By COLlive reporter
Rebbetzin Rochele Fogelman, a pioneering Shlucha and master educator in Worcester, Massachusetts, passed away on Tuesday, 7 Cheshvan, 5786.
She was 98.
Rebbetzin Fogelman, together with her late husband, Rabbi Hershel Fogelman obm, were sent in 1947 by the Frierdiker Rebbe to serve as the pioneering shluchim in Worcester, Massachusetts, where they led the community for an extraordinary 78 years.
The Fogelmans founded a Jewish day school and Rebbetzin Fogelman organized and taught classes to the women in Worcester.
In 1953, Rebbetzin Fogelman requested from the Rebbe to grant a private audience with a group of women who attended her classes. The Rebbe spoke to them in Yiddish, as most of the women were raised by immigrant parents and understood the language. However, the Rebbe requested that Rebbetzin Fogelman translate his words into English and transcribe them and send him the transcript.
The transcript prepared by Rebbetzin Fogelman remained in the Rebbe’s room until some years later when it was sent by the Rebbe – together with many other talks – to the archives of the central Agudas Chassidei Chabad Library, at Lubavitch World Headquarters.
A true Aishes Chayil and master educator, Rebbetzin Fogelman was world-renowned for her captivating lectures and insightful teachings on Jewish life and values. With wisdom, humor, and clarity, she inspired audiences around the globe, touching thousands of hearts and minds. Her ability to communicate deep Torah truths with warmth and accessibility made her a beloved mentor and role model to generations.
Her home in Worcester was a beacon of Torah, kindness, and hospitality, welcoming students, families, and community members for nearly eight decades.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Rabbi Hershel Fogelman, and her dear son, Rabbi Chaim Yosef Fogelman.
She is survived by her children: Mrs. Bassie Levin – Worcester, MA, Rabbi Mendel Fogelman – Worcester, MA, Rabbi Levi Fogelman – Natick, MA, Rabbi Shmuel (“Mushi”) Fogelman – Los Angeles, CA, Mrs. Sheva Liberow – Worcester, MA, and Rabbi Mutty Fogelman – Crown Heights.
She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless individuals whose lives she so profoundly influenced.
The levaya will take place on Wednesday, passing by 770 at 1:30 pm, burial at Old Montefiore Cemetery at 2:30 pm.
Shiva will be observed in Worcester throughout the week.
Minyan Schedule – Shiva House
Location: Fogelman Home, 24 Creswell Road, Worcester, MA
Shacharis: 8:00 AM
Mincha: 5:30 PM – followed by Maariv
Please note: Due to the clock change, Mincha on Sunday and Monday will be at 4:30 PM – followed by Maariv.
There are four chiyuvim, and we would like to accommodate as many minyanim as possible.
Please make every effort to participate and help ensure strong, steady minyanim throughout the week.
Please Note:
Rabbi Levi Fogelman will be sitting Shiva in Worcester together with the family for the Shiva week, except for the following times when he will be in Natick at his home, 168 Boden Lane:
• Saturday night, November 1: 8:30 – 10:30 PM
• Sunday morning, November 2: Shacharis at 8:30 AM, with Shiva visitation continuing until 11:30 AM
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
I don’t even know what to say, I’m sad beyond words. Rebbetzin Fogelman was the kindest, most genuine person and it was truly truly an honor to know her for as long as I did. May her memory be a blessing and may we do many many mitzvahs in her honor.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
We will miss her warmth, her elegance and incredible talks. Dear COL writer: there is so much more to uncover. Can’t wait to read a more in depth article in the future!
A real role model, she was so intelligent as well. I’ve learned so much from her. She helped mold Worcester as” a Chassidishe Shtut”
BDE condolences to the wonderful family
I never really met Rebitzin Fogelman, but I knew of her.
But watching this interview on JEM, all I can think is: Wow!
What grace, intelligence, poise! What strength and what leadership. What a tremendous story with her and the Rebbe.
May her legacy be a comfort.
May we have Moshiach already and the end of Golus.
A woman of the highest caliber, class elegance, activism, intelligence. There are very few people like her! She flew all over the world, Australia, Europe, etc., as an on-demand lecturer. Unheard of at the time. She and her husband were activists of the highest level, opening their home to world leaders and poor people alike. She connected and uplifted me and I found her to be a unique role model. May the family (also extraordinary!) be comforted.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Goldfein family
Baruch dayan h’emes! To know her was to love her! Even after I moved away from Worcester I thought of Rebetzen Fogelman daily. She was an extraordinary person.
Reus Chaya Hersh
To hear her speak in the video above makes me wish I could hear her many times. There is such a regal, soft but incredibly positive and convincing way that she worked in the Rebbe’s request to speak about taharas hamishpocha during a book review of “The Chosen.” Baruch Dayan Haemes
Rabbi Yehoshua Magnes, and Ms Ricki Magnes.