Rebbetzin Chava Devorah Shusterman, matriarch of a family of Shluchim and who was sent by the Previous Rebbe to strenghthen Jewish life in Illinois, passed away Friday, Iyar 2, 5770.
She was 89.
Her late husband, Rabbi Hershel Shusterman, was the Rav of the 104-year-old Congregation Bnei Reuven in West Rogers Park and another shul in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.
“They bought an empty field and needed someone to become captain of the ship and that’s exactly what my father did,” said Rabbi Yisroel Shusterman, her son, about the relocation of Bnei Reuven.
The couple, who were married in 1943, were sent as Shluchim of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, and served as spiritual counselors to community members and lay people.
Retiring from the pulpit in 1998, Rabbi Shusterman continued to serve as a counselor in the Jewish community until his passing in 2001 at the age of 79.
She is survived by her children, Rabbi Shmarya Shusterman – Chicago, IL; Rabbi Yisroel Shusterman – Monsey, NY; Rabbi Yosef Y. Shusterman – Beverly Hills, CA; Rabbi Mendel Shusterman – Melbourne, and Mrs. Sori Galperin – Detroit, MI.
She is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Rebbetzin Ruthie Hecht – New Haven, CT; Rabbi Yosef Krinsky – Crown Heights; Rabbi Pinchas Krinsky – Boston, MA; Rebbetzin Sophie Goodman – Chicago, IL; Mrs. Yocheved Goldberg – Boston, MA; Rabbi Chaim Yehuda Krinsky – Crown Heights.
The Levaya will take place this Sunday, April 18, and will pass by 770 at approximately 1:00 pm and will arrive at the Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens at approximately 2:00 PM.
Baruch Dayan Haemes.
Rebbitzen Shusterman cared about each and every person. Whether they were young or old, intelligent or not, fancy or simple, etc…. Everyone was of equal importance and received the utmost concern if there was anything that she could do to assist them in any way possible…. We can all emulate her special, regal manner and her optimistic attitude to all.
Rebbitzen Shusterman always had a kind word and smile for all and really cared about everyone she met. She was a role model for Ahavas Yisroel. Even though I don’t live in Chicago anymore, I feel a profound loss. I can imagine how the community is feeling this loss. May her family be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
A true Shlucha, Rebbetzin and Aishes Chayil. Her smile, care and sensitivity to everyone she met was unparallelled
It started in 5656 making it 114 years old.
She was the epitome of an eishes chayil to her esteemed husband – she graced every simchah and event that she went to with her love and dignity, and genuine caring. She was a pillar of the community and her sweet presence will be missed by us all.
She was a most amazing Rebbetzen, who devoted her entire life-until the very end- to our community, with regality, charm and ahavas israel. It was a merit to live in her and the Rabbi’s daled amos,
May the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
\boruch dayan haemes!!!!!!!!!!!!
המקום ינחם אתכם בנוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
שבתי & העשא טורנער