It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Mrs. Rochel Duchman a”h, matriarch of a family who demonstrated great Mesiras Nefesh in Russia and was known for her Chesed. She was 89 and passed away just a few days before her 90th birthday on Tuesday.
Rochel was born in the town of Nevel in the winter of 1932. Her formative years were in the presence of the great famous Nevler Chassidim.
On the morning after Yud Beis Tammuz 1941, Rochel and her family headed out on foot, walking north through the forest. Several days later, Germany occupied Nevel and murdered all remaining Yidden.
Miraculously, Rochel and her family made it to Samarkand and later across the border to Western Europe, where she married Reb Yisroel Duchman. In 1953, they arrived in the United States of America and settled in Crown Heights.
The Duchman household served as a hub for farbrengens and a place for the many guests that came from around the world. Like Chassidim of yesteryear, she lived the saying “The piece of bread that I have is yours just as it is mine.”
Her steadfast strength and resolve is reflected in her children.
She is survived by her children, Sholom Duchman – Crown Heights, Chana Goldstein – Crown Heights, Yossi Duchman – Miami, FL, Mendel Duchman – Los Angeles, CA, Guggy Tzivin – Five Towns, NY and Boruch Duchman – Miami, FL.
She is survived by her siblings, R’ Gavriel Rubashkin – Crown Heights and Danya Raskin – Crown Heights. She was predeceased by her brother, R’ Avraham Aron Rubashkin.
The levaya is being held now in Crown Heights, follows by kevurah at the Montefiore Cemetery.
Yehi zichrah boruch.
{Matzav.com}
