Mrs. Shifra Nicha Schanowitz, matriarch of a large Chabad family and a longtime resident of Crown Heights, passed away on Sunday, 19 Av, 5783.
Mrs. Shifra Schanowitz (nee From) was one of the early returnees to Jewish observance in the late 40s and early 50s and kept her passion for Torah and Mitzvot till her very end.
Her parents immigrated from Poland in the 1930s. After attending Released Time program for children in public school, she was influenced by a Rabbi Davis and some self searching she enrolled at Bais Yaakov of Williamsburg.
She married her late husband R’ Azriel Schanowitz obm, who came from Russia in 1954 and they were zoche to have the Rebbe be their Mesader Kiddushin.
Many referred to her as a Tzadeikes, she was known for her kindness and as a most dedicated and devoted mother to 12 children, many of whom are now Shluchim and Shluchos.
She raised her children with softness and kindness. She had a strong love and attachment for the Rebbe. On one occasion the Rebbe stopped reading the tzetil of her husband to greet her as she walked in the room behind her family. On another occasion the Rebbe turned to her and asked if she could find a Shidduch among her acquaintances for a certain individual. She received many Brochos from the Rebbe.
She was always very hospitable to guests who enjoyed her company and Shabbos cooking. She was secretary for Nshei Chabad for some time. She distributed notices for Friday night speakers at Oneg Shabbos. She was close to Rebbetzin Mentlik obm, and together they would do Hafroshas Challa at bakeries.
She volunteered for Bikur Cholim and sewed tachrichim for Chevra Kaddisha, as well as helped Holocaust survivors.
She always said lots of Tehilim and attended and listened to Torah and Chassidus Shiurim and much more.
She is survived by her children: Rabbi Yosef Schanowitz – Highland Park, IL; Rabbi Mayer Schanowitz – Chicago, IL; Mrs. Leah Engel – Denver, CO; Mrs. Shterna Edelman – Brunoy, France; Mrs. Rivkah Vogel – San Jose, CA; R’ Levi Schanowitz – Crown Heights; Mrs. Rochel Polter – Oak Park, MI; Rabbi Shmuel Schanowitz – Buffalo, NY; Rabbi Yisroel Schanowitz – Las Vegas, NV; Chaim Schanowitz – San Deigo, CA; and Mrs. Nechama Dina Gansburg – Aubervilliers, France, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Rabbi Azriel Schanowitz in 2016 and daughter, Mrs. Hindy Scheiman in 2013.
The Levaya will take place today, Sunday at 3pm today passing by 770 and 4pm at Montefiore Cemetery.
Shiva will take place at 686 Montgomery St.
Shacharis 7am and 9am
Mincha 7:45pm
Maariv 8:45pm
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
Baruch Dayen Haemes!
What a special person! She will be missed. I knew her since 1967. She was so special
Kind, caring, sensitive to others, yirei shamayim, humble, an exemplary woman
She was such a sweet lady. She will be sorely missed.
IY”H may the Geula Shleimah COME NOW!
Mrs. Penina Metal
No words! A true Tzadeikes in every sense of the word who brought up a dor of Shluchim! Moshiach NOW!
Her home was always open, you didn’t need to ask . A delicious Friday night meal with Rabbi and Mrs. Schanowitz. Always met me in the street, asking how I was, with her warm and beautiful smile. Thanking you, Mrs. Schanowitz with much love. Your children have all followed in their Beloved Mother’s footsteps and may we all learn from her example.
Going back forty years, I remember many Friday nights, eating in their beautiful home. No invitation was needed, only the warm and welcoming smile of Mrs. Schanowitz and her daughters who followed her example of everlasting care and friendship. Mrs. Schanowitz would meet me in the street and always ask how I was. An exemplary Rebbetzin and true friend. May we follow in her holy footsteps and copy her ways.
Thank you! Mrs Schanowitz ….You are loved and missed by many many of us.
Debby Cadaner
Mrs. shanowitz was one of a kind. Amazing. Regal. Caring. Thoughtful. Generous w her smile, time, and happy to share what she had. She raised a beautiful family who follow in her huge footsteps.
They say that how you make other feel about themselves says a lot about who you are – Mrs. Schanowitz was one of those people who was always able to find a positive word to say about others and make them feel special. She will be missed. BD”H
Mrs. Schanowitz was a sweet natured, gentle lady who always had a lovely smile and a good word for everyone. I hadn’t seen her for many years but I am saddened by her passing.