R’ Leima Minkowicz, 85, OBM

By COLlive reporter

Rabbi Leima Minkowicz, a chossid of the Rebbe who worked for many decades on building and supporting the Bais Rivkah schools in Crown Heights with great dedication, passed away on Sunday, 15 Teves, 5786.

He was 85.

He was born to Rabbi Naftali Hertz and Tonia Minkowicz and was named at his bris after his paternal grandfather, a prominent Chossid. In 5706 (1946), his family was part of the ‘Great Exodus’ escape of Jewish families from Soviet Russia. After passing through several waystations, the family arrived in Paris in Tammuz 5707 (1947).

At one point, plans were for the family to move to Eretz Yisroel and settle in Kfar Chabad, but, following guidance from the Rebbe Rayatz, the move was delayed. The family remained in Paris for several more years.

During that time, his grandfather passed away and was buried in Tzfas. In 5713 (1953), they received the Rebbe’s directive to fulfill the earlier instruction of the Rebbe Rayatz that they relocate to New York, settling near the Rebbe.

As a young man, Reb Leima merited several personal connections with the Rebbe. In Iyar 5712, he underwent a medical procedure, and the Rebbe personally inquired about his health.

While learning in the Central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim at 770 Eastern Parkway in 5716, he was injured in a car accident. As a result, he was absent from the Rebbe’s distribution of Chanukah gelt to bochurim who maintained the yeshiva schedule. When the Rebbe noticed his absence, he inquired about him and gave the yeshiva administration a dollar specifically for him.

During that period, Reb Leima also assisted Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson, the Rebbe’s mother, including driving her to medical appointments.

Reb Leima married his wife Shoshana in Elul 5725. After completing his studies in the kollel affiliated with the Rebbe’s mazkirus, he began working at Morristown Yeshiva, and soon after began working for Bais Rivkah (Associated Beth Rivkah Schools), the flagship Chabad educational institution for girls in Crown Heights.

His work at Bais Rivkah became his primary focus as a member of the administration (hanhala), and he served the institution with dedication for many years. He worked from the offices on Crown Street, overseeing the expansion to Campus Chomesh on Lefferts Avenue.

Following the Rebbe’s announcement in 5742 of the General Sefer Torah campaign, Reb Leima managed the registration and writing of the Sefer Torah associated with Bais Rivkah. Every year, when the Rebbe would give a talk to the students of Bais Rivkah, Reb Leima would have the merit to hand the Rebbe the list of names. On several occasions, he also served as the baal tefillah in the Rebbe’s minyan on the Yomim Noraim.

Reb Leima served as a longtime gabbai of Bais Binyomin on Montgomery Street, where he oversaw daily davening, shiurim, and farbrengens on Shabbos and Chassidishe yomim tovim.

He also managed a Crown Heights gemach, Keren Naftali Hertz, named in memory of his father, and received a written bracha from the Rebbe in connection with this work.

In the summers, Reb Leima would spend the season at Camp Gan Israel in Parksville, New York, where his wife served as an office manager. As such, his presence influenced many campers over the years, and he regularly participated in the annual Yarchei Kallah gathering of learning on Chof Av.

Reb Leima will be remembered as a devoted Chossid, a loyal servant of Chabad institutions, and a presence in Crown Heights. He was completely devoted to his family, to every one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren ka”h, and was involved in every facet of their lives. They follow in his ways of Torah and Chassidus.

He is survived by his wife Shoshana Minkowicz and children, Sholom Minkowicz – Crown Heights, Yitzchok Minkowicz – Fort Myers, FL, Gitty Rosenfeld – Crown Heights, Chaya Abelsky – Crown Heights, Hirshy Minkowicz – Alpharetta, GA, Kenny Feigenson – Crown Heights, Laykie Donin – Houston, TX, Ari Minkowicz – Crown Heights and Rochie Lieberman – Crown Heights.

He is also survived by his siblings, Rabbi Yosef Minkowicz, Montreal, Chana Schmukler, Montreal, Freidel Goldshmidt, Crown Heights and
Rivie Hildeshaim, Crown Heights.

The levaya will take place on Monday, passing by 770 at 10:45 am, burial at Old Montefiore Cemetery at 11:45 am.

Shiva at 688 Montgomery St
Minyanim Times:
Starting Monday night.
Shacharis: 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am.
Mincha: Starting at 4:00pm
Maariv: Starting at 5:15pm

Baruch Dayan Haemes: Leima Ben Naftali Hertz.