown Heights, Dina Bronstein – Crown Heights, Esti Melamed – Crown Heights, Chana Fine – Dollard des Ormeaux, QC and her beloved grandchildren.
She is also survived by her siblings, Adela Bernstein – Crown Heights, Leibel Avtzon – Crown Heights, Esther Blau – Crown Heights, Yossi Avtzon – Crown Heights, Dina Borenstein – Crown Heights, Gershon Avtzon – Yerushalayim, Sholom Avtzon – Crown Heights, Mordechai Avtzon – Hong Kong, Devi Baumgarten – Crown Heights, Sternie Chesney – Crown Heights, Lazer Avtzon – Crown Heights, Shainie Tiefenbrun – Crown Heights and Chanie Zirkind – Fresno, CA.
She was predeceased by her brother Yonah Avtzon obm.
The Levaya will take place today, Wednesday, 12:00 noon at Shomrei Hadas, 1:00 p.m. at 770.
Rabbi Nochum Kaplinsky and his children will be sitting at the Kaplinsky residence- 850 Eastern Parkway
Shachris – Closed to the public
Mincha 7:00 PM
Maariv 8:00 PM
Due to covid-19 concerns, the shiva will closed to the public every day until 12 noon.
The family will take a break between 3:00 and 6:00 PM.
No visitors after 10:00 PM
Due to Covid-19 concerns, the Avtzon siblings will have a closed Shiva and can be contacted individually by phone or text/WhatsApp etc.
Please do not call before 1000 am or after 1000 pm.
An email address has been set up for anyone who would like to share stories, pictures, and memories,
[email protected]
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes – Chaya Rivka bas Meir.
I am so shocked to read this! I knew Riva from when I first arrived in Crown Heights: one of the nicest women I have ever known. I never heard a bad word from her lips. I am truly devastated and send my heartfelt sympathies to her husband, siblings and her children, some of whom I taught. Baruch Dayan HaEmet, Riva will be very much missed.
BDE. I am so sorry for the loss of your wife and your mother. My heart goes out to all her siblings as well. She was an amazing person. She had a good heart for chinuch. She will sorely be missed.
Morah Riva was a top educator. She believed and taught kids proper manners and Torah in a solid beautiful way. We were fortunate to have her teach our daughter. She believed in her students, although they were young they were shown so much of their potential. May the family be comforted.
BDE We are so saddened to hear of the loss of Mrs Kaplinsky, truely a pillar of our community. May her family be comforted and may she return to us soon.
My heart is Aching to hear this painful and Gut wrenching news.
Morah Riva was my first and favorite teacher of all time! The Unconditional love and guidance she had for myself and all the other Children Who went through her playgroup.she instilled a love for Yidishkiet that we’re passing on to our Children.
Morah Riva,s love ,Has taking me through my adult life.
I’ll never forget it.
We will miss her terribly!!
Lucky for all little neshamalach
Who will get her love and lessons.
wishing all her family members husband, children ,siblings etc.
Many happy healthy years.
Riva was not only a great teacher but a great friend. The picture posted is her to a “tee:” happy with the glow of generosity. Missing you, Riva.
The epitome of kindness, warmth, Yiddishkeit. I was honored to know her.
She was such a loving and caring Morah
The kindest morah we were ever so lucky to have. She showed so much warmth and love to her students. May all morah’s follow in her path.
MOREH RIVA זי”ע HAS LEFT AN IRREPLACEABLE VOID…..THE INTENSE LOVE FOR TORAH & MITZVOIS AND THE REBBE, THAT SHE INSTILLED IN THE CHILDREN SHE TAUGHT IN HER INIMITABLE WAY, IS HER EVERLASTING LEGACY. והיקיצו ורננו שוכני עפר והיא עמכם
I feel such loss for a special and wonderful lady who loved so many kinderlach like her own precious children. I have happy memories of her surrounded by happy children playing and davening. Always with a smile and cheerful word. What a lady. What a Morah. What a Mentsch.
I loved Morah Riva as a stellar hearted woman and the best , insightful , and immensely talented Morah.
She is a role model as a strong Jewish woman. She will inspire generations forever.
Riva, bring Moshiach. You can certainly accomplish this monumental feat.
Miss you and love you.
Sarah
She was a loving, caring person. My deepest sympathy.
Sincerely, Barbara Brody
I believe I have 2 sons because of knowing Riva. I am a conservative Jewish lady, daughter of program survivor. She took me to the Rebbe and always had a smile for me. I really have a history with her, and truly feel so sad.