With Love and Tears: Rabbi Federman Writes About Late Wife

Rabbi Asher Federman, Director of Chabad of the Virgin Islands – Jewish Center in St. Thomas, wrote a public message following the tragic passing of his wife Mrs. Henya Federman in a drowning accident:

Dear friends and island family,

It has been too difficult for me to put pen to paper and communicate during these last few months.

The pain is excruciating. Our dearest beloved Henya being called to a higher realm of reality feels like a dream that is unprocessable.

For me to write words about Henya’s virtues, personality, righteousness, fine character, strength, wisdom, commitment to family, our island community and klal Yisroel would only diminish who Henya is and what Henya has accomplished.

I am reaching out to let you know that we love you all and are committed to you and our island Shlichus – Henya’s life.

Our Chabad House – “Henya’s lighthouse” – will see her influence grow, and the walls that are saturated with her unique love and grace will continue to nurture us all until the coming of Moshiach.

For now, I am focusing on our children and the necessary help we all need to get through this time.

Below is a loose translation and a photo of Henya’s living headstone which was placed today following Shiva.

Thank you for all the loving messages, memories, photos prayers and life-changing Mitzvot you have taken upon yourself in Henya’s merit. Please continue to incorporate a piece of Henya into your and your loved one’s lives through increasing in the study of Torah and the performance of Mitzvos.

“And the living will take to heart.”

Henya’s 40 years have been an example that will inspire us for a lifetime. Particularly, Henya’s presence, awareness and loving attention to Jewish education and raising children with love.

Her work continues from on high and her life on this earth continues to live on through each and every one of us – the thousands of people she touched so deeply and profoundly.

Thank you for your continued support and please keep in touch and share your memories and tributes of our beloved Henya.
With love and tears,

Rabbi Asher Federman

***

(Headstone translation)

Here is interred
The beloved and modest woman of exceptionally fine character
a wife of valor, the crown of her husband, the foundation of her home

HENYA FEDERMAN

daughter of
Rabbi YISROEL AND BROCHO DEVORAH LEAH, may they live long and good peaceful years
SHMOTKIN

A descendant of Chabad Chassidim, she was connected with her heart and soul to the Rebbe Rabbi MENACHEM MENDEL, of blessed memory, and his instructions.

She was of the pioneering emissaries to the Caribbean Islands where she served together with her husband Asher Yaakov שליט”א in the “Virgin Islands” for more than 17 years with self-sacrifice.

Many were strengthened and brought closer to Torah and Mitzvos through her and benefitted from her counsel and guidance.

She found favor in the eyes of those who knew her and embraced everyone with her unique luminous countenance. Her home was unconditionally open to the island Jewish community and visitors.

She was an exemplary mother devoted with all her soul with wisdom, understanding and awareness to their children, rearing and educating them in a spirit of holiness, the ways of Chassidus, fear of heaven and connection to the Rebbe.

She passed away with a good reputation at the age of 40 on the 17th day of Shevat
A year of gathering – Torah portion “So shall you say to the women of the house of Jacob”
And was laid to rest during the International Kinus Hashluchos

May her soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life

*

The Federman and Shmotkin families request that memories, anecdotes or inspirations, as well as photos or recordings, of their beloved Henya please be shared with the family at: [email protected] (click here to upload photos, video and files)

Please support the family’s needs by donating at https://matchathon.com/federman