In Loving Memory of Rabbi Menachem Raitport
Crown Heights, New York
The Crown Heights community and beyond are mourning the tragic and untimely loss of Rabbi Menachem Raitport, who passed away in a devastating car accident while returning to New York. A beloved resident, deeply rooted in his faith and devoted to his family, Rabbi Raitport’s sudden passing has sent waves of grief through the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.
Rabbi Raitport was a man of great humility, wisdom, and strength. His life was a shining example of dedication—not only to Torah and mitzvos, but to the countless individuals he guided, supported, and inspired. Whether through a thoughtful conversation, a quiet act of kindness, or his visible commitment to the Crown Heights community, Rabbi Raitport lived every day with intention, compassion, and purpose.
Known for his boundless energy and steadfast presence, Rabbi Raitport was a pillar of his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Esther, and their eight sons, each of whom reflects the values and teachings he held dear. His children, raised with deep respect for tradition and a love for community, are a living testament to the legacy he cultivated. Rabbi Raitport also leaves behind his revered parents, who mourn not only the loss of a son but of a soul whose light touched so many.
His passing is more than a personal loss—it is a communal heartbreak. For those in Crown Heights and across the greater Jewish world, Rabbi Raitport was a source of strength, a friend to many, and a beacon of unwavering emunah (faith) in times both calm and stormy. His absence will be deeply felt, but his memory will continue to inspire acts of goodness, learning, and unity.
The Levaya (funeral) for Rabbi Raitport will take place on Thursday at 12:00 PM, passing by 770 Eastern Parkway, the symbolic heart of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, and proceeding to his final resting place at Montefiore Cemetery. It is a time for collective mourning, reflection, and honoring the extraordinary life of a man who gave so much of himself to others.
As we remember Rabbi Menachem Raitport, may we find comfort in the countless lives he touched, the lessons he imparted, and the love he left behind. May his neshama (soul) have an aliyah, and may his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
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