Mrs. Rivka Miriam Feder, formerly of Crown Heights and known for her outstanding hachnosis orchim, passed away on Tuesday, 13 Iyar, 5784.
Mrs. Feder was born into a Viznitz family in Romania and later moved to Israel. She lived there until her marriage in 1957 to Rabbi Moshe Feder, a”h, who was from a Belz family in Galicia, Poland. The two settled in Crown Heights, where they lived for almost 60 years and became known in the community for their exceptional hachnosis orchim.
Though their home on Montgomery Street was small and simple, the Feders attracted guests with their warm smiles and genuine desire to serve others. Anyone who wanted to join their Shabbos meal was welcome, and many became regulars, joining them week after week. Mrs. Feder gave each guest individualized attention, remembering their favorite dishes and preparing whatever they enjoyed. Among the many guests they hosted were students from Machon Chana, Hadar HaTorah, and Morristown Yeshiva. Mrs. Feder was a great listener, and students also visited during the week to discuss whatever was on their minds.
Mrs. Feder loved when Crown Heights filled with guests each Tishrei. She happily hosted visitors from around the world. Many Israeli guests joined the Feders during Tishrei, enjoying the homemade food and the attention of their gracious hostess, who conversed with them in fluent Hebrew. Many times there were so many guests that fresh challos were prepared on the second night of yom tov to accommodate the crowd.
Long after other chassidic groups moved out to Boro Park and Williamsburg, the Feders remained in their beloved community. Chabad always had a special place in Mrs. Feder’s heart. She enjoyed joining the Rebbe’s farbrengens and regularly went to receive dollars distributed by the Rebbe. She was close to many members of the Lubavitch community, and many close friends from the block are still in touch with the family today.
The Feders moved to New Square eight years ago to live near some of their children. In recent weeks, as Mrs. Feder’s condition deteriorated, the family planned to build an aron out of the legendary dining room table that had witnessed her selfless generosity and the hundreds of guests who had enjoyed her hospitality. Sadly, there was no time to follow through on that plan. Instead, the leaf of the dining room table was buried at her right hand, surely serving as her “ticket” to Gan Eden.
Mrs. Feder was predeceased by her husband, Rabbi Moshe Feder, a”h, and is survived by her children, Mrs. Raizy Perl from Boro Park, Rabbi Antchel Feder from Boro Park, Rabbi Ari Feder from Boro Park, Mrs. Yehudis Rosenfeld from New Square, Mrs. Esty Frieder from Monsey, and Mrs. Chaya Fleischman from Boro Park, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Rabbi Hertz Wertzberger from Williamsburg.
The family is sitting shivah at her recent residence at 31 Eisenhower Ave, Apt 111, in New Square, New York until Monday morning.
The family would appreciate any memories or messages anyone would like to share.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
Baruch Dayin Emes!! So sorry for the families loss. Mrs. Feder was a true gem, growing up on Montgomery street and knowing the Feder family was a privilege, the open home to all the guests was beyond incredible, Mrs Feder prepared food for people that had babies and send over the most delicious desserts for Simchas. Mrs Feder was always there to give a helping hand to anyone in need, yet she did it in such a humble way, with much love and kindness. May HaShem comfort the family, and we should be Zoche to the coming of Moshiach!!
Mrs. Feder was the sister of our beloved high school teacher Morah Neiman. Both sisters were incredible role models for all of us.
I saw Mrs. Feder each week as a child when I visited my bubby next door. She was always so sweet and I have such great memories of her and her family.
Such a loss
She was a tzadekes
Any phone number to call?
845-362-5431
Mrs. Feder encouraged her young daughter to care for my daughter on the CH bus ride to & from school each morning. She taught her daughter well, and her daughter was a wonderful dugma chaya. Mrs. Feder always inquired into one’s family’s welfare whenever she met you and you could actually feel her warmth. We should all learn from her….
Thinking about Mrs Feder brings up the warmest memories.
I recall going to her house with her daughter Chaya and Mrs Feder would be baking delicious treats in her small yet inviting kitchen.
She had a great Aura!
She had a kind smile.
Her sister Mrs Neiman was my wonderful Navi Teacher.
Boruch Dayan emes
Where can one email memories of Mrs feder and her husband? So many to share if this modern day Avraham and Sara imeinu
[email protected]
I have to say that the Feder’s followed in the footsteps Avrohom Ovinu.
May they have a lichtingen Gan eden
Really tremendous loss for klal yisrael.
Mrs. Feder was a wonderful woman — a true eshes chayil and hostess. She always prepared the most delicious meals with exemplary hospitality. The kedushah of her home was palpable, as well as comforting and inspiring. She was blessed with wonderful children, who frequently came in for Shabbos, along with their own children.
Her move to New Square was the end of an era for me, but one that remains fondly remembered. May her memory be a blessing.
Enough of hard news
Moshiach now!!!
I ate there at least a few times, feels like over 10 years ago. I remember the women were in a separate room and table, which I do not think I had that ever, as a Shabbos guest. I do not recall speaking with the Mrs., but I do recall the food was good. Reb Feder was a lot of fun. One time they pushed a shidduch on me, and it was that very night we were both there. it did not work out, but they tried!!
Am i mixing them up with someone else?
That’s a brother
I’ll never forget the 1st time I met her. Machon Chana arranged for me to have the Seuda haMafseket on Erev Yom Kippur in my 1st year in CH, at Mrs. Feder Ztz”l home. I came quite late b/c of all the preparations, the Farbregen, etc, & was very anxious she would be makpid on me as all the guests had already left. But she warmed the food & served it to me & was as informal, practical & welcoming as if I was a family member, as the most natural thing in the world, & of no inconvenience. I… Read more »