BDE: Rebbetzin Rivka Miriam Turnheim, a”h

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of Rebbetzin Turnheim, the rebbetzin of Volbroz-Krakow, who was a beloved figure in Boro Park for many years. She was 88 years of age, and passed away Tuesday.

The Rebbetzin was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, where her father was a shochet in the Jewish community there. Her chessed was part of her life even at an early age, caring for her sisters during the war years.

Following the war, she went to Eretz Yisroel, where she met her husband, ybl”ch, Rav Yitzchok Turnheim, shlit”a, a scion of great tzaddikim. They moved to America, where they raised beautiful generations. The K’hal Vahlbruz d’Krakow, on 60th Street off of 14th Avenue, opened there at a time when there was not much Jewish life centered in the area.

Nevertheless, it served as a beacon of warmth to the community. The Rebbetzin would go around, exhorting store owners on Thirteenth Avenue to close on Shabbos. She was successful with many of them, who recall it to this day.

She was occupied with Chessed and bikur cholim, including the homeless whom no one would give a second glance. For the children of the shul she was a figure of ehrlichkeit, love and sincerity. For her many grandchildren, she was a source of nurture and a connection to the world that was.

A number of years ago, the Rebbe and Rebbetzin moved to Williamsburg where they lived with children.

The Rebetzin was laid to rest in Kiryas Yoel—following a lifetime of chessed, and serving as a role model to many.

Yehi Zichra Baruch