By COLlive reporter
Mrs. Sima Paltiel, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher to thousands, passed away the day after Yom Kippur, Yud Aleph Tishrei 5781.
She was 84.
She was born in Leningrad, Russia to Reb Isser and Chaya Shtzera Kluwgant (nee Lazaroff) in 1936.
She spent the war years in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with many other Lubavitch families who together escaped the Stalinist Regime, via Poland, Austria and eventually Paris, France where the Kluwgants lived for two years.
Her family was then sent on Shlichus to Melbourne, Australia by the Rebbe Rayatz in 1949, as one of the five founding Shluchim of the community, who were integral in spreading Yiddishkeit throughout the entire continent.
Her father, Reb Isser was first cousins with Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson, the mother of the Rebbe. Sima had the great privilege of having a very special and unique relationship with the Rebbetzin and would regularly correspond with the Rebbetzin for many years.
Her family said that the Rebbetzin even had a hand in her engagement to Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Paltiel in Kfar Chabad, Israel.
Their wedding was took place in Crown Heights on 16 Adar II 5719 (March 26, 1959). Due to the long distance, only Sima’s mother, Chaya Shtzera, was able to make the trip from Australia to New York. Rebbetzin Chana’s attendance at the wedding was a great comfort to her young cousin.
Eliezer and Sima lived in New York, Seattle and Phildelphia, eventually settling in Melbourne, Australia. They always had an open and warm home, creating a memorable impact on all the communities in which they lived.
Sima spent her life dedicated to the education of others, as a teacher and mentor to thousands of students, across multiple continents. She was a highly educated and deeply knowledgable woman, particularly in areas of Jewish History and Tanach, and delighted in sharing her knowledge with wit and passion. She was a strong believer in women’s education, encouraging both her family and students to always aim high.
She enjoyed discussion and debate, and always had a wise word to share. All those who met her, were struck by her elegance and regal manner, always with a smile and a twinkle in her eye.
Sima’s family was everything to her and she will be sorely missed by all.
She is survived by her husband Eliezer, her children Rishi Feiglin – Melbourne, Australia; Minna Paltiel – Melbourne Australia; Leah Gedalyovich – Mitzpe Ramon, Israel; and Yisroel Paltiel – Melbourne, Australia; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her siblings, Mrs. Assia New – Melbourne, Australia and Rabbi Shalom Mendel Kluwgant – Melbourne, Australia.
VIDEO: The levaya that was held in Melbourne
Baruch dayan haemes.
She was one of a kind! Elegant, gracious and highly intelligent.. she made an impact on countless students around the world. She was very devoted to her family and extended family. She will be greatly missed. Moshiach now
When the Rebbe moved to Leningrad to become engaged to the Rebbetzin, he moved in with his cousin Reb Isser, and they were roommates for several years until the Rebbe left Russia.