I am Rivka Kehaty, Nadiv Kehaty’s mother. I am writing this while sitting shiva for my son. I am sitting alongside his beloved wife, Toby and Nadiv’s 2 sisters.
On the other side of the room is Nadiv’s Tatti and Nadiv’s two brothers. Nadiv’s children come in and out. We are at the home of his much loved shver and shvigger, the Ezagui’s, who have not sat down for a second as they serve every one.
I don’t know if writing a note like this is an appropriate thing to do during shiva and we are very private people, but I could not let everything being done for Nadiv’s wife and children go by with silence from us.
Our enormous thanks to the wonderful Hatzalah team who responded and cared for Nadiv as if he was a family member. Thank you to the team at Memorial Hospital for all they did. Busy people in the community and those flying in from all over the world, making such an effort to be with us. Many are helping with the children, bringing food, going and doing, shlepping and arranging.
We want to especially express our deepest thanks and appreciation to each one of you “out there.” Erev Pesach and things so hectic and finances so tight — you do not understand what this outpouring of love and support is doing for us.
We have read every post comment, every tribute in every form and website online. Also every text, email and voice message. As we sit here in the deepest pain imaginable, our family shares with each other any new comment written. Any new post. It brings us a smile and a reconfirmation of how others saw our darling Nadiv.
The Gofundme and the Charidy efforts were something I had never heard of before. My children show me the screen and say, “Mommy, look! Can you believe this!?” The totals are not simply “funds.” Each number has been a long warm hug to Nadiv’s family. It is as if each one of you are returning Nadiv’s big wave and exuberant greetings from across the street! I know Nadiv is in shemayim thanking you for helping whom he held most dear- his wife Toby and his children, Moshe, Yuda, Shoshana and Yacov.
The originators of the Gofundme and Charidy are very loved, trusted and important people in Nadiv’s life. Many of the writers of the beautiful posts and comments are treasured friends of Nadiv’s. Those that wrote such beautiful notes and yet didn’t even know him- believe me- he’d become instant friends with you, too!
Nadiv’s warm, funny, and encouraging words to everyone he encountered gave them a boost of confidence to go on with their day. I just wanted to tell everyone that your comforting words and efforts to help his family will help us to go on in a world without Nadiv Dov Ber Kehaty.
– Mrs. Rivka Kehati, on behalf of the Kehati and Ezagui families
Support the Kehaty family at nadivskids.com
Ashrei yolad’to. Moshiach NOW!!!!
I had complaint to a neighbor today and let them know it.. then I thought about the light and laughter I read about spread by Nadiv a”h and I apologized and (hopefully) did teshuva. I read this article and thought I would share – I did not know Nadiv a”h – Hamokom Yinachem Eschem Bsoch Shar Aveilei Tzion V’yerushalayim.
Kehaty family is a special family that support the jewish community in New Orleans for years. doing that inj quit and humble they open their house to anyone for shabbat dinner or any other jewish holidays . their children learn from them and grew up to be an amazing beautiful respectful caring people. The surprised lost of Nadiv in his early age came has a shock to everyone. May god bless his soul and may the family will find peace knowing that Nadiv is looking on them and everyone from above .
Wow. Simply wow, no I never had the pleasure to meet Nadiv but he sounds like a gem. Quite literally, a shining gem in the world.
Its nice to hear thanks, and I know after awhile life moves on but I will remember him. As a man I wish I met, an inspiration to grow, and a legacy.
I was just in Springfield to be menachem aval my cousins and aunt on the passing of my dear Uncle Dovid. I had a chance to meet Nadiv there for the first time. I felt like I bonded with my extended family in the short hours I was able to spend with them. Shaina, I am sure you remember. My problem is: How can you be sitting shiva again?!! When one is 92 and lived a full life, then the nichum availlim words can have meaning – even though it hurts. But for this I have no words to say.… Read more »
I don’t know your family, but I wish there was a better way for me to find out about such special people! Just from reading your heartfelt and warm letter of great appreciation to all of those who tried to help your son’s wife and children, tells me what an exceptional person you are! I keep looking at the the picture of your son’s smile and I see an amazing person! Hashem will surely see how your son who was so special in so many people’s eyes and is even special to those who didn’t know him and brought so… Read more »
B”H You opened my eyes to the greatness of your dear brothers Mendel and Levi. While I never met you in person, I had the honor of observing you shine through Mendel and Levi as they gave their entire selves to the boys of CGI Pittsburgh for three summers in a row. In hindsight, this week with all that has been and will continue to be said is giving me a small glimpse into the deep bond you have with Mendel and Levi and more importantly, the willingness of your younger brothers to learn from their big bro by emulating… Read more »
So gracious of Mrs. Nadiv to write at this time…..may Hashem give your whole family much comfort and strength and we should have Moshiach now, when you’ll be reunited with Nadiv!
but i am in tears. what a beautiful letter! the whole family sounds so special! i can never say that i know how you’re feeling but i do want you to know that there are people out here whos hearts are with you in spirit.
Our deep condolences to you dear family, we are Mendel`s family here in Singapore.
מן השמים תנוחומו
our thoughts and heart with you.
May Hashem will bless you only with Smachot, Amen !!
Revital & Ofir Shalev and the kids
Although I never met you yet, I want to let you know that you have touched the hearts of many people, me personally.
We are with you- praying and begging Hashem to bring all of our loved ones back with MOSHIACH NOW!
I see you as a very well spoken and compassionate mom of the bride and for you to sit and write these wonderful thoughts gives us a picture of who you are.The couple IYH’ should have a wonderful life with only simchas and mazel.Looks like a real match made in heaven BH’.
אשרי יולדתו
You must be a truly special family to have raised such a wonderful and incredible son!
I’ve also been sincerely inspired by the generosity of a community who have banded together in support…this is the true meaning of community!
I didn’t know Nadiv and I don’t know you but my heart goes out to all more than you could believe.
If a picture “says a thousand words” the photo posted of him says it all.
I wish you strength and to be all surrounded by love always.
A yiddena from upstate NY.
I usually prefer to be more on the discrete side, but since Nadiv’s tragic passing – a young man my family and I were just beginning to know- I feel that i need to publicly acknowledge how wonderful the Kehaty family all are. And “wonderful” is too weak a word! In fact my husband and I, and most particularly, our daughter feel just so fortunate to become part of your family, as she is to be married iy’H Beshaa Toiva Umutzlachas, to Yibodel lechayim, Nadiv’s brother, Menachem Mendel sheyichyeh. And, in the midst of this tragedy, we have come to… Read more »
Hashem should give you strength. It is unbelievable that while suffering this terrible tragedy you can think about others and what they have done. Hashem should bentch you and your entire family int he zechus of your incredible son. Hamokom yenaechem eschem bsoch shar avelei tzion vyerushalayim.
In the zechus of th elove and Achdus shown by fellow chassidim worldwide, Hashem should bring the Geula Now!
Many Years ago, My son was rushed to the hospital in new york while learning in Yeshiva. I came from out of town to be near my son in the hospital. It was so comfirting to me that Nadiv was on the boys that visited my son and always put a smile on his face. What a warm young man he was. It left an everlasting impression on me, and I was so happy that my son had chosen Nadiv to be his friend. He will be missed. BDE
My children all tell me that Nadiv was my son’s friend. I did not know of him that way. The way I knew him was by seeing him every once in a while with his beautiful wife and children, strolling. They were such a beautiful family and Nadiv had the warmest smile and most handsome face. This letter, you Mrs. Kehaty write, is most heartwarming. Hashem should send Moshiach speedily so that you and your family can be physically reunited with your son with an end to this impossible Galus. Hamokom Yenachem Eschem besoch Shaar Aveilei Tzion V’yerushalayim.
Toby, Nadiv helped u raise what must be amazing children. It’s in the genes. May he continue to keep on eye on you and give u the koach .
On the one hand I feel like sitting on the floor because it feels like Tisha Baav.On the other hand I can picture Nadiv popping up,saying “get up- go spread some cheer and joy-life is too short”.That’s what I hold on to.I feel bad for those who never knew him.He would be telling jokes even now as soon as the serious moment was over.He would encourage everyone to just spread sunshine everywhere and believe me-we would just do it.
This is real Torah!! I am SO touched and moved by your words Mrs Kehaty, and by the comments about Nadiv. Nadiv you were amazing!!! This was Hashems way of spreading your warmth and your example throughout the world…….. I had the same thought when Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg left this world, how sad, that the way we gained insight into his special soul and stunning life was through a terrible tragedy. What pain, what grief! Nadiv you have taught me so much in these last few days. You are special and amazing!!! Your message is lighting up this world,… Read more »
Such strength to write this. May you only know from Simcha ♡♡
There is no doubt in my mind that anyone who met Nadiv knew that he must have grown up in an amazing home. An open home filled with chessed, hachnosas orchim, ahavas yisroel, chassidus, achdus and love. A home filled with happiness, tolerance and care. He was a remarkable young man.. loved life, loved his family, and was not afraid to show it. He was lucky to have had such a wonderful family to grow up with and he was blessed with a wonderful wife who he showered with love… he made her his queen… He praised her, honored her…… Read more »
wow!! this is so beautifull!!! we are all in tears with you!! even though I didn’t know him I have only heard the most amazing things! you have a beautifull and amzing family and an entire community thats here for you. We are spreading the word about the fund and we are trying to publicize it. All the best!!
I have never met your son, but my eyes are filled with tears.
Mi K’emcha Yisrael, Goi Echad Baaretz!
Hamakom Yenachem Eschem and may He fill your family with comfort, love, mazel and only nachas from now on.
Moshiach Now.
-So proud to be part of the world wide Chabad community.
Thank you so much for these incredible words of Thanks and Strength and Emuna. Nadiv was my children’s roommate for 3 years and would often visit while he was in Yeshiva, He was also a counselor by us in CGI. What a joy he spread. But his relationship to my mother, a’h, is what stands out the most. Very incapacitated, my very elderly mother a’h would often just sit alone, there wasn’t very much she could “do”. NOT WHEN NADIV WAS AROUND! He’d tell her jokes, he PLAYED BALL with her, he even took her for a walk! His heart… Read more »
Soooo touched by your hearfelt words. Can’t stop thinking of you and your family….and your precious son!!! He is an honor to have met. My sincerest wishes for comfort for all of you!
I didn’t know Nadiv, even though we are close in age, however, we have mutual friends and they cannot speak highly enough of him. This is an unimaginable loss to all of his family but also a loss to the entire community, a community who by all accounts loved him for the very special, warm, loving and giving man that he was. I have no doubt that all the love he spread will be felt for many generations to come. I cry with you today and wish for you the strength to adjust to life with such a big hole.… Read more »
Nadiv was an incredible person he touched so many people may Hashem comfort you in this painful time Nola will surly miss him
Toby Lew
Beautiful strong words Rivka. From the moment we heard about Nadiv, i persinally did not leave the book of Psalms. I still cannot believe that Nadiv is not with us. Like i told you during the shiva, no words, i simply have nothing to say, to express how empty and sad i feel today. From a mother’s experience, i lost my dear son Hadar when he was only 2.5 years old. There are no words of comfort to parents who lost their children. It is against nature, and it is cruel and incomprehensible. the mind and soul cannot endure such… Read more »
We were privileged to know Nadiv as a Bochur. Our sons were good friends with him and he would often come to spend Shabbos at our home and Chabad House. He was a very special person who brought light and joy wherever he went.
May Hashem bring comfort to his wife and children and his parents and siblings.
He will be sorely missed by so many.
HaMakom Yenachem Etchem B’Toch Shaar Aveilei Tzion VYerushalyim.
Rapoports AC
Nadiv’s mother’s letter is humbling and a call to action. The heart of a Jewish mother is hurting so deeply , yet she finds the courage to write her words which are palpably soaked with tears The photos of Nadiv with his family are a powerful testimony to his priorities The love for family , his dedication to his children, are exemplary His little one sitting on Nadiv’s shoulders is a powerful image In a era when so many people have confused their order of priorities , Nadiv continues to remind us to reevaluate our values and priorities The most… Read more »
What a beautiful letter. We are all so shocked and full of tears at the sudden loss of Nadiv. We have had the pleasure of knowing the Kehatys for many years. What a special family, always ready to help out anyone in need. It is so heartwarming to see the outpouring of love and support this well deserved family needs right now. May Hashem comfort you and send Moshiach now.
We love you all
May this outpouring of love to a family of whom many did not even know ,weigh down and tip the scales of mitzvos and merits to finally bring the Geulah Shleimah to our doorsteps now mamosh!
One of Anash of Montreal,Canada
BDE… I’m so touch by the letter…your son sounds like he was an extraordinary person!…can not imagine the pain you are all going through. I lost my son at 5 days old which was still is extremely painful. You knowing and having ur son with you for 30 years must be doubly painful. Thank you for your far reaching words of inspiration. May HASHEM comfort you and your loved ones during this difficult time .
To Talor from your Chicago community.
May youband your family be comforted
What beautiful words! Thank you for giving us a glimpse and insight into your private world right now as we too sit Shiva with you! Hugs from Seattle Washington!
I don’t know the kehatys, but I know the Ezaguis. Warm, friendly and kind. I’m sure that Toby is the same, May she find the strength she will need, and may hashem reunite nadiv with his family with techiyas hamasim now.
Condolences can be sent to [email protected]
I cry every day….such a special neshomo and such a special family….sending you lots of love…
Beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss but may you and your family be quickly comforted with the coming of Moshiach and the return of Nadiv!
Our community is reeling after hearing of such a loss. We love all of you! Even though we didn’t all know Nadiv personally, we all know you and Uzi. You are a wonderful, beautiful, loving family and our hearts are breaking for you. May you know comfort and strength from Hashem during these very difficul times. With love we pray for your family. You are the model for strength and kindness. Thank you for being such a wonderful, kind Eishet Chayil. You’re an example to us all.
I may not have known Nadiv personally, but I am moved by the Ahavas Yisroel of my dear brothers and sisters of Klal Yisroel, and particularly the Lubavitcher community, the Rebbe’s children. How our Rebbe taught us well. To love, to care, to help, and to even cry. Why hasn’t this bitter golus come to an end?! Since Hashem made us into His holy nation, we have endured pain and more pain time and time again. I am not one that cries easily, and if this outpouring of love moved me to shed a tear, I am certain that Hashem… Read more »
I don’t know ant of you,nor do you know who I am.I heard about what happened to Nadiv and was deeply saddened.Have not been able to get it out of my head,it is in my heart as I go about my day,preparing for Pesach,doing homework,putting children to bed,going to work….Now I read what you wrote,and am extremely moved.What a special person you are,and what a special son you merited to raise.Just reading what everybody who was fortunate enough to know him wrote about him,paints a picture of a sensitive,caring Neshama,a truly special and unique person.I can not begin to fathom… Read more »
do not know what to say except that he was a special human being
I did not know Nadiv, but I have read so much about him these past couple of days. It is clear that he was tremendously loved by everyone who knew him. Reading everyone’s memories of Nadiv made me think, this is exactly how I would want to be remembered. So I want you to know that he has inspired me to be more positive and encouraging to those around me. You should be proud of your amazing son. May Hashem comfort you, you are all in our hearts and our tefilot!!
Our deepest sympathies to you all for this most difficult and devastating loss of your beloved Nadiv. We hope that the words and actions of your family and friends will bring you some measure of comfort. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nadiv showed us how to love a Jew for no reason, and that’s whats bringing Moshiach
Nadiv was such a good person. An amazing father and husband.he always brought a smile to my face. I miss him and his cheerful greetings.
We just heard the horrible and Shocking news of Nadiv’s Passing. I can’t even imagine the pain that you are going through at this moment.
I didn’t know Nadiv very well but I do know you and Oozie well. I am confident his heart was as big as yours.
I am so sorry for your loss and please know we are praying for Nadiv [z”l] and your healing.
Jonathan and Tania Blotner
nothing is negative..everything is loving and warm. thank you mr.s kehaty you are a courageous and outstanding woman.
We should make one point here
if we would collect tens of million of dollars it would not fill the hole that was left with your loss
if we would of collected ten thousand dollars the family would be taken care of crown hights is a very helpful community plus there are 2 beautiful families surrounding the wife and children
it’s the thousands that have responded that makes this so specific
i don’t know Nadiv or the family. My heart is shattered for your family. May HaShem comfort you and give you all the strength to continue.
im siting reading and crying. i dont know you. im a mother a wife a sister and a daughter. im so pained to see u have to go through this! may the eibeshter see all this and reunite us all with Nadiv now! sending u hugs and a special hug to Talor.
love, M.A.
Flowing of tears poorinv down my face as I read this.
May we merit to be reunited with Nadiv.
My love to the entire family
I don’t know you or ur family but I feel like I do!!!!! Very very very special ppl! Hashem should give u all lots and loads of koach to keep on going!!!!
Thinking of YOU all during this HARD time!!!!
When I think of Nadiv, I think of his smile. A shining smile that was contagious. May we have no more suffering and only revealed good with coming of Moshiach NOW, when we will all be reunited with our loved ones!
You and Uzzi have a amazing family.you are such kind people. May all the words people have sent you be of some measure of comfort.I know this is a pain that will never go away. I hope knowing what an amazing person your son was and all the people that he touched, be a comfort to you.May you and Klal Yisroel only know Simchas.
I didn’t know him but I wish I did, he sounds like someone who brought kindness and smiles wherever he went! I have taken upon myself a positive hachlata in his honor, may you have comfort in knowing that he has inspired so many to make positive changes and make the world a better place!
This is amazing! Stay strong!
There are no words to say to respond to your beautiful letter, written at such a painful time. I didn’t know Nadiv, but was touched by all that was expressed about him. You were given a gem. We know Moshiach is waiting ‘right behind the wall’, to arrive and we will be greeted by our Rebbe in the lead and all the beautiful smiling Chassisim marching right behind. Nadiv will surely be among them. We await this moment any minute now!! If there is a delay Ch”v’s even for a second, Nadiv will continue to impart his warmth, his love,… Read more »
I have tears running down my face reading this. All I can say is the apple does not fall far from the tree. Such a response of hakoras hatov during this unbelievably difficult time is just so amazing. I didnt know Nadiv personally but heard about him through siblings . No one has a bad word to say about him. Everyone cannot stop gushing what an unbelievable person he was, how his family was the most important thing in his life, how he always had a smile on his face. Its clearly evident in how people have responded through Charidy… Read more »
My son knew Nadiv from several years ago and he had one word to describe him
.what a sweetheart always with a smile. May his memory be a blessing. Your grandchildren will go on wiiith Nadiv walking inside of them and among them . I am on my way to the Kotel I will have I all in mind
So emotional. What an amazing person! I never met Nadiv. He sounds like such a special person! May Hashem give you and your dear family the strength to move on in this difficult time. You are such an inspiration to the rest of us.
We love the Kehaty Family.
Is there an email address for nichum availim, etc… ?
Wow!!! Is there an email address where we can send stories to the family? Nadiv an amazing person and we would love to tell his family our story.
I personally am not surprised by this incredible letter because I know the family-Rivkah ,Uzi and the children are the backbone of our community here.Rivka is a true chossid of the Rebbe as are the rest of her family.So even in the darkest hours she reaches out to us.As I personally admit( I can’t seem to get out of the pit(Esther),here she is giving us all a hug and thinking about others.When you know the parents,it is no surprise she raised that beautiful son and children who are so loved all over.Here we are so broken and here is Rivkah… Read more »
May this outpouring of achdus and generosity within the Jewish community tip the scale in Shomayim and bring about our Geulah immediately now. May the family of Nadiv Kehaty find comfort in this difficult time.
believe it, i am speechless.
May Hashem give u strength. i know this doesn’t help much, but as i told Toby, i was sitting shiva for my Mother at my 16th birthday..some ‘sweet sixteen’…..but BH we made it. May Hashem give u all strength.
How true that every action of care and concern is a hug for the family. So many hugs are needed to tend this searing wound.
May Hashem give you and your family strength, as only he can.
May HASHEM send us the Geula Hashleimo Vehoamitis.
Its incredible the Ahavas Yisroel we are witnessing.
For that alone we are in the merit of the Geula. Please HASHEM Ad Mosai.
BS”D makes sense she would have a son like that-like mother like son (probably all of her children) Very touching May his memory of all the people he touched comfort you and your family and may you need it for only a short time with the soon end to this bitter golus
Rivka, when I lived in NOLA and found chabad on campus, you and your very kind husband would invite me to your home on Shabbos. For six years you served as a role model of patience, gentleness, and refinement as you raised a happy bunch! I will always remember Nadiv’s sensitivity – offering me a seat in a little rocking chair which had a beautiful cushion or a glimpse at his mom’s art that he was so proud of! Did he really sense my appreciation? He was so young yet so considerate and kind … just like you and Uzi.… Read more »
This is who the Kehaty family are Hakro hatov midos kind people may Hashem give them only simchas nachas gezunt from now on !!!!!!
Thank you for writing this letter at this difficult time. Although I i don’t know Nadiv personally I have heard from others of his good word to them his kindness and perpetual smile. We ache are devastated by this terrible loss and to know it has helped a little what we gave and will continue to give may take some of the pain away. May all the tears and ahavas yisroel these pass few days overflow shmayum and bring down moshiach immediately and Nadivs children wife parents sibling be reunited with him speedily
I’ve just sent my youngest to school, and I’m sitting drinking tea and reading your words. I have tears in my eyes as I take in each word from your heart, to mine. I never met your son OBm, or Toby and his children, but just looking at the photos brings laughter and life straight from the page. The outpouring of love shows just how much the people thought of Nadiv and his family. He came to earth and he left a big mark on the planet. May Gd help you, and know that he was truly loved. With sincere… Read more »
May Hashem comfort you all in your darkest moments. May you be reunited with v’hikitsu vranninu…I think you articulated the global awakening of sadness and pain from all of us. Consider yourself given a global hug.
The strength this woman must have to be able to write this during such an awful time. May every dollar raised for them be a hug of comfort to the family, even though their loss is irreplaceable. It is beautiful to see all Jewish people coming together to help one of our own.
I don’t know your family, but just looking at your son’s A”H picture with his family on Purim I can see what a close knit, happy family they were. This is mamash a tragedy – I hope the funds will provide security for his lovely wife and children. May Moshiach come now to bring your son back to his family. Only simchos.
The beauty of your words is tribute to the wonderful son you brought up (who I did not have the honor of knowing). This is Am Yisroel, we are all with you, sending hugs and love. May Hashem continue to give you comfort and everything you need.
I never knew Nadiv but have not stopped thinking about him and his family since this this happened.
I think it strikes me more because I am of a similar age with a family BH.
We now see what a special community we are part of by the outpouring of donations and support.
I have just given again after reading this post.
May we only share simchas
I don’t know your family, but I heard that Nadav has such wonderful parents. At a time like this you sit to write …
Words that come from the heart penetrate the heart.
may Hashem comfort you all, may Moshiach come already and unite all of you NOW.
What a magnificent letter from Nadiv’s mother. Tears were rolling down my cheeks as I read those heartfelt words. We are all devastated that this kind, good man, loving father and Husband, and friend to everyone is physically no longer here. He will live on in the hearts and minds of all the people he loved. Continue to support Toby and the children- financially, emotionally- in every possible way. May Hashem comfort you all in this challenging time.
We are all crying.
This is the most eloquent and touching thing I have ever read. A woman of such grace and dignity. May this family be blessed with the strength and courage they will need to face the (brief) future separated from Nadiv, until Mashiach arrives. Nadiv’s warmth and special personality shine through the remarks that people share about him, and the incredible achdut and number of mitzvas that he has inspired should bring Mashiach immediately!