Rabbi Leima Minkowicz, 85, OBM
We are deeply saddened to report on the passing of Rabbi Leima Minkowicz, longtime administrator of Bais Rivkah Schools in Crown Heights, Gabbai of the Bais Binyomin Shul, and patriarch of a large family • Read More
He passed away on Sunday, 15 Teves, 5786, at the age of 85.
Born to Rabbi Naftali Hertz and Tonia Minkowicz, Reb Leima was named at his bris after his grandfather, a prominent Chossid.
In 5706 (1946), his family escaped Soviet Russia during the “Great Exodus,” eventually arriving in Paris in 5707 (1947). Initially planning to settle in Kfar Chabad, the family followed guidance from the Frierdiker Rebbe and remained in Paris until 5713 (1953), when they received The Rebbe’s directive to move to New York, settling near 770.
From a young age, Reb Leima merited personal connections with the Rebbe. In Iyar 5712, the Rebbe inquired personally after a medical procedure he underwent. While learning at the Central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim, he was involved in a car accident; the Rebbe noticed his absence during Chanukah gelt distribution and gave the yeshiva a dollar specifically for him. Reb Leima also assisted Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson, including driving her to medical appointments.
In Elul 5725, Reb Leima married Shoshana Minkowicz. After completing his studies in the Rebbe’s mazkirus-affiliated kollel, he began working at Morristown Yeshiva and soon after dedicated himself to Beth Rivka, overseeing its expansion, administration, and educational programs. He managed the registration and writing of the Sefer Torah associated with the school and regularly presented the list of student names to the Rebbe.
Reb Leima also served as a baal tefillah in the Rebbe’s minyan on Yomim Noraim and as a longtime gabbai of Bais Binyomin.
He managed the Crown Heights gemach, Keren Naftali Hertz, in memory of his father, and spent summers influencing generations of campers at Camp Gan Israel in Parksville, NY. His dedication to Torah, Chassidus, and family left a lasting impact on Crown Heights and the broader Chabad community.
Reb Leima is survived by his wife, Shoshana Minkowicz, and his 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. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The levaya will take place on Monday, passing by 770 at 10:45 a.m., with burial at Old Montefiore Cemetery at 11:45 a.m.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
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